RIS Talks

PacSun’s investments in its customer service capabilities are paying off as the apparel brand and retailer leverages the benefits of natural language processing (NLP).  

RIS sits down with Brian McAllister, Burton Snowboards' director of global operations, and Jeff Lord, VP of global direct and digital commerce, to get the inside story on the retailer's massive digital transformation.

If you haven’t evolved your annual employee review process in the last two years, it’s probably time to start.

Making artificial intelligence part of the workforce has generated many benefits for the menswear retailer, but it took getting past preconceived notions of what great customer service is. Ian Rosen, EVP of digital & strategy, explains.

If you want to know where the retail industry is headed, look no further than what RIS’ 2021 retail influencers have to say.

The CGT/RIS Executive Council member shares what’s key for today’s brands when it comes developing a data strategy, the future of social commerce, the potential of blockchain and more.

We checked in with Guy Yehiav, general manager of Zebra Analytics and a member of the CGT/RIS Executive Council, to get his perspective on the promise of AI in retail and consumer goods, as well as some of the ways companies are leveraging prescriptive analytics right now.

Another holiday season is here and retailers still have a lot of uncertainty to contend with when crafting their holiday retail strategies. Here to help, RIS is arming retailers with our second annual guide to peak selling season.

Ahead of news that Schnuck Markets, Inc. is bringing Tally robots to all 111 stores, RIS talks with Dave Steck, VP of IT Infrastructure and App Development, to learn how the grocer went from pilot to full-scale rollout and what benefits AI-powered inventory management tech will bring.

RIS talks with Sephora about the AI tech developed in-house to help all its customers find their best foundation match, as part of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments.

Wireless communications retailer Mobile Destination has turned to gamification as part of its workforce management investments, resulting in a sales lift of 20%.

Footwear retailer Fleet Feet is leaning into social media and search advertising to not only drive digital sales but also propel people into its stores.  

Godbole shares what it’s been like to not only command Lowe's tech advancements during the pandemic, but also how the company is engaging consumers and navigating today’s supply chain challenges through the use of in-house technology. 

The denim retailer has been able to reduce its return rates by nearly 50%, as well as increase conversions and right-size its inventory levels through virtual try-on technology and recommendations.

RIS’ fifth annual look at the top women in retail technology salutes the female technologists redefining the industry that touches the lives of millions of consumers. Read about their latest retail technology projects, greatest accomplishments, what they think will impact retail’s future, and more.

When Freshly, the Nestle-owned subscription service focused on delivery healthy prepared meals, wanted to boost its personalization efforts, the company knew it had to get a better grip on its data management.

While it’s unclear how much of the pandemic-prompted digital disruption has staying power, it’s safe to say consumers have gotten a taste of the potential of tech-enabled convenience, and they like what they see.

Learn how the retailer's implementation resulted in not only bringing its customer service response times to previously unheard-of levels, but also prompted a meaningful cultural shift among its team members.

With more than three decades of global retail experience, Richard Widdowson can say with confidence that things in business are not always as clear-cut as they seem — but that doesn’t mean the industry couldn’t stand to simplify a bit.  

The cooler and outdoor accessory company has launched an immersive 3D and AR experience on its website, in which consumers can virtually view more than 50 virtual products in their own physical environments.

Tech can’t solve all problems, but it can certainly power the gateway to progress. For Elliott Rodgers, Ulta Beauty chief information officer and an RIS News CIO of the Year, technology has indeed been enabler for everything he’s accomplished during his career.

When undergoing a massive digital transformation initiative, retailers expect employee churn and other unexpected obstacles. They do not, however, plan for a pandemic.