Consumers, especially millennials, value brands that stand for more than simply the products they sell. And some brands are recognizing that it’s not just good enough to provide healthy options; they have also taken on the responsibility of educating consumers on healthy options and helping to empower them to make better choices.

Image via Whole Foods

Whole Foods, known for their high standards in natural and organic products, also places a high importance on nutrition and wellness education specifically with children, through their Whole Kids Foundation. In an effort to end the childhood obesity epidemic, the brand supports and funds initiatives that help provide salad bars in schools—raising awareness and increasing kids’ exposure to healthier options.

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Adding a social element to the retail environment creates an opportunity to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with consumers. One category that we’re seeing make great strides in this approach is the sports apparel and footwear category. We’ve watched brands evolve from just selling products to supporting a lifestyle. Lululemon, a pioneer in the yoga lifestyle category, has paved the way for many to follow.

Image via Reebok

Reebok recently made the move to capitalize on one of the hottest fittest trends of the moment, CrossFit. For those not familiar with CrossFit, it’s a high-intensity workout that incorporates such activities as weightlifting, powerlifting, kettlebells, medicine balls and box jumps. You can check out this Reebok CrossFit video to see more of what it’s all about.

Image via psfk.com

As the title sponsor for the annual CrossFit Games, it makes sense why Reebok would want to bring that energy into a retail space. The Reebok CrossFit store on Fifth Avenue combines the retail and gym experience. The main level, referred to as the “Fit Hub,” offers product for every skill level and expert staff to help you find the product right for you.

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GlobalShop 2013 kicks off in just under three weeks, and the Chute Gerdeman team is looking forward to taking part in our industry’s premier event for store design, visual merchandising and at-retail marketing. We’ll be on the ground in Chicago from beginning to end, April 16–18, walking the show, meeting with clients, partners and friends, and keeping up on the latest happenings in retail trends and technologies.

CG takes the stage
Two of Chute Gerdeman’s creative directors will be on the podium for an exciting session that’s sure to be a hit. Join us and see how the consumer trend for healthier living is a leading influence on retail across a variety of channels.

“Healthy Lifestyles = Healthy Stores”
Wednesday, April 17 at 1:30pm

Chute Gerdeman Presenters:
Joanna Felder, VP, Intelligence & Brand Strategy
Bess Liscio, VP, Visual Strategy

Explore the cultural and personal dynamics that are making glowing skin and a healthy lifestyle the new must haves. Active apparel is becoming mainstream fashion—with high-style options that go from the gym to high street—and surprising new players are turning healthy fare into on-the-go fuel. We’ll explore how this trend is shaping retail from apparel to footwear to c-store innovation, and the consumer dynamics behind the movement. Join us as we highlight retailers who are shaping the trend right now.

CG at the Design Inspiration Showcase
In addition to Joanna and Bess, several other Chute Gerdeman senior leaders will be on hand in the Design Inspiration Showcase, including Denny Gerdeman, Elle Chute, Brian Shafley and George Nauman. We’ll be on the Expo floor throughout the week, sharing CG’s unique capabilities and industry expertise. While you’re at the show be sure to visit us in booth number 3030-I in the Design Inspiration Showcase.

Stay connected via CG!
We’ll be live-blogging from the show, with some on-the-fly observations and retail reporting from the Windy City! Be sure to check back to the Gerdeblog as well as follow us on Facebook and Twitter before, during and after GlobalShop. We look forward to hearing from you or catching up at the show.

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

The trend I see for 2013 is how augmented reality technology will bring a more accessible, personalized experience to the banking industry. Today’s banks and other financial institutions often claim in their commercials and print collateral that they offer their customers a personalized experience, be it through the branded branch experience, online technology or smartphone accessibility.

Image via TheFinancialBrand.com

I recently read an article on TheFinancialBrand.com that makes me think the banking industry will take a giant leap in 2013 to remain relevant and accessible by utilizing augmented reality technology to better create a signature branch experience. I predict we’ll see large brick-and-mortar branches begin to be replaced by smaller, more technology-oriented branches. Target customers will be those that still want the comfort of a bank when making important transactions or life-changing financial decisions.

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Map data ©2012 Google, Sanborn. Inset image property of Chute Gerdeman.

From Lanvin’s illustrative graphic cover to the classic Lady Dior quilted handbag, we’ve seen our fair share of retailers building excitement around soon-to-be open stores with creative, eye-catching shrouds. While there’s something to be said for this buzz-building introduction, some retailers are taking a different approach to generate new store excitement.

The Camper store on New York’s Fifth Avenue is an example of a retailer who believes that a work-in-progress is worth talking about. The footwear brand, based out of Spain, is known for their unique store designs and this location is no different – albeit for a different reason as I soon found out.

Images via designboom.com, dezeen.com

From nature-inspired environments like the Regent Street store in London and their bold, contemporary store in Via Montenapoleone, Milan, to a graphic illustration style in Lyon, France, each store has an individual style, and often a different designer.

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

Image via smallshopstudio.com

More and more I’ve been seeing an increase in the use of bold patterns and bright colors. C. Wonder stores are a great example of this trend with their use of saturated green and an eclectic mix of patterns on the walls, floors and accent pieces.

Image via elle.com

Louis Vuitton’s red polka dot windows, designed by Yayoi Kusama, are another great example of a vibrant color used with a bold pattern. From a material standpoint, I have seen an increase in wallcoverings and fabrics with larger scale patterns and bolder colors—perfect for retail and restaurant applications!

Image via DL Couch, Maharam, Wolf Gordon

DL Couch, Maharam and Wolf Gordon have some great examples of this bright and bold trend, and I say, bring it on!