As part of its Eco Place by Design showcase, SXSW has recognized West Hollywood’s WeHoX Innovation and Technology program as a finalist in the Urban Strategy and Civic Engagement category, ranking it with standout civic initiatives worldwide.
Focused on promoting projects that spark economic, social, and ecological benefits, the SXSW Eco Place by Design Competition will assemble finalists in Austin this October 10–12. Winners will be announced on the final day.
“I am incredibly proud of the successes of the WeHoX program,” said West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister. “Being selected as a Place by Design finalist is a tremendous honor that reflects our city’s dedication to forward-thinking solutions.”
WeHoX was created in 2015, when West Hollywood also published its first Innovations Annual Report. The document detailed a large set of projects and innovation targets and remains accessible online.
Place by Design finalists span fields from urban design to grassroots initiatives. In the Urban Strategy and Civic Engagement category, WeHoX joins projects such as Boombox in Chicago, a micro-retail kiosk for entrepreneurs, and Drawing Lines in Austin, which explored political change through art.
Retail is facing a major transformation, driven by changing consumer expectations, new technologies, and creative community partnerships. Across the country, municipalities and organizations are launching fresh approaches to help retailers adjust, grow, and connect with their audiences. These retail innovation hubs are showing how flexible kiosks, digital tools, and shared platforms can reimagine the shopping experience.
One of the most noticeable trends is the rise of pop-up and micro-retail kiosks, which offer temporary storefronts for entrepreneurs. These spaces enable 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 proven that transforming underutilized 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 connect stories online to livestream product launches from inside pop-up spaces, retailers are discovering new ways to merge the immediacy of brick-and-mortar with the reach of online platforms. This hybrid model not only expands access but also provides important data for retailers to optimize their strategies.
Retail innovation is also being advanced by partnerships between businesses, local governments, and community groups. Programs that pair retail pilots with civic read more engagement goals—such as promoting sustainability, supporting local artisans, or rebuilding main streets—show that innovation can have both economic and community impact. By building platforms where entrepreneurs and communities connect, 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 provide more than just places to shop—they create platforms for storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. By fostering experimentation and removing barriers to entry, these initiatives help retailers of all sizes adapt to shifting landscapes while keeping communities vibrant and strong.