Rewiring Retail: Mastering Data, Inventory, and the Online Customer Experience

Start your day with breakfast, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for a day of insights and inspiration.

To evolve in the digital age, legacy retailer Build-a-Bear Workshop was forced to pivot from a highly experiential brand to an omnichannel experience, while maintaining the original brand voice. To kick off our event, Sharon Price John will share strategies for meeting consumers both on- and off-line, the importance of being flexible to meet changing market conditions, and how retailers and marketers can tap into branded collaborations to expand their consumer base to target multiple generations.

In this session, attendees will learn:

• How to embrace an additive, rather than cannibalistic, omnichannel strategy.
• How to approach strategic partnerships to expand to new audiences
• How to utilize themed stores and experiences in storytelling.

Today’s customers don’t just buy products—they buy expectations. Fast, transparent, and flexible delivery is no longer a backend function—it’s front and center in shaping brand perception. In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how forward-thinking retailers are transforming logistics into a competitive advantage. From real-time tracking and branded unboxing to flexible fulfillment and proactive communication, we’ll unpack how the post-purchase experience is redefining what it means to deliver on your brand promise.

Join us as we discuss the new playbook for connecting operations and marketing—where every shipment, return, and notification is part of the customer journey.

Data is the currency of success in today's digital marketplace. This session will explore how retailers can leverage analytics to drive personalization and growth. Expert panelists will discuss strategies for collecting and utilizing first-party data, embracing predictive analytics for customer behavior–and product– forecasting, and share case studies of successful data-first strategies and campaigns.

Attendees will learn:

• How to determine the most impactful analytics and machine learning tools in order to uncover actionable insights.
• How to navigate the complexities of data privacy regulations.
• How to utilize data insights to create the most impactful marketing strategies, loyalty programs, and superior customer service.

The challenges of inventory management have been amplified in the e-commerce era, with supply chain disruptions adding further complexity. Hear advice from supply chain experts on advanced forecasting techniques for optimizing stock levels, strategies for mitigating supply chain risks, real-time inventory tracking and its impact on customer experience, and innovative approaches to demand planning in an uncertain market.

Attendees will learn:

• Strategies to better forecast demand across all channels.
• Best practices for establishing processes for fulfillment and returns.
• How to devise a game plan of action in a volatile market with so many uncertainties.

Creating a seamless and engaging online experience is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. During this session, we’ll unpack strategies for mapping and optimizing the digital customer journey, implementing AI-powered solutions like chatbots for improved customer service, personalization that enhances user experience and drives conversions, and post-purchase engagement tactics for building long-term customer loyalty.

Attendees will learn:

• What tools can best help create custom shopping experiences that keep customers coming back (and buying more).
• How to connect disparate sales channels for a smooth, frictionless shopping journey.

With new tech, changing consumer habits, and growing competition, the future of retail is tough to navigate. From AI and personalized experiences, to the latest in augmented reality and livestream shopping, we’ll explore how technology is transforming the way we shop.

Attendees will learn:

• How consumer behavior impacts the way retailers look toward the future
• Whether the power of voice commerce and visual search is here to stay.
• How machine learning can provide personalized experiences to your customers
• How to implement livestream shopping seamlessly.