Retail Transformation and the Need to Change (Almost) Everything with Wim Blaauw, Chief Digital Officer for the Inkga Group/IKEA

As we continue our focus on global retail transformation we welcome Wim Blaauw, Chief Digital Officer for the Inkga Group/IKEA. In a wide-ranging discussion we explore the concept of human-centric technology innovation including the notion of responsible automation. We also discuss the Group's sustainability efforts, an accelerating commitment to digital transformation, and the evolution of its omni-channel strategy. We conclude with an overview of Ikea's hybrid format growth strategy in response to unrelenting disruption.

We kick-off the episode with the week in retail news and a brief progress report on Steve's annual predictions. We revisit the "disrupter reset," dipping into Rent the Runway and Stitch Fix's progress (or lack thereof) before turning our attention to the accelerating collapse of the unremarkable middle. We also explore emerging troubles among luxury department stores, before concluding with a word of caution on the idea that Nike is backtracking on its Consumer Direct Offence.

About Wim

Wim Blaauw is Chief Digital Officer (a role he shares with Parag Parekh) at Ingka Group. He has the responsibility for developing digital capabilities and accelerating the digital transformation of the business.

Wim has extensive experience in retail, supply chain and digital. He joined IKEA in the Netherlands, in 2002 where he, among other roles, was Store Manager for IKEA Haarlem and Country Retail Logistics Manager. In 2013, he left for IKEA UK/Ireland for a position as Deputy Country Manager, leading the multi-channel transformation. In 2016, Wim became Customer Fulfilment Manager and Fulfilment Operations Manager. In 2020 he became the Digital Performance and Development Manager responsible for building digital capabilities globally and securing that Group Digital is operating efficiently.

Wim truly embodies the IKEA vision and values as a leader. He believes in the spirit of togetherness, that we are stronger when we trust each other, pushing towards the same direction, and above all, having fun together.

Wim has a degree in Economics and Supply Chain from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. Wim is married, has three daughters and lives in the Netherlands. Outside of work, he has a passion for sports and loves being outdoors.

Steve Dennis is an advisor, keynote speaker and author on strategic growth and business innovation. You can learn more about Steve on his website. The expanded and revised edition of his bestselling book Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption is now available at Amazon or just about anywhere else books are sold. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior contributor and on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also check out his speaker "sizzle" reel here.

Michael LeBlanc is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail, plus Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. You can learn more about Michael here or on LinkedIn.

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Registration is open for a special webinar featuring Steve in conversation with Placer AI's Head of Analytical Research RJ Hottovy. From changing shopping patterns to emerging market opportunities, shifting consumer demand continues to reshape the industry. So don't miss this data-driven session unpacking the most important trends defining today’s marketplace and the strategies leading brands are using to win retail's future. It's all brought to you by Placer.AI and It all happens on Tuesday September 29 at 1pm ET..

Register here today:

https://www.placer.ai/discover-events/discover-shifting-consumer-demand

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.