Why Self Actualization Is The Future of Retail - Retail Executive Magazine Exclusive

Why Self Actualization Is The Future of Retail - Retail Executive Magazine Exclusive

Understanding your customer’s basic, societal, and growth needs should influence your current strategies and offerings. What is the future of retail? A question that has stirred up spirited debate — one we are reminded of with a simple walk to the grocery store or while mulling over a gum purchase. The notion of looking in unordinary places to answer ordinary questions has always inspired me. Triggered by a desire to pursue a consulting venture that provoked positive change and coming off six years in strategy at Lululemon, this trail led me to none other than the field of evolutionary psychology. If that phrase conjures up Psychology 101 and images of Abraham Maslow, you’re on the right track. It is in the posthumous of Maslow’s work and its iterations that lay an undiscovered truth that, if unpacked, can open up a world of opportunity.

Boston's Front End of Innovation wraps!

I was asked to share my insights on the link between yoga and strategy at the Front End of Innovation in Boston, MA earlier this year. Having spent seven years working in the athletic apparel space, six of those with the market leader in yoga apparel, this is something to which I've dedicated hours if not days of mind share. To what end? There are three things I believe they have in common - growth, alignment and core. Curious to hear more? Look for my next post and catch some additional FEI highlights below!

The FEI arena!

The FEI arena!

No Boston trip would be complete without "Chowda"! No need to reinvent this retail concept - their product is an experience in itself. #selfactualizing

No Boston trip would be complete without "Chowda"! No need to reinvent this retail concept - their product is an experience in itself. #selfactualizing

Game time!

Game time!

Co-founder and President of Pixar and Disney, Ed Catmull on Creativity

Co-founder and President of Pixar and Disney, Ed Catmull on Creativity

Inside Out Innovation presents Lindsay Angelo - spotlight podcast

Inside Out Innovation presents Lindsay Angelo - spotlight podcast

Lindsay Angelo is a former Strategist with Lululemon but is now pursuing a new venture as a strategy consultant. She talked with Josh about trends in the retail space especially around the idea of a self-actualization economy and how democratization of retail influences the way that people invest and the way products are developed. She also touched on what brands she sees doing things right and what the innovation scene looks like in Vancouver. 

A glimpse into Future Stores, Seattle, WA

A glimpse into Future Stores, Seattle, WA

Coming off of another mind-bending year at Future Stores, I left inspired and energized at what the future of retail has in store! What better way to capture than through the power of visuals - see below for the highlights:

Media house, Innovation Leader gets behind the scenes with Lindsay Angelo

Media house, Innovation Leader gets behind the scenes with Lindsay Angelo

It’s challenging to list all of the things causing angst for the retail sector, from Amazon to new startups to the death of once-popular malls around the country.

But according to Lindsay Angelo, a former Strategy Manager at Vancouver-based lululemon athletica, all that disruption creates the imperative to think differently and take risks. (Angelo left the company earlier this month, and is now a growth strategy consultant.)