Perficient’s experts recently attended Shoptalk Spring in Las Vegas, immersing themselves in three days of meetings and networking with brands and partners amidst the lively atmosphere of smoke-filled hallways, pulsating music, and dazzling lasers. Justin Racine, Principal of Commerce, shared his insights with CMSWire, and we’ve highlighted some of his key takeaways below.

The Golden Age of Retail

Retail and customer experience are about to enter a transformative era—the Golden Age of retail. From the advent of department stores to the rise of shopping malls, consumers and brands are now shifting focus toward people over products. Businesses are increasingly prioritizing human connections, bringing joy and excitement back into shopping. Retail will serve as a medium for inspiring consumers to explore who they are, express their identity, and connect with the world around them.

Creating Customer Connections at Gap

Justin had the opportunity to hear from Gap CEO Richard Dickson, who underscored the importance of fostering meaningful connections between brands and their consumers. According to Dickson, Gap’s mission is to create products that empower customers to express their individuality. “We pride ourselves on giving customers the ability to make Gap their own—to wear it the way they want,” Dickson explained. He emphasized that while price and affordability matter, customers are willing to invest in experiences and products that elevate their sense of self.

Gap has successfully cultivated generational loyalty by creating memorable experiences for families. Parents shop at Gap for their kids, and those children grow up wearing the brand, forming a deep emotional connection. These cherished memories are often captured in photos, further embedding the brand into customers’ lives. By facilitating connections on a deeper, emotional level, Gap builds lasting generational impact and loyalty.

AI in Advertisements: A Conversation with Meta

While Shoptalk Spring emphasized the human side of consumer behavior, discussions around AI inevitably arose. Clara Shih, VP of Business AI at Meta explored the future of branding through AI, focusing on Meta’s Advantage+ toolset. This suite enables businesses to deliver targeted media and content across various channels. Shih showcased new features, including location-based ads on Facebook that integrate maps directing customers to nearby stores. Another demo highlighted AI-powered live chat within ads, allowing consumers to engage with brands directly in their active channel. These innovative features fulfill customers’ desire for seamless interaction and enhance their ability to connect with brands on a humanistic level.

A Conversation with Liza Lefkowski of Wayfair

Wayfair is also deepening its understanding of customers through the integration of data and experience. Liza Lefkowski, Chief Merchant and VP of Stores at Wayfair, discussed the brand’s expansion into physical retail and its aim to inspire and excite consumers. During her session, Lefkowski explained how store associates provide personalized guidance, bridging the gap left by an exclusively online presence. This approach fosters emotional connections between customers and the brand. “Stores are designed to stand on their own but also integrate seamlessly into the overall customer experience—it’s the immersive manifestation of Wayfair,” she said.

Retail Should Spark Emotion, Not Just Transactions

This spring marked Justin’s first time attending Shoptalk Spring, but the themes from the event echoed those from Shoptalk Fall last year: retail must delight, surprise, and connect with customers. While technology and AI are crucial, human connections remain the cornerstone of retail success. By inspiring customers to be the best versions of themselves, brands can create genuine, personal relationships that drive loyalty and satisfaction.

For more insights, visit Perficient’s retail and commerce expertise page.

To read Justin’s full article, head over to CMSWire.