On today's podcast episode, we discuss the most interesting 2025 retail trends that we heard at NRF, and expect to hear at eTail, ShopTalk, and other events. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Chief Content Officer Zia Daniell Wigder and Vice President Suzy Davidkhanian.

“Everybody’s talking about generative AI,” said our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian. “The underlying question is, will it last? Or will it be the next metaverse?” (Spoiler alert: She thinks it’s here to stay.) Davidkhanian shares her thoughts on some of the overarching trends from this week’s event.

Data’s role in creating a seamless customer experience has never been more important. But adding in a human element can help your data analytics strategies reach their full potential. Thomas shares how Stich Fix is blending data science with client feedback to create a better experience for shoppers.

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s essential to foster an environment that both nurtures and challenges employees. In this discussion, Raval shares strategies to nurture a more collaborative, creative culture among employees, and how Frito-Lay is undertaking a digital evolution.

Becoming a more sustainable company doesn’t have to mean spending more money—sustainability can have a positive impact on the bottom line. In this conversation, Tracy shares strategies for companies looking to boost their sustainability efforts and what she hopes attendees learned at her Shoptalk session.

The retail space is changing rapidly as marketers experiment with things like retail media, generative AI, and social commerce. In this discussion, Zia Daniell Wigder, Chief Content Officer, Insider Intelligence, talks about the trends on her radar and what she learned at Shoptalk.

It can be challenging to earn customer loyalty as consumers often favor the least expensive, most convenient options. Caleb Pearson, Vice President, Media and Digital for US Marketing, McDonald’s, shares how McDonald’s uses customer data to keep consumers coming back.

Pinterest made waves in late February as the not-so-well-kept secret leaked that it’s finally taking steps toward its initial public offering, which is anticipated sometime mid-year. While Pinterest is later to the public markets than other major digital ad platforms, the company has opted for a more deliberate approach to building its business than the typical Silicon Valley modus operandi of “move fast and break things.”