PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures. First published Tuesday, December 10
This week’s PSFK newsletter delivers a curated exploration of innovation, creativity, and sustainability across various industries. From immersive retail experiences like Jason Bruges' digital choreography at Selfridges to sustainable efforts such as Luxembourg's wildlife shelter and Studio Ghibli’s interactive Acorn Bank initiative, we spotlight groundbreaking ideas reshaping our world. Dive into inspirational projects, emerging design trends, and detailed analyses of key earnings calls and industry speeches to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're captivated by the latest brand collaborations or strategies driving corporate success, this issue offers something for everyone.
And before we start, to remind you about 2 things….
Having recently worked with Chaloub (Dubai), Majid Al Futtaim (Dubai), Samsung (Korea), Visa (Vietnam), Volkswagen & BMW (Germany) and Walmart (Mexico), Piers Fawkes and the PSFK team can help your global organization in 2025 find real and original opportunity in this ocean of ideas. DM us at hello@psfk.com
This email was originally sent a week ago - to paid subscribers.
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
This Week’s Key Ideas
Simply Piano with Apple Vision Pro
Learn piano using spatial computing with a virtual keyboard on any surface, enhancing accessibility and practice. Learn More
Jason Bruges’ “Light Loci 1.0” at Selfridges
An immersive retail installation combining sound, light, and digital choreography, redefining shopping experiences. Learn More
Merel Slootheer’s Autumn Poem Project
Poetry printed on fallen leaves, celebrating nature's transience and mindful living. Learn More
Anne Samat’s Woven Installations
Artworks honoring loved ones through woven materials and found objects, celebrating memory and identity. Learn More
Gothalian Font
A modern reinterpretation of blackletter typography, merges vintage charm with modern versatility. Learn More
Luxembourg Wildlife Shelter
A water reservoir doubling as a wildlife shelter, constructed with eco-friendly materials for birds and bats. Learn More
Studio Ghibli’s Acorn Bank
An interactive initiative rewarding acorn collection with seedlings, promoting sustainability and engagement. Learn More
Cheetos Escape Room
A playful brand experience where fans used their “other hand” to solve puzzles, connecting creativity with consumer engagement. Learn More
Kohui’s Endangered Species Project
An audiovisual project raising awareness about endangered species in Korea through immersive technology. Learn More
More Links of Inspiration
Overcoming Challenges with Ryan Holiday
reviews Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle is the Way and how its messages can inspire creative professionals to see challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience, innovation, and success. Learn MoreBMW x Kith Collaboration
BMW and Kith unveil a limited edition BMW XM, a bespoke BMW M1, and a lifestyle collection showcasing luxury and exclusivity. Learn More
Uniqlo’s Translation Faux Pas
Japanese brand’s translation mishap in China highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in global branding and its impact on reputation. Learn More
China's Y3K Fashion Trend
The Y3K trend blends technology and K-pop influences, reflecting Gen Z’s embrace of innovation in fashion. Learn More
Luxury Brand Trust Crisis
Luxury brands face challenges in regaining consumer trust, urging a shift towards deeper engagement strategies. Learn More
Louis Vuitton’s Discord Anniversary
Louis Vuitton celebrates its one-year Discord presence with an immersive game, showcasing the rise of digital engagement in luxury. Learn More
Premium Cycling Boom in China
China's cycling trend blends health consciousness with tailored marketing, boosting premium brand appeal. Learn More
Skims x The North Face
A fusion of outdoor expertise and Skims’ fit creates stylish, functional women’s outerwear. Learn More
Off-White™ x Paris Hilinski
Golf meets high fashion in a capsule collection blending style and function for the modern golfer. Learn More
Merit x Completedworks Earrings
A beauty-jewelry crossover featuring elegant silver and gold vermeil designs with pearls. Learn More
Reverse Logistics in Retail
Retailers integrate return services at physical stores, enhancing sustainability and efficiency. Learn More
Sweetgreen Supports LA Farmers’ Markets
Sweetgreen aids LA farmers’ markets with funding and logistics, fostering sustainable food systems. Learn More
Rise of Decentralized Marketplaces
Empowering buyers and sellers through direct transactions, decentralization transforms retail economics. Learn More
IKEA’s First High-Street Restaurant
IKEA opens a Swedish dining experience in Hammersmith, redefining high-street retail engagement. Learn More
Xe Loi’s AI Logistics Innovation
Vietnam’s Xe Loi uses AI to optimize deliveries, reduce emissions, and enhance efficiency in Southeast Asia. Learn More
The Circular Economy’s Audio Revival
Repairing vintage audio equipment promotes sustainability and conscious consumerism. Learn More
Veja’s Repair Friday
Paris event offers sneaker and clothing repairs, fostering community and loyalty over sales. Learn More
Sottos Modular Luggage
Customizable luggage adapts to diverse travel needs, emphasizing versatility and durability. Learn More
Powerade’s Mental Health Campaign
Powerade supports athlete well-being with temporary sponsorship pauses, prioritizing health over sport. Learn More
Museums and Influencer Marketing
