Retail Innovation Archives

AI Shopping Agents Transform The Future of Retail with Jason Grunberg at eTail West

April 17, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

As your host of Talk Commerce, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Grunberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Bluecore, during E-tail West in Palm Springs. Our conversation dove deep into one of the most transformative trends in e-commerce: the rise of agentic commerce.

The Evolution of AI in Consumer Experience

The way we interact with technology is rapidly changing. As Jason pointed out, consumers are already being conditioned to expect AI-powered experiences in their daily lives. From Google’s Gemini summaries to Amazon’s Rufus AI shopping assistant, these tools are becoming an integral part of our shopping journey. The frustration we feel when these AI features aren’t available speaks volumes about how quickly we’ve adapted to this new normal.

Different Flavors of AI Agents in Retail

During our discussion, Jason outlined several key types of AI agents that are reshaping retail:

AI Shopping Agents: These predictive tools answer customer questions and guide the path to purchase
Customer Support Agents: Automated systems that handle post-sale inquiries
Marketing Agents: AI-powered systems that handle audience segmentation and campaign creation
Sales Agents: Automated sales assistance tools

Personalization 2.0: The Human Element

One of my favorite insights from Jason was his personal perspective on automation versus human interaction. He shared a compelling example about shopping for his six-year-old daughter. While he’d welcome AI automation for routine purchases like seasonal basics, he values the human experience of shopping for special occasions, like vacation preparations. This highlights an important distinction: AI should enhance, not replace, meaningful shopping experiences.

The Future of Agent Interfaces

A fascinating point Jason raised is the potential future where consumers will have their own AI shopping agents that interface with retail brands’ AI systems. This raises important questions about:

Brand loyalty in an AI-mediated world
The role of traditional digital touchpoints (websites, apps, email)
Data privacy and consumer control
Universal API standards for AI agent communication

The Trust Factor

Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects we discussed was the issue of trust and data control. As Jason noted, consumers are increasingly aware of their data’s value and expect more control over how it’s used. This will likely lead to a future where consumers can grant or revoke AI access to their data based on how well retailers meet their expectations.

The rise of agentic commerce represents more than just a technological shift – it’s a fundamental change in how we think about shopping. As we wrapped up our conversation, Jason shared that Bluecore is already at the forefront of this transformation, working with major retailers like QVC and Evo to implement AI shopping assistants.

For those interested in exploring this technology, Bluecore is offering free trials and proof of concepts through June of this year. You can reach out to Jason directly at Jason.Grunberg@Bluecore.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

The future of retail is being shaped by these AI innovations, and it’s clear that businesses need to start preparing for this agentic commerce revolution. The question isn’t if this transformation will happen, but how quickly retailers will adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Find more conversations about innovations in retail here.

Where Human Touch Meets Digital Innovation with January Digital

March 17, 2025March 13, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In a recent Talk Commerce episode at E-Tail West, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two distinguished guests from January Digital: Sarah Engel, President, and JB Brokaw, Chief Operating Officer. Their insights into digital brand innovation in retail proved both timely and enlightening.

The Renaissance of Physical Retail

Sarah Engel shared an interesting observation about the current state of retail: “Stores are back.” After the lessons learned during COVID, there’s a renewed appreciation for physical touchpoints in the customer journey. For omnichannel retailers, brick-and-mortar locations continue to drive significant revenue, highlighting the importance of creating meaningful in-person experiences.

Navigating Brand Identity in a Crowded Market

“The barrier to entry to launch something is next to nothing at this point,” JB Brokaw pointed out during our discussion. This reality has created an interesting challenge for established brands: how to maintain relevance and foster loyalty in an increasingly crowded marketplace. The key, according to both guests, lies in standing for something meaningful rather than competing solely on price.

The AI Shopping Revolution

One of the most intriguing parts of our conversation centered around the concept of “agentic” AI and its potential impact on shopping behaviors. Sarah shared how AI shopping agents could transform routine purchases, particularly in low-risk categories like grocery shopping. However, she emphasized that this technology’s adoption would be gradual, starting with simple replenishment tasks before moving to more considered purchases.

The Creative Comeback

Perhaps the most surprising insight from our discussion was the industry’s return to creative focus. As Sarah explained, “Creative is the algorithm. Creative is what is actually driving things forward.” This shift represents an exciting evolution from the big data era – not abandoning data, but rather using it to fuel more authentic and compelling creative content.

Measuring What Matters

A significant challenge brands face today is balancing immediate sales metrics with long-term brand building. Sarah highlighted how January Digital helps organizations develop new KPIs and train C-level employees to look beyond just comparative sales numbers, creating a more holistic approach to measuring success.

Looking Ahead

The conversation with Sarah and JB revealed that we’re at an interesting crossroads in digital commerce. While AI and automation are becoming more prevalent, the human elements of brand building – creativity, authenticity, and physical connections – are more important than ever.

