Jason & Scot Show Episode EP337 – Agentic Commerce at Citi’s Global Consumer & Retail Conference

A weekly podcast with the latest e-commerce news and events. Episode 337 is a panel discusion on the Future of Agentic Commerce from Citi’s Global Consumer & Retail Conference.

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Episode 337 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Recorded on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, this episode features an insightful and in-depth discussion about the transformative nature of agentic commerce, a topic that has captured the attention of the retail world. Jason Retail Geek Goldberg and Scott Wingo were honored to participate in a panel at Citi’s 2026 Global Consumer and Retail Conference in Miami, where they engaged with industry heavyweights Ron Josie and Paul LeJoux. Together, they unpacked the remarkable shifts occurring in traditional retail due to the rise of AI technologies and new consumer behaviors.

The conversation commenced with Ron Josie, Managing Director of Citi’s Internet Equities Research, framing the discussion by highlighting the growing impact of agentic commerce on e-commerce. During the last few quarters, countless companies, including eBay and Airbnb, have reported an uptick in traffic influenced by AI technologies like ChatGPT and Gemini, leading to higher conversion rates and overall sales growth. With Target recording a staggering 40% month-over-month traffic growth attributed to these AI tools and Amazon boasting an impressive 300 million users engaging with its new digital assistant Rufus, the narrative around AI in retail is one of rapid expansion and opportunity.

After setting the stage, the panelists introduced themselves. Jason explained his extensive background as a fourth-generation retailer and lead of commerce strategy for Publicis Group, while Scott shared his entrepreneurial journey, including his experience founding ChannelAdvisor and his new venture, ReFiBuy, which focuses on leveraging agentic technology for retail optimization. They emphasized the disruptive nature of agentic commerce, projecting that future consumer shopping journeys will increasingly begin with AI-driven discovery rather than traditional search engines.

As the dialogue progressed, the two explored the current e-commerce landscape, discussing how it had historically grown at a robust rate compared to brick-and-mortar retail. Jason shared that, although e-commerce growth is projected to slow, companies like Amazon and Walmart are outperforming the industry average, signifying a clear divide between the winners and losers of the e-commerce market. They shared their personal insights and data on how digital sales are integral to the growth strategy of major retailers, highlighting the importance of retaining customer loyalty amidst a changing landscape.

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around pivotal shifts in consumer behavior. Scott pointed out that many companies see e-commerce as their primary growth avenue, while others argue for the resurgence of physical retail spaces. Both agreed on the necessity of maintaining an integrated strategy that values both digital and in-store experiences. They noted that advertising and new revenue streams from retail media networks have become indispensable for major retailers, fundamentally transforming their growth models.

The discussions also delved into the implications of AI in commerce, specifically addressing the recent partnership between OpenAI and Walmart. Jason and Scott debated the potential ramifications of AI-driven shopping engines on traditional retail methodologies. They addressed the huge leaps forward in consumer trust and reliance on these technologies, even as retail giants face the challenge of adapting and overcoming the skeptics around them.

For audience members interested in specifics, the panel offered nuanced insights into various players in the market and how unique strategies are emerging. While incumbents like Amazon and Walmart appear cemented in their positions, innovative startups are rapidly venturing into vertical spaces, especially in categories like beauty and fashion, where generational adoption of AI technology is notably strong. They highlighted the importance of understanding these dynamics as retailers reassess their own market strategies, responding to shifts in traffic and consumer engagement likely driven by emerging technologies.

On a technical note, the conversation examined the newly established protocols for agentic commerce spearheaded by Google and OpenAI, clarifying their roles in improving product data interactions and streamlining the checkout process. The need for structured data to successfully inform AI systems about consumer products was seen as a key component for improving the user experience in retail.

As the panel wrapped up, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with such a timely and relevant topic. They invited the audience to consider the implications of agentic commerce and what it means for the future of retail.

Don’t miss out on this engaging dialogue filled with critical industry insights and predictions about the digital commerce landscape and the evolving relationship between consumers and technology. If you found this discussion valuable, like our Facebook page, and please consider leaving us a review on iTunes.

Join your hosts Jason “Retailgeek” Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.