One of the best things a brand can do for its image is to communicate directly with its target demographic and this list of 2018 interactive trends is bound to shine a light on some examples in the industry of late that have been successful in their engagement.
PUMA, for example, released its 90s-inspired Cell Venom. The chunky footwear model was celebrated at a one-day pop-up in London where guests could interact directly with the product and even prototype their design. The event was lab-themed and shoe customization experts Mr. Bailey and David Mawdsley were there to help individuals with concepts.
Other examples of 2018 interactive trends worth mentioning are Zappar and SIG who produced an AR-powered packaging sample that is informative, playful and allows consumers to interact directly with the purchased product.
For more interactive trends in the new year ahead, check out Trend Hunter's 2019 Trend Report.
Top 40 Interactive Trends in 2018
From Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases to Smart Vending Machines:
40
Comforting Cocoon Bedrooms
'The Zed Rooms' for Sleep Replicate the Safety of the Womb
39
Social Media Sneaker Try-Ons
adidas' Ultraboost 19 Style Can Be Previewed in AR on Snapchat
38
Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases
The PUMA Cell Venom Debuts at a Conceptual Pop-Up in London
37
Internet-Inspired Apparel Shops
The Next-Gen 'GU Style Studio' Blurs Online & Offline Experiences
36
Miami Fashion Pop-Up Shops
Madhappy Opens a Temporary Space in Conjunction with Art Basel 2018
35
Playful Independence Day Packaging
Markobar Boasts Interactive Board Game Packaging in Indonesia
34
Single-Day Pop-Up Bakeries
Strongbow Dark Fruit Honours Its Fans in Manchester with a Tasty Treat
33
Interactive Holiday Packaging
The Coca-Cola Packaging in Japan is District-specific & Collectible
32
Festive Grooming Pop-Ups
Benefit Cosmetics' 'Jingle Brow Express' Provides Last-Minute Services
31
Artful AR Hotel Rooms
LIFEWTR and Marriott Hotels Created a Customized Experience for Guests
30
Curiosity-Inspiring Phone Pop-Ups
This Google Pop-Up is Centered Around the Pixel 3 & Mindful Tech
29
Holiday Cooking Events
Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness Hosted an Interactive Cooking Event
28
Chocolate Customization Pop-Ups
This Kit Kat Chocolatory Pop-Up is Centered on Custom Confections
27
AR Sneaker Teases
Nike is Using AR to Showcase the New Air Jordan 11 Concord
26
Hands-Free Hair Coloring Guides
The Clairol Color Expert Provides Assistance Via Google Home
25
Smart Vending Machines
Mulberry's Interactive Retail Installation Captures Data & Offers Rewards
24
Multi-Sensory Confectionery Packaging
Electronic Equips Churchill's Tins with an Audio Component
23
Board Game Vending Machines
Big Potato's Product Vending Machine Shares Party Games
22
Playful Military Drum Tins
Design Bridge Creates Hero-Honoring Packaging for Cadbury
21
Augmented Educational Posters
Yorkshire Tea's Educational Campaign Shows the Importance of Trees
20
Thanksgiving Fun Run Promotions
Michelob Ultra is Offering Free Beer for Running a Turkey Trot
19
Perception-Shaping AR Experiences
Santander's AR experience Highlights Employed Homeless People
18
Informative AR Packaging Experiences
Zappar & SIG Produce Playful Interactive Packaging for Water
17
Personalized Jewelry Gift Guides
Alex and Ani is Sharing Gift-Giving Advice from Real People
16
Culinary Gondola Experiences
The Fondue Express Gondola Pairs a Three-Course Menu with Champagne
15
Multi-Sensory Holiday Markets
Paco Rabanne is Creating a Millennial-Targeted Fragrance Market
14
Festive Chocolate Postal Services
Cadbury's Secret Santa Service Shares Free Bars of Chocolate
13
Chicken Nugget String Lights
McDonald's UK Has Created Chicken McNugget String Lights and Baubles
12
Playful Canine Trampoline Parks
Rover.com' Pushes Unconventional and Entertaining Dog Activities
11
Experiential Invisible Cinemas
