#USA #H-E-B #Dayton #ChangeUp #Experience Report

Unpacking ChangeUp's 2025 Experience Report

On October 15, 2025, ChangeUp, an industry-leading brand strategy and retail design agency based in Dayton, Ohio, made headlines with the launch of its inaugural Experience Report. This pioneering study stands out by ranking the top 50 restaurant and retail brands based on their customer engagement and experiences. In a market characterized by rising costs, evolving customer expectations, and competitive pressures, this report is timely and pertinent.

The Need for a New Perspective

With consumer priorities shifting, it's crucial for brands to understand that success is increasingly measured by the emotional connections they foster, rather than merely the products they offer. As Lee Carpenter, CEO of ChangeUp, articulates, "Experience has become the new competitive frontier." This insight drives the report, which seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how brands can cultivate deeper ties with their customers.

Methodology: A Data-Driven Approach

The Experience Report leverages the findings of a large-scale survey involving 6,000 consumers, alongside data from 200 brands and over 300,000 digital interactions. Through an innovative combination of traditional surveys and AI-powered sentiment analysis of customer reviews and online discussions, ChangeUp has created a comprehensive overview of brand resonance. The analysis spans across eight key dimensions of customer experience, grounded in ChangeUp's proprietary framework.

Highlights from the Report

At the pinnacle of the report is the Texas grocery powerhouse H-E-B, which has captivated consumers through its commitment to community and consistently delightful shopping experiences. Following closely is In-N-Out Burger, celebrated not just for its menu but for how it transcends simplicity to deliver a unique customer experience that has engendered a cult following.

The report serves as more than just a ranking; it acts as a benchmark for industries still navigating the pressure of consumer expectations that continue to evolve. The caliber of brands listed reflects how experience translates into a competitive edge, providing lessons applicable across sectors.

Actionable Insights for Brands

Beyond merely listing top players, the Experience Report provides practical insights that any brand can adopt. Whether it’s identifying new growth opportunities or reinforcing existing strengths, the data-driven intelligence derived from the study can guide companies to enhance their customer interactions.

"This is more than a ranking. It’s a barometer of how well brands are meeting rising expectations and a guide for those ready to seize the competitive advantage that only great experiences can deliver," says Carpenter, emphasizing the significance of this report for businesses looking to create impactful customer journeys.

Accessing the Report

For those keen on exploring the full contents of the 2025 ChangeUp Experience Report, it is available for download on their official website at changeupinc.com/experience-report-2025. This document is essential reading for brand strategists, marketers, and customer experience professionals aiming to understand how to enrich their consumer relationships and drive loyalty.

About ChangeUp

Founded with the mission of crafting transformative brand experiences, ChangeUp collaborates with a diverse roster of clients, including well-known names like Chick-fil-A, Bath & Body Works, and Kia. By emphasizing customer insights in their design strategy, ChangeUp is at the forefront of innovations that redefine retail and brand interactions, making them a vital player in the evolving landscape of consumer expectations.

In conclusion, ChangeUp's 2025 Experience Report not only sheds light on the current state of retail and restaurant branding but also charts a path forward for companies ready to embrace the new metrics of success. By focusing on customer experience, brands can chart a course toward enhanced loyalty and market presence.