The Retail Tea Break

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break, Melissa is joined by Nick Harbaugh. The retail project management leader has more than 35 years of experience in commercial construction and large-scale store rollouts. He founded Retail Marketing Services and went on to lead international programs for major global brands, delivering complex retail execution across hundreds of locations and multiple countries.Now based in Costa Rica and known as The Retail Nomad, Nick shares his global perspective on brick-and-mortar retail, operational discipline and what it truly takes to deliver projects at scale.Key Discussion PointsManaging store rollouts across 600+ locations in 15 countriesThe importance of cross-department collaboration between marketing, construction and operationsWhy strong project management protects timelines, budgets and client relationshipsCost control, scope clarity, and knowing when to walk away from the wrong projectsRelationship-driven business development and long-term networking strategiesLife in Costa Rica and building The Retail Nomad brand!Check out The Retail Nomad: https://www.youtube.com/@theretailnomadThis episode is brought to you by SmartGifty, the modular digital platform connecting gift cards, loyalty and data into one experience layer. It is used by destinations, shopping centres and retail chains to personalise customer journeys, gain behavioural insight and treat customers as guests rather than transactions. Check out www.smartgifty.com

This episode of The Retail Tea Break was recorded at the fabulous press event for this year's Retail Technology Show. It brings together three powerhouse voices from across retail technology and digital transformation:Meriel Neighbour, Director of Technology at River Island Will Lockie, Global Digital Director at Noble PanaceaAna Machado da Silva, VP Digital Product at Pentland Brands Matt Bradley, Event Director at Retail Technology ShowFrom large-scale transformation journeys to the reality of MACH architecture, evolving loyalty strategies and aligning tech with brand and people, this is a grounded, insight-rich conversation on what actually drives success in modern retail.If you're navigating legacy systems, AI hype, or digital change fatigue this one’s essential listening.Key TakeawaysTransformation is holistic, not just techMACH enables speed, agility, and seamless journeysLoyalty must move from discounts to  relationshipsTech should be invisible but powerfulLegacy systems fail when they limit customer experiencePeople, not platforms determine transformation successYou can hear more from today’s guests and episode sponsor SmartGifty at Retail Technology Show!Links & ResourcesRetail Technology Show: 22–23 April, London ExCeLRegistration link: Retail Technology Show - Feel the Beat of Retail hereThis episode is brought to you by SmartGifty, the modular digital platform connecting gift cards, loyalty and data into one experience layer. It is used by destinations, shopping centres and retail chains to personalise customer journeys, gain behavioural insight and treat customers as guests rather than transactions. Check out www.smartgifty.com Founder Jurij Triller will be at Retail Technology Show, connect with him Jurij Triller | LinkedIn and arrange your meeting today!

Melissa is joined by Edel McSorley, Operations Director at Mr. Price Branded Bargains, to explore how inclusive leadership is driving performance in modern retail.With over 25 years of experience in retail operations and change management, Edel shares how a strengths-based, human-first approach has shaped a culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to grow.Episode Highlights:How inclusive retail leadership improves productivity and customer experienceUsing strengths-based management in retail that focuses on employee capability rather than limitationsMoving from policy-driven HR to a human-first workplace cultureThe impact of programmes like Women at Work and Tribe on employee confidence and retentionRetail employee retention strategies; early engagement, mentorship and confidence-buildingCreating psychological safety in store environmentsThis episode is a masterclass in diversity and inclusion in retail; showing how DEI, employee engagement, and strengths-based management directly impact retention, growth and commercial success.This episode is brought to you by SmartGifty, the modular digital platform connecting gift cards, loyalty and data into one experience layer. It is used by destinations, shopping centres and retail chains to personalise customer journeys, gain behavioural insight and treat customers as guests rather than transactions. Check out www.smartgifty.com

