Micro-Labs: Reimagining retail - A positive move forward.

COVID has demonstrated?how?vulnerable traditional?models for retail spaces?can be.?Using a variety of new and emerging technologies, this pilot explores how a new approach for these spaces might be more desirable, feasible and viable for?those?returning?to our city, whilst?at the same time,?maintaining the unique 'buzz'?of Melbourne's CBD.

This project was one of three winning projects selected?as?a?pilot?through the?Reimagining the City challenge.

We are delighted to be apart of this project by reimagining and setting new standards for companies in the CBD.

There are 20 Partners coming together

Why retail needs to be reinvented

Consumer behaviors are really driving this transformation of retail. When people were confined to their homes or the immediate area during the pandemic, with little else to do, they spent?more time online and more time on social media. Social media platforms became the places to be, which led to more consumers discovering products online.

To rectify and make retailers in our city engage to their clients in a way that we see more foot traffic, we have to think outside the box and that's where Micro Labs comes in. This is still in the initial stages but as we gather more data and collaborate and learn, we will be able to ultimately achieve great things.

The benefits of coming together

1. Connection

Coming together in a shared physical space provides people with a better opportunity to create connections, and many agree. Building rapport, sharing insights and effective collaboration are the key ingredients to creating high performing teams and strong company culture. As people spend more time away from the office, they’ve starting to see the value of working with team members in a physical space. This longing to connect has become a strong incentive to return to the office.

2. Increased potential for innovation

Most people think success comes from surrounding yourself with others that are like you, but true success and breakthrough innovation involves discomfort. Discomfort pushes you to grow. This is where difference of experience, opinion, and perspective come in. Diversity is a well-documented pathway to unlocking new opportunities, overcoming new challenges, and gaining new insights.

3. Energy

When people interact and connect with one another, an exchange of energy occurs. This energy becomes a driving force for creativity, innovation and stronger team collaboration. While it’s certainly possible to achieve this through video calls, it’s more difficult to build the momentum that’s created when people come together in a physical space. This is why office meetups are so important.

4. More opportunities for growth

Collaboration in the workplace isn’t unlike teamwork on the baseball diamond. When the pitcher and outfielders each excel at their individual roles, the team has a better chance of winning.?

Off the playing field, that idea is more important than ever. Changes in technology and increased globalization mean that organizations are facing problems so complex that a single individual simply can’t possess all the necessary knowledge to solve them. When team members use their unique skills to shine in their own roles, it creates an environment based on mutual respect and cooperation that benefits the whole group.

5. Expanded creativity

When people with different perspectives come together in group brainstorms, on the other hand, innovative ideas can rise to the surface. Research shows this can happen when communication within the team is open and collaborative. The most creative solutions can only come up when there’s a level of trust that lets team members ask ‘stupid’ questions, propose out-there ideas, and receive constructive criticism.?

We are super excited for this project and look forward to seeing everyone, please come visit or reach out with any questions.