Santander's Cinema Educates Gen Z on Personal Data Privacy
10
Interactive Cancer Awareness Activations
'Testimatic' by FCB Raises Awareness of Testicular Cancer
9
Informative Food Packaging Concepts
SÍCLIC Attempts to Teach Consumers About Colombia Regions
8
Incentivized Shopping Campaigns
Burger King's Whopper-Shopper Helps Consumers Shop Online and Save
7
Artful Skincare Pop-Ups
La Prairie is Holding a Pop-Up at the Saatchi Gallery for Contemporary Art
6
Rewarding Reusable Coffee Tumblers
Starbucks' Brewed Refill Tumbler Comes with Unlimited Coffee
5
Festive Plant-Based Feasts
Tesco is Hosting 'Vegmas' as an Inspiring, Plant-Powered Holiday Dinner
4
Behind-the-Scenes In-Store Experiences
This Year, People Can Step Into the John Lewis Holiday Ad
3
Shoppable Holiday Choirs
Harvey Nichols' Charitable Experience Shares Shoppable Looks on Instagram
2
Festive AR Retail Experiences
Walmart's Holiday AR Lets Shoppers See Aisles Through a New Lens
1
Vodka Brand Travel Upgrades
Smirnoff Seltzer Will Pay for You to Avoid the Middle Seat of a Plane
Related Ideas
Experiential Luggage Events
The BÉIS Bloomingdale’s Takeover Featured a Human Claw Machine
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Adorable Plush Sneaker Collections
Colorful Plush-Inspired Sneakers Unite Character and Comfort
Celebratory Footwear Capsules
The adidas X West NYC Capsule Honors 85 Years of Tip Top Shoes
Luxe Designer Beauty Activations
YSL Launched an Entertainment-Themed Light Club 2.0 Concept
Playful Sport-Centric Partnerships
NIKE x LEGO Group Announced a Multi-Year Partnership
Gen-Z-Targeted Retail Concepts
Urban Outfitters Debuts 'On Rotation' with Nike
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
Fashion-Focused AI Production Studios
Vyking Debuts an AI-Driven Content Creation Module
Immersive Movement Installations
ASICS GEL-KINETIC 2.0 Explores Motion Through Spatial Design
AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms
Nike Introduces the AIRImagination Platform of Design
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes
Balenciaga x Puma Reinvent the Speedcat Ultrasoft Sneaker
AI Virtual Fitting Rooms
Perfect Corp. is Bringing a Try-On Experience to Fashion Forward Week
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Tech-Inspired Luxury Accessories
Coperni’s Tamagotchi Handbag Is a Y2K Tech Fashion Moment
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Hyper-Personalized AI Shopping Tech
OTB Group Embraces Hyper-Personalization with Google Cloud
Chic Festival-Ready Footwear
adidas' Icons are Festival and Spring-Forward Sneakers
AI-Driven Shoppable Catwalks
Topshop and THG Studios are Hosting a Next-Gen Fashion Experience
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Dynamic Running-Focused Retail Concepts
Nordstrom Debuts Nike Running @ the Corner
AI-Powered Fashion-Focused Digital Platforms
Makalot & Meta Intelligence Spotlight StyTrix
Sci-Fi Sneaker Capsules
PUMA x E.T. Collection Has Nostalgic Graphics Through Footwear and Apparel
Experiential fragrance
CPL Aromas Creates Interactive Scent Worlds for Emotional Engagement
Individuality-Focused Brand Campaigns
Adidas Originals' New Campaign Champions Timeless Classics
Fashion-Inspired Food Marketing
Magnum Blends Beauty, Music and Luxury Culture into Its Brand
Curated Online Fashion Storefronts
SHEIN Introduced its 'Trend Stores' for Personalized Shopping
Workwear-Themed Fashion Team-Ups
Timberland and TELFAR Announce Another Autumn Collaboration
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Sneaker Tag-Inspired Car Keys
Nissan's Kicks Key Merges Auto Technology with Streetwear Culture
Dynamic Scent-Inspired Fashion Presentations
Startup Fashion Week 2026 Concluded Its Program
Virtual Footwear Try-Ons
Google's AI-Powered Try-On Tech Helps with Online Shoe Shopping
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Elevated Classic Sneaker Silhouettes
Reebok Upgrades Three Classic, Fan-Favorite Footwear Styles