Museums use influencers to engage Gen Z while maintaining cultural integrity. Learn More
Guinness Pandemic Impact
Guinness sales drop due to bar closures, highlighting the importance of hospitality venues for the beverage industry. Learn More
YouTube’s Mid-Length Video Void
explores how creator incentives lead to a gap in mid-length videos, leaving viewer demands unmet. Learn MoreChiquita’s Artwashing at Art Basel
Banana brand faces criticism for sponsoring art despite a controversial past, raising ethical concerns. Learn More
Tokyo Exhibit on Waste
A Tokyo exhibition reimagines waste and excrement as materials for innovation, challenging societal perceptions of refuse. Learn More
Pantone’s Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse
Pantone's 2025 shade offers a warm, versatile brown, perfect for fashion and interiors, exuding both comfort and sophistication. Learn More
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates in Abu Dhabi
Tiffany hosts a luxe event honoring its iconic Tiffany Blue, reflecting nearly two centuries of cultural impact. Learn More
Red Bull’s Mikan Flavor
Red Bull Japan introduces a winter-exclusive flavor inspired by traditional citrus, catering to cultural and seasonal tastes. Learn More
Domino’s Squid Game Campaign
Domino’s creatively ties pizza delivery to Squid Game themes, using humor and pop culture to connect with consumers. Learn More
One-Bite Fine Dining
Luxury restaurants embrace experimental dining with one-bite dishes, offering diverse flavors and social sharing opportunities. Learn More
Kingbird Cocktail Launch
Kingbird, a versatile new cocktail, embodies Americana and celebrates small-town craftsmanship in the Catskills. Learn More
Crocs Echo Wave Slip-On
Crocs blends style and comfort in its Echo Wave slip-on, perfect for urban adventurers with its unique design and foam footbed. Learn More
Burberry Year of the Snake Campaign
Burberry celebrates the Chinese zodiac with bamboo weavings and creative elements, bridging culture and contemporary fashion. Learn More
Retro Games Ltd’s Spectrum Review
A nostalgic nod to the ZX Spectrum, this review recalls the gaming icon’s influence on both style and digital innovation. Learn More
Mindy Seu’s Internet Green
Designer Mindy Seu explores "internet green," a nostalgic color representing the radical and subversive early internet. Learn More
The Grid: Digital Transformation
The Grid platform reimagines digital profiles with dynamic widgets, fostering creativity and community engagement online. Learn More
Amazon’s Video AI Model
Amazon builds in-house video AI, reducing reliance on Anthropic and strengthening its tech independence. Learn More
Uber’s Data Labeling Gig Workforce
Uber hires gig workers for AI data labeling, underscoring the critical role of human input in machine learning. Learn More
Athletes Turn to Farming
Professional athletes are embracing sustainable farming, building healthier food systems and reconnecting with communities post-sports. Learn More
Catskill Wagyu’s Regenerative Farming
New York farm adopts regenerative practices, combining environmental stewardship with premium beef production in New York. Learn More
Powerade’s Mental Health Pause
Powerade campaigns for athlete mental health, supporting partnership pauses to prioritize well-being over performance. Learn More
Gen Alpha Influencers
Brands face ethical challenges as Gen Alpha influencers shape consumer behavior, raising concerns about young audiences' well-being. Learn More
A Sample Of Our Retail Innovation Week Newsletter
Manuela Restaurant in SoHo
This eco-friendly dining spot in NYC stands out for its artist interventions and sustainable design, offering a unique culinary and cultural experience. Learn More
Nin Hao in Brooklyn
Combining tradition with a modern twist, this Chinese restaurant features an industrial space, rotating art wall, and art-inspired restrooms for a unique dining experiencem. Learn More
IKEA's Swedish Restaurant in Hammersmith
IKEA opens a high street restaurant offering Swedish dishes and seating for 75 diners, creating a relaxed and innovative retail experience. Learn More
Orient Express Gourmet Dining
The Orient Express and Accor revive the iconic train experience with luxury dining curated by multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno, celebrating heritage and craftsmanship. Learn More
(Subscribe to Retail Innovation Week here)
PSFK’s Broadmind Analysis
Victoria's Secret showed resilience with its first operating income growth since 2021, leveraging Gen-Z-focused marketing and loyalty programs. Challenges include geographic concentration and competitive growth metrics, while opportunities lie in e-commerce expansion and sustainable fashion. Learn More
Build-A-Bear Workshop achieved record revenues through store expansion, e-commerce growth, and product diversification. Opportunities in experiential retail and digital engagement offset risks from operational challenges and economic sensitivities. Learn More
Signet Jewelers displayed resilience with steady margins and digital investments despite declining sales. Growth opportunities include sustainable luxury and fashion innovation, countering pricing pressures and inventory challenges. Learn More
Dollar General leveraged store expansion and operational efficiency to drive growth, while e-commerce advancements and underserved market opportunities counterbalance margin pressures and intense competition.
Learn More
Known for brands like Jack Daniel's, Brown-Forman faces mixed performance with growth in emerging markets offset by declines elsewhere. Opportunities in premiumization and digital engagement highlight a path forward.
