1. Create Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences Want to bring nostalgia or excitement into your store? Augmented reality (AR) can transform any space into an interactive world. Imagine stepping into a virtual Camp Snoopy experience at the Mall of America, reliving childhood memories through archival footage, AI, and AR activations. Or picture a fashion boutique where customers can use AR mirrors to try on outfits without changing clothes.

➡️ How to Make It Happen with Tech: Adobe Aero – Build immersive AR experiences for in-store engagement. Adobe Substance 3D – Create realistic textures and virtual spaces for retail storytelling. Canva (Pro Features) – Design interactive digital signage and QR code-driven experiences for customers to scan and engage with.

2. Host In-Store Events & Workshops Retailers need to bring people into their spaces for more than just shopping. Think: DIY workshops (home improvement stores, art supply stores) Product demos (tech, beauty, food & beverage brands) Local influencer pop-ups (partnering with social media figures for live content)

➡️ How to Make It Happen with Tech: Adobe Express & Canva – Create quick promo graphics for social media & flyers. ChatGPT – Generate event themes, marketing copy, email invites, and content plans. Adobe Premiere Rush – Edit short promo videos for TikTok & Instagram stories.

3. Implement AI-Powered Personalization Consumers love a customized shopping experience—AI is how retailers deliver that at scale.

➡️ How to Make It Happen with Tech: Adobe Sensei AI – Uses AI to create personalized product recommendations based on customer data. ChatGPT for Business – Can generate personalized marketing emails, chatbot scripts, and content for segmented audiences. Canva Magic Write – AI-powered copywriting for ads, captions, and product descriptions.

4. Develop Sensory-Rich Shopping Environments People don’t just shop with their eyes—they shop with their senses. The right music, lighting, scents, and visuals influence buying behavior.

➡️ How to Make It Happen with Tech: Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom – Perfect for creating storefront and product visuals that set the right aesthetic. Canva – Design branded signage, menus, or digital boards that reinforce your store’s theme & vibe.

5. Collaborate with Local Influencers Retailers sleep on local influencers when they could be the secret weapon to getting foot traffic. Minnesota has incredible creators with engaged audiences, and it’s time to tap in.

➡️ Who to Watch: Lovely T (@lovelyti2002 on YouTube & social media) – A Minnesota-based influencer with over 1M followers, known for her authentic, engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.

➡️ How to Find & Partner with Influencers: Later.com & Popular Pays – Find creators in your area and track campaign success. DIY Research – Go beyond the "top listed" influencers (who are often not diverse) and personally connect with rising creators who actually influence your audience. 🔥 Bonus Tip: Use ChatGPT to draft outreach emails for influencers and help craft social media collabs.

Final Takeaway: Retail isn’t dying. Bad marketing is. The future of retail is experiential. It’s about creating moments, connections, and excitement that make people want to shop in person. Technology like AI, AR, and digital personalization are how retailers win. Marketers—this is your moment. Your role isn’t just to execute marketing. It’s to help shape how brands bring experiences to life. Take these strategies to your teams, pitch them to leadership, and start building the retail experiences of the future.