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Co-Branded Performance Running Sneakers
The Kith On Running Collaboration Merges Form and Function
Ai-Powered Metaverse Collaborations
Futureverse Strengthens Its Reebok Impact Collaboration
AI-Generated Fashion Week Content
Miami Fashion Week Willl Make Use of AI-Generated Content
Next-Gen Footwear Experiences
The PUMA NITRO Lab in Los Angeles Offers a Look at Breakthrough Tech
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Dynamic Textural Collaborative Shoes
Thug Club & Adidas Drop a Special Iteration of the Superstar
AI-Powered eCommerce Features
Amazon Interests Offers Tailored Product Options for Shoppers
Athletic Beauty Collabs
Rematch Debuts a Cosmetics Partnership a Sportswear Giant
Data-Driven Digital Experiences
Samsung Unveiled a Color-Changing Installation in London
Color-Conscious Summer Footwear
The FitFlop x Pantone Collection Showcases The Color of Comfort
Touch-Reactive Shoes
adidas and Humanrace's EVOLUTION Pro Integrates Haptic Elements
Limited Collaborative Streetwear
HIDDEN.NY x UGG Classic Boot Becomes Prize in Citywide Contest
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Influencer-Driven Fashion Events
Pacsun Collaborated with Prominent Gen-Z Creators
Creatively Shot Footwear Campaigns
Christian Louboutin Releases the Creative Spring 2026 Campaign
AI Retail Forecasts
Experts Outline how AI will Reshape Commerce By 2026
In-Store AI Stylists
Skechers' Luna Helps Customers Choose What to Buy
Fashion Gaming App Collabs
Drest x Jimmy Choo Let Gamers Style Paris-Themed Wardrobe Icons
AI Shopping Integrations
Sephora’s ChatGPT App Enables AI-Powered Product Discovery
Mobile Try-On Tours
Kizik Invites People to See Its Hands-Free Shoes in Action
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
AI Retail Concierge Systems
Puma’s In-Store AI Assistant Offers Multilingual Product Guidance
AI-Powered Shopping Features
John Lewis Launches a TikTok Shop Trial
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
GenAI Fashion Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. Fashion APIs Help Shoppers Visualize Scarves, Hats & More
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Retro Indoor Sneakers
Puma x Beams Unveil the KING INDOOR Reimagined Classic in Off‑white Suede
AI-Powered Shoppable Runways
Topshop and THG Studios Hosted a Front Row AI Experience
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Rich Burgundy-Toned Footwear
Reebok Spotlights a Seasonal Color with Bestselling Silhouettes
Virtual Clothing Tools
Virtual Try On Generates Realistic Clothing Images For Marketing And Social
Resilient Collaboration Fashion Capsules
Converse and Daily Paper Launch Rise Through the Ropes
Multi-Year Footwear Partnerships
Nike and LEGO Team Up for a New Kid-Centric Collaboration
Minimal Stylish Elegant Sneakers
18 East and Mephisto Present the Break Spectrum Shoe
AI Beauty Apps
Refresh App Combines Hair, Makeup and Styling in One AI Platform
Flea-Market-Inspired Brand Experiences
CASEKOO Hosted a DIY Experience in Beijing
Pop-Up Streaming Service Experiences
EE and Netflix Partnered for an Immersive Experience
Running Footwear Showrooms
The Brooks Spring/Summer 2027 showroom previews upcoming footwear
AI Styling Technology
Zelig Transforms Fashion Retail Experiences with Smart Recommendations
RGB-Themed Pop-Up Activations
Hisense Debuted a Pop-Up FIFA Activation at Hudson Yard
AI-Powered Shoppable Experiences
ASOS Launches Thire ASOS Stylist With ChatGPT Integration
Predictive Artificial Intelligence Tools
Creatable AI Analyzes Social Commerce Data
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Virtual Sneaker Authentication Services
Real Authentication Has Expanded to the Sneaker Market
Experiential Running Shoe Shops
House of SportsShoes Merges Digital Presence & Physical Experience
AI Marketing Features
Adweek Introduced Its Agentic AI Insights With ADWEEK Possible House Chat
