In this episode of 5 Insightful Minutes, AWS’s Justin Swagler joins us to explain why physical stores remain critical in today’s digital-first retail landscape. He introduces a compelling framework for the future of retail powered by edge computing, IoT, and agentic AI.
⏱ Key Moments:
- 0:29 – Why physical stores still matter (Hint: 80%+ of sales happen there)
- 1:39 – The three pillars for retail tech success: Edge, Cloud, and AI
- 2:30 – The role of computer vision and unified store data
- 3:02 – How AI connects store systems for operational efficiency
- 3:56 – A glimpse into the future: Agentic retail automation
- 4:20 – Real-world examples: broken machines, out-of-stock items, and how AI solves them
- 4:55 – What retailers should prioritize for long-term value
And be sure to check out the ‘IDC TechScape: Frictionless CX-Enabling Technologies in Retail, 2025’ report to unlock detailed insights on retail technology trends and discover how AWS Retail Solutions can help you implement these innovations today.
P.S. To see our full lineup of past 5 Insightful Minute conversations, head here.
#aws #retailai #edgecomputing #agenticai #futureofretail #StoreInnovation #retailtechnology #omnichannel #SmartStores #customerexperience
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Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.