Have you heard the buzz coming out of Shoptalk? Last week, some of the best and brightest minds in retail—from entrepreneurs at trendy startups to store operators to e-commerce players—met up in Las Vegas for the new conference, billed as the event for “nextgen commerce.” In other words, a place for game-changers to come together and swap big ideas that are shaking up the retail landscape.
An estimated 3,000 attendees from around the world took part in more than 90 talks and panels over the three-day conference. Among the speakers were three Target leaders at the helm of many of our innovation efforts: Casey Carl, chief strategy and innovation officer; Jason Goldberger, chief digital officer; and West Stringfellow, vice president of internal innovation. Between presentations and panels, Casey, Jason and West also got a chance to walk the exhibition hall, connect with colleagues, meet plenty of new faces, and check out startup pitches.
Topics covered at the event ranged from the future of stores and e-commerce, to merging of digital and physical worlds, and how technology will continue to transform commerce. As Bonobos CEO Andy Dunn mentioned during his fireside chat, over the past 100 years, our society has been organized around the automobile; now, it’s re-organizing around the smartphone.
Speaking of smartphones, mobile is a major part of the digital dynamic that Target tackles on a daily basis—and one that Casey discussed during his time on Shoptalk’s stage with Digiday reporter Hilary Milnes.
"We view mobile as the front door to Target. … In almost every shopping occasion, digital has a vital role to play,” Casey said, adding that integrating digital and stores is key for the future. “Stores are some of the most strategic assets we have. They have always been great selling channels. But they are now a fulfillment channel and a community gathering place, and that continues to evolve as the consumer changes.”
Shoptalk organizers are already planning a Version 2.0 for next year. Given the pace of change and disruption in technology and retail these days, we think that’s just plain smart talk.
Interested in a career at Target? Check out available roles, including openings on our technology teams, and learn more about how we’re transforming our guest experience across all channels.
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