As I reflect on our discussion, it’s clear that success in today’s digital commerce landscape requires a delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and maintaining authentic human connections. Brands that can master this balance while staying true to their core values will be best positioned for future success.

Want to hear more insights from Sarah Engel and JB Brokaw? Listen to the full Talk Commerce episode for deeper discussions on digital transformation, brand building, and the future of retail.

For more Conversation with Sarah Engel listen here

Behind the Curtain of AI in eCommerce – Why Good Data is the Key to Staying Competitive

February 25, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In a recent episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rochelle Thielen, CEO of Traject Data, to explore the transformative impact of retail data automation on the industry. While conversations about AI dominate headlines, our discussion revealed that the true revolution lies in how automated data collection and analysis are powering these solutions.

The Scale of Retail Data Automation Today

During our conversation, Rochelle revealed some staggering numbers about data collection in modern retail. “When we’re talking about quantity, we’re looking at 100 million data points per day for some enterprise users,” she explained. This massive scale of data collection is what’s enabling the sophisticated AI solutions we’re seeing in retail today.

As someone who’s been in the e-commerce space for years, I was particularly impressed by how this data is being put to practical use. The sheer volume of information being processed is mind-boggling, but it’s the application that really matters.

Real-Time Decision Making in Retail

One of the most fascinating insights Rochelle shared was about the importance of real-time data. “If you’re more than 24 hours old on data, you’re pretty far behind,” she noted. This is particularly crucial for:

Dynamic pricing strategies
Inventory management
Customer experience personalization
Competitive analysis

The Human Element in AI Implementation

Something I strongly agree with, and Rochelle emphasized, is the continued importance of human oversight in AI systems. She stressed that “humans are still controlling what the AI is doing,” with teams regularly verifying data samples to ensure accuracy. This human-in-the-loop approach is crucial for maintaining quality and preventing potential pricing or decision-making errors.

Transparency in AI Customer Service

We had an interesting discussion about chatbots and AI-powered customer service. Rochelle made a compelling point about transparency: “You need to be transparent. People don’t negatively look at interfacing with a bot as long as the bot is equal to or better than the human.” This approach to honest AI implementation is something I’ve always advocated for in e-commerce.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Looking to the future, Rochelle shared some exciting predictions. The focus is shifting toward true omnichannel experiences, with particular emphasis on:

Integration of social media data (including TikTok)
Enhanced visual and video data processing
Democratized access to AI tools for smaller retailers
Sophisticated fraud prevention systems

Real-World Applications

One of the most impressive examples Rochelle shared was how their data helps prevent fraud and unauthorized reselling. For small businesses, their systems can detect when purchased items are immediately listed for resale on platforms like eBay, helping protect inventory and brand value.

Final Thoughts

As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that we’re at an exciting intersection of big data, AI, and retail. What impressed me most about Traject Data’s approach is their focus on scalability and accessibility – making these powerful tools available to businesses of all sizes.

If you’d like to hear more insights from Rochelle and learn about the future of retail technology, I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode. The rapid evolution of retail technology means there’s always more to learn and discuss.

Remember, whether you’re a major enterprise or a small retailer, understanding and leveraging data is no longer optional – it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s retail landscape.

Find more episodes about what’s on the forefront in retail innovation here

Constructor Revolutionizes E-commerce with Record-Breaking AI Innovation in FY24

February 24, 2025 susanmakolea

Constructor’s AI-powered search and product discovery platform achieves unprecedented growth in FY24, processing over 250 billion shopper interactions and driving substantial revenue increases for e-commerce clients worldwide.

eTail Palm Springs 2025: Revolutionizing Retail Through Personalized Connections

February 4, 2025 susanmakolea

eTail Palm Springs 2025 revolutionizes the retail conference experience with personalized networking opportunities, specialized content tracks, and insights from over 250 industry experts. The event focuses on meaningful connections and professional development for eCommerce leaders.

x-hoppers Unveils Next AI-Powered Retail Store Technology at NRF 2025

January 3, 2025 susanmakolea

x-hoppers unveils its revolutionary AI-powered retail communication platform at NRF 2025, combining advanced theft prevention, team connectivity, and enhanced customer service capabilities in one integrated solution

O2 Commerce Pioneers Next-Gen Retail Solutions at NRF 2025

January 13, 2025January 2, 2025 susanmakolea

O2 Commerce showcases groundbreaking retail solutions at NRF 2025, emphasizing omnichannel innovation, hyper-personalization, and sustainable commerce practices through their enhanced capabilities following the ZaneRay merger.

eTail Boston 2024: Revolutionizing Retail with AI, Future Tech, and “Storyselling”

July 29, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

eTail Boston 2024, set for August 12-15, promises to revolutionize retail with a focus on AI, future tech, and “storyselling.” Featuring 100+ industry leaders and innovative pop-up experiences, this conference is a must-attend for eCommerce professionals.

