From Roblox to Microsoft, Google to Meta, Shoptalk’s New Market stage did not disappoint, and our team was at the center of the action.
Last Wednesday, our Founder & CEO Vic Drabicky joined Winnie Burke, Global Group Director of Fashion and Retail Partnerships at Roblox, and Dametra Johnson-Marletti, Corporate Vice President of Gaming Consumer Sales at Microsoft, to explore how gaming is reshaping commerce.
Key takeaways:
– Roblox isn’t just for kids – 61% of users are 13+.
– Xbox’s “This Is An Xbox” campaign makes gaming accessible on any device, from a phone to a TV.
– Brands are winning in “phygital” from Alo Yoga’s 100M-visit meditation experience in Roblox to a three-way Xbox, Roblox, and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) partnership engaging young female fans.
On Thursday, our President Sarah Engel took the keynote stage with Sean Scott, Vice President & General Manager of Google Shopping, to discuss how Google powers shopping at every stage:
– 83% of Gen Z uses Google or YouTube daily.
– 1B+ shopping moments happen on Google every day.
– 20B visual searches monthly, with 25% showing commercial intent.
Other standout insights from the show:
– Clara Shih, Head of Business AI at Meta, shared how AI agents are transforming customer engagement, letting users chat with brands, ask questions, and even start purchases within Meta’s platforms.
– Alexis Hoopes, Vice President & Global Head of Fashion at eBay, highlighted how cultural moments, like the White Lotus Gucci bag trend, drive real-time search and sales and brands need to be agile to capitalize on this increased intent.
– Sapna Parikh, Chief Digital Officer & SVP at Kendo Brands, Inc., shared how social search is reshaping beauty discovery and shopper engagement, enabling real-time interactions with customers.
For more of our key takeaways from the show, check out Sarah’s appearance on Shoptalk TV here.