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Lara Marrero
Principal | Global Retail & Consumer Experience Practice Leader at Gensler | Retail Influencer | Futurist | Keynote Speaker
Lara Marrero is a prominent figure in the retail design and consumer experience industry, currently serving as Principal, Global Retail & Consumer Experience Practice Leader, and Strategy Director at Gensler, a global architectural practice.13 With over 22 years of experience at Gensler, Lara has established herself as a visionary leader in shaping the future of retail and consumer engagement on a global scale.3
Career and Expertise
Lara joined Gensler in 2002 and has since accumulated more than two decades of experience spanning retail, hospitality, food & beverage, lifestyle, and entertainment experiences.2 Her expertise includes:
- Trend forecasting and future casting
- Market research and strategy development
- Brand development and storytelling
- Customer engagement and retail environments
- Brand activations and translations1
As Strategy Director, Lara informs the design process through research, trend analysis, and insights, leveraging her knowledge of business, brand, and consumer behavior.2
Education and Background
Lara's educational background is diverse, spanning:
- Psychology
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Cultural Anthropology
She studied at Boston University from 1995 to 1998, earning a BA/BS degree.1
Recognition and Influence
Lara has gained recognition in the industry:
- Named one of design
magazine's 40 under 40 in 2017 - Established speaker and industry commentator
- Recognized as a Top 100 Retail Influencer12
Leadership Approach
Lara's leadership style is characterized by:
- Authenticity and transparency
- Creating safe spaces for team members to be themselves
- Emphasis on mentorship and individualized professional development
- Focus on creating meaningful engagement between brands and people across all channels3
Future of Retail Perspective
Lara believes that the future of retail revolves around optimizing time and creating seamless integration between physical, human, and digital experiences. She advocates for personalization driven by technology and data, and emphasizes the importance of fleet strategies to meet diverse market needs.3
Lara Marrero continues to shape the retail design industry through her innovative approaches, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of consumer behavior and brand engagement.
Highlights
I am thrilled to announce Gensler's recent collaboration with Wayfair on the design of their large-format prototype and first location in Wilmette, Illinois! This innovative 150,000-square-foot space sets a new standard for omni-channel retail experiences, offering customers an immersive shopping experience that feels like home. The playful and inviting design reflects Wayfair’s brand personality with a warm palette and pops of signature purple.
Central to the design is ‘The Wayborhood,’ categorizing the store into 19 themed neighborhoods such as furniture, home accessories, and appliances. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and delicious offerings at "The Porch" cafe. The front plaza further fosters community togetherness with space for gatherings and activities.
This project is a key milestone in Wayfair’s omnichannel journey, enhancing the way customers shop. Welcome to 'The Wayborhood'...more updates coming soon! 🏠🛋️🛍️
#RetailDesign #OmnichannelExperience #Wayfair #Wayborhood #ExperienceDesign #ConsumerExperience #storedesign #futureofretail #futureofconsumerexperience #Gensler
I’m excited to be speaking at the Vitafoods Europe Future of Nutrition Summit today on how to build engagement through retail & consumer experiences!
#futureofretail #futureofconsumerexperience Gensler
