Innovation. It’s a big, important word in business today, especially retail.
Innovation is also great in theory, but it’s rarely fully actualized, especially in organizations with many years of existing systems and processes in place. But during the Retail Innovation Summit, the targeted event for strategic leaders, C-suite executives and other changemakers, attendees will learn that opportunities for innovation exist across the business and within different functions.
Over two days, the agenda will feature six tracks digging into everything from company culture and customer-centricity, to omnichannel strategy and, of course, supply chain and fulfillment. Executives can focus their learning experience to go as broad or as deep as they want into specific trends and tactics. To help develop your plan and customize your event calendar, we’re spotlighting 6 sessions we simply cannot wait for:
Next-Gen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Sponsorship, Mentorship and More
Wednesday, May 11, 10:30am-11:30am
Kimberly Minor is the CEO of Bumbershoot, as well as the President and Chief Commercial Officer of fitness brand BANDIER. She has a rich history in retail, helping brands develop their merchandising strategies and establish their brands in a competitive climate. So of course, she’s realized how critical people and culture are. Most of all, creating an environment that supports mentorship and sponsorship — because yes, there’s a difference. During her session, Kimberly will dig into how retailers can go from good intentions to meaningful change.
A New Framework for Brand Storytelling: Consistent, Contextual and Credible
Wednesday, May 11, 3:30pm-4:00pm
If the “social media age” has taught us anything, it’s that content is more important than ever. Brands need to have a strong mission that resonates with consumers and develop messaging and content that reaffirms that mission. For some brands, this is easier said than done. But during this dynamic panel discussion, executives across specialty, furniture and department store categories will come together to discuss their unique approaches to brand storytelling: what works, what doesn’t and what they’re thinking about in the future, especially as customer loyalty continues to struggle. Matthew Herman, Co-Founder of Boy Smells, Bill Cunningham, VP of Marketing at JCPenney, and Kristin Toth, President & COO of Fernish are going to bring their “A game,” so be ready to take some notes.
Metaverse, Beyond the Hype: Making the Business Case for Immersive Digital Environments and Communities
Wednesday, May 11, 4:15-4:45pm
Looking for another ah-mahhhh-zing panel? We got you! Of course, the agenda will be hitting on the metaverse in a multitude of ways, but this discussion is going to zero in on how brand leaders can make the case for investing in this space — even though it’s still in the age of exploration. We have the perfect group of experts to offer tips and valuable perspectives, including: Neha Singh, Founder and CEO of Obsess, Michael DeNunzio, Managing Director of Pebble Ventures, and Liz Suman, VP of Art Curation and Editorial at Playboy. Ken Pilot of Pilot Advisory + Ventures will do a great job moderating this discussion, which is sure to inspire and set you on a path to success in the metaverse movement.
Revolutionizing Consumer Choice in the Shopping Journey
Thursday, May 12, 10:30am-11:15am
Consumer behaviors shifted significantly during the pandemic, and no company knows that better than Crate & Barrel. Metro consumers moved to the suburbs. Families worked and learned from home. Some people decided to move across the country just because! The definition of “home” evolved and the home retailer made some big moves to respond. During this fireside chat, Alicia Waters, CMO of Crate & Barrel will share the company’s journey and new priorities, while Martha Welsh, Head of Strategy and Go To Market for Google Commerce & Payments will offer a broader perspective on how these trends impact the entire industry and, most of all, consumer choice. Retail TouchPoints’ very own Nicole Silberstein will moderate the chat and dig into the topics and issues that dominate industry conversations.
Creating Supply Chain Resilience and Staying Competitive with Localized Product Sources
Thursday, May 12, 12:15pm-12:45pm
As supply chains continue to strain retail operations and disappoint consumers, many businesses are rethinking how they source and ship their products. One of those companies is Bartesian, a premium cocktail machine that sells direct and through a growing network of wholesale partners. Ryan Close, Founder and CEO of Bartesian, will share how he made the decision to bring sourcing closer to home, and focus on opening facilities that support fast and cost-efficient delivery. Jordan Speer, a retail industry dynamo and Research Manager for IDC Retail Insights, will ask pointed questions about how these decisions impact customer journeys, brand expansion and, of course, sustainability objectives.
From East to West: How Innovation in APAC is Creating New Western Opportunities
Thursday, May 12, 1:30pm-2pm
We’ve all seen the data: APAC consumers are far ahead of the U.S., especially when it comes to the use of innovative technology and new commerce models. Want to see how live shopping, social commerce and the “festivalization” of retail is accelerating worldwide (and industry-wide) innovation? Want to get your finger on the pulse of the trends that will likely impact your business in the coming years? You simply cannot miss this session, featuring Ken Fenyo of Coresight Research. He has the data, examples and insights you need to plan for the future, today.
BONUS SESSION: Bringing Tar-zhay to Target’s Food & Beverage Business: Inside an Innovator’s Framework for Growth
Thursday, May 12, 10:30-11:15am
OK, so I’m kind of cheating by adding another session, but I simply cannot have a teaser blog without mentioning this incredible fireside chat featuring Rick Gomez, Executive Vice President and Chief Food and Beverage Officer for Target. As a Tar-zhay super fan, I’m especially excited for this session, because Rick will be digging into the company’s priorities across private label, brand partnerships, delivery, fulfillment and other services that drive customer service excellence. We’ve all seen that data showing that Target is one of the leaders in omnichannel, so this discussion into how the playbook is expanding to include food and beverage is sure to be fascinating and valuable for our audience.
We’re reaching the home stretch before we head to Chicago for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, but there’s still time to register! Check out the pass options that are still available and be sure to sign up ASAP.
