Retailistic

Retail Reinvented: Navigating AI, Next-Gen Commerce, and Startup Strategies

Episode Summary

The conversation explores the current state of retail tech innovation and the challenges faced by startups and retailers. Key topics include the interest in AI and next-gen commerce, the funding landscape for startups, the need for retailers to start adopting new technologies, the importance of data-driven insights, the rise of returns in e-commerce, and the role of regulation in spurring innovation. The conversation also touches on the changing relationship between startups and corporates, the importance of simplicity and storytelling in messaging, and the need for startups to be flexible and adapt their approach to sales and partnerships.

Episode Notes

• There is continued interest in AI and next-gen commerce in the retail industry, with startups in these areas still receiving funding.
• Startups face challenges in getting traction and convincing retailers to do trials and proof of concepts.
• Retailers are looking for data-driven insights and actionable insights that they can generate themselves.
• Returns are a significant issue in e-commerce, and reducing returns is a priority for retailers.
• Regulation is driving innovation in specific sectors and geographies.
• Startups should focus on the problem they are solving and make their messaging simple and clear.
• Instead of doing proof of concepts, startups can offer intro pricing or guarantees to make it easier for retailers to say yes.
• The relationship between startups and corporates is evolving, with corporates seeking innovation and startups needing to be flexible in their approach.
• Simplicity and storytelling are important in telling the startup's story and getting recognized in the market.
• Startups should adopt a test and learn mentality and be open to trying different sales and marketing approaches.