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Where brands come to life

Chat with Izzy

“Hi there, if you’re a creator wanting to chat about your next career steps or a brand looking to hook-up with the latest talent, then drop me a line or give me a call – we’re here to help!”

0161 477 8501

07842 444 174

izzy.field@weareipos.com
Izzy Field

Chat with Alice

“Hi, great to meet you. I’m Alice and I run the IPOS ACTIVATE pillar, making sure all our customer projects run like clockwork. If want to talk anything activations-based, then give me a shout.”

0161 507 1473

07375 408 218

alice.bew@weareipos.com

Chat with Scott

“Hey, I’m Scott, Head of IPOS CREATE. If you’d like to chat anything creative, then please give me a shout. We’re a friendly team with years of experience.”

0161 507 1470
07741 556 603
scott.waldron@weareipos.com
Scott Waldron

Chat with Tim

“Hi, I’m Tim and I lead the IPOS IGNITE pillar, helping brands just like yours at the earliest stages in your creative journey. I’m always up for a chat, so drop me a note or give me a call.”

0161 477 8501

07842 444 173

tim.nash@weareipos.com

Tim Nash

Looking Ahead in 2025: Shaping the Future of Retail Strategy

Home5 Blog / latest news5Looking Ahead in 2025: Shaping the Future of Retail Strategy

This LIVE event was an inspiring start to the 2025 series, delving into the evolution of retail strategies and how brands can captivate and retain customer attention. Our experts Samm Lloyd, Tim Nash, and Izzy Field shared key trends and actionable insights, drawing on real-world examples—including one of our very own projects at IPOS.

The Shift from Omni-Channel to Unified Storytelling

Retail is no longer just about omni-channel strategies—it’s about unified storytelling. Tim explained how “Brand 2.0” transforms how brands operate, moving from siloed campaigns to cohesive narratives that connect seamlessly across every touchpoint. This shift enables brands to tell one continuous story that resonates from the physical store to social media and beyond.

The Louis Vuitton campaign is a perfect illustration of this approach. With pop-up activations, Instagrammable moments, even micro-details, like a website cursor coming to life, demonstrated the meticulous orchestration that sets this successful campaign apart. Every element was part of a larger story that captured the imagination of consumers across the globe.

Experiences That Inspire: IPOS and the Stanley Cup Activation

 

At IPOS, we know how to bring this unified storytelling to life, as shown by our work on the Stanley Cup activation at Harrods. This activation was designed to promote exclusive colourways of Stanley’s wildly popular Quencher Cup. By creating an experience that blended exclusivity, personalisation, and shareability, we helped Stanley capture the attention of Harrods customers and a wider social media audience.
Key features of the activation included:

    • Exclusive Products: Harrods stocked three colourways of the Quencher Cup available only at the activation.
    • Personalisation: Customers could have their cups engraved on-site, adding a special, personalised touch.
    • Immersive Experiences: Barista-made coffee served in Stanley cups provided a memorable and shareable moment for customers.
    • Instagrammable Design: The activation featured bold visual elements, including large 3D props of the Quencher Cup and a cohesive aesthetic that encouraged social sharing.

The response was extraordinary. Organic social media content flourished, with videos of customers engraving their cups gaining over a million views on platforms like TikTok. This demonstrates how well-planned activations can resonate both in-store and online.

The Power of Social Media and Creator Partnerships

 

Izzy highlighted the growing influence of platforms like TikTok in driving traffic to retail spaces. The Jellycat fish-and-chip experience at Selfridges is a recent example of how immersive, shareable activations can go viral.

Similarly, the Stanley activation succeeded in part because they organically tapped into the power of socials by creating an experience that people wanted to share. By collaborating with micro and nano influencers—those with smaller but highly engaged audiences—brands like Stanley could amplify their reach further while maintaining authenticity. This is particularly crucial in a time when consumers are looking for genuine connections with the products and brands they love.

Actionable Insights for Brands in 2025

 

  1. Craft a Unified Story: Build campaigns around a central narrative that flows across all touchpoints, from physical activations to digital experiences.
  2. Think Macro to Micro: Combine big-picture strategies with smaller, Instagrammable moments like Stanley’s personalised cups.
  3. Leverage Social Media: Design experiences that are inherently shareable on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  4. Collaborate Strategically: Partner with creators in adjacent sectors or niche communities to expand your reach.
  5. Engage Communities: Go beyond influencer-focused events and include local audiences or brand-loyal communities in your activations.

Final Thoughts: IPOS in Action

 

As retail continues to evolve, brands must embrace storytelling, experiences, and innovation. At IPOS, we’re proud to create impactful activations like the Stanley Cup project, demonstrating how even a single activation can make a lasting impression on consumers and spark meaningful conversations online.

To watch the event in full click here

To get in touch and discuss your 2025 campaigns click here

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