Retail Without Walls: The Rise of Autonomous Commerce


As consumer expectations evolve, autonomous commerce is transforming from a standalone channel into an essential part of the omnichannel journey. Drawing on more than 26 years of retail leadership and experience operating over 1,000 automated locations globally, Linda Johansen-James shares critical lessons from building one of the industry's largest automated retail networks.

While technology powers the modern transaction, customer experience still defines the brand. In this forward-looking keynote, Linda explores how to leverage automation to remove friction, extend brand reach beyond traditional storefronts, and create seamless experiences without sacrificing human connection.

What attendees will walk away with:

  • Strategic Insights: Discover how automation, AI, and data-driven personalization create new revenue opportunities across retail, airports, hospitality, and shopping centers.
  • Balancing Innovation: Learn how to successfully merge convenience with the authentic customer engagement that drives long-term loyalty.
  • Practical Blueprint: Gain actionable strategies to balance innovation and connection, meeting customers wherever they choose to shop in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous commerce.
Keynote Speaker
Linda Johansen-James
Founder & CEO
International Retail Group (IRG)
Linda Johansen-James is a globally recognized retail strategist, entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and automated retail pioneer who has spent more than 26 years helping brands, entrepreneurs and shopping centers s transform retail concepts into scalable, profitable businesses. Widely recognized as one of the industry's leading authorities on automated retail, Linda previously served as Co-Owner and CEO of American Kiosk Management (AKM), where she helped build and operate one of the largest specialty retail and automated retail organizations in the world. Under her leadership, AKM operated more than 600 staffed retail locations, 1,000 automated stores, and employed over 1,800 team members across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The organization generated more than $1.7 billion in revenue while serving millions of customers through innovative retail formats. Today, as Founder and CEO of International Retail Group (IRG), Linda advises retailers, landlords, developers, and emerging brands on growth strategies spanning site selection, leasing, customer experience, experiential retail, automated retail, pop-up concepts, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has helped launch more than 40 retail concepts and negotiated hundreds of retail leases across multiple countries.
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