Meanwhile, at the concurrent event Tech.NXT, a line-up of deep-dive presentation, roundtables and debates, along with powerful case studies of retail transformation via tech, all presented LIVE, was in motion.

Subsequently during the day, retail leaders gathered for a thought-provoking session on the Future of Talent Acquisition. Ashish Tiwari, CMO of Home Credit, emphasised on the importance of human connection in the retail industry, stating that AI can never replace HI (human intelligence). Ashish went on to explain how AI can be used to empower humans but to provide personalized store experiences, with human connection remaining the most crucial element. 

Other panelists agreed that AI can be used to enable decision-making and improve operational efficiency, but it should not be viewed as a replacement for human talent. The consensus was that the key to success lies in a harmonious coexistence between humans and AI, with technology playing a supporting role in the retail industry’s growth and development.

Talking on possible collaborations between D2C Brands and shopping centres, Yash P Kotak, Co-Founder & CMO, BOHECO emphasized the importance of creating a human-centric design and a safe and unique customer experience. Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder, Snitch highlighted the integration of the store design with the brand story and the growing importance of digital branding. The panel also discussed the potential for malls to cater to online brands moving offline and fill gaps in categories such as beauty, fashion, home, and electronics.