LIVE WEBINAR
Retail Opportunities Tied to AI and Visual Merchandising Trends
The International Housewares Association is offering a special opportunity: Two members of the gia expert jury will come together in a joint webinar to discuss opportunities for retail in connection with artificial intelligence, as well as the latest trends in visual merchandising and product presentation.
AI & Retail: From Fear to Relevance
The opening speaker is Wolfgang Gruschwitz, owner and managing director of the Gruschwitz Corporation, a full-service consulting company for the retail sector. He highlights the opportunities that AI offers retailers and provides insights on how to overcome uncertainty or skepticism and achieve greater efficiency and relevance.
Furthermore, he talks about the gap that the traditional retail sector is filling in today’s digital world and how stores can capitalize on the growing need of customers for personal shopping, community, and human connection.
2026 Visual Merchandising Insights: Techniques & Trends Shaping Brand Experience Today
In the second part, Denise Foley, consultant for visual merchandising and brand experience and merchandising expert with more than 30 years of experience in luxury retail, merchandising, consulting and teaching, presents the latest trends in visual merchandising and product presentation.
Using current examples from window displays, brand activations, pop-ups, and cultural experience formats, she demonstrates practical strategies for designing spaces that generate attention, convey a clear story, target the customer journey, and encourage interaction.
Wolfgang and Denise will also be Top Window Global Honorees 2026 The most creative and original display designs in the home and housewares category from around the world will be recognized. The main prize winners will receive a trip to The Inspired Home Show 2027 in March in Chicago.
WHEN: October 28, 2026 at 10 AM EST / 9 AM CT
The program gia (Global Innovation Awards) Promotes innovation and outstanding achievements in the retail sector for household goods and home products worldwide. Since its launch family In 2000, more than 600 retailers from 60 countries on six continents were involved in the project. Gia Retail Award Excellent.