Cart.com team recently attended the 2023 Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (#RICE23) in Chicago with optimism for the future of retailing and how we can help. With more than 100 sessions, expo halls for networking, and a thought-provoking VISIONS Summit at the end from Future Commerce – #RICE23 exceeded all expectations.
Let's dive into three themes that focus on the customer experience.
Role of Generative AI
Among the many future-forward topics discussed at #RICE23, the role of generative AI in reshaping retail stood out in almost every discussion. Sessions led by experts and VISIONS Summit delved into how generative AI can revolutionize omnichannel innovation and augmented social commerce. This emerging theme underlined the potential of AI, especially generative AI, in enhancing personalization, prediction accuracy, and overall customer experience.
Cart.com has recognized the power of AI to power experiences to sell and fulfill everywhere – including how to optimize inventory, streamline fulfillment processes, and reduce delivery times.
Loyalty through Experiences
A panel discussion from Recharge on how subscriptions and their experiences play a significant role in loyalty emphasized this need – including customer stories from Once Upon A Farm, Magic Spoon, and The Bouqs Company.
Johnny Earle, the founder of Johnny Cupcakes, inspired the audience at #RICE23 with his keynote, "Building Brand Hysteria, Customer Loyalty and Memorable Experiences."
The brand's focus on creating unforgettable experiences underscores a broader trend in retail - it's not just about the products. It's about the stories we tell and the experiences we offer – which resonates with Cart.com’s approach to helping brands sell their unique stories and shopping experiences.
Innovation through Humans and Collaboration
The role of human understanding in driving innovation and the significance of collaboration in the retail ecosystem came through in the keynote from Nikkia Reveillac, a veteran in consumer insights from Twitter and now Netflix. She emphasized the need for a deep understanding of people as the true catalyst of innovation. In addition, executives from Whisker, Adobe, and PayPal highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in retail to succeed in this dynamic landscape, aligning with our customer-centric approach in today’s retail environment at Cart.com.
Companies must couple a profound understanding of their customers with strategic partnerships to elevate their offerings. Given the changing market, this need for humans and collaboration is more important than ever.
Takeaway
The 2023 Retail Innovation Conference & Expo showcased the evolving retail and customer experience landscape. Cart.com is at the forefront of this retail transformation, offering brands cutting-edge fulfillment, commerce software, and services that align with the industry’s evolving needs. By harnessing the power of AI, creating personalized experiences, and embracing human insights and collaboration, Cart.com empowers brands to innovate and excel in today’s dynamic retail environment. Connect with us to discover how Cart.com can be your catalyst for retail success.
