NRF 2023 Recap: Hot Tech, Top-of-Mind Trends & Layered Noodles
Retail Remix · with Adam Blair & Philip Jackson · January 23, 2023 · 42 min
Summary
Instead of a tech revolution, 2023 is all about optimization for retailers. This episode unpacks the "layered noodles" concept, where new technologies are strategically integrated with existing systems to meet buyer needs and boost cost-effectiveness amid economic uncertainty. Learn how to evolve your tech stack without a complete overhaul, ensuring agility and continued growth.
Key takeaways
Embrace 'layered noodles' by integrating new tech with existing systems for cost-effectiveness and to meet evolving buyer needs, rather than pursuing wholesale tech overhauls.
Prioritize technology investments that offer immediate value and support existing infrastructure, especially in economically uncertain times.
Focus on strategic optimization of current retail tech rather than revolutionary changes to maintain agility and responsiveness to market shifts.
Leverage AI and data analytics to enhance customer experience and personalize offerings within your current tech framework.
Explore unified and headless commerce solutions as incremental additions to improve customer journeys and modernize legacy systems.
During this special episode of Retail Remix, Alicia Esposito sat with Adam Blair, Editor at Retail TouchPoints, and Philip Jackson, Co-founder of Future Commerce, to dig into their experiences bouncing around sessions and the expo floor at this year’s NRF Big Show. If their insights are any indication, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of optimization, not revolution. For example, instead of pulling out pieces of tech from your stack – what Philip innocently referred to as “noodles” – retailers will look to layer new technologies on top of existing frameworks to embrace buyer needs and promote cost-effectiveness. Retailers can then stay in the conversation without sacrificing during times of economic uncertainty. The panelists discuss the key themes highlighted throughout the show, as well as the conversations they had and the lessons they learned.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Embrace 'layered noodles' by integrating new tech with existing systems for cost-effectiveness and to meet evolving buyer needs, rather than pursuing wholesale tech overhauls.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Prioritize technology investments that offer immediate value and support existing infrastructure, especially in economically uncertain times.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Focus on strategic optimization of current retail tech rather than revolutionary changes to maintain agility and responsiveness to market shifts.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Leverage AI and data analytics to enhance customer experience and personalize offerings within your current tech framework.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Explore unified and headless commerce solutions as incremental additions to improve customer journeys and modernize legacy systems.
