In this episode, Caila Schwartz from Salesforce Commerce Cloud joins us to discuss holiday shopping predictions for 2025. The conversation covers how AI is transforming retail, particularly in product discovery and research, with a focus on Gen Z and millennials. The episode also delves into economic challenges like inflation and tariffs, and how these factors influence consumer behavior and the rise of resale markets. Caila shares insights on the evolving shopping habits of younger generations, the importance of trust and authenticity in AI-driven marketplaces, and strategies for building consumer loyalty amidst changing retail landscapes.

Show Highlights:

• AI's role in retail, with 39% of shoppers using AI tools for product discovery
• The evolving retail landscape
• Gen Z's preference for in-store shopping experiences and the importance of a unified shopping experience
• The rise of the resale market as a sustainable and cost-effective option
• Trust and authenticity in AI-driven marketplaces
• Consumer loyalty trends, with a focus on value through pricing, free delivery, and product quality

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Caila Schwartz: LinkedIn Holiday Insights
• Learn more about Agentforce for Commerce: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/ai/ 
• Join the Commerce Cloud Community Unofficial Slack: https://sforce.co/commercecrew
• Holiday Predictions Webinar: https://www.salesforce.com/form/events/webinars/form-rss/4988425/

***

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.