The top November 2017 retail ideas dive deep into autonomous technology, mixed reality and small-format stores as a means of engaging the modern consumer in new ways.
While there are many retail stores that pride themselves on being destinations in and of themselves, Wheelys' Moby Mart Shanghai store on wheels sets itself apart by traveling to consumers.
Some of the most noteworthy concepts in high-tech retail include the newly opened and unstaffed Xiaomai in China, Mastercard's AR shopping experiences with iris authentication, chloma x STYLY's mixed-reality shopping events and eBAY creating what it calls "the world’s first subconscious shopping experience." Amazon is also continuing to build its brick-and-mortar presence with a bar that recommends drinks to patrons in the same way that it suggests items that one might like to shop online.
Top 55 Retail Ideas in November
From Mobile Mini Markets to Autonomous Convenience Stores:
Laura McQuarrie — Nov 25, 2017 — Business
54
Turnkey Experiential Retail Spaces
thisopenspace Launched the 'Sleepover' Concept Store in Toronto
53
Millennial-Targeted CPG Brands
'Uniquely J' is a Grocery and Household Goods Brand from Jet.com
52
Desert Accessory Popups
Cactus de Cartier's Showcase Took Place at Kuwait's Al Shaheed Park
51
Plastic Chair Pop-Up Shops
The Diversity of the Eames Plastic Chair is Celebrated at This Pop-Up
50
Redesigned Disney Stores
The New Disney Stores Connects Consumers to the Theme Park Experience
49
Virtual Shopping Street Platforms
Orchard Mile Lets You Build Your Own Online Shopping Street
48
At-Cost Fashion Lines
MyClothes Retails Sweaters, Pants and T-shirts Starting at $5
47
Global eCommerce Shipping Solutions
'Easyship' Offers Discounted Rates and More for Sellers
46
Inclusive Child Clothing Lines
Cat and Jack Designed Adaptive Clothing for Kids with Disabilities
45
Low-Cost Folded Breakfast Sandwiches
The New Jack in the Box Breakfast Pockets are Easy to Enjoy
44
Online AI Shopping Tools
Net-A-Porter is Building an AI Tool That Makes Personalized Suggestions
43
Dog-Specific Loyalty Programs
The Biscuit Smart Collar Offers Dogs an Optimal In-Store Experience
42
Ridesharing Credit Cards
The Uber Visa Card Appeals to Millennials with Special Perks
41
Alcohol eCommerce Bars
The Amazon Bar Promotes Alcoholic Drinks Available Through Amazon
40
AI Clothing Model Generators
Vue.ai Creates Custom Models Based on a Consumer's Selected Size
39
All-Encompassing Wellness Stores
Hello Love Touches on Art, Spirituality, Food and Movement
38
Subconscious Shopping Experiences
The Art of Shopping Presented by eBay Measures Brain Signals
37
Unbranded Beauty Essential Lines
Brandless Has Added 15 New Beauty Products to Its Affordable Line
36
Transparent Lifestyle Goods Retailers
H&M's 'Arket' Website Emphasizes Where Each Product is Made
35
AR Eyewear Apps
Topology Eyewear Uses AR to Let Consumers Try on Glasses
34
Futuristic Furniture Stores
Home Times Brings State-of-the-Art Tech to Furniture and Decor Retail
33
Tech-Focused Travel Agencies
ZANADU Opened Its First Brick-and-Mortar Location in Shanghai
32
Credit Card-Branded Pop-Ups
Marie Claire and Mastercard Partnered for a Tech-Infused Shop
31
Farm-Inspired Coffee Shops
'Doutor Coffee Farm' is Styled to Resemble a Coffee Plantation Mansion
30
Autonomous Convenience Stores
An Unstaffed 'Xiaomai' CPG Store Has Opened in Beijing
29
Drive-Through Retail Services
Target Drive Up Lets Consumers Pick Up Items Using a Drive-Through
28
Wardrobe Recommendation Sites
Finery Analyzes Users' Wardrobes to Offer Up New Clothes
27
Teen eCommerce Accounts
Amazon for Teens Lets Youth Shop Independently from Parents' Orders
26
Automotive Experience Studios
The Interactive 'FordHub' Space Connects Ford to Consumers
25
Custom Framing Collaborations
Target and Framebridge Created a Collection of Six Art Frames
24
