Last week, AGAR joined creative leaders, designers, and brand innovators at the International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) — held this year in beautiful Providence, Rhode Island. Known as one of the industry’s premier gatherings, IRDC brings together some of the most forward-thinking voices shaping the future of retail design and brand experience.

From grocers rethinking the meaning of “local” to strategies for inclusive design and the enduring power of experience, the conversations reinforced a clear message: meaningful, human connection remains at the heart of modern retail.

Here are a few key takeaways that stood out:

Big Y is redefining what it means to be a local grocer. As Sarah Steven shared, “We’re not going to get rid of the butcher or the baker – in fact we’re going to double down on our in-store experts.” In a time when grocery prices continue to rise, Big Y is investing in expertise, service, and a sense of place to drive loyalty. It’s a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean going digital — sometimes it’s about doubling down on what makes you human.

Despite shifting habits, retail continues to thrive — especially where experiences create connection. Sarah Quinlan highlighted the continued growth of the Experience Economy, noting, “We learned from the pandemic how much we depend on friends & family — and that’s where we continue to see spending.” She also challenged brands to look for smart, seamless partnerships, such as collaborations between hotels and nearby retailers. The takeaway: the future of retail lives at the intersection of convenience, community, and collaboration.

KultureCity’s mission to make public and retail spaces more inclusive for individuals with sensory needs offered one of the most inspiring moments of the conference. Through staff training, sensory bags, and thoughtful signage, they’ve created scalable systems that help environments feel welcoming for everyone. It’s a simple but powerful model for designing with empathy — proof that accessibility and inclusion are central to modern brand experience.

AGAR’s own Josh Heuser and Andrew Salzbrun closed the conference with a keynote reminding brands that every interaction — big or small — is an opportunity to make an impression. Their “party principles” framework distilled brand experience into three clear steps: Audit → Elevate → Measure.

• Audit what’s working (and what’s not)
• Elevate one area by just 10%
• Measure with a simple question: “How likely are you to share this experience with someone?”

A great reminder that unforgettable brand moments come from intention, creativity, and the courage to act.

IRDC 2025 once again proved that retail design is far from static — it’s a living, evolving reflection of how people want to feel, connect, and belong. Huge thanks to the IRDC team and all the speakers driving the industry forward.