Season 10 of the award-winning Retail Tea Break Podcast is here and it’s set to be the biggest yet.Four and a half years in and after a record-breaking 2025, the momentum is only building. This season promises sharper insights, bolder conversations and real-world retail truths you won’t hear anywhere else.What’s Coming Up This Season…A conversation that proves inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s transformativeA global perspective connecting design, delivery and commercial successA bold, no-filter take on what it really takes to grow a businessHonest truths about digital transformation the wins and the uncomfortable realitiesA question around sustainability that might challenge everything you think you knowA deep dive into a platform many overlook, but shouldn’tA conversation that will make you rethink one of retail’s most talked-about brandsNew for Season 10We’re now on Substack!Subscribe to The Retail Tea Break Podcast on Substack to read my take on each episode, with extra learnings, deeper insights and behind-the-scenes thinking you won’t hear on the podcast.Catch up on all 114 previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and make sure you hit follow or subscribe so you never miss a new release.You can also watch episodes on YouTube, and join the conversation by sharing your favourite moments. Tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break Podcast on LinkedIn or Instagram.Put the kettle on, grab your cup of tea, and get ready, season 10 is here!

Episode 113 of The Retail Tea Break podcast was recorded live at National Retail Federation Big Show 2026 in New York.In this special megamix episode, Melissa Moore brings together industry leaders to share honest, on-the-ground insight into what’s shaping retail in 2026; from store operations and global expansion to AI, availability, waste and cyber resilience.Grab a cup of tea and listen in to the conversations driving real change across retail!Featured Guests & ConversationsLinda Johansen James, Founder & CEO, International Retail Group A leading retail voice on the latest issue of International Retail Magazine and the evolving role of AI in retail leadership.Allan Malcomson, Co-Founder & CEO, Meerby A retailer-turned-founder shares what’s top of the agenda for 2026 and how technology can genuinely support store teams.Dan Jelfs, Chief Commercial Officer, PMC Where retailers are really placing their tech bets, simplifying complexity under the bonnet, and why cyber security is now a board-level priority.Alex Considine Tong, Chief Product Officer, Retail Insight Fixing availability, reducing waste and turning data into clear, actionable priorities for store teams.Fred de Gombert, Co-Founder & President, Akeneo Why product information matters more than ever, how teams can move faster with confidence and what AI needs to truly add value.Isabell Aakervik, Chief Expansion Officer, Sitoo The reality of unified commerce, empowering store teams with real-time insight and future-proofing commerce platforms for growth.A huge thank you to our sponsor International Retail Magazine.Each issue is packed with practical strategies, global insights, and leadership perspectives you can use immediately. Visit https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/ to subscribe to your free copy of the latest issue.

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa is joined by Alison Dunn, Country Manager for Amazon Ireland. This is a fast-paced conversation about her career across retail and the impact Amazon.ie is having on Ireland’s e-commerce landscape. From the Irish launch in March 2025  to rural delivery, support for local sellers and the trends reshaping how we shop, Alison offers a clear view of where Irish retail is heading next.Key Discussion TopicsWhat went into launching Amazon.ie and why it matters for Irish customersIreland’s shifting shopping habits and their report ‘The Impact of E-commerce on Consumers in Ireland’How online and in-store experiences complement each otherImproving rural access through Amazon’s partnership with An PostHow Amazon empowers Irish brands to scale globallyMarketplace vs retailer, what it means for Irish SMEsChristmas campaign with Friends of The Elderly x AmazonFor information on how to start selling on Amazon, visit:https://sellercentral.amazon.ie/ Friends of the Elderly x Amazon Christmas 2025https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkSC8O1W6P0&t=49s