Italian Cuisine QSR Sandwiches
The Starbucks Chicken Caprese Panini is Here for a Limited Time
23
Holiday-Themed Ice Cream Treats
The New Sonic Holiday Mint Treats are Infused with Oreo Cookies
22
Haunted Clothing Shops
Budweiser's 'King of Fears' Store Doubles as a Haunted House
21
Supermarket Drinking Festivals
The Waitrose Drinks Festival Introduces Consumers to New Products
20
Tiny Staff-Free Convenience Stores
BingoBox is a Chinese Startup Competing with Amazon Go
19
Fisherman Subscription Services
Mystery Tackle Box Delivers Hand-Selected Gear
18
Sustainable Digital Micro-Grocers
Farmstead's AI Calculates and Predicts Orders to Reduce Waste
17
Digital Christmas Catalogs
The Sears Wish Book Will Be Revived in Print, Online and Via Sears' App
16
Assistive Retail Robots
Japan's Parco Department Store Uses Siriusbot for Various Tasks
15
Offline Product-Locating Apps
Target and Pinterest's App Helps to Locate Online Items In-Store
14
Canadian Fashion Pop-Ups
INLAND's Fall Pop-Up Spotlighted 70 Canadian Designers
13
Chat-Based Luxury Sales
Luxury Sales Associates Use WeChat to Personally Connect with Shoppers
12
Pasta-Focused Grocery Bars
The Whole Foods Market Mac & Cheese Bar will Open in Denver
11
AR Shopping Experiences
Mastercard's AR Experience Lets Customers Scan Their Eyes to Pay
10
Student Subscription Discounts
The Amazon Prime Student Program Introduces Month-by-Month Payments
9
Mixed-Reality Shopping Events
chloma x STYLY are Introducing the Future of Shopping
8
Vacation Incentive Loyalty Programs
Consumers Can Earn Air Miles with Groupon's Loyalty Program
7
Collaborative Meatless Products
Waitrose Created Plant-Based Products with The Vegetarian Butcher
6
Mysterious Blended Coffee Drinks
The Starbucks Halloween Mystery Frappuccino is Available in Japan
5
Simplified Loyalty Programs
Macy's New Star Rewards Program is Easy to Understand
4
Fiery Limited-Edition Pretzels
The Auntie Anne's Sriracha Pretzel was Voted the 2017 Fan Favorite
3
Blended Cinnamon Cereal Shakes
The Burger King Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake is Smooth and Crunchy
2
QSR Venison Steak Sandwiches
The Arby's Venison Sandwich Will be Available for One Day
1
Retailer Talk Shows
Sportswear Brand Gant is Launching Its Own YouTube Show
Related Ideas
Deliverable Pre-Fab Homes
MODS International Partnered with Amazon to Offer Pre-Fab Homes Online
Anatomical Dairy Packaging
This Milk Container Packaging Draws Inspiration from a Cow's Physique
Health-Tracking Dog Collars
The Waggit Provides Insights into a Pet's Health and Vitals
Lakeside Micro Cabins
The Nisser Micro Cabin is Covered in a Blond Timber Facade
Comprehensive Camping Trailers
The Taxa Mantis Has a Kitchen, Bathroom and Sleeping Quarters
Turnkey Experiential Retail Spaces
thisopenspace Launched the 'Sleepover' Concept Store in Toronto
Millennial-Targeted CPG Brands
'Uniquely J' is a Grocery and Household Goods Brand from Jet.com
Plastic Chair Pop-Up Shops
The Diversity of the Eames Plastic Chair is Celebrated at This Pop-Up
Virtual Shopping Street Platforms
Orchard Mile Lets You Build Your Own Online Shopping Street
Shimmering Temporary Hair Makeup
Clairol's 'Color Crave' Line Encourages Consumers to Be Creative
City-Complementing Art Installations
'Joy and Peace' Brings Color and Happiness to London
Premium Canine Scarves
'Bundle-pup' Helps Keep Furry Friends Warm and Stylish
Luxe Leather Pop-Up Shops
Mansur Gavriel's Millennial Pink Pop-Up is Filled with Leather Goods
Robotic Touch-Responsive Cats
'Qoobo' is a Robotic Cat with a Tail That Moves in Response to Touch
Online AI Shopping Tools
Net-A-Porter is Building an AI Tool That Makes Personalized Suggestions
Dog-Specific Loyalty Programs
The Biscuit Smart Collar Offers Dogs an Optimal In-Store Experience
Connected Dog Food Scoops
'The Smart Scoop' from 'YaDoggie' Ensures Your Dog Isn't Being Overfed
