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, placing it among standout civic initiatives across the country.
Focused on supporting projects that create financial, civic, and environmental benefits, the SXSW Eco Place by Design Competition will assemble finalists in Austin this October 10–12. Winners will be revealed on the final day.
“I am very proud of the achievements of the WeHoX program,” said West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister. “Being named as a Place by Design finalist is a huge honor that demonstrates our city’s dedication to innovation and civic progress.”
In 2015, West Hollywood debuted the WeHoX program along with its first Innovations Annual Report, which set forth initiatives and benchmarks for enhancing the city’s innovation strategy. The report is publicly accessible.
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 facing a significant transformation, driven by changing consumer expectations, new technologies, and innovative community partnerships. Across the country, communities and organizations are testing out new approaches to help retailers adjust, expand, and engage with their audiences. These retail innovation hubs are showing how temporary shops, digital tools, and collaborative spaces can reshape the shopping experience.
One of the most visible trends is the rise of pop-up and micro-retail kiosks, which deliver temporary storefronts for entrepreneurs. These spaces allow small businesses, independent creators, and online brands to test products in physical settings without the expense 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, adaptable opportunities to reach customers.
Innovation in retail doesn’t stop at physical space. Many retailers are blending digital engagement with in-person experiences to strengthen customer connections. From QR-enabled displays that extend stories online to livestream product launches from inside pop-up spaces, retailers are using creative ways to merge the immediacy of in-store with the reach of online platforms. This hybrid model not only broadens access but also provides important data for retailers to adjust their strategies.
Retail innovation is also being pushed by partnerships between businesses, local governments, and community groups. Programs that combine 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 connect, these initiatives prove 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 deliver more than just places to shop—they create spaces for storytelling, education, and cultural exchange. By fostering experimentation and reducing barriers to entry, these initiatives help retailers of all sizes stay resilient to new realities while keeping communities lively and strong.