Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

When author Kyle Chayka explored 2010s minimalism in Longing for Less, a very different world existed. Today, a polycrisis-ridden and digitally saturated society finds people yearning for more. Whether you chalk it up to post-pandemic release or a general sense of impending doom, people are now looking for a...

Speed and convenience have become the consumer norm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when people worldwide were introduced to instant access to goods and services via apps and digital platforms, the supply and demand considerably grew and splintered. The 'I need it now' culture shows no signs of slowing down, ye...

Lululemon's Studio Mirror is a digital at-home workout platform that seamlessly blends into owners' lives and living rooms. Providing access to virtual workouts from a selection of fitness partners, Studio Mirror helps people dominate their exercise regime without dominating their homes.

Sainsbury's is partnering with Amazon to test a checkout-free grocery store, using the retail giant's ‘pick and go’ technology and joining the move towards smart grocery shopping. This shift aligns with people’s wish to combine brick-and-mortar stores with the convenience of online shopping.

With people looking for elevated brick-and-mortar store experiences, many are choosing to shop with brands that inject fun into IRL retail. Westfield is turning its shopping centres into entertainment destinations, attracting shoppers looking for fulfilling and interactive retail experiences.

The rising cost of living is seeing many Americans cut down on unnecessary spending. But at times of heightened stress, many also indulge in shopping as a form of escapism. So, how can social shopping platforms simultaneously help people limit their expenses and engage in retail therapy?