#WonderNews: Sensory, Immersive, Futuristic Stores (and More!) Comments Off on #WonderNews: Sensory, Immersive, Futuristic Stores (and More!) 1489

Alice Wonders20 de February de 2024 17:2219 de October de 2026

A new edition of #WonderNews is live – the Alice Wonders newsletter where ideas from Wonderland come to life in the world of retail.

In it, you’ll find the top news in Technology, Innovation, and Experiences from Brazil and around the world!

So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read. ☕️

➕ Click here and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming editions.

Casper opens concept store for sleep experiences and testing in California

Renowned mattress brand Casper has opened its newest interactive concept store in California, spanning more than 8,600 sq ft, to highlight the brand’s three main pillars of innovation: support, comfort, and cooling.

The store’s experiences include the Snooze Bar, a consultation space where customers can discover the products’ key benefits and differentiators; the Pillow Lab for testing the brand’s pillows; the Bedroom DeZzzign Center which offers personalized services to design your ideal sleep; and the Bunkhouse so kids can have fun while their parents shop. Learn more here.

AI in retail: Sam’s Club to roll out Artificial Intelligence receipt checks

Seeking to eliminate the need for an employee to verify that customers have paid for every item in their carts, Sam’s Club announced plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence and computer vision-based technology to digitally scan receipts at the exit.

According to the company, receipt checks were a point of friction and discomfort in the customer shopping experience – and the new tech solution aligns with the brand’s commitment to delivering more convenient, seamless journeys, with innovations that put customer needs at the center of decision-making.

The digital verification technology is currently being piloted in 10 stores, with plans to expand to nearly 600 Sam’s Club locations. Learn more here.

Immersive exhibition celebrates the 75th anniversary of SERPENTI, BVLGARI’s icon

To celebrate 75 years of the SERPENTI jewelry collection, a BVLGARI icon, the luxury brand presented an artistic, immersive, and sensory installation. On a creative journey, the fashion house partnered with world-renowned contemporary artists to bring their visions to the space. Among them was Emmanuelle Moureaux, who was chosen to create a vibrant installation in Tokyo.

Made up of 347,100 Roman numerals layered along a narrow path, the exhibition seeks to evoke emotion and immerse visitors in a world where colors stretch on without limits, symbolizing BVLGARI’s journey and continuous reinvention through the SERPENTI icon over the years. Learn more here.

Sensory experience: Michelin-starred restaurant opens an immersive space that engages all 5 senses

The renowned two-Michelin-star restaurant “Agli Amici 1887” has opened a new immersive space in Italy for a culinary journey that begins even before the dishes are served.

The project transformed an old tavern into the restaurant’s new entrance and promises multisensory experiences in the Box Lounge, a setting that immerses guests in a world of colors, flavors, and sensations.

With walls and furniture bathed in shades of blue, the room is lit by a large installation inspired by contemporary art and allows for changes in atmosphere through customizable lighting. Meanwhile, the counter area becomes a stage where the chefs prepare their creations under the watchful eyes of onlookers, engaging all five senses from preparation to tasting. Learn more here.

How electric vehicle brands are revolutionizing retail in China

Electric car brands are transforming the retail experience in China, bringing innovative hi-tech concepts to shopping malls.

These spaces aren’t just POS locations; they’re digital, personalized experience centers where consumers can immerse themselves in the world of electric vehicles. At the Lotus store in Shanghai, for example, customers can experience what it feels like to be inside a vehicle and even design their dream car in real time with the help of digital interfaces.

This approach also draws customers into an ecosystem of services that enriches their lifestyle under the brand’s banner, with offerings ranging from maintenance and battery charging to conveniences such as mobile offices, kids’ areas, and food courts that increase dwell time and strengthen customer loyalty. Learn more here.

Digitally native South Korean brand W Concept opens another brick-and-mortar store

W Concept, the South Korean teen fashion e-commerce platform, is expanding its operations beyond digital by opening physical stores across the country.

