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OUTSIDE THE BOX N EW RETAIL PERS PECTIV ES
Metaverse by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Facebook’s company rebrand to Meta at its annual Connect 2021 conference in late October. The newly branded “metaverse,” which the company says is the next evolution in a long line of social technologies, will bring together Facebook’s apps and technologies under one brand to connect people, find communities, and grow business. Meta plans to combine online social experiences with projects in the physical world and beyond.
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Runway Ready Appliances
Tonal
DIGITAL RESISTANCE When gyms were closed for what felt like forever during the pandemic, many of us were catapulted into the world of at-home workouts. YouTube exercise videos replaced in-person classes and fitness companies pivoted to living-room friendly equipment. Among the new technology is Tonal at home gym, a wall-mounted screen system that combines about 150 different pieces of gym equipment into one. Tonal uses cables and digital resistance to simulate weights instead of conventional weights and dumbbells. Users can personalize workouts through artificial intelligence technology and a monthly membership. Think Lululemon’s “mirror” combined with Peloton.
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In their latest collaboration, high-end appliance company SMEG and luxury designer Dolce & Gabbana wrap the silhouettes of retro kitchen appliances in bold, Italo-style prints for the Italian-made “Sicily is My Love,” collection. The collection intends to tell the story of Sicilian cuisine, and the cuisine of Italy itself, according to SMEG’s website. Products include a toaster, mixer, cappuccino machine, kettle, juicer and more, running from $650-$850.
Protein Pizza Vegetarians and vegans and flexitarians, oh my! Now that dietary restrictions are commonplace, gluten free and plant-based eaters will rejoice at Banza’s latest take on comfort food, the first-ever commercial chickpea-based crust available in the U.S. The pizza boasts 1.5x the protein, 2x the fiber and fewer net carbs and sodium than alternative crusts. It’s made of whole, plant-based ingredients including chickpeas, olive oil, yeast, and oregano. iStock
