As part of its Eco Place by Design showcase, SXSW has highlighted West Hollywood’s WeHoX Innovation and Technology program as a finalist in the Urban Strategy and Civic Engagement category, placing it among standout civic initiatives across the country.
Focused on promoting projects that spark financial, civic, and environmental impact, the SXSW Eco Place by Design Competition will gather finalists in Austin this October 10–12. Winners will be revealed on the last day.
According to Mayor Lauren Meister, “Being recognized by SXSW Eco as a Place by Design finalist is a important achievement. WeHoX demonstrates that West Hollywood is not only committed to innovation but also setting a standard for municipalities nationwide.”
In 2015, West Hollywood launched the WeHoX program along with its first Innovations Annual Report, which set forth initiatives and benchmarks for strengthening the city’s innovation strategy. The report is available to the public.
The competition draws innovators from throughout sectors—architecture, art, activism, and more. As a finalist in Urban Strategy and Civic Engagement, WeHoX is in company with projects including Boombox in Chicago and Drawing Lines in Austin.
Retail is undergoing a major transformation, influenced by changing consumer expectations, emerging technologies, and creative community partnerships. Across the country, cities and organizations are experimenting with new approaches to help retailers evolve, expand, and engage with their audiences. These retail innovation hubs are showing how flexible kiosks, digital tools, and collaborative spaces can reshape the shopping experience.
One of the most noticeable trends is the rise of pop-up and micro-retail kiosks, which deliver short-term storefronts for entrepreneurs. These spaces give small businesses, independent creators, and online brands to test products in real-world settings without the burden of long-term leases. Projects like Boombox in Chicago have shown that transforming underused public spaces into micro-shops can activate neighborhoods while giving retailers budget-friendly, adaptable opportunities to reach customers.
Innovation in retail doesn’t stop at storefronts. Many retailers are blending digital engagement with in-person experiences to deepen customer connections. From QR-enabled displays that link stories online to livestream product launches from inside pop-up spaces, retailers are finding dynamic ways to merge the immediacy of brick-and-mortar with the reach of online platforms. This hybrid model not only extends access but also provides valuable data for retailers to refine their strategies.
Retail innovation is also being driven by partnerships between businesses, local governments, and community groups. Programs that pair retail pilots with civic engagement goals—such as promoting sustainability, supporting local artisans, or rebuilding main streets—show that innovation can have both financial and community impact. By offering platforms where entrepreneurs and communities collaborate, these initiatives demonstrate that retail can be a tool for connection and civic renewal.
As cities continue to evolve, retail innovation hubs are emerging as blueprints for the future of commerce. They offer more than just places to shop—they create opportunities for storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. By fostering experimentation and reducing barriers to entry, these initiatives help retailers of all sizes stay resilient to changing times while keeping communities lively and connected.