This episode features Sam Howard and Ellie Williams from Rithum discussing the future of tech-driven inventory management. They delve into challenges like product 'fit' and assortment, the blurring lines between retailers and brands due to DTC, and how data is used for profitable supplier matching. The conversation also explores the evolution of physical retail into showrooms, the shift in retail media, and leveraging marketplace strategies and technology to optimize operations and navigate market uncertainty in 2025.
Host Deborah Weinswig interviews Brad Begolia of Simbi about their second annual report on the state of in-store retailing. They explore how increased investment in AI and automation, particularly shelf intelligence and robotics, is transforming retail operations by improving visibility, data accuracy, and addressing inefficiencies like shrink and out-of-stocks. The conversation also highlights how this technology enhances employee satisfaction and customer experience, discussing adoption barriers, the strategic importance of objective data, and the future of AI-first retail, including applications in retail media and localization.
Takeaways The Coresight Research conference: NextGen 2025 is set for June 23. The event will focus on the integration of retail and real estate. AI is reshaping the beauty industry and retail strategies. Retailers are cautious about adopting AI technologies. Data plays a crucial role in understanding consumer behavior. Challenges like organized retail crime (ORC) need collaborative solutions. Food courts are becoming significant revenue sources for malls. The NextGen 2025 conference will feature...
This episode previews key themes from NRF's The Big Show Asia Pacific, focusing on how global retailers are preparing for the back half of 2025. Discussions cover the increasing role of AI, the evolution of consumer transactions and relationships with brands (including stores and livestreaming differences), and creative marketing strategies like monetizing attention and virtual sellers. The episode also touches on leveraging technology and data for consumer insights and the challenges of organizational change.
Takeaways The AAFA conference focused heavily on tariffs and their impact on supply chains. Manufacturers are diversifying their supply chains to mitigate risks. Companies are looking to increase agility in manufacturing strategies. Collaboration and communication are crucial for managing tariff impacts. Sustainability can drive cost reduction while meeting ESG goals. World Retail Congress highlighted a shift toward more resilient supply chains. Retailers are focusing on building tighter relatio...
Takeaways AI tools are revolutionizing real estate management. Video analytics provide real-time insights into customer behavior. RF analytics track customer journeys without compromising privacy. Generative AI streamlines leasing processes and document management. AI enhances tenant support through chatbots and automated responses. Smart building technology improves energy efficiency and maintenance. Data-driven decisions lead to better tenant mix and pricing strategies. AI can predict maintena...
Takeaways Singles' Day started as an informal celebration for singles in China. Alibaba transformed Singles' Day into a massive shopping event in 2009. The festival now surpasses Black Friday and Cyber Monday in sales. Consumer behavior is shifting toward value-add promotions, not just discounts. Outdoor sportswear saw a 70% increase in sales during Singles' Day 2024. Engagement metrics are becoming more important than gross merchandise value. Logistics and supply chain management are critical f...
Takeaways US consumers are hyper-focused on value right now. 59% of consumers prefer retailers offering personalized deals. 44% of consumers are switching to generic or store brands. 38% are sticking strictly to their shopping list. Consumers are pivoting to cooking at home. Tariffs could cost the foodservice sector over $12 billion. Retailers are expanding their private-label offerings. Technology is going to play a bigger role in retail. Value will remain front and center throughout 2025. Econ...
Takeaways Costco leads the warehouse club sector with $184 billion in revenue. Sam's Club targets younger shoppers with tech innovations. Demographics play a crucial role in warehouse club success. Costco's brand loyalty is a significant competitive advantage. Sam's Club's tech appeals to convenience-driven millennials. Omnichannel strategies are essential for modern retailers. Both companies are expanding their store footprints in the US. Costco's affluent customer base provides resilience in d...
Takeaways Sustainability can enhance profitability, not hinder it. Technological advancements can significantly reduce returns. Accurate demand forecasting is crucial for minimizing food waste. The circular economy offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Retailers can leverage clean energy technologies for operational efficiency. Consumer preferences are shifting toward sustainable brands. Sourcing from sustainable factories can improve environmental impact. AI (artificial intelligence...
