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Trends

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2024 Recap: A Year of Transformation and Innovation

As we close out 2024, it’s clear that this has been a transformative year for the retail industry. The sector witnessed some of its biggest players, like Walmart, achieve remarkable success, particularly in e-commerce, while others, such as Nike and Starbucks, faced challenges that led to leadership changes. This dichotomy exemplifies the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of retail, where adaptability and innovation are paramount. Conversations this year revolved heavily around data infrastructure, personalization, and customer engagement—key pillars for success in the digital-first era.

One of the standout themes of 2024 was the evolution of loyalty programs and data strategies. Retailers like Kicks, a Swedish beauty retailer, and Wesfarmers in Australia showcased how loyalty programs could transcend transactional value to build community and long-term engagement. Kicks’ “Beauty Talks” community seamlessly integrates social interaction with the shopping experience, while Wesfarmers’ subscription-based One Pass program proved how clear customer benefits can drive retention and revenue. Centralized data initiatives, such as Carrefour’s data lake and the H2O Group’s global loyalty strategy, demonstrated how investing in technology is a cornerstone for understanding and delighting customers.

Artificial intelligence also emerged as a game-changer for retail. Companies like Aldo and Primark explored how AI can enhance decision-making without overshadowing human expertise. Aldo’s generative AI brain, Delphine, and Primark’s nuanced approach to ethical AI usage highlighted the balance between leveraging technology for efficiency and maintaining the human touch. Leaders across the board emphasized the importance of being “data-informed, not data-driven,” ensuring that technology augments rather than dictates decisions.

2024 was also the year that OFFBounds made its debut, offering a fresh platform for commerce leaders to share strategies and insights. In our first year, we covered a wide array of topics, from rebranding and transformation to leadership and innovation. With guests from 17 countries across six continents, we created a space for diverse perspectives and deep industry conversations. As we prepare for 2025, we reflect on the incredible stories shared, the lessons learned, and the growing community that has made OFFBounds the #1 Podcast for Commerce Leaders. Stay tuned for even more insights, trends, and inspiration in the coming year!

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Interview

Inside Westwing’s Turnaround: The Decisions That Changed Everything

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Interview

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Inside Westwing’s Turnaround: The Decisions That Changed Everything

At the center of this transformation sits an unusual balance of rigor and creativity. Hoerning often describes it as the tension between data and intuition.

Trends

The Rise of Brand Memberships and the Future of Customer Loyalty

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Trends

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

The Rise of Brand Memberships and the Future of Customer Loyalty

Brand memberships are having a moment in retail, and it is not a passing one. Across fashion, beauty, grocery, and home, brands are moving beyond traditional loyalty programs built on points and discounts and instead creating paid or value-based memberships that promise access, belonging, and emotional connection.

Interview

Leading With Craft: Jonathan Adler’s Next Chapter

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Interview

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Leading With Craft: Jonathan Adler’s Next Chapter

Eight weeks into her role as President of Jonathan Adler, Mary Beth Sheridan is already clear on what matters. Craftsmanship, customer connection, and emotional resonance are not marketing language for the brand, they are the foundation.

Retail Intelligence in Action

Black Friday Performance Data Explained. What Actually Drove Growth This Year

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Retail Intelligence in Action

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Black Friday Performance Data Explained. What Actually Drove Growth This Year

Across Ometria’s client base, Black Friday revenue grew 15 percent year on year, with orders, average order value, and basket size all increasing.

Interview

Why Retail Media Is Entering Its Most Transformative Phase

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

Interview

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

Why Retail Media Is Entering Its Most Transformative Phase

For years, retailers operated with managed service models that limited transparency and slowed execution. Now, brands want direct control, real-time measurement, and unified planning across media formats.

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