On this week’s episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa chats with Steve Dresser, founder of Grocery Insight. Known for his straight-talking approach and sharp eye for detail, Steve lifts the lid on what’s really happening on the shop floor. Together, they explore why honesty matters, the cultural barriers he’s faced and what retailers must confront if they want meaningful change.Key Discussion PointsThe value of honest, observational insight in a sector often dominated by polished narratives.How rising costs, labour pressures and inconsistent standards are reshaping the store experience.The persistent disconnect between store teams and central offices and why it harms execution.Why culture, communication and accountability matter as much as strategy in driving change.The growing tension between retail tech ambitions and the need to fix fundamental in-store operationsFind out more about Grocery Insight here: https://www.groceryinsight.com/Thank you to Autoaddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa sits down with Dr. Joanne Reilly, the inspiring founder and CEO behind Kinvara Skincare. The award-winning Irish brand blends science, sustainability and plant-powered beauty. From humble beginnings to being stocked in 600+ stores, Jo shares how Kinvara grew organically while staying true to its values, balancing local roots, global ambitions and a loyal customer base.Key Takeaways:Building a trusted, award-winning Irish skincare brandScience meets sustainability in every productStaying true to Irish roots with proudly Irish-made, Irish-branded productsBalancing retail growth with booming e-commerceUsing tech and AI to shape the future of skincare retailExpanding successfully into Canada with bilingual packagingExciting new Irish branding and new SPF launches coming in 2026Check out Kinvara website at https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/ Go raibh míle maith agat le Joanne ó Kinvara as labhairt liom inniu, agus as an gcúpla focal as Gaeilge.Thank you to Autoaddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, Melissa Moore chats with Paul O’Hea, pharmacist and co-owner of Inish Pharmacy Group and Isabel Hughes, head of marketing at Autoaddress. Together, they explore how teamwork, technology and trust shape modern retail; from maintaining a human touch in pharmacy service to tackling the hidden costs of bad address data. The conversation blends the practical challenges of peak-season trading with digital innovation, customer care and operational growth.Discussion Points:How Inish Pharmacy blends online convenience with in-store care and trust.Scaling operations and moving warehouses mid–holiday season.The role of clean, accurate address data in enhancing customer experience.The impact of express checkouts and digital wallets on address accuracy.The evolving Irish address landscape; Eircode, compliance and automation.Key Takeaways:Human touch still matters: Personal service builds loyalty, even in e-commerce.Bad data costs retailers: Clean address data reduces failed deliveries and customer complaints.Growth requires resilience: Operational challenges, like warehouse expansion, can strengthen long-term capacity.Convenience must meet accuracy: Retailers must balance frictionless checkouts with verified customer details.Technology is a team player: Smart integrations between retailers and data partners improve both service and efficiency.Check out https://www.inishpharmacy.com/Thank you to Autoaddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

Melissa Moore sits down with James Kean, Managing Director of Keans Claremorris, a fourth-generation family business that has evolved from a small grocery shop into a 25,000 sq ft retail destination. With 120 years of history behind them, the Kean family has embraced change while staying true to their roots in customer service and community. They discuss:The transformation of a family grocery shop into a modern multi-department retail destination.How adaptability and customer focus helped the business survive world wars, recessions and the pandemic.The role of partnerships, buying groups and collaborations (including PetStop) in maintaining competitiveness.The balance between digital convenience (same-day dispatch, nationwide delivery) and strong local identity.How AI, data and technology are shaping operations and customer experience.Key takeaways:Family businesses thrive when they evolve with customer needs while holding onto their community roots.Strategic partnerships and buying groups give independents the scale to compete with bigger players.Investing in technology, from AI to fibre broadband can enhance both online and in-store experiences.Staff training and empowerment remain at the heart of excellent customer service.Resilience in retail comes from positivity, peer support and a willingness to adapt.Check out https://www.keanscm.ie/Thank you to AutoAddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

On this week’s episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa Moore chats with Thomas Ennis, CEO of Thomas Ennis Group. They explore his 35-year retail career in fresh food, the mentors who shaped his path and his people-first leadership style. Thomas shares insights on building strong teams, learning from both successes and failures in retail expansion and adapting through innovation. They also discuss the role of AI in modern retail operations and Thomas’s advice for independent retailers on growth, resilience and work-life balance.Key Takeaways:Mentorship and leadership go hand in hand.Strong teams thrive on respect, development and clear expectations.Failure fuels growth: learn, adapt and try again.AI enhances retail operations without replacing the human touch.Work-life balance is essential for long-term success.Catch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ie

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa Moore is joined by Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T. They dive into the latest consumer trends shaping the future of retail. The discussion covers how AI, digital transformation and evolving search behaviors are reshaping the retail landscape, as well as the shifting nature of consumer loyalty. Melissa highlights practical strategies for retailers to meet changing consumer expectations and leverage technology to enhance the shopping experience.Retailers of all sizes will benefit from understanding how AI and digital trends are transforming shopping behaviors. Melissa’s insights offer actionable strategies to optimize customer experiences, anticipate holiday season behaviors and ensure your brand remains relevant in a fast-evolving market.Key Takeaways:75% of consumers are now using AI tools during their shopping journeys.Search engines are becoming more influential than marketplaces in guiding purchases.Consumer loyalty is shifting from emotional attachment to transactional behavior.The “app gap” highlights a disconnect between consumer behavior and retailer offerings.Social media continues to play a central role in influencing shopping decisions.Consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over traditional brand loyalty.Today’s savvy consumers are firmly in control of their shopping journeys.See the full report here: https://ciandt.com/us/en-us/report/retail-tech-reality-checkCatch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ie 

