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.

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 areas 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. ☕️

Mercedes-Benz brings together technology and art in the PROTOTYPE exhibition

The Mercedes-Benz Art Collection presents PROTOTYPE, an exhibition exploring innovation and creativity at Studio Odeonsplatz in Munich.

From January 25 to March 22, six contemporary artists reinterpret the concept of the prototype, blending blockchain technology, digital reality, and automotive safety. The highlights include:

• Simon Denny combines blockchain with hybrid paintings inspired by concept cars;
• Salomé Chatriot turns her breathing into digital renderings;
• Sarah Friend connects digital security with automotive access;
• Theo Triantafyllidis presents an interactive game about new forms of digital interaction.

The program includes panels, workshops, and art performances, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and the future of automotive design.

Aesop opens a futuristic store in Hainan, China

Aesop has opened a new store in Hainan, inspired by the island’s sunny climate and by technological innovation. Designed by the brand’s in-house designers and experimental artist Jessie French, the space combines creativity, sustainability, and an immersive experience.

Everything translates the brand’s identity into an environment that blends nature and innovation. The space reflects sunlight through strategically crafted surfaces, while technology serves as the finishing touch, from LED lighting that highlights the products to experimental materials that interact with the setting.

Every detail has been meticulously designed to turn the shopping experience into a sensory ritual that is useful, sophisticated, and unmistakably Aesop.

Adore Beauty transforms brick-and-mortar retail with technology and personalization

Known for revolutionizing beauty e-commerce, Adore Beauty is now bringing its expertise to physical retail with the opening of its first store in Melbourne. But don’t expect just shelves packed with products – the real differentiator is the fusion of technology and personalized experience.

The Observ 520x system promises a detailed digital skin analysis, enabling tailored recommendations for each customer. In addition to testing products, visitors will have access to accurate diagnostics, ensuring they choose the items best suited to their skincare routine.

With more than 300 brands available and a space designed for events and masterclasses, Adore Beauty reaffirms its commitment to offering not just products, but knowledge and innovation in the world of beauty.

Neko Health offers technology to transform preventive medicine

After revolutionizing the way we consume music, Daniel Ek is now setting his sights on healthcare. His startup, Neko Health, has just raised US$260 million to expand a model that combines cutting-edge technology and preventive medicine.

Neko Health’s body-scanning system uses artificial intelligence and 3D technology to map the skin, detect anomalies, and identify risks of conditions such as stroke, heart problems, and skin cancer – all in a non-invasive and accessible way.

The bet reflects a growing movement in the healthcare sector: technology not only makes early diagnosis easier, but also redefines people’s relationship with their own bodies. It’s no longer about waiting for symptoms to appear, but about acting before they show up.

Puma Speedcat Pop-Up in China: the future of Experiential retail

Puma took the shopping experience to a new level with its pop-up installation at the West Bund Dream Center in Shanghai. The Speed Cat Immersive Racing Entertainment District brought together the world of racing and streetwear fashion, offering visitors a sensory journey.

Instead of simple product displays, the brand bet on interactivity and modernity, creating a deeper connection with the collection. The event included hands-on activations, striking visuals, and the launch of new colorways of the iconic Speedcat sneaker, plus a special moment with soccer player Li Sirong.

This strategy reflects the evolution of experiential retail, where shopping goes beyond the product and becomes an experience. The audience doesn’t just see and try things on, they feel the essence of the brand—creating memories and strengthening the emotional connection.

In today’s landscape, where consumers seek exclusivity and engagement, initiatives like this prove that the future of retail lies not only on the shelves, but in the unforgettable experiences it can deliver.

Burberry and Augmented Reality: try before you buy

Burberry took the concept of interaction in luxury retail to a new level with its art installation at West Bund Dream Center Dockyard Plaza in Shanghai. The experience showcased the brand’s iconic cashmere scarf, blending art, fashion, and technology.

The standout feature was the interactive QR code, which lets visitors virtually try on different scarf styles and colors before buying. This augmented reality technology brought convenience and personalization, making the selection process more engaging.

This integration of physical and digital reflects the evolution of retail, where the shopping experience goes beyond the traditional store. With this innovative approach, Burberry reaffirms its commitment to offering not just products, but memorable experiences.

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