“Innovation is a pebble you turn over. It’s a pack of three socks that don’t match.” That message was delivered by Jonah Staw, ceo/founder of LittleMissMatched, during a panel discussion, “Showers of Creativity: Rays of Inspiration,” at NRF’s 100th annual convention and expo, in New York. Staw joined Kate Anchetill, GDR Creative Intelligence; Harry Cunningham, Saks Fifth Avenue; and Ken Nisch, JGA, to talk to a packed room about moments of creativity. Anchetill shared social media’s rising power using examples from Burger King, Walmart and Uniqlo. “The power of bloggers is immense now, especially with moms,” she added.
Plenty of awe-inspiring technology was also on-hand at the expo. One example was After-mouse.com’s (New York) touchscreen applications for retail and hospitality settings (shown). “The units allow you to make product comparisons, see product in 3-D, take virtual orders and show video,” says ceo Nicolas Chaillan.