EP 266: Retail 2025 Was a Radical Shift

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!A look back at retail 2025 reveals that consumer behavior volatility has reached unprecedented levels, with shopping patterns shifting hour-to-hour rather than seasonally. Most C-suite leaders are woefully unprepared to handle this level of velocity. Join Shelley and RJ Hottovy from Placer.ai as they discuss a range of consequential retail shifts. Holiday promotions now start in September as retailers panic to lock in sales before consumer confidence erodes. Mobile commerce will capture 56.5 percent of ecommerce sales, fundamentally altering the role of physical stores. AI's real retail impact isn't chatbots—it's transforming in-store sales associates into product experts. And an anticipated $1 trillion holiday season arrives as retailers face flattish foot traffic but rising online fulfillment center visits. They also weigh in on leadership succession at Walmart. Incoming CEO John Furner faces opportunities to scale Walmart’s retail media business; attract more younger millennials and Gen Z families, not just traditional bulk buyers; and serve higher-income consumers who are increasingly shopping at Walmart. Listen and learn how 2025 will preview another unpredictable retail year.Special Guest: R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research, Placer.aiFor more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.