Brand Experience Briefs

In “A Humbled Gap Tries a Fresh Coat of Pep,” New York Times journalist Stephanie Clifford reports on the venerable retail chain’s efforts to revitalize its brand.  Key to the company’s strategy is a new store design, with the first iteration recently unveiled at the Grove center in Los Angeles.  Check out my video comparing that store redesign to an “old” Gap and learn how the changes are good, but more clarity, creativity, and cohesiveness are needed.

The George W. Bush Presidential Museum shows how a former President creates an experience that represents his personal brand.

Gourdough’s Public House, a restaurant from the folks behind the famousGourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts. in Austin, provides some helpful lessons in how to expand a restaurant concept beyond a signature product.

This retail customer experience video audit and analysis takes you inside H-E-B, named The Best Grocery Store in America by Epicurious Magazine and #2 retailer in the Temkin Group’s 2016 Experience Ratings (beating out Amazon and Chick-fil-A).

A look at Jason’s Deli, a fast casual restaurant chain that can be summed up in one word:  BIG.

If you don’t operate out of a retail space, you may wonder how you can bring your brand to life and engage your target community.   The pop up shop from Keep A Breast Foundation provides an excellent model for how to create a memorable,  motivating brand experience.

It’s always interesting to see how product companies create retail experiences for their brands.  That’s why I’m eager to share my download on the LEGO store.  It’s a solid experience for the LEGO brand, but they missed some opportunities to make it even more engaging.

Lots of companies talk about wanting to create “lifestyle brands,” but here’s an audit of a concept that actually does it.  The Centre at Lexus Escondido is more than a car dealership — it’s a brand experience that includes a restaurant, lounge, concert venue, business center — oh, and a place where you can buy cars.

Denise Lee Yohn takes you inside one of the newest food hall, Liberty Public Market in San Diego, and examines the trends that have made food halls and public markets so popular.

LYFE Kitchen is a new restaurant concept started by a former McDonald’s executive who developed a conscience about good-for-you food.  Here’s my take on the experience and growth plans.