---
title: "Kantar presents: A Time of Transition in Commerce"
description: "Join us as we explore four key forces shaping the marketplace: Generational Change, Depopulation, Affordability, and AI. Each is a seismic shift, not a passing trend—and those who adapt will define the next decade."
image: https://retailiq.kantar.com/hubfs/LinkedIn_Facebook_Full%20Bleed%20Image.png
---
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## Kantar presents: A time of transition in commerce
21 May 2025
Virtual
[ Register ](https://retailiq.kantar.com/2025-event-monitor-and-retail-iq#REGISTER)
[2025 Agenda](https://retailiq.kantar.com/hubfs/2025%20Events/2025%20Agendas/Kantar%20presents%20A%20time%20of%20transition%20in%20commerc%20agenda.pdf?hsLang=en)
#### Join us as we explore four key forces shaping the marketplace: Generational Change, Depopulation, Affordability, and AI. Each is a seismic shift, not a passing trend—and those who adapt will define the next decade.
What you will take away from this event:
- An in-depth understanding of the four forces driving shifts in market dynamics and shopper behavior.
- A playbook for successfully navigating continuous disruption and anticipating future shifts.
- A new perspective on how broad consumer trends impact the retail industry – and vice versa
what to expect
## Conference Agenda
#### Questions? Reach out to [events@kantarconsulting.com](mailto:events@kantarconsulting.com).
May 21
10:00-10:15 AM ET
**Welcome and introduction**
*Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America*
10:15-10:45 AM ET
**Setting the stage: The four forces of change **
*Moderator: Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America
Speakers: J. Walker Smith, Knowledge Lead, MONITOR
Barry Thomas, Senior Thought Leader, RetailIQ*
Since the onset of the pandemic, consumers have been forced to adapt to a world in flux. Retailers and brands have been left scrambling and scratching their heads as new behaviors have emerged in response to the “permacrisis.” In this presentation, we’ll help you understand the driving forces behind these changes and how to respond.
- Get an overview of the four main forces disrupting the market.
- Determine the long-term implications of the four forces for brands and retailers.
- Identify the winners and losers in this new world order.
10:45-11:30 AM ET
**The Generational Change: From Boomers to Gen Z **
*Michelle Brisson, Head of Youth Insights, MONITOR
Anna Ross, Senior Consultant, MONITOR
Gina Logan, Associate Director, Category IQ *
Until now, boomers have set the tone for consumer culture. Gen Z is the first generation to shape commerce on their own terms, but how will its cultural agenda differ from that of past generations? This presentation sheds light on three key themes that will become increasingly important for brands as Gen Z takes the reigns of the marketplace.
- Explore differences in Gen Z’s starting points and values compared to other generations.
- Understand how Gen Z consumers approach shopping.
- Discuss shifting retailer strategies that seek to cater to Gen Z while appealing to the masses.
11:30 AM-12:15 PM ET
**Demographic Change: Depopulation and the Rise of Singles **
*Sara Nettesheim, Associate Director, MONITOR
Sam Golub, Consultant, MONITOR
David Marcotte Senior VP, Retail IQ *
This decade heralds the full-blown implications of a long-developing baby bust, reshaping the demographic landscape and consumer dynamics. With marriage and parenthood delayed or in decline, brands need to rethink strategies. This presentation delves into how innovation beyond the traditional family household will fuel new models of success.
- Gain an understanding of depopulation and rising segments.
- Analyze three key needs of the singles population.
- Identify the ramifications at the channel and retailer level
12:15-12:45 PM ET
**BREAK**
12:45-1:30 PM ET
**From affordable to affordability**
*Doug Hermanson, Principal Economist, Retail IQ
Paida Mugudubi, Head of Retail Insights, EMEA and APAC
Mary Brett Whitfield, SVP, Shopper Insights and Solutions, Retail IQ *
As consumers grapple with ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty, it is increasingly clear that going forward brands and retailers will no longer be able to rely on price propping up top-line numbers. This decade is bifurcating the marketplace like never before—into those who can pay extra versus those who cannot, and into brands who cannot figure out how to add value in a way that retains affordability and those pivoting forward with something innovative. In this session, we’ll explore the root sources of this pivot point, how shoppers are bifurcating, and what brands can do to win back volume growth.
- Uncover the key economic challenges pressuring shopper behavior.
- Explore morphing shopping behaviors as shoppers seek to maximize value.
- Examine what levers retailers and brands can pull to drive growth.
1:30-2:15 PM ET
**The power of AI and its transformative impact for consumers and commerce **
*Barry Thomas, Senior Thought Leader, Retail IQ
Walker Smith, Knowledge Lead, MONITOR*
Artificial intelligence made a huge splash in 2024, but the technology has been in development for decades. In this presentation, we’ll determine what’s different this time and how new advancements will mold the future of commerce
- Learn about the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it has fueled the fourth era of commerce.
- Evaluate the repercussions of AI on the consumer experience and the shape of commerce.
- Study how successful brands will take the lead on the AI evolution.
2:15-2:30 PM ET
**Key Takeaways and Implications**
*Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America*
How to attend
## Available tickets
SEATBLOCK HOLDER?
[Talk to our event team ›](mailto:events@kantarconsulting.com)
Coming SOON! Meet the experts
## Event Speakers
We’re here to amplify your potential. Bringing exceptional experience across industries and organizations. Delivering a deep understanding of retailers and shoppers. We’ll help you meet and exceed your goals.
J. Walker Smith
Knowledge Lead, MONITOR
Barry Thomas
Senior Thought Leader, Retail IQ
Rachel Dalton
Head of Retail Insights, North America
Paida Mugudubi
Head of Retail Insights, EMEA and APAC
David Marcotte
Vice President, Retail IQ
Mary Brett Whitfield
SVP, Shopper Insights and Solutions, Retail IQ
Michelle Brisson
Head of Youth Insights, MONITOR
Gina Logan
Associate Director
Doug Hermanson
Principal Economist, Retail IQ
Sara Nettesheim
Associate Director, MONITOR
Anna Ross
Senior Consultant, MONITOR
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Sam Golub
Consultant, MONITOR
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