Five retail technology questions for Sarah Friswell of Red Ant
RTIH asks major players in the retail technology space for their thoughts on the sector, and throws in a random question to keep them on their toes. This time around, our five questions go to Sarah Friswell, CEO at Red Ant.
RTIH: Looking at the hottest retail technologies right now, checkout-free stores, rapid delivery services, the metaverse and NFTs, automation and robotics, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, which ones stand out to you, and for what reason?
SF: I think the biggest impact for day-to-day consumer interactions is checkout-free stores.
These have captured the attention of non tech consumers (how does this work etc) and have the ability to take us to a slightly “cold” experience.
What I’d like to see is how you take the pain out of the checkout without losing the customer service and the human touch.
RTIH: Which retail technology trend is overrated in your opinion?
SF: That’s a tough question - rather than overrated, I’m going to go for “surrounded in mystery”.
I think there is still a big gap in the understanding of NFTs and people’s ability to get their head around something virtual that has a value.
RTIH: What are the top five retail tech Twitter/LinkedIn accounts you can’t do without, and why?
Confession: I don’t spend much time on Twitter, but I believe LinkedIn has huge value. I follow a range of topics and people including:
Oliver Banks – great podcast series and he’s a retail legend.
I really enjoy the variety of content Wendy Gardner from Salesforce shares, on tech topics and also the wider challenges for women in tech.
From a personal perspective, LinkedIn offers a great opportunity to keep in touch and up to date with what’s happening in the business world. There are some great startups out there, my current favourites are Slip and the amazing Tash Grossman.
Lastly, I genuinely value RTIH’s round ups and awards etc.
RTIH: If you could have a dinner party with any five retail pioneers, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
SF: Charlotte Tilbury – their journey has been mind blowing over the last nine years. Their vision to push the boundaries of tech is exciting and makes for an exciting partnership.
Dirk Hoerig, founder and CEO at commercetools, for shaking up the market with their headless commerce.
Anyone from the Emaar team who conceptualised and delivered Dubai Mall - my favourite place to shop in the world, plus shark watch plus ice skate.
Ben Francis – excited to see what he does next now he has taken the reins but I feel like he would give the table a fresh perspective
I’m going to add a wild card of Kanye – no explanation needed!
RTIH: What is one item on your bucket list?
SF: To take a trip with my mum to Hawaii, somewhere she’s wanted to go since primary school, so I am excited to be able to take her there.