Learn More
Caleres navigated growth in Famous Footwear and kids' segments but faces declining overall sales and margin pressures. E-commerce and sustainable product lines present growth opportunities. Learn More
Kroger balances strong brand recognition and growing private label sales with slower e-commerce growth. Expansion in sustainability and health-conscious products offers significant potential. Learn More
Lands' End improved profitability and digital marketing efficiency but faces revenue declines in key segments. Growth in European e-commerce and value-oriented shopping trends shows promise. Learn More
Zumiez demonstrated revenue and margin growth through private label offerings and e-commerce investments. Challenges include inventory levels and competition in the youth market. Learn More
Ulta Beauty leverages loyalty programs and store expansion while navigating slower revenue growth and operating margin pressures. Digital capabilities and sustainable beauty trends provide key opportunities. Learn More
Lululemon reported strong international growth and profitability but faces slowing sales in mature markets. Expanding into APAC regions and enhancing digital channels are crucial strategies. Learn More
Petco demonstrated strength in consumables and high-value segments like vet services while addressing challenges in discretionary sales. E-commerce and pet ownership trends offer growth opportunities.
Learn More
PVH showed strong margins and brand performance in Asia but faces revenue declines in North America and Europe. Opportunities include sustainable fashion and e-commerce growth. Learn More
Movado sees growth in e-commerce and emerging markets while grappling with reduced profit margins and inventory challenges. Strategic investments in jewelry and DTC offer potential for recovery. Learn More
Chewy capitalizes on autoship subscriptions and pet care trends but faces rising acquisition costs. Growth in e-commerce and innovative services like vet care clinics offers opportunities. Learn More
Foot Locker balanced comparable sales growth and European expansion with challenges in regional performance. Opportunities lie in digital enhancements and athleisure trends. Learn More
Dollar Tree demonstrated strong store expansion and new pricing formats but faces earnings pressures and discretionary sales declines. Value product demand and e-commerce hold promise. Learn More
Campbells balanced strong brand recognition with challenges in profitability and segment performance. Opportunities in health-conscious offerings and sustainability offer potential pathways forward. Learn More
Cracker Barrel leveraged menu innovation and loyalty programs while adapting to digital trends and consumer preferences for off-premise dining. Learn More
American Eagle focused on international growth and sustainable products while addressing margin pressures and revenue declines. Learn More
Five Below achieved strong financial performance and expansion with trendy products and operational efficiency but faces potential market saturation challenges.
Learn More
Interviews & Speeches We’re Tracking
T-Mobile US Inc.
CEO G. Sievert outlined T-Mobile's transformation strategy at the UBS Investment Bank Conference, detailing network expansion, AI-powered customer service, and rural market growth. Plans include reaching 12 million fixed wireless subscribers by 2028 and deploying 60% of its mid-band spectrum for 5G services. Learn More
NVIDIA
Executive VP & CFO Colette Kress presented at the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference, highlighting the Blackwell architecture, global AI initiatives, and expansion into sovereign AI projects. Learn More
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
CEO Elie Maalouf shared IHG's expansion strategy at a Barclays Bank conference, discussing the System Fund, a global sales force, and the company's growing loyalty membership projected to hit 140 million by year-end. Learn More
Mastercard
At the UBS Investment Bank Conference, Mastercard's EVP of Investor Relations highlighted tokenization technology improving transaction approvals by 6%, AI solutions, and new partnerships for broader digital payment adoption. Learn More
DICK’s Sporting Goods
Executives shared plans for 35 new concept stores, retail media network development, and RFID technology implementation for inventory management at the Barclays Conference. Learn More
Kimberly-Clark
CFO Nelson Urdaneta discussed structural transformation, supply chain optimization, and increased marketing investments at the Morgan Stanley Conference. Learn More
Stanley Black & Decker
CFO Patrick Hallinan outlined the company's transformation at the UBS Global Industrials Conference, including divestments, innovation in core brands, and emerging market expansion. Learn More
Warby Parker
Co-CEO David Gilboa presented Warby Parker's plans at Morgan Stanley's Conference, including opening 40 new stores annually, AI-driven recommendations, and comprehensive vision care services. Learn More
The Cheesecake Factory
President David Gordon highlighted expansion plans, technological integration, and partnership success at Morgan Stanley's Conference, calling 2024 a "return to normalcy." Learn More
T-Mobile
At the Wells Fargo TMT Summit, T-Mobile's Head of Telecom Services outlined rural market initiatives and projected growth, with a focus on AI-driven solutions and the US Cellular acquisition. Learn More
Coca-Cola
Chairman & CEO James Quincey detailed sustainability goals and AI-enhanced operations at the Morgan Stanley Conference, emphasizing water conservation and market leadership strategies. Learn More
Molson Coors
CEO Gavin Hattersley highlighted digital marketing strategies, premium brand growth, and non-alcoholic beverage expansion at the Morgan Stanley Conference. Learn More
Visa
CFO Christopher Suh presented Visa's new initiatives at the UBS Global Technology Conference, focusing on cloud-native banking, open banking services, and Value-Added Services' 20% growth. Learn More
