Reengineering Retail
The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World
119 Spadina Avenue Toronto ON M5V 2L1
1123 Broadway, Suite 1107 New York NY 11010
Today is the most exciting moment in retail history—if you can adapt to sweeping change.
Hand-picked by iconic companies like IKEA, Intel, and Walmart to redefine their retail strategies, Doug Stephens is one of the most influential retail futurists on the planet. In visually dynamic, fully customized, and up-to-the-minute researched keynotes, Stephens shows you the deep tectonic shifts that are shaking up the retail industry, and what you can—and must—do to become a true competitor in it.
“It doesn’t matter what type of retail you do—if you sell something, somewhere, you need to read Doug Stephens’ The Retail Revival. Packed with powerful insights on the changing retail environment, it’s what good retailers should be thinking about now.”
— Gregg Saretsky, President and CEO, WestJetAs the Founder of global consultancy Retail Prophet, Doug Stephens has made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading retail and consumer futurists, not to mention as a top global retail influencer. His books, The Retail Revival and Reengineering Retail, have accurately predicted the transformation of retail in the post-digital world. In his aptly titled forthcoming release, Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World, Stephens once again offers an essential roadmap for the industry, this time outlining how a public health emergency of this size and scope will shape retail and consumer behaviors long after the threat of COVID-19 has passed.
Stephens’ research and insights help major organizations—such as Johnson & Johnson, BMW, Citibank, Disney, Google, and more—understand exactly how trends in demographics, global economics, AI, and media are forever altering consumer/brand relationships. We’re all shoppers, says Stephens. Consumers are now empowered with technology—experts in their own right. What can we learn from our buyers (and browsers) to ensure that we look forward, not backward, when it comes to innovating new retail strategies? Drawing on over 20 years of analytical and on-the-ground experience, Stephens will leave you feeling entertained, enlightened, and inspired to put his wisdom into action.
Prior to founding Retail Prophet, Stephens spent 20 years in retail, holding senior international roles, including the leadership of one of New York City’s most iconic retail chains. Stephens is also the syndicated retail columnist for CBC Radio Canada, and appears regularly on North American and international radio and television shows. As a business journalist, Stephens’ writing has been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the National Post, The Globe and Mail, Chicago Tribune, Fortune Magazine, Business Insider, Business of Fashion, Daily Beast, and the Toronto Star, among many others worldwide.
“Doug Stephens was such a phenomenal speaker and very engaging. He customized his presentation to our audience and we received nothing but great feedback.”
Neighborhood Pharmacy Association of Canada“Doug was amazing! He was definitely a highlight of the Fashion Forum. The entire room was completely engaged for the whole hour, and he was a pleasure to deal with onsite. We’d have no issue in recommending Doug to any other organisations looking for a professional, engaging and informative keynote speaker.”
Government, City of Melbourne“I felt that was the most compelling presentation by far, maybe the most compelling I've ever seen at a marketing conference.”
Customer Relationship Management Conference (CRMC)“Just wanted to follow up after a great webinar yesterday. Please let Doug know we were super pleased with how it went, with some employees of the company mentioning this was one of our best webinars. We thought Doug’s content was excellent, and his slides very engaging.”
Vision Critical“On behalf of Cineplex Digital Media, I wanted to thank you for your excellent presentation on Thursday. Your insights on the future of retail and the opportunities that lie ahead were inspirational for myself and our employees. I've heard nothing but positive feedback, with many of our employees commenting that your presentation was the highlight of our meeting.”
Cineplex Digital Media“As our committee reviewed a variety of speakers this year, Douglas immediately stood out from the others from the first video I saw of him presenting. Not only did he seem to be exceptionally knowledgeable about a range of highly relevant business topics, he seemed to be genuine, and, an entertaining speaker! All of these first impressions turned out to be completely accurate. Douglas was beyond good; he blew us away!”
GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions®“Douglas immediately stood out from the first video I saw of him presenting. Not only did he seem to be exceptionally knowledgeable about a range of highly relevant business topics, he seemed to be genuine, and, an entertaining speaker! All of these first impressions turned out to be completely accurate. Douglas was beyond good; he blew us away! Douglas was available several months ahead to speak with us to understand our business, and customize elements to the presentation to us and our industry. No matter what business or service you are in, your organization will be better for hearing what Douglas has to say!”
GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions“An outstanding discussion this morning. Best executive series I’ve attended. Thank you for sharing.”
SVP Global Processes, Walmart Inc.“Your contribution to our conference was immeasurable and by far the most well received presentation.”
Reed Exhibitions Australia“I just wanted to share with you that the feedback I got from Intel is that Doug was fantastic! It was clear that the extensive amount of time he spent on the phone with them, and in his own research and preparation, made a real difference. They found the engaging, upbeat nature of Doug’s talk and content to be the perfect close for this weary group of conference-goers. And for the icing on the cake, Terry shared with me that he found Doug to be a heck of a nice guy, very humble and genuine. Not sure I can think of a nicer compliment.”
Intel“Doug’s passion for retailing and connection with consumer trends, attitudes and behaviors brought a fresh perspective and energy to Citi Retail Services annual leadership conference. We valued his willingness to push the boundaries on how retailers can better serve their customers and how our company could be a strong partner in ensuring their success.”
Citibank“Thank you for delivering such a thought provoking and engaging speech! Both the chain executives and suppliers raved about it!”
Connecting Point Marketing Group“Doug recently presented at a product launch for leaders in the retail world. Doug’s presentation was relevant, funny and eye-opening. The audience was captivated.”
TD Bank“Doug Stephens’ keynote delivery and the insight he shared with our audience was dynamic, bold, thought-provoking, relevant and an ultimately fascinating experience. He’s an inspiring and forward-thinking presenter.”
