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Observations
Retail insights from our big New York event
Our editor-in-chief, Konrad Olsson, reflects on hosting our first-ever event in North America and provides his key takeaways from the speakers.
By KONRAD OLSSON
16 Jan 2025

Ah, New York, New York!

It was a whirlwind of emotions being back in the big city, a place that was so present in my life during the pre-pandemic years of 2017-2019 but has since fallen to the wayside. It had been almost six years since I saw the iconic skyline fill my left window as I descended on the SAS flight to Newark.

What a great way to come back, hosting the first event for Scandinavian MIND in North America with the biggest lineup of partners at any of our events ever. Thanks to our brilliant business partner Linda Pimmeshofer, who did most, if not all, of onboarding new partners and collaborators. 

Linda and I have known each other for a couple of years, meeting at the same events, being booked at the same panels, and eventually ending up on our podcast a few times. In contrast to myself, she has a real background in technology, having headed up Microsoft retail operations for over a decade. In doing so, she has developed expertise and a perspective on the industry that aligns with what we do with Scandinavian MIND. In that sense, we complement each other perfectly. She is from tech and discusses how tech needs to be infused into fashion and retail. We are from fashion and editorial, discussing how fashion needs to adopt new technologies. 

During our opening remarks on the 13th floor of the Amazon office on 39th Street, Linda talked about the need for the tech industry to make use of data more holistically, breaking down silos within organisations and, in doing so, opening up to new opportunities and aiming to solve some of our biggest sustainability challenges, like overproduction. 

With my co-host Linda Pimmeshofer in New York on 11 January 2025.

We put together a strong lineup of speakers, many of whom we will revisit on our platform in the coming weeks and months. We are already publishing a podcast conversation with Greg Merrill, the fireside speaker at the event.

For those of you who weren’t there, I wanted to share a few of my most important takeaways from the speakers on how to help the industry transform. 

Here we go:

1. Collaboration as the Cornerstone of Transformation

Hilbert Dijkstra from Nedap emphasised the importance of a common language in technology solutions, such as standardised data models. Collaboration between brands, retailers, and tech providers can create a seamless ecosystem in which solutions like RFID and digital twins become integral. He also highlighted the need for data sharing to tackle challenges like overproduction and sustainability. 

2. Sustainability: From Talk to Action

Reid Swanson from Centric Software acknowledged that sustainability is often a “nice-to-have” rather than a core driver in tech adoption. However, aligning sustainability initiatives with commercial goals can make a compelling case for adoption. Reid advocated for front-loading sustainability considerations in product development to avoid reactive, post-mortem compliance analyses.

3. Data as the New Oil: Moving Beyond Frankenstacks

Greg Merrill, a former Nike executive, discussed the pitfalls of legacy systems (referred to as Frankenstacks) that hinder agility. He stressed the importance of modular systems that allow for adaptability and future-proofing. He also highlighted the role of consumer data and organisational capability in leveraging it for actionable insights, emphasising that having data is not enough—it must be used effectively. 

Me and Linda with our panel: Pim Vijftigschild, Chief Commercial & Partner Officer, New Black. Debra Langley, Partner, CAPTIS Ventures. Reid Swanson, Vice President Americas F&B CPC Sales, Centric Software

4. Balancing Commercial Viability and Regulation

Debra Langley, Partner at CAPTIS Ventures, brought a brand-centric perspective. She noted the tsunami of regulations (like the EU Digital Product Passport) and suggested that regulations while challenging, can act as a catalyst for transformation. However, brands must prioritise data-sharing frameworks to comply effectively and unlock new efficiencies.

5. Building Agile Infrastructure

Pim Vijftigschild, New Black’s Chief Commercial and partner Officer, advocated for real-time infrastructure in retail, where decisions on inventory, pricing, and customer interactions are based on up-to-the-second data. His insights into contextual commerce platforms showcased how integration and speed can drive profitability while reducing waste.

6. Enabling Collaboration Through Tech

Samuel Sapire from Columbus stressed the importance of building standardised data models to enable data-sharing across the value chain. He pointed out the challenges of fragmented systems and the need for retailers to start with their own data clarity before engaging in broader ecosystem collaboration.

Greg Merrill, Strategist & Advisor. Former Global Head of Digital Transformation at Nike.

The recurring theme across all speakers was the need to simplify approaches. Whether through modular systems, clear business strategies, or real-time data, companies must prioritise clarity and alignment over chasing every shiny new tech solution.

Again, thanks to all the speakers, partners, and guests who attended our event. I couldn’t have hoped for a better way to kick off 2025, and I’m humbled by the positive feedback I received afterwards. 

If you are a tech company or a fashion brand that needs to host similar events during 2025 or perhaps partner with our upcoming Transformation Conference, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Until next time.

Event with a view. Overlooking the Empire State Building from the Amazon office on 39th Street.