Takeaways There has been a consistent flight to value in retail. Walmart's performance is influenced by tariff impacts. Consumers are shifting spending toward brands they trust. Retail strategies differ significantly among major players. Holiday inventory management is becoming increasingly complex. Dependence on China for manufacturing remains a critical issue. Economic volatility creates uncertainty in the market. Retail prices are expected to rise due to increased costs. Technology will play ...
Takeaways Shoptalk Spring featured a disco-themed atmosphere and discussions on the golden age of retail. Personalization is becoming a key focus for retailers, enhancing customer engagement. Gen Z is showing renewed interest in shopping at malls following the pandemic. Networking events are crucial for building relationships in the retail industry. Retailers face unique challenges, such as those in military retail environments. Geographic differences impact retail strategies and customer prefer...
Takeaways The UK economy is expected to grow only 1% this year. Overall consumer sentiment in the US has declined sharply since January. Sentiment among high-income consumers has slightly improved recently. Survey data show optimism for upcoming holidays but caution for the future. Dollar Tree, Inc.'s divestment of Family Dollar aims to focus on profitability. Family Dollar shoppers are typically more urban and lower-income. Retailers must navigate uncertainty with strategic technology investmen...
Takeaways Unified commerce connects backend systems with front-facing channels. Consumers expect a seamless shopping experience across all channels. Mobile apps are essential for loyalty and customer engagement. Unified commerce helps retailers meet customers wherever they are. Data integration is crucial for personalized customer experiences. Retailers must unify their channels to remain competitive. A clear strategy and roadmap are essential for successful unified commerce execution. Data qual...
Takeaways The retail landscape is rapidly evolving with new technologies. Customer centricity is a key focus for retailers today. AI is transforming how retailers operate and engage with customers. Startups are crucial for innovation in the retail sector. Shoptalk Spring will feature diverse topics relevant to retail. Balancing customer experience with operational efficiency is essential. The "Shark Reef" Startup Pitch highlights emerging retail-tech solutions. Retailers must adapt to changing c...
Takeaways Unified commerce enhances the customer shopping experience. Brand storytelling is essential for consumer loyalty. Generative AI transforms search capabilities in retail. Retail media is a growing revenue stream for retailers. AI helps in demand forecasting and inventory management. Seamless consumer journeys are crucial for modern retail. Authenticity in branding is expected by today's consumers. Retail technology is evolving rapidly with new innovations. Shoptalk Spring will showcase ...
Takeaways Walmart dominates food shopping across all US regions. Whole Foods Market has the strongest urban shopper base. Regional preferences significantly influence shopping patterns. Amazon performs better in urban areas, while Walmart excels in rural markets. Macy's has a concentrated urban consumer base, aligning with its strategy. Temu is gaining traction in urban markets with aggressive pricing. Retailers need to tailor strategies to regional shopping behaviors. The urban-versus-rural div...
Takeaways The US retail market is valued at about $5.3 trillion and is growing. Smaller store formats are gaining popularity due to convenience. Technology is enhancing operational efficiency in retail. Experiential retail is becoming crucial for attracting customers. International retailers are expanding their presence in the US market. Retailers are rethinking the balance between DTC (direct-to-consumer) and wholesale. Physical stores serve multiple roles beyond just sales. Consumer preference...
Takeaways AI, machine learning and automation are reshaping grocery shopping. Demand forecasting is critical for managing perishable goods. Smart shopping carts enhance the shopping experience and data collection. Personalization through AI drives customer satisfaction and loyalty. Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) reduce pricing errors and paper waste. The grocery industry is moving toward a connected ecosystem. Retailers must adapt to technological advancements to remain competitive. Consumer exp...
Takeaways Tariffs are expected to negatively impact the economy and personal finances. Consumers are largely negative about the effects of tariffs. 61% of US consumers believe that tariffs will lead to higher prices. Retailers are diversifying their sourcing to mitigate tariff risks. The closure of the "de minimis" loophole poses a threat to cross-border retailers. Companies such as Temu are subsidized to maintain competitive pricing. Retailers are pulling forward inventory to avoid tariffs. The...
