Groceryshop and Shoptalks President Sophie Wawro

The Retail Podcast

Grocery Shop and Shoptalk: Pioneering Retail Innovation with a Global Lens

With the grocery and retail industries undergoing rapid transformation, industry leaders are converging for Grocery Shop and Shoptalk Fall, two flagship events led by Sophie Road, the President of both events. These gatherings are not just an exploration of retail’s future but a demonstration of global innovation, leadership diversity, and customer-centric strategies.

Grocery Shop, set to begin next week, is targeting anyone focused on innovation within the grocery and CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) space. This event brings together a broad audience from technologists to marketers, all aligned with a common mission—driving change within the sector. Grocery retail is undergoing dramatic shifts as new technologies and customer expectations demand more efficient, personalized shopping experiences. Road's vision for Grocery Shop focuses on how the industry can bridge the gap between the current state and the extraordinary possibilities ahead.

One of the most commendable aspects of Sophie Road’s leadership is her commitment to diversity on stage and beyond. Shoptalk Fall, debuting for the first time in Chicago, will feature an all-female lineup of speakers, including the CEOs of Glossier, Build-A-Bear, and Ulta Beauty. Road's focus on gender balance isn’t just for optics; it's a call to action for the entire retail industry to embrace diversity at all levels, proving that parity is achievable with intent and effort.

“We’re not just reflecting the industry; we’re shaping it,” Road notes, as she emphasizes her commitment to driving gender balance and fostering inclusive environments, from speaker selection to free childcare at events.

Globalization and Innovation in Grocery RetailDiversity and Inclusion: Leading by ExampleExpanding the Global Conversation