Kaihan Krippendorff

Kaihan Krippendorff

Kaihan Krippendorff is the founder of Outthinker Networks, a global network of strategy and transformation executives, and the author of several bestselling books, including Outthink the Competition and Proximity. A former McKinsey consultant and Wharton senior fellow, he has advised and delivered keynotes and workshops for leading retail, apparel, and consumer organizations including QVC, PVH, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Speedo, CVS, and Avery Dennison. He has been recognized by Thinkers50 and Global Gurus as one of the world’s top management thinkers in strategy and innovation.

Merchandising, Operations & Fulfillment

The Next Retail Advantage: Getting Closer to Demand

August 4, 2026 at 2:41 pm

When competitive advantage shifts, it often hides in plain sight. For years, retailers and apparel brands have been told that advantage comes from being bigger, faster, cheaper, or more digital. Build a broader store network. Expand the supply chain. Improve forecasting. Add e-commerce. Layer on personalization. Use artificial intelligence. All of that still matters. But…