The latest addition is located on the 4th floor of Shinsegae Centum City in South Korea, with over 130 m² (about 1,400 sq ft) of design inspired by Busan, the country’s second-largest city. The opening follows the brand’s pilot program, which began with a pop-up store that spent several weeks testing the brand’s offline sales potential.

The space is dominated by an undulating metallic volume that houses an exclusive fitting room, adding an iconic design element to the environment. With a carefully curated selection of women’s apparel and accessories from various South Korean brands, the new store promises a futuristic, sensory, and one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Learn more here.

Stay on top of the latest trends in the world of retail!

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#WonderNews: AI in Stores; Digital Visual Merchandising Gains Ground (and More!) Comments Off on #WonderNews: AI in Stores; Digital Visual Merchandising Gains Ground (and More!) 1372

Alice Wonders17 de March de 2025 10:0019 de October de 2026

Welcome to #WonderNews: the Alice Wonders newsletter that connects you to the top trends in technology, design, architecture, and in-store experiences, in Brazil and around the world.

In an increasingly dynamic consumer market, these areas play an essential role in building spaces and interactions that delight customers and create emotional connections with them.

With that in mind, check out valuable insights, innovations, and ideas that inspire transformation and boost brand success. Grab your coffee and enjoy the read. ☕️

✨ Bandai Namco opens its first Cross Store in the US!

If you’re a fan of anime, games, and collectibles, get ready for some amazing news: Bandai Namco has opened its first Cross Store in the United States. Following the success of its London location, this megastore lands in Industry City to bring all your favorite brands together in one place.

What to expect? The store will feature 10 official spaces dedicated to iconic Bandai Namco products, including:

Incredible anime and game collectibles and figures;
Exclusive card games, such as the One Piece Card Game;
The nostalgic return of Tamagotchis;
PAC-MAN, Tekken, and Dragon Ball merchandise.

Plus, the location is an attraction in itself! Industry City’s Japan Village promises an immersive experience with a Japanese market, food stalls, a sake shop, and much more. Perfect for diving into Japanese pop culture!

This initiative shows how geek culture and Japanese entertainment keep gaining ground globally! The shopping experience goes beyond the products: it’s about experiencing the Bandai Namco universe in a unique way.

Home Depot revolutionizes home improvement with AI!

Home Depot has just launched Magic Apron, an innovative suite of Generative AI toolsdesigned to transform the experience of customers looking to renovate and improve their homes.

Available on the Home Depot website and app, Magic Apron can:

Summarize product reviews;
Answer “how-to” questions;
Recommend personalized products for every need.

What sets it apart? It was trained on the expertise of Home Depot’s famous orange-apron associates and will keep learning from user feedback.

And there’s more: Magic Apron will soon come to the brand’s B2B website, offering dedicated support for contractors and industry professionals.

New features are in development, including a personal home improvement concierge for inspiration, product comparisons, and expert advice.

Digital Twins at Lowe’s: AI to optimize stores in real time

Lowe’s is transforming retail with 3D digital twins, updated several times a day to mirror its physical stores. With this technology, the company simulates layouts, tests product placement, and improves sales performance without having to change the actual space.

On top of that, generative AI is giving sales associates “superpowers,” as they now have smart assistants to answer questions about products and projects.

Soon, customers will also have access to chatbots to get recommendations and make purchases directly within the virtual experience.

Prada’s immersive experience: classic never goes out of style

Prada Beauty is taking experiential retail to the next level with the “Love Capture” photo booth, an immersive activation that invites consumers to connect with the brand in a unique way.

These booths, strategically placed in the world’s fashion capitals, combine sophisticated design and interactivity, allowing visitors to capture special moments while trying iconic products from the Prada Beauty line, such as Prada Balm and Prada Monochrome. The Prada Paradoxe fragrance rounds out the experience, turning every photo into a sensory keepsake.

This concept reinforces the trend of retail as a space for memorable experiences that go far beyond the store. Interactive, multisensory environments build lasting bonds with consumers.

