Need to Know

UK – Bang & Olufsen is continuing to demonstrate its artistic approach to audio devices with a playful touch-driven speaker that can be rolled from room to room.

The Beosound Edge, created in collaboration with furniture designer Michael Anastassiades, is a large, round speaker that can be rolled into position or affixed to a wall. Its in-built proximity sensors detect when a person moves towards it, illuminating the touch interface that allows music to be controlled with a tap. When placed on the ground, users can gently adjust the sound by rolling the device back and forth.

Originally explored in our macrotrend Awakening Tech, designers are continuing to merge technology and industrial design to create products for the home with magical-seeming abilities. Designer Karlijn Hoorneman developed the Powerplant, an elegant solar-powered flower that communicates with a home’s energy meter, blossoming when energy use is low and shutting down when it’s high.

New Jersey – Vice’s online platform dedicated to food and drink has opened its first physical space dedicated to dining, located in the American Dream retail and entertainment complex.

The food court will host 18 vendors offering diverse menus, chosen according to how similar their ideologies are to those of Munchies. With a youth-driven perspective, the food court will act as a social hub as well as an interactive environment for events, such as demonstrations from guest chefs.

‘It’s about creating a memorable environment for our customers and a growth platform for our restaurateurs,’ says Dimitri Lalagos, senior vice-president of American Dream. ‘By working with Munchies we will attract a vibrant mix of concepts within an environment where our customers will interact and experience food like never before.’

Following in the footsteps of other publishers such as Time Out and Buzzfeed, the Munchies food court is the latest example of a media platform venturing into the physical realm to offer a more intimate experience for consumers. Read more about the comeback of food courts in our Destination Retail market.

A recent report by market research group NPD suggests that the appeal of athleisure is unwavering, with sales continuing to dominate in the US.

Data from the study shows that in the 12 months to June 2018, sales of sport sweatshirts increased by double-digit figures, while sales of active bottoms such as leggings grew 5%. US athleisure sales are expected to rise further in 2019, with strong performances predicted across various other activewear categories.

‘I’m often asked if the athleisure trend is going to fade away, and the answer is no,’ says Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor for retail at NPD. ‘When you have comfort and function combined with fashion it’s difficult to go back to anything else on a regular basis.’

As discussed in our Chinese Fitness Market, athleisure is similarly booming in China, due to growing interest in healthy living among the nation’s middle classes.