Imagination Lab
Welcome to the Retail Imagination Lab (RIL), an innovative hub within the David Sobey Centre that fuels research, fosters creativity and solves real problems in the dynamic retail sector. Our multidisciplinary environment brings together experts from fields such as marketing, psychology, information systems, engineering, computer science, and more. This diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives creates a rich tapestry of knowledge, enabling us to approach retail challenges from various angles and unlock innovative solutions.
At RIL, we strive to revolutionize the realm of retailing through cutting-edge research and practical applications. Our primary objectives include:
1. Tackling Retail Challenges
The David Sobey Centre aims to address the pressing questions and obstacles faced by the retail sector. The RIL is a hub where retailers bring their challenges and concerns, enabling us to conduct research that is specially tailored to their needs. Through these collaborations, retailers gain access to invaluable insights and practical solutions that can drive their success in a highly competitive industry.
2. Driving Retail-Focused Innovations
RIL actively develops and tests innovations that have the potential to transform the retail landscape. These innovations encompass both technological advancements and non-technological approaches. Collaborative projects involving faculty members, retailers, and technology companies are initiated to deliver cost-effective, tested innovations to our retail partners. Furthermore, RIL offers a valuable learning platform for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in driving impactful innovations.
3. Advancing Academic Research
RIL takes academic research in retailing and related disciplines to new heights by implementing novel research methods. Through rigorous investigations, we generate unbiased and original insights that contribute to peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals. By producing ground-breaking ideas, we create a rich resource for both industry partners and academia.
Visit us at the David Sobey Centre Retail Imagination Lab, where research meets innovation and transforms the future of retail. Together, we can shape a vibrant and dynamic retail community that thrives on knowledge, creativity, and forward-thinking strategies.
About the Space
Our state-of-the-art infrastructure is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including a range of specialized labs and spaces dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
Biometrics Lab
Within the RIL, you will find a fully functioning biometrics lab, complete with advanced tools such as EEG (Electroencephalography), eye-tracker glasses, and GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) sensors. This lab enables us to delve deep into the realm of human behavior and cognition, providing invaluable insights into consumer responses and decision-making processes.
Digital Lab
Additionally, we house a digital lab that focuses on researching digital content, including websites and digital advertisements. This specialized space allows us to explore the intricate dynamics of digital platforms, optimizing user experiences and enhancing the effectiveness of online retail strategies.
Mock Store
For realistic testing and research purposes, RIL features a mock store that replicates a genuine retail environment. This simulated setting enables us to assess customer behavior, analyze store layouts, and refine merchandising techniques before implementing them in real-world scenarios. By providing a controlled environment, we ensure that retail innovations are thoroughly tested and refined for maximum impact.
Maker Space
Complementing these facilities, RIL boasts a maker space, dedicated to the development of new technologies and prototypes. This dynamic workspace serves as a hub for creativity and innovation, fostering collaboration between researchers, retailers, and technology experts. Here, we bring visionary ideas to life, driving the evolution of the retail industry through novel technological advancements.
With our exceptional facilities and resources, RIL offers an unparalleled platform for research, experimentation, and innovation in the retail sector. By harnessing the power of these specialized labs and spaces, we strive to revolutionize the way we understand and engage with the dynamic world of retail.