Takeaways Store closures in the US reached 7,400 in 2024, the highest level since 2020. Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, particularly among lower-income groups. Legacy retailers are reshaping their store footprints to adapt to changing consumer habits. The home goods sector faced significant challenges due to a weak housing market. Discount stores experienced unusual closures, with major players like Big Lots and Family Dollar closing numerous locations. Apparel continues to see ...
Takeaways AI was a major focus at CES 2025. CES has expanded its focus beyond consumer electronics. AI agents can perform tasks on behalf of humans. Delta Air Lines is leveraging AI for customer service. AI models require significant training data. Retail technology is evolving with immersive experiences. Empowering retail associates with AI improves service. The future of retail will heavily involve AI applications. AI is transforming supply chain management. Physical stores still account for 8...
Takeaways Retail predictions for 2025 highlight significant changes in consumer behavior. Proposed tariffs could lead to higher costs in the supply chain. UK retail will see cautious consumer spending in 2025. Quick commerce is set to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Kirana stores need to adopt digital strategies to compete. China's retail market is projected to grow significantly in 2025. Experiential shopping is becoming a key focus for Chinese consumers. AI technology is transfo...
Takeaways 2025 is set to bring significant changes in retail. AI (artificial intelligence) technology is becoming increasingly integral to retail operations. Beauty sector growth will be driven by its affordability and wellness focus. E-commerce sales in the US are forecasted to reach $1.2 trillion. Apparel and footwear sales are expected to see moderate growth. Home-improvement retail is recovering from a challenging 2024. China's luxury market share is anticipated to rise significantly. The re...
Takeaways The US CPG sector is projected to grow by 3.2% in 2025. Consumers will continue to seek value and promotions in CPG products. Mass merchants and warehouse clubs are expected to grow by 4.8% in 2025. Grocery retail is anticipated to grow by 3.1%, driven by grocery inflation. Department stores are facing a decline of 4.8% due to competition from online retailers. Drugstore sales are expected to increase by a low single-digit percentage in 2025. Health and wellness products will be key dr...
Takeaways: The pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping. Experiential retail is becoming crucial for consumer engagement. AI is integral to product development and marketing strategies. Digital asset management enhances efficiency in marketing campaigns. Emerging brands are leveraging technology to compete with larger retailers. SEO is evolving with Gen Z's shopping habits. Sustainability is a key focus for consumers and brands alike. The role of chief AI officers is expected to grow in...
Takeaways Retail media is set to grow significantly through 2028. E-commerce marketplaces are gaining share in the retail landscape. In-store technologies will enhance customer experiences. GenAI will transform retail operations and decision-making. GLP-1 drugs are changing consumer demand and preferences. Unified commerce will create seamless shopping experiences. Retailers need to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Data-driven strategies are essential for retail success. Consumer resilience...
Takeaways Mixed-use developments are becoming increasingly popular. Dollar stores are facing significant challenges and changes. AI technology is crucial for personalization in retail. Consumer behavior is evolving, with Gen Z leading the way. Retailers are making more conscientious decisions in site selection. The impact of GLP-1 on consumer habits is noteworthy. The retail landscape is continuously evolving, presenting new opportunities. Chapters 00:00 This Week in Research, Highlighting Retai...
Takeaways The Coresight Research Retail 2025 series has launched with predictions for US retail. Responsible AI is crucial for corporate decision-making. Unified commerce is a key goal for retailers. Cultural innovation is essential for employee engagement. There is a clear need for supply chain optimization. The retail landscape is filled with opportunities for growth. Chapters 00:00 This Week in Research, Highlighting Retail 2025 Predictions 02:44 Insights from the Legends of Commerce Conferen...
Takeaways Black Friday sales increased by 3.4% year over year, exceeding forecasts. The holiday shopping season is now more experiential and omnichannel. Retailers that enhance customer experience see better outcomes. Consumers are shopping more intentionally this year, focusing on value. Gen Z shoppers prefer physical stores over online shopping. Malls are becoming social hubs for friends and family gatherings. Execution in stores like Home Depot and Lowe's was impressive. Target's marketing st...
