Editor’s Note: As ever-vigilant trend spotters, we’ve noticed a few ideas worth keeping our eye on in the new year. Here’s one of the trends to watch in 2013…

There’s a new definition of consumer demand emerging through online funding programs like Kickstarter, where the consumer is actually choosing to support and invest in the ideas or innovations that they want to see developed.

In the last couple years, we’ve seen retail stores and restaurants developed either solely or partially funded by the consumer through crowdfunding. One of the things influencing this trend is the increasing desire to support independent or local retail. For entrepreneurs, this method enables them to take their idea straight to the consumer and ask them to help fund it—no bank loan required.

Image via duke-winston.com

Philadelphia-based, casual apparel brand Duke & Winston utilized the Kickstarter platform to help gain funding to increase its national presence. Those who “kick in” are awarded merchandise based on their investment level, ranging from a $25 t-shirt up to a shopping spree.

Read more…

Images via savannahnow.com, facebook.com/burgerking, beautyandbeyond.com

Editor’s Note: Once in awhile we come across something noteworthy and we want to share it with our readers. However, due to a variety of reasons (it’s too new to obtain research, it’s in a far-away land that we can’t quite reach, etc.) we don’t quite know what to do about it other than tell you “Hey. This is amazing and you should know about it.” Show & Tell is a collection of those recent things.

1. In a recent post celebrating National Mom & Pop business day, we mentioned our Intelligence Report “When Creativity Trumps Budget: What Big Brands Can Teach Indies.” One of the Big Ideas we feature in our report is “Fostering New Talent.” We were delighted when we spotted The Limited doing just that! They’ve partnered with Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to offer a unique jewelry collection to customers—created by students. The Limited’s CEO, Linda Heasley explained, “We were very fortunate. It was all done under the spirit of teaching and training and learning. We were thrilled that SCAD chose to do this with us. I’m very proud of the collection.” You can find the jewelry in stores starting in 2012.

Check out this video to find out more about this partnership that provided students with real business experience.

2. Food trucks have gone mainstream, just as we predicted last year in our own exploration of the mobile food market. This time, fast-food chain Burger King is testing out the idea. We heard awhile back that the chain would be delivering burgers to your home (within a specific proximity to local restaurants), but now the burger chain has gone one step further by literally taking operations on the road. We’re excited to hear how consumers respond to the initiative. We think food trucks create interest because of the unique offer and the convenience factor. Not to mention, it’s a great way to introduce new products which is exactly what the burger giant is rumored to be doing—using food trucks to introduce new menu items. They’ve launched new salads and fruit smoothies through a line up of celebrity endorsements including Sophia Vergara, Jay Leno, David Beckham and Salma Hayek. Check out the commercials here.

We’ll just have to wait and see if burger lovers love the new mode of fast food “delivery.” Remember—convenience is king.

Click here to read more about Burger King taking the Whopper (and more) to the streets.

3. Recently opened within Fred Segal in Santa Monica is the first beauty store operated by a magazine. Readers of NewBeauty are now able to find all of the products featured on the pages of this popular publication in one place. Products are accompanied by relevant editorial content allowing them to find the right product solution for their need. Beauty experts offer advice and product demonstrations, and an on-site video editorial staff is there to conduct customer interviews about the products. One customer described it as “putting the pages of the magazine on the shelf.” Check out the video below to hear more rave reviews from the magazine’s readers.

Today we’re celebrating National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day! Mom & Pops couldn’t be nearer or dearer to our hearts. Our recent session at GlobalShop, the largest store design and at-retail marketing show in the United States, incorporated lessons learned from the retailer perspective, presenting ways in which major retail chains could incorporate some big ideas.

More and more, real retail innovation is showing up around the corner and in the neighborhood at our favorite independent stores. Whether it’s an old-school “Mom & Pop” or a one-off new shop, small, indie retailers are showing the big guys how it’s done, and done well. And today, we honor them!

Did you know that small business owners, including entrepreneurial start-ups, franchises and Mom & Pop stores, are the cornerstone of the U.S. economy? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were more than 27 million Mom & PoP and other small businesses in the U.S. in 2011. These small businesses typically account for more than 60 percent of all net new U.S. jobs. In observance of National Mom & Pop Business Owner’s Day, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is recognizing Mom & Pop and other small business owners with important tax tips and advice to help them achieve the best bottom line on their business and personal taxes. Click here for more information.

The recognition doesn’t end there. Let’s pledge to support these retailers and restaurateurs and all visit at least one Mom & Pop in our area today. We’re happy to report that Columbus, OH is home to an extensive list of small business owners—from North Market to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and some of our favorite retail destinations like Substance, House Wine and Bungalow Home. We reported on some of these and more in our recent session, because what independents do best is put together a concept that breaks “retail rules,” creating something new and exciting. It may be a unique experience or assortment mash-up. It may be filling an unmet need or fulfilling a passion. Indies are behind one of the biggest trends of all—localization. Whether it’s local designers, events like Small Business Saturday and made-in-my-hood apparel, neighborhood spirit has never been stronger. Consumers are loving it and brands are embracing it.

As always, independent retail stirs up the market, brings us new ideas and keeps us shopping! Check out our Intelligence Report, “When Creativity Trumps Budget: What Indie Retail Can Teach Big Brands” for more details about how you can incorporate lessons from the indies. Be sure to support local innovation in your ‘hood, and don’t forget visit your favorite Mom & Pop today!