CSPNet“You were the talk of the evening with all agents realizing that change is inevitable. You hit the key points which forced all of them to look in the mirror and ultimately adjust moving forward.”
Miele“Doug’s presentation was one of the highlights of our recent Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit. He loaded it with historical detail and context, and delivered it with confidence and style. He’s also an expert panel moderator. It has always been a pleasure and a privilege working with him, and I look forward to many more years of doing so.”
Retail Customer Experience“Doug was invited to speak as part of our program. Doug’s was one of the most talked about presentations. He was engaging and the information he presented was fresh and insightful. I would highly recommend Doug as a speaker.”
North American Retail Hardware Association“Many speakers say they will tailor their comments, but it’s the exception that I work with someone who actually does. Doug Stephens was definitely the perfect kickoff to our conference. He easily picked up on the challenges facing our stores, and not only gave them insight, but inspired them to act. His style is completely engaging, and his content just what we need. We couldn’t have asked for anything better!”
National Association of College Stores“You did an excellent presentation, and one of my colleagues said you were the best futurist he’s seen…high praise since many of us see a lot of sessions and speakers!”
FMIIn the annals of retail history the coronavirus pandemic will be a permanent mile marker, remembered for generations to come. Companies in all sectors will point to this unprecedented time as the moment everything changed. The moment that every market, industry, vertical, profession, and category of product or service would, in some way, be shifted off its axis—and for the first time in recorded history, every wheel, cog, and gear in the global retail machine would grind to a virtual halt.
Bestselling author and Founder of the global consultancy Retail Prophet, Doug Stephens provides an incisive look into the future of retail in a post-COVID-19 world. How will behaviors at consumer, staff, and executive levels be forever changed? What does this all mean for the future of physical retail? How will digital commerce evolve to meet our new realities? How will global supply chains adapt? The most critical questions for retail will be tackled in this fast-paced and gripping talk, led by one of the industry’s foremost experts.
There has been, perhaps no other time in modern history when so much hinged on effective leadership and communication. In times like these, steady-handed leadership is the only thing that sits between strategic cohesiveness and organizational chaos. And yet the pandemic has also show us how few leaders truly rise to the occasion when the moment demands it. And with Black Swan events becoming ever more frequent, the question is how can leaders hone a new level of skill and effectiveness in preparation for the next crisis?
In this fascinating new talk, Doug Stephens lays out the 4 key principles of effective leadership through any crisis, including COVID-19. Filled with examples from both the current and previous global crises, we show you the surprising secrets of the world’s most effective leaders.
Join author and internationally renowned consumer futurist Doug Stephens for an amazing tour of the future, where every aspect of the retail experience as we know it will be radically transformed.
Since the release of Doug Stephens’ first best-selling book The Retail Revival, change in the global retail sector has accelerated beyond even the boldest forecasts. As predicted, online giants like Amazon and Alibaba.com are growing at a dizzying pace. Hundreds of well-known brick and mortar retailers have closed their doors, and brands and retailers across categories are struggling to understand the shifting needs and expectations of a new consumer. Stephens will show you that this is only the beginning. From online to bricks and mortar, the very concept of what stores are, how consumers shop them, and even the core economic model for revenue will be profoundly reinvented. Changes are sure to affect not only retailers large and small but any business with a stake in the global retail industry. Drawing on research from his new book, Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World, Stephens will share actionable strategies that will separate the winners and losers in the market and show you what smart brands and retailers are doing today to secure their place in the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s consumer.
Doug Stephens is an expert on retail business strategy, and he brings his wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge to your company in this highly customizable keynote and workshop. What are the latest retail trends within your industry or category? How are demographic and technological shifts affecting your customer base? What can your company do to stay ahead of the curve? To help your company excel in the ultra-competitive realm of retail, manufacturing or consumer packaged goods, Stephens is constantly collecting data and case studies—in a variety of fields—to give you strategies that are broad in scope, yet focused in purpose.
Millennials are now the largest single generational segment on the planet. Their spending will exceed that of Baby Boomers, representing unprecedented opportunities for brands that adapt and innovate to engage them—and an existential threat to those that don’t.
In this unique take on the Millennial shopper, Doug Stephens delivers cutting edge insight into this generation, their economic reality, social needs, their unique traits and preferences as shoppers, as well as the surprising essence of their relationships with brands. Stephens also shares the broad generalizations about Millennials that brands would be wise to avoid. This enlightening and unconventional keynote is a must-see for business leaders looking to connect with this all-important generation of consumers.
90 percent of the data that exists today was created within the last two years. And while the sheer volume and velocity of data is definitely astonishing, what’s even more compelling is our growing capacity to gather, analyze, and make sense of it all. From social media streams, videos, and reviews to weather, traffic, and machine-to-machine communication, each day a virtual universe of data is being created. Smart brands are honing their understanding of that data and its potential impact on every aspect of their customer’s experience with their brand. This talk will provide a clear view into the future of retail by examining this new and amazing data deluge, and how pioneering brands around the world are turning it into a new world of opportunity.
In this fascinating talk, Doug Stephens tackles the future of consumerism. He sheds light on the key shifts in economics, demographics, technology, and media that are completely transforming the consumer landscape, and the very essence of how we buy. Who the consumer is, in addition to how, where, and even why they shop, is changing rapidly and forever. The way our stores look—and how we interact with them—are constantly in flux. Mobile technology, social commerce, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, virtual reality, big data, and a deluge of developing technologies are all conspiring to forever change how we buy. How do we cope with all these transformations? Stephens shares what smart brands are doing today to re-imagine their businesses and capitalize on these historic changes.
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