Patricia Waldron

Contributing Editor RetailWire

Patricia leads at the forefront of the intersection of consumers, brands, technology, and data. After starting in retail (operations, finance, IT) she spent her career developing and marketing solutions used by the world's most interesting brands. She held executive positions in marketing, solution, and business development at IBM Corporation, Cognos, Lawson Software, SASI, Fujitsu, and The Pillsbury Company. Patricia now helps brands, publications, events, and individuals stand out from the crowd in the industry she loves.

Day One: The Shopper Is Everywhere

10:30 AM Fireside Chat: Revitalizing Heritage: Modern Store Concepts and Brand Elevation at Guess

Guess? is embarking on a bold brand revitalization, elevating its image in North America to match its upscale European perception while introducing Guess Jeans, a new line focused on casual wear. Jeff Fisher, Senior Director of Store Development and Visual Merchandising, is leading the transformation by refreshing store concepts and launching newly designed flagship locations in Miami and LA. In this fireside chat, Jeff will discuss the strategies and creative vision behind modernizing a heritage brand for today’s dynamic retail landscape.

• Reimagining store design and visual merchandising to align with an elevated brand identity

• Balancing heritage and innovation in the retail experience to resonate with today’s consumer

• Lessons learned from the next-generation stores in key markets and the ongoing retail transformation

3:05 PM Panel: Store Design in the Current Retail Environment

In today’s rapidly shifting retail landscape, store design plays a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences and brand success. This panel will discuss how retailers can innovate and adapt their physical spaces to meet the demands of modern consumers.

Create seamless, engaging experiences that connect digital and physical retail, meeting shoppers where they are
Navigating rising construction costs and complex rollouts while maintaining design integrity and operational efficiency
Innovative approaches and materials driving sustainability and integrating eco-conscious practices

Day Two: Blended Experiences to Remember

10:20 AM Fireside Chat: The Role of DEI in Today's Retail Environment

Culture building across the organization, from the top to the salesfloor
The business value for DEI in the current talent landscape
What is HR and leadership’s role in DEI work?
Enhancing employee engagement and alignment with company values

10:40 AM Panel: In-Store Technology that Elevates the Customer Experience

Technology can often be gimmicky additions to store experiences, however, with the world digitally accelerating, customers expect sophisticated technological solutions in the way that they want to see them. How can retailer technology enhance the stores?

· Determining technologies that are trends versus true value-adds for the customer journey

· Embracing analytics for better customer journey mapping

· Leveraging technology to personalize experiences

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Patricia.

Download The Latest Agenda