As global experts in retail and commerce, we’ve presented proprietary research at Shoptalk in the US and Europe. Missed the events? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Spring 2026
Consumers, Commerce, and AI
AI is no longer a future-state concept in retail - it's already reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and buy. Merkle's Global Chief Strategy Officer, Holden Bale, shares new proprietary research revealing how quickly AI tools are becoming shopping companions, why the bar for personalization is rising across every generation, and what the path to agentic, autonomous commerce could mean for brands by 2030.
Merkle's Global Chief Strategy Officer, Holden Bale, discussed brand new research insights on the forces shaping retail and how companies can evolve to win. View his presentation to learn what modern retail organizations need to thrive in a disruptive environment.
Acceleration in the adoption of emerging technologies, aging populations, and rapidly shifting consumer trends - set against Europe's complex macroeconomic landscape - are driving profound changes. How are consumer needs and preferences are evolving, and what are the implications for brands in this challenging landscape?
As brands implement new technologies to enhance their digital capabilities, managing a growing technology estate can become increasingly complex. What is happening in retail technology, and what practical strategies can accelerate innovation and improve operational performance?
Gen Alpha may not be old enough to drive, but they’re already steering over $500 billion in family spending. Meanwhile, Gen X, with $2.5 trillion in purchasing power, is often overlooked as a major force in retail. These two generations are shaping the future of shopping in profound ways, and staying ahead of their ever-changing preferences is a must.
Brands must constantly find new profitable and sustainable ways to grow, whether it be through entering new geographies, creating new product lines, or identifying new routes to market. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to growth, and this session features research from over 800 SVP+ digital leaders on how unlock growth opportunities.
Get a sneak peek of our presentations from Shoptalk 2026 on what future-ready retail looks like, differences in generational shopping preferences, and what you can do to make the most of your commerce strategy.
Our research shows that Gen X is much less likely to have interest in the in-store shopping experience than younger generations.
We found that retail is the lowest-ranking category when it comes to business leaders' satisfaction with their enterprise technology.
Phone usage during the in-store shopping experience also varies by generation, with younger consumers much more likely to use their phone always or almost always in the store.
Our research also shows a surprisingly high rate of indirect purchasing power with Gen Alpha.
Shoptalk 2025
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51% of organizations have stalled or abandoned transformations in the last 3 years.
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