North American grocery retail trends for 2025Grocery retailers continue to contend with an increasingly complex operating environment driven by geopolitical uncertainty and exacerbated by persistent high inflation. At the same time, digitalization continues to reshape how consumers expect to discover and purchase products. Discover how grocers are responding with innovation and agility in the face of these headwinds. In this session, Michelle Evans, Global Lead of Retail Insights at Euromonitor International, shares the latest insights shaping grocery and offers predictions for what you can expect in 2025.
Unlocking profitable growth: Strategies on retail successIn the ever-evolving world of retail, the key to driving growth is prioritizing customer centricity and leveraging new technology in critical parts of the customer journey. Harnessing the power of data to curate tailored assortments and optimize store allocation, streamlining store operations, embracing data-driven strategies to fulfill omnichannel initiatives, and leveraging technology and analytics to optimize supply chain are tantamount to success.
Digital transformation: Insider insights from Starbucks and Levi’s®Get ready to dive deep into the world of digital transformation with two retail powerhouses, Starbucks and Levi’s®. These iconic brands are driving fundamental change using cutting-edge technologies throughout their operations to revolutionize their business models and unlock unprecedented value. From boosting efficiency and enhancing agility to creating new opportunities for employees, customers and shareholders, these leaders will share their transformation journeys in detail.
Implications of the U.S. elections on the global economic outlookDive into a critical analysis of how the 2024 U.S. election will shape the global economic landscape. This session, led by JPMorgan’s Chair of Global Research Joyce Chang, promises to unravel the intricate web of geopolitical risks, trade dynamics and investment flows. Discover whether the shifting political tides will prevent a move to economic normality. Don’t miss this chance to gain new insights into the direct consequences of the election on global markets, supply chains and economic stability.
Heritage meets innovation: Digital growth strategies with Mattel and ReebokDive into a fascinating discussion with two powerful brands, Mattel and Reebok, as they explore the intersection of digital growth and brand heritage. In this session, you’ll discover how these iconic companies are blending their rich histories with cutting-edge digital strategies to captivate and engage the next generation of consumers. Uncover the secrets behind their successful approaches to maintaining brand legacy while driving digital innovation to attract new audiences and stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.
Z to Alpha: Redefining retail for tomorrowFluent in technology and social media, these two distinct generations lean into internet culture, prioritize authenticity, are eco-conscious and serious about saving money. For retailers, merging digital and physical assets is table stakes. What’s next? What do companies need to know?
Transform retail with AI: Elevating performance and enhancing human roles at Sam’s Club and C&AStep into the future of retail through AI and advanced analytics. In this compelling session, we’ll uncover how these cutting-edge technologies are driving retail performance to new heights while also enriching human roles within the industry. Explore real-life success stories from Sam’s Club and C&A, which are leveraging AI to revolutionize their businesses. Learn how these innovations are driving change, from optimizing operations to enhancing customer experiences and empowering employees.
Supply chain 2025: Building resilience for the next eraThe past few years have highlighted the complexities and vulnerabilities in retail supply chains. We know that there are more challenges and opportunities on the immediate horizon. Retailers’ objective is to build a resilient and efficient supply chain that strikes the balance between maintaining a competitive advantage and meeting customer expectations. What are the long-term objectives? How can retail companies increase supply chain transparency, reduce lead times and enhance sustainability? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of what’s in store for the retail supply chain.
Making your stores irreplaceable: How retailers can survive and thrive in the replacement economyWe live in an age where everything can be replaced through an app on a handheld device. So, how can physical stores compete with these easier, cheaper and more convenient digital replacements? They can tap into other human desires, such as the need for sensory stimulation, belonging to a community, and participating in cultural celebrations. For the last three decades, Kevin Ervin Kelley — an experience designer and author of IRREPLACEABLE — has been helping retailers compete on dimensions other than price, variety, and convenience. During this provocative presentation, he will outline the key principles, tools and techniques he and his team deploy to help retailers deliver store experiences that are irreplaceable.
Unmistakably Target: The power of ‘Tar-zhay’ in a competitive environmentConsumer research provides virtually unlimited data on shoppers’ mindset, emerging trends, demographic shifts and so much more. The challenge for retailers is turning facts and figures into insights that drive action and, ultimately, sales. So, how is a world class merchandiser like Target adapting in 2025 to shopper needs while continuing to differentiate itself? Join Target’s Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez and Kantar’s Head of Retail Insights Rachel Dalton for an insightful discussion about the latest consumer trends and how the retailer will bring its unmistakable “Tar-zhay” magic to deliver value to shoppers through its winning merchandising strategy, on-trend assortment including owned brands, design capabilities, loyalty offerings and more.
Forecasting the future: Consumer trends for 2025 and fireside chat with Rare BeautyRare Beauty’s Katie Welch will join Dan Frommer on stage to discuss consumer trends for 2025. Dan will present details of the latest New Consumer Trends report examining critical shifts in consumer preferences and buying patterns for the year ahead. Katie will share insight into how Rare Beauty is navigating and responding to these changes, adapting and evolving to these demands with creativity and foresight. Whether you’re in beauty, retail or marketing, you’ll leave with valuable knowledge to shape your strategies for 2025 and beyond.
The value proposition around circular business modelsRetailers with the strongest success implementing sustainability-focused projects have embedded circularity into core traditional business value drivers. In doing so they are opening new revenue streams, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint of retail operations. Hear from several retailers who are leading the charge by integrating circular principles into their business models to promote sustainability and meet consumer demand.
