#United States #New York #Commerce Media #RETHINK Retail #Media in Retail

RETHINK Retail Unveils Media in Retail Network

In a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming the retail landscape, RETHINK Retail has launched the Media in Retail (MiR) network. This initiative is designed to connect leaders in the industry—both established and emerging—who are influencing the future trajectory of retail and commerce media. With an initial group of senior executives from major retail brands such as Costco, Ulta, The Home Depot, and Dollar General, MiR is set to encompass a wide array of stakeholders within the commerce media ecosystem, including retailers, brands, agencies, and technology providers.

A Vision for the Future

Chaired by retail media innovator Drew Cashmore, MiR aims to foster the next generation of talent in the retail media space. Cashmore, who serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage, emphasized that the retail media sector does not require another conference. Instead, it needs a dedicated platform that cultivates talent and facilitates essential conversations during this period of rapid evolution.

"Retail media has outpaced the infrastructure designed to support it, and that’s where MiR comes in—build a solid foundation to guide its growth," Cashmore noted.

The founding members of MiR represent a cross-section of the retail industry, with roles from VP/GM positions to senior directors in various companies, all coming together to address the challenges and opportunities in commerce media today. Other founding members include Austin Leonard from DG Media Network, Mark Williamson from Costco, and Stephenie Cattonar from Home Depot's Orange Apron Media.

Strengthening Collaboration

Marie Chevrier Schwartz, CEO of RETHINK Retail, reinforces the importance of building connections among industry players. “We create spaces where decision-makers can engage in meaningful discussions that propel their businesses and careers forward.” The launch of MiR is a continuation of RETHINK's commitment to generating impactful business communities, previously seen with the AI in Retail initiative and numerous executive events linked to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The inaugural Media in Retail Summit is poised to be held in January 2027, just before NRF's flagship event, the Big Show in New York City. This summit will offer senior leaders a unique opportunity for strategic dialogue about the evolving landscape of retail media, with more details about the agenda, speakers, and registration forthcoming.

Susan Newman, Senior Vice President of Event Strategy at NRF, expressed enthusiasm over the new initiative, stating, “As we expand NRF's Big Show, we are providing retail leaders with more focused time to discuss the pivotal topics that influence their businesses. MiR's first summit will serve as a platform to explore the integration of retail, media, advertising, and commerce.”

Call for Participation

As part of its commitment to fostering leadership within the sector, MiR is now accepting applications from those interested in joining the founding network. Interested parties can find further information and apply by visiting the official RETHINK Retail website.

In summary, the launch of the Media in Retail network marks a significant milestone in the retail industry, aiming to unify leaders and shape the direction of commerce media going forward. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, RETHINK Retail is setting the stage for a new era of retail success and progress.