On this episode, I welcome back one of my favourite guests on the pod, my good friend Montreal-based Carl Boutet. Carl is a retail strategist, professor, and author of his latest soon-to-be best-seller, Blind Spot: Navigating the Unseen Effects of Technology on Commerce.". We discuss Carl's journey into academia, retail trends from NRF 2025, AI's evolving role, and the future of technology in commerce. Carl also shares insights on curiosity, innovation, and digital transformation.
On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with retail strategist, professor, and author Carl Boutet about his journey in academia, insights from NRF 2025, and his latest book, Blind Spot: Navigating the Unforeseen Effects of Technology on Commerce.
Carl discusses his evolving role in retail education, including his work at McGill University and teaching in Asia. He shares how his exposure to different global markets, particularly in Vietnam, has shaped his perspectives on retail innovation and emerging technologies.
A key topic of discussion is Carl’s take on NRF Big Show 2025, where AI and data-driven solutions dominated conversations. He reflects on the challenge of differentiation in a market saturated with AI-driven tools and emphasizes the need for retailers to focus on strategy, not just technology.
The conversation also delves into the intersection of AI, AR, and emerging technologies. Carl suggests that while innovations like Apple Vision Pro and AR-driven retail experiences are gaining traction, businesses must strike a balance between digital adoption and human interaction.
Michael and Carl also touch on ethical concerns surrounding AI, digital governance, and unintended consequences of rapid technological change. Carl argues that while the digital world is expanding, businesses must remain adaptable, curious, and prepared for industry disruptions.
Finally, Carl introduces his book Blind Spot, which explores overlooked technological shifts in commerce. He encourages retailers to broaden their perspectives, seek inspiration beyond their immediate industry, and engage with the next generation of leaders.
Listeners can purchase Blind Spot exclusively through Carl’s website, StudioRX.world.