Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Acadia’s Head of Retail Marketplaces Services Julie Spear. Today we’re diving into the transformative technologies shaping the future of retail. Joining us are two pioneering minds in omnichannel education and AI, Chris Perry and Oskar Kaszubski, the founders of Firstmovr.  In this episode, we dissect key findings from Firstmovr’s latest report and explore actionable insights that both large enterprises and smaller brands can leverage in this rapidly evolving landscape. Make sure you tune in to find out more!   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Chris, and Oskar discuss: Essential components for effective AI implementation: commitment, focus, leadership, vision, strategies, goals, resources, assessment, and communication. AI for Smaller Brands: Leveraging AI for content optimization and new insights, is particularly beneficial for brands with limited resources. AI Misconceptions: AI is not an "easy button". The importance of time, discernment, and realistic expectations in AI adoption. AI Go-to-Market Loop and Ecosystem: Chris introduces the AI go-to-market loop and talks about the complexities and legal considerations in AI implementation. Data Limitations and AI Reliability: Insufficient data volumes ("hallucinations" and unreliable analytics). Need for larger token models to improve AI reliability. Strategic Business Considerations: Challenges in managing rapid AI development and aligning expectations with reality. Establishing guidelines, training, and considering an "AI czar" for successful AI integration. Traditional vs. AI-Enhanced Consumer Journeys: The "infinity loop" and expansion of the traditional four P's of marketing to eight P's. Emphasis on platforms, proposition, presence, promotion, performance, people, process, and partnerships. Retail Media and AI: How AI impacts retail platforms and the necessity for retailers to balance personalized AI responses with monetized media placements. The future automated nature of purchases and the need to rethink retail media. AI in Sentiment Analysis and Ad Optimization: AI’s role in extracting insights from social media and product reviews. Limitations in AI’s effectiveness in ad optimization and performance analysis due to token limitations. Outlook on ongoing AI advancements and potential future interactions within retail.