The brightest minds in the industry are shaping the future of brick-and-mortar retail tech, thought leaders who are challenging the status quo and helping businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In 2024, U.S. consumers spent $5.93 trillion in retail stores, compared to $1.34 trillion online, underscoring the enduring importance of in-store experiences.
To stay ahead of the curve and implement strategies that drive results, it’s crucial to keep an eye on these 25 experts who are defining the future of retail thought leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Smart signage and real-time analytics are essential for improving customer engagement and optimizing operations.
- Real-time insights help retailers understand customer behavior, enhance store layouts, and refine marketing strategies.
- Successful retailers must deliver personalized, location-relevant experiences to drive engagement.
- Retail thought leadership emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions that deliver measurable ROI.
- Displai’s solutions, like Visitor InSight and Digital Signage, empower retailers to convert foot traffic into valuable insights and sales.
Top 25 Thought Leaders In Brick-and-Mortar Retail
1. Joe Skorupa
As Editorial Director of RIS News, Joe Skorupa has a finger on the pulse of retail tech. He consistently provides strategic insights that help brands navigate the evolving world of in-store retail technology. His expertise in the intersection of business, technology, and customer behavior makes him a must-follow for retail executives seeking actionable advice.
2. Anne D’Innocenzio
Anne D’Innocenzio, National Retail Writer for the Associated Press, brings deep knowledge of both traditional retail and digital advancements. Her coverage of key industry shifts, from earnings reports to trends in customer experience, positions her as one of the most influential voices in the world of brick-and-mortar retail.
3. Andria Cheng
As a Senior Contributor for Forbes, Andria Cheng offers over a decade of retail thought leadership. Her expertise in the evolution of brick-and-mortar stores and her contributions to leading publications like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times make her an essential voice for those looking to understand how physical retail will evolve in a digital-first world.
4. Doug Stephens
Founder of Retail Prophet, Doug Stephens, is a thought leader who blends deep industry knowledge with forward-thinking strategy. His ability to predict shifts in retail, especially in technology and customer engagement, makes him a go-to expert for companies looking to navigate the future of in-store experiences.
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5. Al McClain
Al McClain, CEO of RetailWire, offers a wealth of experience in consumer brand management. His work focuses on helping retail businesses create actionable insights, streamline operations, and drive meaningful customer engagement, making him an invaluable resource for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to scale.
6. Matthew Shay
As President and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF), Matthew Shay is a leading voice in retail advocacy and innovation. With his extensive knowledge of retail trends and business practices, Shay helps shape policies and strategies that are vital for the continued success of brick-and-mortar retail.
7. Catherine Donovan Wagner
Founder of RETAILMavens, Catherine Wagner, helps retailers optimize operations and drive profitability. With a focus on strategic consulting, Catherine provides retail leaders with the tools they need to run more efficient operations, boost customer engagement, and create lasting business impact.
8. Sarah Halzack
Bloomberg columnist Sarah Halzack is a seasoned expert in retail news. Her extensive experience gives her deep insights into the industry’s evolving trends, offering valuable perspectives on how retail can navigate shifting consumer behaviors.
9. Sarah Butler
Contributing to both The Guardian and The Observer, Sarah Butler offers critical insights into ethical business practices in retail. Her expertise extends beyond traditional retail coverage, making her an important voice in shaping the future of sustainable and responsible retail.
10. Barbara Thau
Senior Features Editor at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Thau also contributes to Forbes, bringing a wealth of knowledge in retail. Her writing covers everything from the latest trends to strategies that help retailers thrive in the modern marketplace.
11. Neil Saunders
A leading consultant, Neil Saunders, provides valuable perspectives on consumer behavior and market forecasts. His insights help both executives and everyday retailers make informed decisions about their businesses.
12. Carol Spieckerman
A consultant with global reach, Carol Spieckerman offers timely insights into the latest in retail tech. Her ability to help brands pivot and seize new opportunities makes her an indispensable retail thought leader.
13. Leslie Hand
An executive at one of the top retail research companies, Leslie Hand, offers key insights into retail innovation. She focuses on helping companies refine their vision, strategy, and execution to deliver results.
14. Sarah Nassauer
Covering a wide array of topics in retail, Sarah Nassauer of The Wall Street Journal offers valuable perspectives on major brands, e-commerce trends, and labor issues, shedding light on the broader dynamics affecting retail.
15. Melissa Gonzalez
Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in 2018, Melissa Gonzalez regularly shares her retail expertise. As founder of The Lionesque Group, she brings a focus on experiential retail and pop-up store strategies, offering advice for retailers looking to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors.
16. Bob Phibbs
Known as “The Retail Doctor,” Bob Phibbs is a celebrated thought leader who offers actionable advice on how retail brands can thrive in the digital age. His work focuses on helping brick-and-mortar businesses tackle challenges and seize new opportunities.
17. Shep Hyken
A customer service and experience expert, Shep Hyken focuses on helping retailers deliver exceptional customer experiences. His insights into the retail world help brands understand how service can differentiate them in a competitive market.
18. Diane J. Brisebois
The president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, Diane Brisebois, has been a leader in the retail space for over 25 years. Her focus on supporting Canadian retailers gives her a unique perspective on the industry.
19. Helen Dickinson
As CEO of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson has extensive experience in the retail sector. She provides expert advice to help retailers in the UK and beyond adapt to changes in customer expectations and market trends.
20. George MacDonald
Executive Editor of Retail Week, George MacDonald, is known for his expert analysis of retail trends. He offers actionable insights on everything from consumer behavior to retail technology, helping businesses stay informed and competitive.
21. Nicole Leinbach Reyhle
Author and founder of Retail Minded, Nicole Leinbach Reyhle focuses on small businesses and technology in retail. Her thought leadership emphasizes how brick-and-mortar retailers can adapt to the digital age while maintaining a strong customer connection.
22. Clare Bailey
Founder of The Retail Champion, Clare Bailey offers consulting services to retail brands. With her extensive background, she helps businesses build strategies for growth and operational success, focusing on practical solutions.
23. Sucharita (Mulpuru) Kodali
Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, Sucharita Kodali, specializes in retail and digital operations. Her expertise helps businesses navigate the complex landscape of e-commerce, in-store retail, and technology integration.
24. Lauren Debter
Formerly of the Forbes markets and investing team, Lauren Debter offers a practical approach to retail coverage. Her insights into both established brands and emerging businesses provide a well-rounded perspective on the retail world.
25. Nathaniel Meyersohn
CNN Business reporter Nathaniel Meyersohn blends breaking news with trend analysis to deliver quick and relevant updates. His work helps retail professionals stay informed on everything from market shifts to brand strategies.
Why Following These Thought Leaders Is Essential For Retail Success
As brick-and-mortar retail evolves, these thought leaders provide crucial insights into optimizing operations, enhancing customer loyalty, and staying ahead of industry shifts.
Their expertise in technology, data-driven strategies, and customer experience helps retailers navigate challenges and drive measurable results.
The Road Ahead: How Displai Fits Into The Future Of Retail
As brick-and-mortar retail becomes increasingly digital, staying informed and agile is critical. By following the thought leaders shaping the industry and adopting innovative technologies like Displai’s Digital Signage and real-time analytics, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and create impactful, data-driven experiences that captivate customers.
Displai’s Visitor InSight platform allows retailers to track and analyze foot traffic, monitor content engagement, and optimize store layouts.
This is the technology that will help shape the future of brick-and-mortar retail, and Displai is here to ensure businesses stay ahead of the curve.
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