{"id":8595,"date":"2025-07-14T16:19:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T16:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theapsgroup-com-prod.apsmos.com\/innovation-hub\/webinar-unlocking-creativity-with-ai-2\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T10:18:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T10:18:20","slug":"webinar-retail-reimagined","status":"publish","type":"innovation_hub","link":"https:\/\/theapsgroup-com-prod.apsmos.com\/en-us\/innovation-hub\/webinar-retail-reimagined\/","title":{"rendered":"Webinar: Retail Reimagined – The new era of in-store experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We recently hosted a webinar exploring the evolution of retail spaces, with a forward-looking lens on the trends transforming the sector in 2025 and beyond. The session was packed with powerful insights, provocative predictions, and practical inspiration for brands striving to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting retail landscape.<\/p>\n

Hosted by George Smart, Director of Customer Solutions and Strategic Growth at APS, with expert speakers Kate Ancketill, CEO of GDR and industry renowned retail futurist, Finn Lawton, Senior Strategist, and Tony Massey, Executive Director, both APS. The event set the stage for a thought-provoking conversation on what\u2019s driving consumer expectations and how brands can respond by inspiring awe and re-establishing an emotional connection.<\/p>\n

Finn kicked off the insights by painting a picture of the current retail terrain. He shared how rising economic pressures, digital acceleration, and evolving lifestyles are reshaping how consumers shop – and what they expect in return. He underlined the importance of staying true to your brand and authentically embedding innovation rather than chasing \u2018hype\u2019.<\/p>\n

AI is now a non-negotiable element of modern retail, and with the rise of agentic AI Kate discussed how with technology taking care of our more transactional purchases, people are free to do the \u2018experiencing\u2019 and increasingly crave more human-centric interactions.<\/p>\n

People want brands to help them feel something – 61% of consumers say they want intense emotional experiences, while 63% seek multi-sensory encounters (Wunderman Thompson, The Age of Re-enchantment, 2023).<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Consumers are seeking more than just transactions, they\u2019re looking for added value, meaningful engagement and purpose-driven spaces where they can find moments of magic. Kate explored the rising demand for collective experiences including gamified product visualisation and enveloping 4D environments, to immersive storytelling and pop-ups curated around iconic brand features. She highlighted the importance of biophilic design, wellbeing-led experiences like communal saunas and breathwork spaces, and fully integrated AI-powered avatars bringing fun, personalisation and expertise to in-store shopping.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe antidote to the \u2018age of anxiety\u2019 is awe-driven joy.\u201d<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Today\u2019s retail must deliver on both practicality and purpose, to do this successfully and provide what your customers need and want it\u2019s vital that you get to know who they are. From multi-functional spaces and circular economy initiatives including second-hand selling\/buying and rental models, meaningful brand experiences are the future of retail. This webinar was a call to action for companies to reimagine their physical environments as places of wonder, connection and purpose.<\/p>\n

The session concluded with Tony sharing how APS has helped leading retailers bring innovation to life with examples including gamification and cost-effective experiential design. Brands require creative strategies to cut through in an increasingly competitive space which is something our talented Retail and Brand Experience team are passionate about delivering. Talk to us today, hello@theapsgroup.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Want to see the full trend forecast, including case studies and standout activations?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To receive a recording of the webinar, please fill in your details and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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