PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures. First published Tuesday, December 17
This week, we explore how luxury retail, hospitality, and innovation-driven strategies are redefining consumer experiences. From Saint Laurent's bold flagship in NYC to the playful design of Delano Dubai, brands are blending heritage, sustainability, and technology to stand out. Our analysis also tracks major retail updates, AI investments, and corporate strategies, with insights from companies like Adobe, Macy's, T-Mobile, and WPP shaping tomorrow's markets.
Whether it’s immersive storytelling in Waco’s Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy or Puma's Studio48 innovation hub, these ideas offer a glimpse into trends pushing boundaries and redefining industries.
And before we start, to remind you about 2-3 things….
This email was originally sent a week ago - to paid subscribers.
Some of these links click thru to PSFK - just register for free to read the story and find the links.
We’re having a get together during NRF in NYC next month. A couple of panels, then a couple of drinks. Come to either part - https://lu.ma/p2wvcrmh
Links of Creative Inspiration
Generative AI in Luxury: AI connects new audiences with historical roots while driving modern creativity. Learn More
Balenciaga’s Shanghai Flagship: Immersive retail experiences celebrate heritage while embracing virtual technology. Learn More
Tank Shanghai Event: Balenciaga honors couture heritage with fittings and invisible mannequin displays. Learn More
Luxury Brand x Hotel Collaborations: Fashion brands tap experiential marketing through hotel partnerships, blending affordability with exclusivity. Learn More
SKIMS NYC Flagship: Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS opens a Fifth Avenue store, merging modern and classic design. Learn More
Gamification & Loyalty:
says that gamifying interactions turns consumers into brand advocates by fostering emotional connections. Learn MorePUMA x Manchester City: Fans can design the Third Kit for the 2026/27 season, merging creativity with loyalty. Learn More
Machine Learning in Creative Analysis
Artist Michael Mandiberg uses machine learning to cluster 130 million stock images by themes, poses, and gestures, creating videos with murmuring AI voices and reduced flicker for visual continuity. Learn More
AI Formbots: Seth Godin highlights how AI-powered dynamic forms improve user interactions and reduce inefficiencies. Learn More
Marks & Spencer AI: AI optimizes merchandising to improve consumer data analysis and decision-making. Learn More
BMW x Charité Berlin: Health-focused automotive innovations integrate advanced sensors to improve driver well-being. Learn More
Zilahi Antal’s Portable Mirror Project
Reflecting on the impact of digital technology, a concwpeopt explores the cultural significance of the diminishing portable mirror and material culture preservation. Learn More
VANA Blockchain: Launched on Binance, the VANA blockchain empowers user data ownership and promotes decentralized solutions. Learn More
Aer Lingus x Apple Find My: Travelers locate baggage more efficiently with Apple’s Find My technology integration. Learn More
Gen Z’s Return to Malls: Younger consumers prioritize social experiences and in-person purchases, driving retailers to enhance in-store engagement. Learn More
Social Media as Dying Malls: But…
oia critiques addictive scrolling, paralleling social media decline with fading malls. Learn MoreLuxury Homestays: Wealthy travelers favor luxurious homestays and cultural connections over five-star hotels. Learn More
Indie Designers’ Stores: Indie fashion brands are opening physical stores, combining personal interaction with pop-ups and social media engagement. Learn More
BMW x AB+AC Architects: Meditative Pavilion
At Dubai Design Week, this multisensorial pavilion calms the senses through circular design elements, reflecting the intersection of nature, design, and well-being. Learn More
Merrell’s “Wander Wheel” Installation
PLAYLAB, INC. built an immersive rotating sculpture simulating endless hiking through four global terrains – California hills, Swiss passes, Brazilian landscapes, and Australian plains. Guests wore Merrell's Moab Speed 2 boots while walking the moving installation, blending sensory elements with outdoor adventure in Chelsea, NYC. (Via Floyd Hayes) Learn More
Raw Milk Controversy: The U.S. sees a surge in raw milk consumption, despite regulatory health warnings. Learn More
$450 Billion in Impulse Buys: Americans face significant financial regret from impulsive purchases, underscoring the need for intentional spending. Learn More
Retirement Savings Gaps: Financial education is crucial as many Americans regret inadequate savings and debt management. Learn More
Diageo’s Glass Recycling: Diageo partners to improve U.S. recycling processes, reducing environmental impact and costs. Learn More
Ryvid’s Anthem E-Motorcycle: Lightweight, eco-friendly, and commuter-focused electric motorcycles redefine urban transportation. Learn More
