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Retail is entering an era where innovation is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or Europe’s design capitals. Taiwan has rapidly become a global hub for design, technology and sustainable thinking – a laboratory for the ideas and collaborations that will shape how we shop, connect, and live in 2026 and beyond
- Taiwan’s expertise in design, technology and sustainble thinking has been recognised globally
- Technology that encourages participation continues to redefine consumer experiences
- AI-enabled products must be integrated seamlessly by retailers
Events like the Taiwan Select Pop-up Showcase, held at Westfield White City and presented under the Taiwan Excellence banner, brought this innovation to life.
From ASUS’ VivoWatch 6 for precision health tracking and Vinxper’s electric wine aerator, to OptiqB’s 3D glasses-free display, GIGABYTE’s Aero X16 AI laptop, LUFTQI’s smart personal air purifier, UKL ANNE’s pineapple-leaf fibre fashion and Atunas’ recycled yoga rollers, the showcase demonstrated how Taiwanese design is redefining product categories and consumer expectations alike.
At the heart of this innovation lies Taiwan Excellence, a mark established in 1993 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to recognise and celebrate the country’s most outstanding products.
Each year, eligible brands go through a rigorous selection process assessing four key areas – research and development, design, quality, and marketing – with the defining criterion of being made in Taiwan.
Today, the Taiwan Excellence symbol is recognised globally as a hallmark of innovation, quality and forward-thinking design.
How is smart tech becoming a category expectation?
Connected, AI-enabled products are shifting from novelty to necessity.
From smart wearables to immersive display technologies, Taiwanese innovators are showing how intelligence and design can merge seamlessly to create value.
For retailers, the challenge is integrating this level of smart functionality without adding complexity, particularly as customers become more discerning about data, usability and long-term support.
Are health and wellbeing mainstreaming?
The wellness economy continues to grow, with innovations such as portable air purifiers, ergonomic tech accessories and precision health devices reflecting how wellbeing has become central to everyday life.
Retailers that adapt store layouts, category mixes and communications to align with this lifestyle-driven trend can capture both emotional and commercial loyalty.
Why is sustainability the new standard of quality?
Sustainable design has evolved from an ethical add-on to a defining measure of quality.
The Taiwan Select showcase featured standout examples, from UKL ANNE’s pineapple-leaf fibre collection to Atunas’ yoga rollers made from recycled marine waste, proving that eco-materials can compete on aesthetics and desirability.
Retailers that spotlight a product’s environmental journey will deepen engagement and trust.
How is experience redefining engagement?
Technology that encourages participation, from immersive screens to interactive demos, continues to reshape in-store and online retail experiences.
Taiwanese brands are already blending physical and digital touchpoints to create excitement and belonging, showing retailers that the path to loyalty now runs through discovery and play.
Why does collaboration drive commercial progress?
Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem thrives on partnerships between government, academia and industry – a model with clear lessons for retail. Cross-sector collaboration accelerates product development and helps brands stay relevant in fast-moving markets.
Recent visitor insights from the Taiwan Select Showcase confirm the appetite for innovation-led retail: almost all attendees said their perception of Taiwanese products improved, and over 90% said they would buy or recommend them.
The message for retailers is clear; innovation doesn’t just introduce new products, it raises the bar for what consumers expect from every part of the retail journey.
