SXSW has recognized the City of West Hollywood’s WeHoX program a finalist in its Eco Place by Design Competition, honoring the project in Urban Strategy and Civic Engagement.
Focused on supporting projects that deliver economic, social, and ecological benefits, the SXSW Eco Place by Design Competition will gather finalists in Austin this October 10–12. Winners will be revealed on the final day.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the WeHoX program,” said West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister. “Being recognized as a Place by Design finalist is a tremendous honor that demonstrates our city’s dedication to innovation and civic progress.”
The City introduced WeHoX in 2015 and released its inaugural Innovations Annual Report that year, outlining new projects and measurable goals for civic learn about this innovation. The full report can be downloaded from the city’s website.
WeHoX is listed with a diverse range of Place by Design finalists, from civic projects in San Francisco and Seattle to international initiatives in Cairo. Its category peers include Boombox in Chicago and Drawing Lines in Austin, each transforming community engagement.
Retail is undergoing a major transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations, new technologies, and creative community partnerships. Across the country, municipalities and organizations are testing out fresh approaches to help retailers evolve, expand, and reach their audiences. These retail innovation hubs are showing how flexible kiosks, technology solutions, and shared platforms can reshape the shopping experience.
One of the most prominent trends is the rise of pop-up and micro-retail kiosks, which deliver temporary storefronts for entrepreneurs. These spaces give small businesses, independent creators, and online brands to pilot products in real-world settings without the cost of long-term leases. Projects like Boombox in Chicago have shown that transforming vacant public spaces into micro-shops can activate neighborhoods while giving retailers affordable, flexible 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 discovering creative 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 adjust their strategies.
Retail innovation is also being driven by partnerships between businesses, local governments, and community groups. Programs that link retail pilots with civic engagement goals—such as promoting sustainability, supporting local artisans, or rebuilding main streets—show that innovation can have both economic and social impact. By creating platforms where entrepreneurs and communities collaborate, these initiatives prove that retail can be a tool for connection and civic renewal.
As cities move forward, retail innovation hubs are emerging as blueprints for the future of commerce. They offer more than just places to shop—they create platforms for storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. By supporting experimentation and removing barriers to entry, these initiatives help retailers of all sizes adjust to new realities while keeping communities lively and connected.