Top 9 Brands Nailing Digital Transformation
The world is moving faster than ever — and if companies want to stay relevant, they need to adapt quickly. That means embracing technologies like AI, blockchain, augmented reality (AR), and even the metaverse to meet the evolving needs of customers and employees.
Some brands aren’t just adapting — they’re leading the way. Here are nine companies that are absolutely getting digital transformation right:
1. Starbucks: Brewing Tech with Your Coffee
Founded in 1971, Starbucks could’ve stayed just a coffee chain. But instead, it became a tech-powered experience.
With its mobile app, Starbucks introduced AI-powered personalization, offering custom drink suggestions, rewards, and discounts. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the brand didn’t just survive — it thrived by expanding mobile ordering, delivery, and drive-thru services.
Starbucks proves that blending coffee with data can be a recipe for success.
2. L'Oréal: Beauty Meets Augmented Reality
L'Oréal is turning beauty into a digital experience. The brand embraced augmented reality (AR) to let users try makeup virtually using their smartphone cameras.
Thanks to their ModiFace app (developed with Meta/Facebook), customers can test products directly on social media. In stores, “magic mirrors” enhance the shopping experience by combining tech with touch.
L'Oréal also stepped into the metaverse, offering digital art as NFTs and even launching virtual beauty spaces — redefining what it means to be a beauty brand in the digital age.
3. Burberry: Luxury Reimagined Online
Burberry has always been ahead of the curve, turning luxury fashion into a high-end digital experience.
The brand launched virtual stores, one-on-one video shopping with style experts, and AR tools that let customers see products in their space before buying. Burberry even hosts virtual events to make online shopping feel exclusive and interactive.
It’s luxury, leveled up.
4. Glenfiddich: NFTs and Whiskey? Yes, Please
Glenfiddich, the iconic Scotch whisky brand, found a clever way to blend tradition with tech: NFTs.
They released 15 ultra-rare bottles of a 46-year-old whisky, each paired with its own digital certificate (NFT). This not only adds value and transparency for collectors, but also introduces whisky investing to younger, digitally-savvy audiences.
The bottle stays with the distillery until the buyer decides to enjoy it — smart and secure.
5. Disney: Magic Powered by Data
When streaming disrupted entertainment, Disney pivoted like a pro. The launch of Disney+ turned the company into a top player in the digital media space.
They also brought innovation to theme parks, using RFID-enabled MagicBands that act as tickets, hotel keys, and wallets — while collecting data to improve visitor experiences (like reducing lines or placing food stands in smart locations).
Disney shows how to sprinkle a little tech magic across every customer touchpoint.
6. Walmart: Data-Driven Retail Powerhouse
Walmart didn’t let Amazon dominate without a fight. They went all in on digital transformation, investing heavily in AI, big data, and predictive analytics.
Their private cloud processes over 2.5 petabytes of data every hour, helping Walmart optimize everything from supply chains to in-store inventory and customer behavior.
It’s how the world’s largest retailer stays sharp in a data-driven era.
7. McDonald’s: Smarter, Faster Fast Food
McDonald’s keeps reinventing fast food through technology. Their digital innovation team focuses on:
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Reducing friction for customers
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Enhancing delivery
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Personalizing the experience
Today, some drive-thrus use AI to predict your order based on license plate recognition, and voice bots take your order automatically. It’s fast food that’s just as fast digitally.
8. Domino’s: Pizza, Anywhere, Anytime
Domino’s isn’t just a pizza company — it’s a tech company that happens to sell pizza.
They’ve made it possible to order through virtually any device: smart TVs, social media, smart speakers, even with zero clicks if you're a frequent customer. They’ve turned convenience into an art form.
As their data chief put it: "If you’re a loyal customer, you don’t even have to do anything to get a pizza."
9. Nike: Just Digitize It
Nike’s digital strategy is bold and effective. They’ve pulled back from wholesale partners and focused on direct-to-consumer channels, giving them full control over the customer journey and data.
They’ve also stepped into the metaverse, acquiring RTFKT Studios, a company that creates digital sneakers and virtual fashion. It’s all part of Nike’s plan to stay cool in both the real and virtual worlds.
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