Why Bentonville is a Hotspot for Retail and Startup Innovation with James Harris

The Bentonville Beacon

Welcome back to the Bentonville Beacon podcast! In this episode, host Brandom Gengelbach sits down with James Harris, president and CEO of High Impact Analytics, to dive deep into the dynamic evolution of Bentonville’s retail landscape. As the hometown of Walmart and an epicenter for retail innovation, Bentonville is more than just a hub for the world’s largest retailer, it’s a thriving community where entrepreneurial spirit, tech startups, and third-party services are driving real transformation.

James shares his journey from growing up in nearby Siloam Springs to launching his own analytics-driven brokerage, High Impact, right at the forefront of retail’s data revolution. Together, Brandom and James unpack how the region’s unique blend of resources, talent, and entrepreneurial energy is fueling not just new business models, but also groundbreaking collaborations and growth in the consumer packaged goods space.

Tune in to hear how the rise of private brands, omni-channel commerce, and tech-enabled partnerships are reshaping Northwest Arkansas, and why it’s never been a better time to be part of Bentonville’s vibrant business community. Whether you’re a startup founder, an established supplier, or just curious about the future of retail, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and insights in this conversation with one of the region’s true innovators!