Walmart Senior Vice President (SVP) Scott Eckert presented “Disruption, Innovation, and The Future of Retail” as part of the Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) “Meet the Experts” series.

In the virtual presentation, Eckert discussed the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impact on the retail industry and how Walmart’s incubator Store No. 8 is working to compete against Amazon online.

Instant, ultra-convenience of online shopping and home delivery, focus on in-home and virtual health and wellness access, and flexibility created by working remotely, are among Unites States retail consumer trends accelerated by the pandemic, according to Eckert.

Smart sensors and data capture, autonomous vehicles, NextGen agriculture food production, artificial intelligence and machine learning are being explored to improve sales and efficiency.

Cutting-edge technology for tracking inventory, especially in brick and mortar stores, was discussed. These include robotics, security cameras dedicated to monitor products on the shelves, along with virtual and “extended” reality, being leveraged to reinvent the retail space.

Dr. James R. Ogden provided the introduction while his wife, Dr. Denise T. Ogden, served as moderator. Both are with The Doctors Ogden Group, LLC. James Ogden is a professor emeritus of marketing at Kutztown University. Denise Ogden is a professor of marketing at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

CRS is a leading authority on issues and solutions that face the retailing and sales industries.

In addition to developing relationships, strategic alliances, and partnerships with industry stakeholders, the organization connects students with business professionals.

While associated with several community partners, including Penn State, CRS is housed at the Business Division of DeSales University, Center Valley.

Information: https://thecrs.org