What does “experiential shopping” mean to you? Perhaps it means immersive activations, vibrant pop-ups, inspirational store formats, interactive tech and/or creative community events. Regardless of how you define it, all of this and MORE will be represented during the design:retail Conference & Expo to spotlight how retailers/brands are adapting to create memorable experiences. We’ve tapped a few of the most inspiring retailers and brands to bring their incredible expertise to the stage and show us how they’re supporting experiential store environments.
Taking place on May 11 and 12 in Chicago, the agenda will feature two distinct tracks to bring you the next evolution of experiential design. To get you excited for what we have planned next week and to start personalizing your event schedule, we’re spotlighting 5 sessions you won’t want to miss:
Top 5 Trends Driving the Future of Store Design
Wednesday, May 11, 10:30am-11:15am
There is no better way to kick-start your first day of DRCE! Retail and experiential design expert, Melissa Gonzalez, will set the tone for the two days’ worth of compelling content by digging into the top trends that are driving the future of store design and experience strategy. From emerging technology to new formats and fixture trends, to building immersive brand communities, she’ll uncover the most critical topic areas in retail. Do yourself a favor and attend this session!
How Coach Embraces Retail Transformation: From Physical to Immersive Experiences
Wednesday, May 11, 2:30pm-3:00pm
Giovanni Zaccariello is the SVP Global Visual Experience of Coach and has spent over 20 years in the fashion industry revolutionizing customer experiences. And yes, WE CANNOT CONTAIN OUR EXCITEMENT to hear him speak on the DRCE stage! During this session, he will provide examples of local-global experiences anchored in storytelling, offer best practices for implementing local initiatives and explore the power of digital integration in brick-and-mortar experiences. Definitely add this session to your personalized schedule in the App ASAP!
Experience Innovation from a High-Growth Cannabis Market
Thursday, May 12, 11:30am-12:00pm
Yes, you read that title correctly, this session will focus on the growing cannabis market! Cannabis and CBD account for a small yet growing market in the retail world. Given the highly technical and personal nature of these purchases, brands must carefully blend brand storytelling, associate expertise and highly immersive experiences that drive customer engagement and loyalty. Daniel Firtel, CEO of TRP/Cookies/Dr.GreenThumb, will share how to combine high-touch service with cutting-edge technology to support customers across locations, as well as how to drive brand awareness and increase foot traffic. Attend this session to see what the Cannabis and CBD hype is all about!
The Power of Physical: How M&Ms and Landor & Fitch Launched Multiple Memorable Experiences Worldwide
Thursday, May 12, 1:30pm-2:00pm
Prepare to be WOWed during this session! Ashley Randolph, Design Director of Landor & Fitch and Chip Cook, Senior Retail Design Manager of Mars Inc. will discuss their collaboration and recent partnership to design three new stores in Berlin, Disney Springs and Mall of America. These stores inspire fans to connect with each other to create better moments and smiles. You’ll walkaway with key learnings on how to create localized experiences for your brand to better connect with customers and how to implement unique attractions that will drive foot traffic to design extraordinary experiences.
Experimenting with “Retailtainment” to Drive Engagement and Customer Loyalty
Wednesday, May 11, 11:30am-12:00pm
Oh, baby! Get a glimpse of the Lalo Land magic during this engaging session. Our very own Alicia Esposito, VP of Content for Retail TouchPoints, will sit down with Michael Wieder, Co-Founder, President and CMO of Lalo to share the benefits of implementing “retailtainment.” Lalo is reimagining how you shop for baby and toddler essentials in the most fun way possible by transforming stores into playful venues where customers can test a variety of products. They even host fun events and a variety of classes in their stores. Don’t miss out on this fascinating session!
We’re less than a week away, so don’t walk...RUN to add these sessions to your personalized agenda in the App. If you still need to register, don’t waste any time! Be sure to review the various pass options and register now.
