Shoptalk 2025 In Review

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.

Share the Post: