Hello Omni Talk Fans! And especially Shoptalk Spring first-timers!
All told, as Shoptalk embarks on its 10-year anniversary, I have attended every Shoptalk that there ever was, going all the way back to 2016. I remember my first Shoptalk like it was yesterday.
I kid you not, but I told people coming out of the first one that everyone there must have felt like Neo in The Matrix watching green code scroll in front of his or her eyes for the very first time as I listened to those on the cutting edge of retail talk onstage about how they saw the future playing out.
To say that I was in heaven is an understatement. And this is coming from someone who was born in Iowa.
So, as a veritable Shoptalk fan boy, I figured, what the heck, why not pen my thoughts on how to get the most out of this year’s show. Here then is my minute-by-minute agenda of how I plan to take in this year’s conference (during business hours of course).
Tuesday – Day 1 Picks
Why?
Answer: Because is there is no other topic more important (and interesting) than Agentic AI
Why?
Answer: Because to succeed in retail you have to understand the acronyms that drive it (seriously).
Why?
Answer: Because 1) The title alone stopped in my tracks 2) All conferences need more healthy debate 3) Scott Wingo’s Retailgentic Substack is a must follow, so I can’t wait to hear what he has to say on the topic.
Why?
Answer: Because I never like to miss a keynote, particularly on the first day, and this lineup is a banger. I am particularly interested in hearing what Wayfair’s CEO has to say about his company’s move into physical stores.
Why?
Answer: The word “Reception”
Why?
Answer: Because this is another new format Shoptalk is debuting to engender more debate. Plus, Ken Pilot used to be my boss’s boss’s boss at the Gap, so I guess you could call me either an enthusiastic observer or a groupie.
Wednesday – Day 2 Picks
Why?
Answer: Because putting AI into the scope of priorities and resource allocation is a must. Too often technology discussions are approached from the perspective of unlimited spending and resources, so I am excited to see Shoptalk bringing pragmatism to the forefront.
Why?
Answer: Because Whatnot is one retailer about which I should know more than I do.
Why?
Answer: Because 1) I am always up for a good research and insights summary 2) Chad Lusk is whip smart.
Why?
Answer: Because 1) Again, keynotes 2) Hilary Super is a huge get 3) Ben and Joe’s Zeitgeist always frames up the major trends impacting retail about as well as anyone.
Why?
Answer: Because the Shoptalk Beach Party is a can’t miss and, seriously, Neo?
Turn the lights off in this place
And she shines just like a star
And I swear I know her face
I just don’t know who you are
Turn the music up in here
I still hear her loud and clear
Like she’s right there in my ear
Telling me that she wants to own me
To control me
Come closer (Come closer)
Come closer
Thursday – Day 3 Picks
Why?
Answer: Macy’s has a history of trying to sell its turnaround on the Shoptalk stage (as they should), and I have yet to be convinced by the act. Will this year be different?
Why?
Answer: Speaking of Macy’s, its former Chief Commerce & Digital Officer Matt Baer jumped ship to turnaround Stitch Fix. From one turnaround to another, so to speak. Will this new one be any more believable? I want to hear what he has to say firsthand.
Why?
Answer: I will be onstage myself, moderating a session recapping the key takeaways from the conference as a live Omni Talk podcast. If you are interested in listening to the podcast recap, click here to subscribe to the Omni Talk Retail podcast.
See you all in Vegas!
Be careful out there,
— Chris and the entire Omni Talk team
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.