In-Store Innovation and Digital Disruptors

Driven by a digital landscape, the maker’s movement & crowd-everything, we are witnessing disruption in the world of retail. Consumers are shifting from passively consuming a product to co-creating and inventing on their own. An army of authentic, innovative start-ups with engaged guests are emerging into the mix and the landscape is democratizing like never before. How can established businesses respond to maintain their “it” factor? This session explores the democratization of the retail landscape and resulting opportunities to flourish within it.
Exposure to:
• Major shifts occurring in the retail landscape & the why behind them
• Resulting shifts in consumer expectations
• Opportunities for businesses to respond

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Innovation labs are popping up everywhere as retailers realize that investing in these tech hubs helps them continuously and rapidly test new technology and formats for their stores. This all-star panel features 4 leaders from the most talked about retail innovation labs. Find out how they operate and the successes they have had with this unique testing format.

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Today, simply having a good app or a good in-store experience is often insufficient. In today’s digital economy, your customers expect a great experience – one that remembers their unique traits and makes them happy - no matter where the engagement occurs. Applause’s Damian Roskill will discuss the importance of a holistic approach to quality across the entire customer journey, and explain how understanding the experience from your customers’point-of view can turn casual shoppers into raving fans and even evangelists of your brand.
Audience members will learn:
• How to integrate quality throughout the customer’s journey
• How a holistic approach can break down departmental silos to improve customer experience
• How to harness user sentiment and real-world experiences with your products to improve quality

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Customer loyalty is very closely linked with emotion. How can you create experiences across all touch points that evoke positive customer emotion and keep your customers coming
back? In this panel, a diverse group of retailers will discuss:
• The tools you need to set up a successful loyalty program
• The customer psychology behind loyalty and incentives
• What’s working and what to avoid

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The virtual reality space is reaching a tipping point due to the maturity of technology and the lowered cost to deploy it. Plus, millennials are emerging as the next generation of buyers who are comfortable in a digitally immersed world. So, what does it really mean to bring the retail experience to a customer virtually? Marc Fecker, VP, Innovation at FordDirect works to develop a virtual shopping experience for their customers that includes a virtual dealership visit and even a virtual test drive. Find out:
• What augmented reality could mean for your brand experience
• How to get started and what to watch out for
• Examples of VR in action

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Customers expect a seamless omnichannel experience whether they are shopping within an app on their phone, in a store, online, or with their catalog. Join Jim Walz, Director of Mobile Solutions at Alliance Data, as he explores ways to engage today’s ever-connected customers through the power of mobile. He will share ways to connect with customers and drive growth by leveraging analytical insights and innovative technology. Ultimately, you will learn how to create moments that matter for your customers anytime, anywhere, anyway that will build lasting loyalty.

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Two 15 minute case study presentations from VP’s of retail plus a moderated rapid fire q&a session with the audience.

Creating Unique Experiences By Embracing Diverse Consumer Communities
Margarette Abeyta, VP, Retail Sales, Boot Barn
Creating A Seamless Shopping Experience With Integrated Performance Shops
Shana Rocheleau, VP, Strategic Development, bedgear Performance Bedding

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Several members of the speaker faculty will highlight the most important findings from the event so that you leave with a clear list of best practices and strategies to share with your team.

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