Show 295 - Retail Technology Show Part 1 of 4 - Human‑Centric Retail in a Tech‑Driven World

Recorded live at the Retail Technology Show at ExCeL London, in partnership with Flooid, host Graham Barrett speaks with senior leaders shaping the future of retail. His guests were: 1/ Donna Stevens, Senior VP, Global Marketing, Flooid 2/ Nigel Oddy, CEO, American Golf 3/ Shannon Osman, Head of Retail, Footasylum 4/ Richard Barnett, VP of EMEA & APAC Sales, Flooid 5/ Meriel Neighbour, Director of Technology Delivery and Transformation, River Island We start with Flooid’s own Senior VP of Global Marketing, Donna Stevens, who sets the scene for the day. Donna explores the industry’s shift away from “technology for technology’s sake” and back toward human‑centred retail, where tech enhances, rather than replaces, meaningful interactions between shoppers and associates. She also unpacks the combined strengths of Flooid, GLORY and Acrylic, and how their integrated ecosystem helps retailers deliver connected, efficient, end‑to‑end experiences. Next, Nigel Oddy, CEO of American Golf, discusses how data‑driven technology is transforming one of the UK’s most traditional sports. From launch monitors to personalised fittings and loyalty‑driven service, Nigel explains how tech supports expertise, elevates the customer journey, and keeps golfers coming back. We then hear from Shannon Osman, Head of Retail at Footasylum, who shares how the fast‑growing fashion retailer is rethinking communication, execution and employee experience for a 90% Gen Z workforce. Shannon reveals how tools like Zipline streamline store operations, why mobile‑first systems are essential, and how AI is already reshaping frontline empowerment. Richard Barnett, VP of EMEA & APAC Sales at Flooid, offers a global perspective on retailer priorities, from UK‑specific concerns around cybersecurity and resilience to APAC’s acceleration toward frictionless experiences and AI‑enabled innovation. And finally, Meriel Neighbour, Director of Technology Delivery and Transformation at River Island, shares how the fashion retailer is modernising store operations, empowering teams, and navigating the realities of rapid digital acceleration. She discusses the importance of operational clarity, consistent execution, and the role of technology in enabling store teams to deliver the brand experience at scale. A wide‑ranging, insight‑packed episode exploring the realities, pressures and opportunities facing modern retail and how the right blend of people, process and technology can create truly magical in‑store experiences.