For years, eTail has brought together the leaders of retail and technology. This year, we had the opportunity to hear the perspectives of some of the biggest names in retail, including CarMax, J. Jill, Chico’s, and Foot Locker.
The topics included the latest in consumer-facing technology, training your workforce, and leveraging mountains of data to bring value to your customers and your company. We attended so that we could listen in on a retailer’s perspective of eCommerce and technology in general. As a mobile development company, Shockoe believes that mobile is an undeniable value-add to retailers. At this point, it’s necessary to stay in the game. As one can imagine, mobile is not going anywhere anytime soon. We’ve touched on best practices for your retail inventory management app, but we wanted more.
eTail was a great place to hear about what has been successful, and what has not, in the world of retail told by the people on the front lines. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, we were able to experience valuable wisdom and insight, all while eating lobster rolls. Here are our top 5 highlights from the conference:
Top 5 Reasons We Enjoyed eTail
- Great networking with our peers:
- We had an opportunity to meet hundreds of representatives in companies and organizations that are improving the experience of customers and employees alike.
- We got to witness Bryce Harper launch a two-run shot over the Green Monster in Fenway. While it led to a Red Sox defeat, which we don’t like, it was still impressive.
- 2a. The Shockoe presentation on Digital Marketing and the Customer Journey
- Brian Beitler (Chief Marketing & Brand Development Officer) from J. Jill spoke on the value of starting a conversation with your customers, not simply telling them a story.
- We especially enjoyed this discussion because we believe mobile can play an enormous role in connections. Connecting consumers to companies, other consumers, and personalized experiences that are relevant to them.
- Walmart’s Senior Director of Digital Operations, Brock McKeel, described how Walmart is leveraging VR in its training program.
- At Shockoe, we’ve been helping companies utilize VR/AR in their business processes, so it was helpful and encouraging to hear that Walmart has been thinking along the same lines. Walmart has rolled out a VR training platform to better prepare its employees for high stress, fast-paced situations that could decrease customer satisfaction.
- The lobster rolls.
In Closing
eTail East was a discussion on organizational flexibility, innovation, how we can use data to drive the customer experience, and how a positive customer experience plus convenience equals a win. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about retail from those immersed in it, making connections with individuals and companies that solve the same problems that we do, and sharing about the wins we have been able to create with our clients. The journey doesn’t stop here. Introducing both mobile and emerging tech into your retail strategy will ultimately lead to higher customer satisfaction and, in turn, customer loyalty.