J.C. Williams Group

Lush Oxford Street, is a vibrant, multi-sensory experience spread over three levels and 9,500 square feet. Opened to coincide with Lush's 20th anniversary, it is the brand’s largest store. The store's design is both spacious and stimulating, inviting visitors to move freely through each floor and interact with its hands-on displays. With 200 exclusive products developed just for this location, friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer advice and recommendations. Each floor showcases different sections, from skincare and haircare to bath bombs and makeup. The store’s use of reclaimed materials and its eco-friendly design elements emphasize Lush’s commitment to sustainability. Lush Oxford Street is not just a store—it is a flagship location that blends ethical beauty, innovative experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about beauty and eco-friendly living. #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup

Recently, our team had the opportunity to explore London’s thriving retail scene, with the LEGO Store standing out as a true highlight! The LEGO Store in Leicester Square, London, is one of the largest LEGO stores in the world, offering a vibrant and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Spanning two floors, the store showcases an impressive collection of LEGO sets alongside exciting photo opportunities featuring life-sized figures from iconic British franchises like James Bond and Harry Potter. One of the most eye-catching features is the enormous LEGO Big Ben, which towers over the entrance! Beyond its extensive range of products, the store offers various interactive elements. Visitors can enjoy the "Mosaic Maker", creating personalized LEGO mosaics from their own photos, or explore the "Pick and Build Wall" in the personalization studio, where they can choose individual bricks to customize their creations. Situated in the heart of London’s bustling West End, the LEGO Store in Leicester Square is a must-see destination for anyone eager to experience the wonder of LEGO in an extraordinary and interactive setting. #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup #EbeltoftGroup

Generation Alpha, children born from 2010 and onwards, is already having a significant influence in the retail industry. This generation, with the oldest just entering teenage years, sets apart from others with unique beliefs, values, and behaviours that will soon transform how retailers operate. https://lnkd.in/gk_CxdkQ #business #news #retail #digital #technology #innovation #GenerationAlpha Graham Heuman Shelby Hautala J.C. Williams Group

The latest edition of the National Retail Bulletin for Canada is out! https://lnkd.in/gq5Ft-32 In July 2024, the Canadian retail market saw mixed results with an overall 2.0% year-over-year (YOY) sales increase. However, when excluding automotive, food, and pharmacy categories, discretionary spending saw a slight decline of 0.5% YOY, highlighting cautious consumer behaviour and shifting spending patterns across retail sectors. One key factor was the LCBO strike in Ontario, which significantly impacted alcohol sales. Beer, wine, and liquor store sales dropped 6.6% YOY, contributing to a year-to-date (YTD) decline of 3.8%. This suggests both the immediate effect of the strike and a broader trend in changing alcohol consumption habits. Interestingly, supermarkets and grocery stores saw only a minor 1.0% YOY dip, potentially signalling a shift in where consumers purchase alcoholic beverages. In contrast, general merchandise stores performed well, growing 3.1% YOY, buoyed by promotional events like Amazon Prime Day, which spurred sales growth. This category's YTD sales rose by 4.7%, with e-commerce sales up by 6.9% YOY, partly due to Prime Day promotions. Meanwhile, the cannabis sector experienced its first major setback since legalization, with sales declining 3.9% YOY and 1.0% YTD. Despite expectations that the LCBO strike might boost cannabis sales, the sector struggled, marked by Tokyo Smoke's announcement of store closures and creditor protection filings, signalling possible oversaturation and regulatory challenges in the market. As we move into the fall season, several factors are likely to influence retail performance: How will smaller basket sizes/spending during the back-to-school shopping period impact overall retail performance? What is the anticipated impact of having multiple Prime Day events (Summer and Fall) on the overall holiday retail performance? What effect will the reduced occurrence of wildfires compared to past years have on retail markets, especially in areas previously impacted by such events? How can retailers mitigate the impact of unexpected weather-related disruptions? How are YOU strategizing your marketing efforts given that holiday promotions are starting earlier each year? For support with your holiday strategy, reach out to the team at JCWG! #NationalRetailBulletin #RetailStrategy #JCWG

The latest US Edition of the National Retail Bulletin is now available! https://lnkd.in/gnRrG5MS In August 2024, the US retail market showed modest overall growth, with a 2.5% year-over-year (YOY) increase across all stores. Discretionary spending, however, was stronger, rising by 4.0% YOY, indicating that consumers are still purchasing non-essential goods despite economic pressures. Looking ahead, there could be further growth in discretionary spending, particularly if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time since 2020. Back-to-school shopping brought notable changes in consumer behaviour. General merchandise stores saw a 4.6% YOY increase, while traditionally popular categories like clothing and electronics experienced slower growth, with only 2.5% and 2.4% increases, respectively. An NRF survey found that 55% of consumers started their shopping early, possibly influenced by July’s Prime Day sales, reflecting a trend of earlier shopping seen in other seasons like the holidays. Meanwhile, food services and dining continued to grow, up 5.1% YOY, but at a slower pace than earlier in the year. This deceleration may be linked to seasonal shifts, such as students returning to school and families adjusting their spending. Housing-related categories, such as furniture and home improvement, struggled, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and high housing costs. As retailers move into the fall season, questions arise about how early shopping patterns and October Prime Day might impact holiday sales: How will the shift in back-to-school shopping patterns affect inventory management and promotional strategies for the upcoming holiday season? What categories will customers migrate to for this year’s holiday season? Will the October Prime Day have a major effect on holiday sales or is it too early? When will holiday shopping as a result of holiday creep begin this year? How are YOU preparing your holiday strategy for the new realities of holiday creep? Comment on your thoughts in the comments! #NationalRetailBulletin #RetailStrategy #JCWG

