Expert Advice for Marketing Leaders on MarTech, AI, & CX
This article was written by Greg Kihlström for CMSWire. As much as agentic AI promises to make our lives easier, delegating tasks and errands is certainly not new. Even in our mobile-first, app-based reality, you can use Instacart for your groceries, Stitch Fix for your wardrobe, Uber to get driven to your next destination and countless other apps to get other people to help you get things done.
What once passed for cutting-edge in e-commerce—clean product pages, well-lit photos, streamlined checkout—is already looking outdated. A new standard is emerging, driven by shoppable video, immersive technology, and AI-fueled personalization. It’s not just about making online shopping better. It’s about making it feel completely different.
This article was written by Greg Kihlström for CMSWire. How do retailers maximize their retail media inventory and incremental revenue while creating a better shopper experience and greater brand trust?
The management of product returns is often viewed through a negative lens, focusing on the costs and logistical challenges they present. However, as discussed in the podcast with Katherine Lehman, returns can be reframed as a strategic advantage. By prioritizing the customer experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and embracing sustainability, businesses can transform returns from a necessary evil into a powerful tool for growth and differentiation in the competitive retail landscape. As the market continues to evolve, those companies that recognize and capitalize on the potential of reverse logistics will be well-positioned for success in the future.
Retail marketing isn’t just moving fast—it’s accelerating toward something closer to chaos. Consumers scroll, click, and buy across platforms at a pace that outstrips most brands’ ability to plan, let alone personalize. Add in the pressure of AI-driven expectations, the rise of TikTok commerce, and the ever-creeping start to the holiday season, and it’s clear: reactive retail is over.
The non-linear buyer’s journey demands a paradigm shift in marketing strategies. As consumers navigate their purchasing decisions through various touchpoints, brands must prioritize engagement, personalization, and community-building to foster lasting relationships. A critical component of this evolution is the emphasis on data quality over quantity.
With consumer expectations are higher than ever, the management of product returns has emerged as a critical factor in driving business success. Traditionally viewed as a cost center, returns can actually serve as a strategic advantage when approached with the right mindset and processes.
Few advancements have reshaped retail marketing as profoundly as artificial intelligence. What was once an experimental tool for brands with big budgets has become an essential resource that anyone aiming to remain competitive needs to embrace. Rising ad costs, fragmented media channels, and the need to capture—and hold—the attention of increasingly discerning consumers have all put pressure on traditional methods of marketing. Into this demanding landscape steps AI, promising to streamline ad spend, increase personalization, and ultimately create more meaningful connections with customers.
Today, we’re joined by Uldis Baumerts, Chief Operating Officer of Bryj Technologies, a leader in driving AI-powered innovations for the retail industry. Uldis has extensive experience in transforming the way businesses approach advertising and customer engagement, making him the perfect guest to discuss the transformational role of AI in retail advertising and the future of marketing technology.
In the competitive e-commerce marketplace, where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are continually rising, the ability to maintain strong customer relationships is paramount.