Just as in physical space design, where finishes and details elevate perception, in retail it’s these experiences that turn brands into icons – because innovation and delight never go out of style.

⛰️ Digital Visual Merchandising at Columbia’s new store in Shanghai

Columbia Sportswear Company has just opened its newest store on Huaihai Road in Shanghai, and it’s a true example of how Digital Visual Merchandising can elevate the retail experience.

Blending smart design, technology, and brand identity, the space strengthens Columbia’s positioning in the Chinese market, making it the perfect destination for outdoor adventure lovers.

From the moment they walk in, the store invites customers on an immersive journey, blending physical and digital elements to tell the brand’s story. The strategic use of imagery to highlight product categories, the screen-fitted boxes that chronicle Columbia’s history, and the dark ceiling accented by a grid of LED lights are all examples of how every detail was designed to showcase the merchandise.

With innovative design and the strategic use of Digital Visual Merchandising, Columbia shows that its essence lies not only in its products but also in the way it engages and inspires its customers in the retail environment and in its stores.

Samsung takes the photography experience to new heights with the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung is redefining brand activations by taking the Galaxy S25 Ultra experience to the top of Sampa Sky, one of the highest observation decks in São Paulo. The “Experiência Mirante Galaxy S25” (Galaxy S25 Observation Deck Experience) lets visitors test the new smartphone’s powerful camera 150 meters (about 490 feet) above the ground, standing on a glass floor, creating the unique sensation of floating over the city.

With a 200 MP lens and up to 10x digital zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra promises to capture every detail of the urban landscape with impressive sharpness. To make the moment even more memorable, Samsung offers instant prints of the photos taken during the activation, ensuring visitors take home a physical keepsake of this one-of-a-kind experience.

Combining technology, entertainment, and immersive experiences, Samsung shows that when it comes to innovation, the sky — or the top of Sampa Sky — is the limit.

Stay on top of the latest trends in brick-and-mortar retail around the world! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Blog: The Future of Retail so you never miss an update.

#WonderNews: 3D Holography; the “Kidult” Phenomenon (and more!) Comments Off on #WonderNews: 3D Holography; the “Kidult” Phenomenon (and more!) 1008

Alice Wonders3 de March de 2025 10:0019 de October de 2026

Welcome to #WonderNews!

The Alice Wonders newsletter that connects you to the top trends in technology, design, architecture, and brick-and-mortar retail experiences, in Brazil and around the world.

In an increasingly dynamic consumer market, these fields play an essential role in building spaces and interactions that delight customers and create emotional connections with them.

With that in mind, follow along for valuable insights, innovations, and ideas that inspire transformation and drive brand success. Grab your coffee and enjoy the read. ☕️

Simon brings 3D hologram technology to malls!

Simon Property Group has just launched an interactive holographic advertising network across 30 of its malls. The technology, developed in partnership with Hologram Media Network, lets shoppers interact with 3D projections without the need for glasses or extra devices.

The results are already impressive: the holograms hold viewers’ attention longer and boost engagement rates with brands and products. On top of that, live events with influencers and activations for major brands are elevating the shopping experience even further.

And did you know that Alice Wonders also brings this innovation to retail? Our interactive holography technology creates immersive experiences for both physical and digital stores, connecting brands and consumers in a unique way.

Want to transform your strategy with this new technology? Get in touch!

Palace Skateboards takes its identity to the next level in Seoul

London-based brand Palace Skateboards has just opened its second store in Seoul, one of the most demanding retail markets in the world. Inspired by David Ogiste’s recent analysis, we asked ourselves: did the brand manage to stay true to its identity? The answer is a resounding yes.

The store’s design evokes an underground subway system or a brutalist building – the perfect setting for skateboarding. The lighting, with huge front windows and uniquely shaped fixtures, brings the same energy as the structures of a skatepark. On top of that, the bold signage and below-ground location reinforce the brand’s DNA.

Palace’s Seoul store highlights a growing trend in retail: technology doesn’t just complement the physical space – it becomes an essential part of the brand narrative. Whether through innovative finishes, strategic lighting, or digital activations, every detail contributes to an immersive, authentic experience.