It’s Retail Trends Tuesday! Each week, we spotlight groundbreaking retailers to showcase innovative concepts and spark fresh ideas. This Week’s Feature: ADERERROR, ADER Space 3.0 Flagship Store A Journey Beyond Fashion The ADER Space 3.0 flagship store in Seoul redefines the retail experience with an immersive space journey that reflects ADERERROR’s avant-garde aesthetic. Known for its distinctive fashion and holistic brand identity, ADERERROR has garnered a dedicated following. The store’s layout consists of six uniquely themed floors, each offering a different experience. Visitors follow a guided one-way path, exploring not just a fashion showroom, but also a café named Tongue Planet, a rooftop oasis, and an exhibition space. Each floor is designed to captivate and surprise, and the store concludes with a grand indoor fountain. Additionally, the store features hidden surprises, such as moving shelves, concealed doors, and themed dressing rooms, enhanced by LED screens, sound, and physical art pieces. The store’s interior design diverges from traditional retail spaces, resembling an artistic museum. It boasts dynamic installations and displays that are regularly updated, creating a vibrant and unconventional shopping atmosphere. Why Is It Innovative? Fashion Meets Art: ADERERROR seamlessly integrates fashion with significant art pieces, creating a museum-like atmosphere that allows customers to appreciate both art and fashion in a tranquil setting. Rising and Exceeding Expectations: The store’s exterior presents a nondescript concrete block, but inside, it reveals a world of surprises. Each turn and step unveil new, unexpected elements, continually engaging and exceeding visitors’ expectations. Overall, the ADER Space 3.0 Flagship Store is a marvel of continuous surprises. From hidden art pieces and themed dressing rooms, including a karaoke room and a train wagon with matching sounds, to the stunning indoor fountain, the store offers an unforgettable experience. The space theme is uniquely embodied in every aspect, making each visit a new adventure where expectations are not just met but exceeded. #ADERERROR #RetailTrendsTuesday #RetailTrends #RetailInnovations #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup #EbeltoftGroup

This past weekend, on September 14, Indigo held an exciting giveaway, distributing 10,000 copies of four Heather's Pick titles to eager readers. The event took place at various locations across the country, with one of the most notable being the Toronto Eaton Centre, where a large crowd gathered early in the morning. As the day progressed, the line continued to grow, with many patrons lingering around the area after receiving their free books, excitedly discussing the titles and enjoying the event's atmosphere. It was a brilliant display of community engagement, and Indigo's strategy to captivate customers with free book giveaways not only created a buzz but also fostered a deeper connection with their audience. Such innovative marketing approaches not only encourage people to read more but also solidify brand loyalty in an ever-competitive retail environment. #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy #CanadianRetail #CanadianRetailers #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup

Bill Gates underscores the value of feedback from dissatisfied customers, as their complaints reveal critical areas for improvement that may otherwise be overlooked. By addressing these issues, businesses can innovate and enhance their products, services, and overall customer experience. Engaging with unhappy customers also demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, potentially turning critics into loyal advocates. Ultimately, learning from unhappy customers drives a business towards continuous improvement and long-term success. #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy

Elevate your next event with JCWG! Are you looking to inspire, engage, and drive growth at your next event? Book the JCWG team, global retail thought leaders in retail strategy and innovation, to deliver powerful insights that can transform your business. Our team brings a wealth of expertise and hands-on experience in the ever-evolving world of retail. We specialize in guiding businesses toward sustained growth by exploring the latest trends, innovations, and strategic opportunities that matter most. With a proven track record of engaging audiences at prestigious events such as the RCC STORE and ICSC Conferences, and many more, JCWG is the partner you need to elevate your event to the next level. Ready to create a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your upcoming event! #RetailConsultants #RetailExperts #RetailStrategy #JCWG #JCWilliamsGroup #EbeltoftGroup

Download J.C. Williams Group and the Ebeltoft Group’s recent market study, “Digital Marketplaces: A Global Study of Your Next Growth Channel” to strategize your next marketplace move: https://lnkd.in/e4ayJYa5   #DigitalMarketplaces #EbeltoftGroup #GlobalMarketplaceGrowth #RetailTrends #GlobalRetail #Retail #Ecommerce  Jim Okamura Andreea Paraipan Geoffroy NOEL Diana Stanciu