| EXPERIENCE | EXPERIMENT | EXECUTE |

Alexandra testing the Invigo Sentry system at the Lab

Hello David,


It's been an exciting kick-off to 2025, with a great deal happening at the Lab. As you can see in the piece below, we've been extremely busy building our new set of products under the Invigo Retail name. We started building our AI and computer vision tools to help with real-time inventory management.


But that's just the beginning. Invigo Retail will be an entire suite of retail intelligence tools, designed to help retailers and brands make better business decisions, generate more revenue and create better guest experiences.


We'll be ready to start testing our system next month, so reach out to Paul Klutes or Jim Ackerman for additional information.


Of course, you're always welcome to schedule a visit for you and your team to see all that we're doing these days. Reach out to Alexandra and she'll get a visit scheduled!


Hope you're well, and look forward to helping you create the future of retail!


-David Polinchock

BEL parent company Unified Resources in Display CEO Jim Ackerman, President Mitch Edelman and other members of the Unified team will be heading to Charlotte for the annual Shop! Marketplace and OMA Awards. Last year, they won three awards for outstanding retail displays, all incorporating digital displays that increased sales for client Mondelez.


While you're at Shop!, please reach out to either Jim or Mitch and they can show you our displays that were entered into this year's awards program.

One of our award-winning displays from 2024 in the field!

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  

David is a 2025 Top Retail Expert!

BEL is proud to announce that David Polinchock has received the Top Retail Expert Award for 2025 by RETHINK Retail, a global authority in retail insights. 


With over 1,000 nominations this year, the selection process for 2025 was more competitive than ever, involving RETHINK Retail’s expert team and advisory committees.


Julia Hare, Co-Founder of RETHINK Retail, echoes the enthusiasm: “Every year, we are inspired by the transformative ideas and leadership showcased by these incredible individuals. The 2025 Top Retail Experts embody the innovation and resilience needed to lead retail into its next great era. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”


This prestigious annual recognition, presented in collaboration with Microsoft and Cognizant, celebrates the most innovative and influential leaders in retail today — including academics, analysts, consultants, technologists, specialists, finance experts, real-estate experts, and media specialists. These individuals are driving the evolution of retail through their groundbreaking contributions and thought leadership.


Awardees are featured on RETHINK Retail’s website, listed alphabetically in no particular rank. Continue reading the press release here


If you are a retailer, there's a great opportunity to join the Global Retail Leaders (GRL) program at RETHINK Retail. GRL is an invite-only community for senior retail execs that powers your professional growth. They host awesome events at both major retail events around the globe as well as virtual events throughout the year. For example, you can join the Candid Conversation Mixer on April 12th or you can join the upcoming event AIinRetail on April 23rd. Reach out to David if you'd like to know more.


As always, while we hope you'll find value in our newsletter, we don't want to intrude. Please don't hesitate to hit the unsubscribe link below or let us know that you'd like to be taken off our mailing list. If you stay, we'll make it worth your time!

It all started when a client approached us with a unique challenge—a complex research and development project with seemingly limitless possibilities. Recognizing the potential, the team at Brand Experience Lab dove headfirst into the project, leveraging their expertise in design, technology, and consumer behavior.


As we delved deeper into the possibilities, it became clear that we had stumbled upon something truly transformative. The potential to revolutionize how businesses connect with their customers, engage with their audiences, and create unforgettable experiences, was undeniable.


And so, Invigo Retail was born—a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we continue to build upon our foundation of creativity and curiosity, empowering brands to thrive in an ever-evolving world.


Our first product to launch is Invigo Sentry – the all-in-one AI + IoT solution that brings effortless visibility to your shelves.


  • Ultra low-power smart camera
  • Works in frozen, refrigerated, and ambient environments
  • LTE-ready & easy to retrofit
  • Real-time insights, alerts, and suggested orders


No more guesswork. No more manual checks. Just smarter shelves, streamlined operations, and optimized execution.


Join us as we redefine what's possible and shape the future of retail experiences together.


Please reach out to Paul or Jim and they can give you all the details and arrange a visit to see everything we're building.


Plug it in. Power it up. Let Sentry do the rest.

BEL R&D Capabilities

BEL: Where Retail Innovation Takes Shape.


In the fast-paced world of retail, innovation is non-negotiable. Brand Experience Lab (BEL) provides the advanced R&D environment you need to transform bold ideas into tangible results.


Experience the BEL Advantage:


Controlled Testing: Validate new products, store layouts, and marketing campaigns in a realistic, risk-free environment.

Technology Showcase: Explore and implement the latest retail technologies, including AI, AR, computer vision, and IoT.

Data-Driven Insights: Understand customer behavior and preferences through detailed analysis and reporting.

Drive Growth Through Innovation: BEL helps you align your strategies with your target audience, ensuring your innovations deliver measurable impact. Make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.


To partner with BEL, contact Alexandra to learn how we can help you leverage cutting-edge technology and strategic insights to revolutionize your retail brand.

Printemps Grand Opening

Imagine a department store that ignites your senses. That's Printemps. Thanks to Sandy Hernandez, I stepped into their opening day magic, dodging a line that snaked down the block.


A Journey of Discovery:


This isn't your average retail space. It's a carefully curated adventure. Every corner, every detail, screams "thoughtful design." The playful layout, the hidden nooks – it's a breath of fresh air.


More Than Just Shopping:


Printemps understands the power of experience. From the rolling champagne cart to the promise of a delicious restaurant, it's a place to linger, to enjoy. And the staff? Individuality meets helpfulness, a rare and delightful combination.


The Death of Dull Retail:


At the same time that Printemps is opening, Macy's Retail Holdings, Inc. just closed the famous #Wanamakers store in Philadelphia. Department stores used to be place of fun and discovery. They were places the community went to learn about the latest in fashion and style from around the world. Lately, they've become, well, boring. They're not places of inspiration, you go there just to buywhat you need.


This was a store that inspired. It was fun and playful. And it was beautiful. No doubt that we'll go back again in the future and see if they maintain their high level of design and experience.


Will the Magic Last?


I'm betting it will. Printemps isn't just a store; it's a statement.

Changes to Amazon Fresh

Visited the #AmazonFresh store in Paramus recently and noticed a significant change - the removal of the #JustWalkOut technology. Instead, they've introduced standard check-out terminals and a self-scanning shopping cart system, still allowing customers to simply walk out after using it. It's intriguing to witness the shift away from the previously invested in Just Walk Out tech.


One compelling aspect of the Just Walk Out technology is its influence on impulse buying. With customers no longer queuing to pay, those spontaneous, last-minute purchases may decline, potentially impacting a retailer's revenue stream significantly.


Reflecting on the traditional check-out experience that has remained largely unchanged for decades, one can't help but wonder about its future trajectory. Where do you envision the check-out process heading in the years to come?

HEADLINES FROM THE WORLD OF RETAIL

Each newsletter the BEL team will scout for the latest news impacting the retail world and share it here. Check out these headlines from the past week:


BRAND EXPERIENCE LAB | [belunified.com]
Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  Facebook