RETAIL KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND FUTURIST: HOW THE FUTURE OF SHOPPING IS EVOLVING

Shh, don’t tell: Working as retail keynote speakers and futurist consultants, it’s obvious that massive change is coming to department stores, shopping malls, small businesses and grocery stores, among other providers. Why is this the case? Well, as you’ve probably noticed, each new day seems to bring new technology and innovations. That said, as retail keynote speakers and futurists, let’s talk about what types of service providers will be impacted by them.

• Department stores – Large stores offering a wide variety of merchandise organized into departments such as clothing, furniture, home appliances, etc. Examples are Macy’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney.
• Specialty stores – Focus on specific product categories such as clothing, shoes, electronics, books, pets, beauty supplies, etc. according to retail keynote speakers and futurists. Think firms like Gap, Best Buy, Sephora, and Petco.
• Discount stores – Offer a broad selection of merchandise at lower prices. Items are typically displayed in a warehouse format. We’re talking Walmart, Target, Ross, and TJ Maxx etc here.
• Warehouse clubs – Require a membership and sell items in large quantities or bulk. Commonly-encountered ones are Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
• Supermarkets – Carry groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, household items, etc. The Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons of the world.
• Convenience stores – Smaller stores carrying snacks, drinks, tobacco, lottery tickets, and basic groceries. You’re local 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa.
• Drug stores – Sell prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, cosmetics, snacks, and some household goods. Top providers include CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
• Dollar stores – Offer inexpensive general merchandise, some groceries and household items often at $1 or less. We mean Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree.
• Big-box stores – Large stores carrying discounted general merchandise. Again, firms like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Best Buy.
• Online retailers – Sell products exclusively online. Your Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Rakuten.

Per retail keynote speakers and futurists, the type of retailer frequented depends on consumers’ budget, product needs, and preferences for in-store shopping versus online convenience.