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The 4th annual Retail Innovation Conference (#RIC18) had retailers from brands like Nike, Shinola and The Home Depot flocking to New York City to hear about the latest trends and technologies rocking the retail industry. Whether you joined us for the event and need a refresher or just want to see what you missed, below is the definitive recap of RIC18.
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THE EVENT
From April 30 thru May 2, the #RIC18 agenda was bursting with events like the Store Tours, cocktail receptions, 5K Fun Run, and compelling industry keynotes and sessions led by retail’s most innovative disruptors. Here are some of our favorite snaps from the event:
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THE NUMBERS
#RIC18 continued to grow this year. The registrant record was shattered, and we hosted speakers from some of the world’s biggest companies, like Walmart and Dunkin’ Brands. Let’s break it down:
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THE STORE TOURS
During the Store Tours, #RIC18 attendees had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of retail’s leading brands operate and create engaging in-store experiences. The tours took place at The Shops at Columbus Circle, where attendees visited TUMI, Sugarfina, Williams Sonoma, Amazon Books and New York Running Company powered by JackRabbit. Discussions were led by top executives representing the brands.
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THE SESSIONS
#RIC18 offered two jam-packed days content and networking opportunities, featuring insights from retail’s brightest minds. Executives from Walmart, West Elm, Crocs and more shared insights into how their organizations are succeeding in the current retail environment, providing valuable real-world examples with takeaways for every type of company.
Sessions were broken into six different tracks, including: Marketing/Customer Engagement, Customer Experience, Digital Strategies, Operations, Omnichannel Commerce and Innovation.
Check out some session highlights:
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Shopper behaviouralist Ken Hughes explains the eight key values that motivate Gen Z shoppers: Freedom; The “Weconomy”; Flexibility: Desire for instant gratification; Expectancy; “Phygital”; Customization; and Authenticity.
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Walmart CIO Clay Johnson reveals that retailers need to constantly iterate and accept the occasional failure, rather than carefully develop new programs and risk falling behind. Walmart is pushing the concept of “people-led, tech-powered.”
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More #RIC18 sessions are available here. Sit back and relax and enjoy incomparable takeaways from industry experts.
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THE AWARDS
During the conference, 28 retail executives were honored as Retail Innovator Award (RIA) winners. Now in its 5th year, RIA spotlights leaders who are using innovative strategies to disrupt the retail environment.
Awards were presented in the following seven categories: Tech Innovator, Data Guru, Operations Operative, Loyalty Leader, Mobile Mogul, Influencer Marketing Pro and Disruptor.
Check out the full list of winners now and be inspired by the results these innovators have achieved.
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THE CONVERSATIONS
What’s a conference without conversation? #RIC18 attendees took to Twitter to share excitement, key takeaways and photos from the three-day event. Here are some highlights:
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Excited to be back in NYC to attend @RetailInnovate. A great agenda on tap for today! #RIC18 pic.twitter.com/8aaOxH7rBh
— Sean Burke (@SWBurke11) May 1, 2018
Loving the @RetailInnovate disruption session with @sugarfina @UNTUCKit & @rocketsofawesom #RIC18
— Danielle Rendini (@DDRendini) May 2, 2018
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Digital transformation must be “people led, tech empowered” @ClayMJohnson from @Walmart says at #RIC18
— Steve Dennis (@StevenPDennis) May 1, 2018
#RIC18 – Ken Hughes about GenZ. “You don’t own the business…they own it. They’re the customers.” Think about – If you believed that your customers owned your business–not your corporate team–what would you do differently? #ShopperEngagement #DigitalSignage #ComQi pic.twitter.com/uPF4Q2bzOo
— ComQi Inc. (@comqi) May 1, 2018
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#RIC18 was a great success, due in part to the support of our sponsors and attendees. We’ll be working hard to make sure #RIC19 is even bigger and better. We hope to see you again next year!
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