Diageo’s Fusion Partner Program
Diageo has invited up to 15 partners to co-create solutions that elevate cultural events, unlock seamless retail, and empower informed drink choices. Learn MoreTwo-Point’s BASK Bag
A durable and flexible carry bag designed for professionals, often incorporating sustainable materials for carrying samples and swatches. Learn More
Brussels Airlines x Michelin Chef: New menus enhance luxury airline dining with gastronomic experiences. Learn More
Wicked’s 400 Collaborations: Critics argue mass marketing dilutes cultural content and artistic integrity. Learn More
Aging Perceptions: As 100-year lifespans become more common, the Atlantic argues that we need to redefine retirement with active, engaged lifestyles promotes longevity and vitality. Learn More
A Sample Of Our Retail Innovation Week Newsletter
Balenciaga's Couture Salon in Shanghai
Celebrating its 50th collection, Balenciaga transforms Tank Shanghai into a couture salon with performances and exclusive viewings, showcasing cultural innovation in China. Learn More
Saint Laurent's Standalone Store in NYC
Saint Laurent’s NYC flagship enhances its retail footprint, blending luxury innovation and bold brand presence. Learn More
Delano Dubai: Playful Luxury Design
The Delano Dubai redefines hotel design with immersive experiences, blending playful luxury with contemporary elegance. Learn More
Waco’s Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
An interactive, candlelit experience featuring historians, signature cocktails, and immersive storytelling in Poe’s literary style. Learn More
Tiffany & Co.'s Mosaic Facade in Stuttgart
Tiffany’s Stuttgart store features 2,829 ceramic diamond-shaped elements, inviting tactile exploration and enhancing the in-store experience. Learn More
PANGAIA x Ancient + Brave Pop-Up
A Carnaby Street pop-up blends wellness with sustainability, offering collagen hot chocolate and exclusive nature-inspired gift sets. Learn More
Puma Studio48: Sustainability in Fashion
Puma’s Studio48 creative hub features 3D printing and material exploration, driving innovation and sustainability in design. Learn More
(Subscribe to Retail Innovation Week here)
PSFK’s Broadmind Analysis
Academy Sports and Outdoors (ASO)
Academy Sports displayed robust financial health with $252 million in adjusted free cash flow and a $700 million share repurchase plan. However, the 4.9% decline in comparable sales and shrinking margins signal operational challenges. The company’s focus on store expansion and inventory optimization is promising, but digital channel underperformance lags competitors. Emerging opportunities lie in e-commerce growth, regional expansion, and capitalizing on the health and wellness trend. Learn More
Adobe (ADBE)
Adobe's impressive 11% YoY revenue growth highlights its market leadership, driven by strong performance in Digital Media and Document Cloud. Its strategic embrace of AI has enhanced product offerings, but reliance on subscription models and increasing competition pose risks. Expansion into new markets and further AI integration remain key growth avenues. Learn More
AutoZone (AZO)
AutoZone continues to grow, with a 2.1% revenue increase and a significant 13.7% growth in international same-store sales. While its commercial segment flourishes, profitability struggles with increased expenses and $9 billion in debt. Expansion into EV and advanced automotive tech markets could be transformative. Learn More
Casey’s General Stores (CASY)
Casey’s showcased resilience with a 14% YoY EPS increase and a 13.9% rise in net income. The company’s acquisition of Fikes and 9% growth in inside sales strengthen its market position. While fuel sales declined by 2.9%, Casey’s strong liquidity and profit margins underline stability. Expansion into e-commerce and tapping health and wellness trends present significant opportunities. Learn More
Costco (COST)
Costco’s consistent revenue growth is fueled by its robust membership model and Kirkland Signature’s strong private label performance. Warehouse expansion underpins international growth, but e-commerce lags competitors. Bulk-buying trends and sustainability initiatives offer opportunities, while economic uncertainties remain a challenge. Learn More
Currys (CURY)
Currys demonstrated notable revenue growth and operational improvements, particularly with strategic investments in AI laptops. Challenges persist in managing operational expenses and performance in the Nordics. Opportunities include expanding into new markets and leveraging economic recovery trends, while competition and regulatory changes remain threats. Learn More
Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)
Dave & Buster's experienced declining revenue, dropping from $557M in Q2 to $453M in Q3, with same-store sales falling 7.7%. Net losses and narrowing margins are areas of concern. However, a robust loyalty program, international expansion, and remodel efforts signal strategic adaptability. Learn More
