Michaels, an arts and crafts retailer, has been at the forefront of integrating advanced API management to enhance their technology infrastructure, using Kong Gateway and Kong Konnect to streamline operations across their extensive network of stores in the US and Canada. Executive Vice President and CIO Uma Bhemisetty highlights the critical role of a unified API platform in managing the retailer's complex system of internally built and acquired technologies, which is essential for maintaining seamless in-store and online customer experiences, especially during peak seasons like Black Friday. The transition from open source to Kong Konnect was driven by the need for advanced management features, centralized policy management, and robust support, ensuring system reliability and scalability during high-demand periods. This strategic move has not only improved developer productivity by alleviating the burden of managing numerous API endpoints but also enhanced the ability to monitor and analyze API performance, which is crucial for adapting to evolving customer expectations and technological advancements. Bhemisetty emphasizes the importance of preparation and collaboration with Kong to ensure that Michaels remains a leader in API excellence, ready to meet future challenges and opportunities in the retail sector.