“It’s important for retailers and others in similar industries to see modernization as an investment in the future, not just an immediate expense.”
Sumit Tewari
Senior Manager II Data Engineering
Walmart Global Tech
… on long-term planning, platform-based solutions, and embracing modern tech stack in retail, in an interview with Retail Tech Innovation Hub.
In the data-driven trenches of modern retail, Frisco-based Sumit Tewari is all about playing the long game. At Walmart Global Tech, Tewari is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data management.
In simpler terms, he helps the world’s largest retailer make sense of its vast troves of information across various aspects of its business including ESG/human capital data lakes.
Data lakes, which are like vast digital reservoirs, are where companies store all kinds of raw information until it’s needed. They’re also part of what allows retailers to offer personalized experiences and make data-driven decisions at an unprecedented scale.
The massive increase in data handling has opened new doors for retailers like Walmart, allowing them to crunch customer data at unprecedented scales. And Tewari is all about seizing these opportunities.
“What used to be a struggle — management of a few hundred gigabytes — has now been developed into petabytes of data with a robust workflow,” Tewari told omnichannel retail tech publication RTIH last fall. “This shift has redefined how we access data lakes and warehouses.”
Before joining Walmart, Tewari sharpened his skills at financial giant JPMorgan Chase & Co. for nearly a decade. His career, including stops at IBM and HCL Technologies, has given him a unique view on how different industries handle big data.
Don’t get stuck in short-term thinking, he advises. Instead, he pushes for a “three-to-five-year strategic plan” that aligns AI with bigger business goals. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead, according to TBIH.
In Tewari’s view, the retail landscape of tomorrow is all about leveraging AI to streamline complex data processes, embracing modern marketing practices, and creating personalized customer experiences that span the globe.
Tewari sees tomorrow’s retail landscape as one where AI streamlines complex data processes, modern marketing practices thrive, and personalized customer experiences span the globe. But it’s not just about having big data and AI—it’s about having the right tools to use them effectively.
“Embrace the flexibility of today’s technology stack and leverage open source cloud capabilities.” That approach, he noted in the publication, enables faster and more cost-effective solutions, allowing companies to innovate without being constrained by legacy systems or excessive infrastructure costs.
That might include a complete overhaul of how retailers approach their tech stack.
“Choosing a platform-based solution is important,” Tewari said in the interview, pointing to integrated platforms like Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud as game-changers for simplifying operations and boosting scalability.
And for those hanging on to legacy systems? Tewari’s message is clear: it’s time to let go. Modern solutions can cut costs and prepare your brand for retail’s tech-driven future.
Tewari’s advice boils down to a few key points: think long-term, embrace integration, and don’t be afraid to invest in the future. After all, in the world of retail tech, standing still is the same as falling behind.
To read more of Sumit Tewari’s insights on retail technology innovation, check out the full interview here.
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