AI & Retail Transformation: Your Roadmap to Smart Adoption

The technology landscape for home furnishings retailers is evolving fast. For furniture retailers, simply adopting new tools isn’t enough, you need the right tools, implemented effectively. Join HFA CEO Peter Theran and a panel of industry experts for a high-impact session that merges AI strategy with practical implementation. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to identify, choose, and successfully integrate AI solutions that drive real business results, from optimizing inventory and personalizing customer journeys to streamlining operations. You’ll gain a proven playbook for navigating the digital shift by ensuring your team embraces these powerful new technologies, turning potential challenges into your competitive advantage.

By the end of this webinar, attendees will:

• Gain a ready-to-use technology evaluation scorecard you can immediately apply to vet AI solutions and make confident investment decisions.
• Walk away with a change management action plan, including specific tactics for training staff, building buy-in, and measuring adoption success.
• Understand how to leverage AI to reclaim 5–10+ hours per week in operational efficiency without sacrificing the quality of the customer experience.
• Know exactly how to take your first (or next) step toward integrating AI into your retail operation, regardless of where you are on the technology adoption curve.

Panelists: 

Cheryl Asoian: VP, AI Strategy & Growth Transformation Leader, Synchrony

Cheryl Asoian is VP of AI Strategy & Growth Transformation at Synchrony, where she turns emerging AI into practical tools that boost productivity, speed problem resolution, and drive profitability across the Growth organization. With 9 years at Synchrony, she brings a rare blend of strategy, governance, and real-world execution, sharing what’s working now, what to avoid, and how to scale AI responsibly. She enhances this thru leadership of the Growth AI Ambassadors, who are building a community in this evolution at Synchrony.

Erald Gjoni: CIO, Furniture Mart USA 

Erald Gjoni is CIO/CTO at Furniture Mart USA, where he leads technology initiatives that transform retail through data, AI, cybersecurity, and DevOps. With deep experience in large-scale infrastructure, transaction platforms, and web applications, he focuses on building secure, insight-driven solutions that enhance the customer experience. Over the past 13 years, Erald has combined his passion for technology and people to help teams overcome business and technology challenges, drive growth, and deliver quality and excellence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Rob Petrosino: Chief Innovation Officer, Peak Activity

Rob Petrosino is Head of Emerging Tech & Innovation at Peak Activity, where he leads groundbreaking initiatives in tech development and emerging technologies. Additionally, he serves as a Strategic Engagement Advisor for the FBI, guiding forward-thinking solutions in national security. PeakActivity specializes in developing highly customized eCommerce solutions, delivering innovative experiences, and elevating your business outcomes with data-driven strategy.