At Alice Wonders, we believe this evolution goes beyond design: it’s about connecting brands and consumers in meaningful ways, using innovation to create experiences that leave a mark.

Netflix Bites: meet Netflix’s new restaurant in Las Vegas

Netflix has launched a themed restaurant at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, offering a menu inspired by its most iconic series and films. The concept creates a direct connection between the world of streaming and the dining experience, letting fans taste flavors that once existed only on screen.

The restaurant features themed dishes from productions like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Wednesday, and One Piece, as well as drinks and desserts inspired by reality shows like Love Is Blind. The décor also reflects the Netflix universe, with visual elements that nod to the platform’s most popular series and films.

Netflix has been investing in physical activations for some time to strengthen its bond with fans. In an increasingly competitive market, immersive experiences can be a major differentiator for entertainment brands.

How would Alice Wonders take this experience further?

To make the guest journey even more special, Alice Wonders would bring a touch of digital innovation to Netflix Bites.

Imagine a Magic Room, where 360° projections transport guests into iconic scenes from their favorite shows before they taste the dishes. Or interactive holograms that share fun facts about the films while customers wait for their orders.

The convergence of technology and sensory experience creates even deeper connections with audiences, making every visit unique and unforgettable. At the end of the day, entertainment doesn’t have to live only on the screen – it can come alive in every detail.

Mizuno Listening Store: fashion, culture, and music all in one place

Mizuno has just opened the Mizuno Listening Store, a pop-up store that brings together sportstyle, art, and sound experiences in the iconic Renata Sampaio Building in downtown São Paulo. Inspired by the Listening Bars of cities like London and Hong Kong, the space will host exclusive activations over five months.

Visitors can explore Mizuno Sportstyle launches, enjoy a special selection of vinyl records, and interact with art installations – such as the piece inspired by Yuko Nishikawa, where sneakers make sounds when touched. In addition, a partnership with Artwalk offers exclusive SKUs for the brand’s fans.

With this initiative, Mizuno strengthens its connection with urban culture, turning the act of shopping into an immersive experience.

Heineken turns OOH billboards into checkout stations at Shakira’s concert

Heineken innovated by turning out-of-home (OOH) media billboards into interactive checkout stations to speed up drink purchases at Shakira’s concert. The initiative, developed in partnership with ZigPay, lets fans top up prepaid cards before the event, skipping the lines and leaving more time to enjoy the show.

The “OOH Bar Checkouts” were installed at the São Paulo-Morumbi subway station, bringing added convenience by bridging into the physical world. The solution streamlines the consumer journey, eliminating the need for time-consuming transactions at the event and making the experience smoother and more convenient.

Beyond saving concertgoers time, the activation reinforces Heineken’s commitment to creating innovative activations that elevate the consumer experience.

Can playfulness make retail more resilient?

In today’s retail, the customer experience goes far beyond the purchase. Brands are investing in interactivity and playfulness to create emotional connections and strengthen loyalty.

The “Kidult” phenomenon, in which adults connect with nostalgic, playful experiences, is shaping new approaches in the industry. Major brands such as Lego and Louis Vuitton are already betting on this trend, transforming retail spaces into engaging, memorable environments.

The adoption of interactive technologies and gamified experiences is gaining momentum, making retail more dynamic and sensory. Reports show that consumers expect more than products: they want entertainment and multisensory engagement. This new format has proven resilient and builds a stronger connection with audiences.

Alice Wonders has stood out in creating immersive retail experiences. Projects such as the Bauducco flagship, with interactive spaces for personalizing panettones and displays telling the brand’s story, reflect this approach. Another example is the KitKat store, where we developed digital experiences and tech-driven interaction points, creating a unique and engaging environment.

Innovation in retail runs through experience, and playfulness has proven to be an effective way to engage consumers and strengthen brands in the market.

Stay on top of the latest trends in brick-and-mortar retail around the world! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and our Blog: The Future of Retail so you never miss an update.