Designer Brands (DBI)
Designer Brands continues to expand its exclusive brand portfolio, leveraging its DSW loyalty program. The company has focused on omnichannel investments and operational efficiencies, but challenges include margin compression and slower discretionary spending. Opportunities lie in e-commerce and private label growth. Learn More
Inditex (ITX)
The fast-fashion giant reported a 7.1% increase in net sales, demonstrating resilience in a competitive market. Its omni-channel strategy and sustainability focus have paid off, but currency headwinds and supply chain risks persist. E-commerce expansion and advanced technology integration remain key opportunities. Learn More
J.Jill (JILL)
J.Jill showcased strength in store expansions and targeted marketing initiatives, enhancing brand visibility. However, they face hurdles in expanding their customer base and addressing competition. Opportunities lie in e-commerce growth and tapping into sustainability trends, while market saturation and economic uncertainties pose challenges. Learn More
Macy’s (M)
Macy's continues to struggle with declining core brand sales, but luxury segments like Bloomingdale's and digital investments provide some relief. Seasonal shopping and value-conscious consumer demand offer hope, but rising inventory and cash flow issues demand attention. Learn More
Rent the Runway (RENT)
Rent the Runway’s Q3 showed mixed results, with strong growth in special event rentals and resale segments but challenges in subscriber retention. Improved operational efficiency and reduced expenses show promise. International expansion and sustainability remain growth areas. Learn More
RH (RH)
RH’s revenue growth of 8.1% outpaces Q2’s 3.6%, with strong margins and robust demand for its luxury brand. Investments in advertising and stock repurchases strengthen its position. However, shrinking Q4 margins and economic uncertainties pose risks. Expansion into wellness and market innovation highlights future growth areas. Learn More
Sportsman’s Warehouse (SPWH)
Sportsman’s Warehouse posted improved gross margins and effective inventory management but faced declining net sales and same-store performance. While growth opportunities exist in outdoor trends and e-commerce, economic instability and regulatory pressures challenge progress. Learn More
Stitch Fix (SFIX)
Stitch Fix demonstrated improved gross margins and increased revenue per client but struggled with declining overall revenue and active client numbers. Opportunities in AI-driven personalization and mobile optimization could drive growth, but economic uncertainties and competition remain hurdles. Learn More
Vince Holding Corp (VNCE)
Vince improved its gross margin and operational efficiencies despite a 4.7% decline in net sales. Expansion into men’s fashion and partnerships strengthen resilience, while challenges persist in direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels. Sustainability and e-commerce remain key growth areas. Learn More
Interviews & Speeches We’re Tracking
American Express
Chairman & CEO Stephen Squeri highlighted American Express’s decade-long AI experience and new generative AI initiatives. He discussed machine learning’s role in fraud detection and technology-driven strategies to enhance merchant and customer relationships. Learn More
AT&T
CEO John Stankey outlined AT&T’s ambitious $22 billion annual investment in fiber network expansion. The goal: fiber access for 80% of U.S. households by 2030, addressing rising demand for high-performance bandwidth, projected to grow 80% over the next five years. Learn More
DoorDash
Andrew Hargreaves, VP of Investor Relations, shared DoorDash’s strategy to prioritize customer retention over acquisition. He emphasized app enhancements for grocery services, new delivery worker verification, and strong retention rates in older demographics while expanding internationally. Learn More
Lucid Group
Lucid Group's Interim CFO Gagan Dhingra shared how vertical integration, advanced technology, and sustainable manufacturing will help achieve ambitious growth goals. He highlighted plans for product expansion, manufacturing growth, and Lucid Air's 500-mile range innovation. Learn More
T-Mobile US Inc.
T-Mobile's President and CEO G. Sievert detailed the "Challenger to Champion" transformation plan, emphasizing AI and data analytics for customer service, rural expansion, and wireless broadband growth. The company is focused on revenue and user base growth while maintaining competitive pricing. Learn More
WPP
In a strategic move, WPP has committed to investing £250 million annually in AI-driven technology, starting in 2025. Elav Horwitz, EVP and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Solutions, highlighted the company's focus on its "Open" AI model, in partnership with Nvidia and innovative startups. The investment aims to enhance advertising efficiency, optimize campaigns, and blend cutting-edge AI with human creativity to deliver exceptional client value. Learn More
