We pride ourselves on producing thought leadership that answers the big questions keeping our clients up at night. Our subject matter experts not only create think pieces that push boundaries, elevate the customer experience, and drive innovation, but they have the experience to back it up and put these ideas into action. From industry specific POVs to white papers backed by consumer research to thought provoking podcast episodes, we have something to fit everyone's needs.
Best In Show
Explore a few of our favorite think pieces.
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How the Test and Learn Approach Can De-Risk Your Idea and Guarantee an ROI
Imagine this – you have an idea. It’s interesting, innovative, and brings something new to the table, something different from what other brands in the market are doing.Point of View -
The 10 Best Retailers in New York City Worth Visiting
Plus, Brands and Key Trends Shaping the Future of RetailWayfind -
Big Box Should Sell Resale Goods in Stores
Many sources have predicted resale to be a multi-billion-dollar business to the tune of $350 billion globally and $70 billion in the US in two years.Point of View -
Decoding the In-Store Shopping Experience
Retailers Surpass Expectations in People, Product, Presentation, and ReturnsWayfind -
HealthWellnessHealthcare for an Aging America
As one-third of active doctors will be older than 65 in the next decade, a potential shortage of up to 120,000 physicians by 2030 is anticipatedPoint of View -
Bytes and Bites: Navigating the Digital Revolution in Restaurants
A Conversation at MUFES with Wawa and PaneraWayfind
Point of View
There are thinkers and then there are thinkers that create POVs so relevant and forward-thinking that they must work at WD.
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The Shift to Sober: Curious Behaviors Turn Mainstream Movement
How to Make Sure Your Beverage Brand Doesn’t Run Dry -
Human-Centered Connected Commerce – From Store to Site
Innovative collaboration and human-centered design are essential for driving retail success -
Scaling Brand Consistency
How We Deliver Seamless Guest Experiences and Operational Efficiency Across Every Store Format -
HealthWellnessLongevity and Health Optimization
The New Trend in Proactive Healthcare -
A Digital Deep Dive
All Things Digital and What it Means for Stores -
Let’s Talk Kids
Generation Alpha is Already Ruling the World...
Transforming the way you think, innovating the way you act,
and illuminating your way to extraordinary experiences.
Latest Article
Explore More Articles
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Redefining Remodels
Delivering Seamless Guest Experiences and Operational Excellence -
NRF ’25 – State of the Global Retail Nation
"If we got a dime every time we heard the letters AI, we’d have been at the inauguration sitting next to Zuck" -
HealthWellnessTop Health + Wellness Trends for 2025
Our Health + Wellness Practice Leaders share their thoughts on the top trends that will make an impact in healthcare and consumer wellness behaviors -
HealthWellness2024 Health+Wellness Year in Review
As we look back on 2024 and look toward 2025, our Health + Wellness Practice Leaders share their thoughts on top news stories and trends -
The Grocery Revolution Part 3 of 3
In our final article of this series, we turn our focus to the 2040 global consumer, exploring how each generation’s unique characteristics and priorities will shape the grocery industry -
3 Game-Changing Insights from WD Partners’ NRF ’25 Presentation
How Retailers Can Win Back Online Shoppers with Quality, Fundamentals, and What We’re Calling the Slow Retail Movement
White Papers
Humble brag time. Did you know we've talked to nearly 25,000 consumers and published over 15 white papers in the last 10 years? Okay, maybe a not so humble brag.
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Can Resale Save the Store?
How can a retail trend be so huge but still fly under the opportunity radar? -
Retail Supernova
The pandemic accelerated everything already in acceleration. -
The Store of the Future is Not a Store
People don’t have to go to stores anymore, they have to want to go to stores. -
Amazon Won, Now What?
The battle is over: what can we learn from the victor? -
Healthcare: Who Survives?
Primary care, urgent care and retail clinics are on notice. -
Defining the 21st Century Store
The old prototype store model is obsolete. Are you still using this dated approach of one-size fits all? Don’t be stranded with anomaly stores that aren’t scalable.
Speakers
Last but definitely not least, our highly esteemed speakers. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen one of these experts on a stage.
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Dan Stanek
Executive Vice President
As a noted authority in consumer trends and consumer behavior, Dan's areas of expertise include experience strategy, brand strategy, market positioning strategy, consumer insights, and new concept development. Dan has over 30 years of experience in consumer marketing and customer experience innovation for Fortune 500 companies. -
Jay Highland
EVP, Creative
Jay's work has been recognized by numerous industry publications, including Fast Company, Design:Retail, Interior Design, and VMSD, and he has led teams to two "Store of the Year" awards. -
Joanne Heyob
SVP, Operations Strategy & Design
While throughputs, labor assessments and peak capacity are operations-focused terms, as a speaker, Joanne makes operations easy to understand and delivers insights attendees are excited to bring back to their offices. As SVP, Operations Strategy & Design at WD Partners, Joanne brings 20 years of experience rooted in retail and store operations. -
Jody Wasbro
SVP, Strategy & Experience Design
Jody leads WD's Strategy & Insights team, driving seamless integration with design and operations, and providing brand research, strategies, and positioning -
Lee Peterson
EVP, Thought Leadership
Lee has more than 30 years of collective experience as a retailer, a strategist, a public speaker and as a leading voice in the future of retail. He brings an innovative approach to modern retail by understanding cultural trends, consumer demographics, and buying behavior across multiple industries.