design:retail - November/December 2017 - 35

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What's hot, and what's not?
Remember those lists? We wanted
to focus on cool, emerging and innovative
companies delivering authentic experiences-
whether brick-and-mortar or online-and have been
keeping an eye on these (and others we've been told to
check out). Some are redefining traditional industries, such
as the mattress world, while others are continuing to evolve
and elevate experiences, such as barber services. Health, wellbeing, social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of
many of these companies, as they strive to make a difference
as part of their business models. While some are new, others
have been on the rise for a while, and some continue a
legacy of forward-thinking practices to stay relevant
while forging ahead in the future of retail.
We wanted to keep you in the know
and call your attention to these 2018
Brands to Watch.

Little Barn Apothecary

ounded in 2015 by Joshua Morgan and Brad Scoggins,
this line of small-batch, unisex apothecary goods is
handcrafted from organic and wild-harvested
ingredients. These modern, pure and plant-based products
are available internationally online, as well as at more than
700 spas and shops around the world. The brand also is
growing its brick-and-mortar presence, which started in
2016. With two locations in Atlanta, Little Barn Apothecary
has recently opened its first Florida retail store at The HUB
30a in WaterSound Beach. The company's own collection of
products and curated lines from other likeminded,
sustainable brands offers customers luxurious self-care goods
such as soaks, washes, mists, scrubs, oils, balms and candles.
littlebarnapothecary.com Top: Photo by CHRIS BURDEN
Bottom: Photo courtesy of LITTLE BARN APOTHECARY

Allbirds

Current Meditation

ust as some people need a gym membership to
keep them devoted to their workouts or a
trainer to help them achieve their goals, the art
of mindfulness may be more successful with a
little guidance. Those who frequent yoga class may get
a few minutes of pure meditation, but Current
Meditation is focused on the practice of meditation. In
today's world of distractions, the Current Meditation
studio is a place where students are guided through
both ancient and contemporary practices adapted to
meet their needs, helping them learn how to be
mindful in the modern world. Located in Phoenix,
the space is thoughtfully designed to provide an
immediate sense of calm.
But the Phoenix studio is just the beginning.
The Current Meditation model is already seeking
franchisees to become the world's first meditation
franchise, with a vision to inspire millions to cultivate
a healthy state of mind. In a world where mental
illness is often in the headlines, mental wellness is a
mission, and Current Meditation aims to lead the
pack. becurrent.com

hat is better than a shoe that barely leaves a footprint?
Well, carbon footprint that is. Allbirds is all about
doing things in a better way, which means looking to
nature for materials rather than relying on synthetics. The
company uses ZQ-Certified Merino wool, which means it
meets stringent standards for sustainable farming and
animal welfare. Going natural uses 60 percent less energy to
produce than typical synthetic materials. The company
even uses castor beans as a sustainable resource for the
green polyurethane used in the shoes' insoles.
Allbirds is a certified B Corporation and partner
with SOLES4SOULS. Even the product packaging uses
40 percent less materials than traditional shoe packaging.
The design is about simplicity and comfort, no bells,
whistles or logos, just comfy wool shoes. Did you know
Merino wool minimizes odor, regulates temperature and
wicks moisture? These wool runners and loungers allow
customers to be sock-free, whether working out or just
going about the day. Stores in San Francisco and New York
give the brand a brick-and-mortar presence. Give the shoes
a try on a life-sized hamster wheel in the SoHo location in
New York. allbirds.com Photo courtesy of ALLBIRDS

http://www.littlebarnapothecary.com http://www.allbirds.com http://www.becurrent.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of design:retail - November/December 2017