By Scot Meyer, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 || A Publication of MMR (Mass Market Retailers)
Future of Commerce 2030 event spotlights the power of partnerships and culture.

“The true magic happens when we collaborate, when we challenge each other, and when we pool our collective experiences.”

This sentiment was echoed in a panel discussion on “Building Partnerships for the Future,” moderated by WSL Strategic Retail CEO Wendy Liebmann.

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Technology may be a critical factor in retailing’s future, but at Walmart, people remain at the center of everything. That was the clear message from industry leaders gathered at the Future of Commerce 2030 event, held earlier this month at Walmart’s new home office campus. The event — sponsored by The Emerson Group, WSL Strategic Retail, and retailmedia IQ — brought together Walmart executives and its supplier partners to discuss the evolving landscape of retail and the ways culture and collaboration will shape the industry in the years ahead.

From the opening remarks by Ed Morgan, president of The Emerson Group, to insights shared by Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, the conversation underscored the importance of people-first leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to customers.

Despite the increasing role of digital technology in retail, McMillon made it clear: Walmart is not a “digital-first” company—it is a “people-first” company.

“We are a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better,” he said during a conversation with retailmedia IQ founder David Pinto. “I don’t want to underestimate the impact of technological change, but we serve people and we work with people.”

McMillon emphasized that while automation and artificial intelligence will transform jobs, Walmart’s culture of servant leadership and human connection will remain its defining strength. “We’ll be a big employer in 10 years and in 20 years. Some of our folks will be doing different jobs, but it’s the culture of this company that will differentiate us,” he said.

Listening and Learning from Associates

Lorraine Stomski, Walmart’s chief talent officer, reinforced the idea that Walmart’s culture is built from the ground up.

“When we listen to our associates, that’s where we get all the great ideas,” she said, echoing Walmart founder Sam Walton’s philosophy. “They will tell you the truth. They will be direct and say, ‘Help us fix it.’”

During a conversation with NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson, Stomski stressed that executives and leaders must actively engage with frontline employees—the individuals who serve customers every day. “How often are we listening to them? Are we spending enough time in stores and clubs?” she asked.

Suppliers as Partners, Not Just Vendors

The event also highlighted the critical role of Walmart’s supplier partnerships in delivering value to customers.

“Always work together to create a win-win situation,” Morgan said, quoting Walton. “The true magic happens when we collaborate, when we challenge each other, and when we pool our collective experiences.”

This sentiment was echoed in a panel discussion on “Building Partnerships for the Future,” moderated by WSL Strategic Retail CEO Wendy Liebmann and featuring Silvia Azrai Kawas, Walmart’s executive vice president for consumables, and Christina Fair, president of the consumer products division at L’Oreal. Azrai Kawas emphasized the mutual responsibility of Walmart and its suppliers to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

“We are so customer-obsessed because we want them to live better,” she said. “And I do think it’s a privilege for us to be ambassadors of your brands. Our utmost goal is to make sure that our customers interact with your brands in a way that delights them and helps you grow.”

A Future Powered by People and Technology

As retail continues to evolve, Walmart’s leaders have made it clear that technology will enable, not replace, human relationships.

“We want to be every bit as good as anyone when it comes to applying technology,” McMillon said. “But what will actually cause us to win is that we are good with humans and we are good with tech.”

This website will offer a deeper dive into the discussions at the Future of Commerce 2030 event in the coming days. But one key takeaway was that as Walmart looks to the future, it is also reaffirming its founding principles. Morgan noted in his opening remarks that Walton once said, “High expectations are the key to everything.” By setting high expectations, listening to employees, strengthening partnerships, and keeping customers at the center of everything it does, Walmart is betting on a future where its people remain its greatest strength.

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