.jpg)
NEW DATE: VISIONS Summit is moving to February 2027
<a href="https://visions.futurecommerce.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=visions_2027&utm_content=countdown" target="_blank">
<img src="https://visions.futurecommerce.com/countdown.gif" width="600" height="240" alt="VISIONS Summit NYC — New date: February 10, 2027 at 10 AM Eastern, MoMA" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:600px;height:auto;border:0;" />
</a>Welcome to Friday, futurist.
VISIONS Summit was scheduled for November 3. That’s Election Day, just 18 days away.
Many of you, partners and registrants alike, told us you wanted to be home to vote in the midterms. We agree, and so do our hosts at the Museum of Modern Art. So we’re moving VISIONS to MoMA’s next available date: February 10, 2027.
This year’s theme is that AI has changed commerce, and culture is next. Gathering a few months after a critical vote that will shape policy, technology, and the economy means our conversations can respond to the world as it actually turns out.
In other words, we will have clarity of vision. It is the right choice to make in this moment.
The new date has also opened the door to a keynote I’m thrilled about: Sheehan Quirke, better known as The Cultural Tutor. Sheehan has built a massive audience explaining what commerce, art, architecture, and history tell us about ourselves. If culture is next, I can’t think of a better guide.
What changes? Just the date. As noted above, the event will now take place on February 10, 2027. Existing passholders at every level will be rebooked to the new date.
See you in February,
Phillip
Retail Cage Match.
This week's most expensive customer service ticket belongs to Kelly Clarkson, to the tune of $15 million.
As we learned, brick-and-mortar is far from perfect. But that doesn’t mean retailers are pulling back. In fact, the “AI era” is encouraging them to invest more in their physical spaces. When we surveyed consumers about how AI was changing their broader shopping patterns, 30% of respondents said that they actually planned to visit stores more.
They said visiting stores let them touch and test items and engage with knowledgeable associates. But physical stores also offer a cultural experience that AI simply cannot replicate, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. LLMs may drive conversational commerce, but they don’t create community.
The proof is in the pudding: the Census Bureau shared that stores just had their best month in 2026. Here’s the full data set.
I Like Big Bags, and I Cannot Lie.
Chipotle and Aldi know nothing makes a person feel more powerful than swinging an oversized tote bag around, and both are bringing their own interpretations to market. While the Aldi Big Bag is on sale for a cost-effective $4.99 in stores, Chipotle is leaning into luxury. The Big Ass Chipotle Bag is three feet wide and holds 170 liters, promoting Chipotle’s family meals and group catering. But how will demand ultimately swing?
Last year, more than 45,000 shoppers tried to get their hands on the Aldi Big Bag, far exceeding the 1,000 bags available. Chipotle is leaning heavily into the digital sweepstakes model, opening the merch grab only to U.S. Rewards members who purchase a Family Meal.
Gone, Gone, GANNI.
Lululemon is partnering with GANNI to bring some whimsy to its typically bland mom-on-the-go wares. “When people wear this collection, I really want them to feel this freedom of being themselves, but also having this versatile way of dressing,” GANNI Creative Director Ditte Reffstrup said in a launch post on Instagram. With animal print, 80s-style off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, and even some ruffles, the creative vision feels quite contrarian to how Lulu has historically presented itself (and its products). It feels fresher and more exciting, and that’s why most of the collection is already sold out.
Daddy’s Home.
Spider Daddy, that is. After Dunkin launched its Pumpkin Spice campaign with Rachel Dratch, some folks wondered if Spidey got the boot, but we never lost our faith. Over the last two weeks, the brand has launched its Halloween drinks, a new seasonal Munchkins bucket, and yes, a new merch collection dedicated to Instagram’s pervy king.
Many brands are betting on the Bucket Economy, whether it’s popcorn buckets or, now, “boo buckets,” but Dunkin’s commitment to Spider Daddy is admirable. It shows why so many brands are reconnecting with mascots and launching merch: nostalgia creep coupled with consumers’ deep yearning for novelty, levity, and any excuse to be a touch horny during Halloween.
Pouch Potatoes.
Several energy drink brands are embracing new form factors to reach more customers. C4, Bucked Up, and Rockstar are rolling out nicotine-free pouches to give a caffeine surge to folks who don’t feel like guzzling cans. These product innovations come as the energy drink market gets even more crowded with Poppi becoming a new entrant.
School’s Out Forever.
Shopify Academy is sunsetting on October 29, 2026. According to the announcement’s FAQ, Shopify will refund all Academy purchases. Although existing certifications will be valid until January 2028, they will no longer be required for Shopify partners. The news comes as Adobe retires a series of exams across Analytics, Audience Manager, and Commerce. It leaves the commerce community questioning how expertise is assessed and valued. Has it become too easy to cut corners and “hack” the certification process? Are we relying too heavily on AI to give us all the answers? Or are merchants prioritizing partners with meaningful, hands-on work and success stories that they can share?
🔮 Shopify and Adobe may be shuttering education, but we prioritize it. Future Commerce Plus members get exclusive on-demand access to digital learning courses about team development, partner programs, personalization, and more. Learn more about Future Commerce Learning.
.svg)
