The latest episode of The Retail Playbook is live! In this episode, I interview Katherine Black, a partner at Kearney and a leading retail expert on the evolving landscape of retail, consumer behavior, AI adoption, and loyalty strategies. We explore how technology, economic volatility, and changing consumer preferences are reshaping the retail industry and what brands and retailers can do to stay ahead. Here are some of the topics we discuss: * Key challenges facing retailers today * Understanding the K-Shaped Economy * The Rise of Agentic Commerce * Rethinking Loyalty in Retail * Retailers and the Adoption of AI * Data Challenges in Retail * The Role of AI in Personalization * Navigating the Retail Tech Landscape https://lnkd.in/gWKfs2Am

Physical retail still lacks the precision digital platforms take for granted. In this episode of Reimagine with AI, we sit down with Jeff Swearingen - former leader at PepsiCo and one of the early pioneers behind connecting consumer intent, media, and in-store execution at scale. Jeff shares how leading retailers and CPG organizations are using data, retail media, and AI to bridge the gap between consumer behavior and real-world store execution and why most AI initiatives fail when execution breaks down. From media-to-shelf strategies to store-level growth, this episode explores what it really takes to make AI drive measurable retail impact. 🎧 Watch the teaser - full episode coming soon! #ReimagineWithAI #Sigmoid #RetailMedia #AIforBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #RetailAnalytics #CPG #ConsumerInsights #EnterpriseAI #DataAnalytics #RetailTransformation

Great to see leaders like Jeff Swearingen push the conversation beyond AI models to what really matters: execution at the shelf.

Consumers are applying a new calculus before deciding to visit a store. Our new McKinsey & Company-ICSC research shows most trips now fall into one of two categories: > Convenience-driven trips, where speed, reliability and availability matter most > Discovery-driven trips, where engagement, inspiration and experience justify the visit What’s disappearing is the middle ground. Stores that aren’t clearly optimized for one mission struggle to meet rising expectations. “Shopping in the Age of AI: Redefining Stores for a New Era” explores how this shift is redefining physical retail: https://lnkd.in/eFHYmnyM #ICSC

As shopping becomes more selective, store performance is increasingly determined by clarity of purpose. In “Shopping in the Age of AI: Redefining Stores for a New Era,” there are three imperatives for retailers: > Define the role of each store with precision and make trade offs explicit > Deploy technology to reinforce that mission > Align talent and operating models to how each store creates value Retailers that try to serve every mission in every location often end up optimized for none. Those that redesign stores intentionally are better positioned to win as visits become fewer, but more valuable. Read the McKinsey & Company-ICSC report: https://bit.ly/4daEUcX #ICSC

One of the most interesting parts of my conversation with Ken Fenyo on Retail Relates was this idea: many brands may not have as much loyalty as they think they do — they may simply have habit and inertia. Agentic commerce could change that quickly. When AI agents reduce the friction of switching, brands built primarily on routine and convenience become far more vulnerable. The brands that win will create something deeper: meaning, trust, identity, and emotional connection. Huge thanks to Ken for such a thoughtful conversation and for consistently hosting some of the best discussions in retail. #AgenticCommerce #Retail #BrandStrategy #ConsumerBehavior #AI Full episode and related Consumer Decoded article in comments.

This report examines how AI and changing consumer behaviors are redefining the purpose of physical retail stores, offering strategies for retailers. https://lnkd.in/ek6TU4be

In the AI era, retail real estate must adapt to stay competitive. McKinsey & Company-ICSC’s “Shopping in the Age of AI” report explored why retailers, landlords, and developers must make strategic, data-backed decisions to align with consumer behavior. I discussed this shift with Diana Olick for CNBC, including the importance of curating shopping ecosystems as the role of the store evolves. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4treqdn

Two moments in the same store. Same layout. Same products. Same team. But the reality is completely different. In one moment, the space is active. In another, it’s almost empty. This variation is part of everyday retail. But it’s rarely looked at in a structured way. And yet, it affects how the store performs. With WiseVizer, this becomes visible through AI video analytics.

In this interview filmed at FutureWeek Forum, Lidewij van den Ham, SVP Consumer Acquisition and Engagement at Mastercard Europe, explores how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way consumers discover, decide, and purchase — and what that means for brands trying to reach them. Watch below ⬇️