Charitable Snack Zones
CVS's 'Snacks That Give Back' All Provide Donations for Charities
VR Retail Showcases
Walmart's Store No. 8 is Imagining the Future of Retail with Virtual Reality
Alcohol eCommerce Bars
The Amazon Bar Promotes Alcoholic Drinks Available Through Amazon
Neural Network Training Games
Google's 'Teachable Machine' Lets Any User Train an AI System
Rapper Bodega Pop-Ups
A$AP Rocky's AWGE x Selfridges Bodega is Inspired by the Star's Home Town
Kitchen Tool-Vending Machines
This Subway Station Machine Dispenses IKEA Kitchen Tools
Autonomous Home Security Drones
'Aire' Monitors One's Home Using a 360-Degree Camera
Functional Over-the-Shoulder Purses
Vetements' New Granny Bag Doubles as a Shopping Tote
HD Security Doorbells
August's 'Doorbell Cam Pro Works' in Tandem with Its Smart Lock
Switchback Ship Decks
The Seasight Cruise Gives Passengers Optimal Viewing Platforms of the Fjords
Subconscious Shopping Experiences
The Art of Shopping Presented by eBay Measures Brain Signals
Unbranded Beauty Essential Lines
Brandless Has Added 15 New Beauty Products to Its Affordable Line
Futuristic Furniture Stores
Home Times Brings State-of-the-Art Tech to Furniture and Decor Retail
Makeup Remover Pens
LashFood's Chamomile Makeup Eraser Perfects Brows with Precision
Triangular Shipping Container Cafes
Triangular Sky Cafe is Built from Recycled Materials
Affordable Handcrafted Footwear
Heimdall Footwear Creates Premium Boots at an Accessible Price
Scientific Pop-Up Books
'This Book is a Planetarium' Offers Fully Functioning Paper Gadgets
Credit Card-Branded Pop-Ups
Marie Claire and Mastercard Partnered for a Tech-Infused Shop
Biometric Bank Services
Visa ID Intelligence is an API Offering That Uses Face Scans for Security
Drive-Through Retail Services
Target Drive Up Lets Consumers Pick Up Items Using a Drive-Through
Connected Cruise Ship Wearables
Carnival’s Regal Princess is Offering a More Personal Experience
Teen eCommerce Accounts
Amazon for Teens Lets Youth Shop Independently from Parents' Orders
Pantone-Themed Reading Glasses
The Afternoon X Pantone Collection Changes Reading Glass Standards
Social Media Soda Cans
Fanta's Packaging for Halloween Connects to Snapchat Filters and Lenses
Lead-Free Statement Jewelry
Foxy Originals' Fall/Winter 2017 Collection is Chic and Eco-Friendly
Diagonally Patterned Basket Shelves
These Adorable Shelves offer a Minimalist Storage Alternative
Mystery Series Pop-Up Restaurants
The Riverdale Popup Restaurant is Happening in Toronto
Dog-Friendly Movie Screenings
You Can Watch a Movie with Your Dog at London's PictureHouse Central
Temporary Millennial-Targeted Eateries
Gordon Ramsey is Launching the Cobalt Social in Toronto
Pop-Up Philanthropic Bars
Toronto's 'PhilanthroPub' Donates 100% of Proceeds to Local Charities
Ethical Imitation Shrimp
New Wave Foods Creates 100% Plant-Based Shrimp
Rooftop Grocer Gardens
The Grocery Store IGA Has Introduced a Rooftop Garden
Primary Color-Themed Kindergartens
This Japanese Kindergarten Focuses on Vivid and Playful Designs
Spooky Disney Lip Balms
Lip Smackers Released a Tsum Tsum Disney Halloween Collection
Single-Estate Cold Brew Teas
Argo Tea and Whole Foods Market are Launching RTD Bottled Teas
Long-Life Electric Toothbrushes
The usmile U1 Toothbrush Operates for 6 Months on a 3-Hour Charge
Spherical Anime Robots
Bandai is Building a Real-Life Version of Its Gundam Haro Robot
Barcode-Scanning Grocery Gadgets
The Lystr Device Creates Shopping Lists On Your Smartphone
Dual-Colored Dessert Cones
foodora and iHalo Created a Two-Colored Halloween Ice Cream
Digitally Defaced Sculptures
Sebastian Errazuriz Created a Graffiti-Covered Sculpture in Protest
Tiny Staff-Free Convenience Stores
BingoBox is a Chinese Startup Competing with Amazon Go
Fisherman Subscription Services
Mystery Tackle Box Delivers Hand-Selected Gear
Search Engine Donut Shops
