ABOUT
The Retail Analytics Council (RAC) conducts research and educational events to advance knowledge and understanding in retail marketing, shopper experiences, in-store technology, e-commerce technology, and quantitative analysis of current and future retail practices. The RAC is part of the Spiegel Center for Research Center and affiliated with the Department of Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University’s Medill School.
The RAC places particular emphasis on automation and robotics, as well as analytic methods, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the integration of stores and e-commerce. The RAC focuses on the role of technology in enhancing shopper experiences and retail performance. Of particular interest, is the intersection of retailing and media, often in the form of retail media networks.
The Retail Analytics Council brings together a group of experienced scholars and industry experts who help guide research and thought leadership in retail analytics and integrated marketing communications. The council includes Martin P. Block, Larry DeGaris, Frank Mulhern, and Frank Dudley, each contributing decades of academic leadership, industry insight, and strategic perspective to advance the council’s work and strengthen the connection between research and real-world retail practice.
RESEARCH APPROACH
The RAC partners with retailers, suppliers, and vendors to conduct empirical research on cutting-edge topics. Partner organizations provide the RAC with data and resources and the RAC develops research teams of faculty and students to conduct the studies. Completed projects are summarized in reports provided to the industry and papers published in academic journals.
The key distinction of RAC research is at the intersection of data, analytics, and technology in the context of retail marketing and shopper experiences. In alignment with the academic programs in Integrated Marketing Communications, RAC prioritized data-driven approaches to strategy and the engagement of consumers in meaningful ways to both serve consumer experiences and drive organizational performance.
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
Contact the Retail Analytics Council to get involved with educational initiatives such as research or the Retail Tech Bulletin. The quarterly Retail Tech Bulletin, published by the Retail Analytics Council, includes articles on current retail trends, case studies, artificial intelligence, and related retail technologies. The Bulletin also includes updates on Retail Analytics Council activities. Subscribe to the Retail Tech Bulletin.
The quarterly Retail Tech Bulletin, published by the Retail Analytics Council, Northwestern University, includes articles on current retail trends, case studies, artificial intelligence, and related retail technologies. The Bulletin also includes updates on Retail Analytics Council activities, the Retail Robotics Initiative, and the Retail AI Lab at Northwestern University.