Shoptalk Europe 2024 is an annual conference that brings together retail and e-commerce professionals to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the retail industry. The conference covers five major themes in retail: employing AI to transform businesses, harnessing brand power and building brand trust, creating unified retail experiences, next-generation demand creation, and navigating changing industry relationships. On day one of the event, several key insights were shared. Companies are increasingly adopting AI for data analytics and real-time recommendations, enabling them to make more informed business decisions. The importance of prioritizing creativity and innovation was emphasized as a way to optimize the customer experience and build brand loyalty. Retailers are also exploring the expanding definition of convenience in rapid delivery services, recognizing the need to provide fast and efficient shipping options to meet customer expectations. The potential of services spending in Europe was highlighted, indicating the growth opportunities in low-margin sectors. Companies are encouraged to implement specific key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of new programs and initiatives. Additionally, technology vendors can play a crucial role in providing digital tools and educating store associates on their use. The grocery sector was a significant focus of the conference, with discussions on the changing industry relationships and the evolving role of grocery retailers. Retailers are aiming to become media and technology companies, leveraging grocery and data to enhance their offerings. For example, Amazon is using AI to improve its search capabilities, enhance product cataloging, and summarize customer reviews, all with the goal of providing the best grocery experience possible. Klaudia Kitowska and Guillermo Alonso Fernandez from PXP CEE discussed key insights from Shoptalk Europe 2024. Companies are adapting to evolving consumer behaviors by being more flexible and innovative, leveraging technology where it matters, and maintaining an organic connection with consumers. Unified commerce is becoming the norm, providing a seamless, personalized shopping experience across all channels. AI plays a crucial role in scaling personalization and improving customer experiences by creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences and delivering unique, relevant, and engaging consumer interactions. Social commerce and influencer marketing are important for connecting with micro-communities and driving brand presence. Key takeaways for businesses include collaboration, breaking organizational silos, leveraging AI effectively, and staying adaptable and consumer-centric. Overall, the retail landscape is evolving rapidly, and companies must stay agile and prioritize the customer to succeed. The adoption of AI, the importance of creativity and innovation, the expansion of convenience in delivery services, the potential of services spending, and the changing dynamics in the grocery industry were key takeaways from Shoptalk Europe 2024.
MAPIC 2024, taking place in Cannes from November 26-28, will include a new award category for AI implementation [0e6963a1]. The event will gather 5,000 participants, including 1,600 brands from around the world, to shape the future of retail. Last year, MAPIC highlighted major mixed-use projects and this year it will showcase mixed-use projects demonstrating the foundational role of commerce in creating the city of tomorrow. The event will also feature the Observatory of Cross Border Retail, showcasing new international retail concepts entering Europe and those set for expansion in major European markets. The MAPIC Academy will provide a platform for brands looking to boost their growth, and the event will also focus on the growing importance of leisure and dining. Technology, including AI, will be a key focus, with conference sessions dedicated to digital innovations and a new award category for AI implementation. Sustainability will also be addressed, with an expanded Sustainability Lab area. MAPIC aims to highlight sector evolutions and create connections among all stakeholders in the global retail ecosystem.