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Filtered by Category: retail

 
The "Historical Nostalgia" Trend

The "Historical Nostalgia" Trend

By Brittney Sherman

The retail industry is experiencing yet another Gen Z consumer-led shift, this time away from online shopping and towards In Real Life (IRL) experiences. What was old is now new as retro vibes take front stage and brand loyalty is a thing of the past as style becomes more personal through brand blending. As the largest population in the United States, understanding how and why Gen Z shops is pivotal for retailer success.

Read the full article in Forbes HERE.

 
EDES Building wins gold!

EDES Building wins gold!

By Brittney Sherman

In competition with more than 675 entries worldwide, KTGY, the designer of Cura Gallery in Downtown Morgan Hill, received five Grand Awards and seven Awards of Merit in the 2025 Gold Nugget Awards competition. These awards represent the oldest and most prestigious design awards program in the nation. The Cura Gallery project (listed as “The EDES”) received an award for the best commercial project.

Read the full article HERE.

 
Retailers projected to grow in 2025

Retailers projected to grow in 2025

By Brittney Sherman

Location analytics company Placer.ai published their list of top 10 retailers to watch in 2025, identifying brands that their data collection and analysis platform predicts will be growth accelerators. In the grocery industry Sprouts is the front runner, while the Big Box category features Sam’s Club and H Mart. Mediterranean-based Cava and chicken sensation Raising Cane’s topped the quick service restaurant category and Life Time won the health & wellness award. As it relates to retail, Ashley Furniture, Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, and Bluemercury were all frontrunners. The brands mentioned above have continued to evolve and respond to the ever-changing consumer market keeping, them relevant and primed for growth in 2025.

Read the full Placer.ai white paper HERE.

 
Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

Where culture, community, and hospitality thrive

By Brittney Sherman

When Dan McCranie decided to build an art gallery in Downtown Morgan Hill, he made clear he wanted none of the white walls and sharp lines found in traditional galleries. Instead, he mixed materials, shapes, colors and used mass-timber to design a building that in itself is a piece of art. Cura Contemporary Art Gallery exhibits both emerging and mid-career artists from the Bay Area and beyond in an open and engaging environment. Representing a large variety of styles and mediums, the featured artwork gives a fresh perspective and often has a deep connection to process and materiality. In addition to thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the gallery will host artist workshops, unique culinary experiences, and special events. It is truly a space where culture, community, and hospitality are blended and celebrated.

Read the full article on Architectural Record HERE!

 
A rose is just a rose; except on Valentine's Day!

A rose is just a rose; except on Valentine's Day!

By Brittney Sherman

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $188 each on Valentine’s Day purchases this year, according to a survey published by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Top gifts include candy, flowers, cards, an evening out, and jewelry, which are all expected to result in $25.7B in sales.

FUN FACT: According to the Society of American Florists, 83% of flowers purchased for Valentine’s Day in 2022 were roses; 2/3 of which were red. Approximately 1B roses will be imported into the United States, mostly from South America, to support the high demand for Valentine’s Day.

Read the full National Retail Federation article HERE!

 
Back-to-back growth for retail sales

Back-to-back growth for retail sales

By Brittney Sherman

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), year-over-year retail sales grew 1.69% in July and 1.93% in August. When restaurants are added into those core retail sales results, the year-over-year increase for August jumps to 2.11%. Five out of nine retail categories experienced growth in the month of August, driven mainly by clothes/accessories, garden/building, and sports/hobby purchases. Retailers are hoping this increase in consumer spending continues into the holiday months.

Read the full report HERE.

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