Day 2 @ NRF 2024 Unveiled: The Customer Takes Center Stage

NRF 2024 Day 2 Unveiled

The second day of Retail’s Big Show dazzled with a symphony of industry leaders’ speeches and insightful sessions led by data experts and analysts. At the heart of it all was a central theme: the pursuit of healthy customer obsession in retail. From groundbreaking strategies to the integration of AI-powered technologies, the day unfolded as a journey to meet and exceed consumer expectations, both in-store and online.

 

The day commenced with a star-studded presentation from none other than Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the NBA Hall of Famer turned successful businessman. Johnson took the stage for a captivating 45-minute talk, sharing his transformative journey from a sports legend to the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises.

 

But the magic didn’t end there. The day unfolded with a vibrant tapestry of compelling topics and engaging sessions:

Table of Contents

#Featured Session1: Empower the connected workforce to deliver superior customer experience

  • Kim Anderson: Vice President of Operations Support at Schnuck Markets, Inc
  • Tom Henry: Chief Data Officer & Deputy CIO at Schnuck Markets, Inc
  • Morning News Beat representative (Kevin Coupe)
NRF 2024, Day2, Session1: Empower the connected workforce to deliver superior customer experience

Schnucks unveiled their successful strategies, placing workforce empowerment at the forefront. The keys to delivering a superior customer experience were unveiled:

  • Friendly and knowledgeable customer service
  • Employee self-service initiative
  • Gig (flex) scheduling with open shift bidding

Revolutionizing their operations, Schnucks embraced data-driven forecasting and planning:

  • AI/ML-powered forecasting
  • Store-level inventory planning and optimization
  • store-level inventory planning and optimization

Cognira’s comment:

“Schnucks has found the winning combination to deliver superior customer service through Generative AI forecasting and semi-automated staffing, shaping a retail landscape where innovation meets efficiency. ”

#Featured Session2: The Golden Age of Retail Media Networks: How Physical Retail is Unlocking RMNs' Full Potential

NRF 2024, Day2, Session2: The Golden Age of Retail Media Networks: How Physical Retail is Unlocking RMNs' Full Potential

In this enlightening session, Jonathan Lustig and Ryan Mayward delve into the golden age of retail media networks, unraveling the dynamics that are set to redefine digital advertising. Here are the key takeaways:

Next Big Wave in Digital Advertising:

The future of digital advertising is shaped by three pivotal waves:

  • Off-site display & video
  • Streaming TV
  • In-store ads

Ad Spend Projections:

Insightful projections by Andrew Lipsman, Jonathan Lustig, and Ryan Mayward:

  • Ad spend expected to match linear TV this year
  • Surpassing linear TV in 2025
  • Doubling linear TV by 2027

Transformational Impact:

This convergence signals a transformative shift in advertising dynamics, highlighting the significance of these emerging avenues.

Cognira’s comment:

“As we navigate the landscape of retail media networks, it’s evident that the fusion of off-site display & video, streaming TV, and in-store ads is not just a trend; it’s a transformative force reshaping the digital advertising sphere. These insights from Andrew Lipsman, Jonathan Lustig, and Ryan Mayward illuminate the path toward a new era of dynamic and impactful retail advertising”

#Featured Session3: Beauty Redefined: How Ulta Beauty is Shaping How the World Sees Beauty Inside and Out

NRF 2024 Day 2, Session3: Beauty Redefined: How Ulta Beauty is Shaping How the World Sees Beauty Inside and Out

In this captivating fireside chat, Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell and CNBC’s Melissa Repko take center stage to explore the evolving role of beauty and cosmetics. Here’s a glimpse into what this session promises:

  • Transformative Power of Beauty:
    Beauty is more than skin deep; it’s a powerful tool influencing consumer behaviors, driving innovation, and fostering communities.
  • People-First Approach :
    Dave Kimbell shares how Ulta Beauty’s unique company culture is built on a people-first approach, with human connection serving as its north star.
  • Competitive Beauty Landscape:
    -Insights from Dave Kimbell reveal Ulta Beauty’s commitment to a people-first approach in one of the most competitive retail categories.
    -Ulta Beauty evaluates around 2000 brands yearly, with only 5% earning a coveted spot in their stores
  • Ulta Beauty’s Loyalty Program and Retail Media Embrace:

    -Ulta Beauty’s loyalty program takes center stage, driving sales as the company embraces Retail Media.

    -Technologies like skin analysis and virtual experiences are leveraged to enhance the customer experience.

  • Personalization through Technology::

    -Dave Kimbell emphasizes Ulta Beauty’s tech-driven approach, utilizing AI data to deliver increasingly personalized experiences to customers.

    -Understanding consumer diversity is at the core, delivering value through the right products and a rewarding loyalty program.

Cognira’s comment:

“The narrative of Ulta Beauty’s journey goes beyond the shelves of cosmetics. It’s a story of embracing technology, understanding diversity, and fostering a community through a people-first approach. Ulta Beauty isn’t just redefining beauty; they’re crafting an experience that transcends the conventional, and we at Cognira are captivated by the transformative power this holds for the retail landscape.”

#Featured Session4: Bridging the gap between technology and community to elevate the customer experience

  • Geoffrey Reynolds: Director, Network Engineering at Dollar General

  • Speakers from NBC Universal & Comcast Business

Dollar General showcased efficient methods of serving communities through reimagined technologies

  • Empowering rural communities with modern technologies
  • Delivering personalized, AI-powered shopping experiences
  • Enhanced connectivity, customer insights, and value-driven strategies

Cognira’s comment:

“Dollar General took customer obsession to another level, making it the forefront of their in-store operations, empowering communities and enhancing their shopping experience through data-driven strategies to boost retention rates.”

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more highlights as we navigate through NRF 2024! The pulse of innovation beats stronger, and Cognira is here to unravel the threads that weave the future of retail. 🌐🛒

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