Retail Design Institute honored MG2 Chief Creative Officer MJ Munsell with induction into the Retail Design Legion of Honor.
MJ is recognized for more than three decades of leadership in retail design, guiding award-winning project teams for brands including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Bahama.
MG2 首席顾问兼 MG2 Advisory 创始人 Melissa Gonzalez 最近做客 The Robin Report 的每周播客节目 Retail Unwrapped，与 Shelley E. Kohan 讨论了她的新书《目标转型》。
梅丽莎分享了直觉如何作为未经筛选的市场情报，帮助领导者发现自身角色与竞争优势之间的不匹配之处。
In this episode of Retail Refined, MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, to explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining creativity, consumption, and connection—and what it means for brands hoping to stay relevant in a culture that’s evolving faster than ever.
MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez discussed how Gen Z shapes the future of malls in an ICSC article.
“’Gen Z values community,’ she said, ‘so it’s key to understand what they want out of the communal experience and how malls can tap into culture, curate bespoke programming and design an environment that resonates as a social destination.'”
MG2’s Chief Creative Officer MJ Munsell spoke with Bisnow’s John Krukowski about the ever evolving retail industry.
“’To create a retail center where people want to return, it’s important to develop a dynamic sense of place with dining experiences, entertainment, surprise and discovery, camaraderie and, of course, shopping,’ said Munsell.”
在最近一期的《零售重塑》节目中，MG2 的负责人 Melissa Gonzalez 与 Nicole Silberstein 进行了对话，分享了为什么店内体验仍然是建立联系和促进转化的强大驱动力，以及 MG2 的最新研究如何揭示 Z 世代带着明确的目的走进实体零售店。
In her article in Inside Retail, “Where Checkout Happens Now,” MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez discusses the evolution of the checkout experience.
“In its 2025 report on Gen Z shoppers, MG2 Advisory found that more than half of Gen Z saw value in mobile pay or self-checkout optionality, as well as ‘buy online, pick up in-store’ (BOPIS) capabilities.”
VMSD recently unveiled its 2025 Annual International Visual Competition award winners and our Kizik Pop-Up in SoHo, NYC was a 2024 Honorable Mention.
在最近一篇 Inside Retail 的文章中，编辑 Nicole Kirichanskaya 讨论了 MG2 Advisory 报告中关于 Z 世代的新见解，强调了零售商了解他们的需求和偏好的重要性。
正如MG2公司负责人梅丽莎·冈萨雷斯解释的那样，“当品牌将自己定位为这些优先事项的合作伙伴，而不仅仅是产品销售商时，它们就能建立起远超结账环节的相关性和信任度。”
MG2 负责人 Melissa Gonzalez 在最近发表于 Inside Retail 的文章中探讨了零售业中实体体验和数字体验的战略融合。
“Retailers who want to build lasting relevance with this generation will need to rethink store design entirely, positioning stores not just as places to shop, but as spaces for creative interaction.”
How well do you understand Gen Z, today’s youngest adult consumer, whose age spans from 18 to 26?
Often treated as a single cohort, Gen Z actually contains two distinct inter-generational groups, each with its own priorities, behaviors, and expectations. The younger Gen Z is just entering adulthood, while the older is shaping careers, households, and long-term habits. Their views on value systems, societal impact, education, and identity are nuanced, and so are their relationships with brands and retailers. Making assumptions about this generation, or relying on outdated labels, can lead to missed opportunities, limiting both loyalty and revenue growth.
This report is designed to help brands and retailers stop generalizing and start making more informed decisions. By uncovering the differences within Gen Z, not just between them and other generations, we reveal clear opportunities to create authentic, in-store moments that build community and trust, inspire loyalty, and support long-term brand relevance.
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Based on our findings, Gen Z consumers shared the following key insights on how their values are reflected in the shopping experience and how they seek more meaningful in-store engagement with the brands they care about.
94% of Gen Z shop with their values in mind, such as authenticity, transparency, and humility, but often struggle to achieve this in-store, frequently trading ideals for price or convenience
More than 70% of Gen Z want to engage with brands they love beyond content; they want to be co-creators and collaborators in the brand journey, including store design and product customization
3 out of 5 Gen Z shoppers say a leading reason for visiting a store is to experience the brand’s community and fulfill their desire for a greater sense of belonging
60% of Gen Z want to see products or in-store visuals that reflect timely, relevant cultural moments, demonstrating a brand’s awareness of what matters to their lives
Nearly 50% of Gen Z say they trust a brand’s sustainability promise more when it is reflected in how the store itself is designed
To earn the attention, respect, and long-term loyalty of Gen Z, brands and retailers must move beyond preconceived notions and mere trend chasing and take the time to understand what truly drives this generation. Gen Z responds to brands that reflect their values and invite them into the process, not just as consumers but as collaborators. This means bringing purpose into the store through thoughtful design choices like sustainable materials and ethically sourced products, while offering spaces that foster connection, such as community lounges or co-creation hubs where their voices shape everything from product design to store layout. Nostalgia, artistry, and visual storytelling also resonate deeply with this generation, especially when paired with technology that enhances rather than distracts from the brand’s heritage and product education. In-store experiences should be a meaningful extension of Gen Z’s values: easier paths to sustainability, personalized creativity, and real community. When brands position themselves as partners in these priorities rather than just sellers of products, they build relevance and trust that goes far beyond the checkout.
MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez was recently quoted in a Colliers Knowledge Leader article by Anjee Solanki on how intentional sensory design is shaping the future of retail.
“Sensory elements offer the highest return on experience (ROX) when integrated into physical retail environments. According to MG2’s Advisory Wellness Report, a Colliers Engineering & Design company, about 60% of respondents said sounds generated by physical events (like waves or rain) and natural lighting neutralized their anxieties and helped them feel calm. ‘Brands that can help them unplug and be present by creating community-driven environments–that’s another value proposition,’ shares Melissa Gonzalez, Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory (now part of Colliers Engineering & Design).”
Shop! Association has announced its 2025 Global Award Winners. We’re proud that our design for SOREL’s Pop-Up in New York City has won for Specialty Store Concepts.
“The winners of the Shop! Global Awards represent the best of the best worldwide, setting the standard for excellence and innovation throughout the in-store experience,” said @Leo van de Polder, SMP MaRC, Global Development Director, Shop! Association.
GRAY Magazine has just announced it’s finalists for the 8th annual GRAY Awards and MG2’s design for SOREL’s New York City pop-up is among them.
SOREL partnered with MG2 to open a pop-up shop in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood in 2023 to help drive awareness, customer engagement, sales, and marketing integration data for future strategies.
MG2 Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory Melissa Gonzales joined Anjee Solanki of Colliers on the Retail: Recorded podcast to discuss the evolution of eatertainment and findings from MG2 Advisory’s report.
Melissa shares her approach to balancing cost, flexibility, and storytelling to create spaces that foster connection, community, and memorable experiences.
We’re excited to announce that MG2 Designer Ryan Todys has been named one of VMSD’s 2025 Designer Dozen!
In discussing with VMSD Editor-in-Chief Carly Hagedon what he enjoys most about his position, Ryan said, “I love a good puzzle, and I really enjoy the space planning side of retail design. A perfect retail space is hard to come by, and many of the spaces I work with have challenging footprints or obstacles to work around. I enjoy the process of figuring out how to make interiors work and the rewarding feeling of getting all the different pieces to fit together.”
As the EV market continues to grow, so do the expectations for charging stations, which are evolving into essential parts of the expanding EV ecosystem. Today’s consumers, whether current owners or prospective owners, seek more than just convenience; they desire seamless technology, welcoming spaces, and amenities that align with their values and lifestyles. A thoughtful, inviting atmosphere rooted in the principles of unreasonable hospitality can transform an otherwise transactional charging stop into a memorable experience, one that exceeds expectations and fosters connections beyond utility. As needs vary across locations and user types, charging stations must deliver both efficiency and satisfaction. This exploration looks at how these spaces can adapt to meet evolving demands and expectations, uncovering opportunities to design environments that are both functional and engaging.
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According to our study, discover how consumer personas and their experiences with and expectations of EV charging environments can inform which service offerings and enhanced features would provide the most value and greater consumer satisfaction.
Charging is a race against time – it should be fast, seamless, and hassle-free. And loyalty perks such as priority access make it even better.
Charging is a break from the chaos of the day – it should be calming and stress-free. And the environment featuring creature comforts is vital to unwind.
Charging is just the start – it should be an immersive experience with food and entertainment. And the additional services and amenities do not go unchecked.
As EV charging environments evolve, the future of these spaces lies in creating a holistic, hospitable experience that caters to both the need for convenience and the desire for engagement. While consumers expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, phone charging ports, and clean restrooms, the true magic happens when these spaces go beyond the expected. Surprising and delighting visitors with thoughtful offerings, such as locally sourced coffee, community-driven programming, and seamless technology for effortless navigation and charging, fosters a deeper connection with the space. These features not only enhance the experience but also celebrate local culture and design, creating an environment that feels both familiar and refreshing. Additionally, interior designs that inspire through educational elements and a sense of calm offer a retreat-like atmosphere, balancing functionality with serenity. EV brands must remember that some consumers seek efficiency, eager to charge and go, while others want to linger and immerse themselves in the experience. The key to success is providing a space that caters to both, offering convenience for those on the move and engagement for those who want to enjoy the journey, along with a mix of formats in your real estate portfolio to ensure versatility and appeal to a diverse audience. By thoughtfully designing these elements, EV charging stations can become not just functional pit stops, but destinations that inspire brand loyalty and trust for years to come.
