Michael Ward

London Summit 2015 - High Street vs. Cyber Street: Can Retailers Thrive in a Digital World? (I)

Ian King, B. Bonin Bough, Ajay Chowdhury, Scott Malkin, Michael Ward

Industry leaders including Mondelez executives and retail analysts highlighted a critical shift where traditional retailers must abandon siloed operations to transition from pure product distribution to technology-driven business models. Key challenges include overcoming organizational inertia to capture mobile-first markets, managing high return rates, and differentiating through experiential "theaters" or mass customization strategies rather than competing on efficiency alone. The discussion concluded that failing to adapt these capabilities will lead to existential risks for mid-market players, while successful entities will leverage digital media and unique consumer experiences to survive a polarized landscape.