by Karin Childress-Wiley Impact For Good | Workforce of the Future | Veteran Employment

According to the National Retail Federation, retail drives enormous economic scale: $5.3 trillion in GDP, and one in every four U.S. jobs is supported by retail.

As the industry reshapes itself under the influence of technology, shifting consumer expectations, and supply chain disruptions, the workforce must also transform.

At NRF 2025, PwC noted how AI, shifting consumer habits, and digital integration are “redrawing the boundaries of success” in retail. PwC Leaders emphasized that #workforce flexibility and #supplychain resilience will be key competitive advantages in this evolving ecosystem.

Why Veterans Are Ideal for the Next Retail Workforce

Veterans carry into civilian life several distinct strengths that align with what retailers need now:

• Technical adaptability & systems fluency — military training often requires mastering new platforms under tight deadlines.
• Leadership under uncertainty — in retail, change is constant; veterans are used to operating in shifting contexts.
• Customer and mission orientation — in emerging retail models, success comes from both technology and empathetic service.

Walmart’s Example: Omnichannel & Innovation in Action

Walmart is a clear case study in the evolution of retail. The company is investing billions into store remodels, fulfillment automation, and online grocery services to meet the needs of today’s #omnichannel consumer.

What is “omnichannel”?

In retail, omnichannel refers to creating a seamless shopping experience across every customer touchpoint:  online, mobile, and in-store. For example, a customer might browse items on their phone, buy online, and pick up in-store the same day. Omnichannel models require employees who can move fluidly between physical and digital systems.  This transformation requires tech-savvy, adaptable employees who can move seamlessly between in-store operations, digital systems, and customer-facing interactions.

During NRF 2025, one memorable quote to explain omnichannel came from Walmart U.S. President & CEO John Furner:

“The simplest way I’ve been able to understand ‘digital twin’ is: It’s a video game.” Retail Dive

That illustrates how Walmart views digital replication of real-world operations as core to its model. The company is aggressively evolving store formats, fulfillment automation, and its app-based experiences to create seamless omnichannel customer journeys.

This is exactly where veteran talent can enter: veterans understand logistical coordination, mission execution, and adapting in complex environments. As Walmart merges physical and digital, those are precisely the competencies required for success.

FourBlock’s Role: Preparing Veterans for Retail’s Future

Our upcoming Consumer Goods & Retail Industry Pathways Events will help veterans and military spouses see how their skills align with this transformative retail landscape. We’ll connect them directly with employers who are investing in tech, automation, and new customer experiences. At these events, we’ll spotlight employers who are leading the change in the retail evolution, like:

• Walmart
• L'Oréal
• The Coca-Cola Company
• MICHAEL'S FOODS, LLC
• PwC

Join us at FourBlock’s Consumer Goods & Retail Pathways Events. Let’s ensure that veterans and spouses don’t just adapt to the future of retail—they lead it.

JOIN HERE Thu, Oct 23, 2025 2:00 - 4:00 PM EDT