Reporting in from the National Grocers Association (NGA) show in Las Vegas, KC offers some thoughts about the importance of converting data into a digital network that can be monetized by retailers … but argues that monetization and higher transactions are less important than creating a platform that prioritizes customer engagement. But an even bigger problem facing independent retailers, KC suggests, is not understanding why they became more relevant during the pandemic, and not realizing what they need to do going forward to stay relevant and essential.
Note: KC's appearance at NGA on Sunday was at a session powered by CART-The Center for Advancing Retail & Technology. Central to the session was "Retail 4.0," Gary Hawkins' assessment of where retailers need to be today and how to get there. A white paper laying out the opportunities can be downloaded here.
