# Illusory Retail Brands employ illusions in the layout of their retail spaces. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jun 12, 2018 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/illusory-retail ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Illusory Retail trend? **Illusory Retail:** Brands are employing illusory designs in their brick-and-mortar spaces in order to enhance the overall customer experience. This shift caters to the consumer preference for experiential retail spaces, while giving brands some flexibility in cost due to the fact that these illusory designs can be constructed without the addition of tech, or entirely new services within stores. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 18, 2016 to Jun 8, 2018 - Published: Jun 12, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Illusory Retail trend ### Illusory Designs in Retail Spaces Brands are employing illusory designs in their brick-and-mortar spaces in order to enhance the overall customer experience. ### Naturally Inspired Displays in Retail Stores In-store displays that feature naturally inspired settings and displays are becoming popular in retail stores. ### Combining Art and Architecture in Retail Displays Art installations that celebrate the combination of art and architecture in retail spaces are becoming more common. ## What the Illusory Retail trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry The use of illusory designs and naturally inspired displays are trends that are disrupting the traditional retail industry. ### For Fashion Industry Naturally inspired displays and illusory designs are particularly applicable in the fashion industry where aesthetics and experience are key. ### For Art and Design Industry The trend of combining art and architecture in retail displays highlights an opportunity for the art and design industry to expand into retail spaces. ## Workshop question How could your brant employ illusory design in its products or retail spaces? ## Trend signals for Illusory Retail Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 68%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Illusory Retail trend 5 featured examples from Jul 18, 2016 to Jun 8, 2018. - [Illusory Retail Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemonade-studio): The Lemonade Studio Shop boasts Mirrored Counters and Striped Surfaces (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative retail space designs that enhance customer engagement and create memorable experiences. - [Mind-Bending Shoe Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vog-vault): The Vog Vault in Toronto's Fluevog Store is a Unique Optical Illusion (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunities for architects and designers to create innovative and visually stunning retail spaces that offer immersive and memorable experiences for customers. - [Mirrored Library Tunnels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-bookstore): This Chinese Bookstore Was Designed with a Focus on Symmetry (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities for creating immersive and visually stunning retail experiences using symmetric design and mirror surfaces. - [Illusionary Retail Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sous-le-ciel): 'Sous le Ciel' is the Latest Installation at Le Bon Marché in Paris (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Exploring the use of artistic installations and interactive displays to create unique shopping experiences that differentiate from e-commerce. - [Arboreal Handbag Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-forest-installation): 'The Forest' Installation Presents Bags in a Naturally Inspired Setting (Category: Business) Implication: Creating nature-inspired displays within fashion retail spaces to set brands apart and provide unique shopping experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)