This article has been written by our Client Service Account Director Stacie Croghan.This year, our CEO Alain, Creative Director James, and I attended the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo - a gathering of industry giants discussing the cutting-edge trends and technologies reshaping the retail world. With speakers from companies like Spotify, Reddit, Ikea, and even the NBA, the event offered a wide range of perspectives across industries, but one key theme resonated throughout: the power of AI and personalisation in shaping the future of retail. As AI and personalisation is something we've been working on internally as an ecommerce agency, we were keen to learn what we could from these established brands - and share it with you! Here are our key takeaways from RICE 2024. Embracing New Technologies & Customer-Centric InnovationAt the conference, one of the clear messages we kept hearing was how crucial it is for retail brands to embrace, experiment with, and measure new technologies to unlock their full potential. AI and personalisation were at the heart of many discussions, with leaders sharing how they’ve successfully implemented these cutting-edge solutions. But what really resonated with me was the idea that it's not enough to just follow trends.The key takeaway? You need to first understand what aligns with your mission, values, and customer needs before jumping into new tech. New innovations can be exciting, but they should only be adopted if they genuinely complement your business strategy and drive meaningful outcomes.In fact, understanding your customers is at the core of these innovations. Several speakers emphasised the importance of knowing your audience deeply - whether that’s through AI-driven personalisation, omnichannel experiences, or new forms of engagement. The goal is always to connect with your customers authentically, meet their needs, and even deliver solutions they didn’t know they needed. When done right, technology should enhance cust...