Listen in as we explore the latest shopping trends with Michelle Grant, the Director of Strategy and Insights for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce. She shares fascinating insights from her recent Connected Shoppers Report, including the shrinking divide between online and offline shopping. As we move beyond viewing e-commerce as a monolithic single site, we delve into the concept of shopping at the edge. The shopping landscape is changing, and Michelle's insights highlight the importance of keeping pace with these trends. 

We also dive into the phenomenal growth of messaging app purchases, up by a whopping 227% in the past two years. Live streaming and video commerce are other burgeoning trends, with a 250% growth in people making purchases through a live stream. Listen in as we uncover the changing behaviors of shoppers and how this might affect the retail industry. Whether you're a retailer, marketer, or consumer, this episode is a treasure trove of insights into the evolving world of retail.

Show Highlights:

• What the concept of "shopping at the edge” means.

• The growth in purchases made through messaging apps and live streaming.

• Examination of The Connected Shoppers Report.

• The evolution of physical retail stores, including how they are blending digital experiences, offering space for events, and utilizing in-store experts to enhance customer experiences. 

• The need for retailers to have a unified view of their shoppers and merge marketing, commerce, and service functions.

• The potential of generative AI to improve personalization and optimize the customer experience in retail, from providing product inspiration to improving website search experiences, is also discussed.

Download the Salesforce Connected Shoppers Report Here: https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/connected-shoppers-report/

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.