Revitalizing retail: The store as the new experience hub with LEGO & IKEAAs the physical store reclaims its crown, we unveil the transformative power of bricks-and-mortar in the modern retail landscape. Discover how innovative retailers are turning stores into immersive experience centers that captivate and engage customers like never before. Learn how industry visionaries Martin Urrutia, Head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO Group, and Javier Quiñones, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA U.S., exploit their companies’ long heritage to stay relevant by reshaping the store of tomorrow.
Mastering digital personalization: Crafting unique journeysStep into the future of digital personalization as we examine how to harness advanced data analytics to create tailored customer experiences. We explore how data analysis and AI are being employed to deliver hyper-personalized content, offers and recommendations. And we will dive into cutting-edge strategies for capturing and retaining customer interest using personalized digital interactions to drive revenue growth.
What’s the next big tech game-changer on the retail horizon?It’s been all things AI for the last 36 months — and clearly AI underpins so many emerging innovations. What’s next? Could it be biometrics? What about computer vision? Join us as some of the most forward-thinking minds in retail technology share their perspectives.
Retail powerhouses: The Whole Foods Market storyJoin us for an exclusive fireside chat with Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market, as we dive into the dynamic journey of this retail powerhouse. Discover how Whole Foods Market revolutionized the natural and organic food landscape, setting the pace for innovation both in-store and across digital platforms. Learn how the national grocer stays ahead of industry trends through relentless focus on customer needs, from creating excitement around supplier and product innovation to cutting-edge distribution strategies. Plus, get an insider’s look at their industry leading quality standards and bold sustainability initiatives that are driving market growth and shaping the future of retail. Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the leading voices in the industry.
Retail future-proofing 2027 and beyondIn this session, Futurist Cassandra Napoli talks about global drivers, consumer trends and why the future of retail is intergenerational. She will explore both the domestic and global forces that will shape macroeconomics and the business landscape in the years ahead.
The customer-first hospitality playbook: A conversation with sweetgreen and StripeToday’s consumers expect more than just a great product, they seek a truly seamless journey in an omnichannel world. But is that enough to stand out in a crowded market? Join Wouleta Ayele, Chief Technology Officer at sweetgreen, and Barbara O’Beirne, Head of Enterprise Business development at Stripe, as they explore the playbook for building lasting guest connections in an ever-evolving category. Discover how technology enables brands to deliver personalized, impactful and hospitality-driven experiences to meet consumers where they are.
The social commerce opportunity: How brands are winning over Gen Z consumers where they liveIn 2025, U.S. social commerce sales will grow three times as fast as overall ecommerce sales and surpass the $100 billion mark. This session will cover the key factors fueling this rapid rise and explore how pioneering brands are making the most of social channels to foster deeper engagement with shoppers and reimagine the traditional path to purchase — from discovery to conversion. Retail leaders will share their strategies for success in selling via social platforms along with best practices for leveraging video formats and working with influencers and creators to reach younger audiences.
Driving a superior customer experience with brand authenticityJoin us for an insightful session featuring Josh Krepon, President of US Direct to Consumer & Global Digital at Steve Madden, and Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott. Discover how these industry leaders are revolutionizing customer experience through unwavering brand authenticity. Josh will share how Steve Madden leverages digital innovation to create personalized, seamless shopping experiences that resonate with their audience. Tom will discuss Kendra Scott’s commitment to community engagement and storytelling, fostering deep connections with customers. Together, they will explore strategies for maintaining brand integrity while adapting to evolving consumer expectations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the business and elevate your brand’s customer experience to new heights.
How do stores compete in a world of same-day super speed?In a world where pressing the buy button results in items delivered in 24 hours or less, how do stores compete? It turns out there are several levers they can pull that truly matters to shoppers. Don’t miss this deep dive into consumer research that explores what gets shoppers off the couch and into the store.
A new era of wellness: The connection between community & well-beingHealth journeys are always evolving. Today some of the most successful initiatives leverage technology to foster social connections, and provide opportunities for important interactions. Community-based wellness initiatives can address mental health, fuel engagement through movement and spark curiosity about overall well-being. We will explore how this newly developing picture of wellness is coming into focus.
From black and white to color: How retail media networks are navigating the display revolutionAs retail media has progressed from sponsored search results and on-site media into an omnichannel, full-funnel spending phenomenon, it has forced RMNs to wrestle with questions that even seasoned media sellers have trouble answering: What is a winning strategy for scaling a display business? From issues about brand safety to banner blindness, to balancing efficiency with creativity, retailers now face the most exciting — and daunting — challenges ever. Hear from two leading retailers that are charting very different paths through this unfamiliar territory.
Global retail innovation: Get inspired by Foot Locker and other global brand trailblazersJoin us as we explore retail innovation from around the world, getting inspired by groundbreaking strategies, business models, technologies and concepts that are reshaping the global retail landscape. We also get an insider perspective on Foot Lockers pioneering approach to seamless online-to-offline experiences, immersive store design and next-level customer engagement.
Appetite for change: How retailers and restaurants are evolving with customer trendsJoin industry leaders for an insightful discussion on emerging consumer trends reshaping the retail and restaurant sectors. This panel will explore how businesses are adapting to changing customer expectations and leveraging technology to stay competitive. Gain valuable insights into the strategies driving success in today's rapidly evolving marketplace.
Artificial intelligence and humans: Five ways AI will make retail more personal, not lessSome think that artificial intelligence will lead us toward a future of techno-retail, one of bots and algorithms, and agents selling and shopping with nary a human in sight. Others see a future where AI supports and deepens human-to-human interaction that has always been at the heart of retail. Join PacSun, Albertson’s and Schwarz Gruppe (Lidl and Kaufland) in a free-wheeling discussion around how artificial intelligence will augment decision-making at all levels, lift the burden of mundane tasks and allow smart retailers to listen more deeply to their shoppers and converse with them in a more personal and persuasive way.
