Hello, I’m Karen Herman, CEO of Gustie Creative. My passions are design, strategy and technology. I began to explore the phenomena of Pop Up Stores in 2010 and realized it was just the start of brands and businesses finding new and creative ways to enter the marketplace.

Inspired by these exciting developments, I wrote a business plan and was accepted into a research park. There, I went on an informative deep dive. I observed consumer shopping habits and researched new design concepts and retail trends. I beta tested new technologies and digital shopping applications. And I studied the changing retail landscape and macro influences affecting it.

What I discovered were new trends in retailing emerging worldwide. These new trends create opportunities for brands and businesses to connect with consumers directly and move from online-to-offline retailing and the metaverse easily. This is Disruptive Retail. I know how it works and the advantages it can bring to you.

Gustie Creative launched Create Disruptive Retail to share curated insights on Disruptive Retail news, trends and solutions. When you visit CDR, comment on trending posts. Share your thoughts and gain insights from other users. Feel free to share content to spread the word on Disruptive Retail and how it works.

Create Disruptive Retail is live, global, 24/7 and in June 2026, the Disruptive Retail Field Guide will be available as a softcover handbook and digital download. You can use it to understand trends, make informed decisions and choose Disruptive Retail solutions to grow your brand or business and delight your clients and customers.

I’m also the author of “Solutions for Disrupting Disruption, The Essential Guide for Brands and Businesses” and “The Definitive Guide to Disruptive Retail Workbooks” and enjoy hosting DisruptShop Workshops online and offline. Proud to support design innovation as a member of AIGA, the RetailWire BrainTrust and a contributing writer to Simply the Best magazine.

Gustie is your design partner to grow your brand or business. Let our research, development, and expertise work for you!