As we were envisioning ThirdChannel, brands and retailers were under significant pressure to respond to the “Consumerization of Retail.” Consumers have so much access to information online that they are demanding a different kind of in-store experience. Years ago, they could speak directly to makers of the brands they love, but given the size and complexity of retail today, it’s impossible for retailers and brands to hear what each of their millions of consumers wants. That personal, human interaction needs the massive processing power of today’s technology to deliver a winning in-store experience.