Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List interview: Saleforce’s Michelle Grant
As part of a series of interviews with those who made it on to the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List, we discuss QR codes, automation and Inflation and the possibility of a recession with Michelle Grant, Senior Manager, Strategy and Insights, Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce.
RTIH: What’s does recognition as a retail tech influencer mean to you?
MG: Being recognised as a retail tech influencer enhances my credibility within the retail and technology ecosystem. It’s also given me the opportunity to meet and learn from other RTIH members.
RTIH: What are your retail predictions for 2022 and beyond?
MG: Inflation and the possibility of a recession will weigh heavily on the retail industry.
Retailers will need to rethink their marketing, assortment and pricing strategies to adapt to changing consumer behaviours and their own cost structures.
There will be greater emphasis on automation to remove operational costs and free up labour for more revenue generating activities.
Retailers will lean into their media networks and other non-product revenue streams, such as warranties, to pad margins. Retailers will invest in personalisation, loyalty programmes and subscriptions to retain customers.
RTIH: What will be the must watch retail technologies over the next year?
MG: I’ve been heralding the return of the QR code in the west since the pandemic started. QR codes being used to enhance the marketing, in-store, service and product experience.
In the new Nike Style store in Seoul, QR codes link to augmented reality (AR) experiences around product innovation and art installations.
In addition, augmented reality is another must watch technology on my list. Retailers are starting to embrace AR in their apps and in stores.
Second time around
The second edition of the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers List recently went live.
This annual offering, which is presented in no particular order, covers retailers, technology suppliers, startups, consultants, analysts, and thought leaders who are making an impact in the retail technology space during 2022.
This year we expanded the list from 50 to 100 influencers, after we received an overwhelmingly positive reaction to its debut in 2021.
How do we identify the top 100?
We use a variety of sources to select our top 100, including feedback from industry observers, research within our own networks, direct or third party nominations via our website, and social media tools.
In addition to social presence, we also take into account award winners, event speakers, books published, media appearances, and people building innovative companies, solutions etc in the retail space.
Want to be considered for the 2023 list?
If you’d like to be considered or nominate a colleague or contact, please complete the below form.
