Retail Holiday Predictions: Top Ways to Leverage AI for Sales & Operations

The holiday season is approaching fast — and with it, new challenges and opportunities for retail teams. From shifting consumer behaviour to increased operational pressure, planning for peak season has never been more complex.

In this on-demand webinar, Emily Slavik, SVP of Customer Success at Algo, and David Merzel, former Global Consumer Channel Sales Leader at Microsoft, explore how AI and Generative BI are helping retailers prepare for a high-stakes season.

Learn how top brands are using AI to forecast demand, optimize execution, and react faster when it matters most — all without waiting on static reports or outdated systems.

• Retail leaders responsible for holiday planning and execution
• Demand planners and supply chain professionals
• Merchandising and store operations teams
• Forecasting and inventory managers
• Anyone looking to improve agility and performance during peak season

• Key retail trends shaping the holiday season
• The biggest challenges retail teams face heading into peak
• How AI and Generative BI can improve forecasting, inventory management, and store execution
• Real-world examples of retailers using AI to increase speed, accuracy, and profitability
• Practical steps to start applying AI-powered insights before the holiday rush

Emily Slavik

SVP of Customer Success, Algo
Emily Slavik is the Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Algo, bringing over 15 years of experience leading supply chain and merchandising strategy at global brands including Disney, General Mills, and Best Buy. Today, she partners with leading retailers to help them unlock greater value through data, technology, and AI-enabled transformation.

David Merzel

former Global Consumer Channel Sales Leader at Microsoft
David Merzel brings over 20 years of global leadership experience spanning technology, consumer goods, and retail. At Microsoft, he led international growth across key product lines including Xbox, Surface, Windows, and Office, following senior marketing roles at Unilever across Europe. Today, he advises global brands on go-to-market strategy, digital transformation, and AI adoption, drawing on deep expertise at the intersection of innovation, operations, and customer engagement.