At NRF 2023, Comcast Business sat down with some of our customers to discuss how technology and analytics are being used to make data-driven decisions and enable employees to spend more time focusing on customers. Panelists explored the challenges facing quick service restaurants and where the industry is heading. Watch the videos below for more insights:

In today’s world, consumer choice and personalization have never been more critical. Customers expect to interact with brands when, where, and however they want. And, as new digital touchpoints emerge – mobile ordering, contactless payment, food sensors – brands must look for technologies that drive best-in-class experiences and efficiencies for both customers and employees. Hear from Starbucks SVP of Partner and Customer Solutions, as well as Comcast Business experts on how Starbucks uses IoT, connectivity, and security solutions to fuel the Starbucks ‘third place.’

Today’s customer is tech-savvy, connected, and expecting personalized service at every turn. For restaurants, investing in digital enhancements with an integrated approach to networking, IoT, Wi-fi, and cybersecurity will allow them to develop “digital DNA” - a holistic identity wrapped around technology, with customer experience at the core. Join us to hear from Chick-fil-A on how they’re bringing integrated digital experiences to every phase of their customer interactions - to lead the way as a restaurant of the future.

Placing Sustainability at the Heart of Retail

A conversation with Holt Renfrew’s president & CEO, Sebastian Picardo

Matt Laukaitis, EVP and Global GM, SAP Consumer Industries, SAP was joined on stage by Sebastian Picardo, President & CEO of Holt Renfrew, to discuss Holt Renfrew’s sustainability journey.

Holt Renfrew is considered Canada’s leading fashion and lifestyle retailer. Founded in Quebec City in 1837, Holt Renfrew is renowned for unparalleled retail experiences, and is Canada’s hub for the world’s best fashion and beauty brands. In 2021, Holts announced bold sustainability initiatives that reinforce its commitment to creating a better future for people and the planet. Holt Renfrew believes that retail can be a force for good and an organization should enable customers to make trusted, responsible purchases. Holts’ sustainability targets are aggressive and aim to ignite positive change internally and within all stakeholders.

Transparency is a critical part of the journey, tracking and reporting on data is essential and are mapped back to a sustainability stairway including Science Based Targets. With intelligent technology, Holt Renfrew is achieving transparency in sourcing. They empowered partners to procure from certified or verified sustainable materials and used analytics to track their goals – all while minimizing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Change is a challenge but when driven as a top-down approach – connecting the company’s mission and values with organizational and technology strategy – change is achievable

"Making the world and the production and distribution chain is a race, not a marathon," remarked Sebastian. “Thinking about sustainability almost as if it were the new digital,” said Sebastian.

Communicating with suppliers, getting them along the sustainable path is a big challenged. “Getting it right in this area is challenging for a retailer, because we are not the ones who produce the product. They are the partners”, explained Sebastian. "Retailers must maintain an open and collaborative space as a way to help the partner, in addition to looking for suppliers that already have a forged path towards being more sustainable." At Holt Renfrew, there is a team of buyers essentially focused on researching sustainably certified sources. “You can't just state your missions and expect people to come along. You have to bring it on the journey and find solutions together,” he said.