Daily Signals 21.05.2024

Signals

DesignStudio and Eucalyptus refresh healthcare design, Dover Street Market opens new branch in Paris and why UK consumers spend more on second-hand fashion.

DesignStudio and Eucalyptus are pushing the boundaries of healthcare design

Compound by DesignStudio, Australia
Compound by DesignStudio, Australia
Compound by DesignStudio, Australia

Australia – Digital healthcare company Eucalyptus has partnered with DesignStudio to craft a brand identity for its latest men’s health initiative, Compound.

A data-driven performance optimisation and preventative health tool, the name Compound was chosen to reflect the impact of long-term consistent positive action on health and fitness.

DesignStudio also wanted to reflect the symbiosis of tradition and modernity that informs Compound’s values through the brand’s logo and typography, visually translating the initiative’s aspirations to revolutionise Australian men’s healthcare.

Other aspects of branding play on Compound’s clinical grade diagnosis system, using image treatments reminiscent of x-ray scans and futuristic, fluorescent tones. The branding also includes personal touches, such as 3D user headshots and user-created versions of the brand name in a nod to the individualised nature of the Compound experience.

For more of the latest global design futures, check out our Design topic on LS:N Global.

Strategic opportunity

Break free from perceived design norms in your industry and tailor your brand identity to visually communicate your values to consumers and foster strong brand loyalty and engagement

Dover Street Market’s new Paris branch embraces Beautiful Chaos

Dover Street Market designed by Rei Kawakubo, Paris, France Dover Street Market designed by Rei Kawakubo, Paris, France
Dover Street Market designed by Rei Kawakubo, Paris, France Dover Street Market designed by Rei Kawakubo, Paris, France

France – Dover Street Market (DSM) will open its eighth store in Paris on 24 May 2024. The retail space was designed to embody Beautiful Chaos – challenging conventional store layouts and encouraging exploration.

The new location occupies parts of the Hôtel de Coulanges, once home to Madame de Sevigné, a notable figure in 17th-century French literature. Conceived by creative duo Andrian Joffe and Rei Kawakubo, the store’s exterior bears no store window or visible branding, inviting passers-by to give in to curiosity to explore what lies behind the open doors. Spread across three levels, the retail space is also home to a Rose Bakery café and will host diverse cultural events, echoing DSM’s commitment to blending fashion with arts.

The newest Dover Street Market exemplifies a shift towards immersive, experience-driven retail environments that foster exploration and discovery. This approach aligns with broader trends in global placemaking, where spaces are designed to be multi-functional, culturally rich and community-focused.

Strategic opportunity

Create immersive, boundary-blurring retail environments that combine art, culture and commerce to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, setting new standards for experiential shopping

Sweetgreen stock skyrockets 37% as new steak dishes added

Sweetgreen, US Sweetgreen, US

US – The stock of salad chain Sweetgreen surged by 37% following impressive first-quarter earnings and the nationwide introduction of steak to its roster of ingredients in 2024. The fast-casual restaurant franchise’s growth strategies, including its Infinite Kitchens programme that uses robotic technology, have been praised by analysts.

JP Morgan analyst Rahul Krotthapalli wrote in a note to clients that the numbers ‘continue to inspire confidence in the momentum the brand has been building since late last year’. The company plans to open seven new Infinite Kitchens in 2024. Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman also told clients that steak accounted for one in five dinners ordered during its test phase and could expand Sweetgreen’s customer base.

The addition of steak has raised environmental concerns, however, as beef production is a significant source of greenhouse gases. But Sweetgreen argues that pasture-raised cows offer environmental benefits such as enhanced land management and carbon sequestration.

In our Food & Drink Futures 2024–2025 Online Event on Tuesday 4 June 2024, our team of analysts will unpack the mounting challenges such as inflation, environmental considerations, health fads and misinformation that consumers and food and drink professionals are facing.

Strategic opportunity

Introduce high-demand, premium ingredients like steak or other protein options to attract new customer segments and increase average order value

Stat: UK consumers increase spending in second-hand fashion boom

thredUP, US thredUP, US

UK – Consumer spending on second-hand clothing and shoes surged to £2.4bn ($3bn, €2.8bn) in 2023, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable fashion. A recent study reveals that half of UK shoppers purchased pre-worn items, with second-hand apparel now constituting nearly a quarter (23%) of the average Briton’s wardrobe. This percentage rises to 34% among those aged 18–34.

The survey, conducted for the Westfield shopping centre group, highlights significant regional and demographic differences. On average, Britons bought three second-hand clothing items in 2023. Younger adults, aged 18–34, led the charge, with an average of 5.3 items, compared to just 1.7 items for those aged 55 and over. Londoners were particularly enthusiastic, purchasing an average of 6.6 second-hand pieces.

Financial savings emerged as a major driver, especially during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Second-hand shoppers spent an average of £91.60 ($116.35, €107) with expenditure rising to £120.40 ($152.95, €140.70) for young adults and £133.20 ($169.20, €155.65) for Londoners. Environmental concerns influenced 16% of second-hand shoppers, who viewed their purchases as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion – a topic we explore further in Resale Redux.

Strategic opportunity

As consumers become more comfortable shopping second-hand, think about how you can elevate the experience. Would you consider designing second-hand stores with a boutique-like atmosphere? This could create a high-end shopping experience, helping to destigmatise second-hand fashion

Previous Daily Signals Articles
Rosewood leans into modern luxury with refreshed brand identity

Daily Signals

Rosewood leans into modern luxury with refreshed brand identity

Luxury hotel group Rosewood is repositioning itself as a lifestyle and cultural leader, with a focus on storytelling and experiential travel.
Luxury : Hospitality : Rosewood
Foresight Friday: Olivia Houghton, insights and engagement director

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Olivia Houghton, insights and engagement director

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, insights and engagement d...
Culture : Beauty : Fashion
Stat: Study shows decline in social media use among younger adults

Daily Signals

Stat: Study shows decline in social media use among younger adults

Adults are spending less time on social media, following a peak three years ago. By the end of 2024, those aged 16 or older were spending an averag...
Media : Technology : Statistic
Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Daily Signals

Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Ulta Beauty has launched UB Marketplace, a new online platform introducing more than 100 emerging beauty and wellness brands to its website and app...
Beauty : Retail : Ecommerce
Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Daily Signals

Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Travel start-up Curated Spaces has launched a booking platform that puts personal style, trusted recommendations and curated experiences at the hea...
Travel : Hospitality : Digital
Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

New polling highlights a sharp political gender gap within Gen Z, positioning young women as the most liberal demographic in the US, according to a...
Youth : Politics : Gen Z
Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Daily Signals

Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Heineken is transforming Seoul’s empty rooftops into vibrant social spaces as part of a new campaign combatting urban loneliness and removing barri...
Culture : Drink : Loneliness
Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Daily Signals

Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Manchester-based wellness brand Feeling has launched a transdermal energy patch designed to address persistent fatigue in individuals who maintain ...
Health : Wellness : Supplements
Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

Daily Signals

Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

As inflation continues to put pressure on spending, gift cards are set to dominate this year’s festive period in the US. According to Blackhaw...
Retail : Consumer Spending : Inflation
Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Daily Signals

Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Yōjō is a new wellness eco-system using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), biofeedback and human coaching to help people calm their bodie...
Health : Wellness : Technology
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN