STRATACACHE CEO Chris Riegel takes the stage at NRF 2026 to reveal why the physical store is the final frontier — and the most profitable opportunity — for the next era of retail media networks.
Key Takeaways
In the opening session of the « What’s In Store for Retail Media Networks » event at NRF 2026, Chris Riegel cuts through the noise of digital-only strategies to address the « sleeping giant » of the industry: the physical store. While retail media spend has reached critical mass, hitting numbers larger than TV and streaming combined, a massive disconnect remains between where consumers spend their money and where brands spend their ad dollars.
Riegel explores the strategic levers retailers must pull to transform their brick-and-mortar locations into high-margin media powerhouses. From navigating the « AI tax » on infrastructure to solving the complexities of in-store audience attribution, this session provides a roadmap for retailers looking to move beyond « business of pennies » margins toward the tech-company valuations enjoyed by industry leaders.
Expect a deep dive into the four critical barriers holding back in-store growth and a provocative look at how the AI boom is creating unexpected challenges for retail media infrastructure. For any retail leader aiming to scale their network and drive massive shareholder value in 2026, this presentation is an essential look at the future of the physical aisle.
Speakers: Chris Riegel – CEO, STRATACACHE
Explore the key factors impacting the « sleeping giant » of in-store digital retail media in our special report: Waking the Sleeping Giant: In-Store Digital Media Outlook 2026