Navigating the Future of Retail: Inside eTail Boston with Kristin Schoenstein

August 21, 2024July 26, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

In this illuminating episode of Talk Commerce, we sit down with Kristin Schoenstein, Portfolio Director for eTail US shows. Kristin provides an insider’s look into the upcoming eTail Boston event, offering valuable insights into the world of e-commerce and digital marketing.

The Essence of eTail Boston

eTail Boston stands out as a premier event in the retail industry calendar. Kristin reveals that it’s more than just a conference; it’s a year-round endeavor involving extensive research, trend analysis, and collaboration with industry leaders. The event offers a unique blend of educational content, networking opportunities, and innovative showcases, making it a must-attend for retailers, brands, and solution providers alike.

Exploring the eTail Experience

One of the key aspects Kristin highlights is the event’s structure. eTail Boston kicks off with a Summit Day, featuring three concurrent summits that allow retailers to dive deep into specific topics like search and performance marketing, customer retention, and the future customer journey. The subsequent days offer a mix of general sessions, breakout tracks, and retailer-only activities, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored experience for all attendees.

The Impact of eTail on the Retail Landscape

Kristin emphasizes how eTail Boston serves as a catalyst for industry growth and innovation. The event not only showcases the latest trends and technologies but also facilitates crucial conversations about sustainable growth, AI applications, and evolving consumer behaviors. By bringing together diverse perspectives from established retailers, emerging brands, and cutting-edge solution providers, eTail Boston plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of retail.

Listener Questions and Insights

Q: How can attendees make the most of their eTail experience?

A: Kristin advises attendees to plan ahead using the event app, prioritize must-attend sessions, and consider bringing a team to divide and conquer. She also highlights the importance of balancing scheduled meetings with spontaneous networking opportunities and expo floor exploration.

Q: What sets eTail apart from other retail conferences?

A: According to Kristin, it’s the sense of community that truly distinguishes eTail. The event has cultivated a strong, established network of professionals who return year after year, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of collaboration and shared learning.

Retail Revelations: Where Innovation Meets Community

eTail Boston emerges as more than just a conference; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where retail innovation thrives and lasting connections are forged. As Kristin aptly puts it, there’s “something special” about eTail that resonates with attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike, making it an indispensable event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of retail evolution.

Key Takeaways from eTail Boston

Kristin shared several key aspects that make eTail Boston a standout event:

Diverse Content: From AI and sustainable growth to Gen Z marketing and holiday prep, the event covers a wide range of crucial topics.
Networking Opportunities: Beyond formal sessions, eTail Boston offers numerous chances to connect, including themed networking breaks, cocktail receptions, and private lunches.
Retailer-Focused: With retailer-only tracks and activities, the event ensures that retail professionals get targeted, relevant insights.
Interactive Format: The inclusion of roundtable discussions and summit days promotes active participation and peer-to-peer learning.
Innovation Showcase: The expo floor and new retailer pop-up shops provide a firsthand look at cutting-edge retail technologies and strategies.

Planning Your eTail Boston Experience

To make the most of the event, Kristin recommends:

Use the App: The eTail Boston app is your go-to resource for scheduling and updates.
Divide and Conquer: If attending with a team, split up to cover more ground.
Balance Your Schedule: Mix content sessions with networking and expo exploration.
Engage in Evening Events: Don’t miss out on the after-hours networking and sponsored events.
Stay Wellness-Minded: Consider joining morning activities like group runs to balance the intense schedule.

Looking Ahead: eTail Palm Springs

While the focus is on eTail Boston, Kristin also gave a sneak peek into eTail Palm Springs, scheduled for February 24-27, 2024. This West Coast counterpart offers another opportunity to engage with the eTail community and gain valuable insights.

The eTail Advantage

eTail Boston isn’t just an event; it’s an experience that shapes the future of retail. With its unique blend of educational content, networking opportunities, and community spirit, it stands out as an essential gathering for anyone serious about thriving in the ever-evolving world of retail and e-commerce.

Whether you’re a seasoned retail executive or a rising star in the industry, eTail Boston offers the insights, connections, and inspiration needed to drive your business forward. As Kristin emphasizes, it’s more than just a conference – it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and lasting professional relationships.
Don’t miss out on this transformative event.

Mark your calendars for eTail Boston and prepare to be part of the retail revolution!

Personalization Strategies for Boosting E-commerce Sales

August 21, 2024July 15, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

Did you know eCommerce personalization can significantly boost your online store’s sales? You can engage customers and drive revenue by tailoring your site’s user experience (UX). Personalized messages and offers make visitors more likely to click, browse, and buy. According to McKinsey & Company’s Report, 76% of consumers are likelier …