This edition of HyTalk features a conversation with Gwen Morrison, one of our most prominent and respected observers of retailing and consumers. Gwen is a partner with Candezent Advisory, a global team of senior business executives and advisors, and the former CEO of WPP’s Global Retail Practice. 

We hear her perspectives on the “pivot” that consumer-facing companies were forced to confront due to the COVID-19 crisis. With many bedrock business assumptions shattered, digital readiness proved to be the difference-maker for well-positioned retail, restaurant, and consumer products businesses worldwide. 

She observes that successful firms like Walmart, Target, and Kroger were prepared with AI and other tech investment in decision tools that enabled speed to answers. Morrison expects reinvention to continue at a vigorous pace, especially in harder-hit retail categories and shopping malls.