Chris Parsons is the founder and author of Retail Rewired and VP of Partner Growth and Marketing at Hale. With more than 25 years of retail and ecommerce experience, including senior leadership roles at Home Hardware, Walmart, Newegg, and Ren’s Pets, Chris works with brands and retailers on practical strategy and execution. He was recently named a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert for 2026.
Wednesday, February 25
3:20 PM Track 1: Panel: Loyalty is Not One Size Fits All: Designing Loyalty Programs That Fit the Needs of ALL Customers
Loyalty isn’t a one-size-fits-all game—today’s customers expect personalized rewards and experiences that truly resonate with their unique preferences and lifestyles. Designing loyalty programs that speak to the diverse needs of every shopper means thinking beyond points and discounts to create meaningful connections that inspire lasting allegiance. In this panel, industry innovators share strategies to craft flexible, inclusive loyalty programs that engage all customers—turning everyday buyers into devoted brand champions who keep coming back for more. Expect to hear about:
- Acknowledging that your customers are not a monolith
- Putting together multiple reward options that will appeal to different groups
- Regularly monitoring how customers are reacting to these different options
- Pivoting to updated rewards based on feedback and reviews
4:20 PM Track 1: Fireside Chat: Avoiding the Top Pitfalls When Launching a Subscription Business
Launching a subscription business promises recurring revenue and deeper customer engagement, but it comes with unique challenges that can trip up even experienced retailers. Building a successful subscription model requires careful planning, customer insights, and operational excellence to avoid costly mistakes. During this fireside chat, leading retailers share candid experiences and proven tactics to navigate common pitfalls, ensuring a smooth launch and sustainable growth by:
- Unlocking recurring revenue streams through innovative subscription offerings
- Enhancing customer loyalty and lifetime value with personalized subscription services
- Streamlining operations and reduce churn with data-driven subscription strategies
- Leveraging subscription models to create consistent and predictable cash flow for growth
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Chris.
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