RETHINK RETAIL Retail’s Secret to a Sellout Holiday Season
Nov 14, 2025
Rick Olson, a Consulting Partner at Kyndryl with three decades in retail, shares insights on predictive analytics revolutionizing holiday planning. He discusses how retailers can forecast demand accurately, optimize inventory, and enhance operational efficiency to meet seasonal spikes. Rick highlights the importance of diverse data sources for precise predictions and how AI can streamline staffing and store operations. He also emphasizes reducing markdowns through better forecasting and using generative AI to uncover unique retail opportunities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Practical Definition Of Predictive Analytics
- Predictive analytics means using data to anticipate needs and act before events occur.
- Rick Olson compares it to a system that orders snacks for a child's basketball game so you don't overbuy.
Pilot Predictive Tools Before Postseason
- Start deploying predictive tools now to gather data and learn before postseason.
- Use short pilots this season and measure KPIs to validate value after the holidays.
Blend Internal And External Signals
- Good predictive models combine POS and inventory with external signals like weather and social trends.
- Rick Olson emphasizes pulling omni-channel traffic, promos, competitors, and social data into forecasts.