Agentic Video Platforms
D-ID Agentic Videos Enable Real-Time Interaction Within Content
TV Show-Inspired Sneakers
PUMA Presents the SQUID Game Palermo Sneaker Model with Netflix
Custom Suede Sneakers
The Bodega × Puma Suede Sneakers Debuts with Customizable Lacing
Sports Lifestyle Retail
Nordstrom Blends World Cup Fashion with Immersive Pop-Ups
Conversational Sizing Recommendations
Gap Inc. Introduced Predictive Sizing and AI-Native Commerce
Interactive Traveling Marketing Initiatives
Heinz Pllayfully Spotlights the Heinz Ketchup Zero
Shoppable Microdramas
Crocs and SuperOrdinary Turn TikTok Storytelling Into Shopping Experiences
Mobile Retail Experiences
Duluth Trading Brings Apparel Shopping to Events with a Mobile Showroom
Holiday-Theme Footwear Capsules
Footwear Brand AUTRY Uses AI to Generate its Holiday Campaign
Athlete Arrival Fashion Activations
ATP Introduces Athlete Arrivals to Spotlight Players Style
AI-Powered Sampling Experiences
Swish is Revolutionizing How Consumers Try New Products
Interactive Content Sharing
STIK App Lets Users Publish Content Directly On Physical Products
AI-Native Beauty Commerce
L'Oréal Brings Virtual Try-Ons and Product Discovery into ChatGPT
Interactive Robotic Demonstrations
GoLabs and GOTRAX Partner to Spotlight a New Golf Cart
Marathon Performance Hubs
The PUMA NITRO Lab Transforms ICA into a Multi-Day Running Activation
Gamified Discount Events
Build-A-Bear Uses Mystery Offers to Drive Engagement
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
AI Shopping Search Tools
Vibe Shopping Uses AI To Identify Products From TikTok And Video Content
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Pixelated Runway Displays
Fendi Works Together with Marc Newson for a Dynamic Set at Ss26
Conversational Video Discovery
Youtube Introduces AI-Powered Search with Interactive Responses
Footwear Product Image Generators
Shoe FYI Creates Product And Promotional Images For Merchants
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Shoppable Swimsuits
Sports Illustrated Launches Its Shoppable Swimsuits
Experiential Sock Pop-Ups
O2's Not a Sock Shop Shared Designs Reflecting Priority Experiences
Measured Retail Expansions
Vessi Launches its Bellevue Store and In-Store Splash Experience
Spatial Commerce Platforms
Curie Shop Brings Interactive Product Exploration To Sneaker Shopping
Year-Round Basketball Platform
Foot Locker Launches Its Hoops Lives Here Campaign
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Hybrid Beauty Discovery
Ulta Beauty Finds Gen Alpha Blends AI Tools with In-Store Shopping
AI Fashion Assistants
Your AI Personal Stylist That Matches Looks to Vibes with Ease
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
AI Try-On Conversion Metrics
DRESSX's AI Try-On System Shows Higher Ecommerce Conversions
Interactive Packaging Content
SmartLinks Debuts a Self-Serve Platform for Product Packaging
Celebrity-Supported Smart Glasses Campaigns
Ray-Ban and Meta Tap Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor
Film-Centric Fashion Capsules
Rihanna's Fenty Joins Puma on a Special Smurfs Collection
Experiential Trade Shows
Wines Experience Reinvents Industry Networking in London
Bold Collaborative Sneakers
S.R. Studio LA CA x Vans Revive Iconic Shoes with Bold Print Treatment
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
Transparency Driven Shoppers
Akeneo's 'PX Pulse' Highlights Demand For Clearer Product Details
Retail Marketing Advancements
Westfield Rise Debuts a Programmatic Targeting Solution For Malls
Wear-Evolving Sneakers
J.L-A.L PUMA CELL Geo 1 Pack Features Gradient Uppers That Change Over Time
Marketplace Showrooms
StockX Combines Shopping, Seller Services and Community Events in New York
Collaborative Zipped Sneakers
Footpatrol, Hiking Patrol, and Reebok Launch an Instapump Fury
Event-Driven Instant Retail
JD Sports Delivers England Shirts Through Uber Eats Before Kick-Off