The North Face Redefines the Customer Experience in Retail with Immersive London Flagship Store
The North Face recently opened a new flagship store in London, merging nature and technology to create an immersive environment where customers can enjoy the outdoors in the store. In collaboration with Mood Media, the retailer has designed a sensory experience featuring a large-scale LED wall, custom music, and the scent of the outdoors, captured in a unique fragrance called White Pepperwood.
The new store features a Dome Tent, offering visitors a 30-minute visual and auditory journey that transitions from day to night, featuring AI-generated content and natural soundscapes. According to Jaime Bettencourt from Mood Media, these carefully crafted sensory elements create an authentic atmosphere that connects customers to the outdoors, often evoking memories tied to nature. Bettencourt said, “For example, it’s complemented with a really well-done custom scent that captures the freshness of the outdoors with warmth and earthy elements. It transforms your whole being. Scent is one of the biggest things that draws memories in people. These little details that someone notices, or not, create that experience by taking you back to a memory and tying it to the outdoors.”
In addition to the sensory experiences, the store also features practical tools to help customers make informed decisions. A digital footwear finder assists shoppers in selecting the perfect shoe based on their specific activity and terrain, while an interactive sustainability zone encourages customers to extend the life of their products through services like customization, repair, and product take-back.
Watch this Instagram reel to get a look at the new flagship store: https://www.instagram.com/moodmedia/reel/DDsFJ-EJqro/?locale=ko&hl=en
APD Research Shows Highlights the Value of Skills Development in the Modern Workforce
The importance of continuous skills development and on-the-job learning are key themes of ADP’s newly updated “People at Work 2025” report series. The “People at Work 2025” series is designed to provide businesses with actionable insights, offering market-by-market data that can guide strategic decision-making in a rapidly evolving global workforce. The study reveals a significant skills gap, with only 24% of global workers confident they have the necessary abilities to advance in their careers. Moreover, a mere 17% of employees feel that their employers adequately invest in their professional growth, underscoring the need for businesses to prioritize employee development as a strategic approach to boosting productivity, retention, and reputation. Research by ADP indicates that organizations investing in their workers’ skill sets will foster greater productivity in the workplace.
ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson said, “Our research shows that a skilled workforce is more loyal to their employers—and more productive. Yet only a small fraction of workers are upskilled within two years of being hired. If companies want to benefit from the enormous technological advancement to come, they must start with investing in the skills and career progression of their workers.”
The report highlights the disconnect between workers' expectations and the reality of their training opportunities, often leading to untapped potential. Education alone is insufficient to bridge the skills gap, and workers often look to their employers regarding career advancement opportunities. Companies that offer robust on-the-job training are more likely to have engaged and loyal employees, with those receiving adequate training being up to six times more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work. Workers who feel supported in their skill development are also significantly more productive and less inclined to leave their employer. However, employees in repetitive roles, particularly cycle workers, report low satisfaction with available upskilling opportunities, pointing to a critical area for improvement. Geographically, the report reveals that workers in the Middle East and Africa (38%) are the most confident about their ability to advance. Regions such as Europe report the lowest levels of confidence in both personal skills and employer investment.
Download the full report here: https://www.adpresearch.com/assets/people-at-work-2025-skills-development/
Save A Lot Donates More Than $330,000 in Food & Contributions to Local Charities
Discount grocery chain, Save A Lot has positively impacted local communities during this past holiday season through its Bags for a Brighter Holiday initiative. With the support of its customers, Save A Lot successfully donated 67,252 bags filled with essential food items like pasta, canned vegetables, and pantry staples to charities and food pantries across the country. The effort took place throughout November and December, with customers purchasing pre-assembled bags of groceries, which were then donated to those in need. The program showcases the power of collaboration between Save A Lot stores and local charities. The 480 participating locations played a crucial role in supporting their communities, with seven stores standing out for their exceptional contributions. These stores sold more than 1,000 bags each, including locations in Tampa, FL, Cumberland, MD, Roselawn, IN, and several others.
Save A Lot Chief Operating Officer Bill Mayo said, “Our customers know how to support their community charities in a big way. The success of this year’s program shows that when our stores partner with local charities, they can make a big impact for people who need it most.”
In addition to the bag donations, Save A Lot also contributed $3,500 in gift cards to further support the participating charities. This effort brought the total value of food and gift card donations to approximately $336,260. As part of its ongoing commitment to community support, Save A Lot continues sponsoring in-store fundraisers, product drives, and other events to make a positive difference.
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Original Article Links:
The North Face Appeals to All 5 Senses to Bring the Outdoors into its London Flagship
ADP Research: Only 24% of Global Workers Are Confident They Have Skills for Career Advancement
Save A Lot Donates Over 67,000 Bags of Food to Charities Across the Country