Generative AI, Gen Z and the future of physical stores were among the most sought-after discussions at NRF this year, Hope continues.
The scene: Nearly 100 people waited outside the doors for a session on "Decoding Gen Z" featuring McDonald's, H&M and Spotify execs.
Dozens, including me, were turned away from a packed generative AI roundtable with Lowe's, Carrefour and Victoria's Secret.
It was also standing room only for a talk on improving retail stores to motivate people to shop.
What they're saying:
On Gen Z: Based on podcast listening habits, they're very interested in their financial futures and in career growth, Ann Piper, head of North American ad sales at Spotify, said.
"This is the generation that is going to bring back a level of work ethic that we maybe haven't seen in some of the last generations."
On reinventing stores: Businesses should bring back creativity when it comes to staging products and they should also place a greater emphasis on music selection, Lee Peterson, WD Partners' EVP of thought leadership and marketing, said.
As for workers and associates, "I have two words for every retailer about associates — pay them. The more you pay them, the better they will be. And that's just the bottom line of that whole situation."