Retail TouchPoints’ recently published article, “Pop-Ups Prove Their Versatility: Product Debuts, Event Tie-Ins, and On-the-Ground Testing,” features Kizik’s NYC pop-up, designed by MG2. The experiential pop-up on Greene Street in New York’s SoHo neighborhood introduced the brand for the first time to a New York audience—consumers, traditional media, and influencers. The pop-up proved so popular it remained open for five weeks longer than anticipated.
“Retailers also use pop-ups as testing grounds for permanent brick-and-mortar locations, as Kizik and design firm MG2 did with the retailer’s NYC pop-up in 2024,” wrote Retail Touchpoints Editor Adam Blair. “The original pop-up proved so popular that Kizik extended its original operating dates while the brand planned two permanent shops — one in King of Prussia, Pa. and the other in the Mall of America.”
MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Inside Retail’s Editor Nicole Kirichanskaya on the new and upcoming brand, Blank Street Coffee.
“As the MG2 Principal told Inside Retail, ‘The brand’s minimalist aesthetic and trendy beverage options, such as the matcha-based drinks and seasonal cold brews, contribute to the company’s cult-like following and viral content moments.'”
Chain Store Age featured MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez in their cover story “Store Design: Elements That Have Stood the Test of Time” by Connie Robbins Gentry.
Here’s a portion of the article with Gonzalez discussing window displays and flooring:
“‘Retailers are being a lot more creative with the storytelling they’re doing in the window display,’ she said adding that some windows are now designed for an Instagram moment or a TikTok share. Flooring is another way that retailers ‘guide the journey’ for their customers, according to Gonzalez. There are the obvious functional considerations to flooring, but equally important is the aesthetic aspect — choosing the right woods, the right colors, the right patterns.”
Consumer expectations for QSR and Fast Casual Dining have expanded beyond just speed and affordability. Today, diners seek immersive brand experiences that combine personalization, efficiency, and community. To stay competitive, QSR and Fast Casual brands must rethink their spaces as hubs for meaningful interactions that foster loyalty and enhance brand identity. While advancements like digital ordering and streamlined operations have boosted convenience, the deeper opportunity lies in designing environments that seamlessly integrate speed, authenticity, and modern appeal. Our investigation aimed to uncover innovative strategies that redefine QSR and Fast Casual Dining, creating memorable brand experiences that captivate consumers for years to come.
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Per our study, our respondents shared the following key insights as it relates to their experience with and expectations of QSR and Fast Casual dining environments, and which service offerings and elevated features would deliver the most value and greater consumer satisfaction:
Nearly 60% of all respondents stated warm and inviting lighting or overall atmosphere ambiance fuels a sense of comfort and memorability
1 out of 2 respondents desire open kitchens with visible food preparation areas, adding an element of theatre and confidence when it comes to cleanliness and freshness of the food
Nearly 55% of all respondents find mobile apps for digital loyalty programs and order/pay ahead capabilities to be tied for the technology that delivers on value
Roughly 80% of all respondents are interested in experiencing mobile kitchens or food trucks, as well as experiential kitchens that feature immersive brand environments and themed decor
More than 50% of all respondents find personalized promotions that reflect an individual’s preferences, including previous orders, to be a leading driver of loyalty and establishes a greater sense of brand affinity
The future of QSR and Fast Casual dining goes beyond just quality, speed, and convenience; it’s about crafting environments that engage, inspire, and connect with consumers on a deeper level. While efficiency remains paramount, today’s consumers seek more than just a quick bite; they crave experiences that blend quality food with thoughtful design, innovative technology, and meaningful brand interactions. Aesthetic appeal plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, with warm lighting, open kitchens, and hybrid dining spaces enhancing ambiance and fostering a sense of community. Meanwhile, strategic promotions and partnerships, whether through collaborations with local farmers, artists, or influencers, further elevate brand identity, creating a sense of belonging and excitement. Limited-time menus, pop-ups, and gamified ordering add an element of surprise and delight, keeping customers engaged and eager to return. By balancing functionality with creativity, QSR and Fast Casual brands can transform routine dining into something memorable, ensuring they meet, and even exceed, evolving consumer expectations.
Forbes Contributor Brin Snelling interviewed Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory Melissa Gonzalez on the trends reshaping retail.
“There’s a shift to smaller in general – smaller formats, shorter leases, more agile environments,” shared Gonzalez, adding, “What is the point of the store? It’s not about inventory now, especially as consumers are getting more and more comfortable shopping online.”
Glossy’s newest Executive Action Items series featured MG2 Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory Melissa Gonzalez, who shared her expertise on digital native brands.
的 SOREL pop-up has been named one of Interior Design’s 2024 Best of Year Awards Honorees.
Interior Design’s 19th annual Best of Year Awards celebrate outstanding projects and products across the design industry. Winners were revealed by Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen during a vibrant ceremony in Manhattan on December 12. But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Discover who earned top honors in each category, and raise a glass to another year of bold, inspiring design.
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