Walmart executive to speak on retail innovation during DeSales virtual event

What does the future of retail hold for merchants and consumers?

It’s ventured far beyond online shopping, pickup and delivery, that much is sure.

You can get a glimpse of what’s ahead during a free virtual presentation from a top Walmart executive.

DeSales University’s Council for Retail Sales is hosting a videoconference at 3 p.m. Thursday with Scott Eckert, a Walmart senior vice president who is in charge of its Store No. 8.

Eckert is scheduled to speak on innovations at the mega-retailer that “have and will disrupt the retail industry,” according to a news release.

A 2019 Reuters story said Walmart hired Eckert to run its investment arm and startup incubator store, which is aimed at expanding the retailer’s e-commerce business in partnership with retail startups, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Eckert was formerly an executive of Bain Capital Ventures.

Store No. 8, which was started in 2017, works with startups that specialize in areas that include robotics, virtual and augmented reality, machine learning and artificial intelligence. According to its website, Store No. 8 is named in homage to the eighth Walmart store launched in Morrilton, Arkansas, where late Walmart founder Sam Walton tested new strategies and innovations.

Eckert’s presentation is part of the council’s Meet the Experts series.

To register, go to thecrs. org. Email councilforretail andsales@gmail.com for more information.