Google is Opening Pop-Up Donut Stores in Major Cities
Rich Gender-Neutral Fragrances
Aesop's 'Hwyl Eau De Parfum' is a Scent for the Winter Months
Smart Hi-Fi Speaker Hubs
The 'Spark' Smart Home Hub Speaker Works with Amazon Alexa and More
Wickedly Cursed Gin Drinks
The Limited Edition 'Evil Spirits Gin' Has Been Cursed by a Real Witch
Voice-Controlled Curtain Systems
The 'Brunt Blind Engine' Can Be Controlled Through Amazon's Alexa
Assistive Retail Robots
Japan's Parco Department Store Uses Siriusbot for Various Tasks
Offline Product-Locating Apps
Target and Pinterest's App Helps to Locate Online Items In-Store
Prepackaged Almond Milk Drinks
The New Starbucks Almond Milk Beverages will Launch in 2018
Portable Voice Assistant Speakers
The MK Portable Alexa Wireless Speaker Answers Queries Anywhere
Transport Card Loyalty Programs
Dubai's Nol Cardholders Can Soon Earn 'nol+' Points
Chat-Based Luxury Sales
Luxury Sales Associates Use WeChat to Personally Connect with Shoppers
British-Chinese Fusion Pop-Ups
Barbarian Bar Serves Traditional Chinese Fare Using British Produce
Sweet Zombie-Inspired Drinks
Starbucks is Rumored to Be Preparing a Flavorful 'Zombie Frappuccino'
Experience-Oriented Loyalty Programs
North Face's 'VIPeak' Lets Consumer Redeem Experiences
Celebrity-Themed Japanese Snacks
Umaibo Nicolasticks are Branded With Nic Cage's Visage
Blockchain Ticketing Systems
'Aventus' Makes Ticket Sales More Secure and Less Fraudulent
Painful Skate Shop Promotions
Ozmosis is Offering a Discount for Injuries with #PayWithPain
Kid-Friendly Manicure Products
nailmatic Makes Non-Toxic Water-Based Nail Colors for Kids
Permanent Anime-Branded Stores
The 'Sailor Moon Store' Opened in Tokyo's Shopping District
Antioxidant-Rich Lemon Drinks
Dirty Lemon's Newest Drink Blends Cold-Pressed Lemon Juice & Matcha
TV Series Outfit Retailers
The Dote App Lets Consumers Shop Outfits as Seen on 'The Bold Type'
Essential Oil Subscriptions
Saje Wellness' 'Endless Essentials' Permits Continuous Ordering
Revitalizing Collagen Mists
G.M. Collin's Anti-Aging Mist Protects and Hydrates
Ramen Ice Cream Pints
Namco's 'Baby Star on Ice' Features Baby Star Noodles Mixed into Ice Cream
Smart Voice Assistant Speakers
The Sonos One Smart Speaker Has Built-in Support for Amazon Alexa
Roasted Potato Drinks
JR East Train Stations' Vending Machines Dispense Sweet Potato in a Bottle
AR Shopping Experiences
Mastercard's AR Experience Lets Customers Scan Their Eyes to Pay
Premium Matcha Tea Partnerships
Material Matcha Uji is a Premium Matcha Tea Brand Seeking Funding
Mixed-Reality Shopping Events
chloma x STYLY are Introducing the Future of Shopping
Plant Chemistry Skincare
Amala Beauty's Gentle Formulas Renew Aging Skin With Natural Agents
Far-Reaching Social Media Apps
IFTTT is Able to Manage a Variety of Media-Related Services
Holographic Car Design Tools
Ford is Now Using Microsoft's HoloLens for Its Design Center
Haunting VR Elevators
Fanta Created 'The 13th Floor' VR Experience for Halloween
Fruity Cold Weather Cocktails
The Kinky Cocktails Vixen Features a Blend of Seasonal Flavors
Mysterious Blended Coffee Drinks
The Starbucks Halloween Mystery Frappuccino is Available in Japan
Design-Plotting Devices
'Plotter' is a Smart Design Assistant That Draws and Sketches without Ink
Holistic Home Control Switches
The Céliane NETATMO Smart Outlets and Switches are Streamlined
Spooky Vampire Coffee Beverages
The 'Vampire Frappuccino' is Available at Starbucks UK Locations
Immersive Streaming Equipment
The Amazon Fire 4K Ultra HD TV Offers Expansive Access to Content
Branded Kids Media Apps
The DisneyNOW App Packs All of the Brands Content in One Spot
Shareable Shelter Dog Campaigns
BBDO's Adoptable Mask Ad Taps into Snapchat's Selfie Mask Concept
Haunting Theatrical Experiences
'The Soulless Ones' Offers 105 Immersive Scenes to Explore