In this episode of The Retail Tea Break, Melissa Moore sits down with Dan Bond, VP of Marketing at RevLifter. They explore how retailers can stop wasting their promotion budgets and start running smarter, more profitable intelligent offers. With over 20 years in marketing and MarTech, Dan explains how data-driven promotions not only delight customers but also keep sales moving, stock under control and margins healthy.Discussion topics:Why traditional discounting strategies damage profits and brand valueHow retailers can make their promotion budgets work harderThe role of customer behaviour data in creating the right offer, at the right timePractical ways to turn browsers into buyers without destroying marginsHow smart promotions keep stock moving while protecting profitabilityThe future of promotions: balancing customer expectations with sustainable marginsHuge thanks to RevLifter for sponsoring this episode. Test drive RevLifter for 90 days for free. Request a demo to see how machine learning, smart targeting and personalised promotions can transform your eCommerce strategy. Find out how they help retailers boost conversions and increase revenue:RevLifter website: https://www.revlifter.com/RevLifter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlifter/RevLifter on YOuTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlMg7QUHJnHC8KyhW93Z_ACatch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ie

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by Nora Zukauskaite, Integrated Marketing Director at TikTok Shop. With a career across creative, tech and entertainment, Nora now leads the way in discovery commerce and digital-first retail. This is a phenomenal episode,  full of insights and exciting sneak peak.  Grab your notebook and your cup of tea and enjoy this game changing episode!We discuss:Why TikTok Shop is driving discovery commerce successWhich product categories are growing fastestHow TikTok Shop is shaping the creator economyThe power of live shopping for brands and consumersOpportunities and challenges heading into the Golden Quarter.Catch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieHuge thanks to RevLifter for sponsoring this episode. Test drive RevLifter for 90 days for free. Request a demo to see how machine learning, smart targeting and personalised promotions can transform your eCommerce strategy. Find out how they help retailers boost conversions and increase revenue:RevLifter website: https://www.revlifter.com/RevLifter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlifter/RevLifter on YOuTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlMg7QUHJnHC8KyhW93Z_A

Every customer who walks through your door is an opportunity, but only if you know how to convert them. In this episode of The Retail Tea Break, Melissa Moore chats with Mark Ryski, retail analytics expert and author of Store Traffic Is a Gift. Mark unpacks why store traffic is often undervalued, how conversion is the missing link to sales success and what practical steps retailers can take to maximise every visitor.Whether you manage a single shop or a nationwide chain, this conversation offers practical, game-changing advice on traffic, conversion and sales.Key DiscussionsMark’s early journey into traffic counting and why it transformed his view of retail.Why store traffic is a “gift” and why retailers must treat it as a scarce resource.The outdated ways retailers still manage staffing and why they need to change.Why focusing on conversion rates matters more than simply chasing traffic.The challenges retailers face in implementing and using traffic data effectively.“Super-converting stores”: how to identify them and learn from their best practices.Key TakeawaysTraffic without conversion is wasted potential, sales success relies on both.Store traffic is precious and should be treated as a non-renewable resource.Simple data insights empower frontline teams and drive accountability.Only half of retailers measure traffic and many fail to use the data they collect.Benchmark your best stores: small conversion gains across the chain mean big revenue increases.Labour allocation matters, align staff schedules with peak traffic to capture more sales.Purchase Mark’s latest book on Amazon: Store Traffic Is A GiftCatch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieHuge thanks to RevLifter for sponsoring this episode. Test drive RevLifter for 90 days for free. Request a demo to see how machine learning, smart targeting and personalised promotions can transform your eCommerce strategy. Find out how they help retailers boost conversions and increase revenue:RevLifter website: https://www.revlifter.com/RevLifter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlifter/RevLifter on YOuTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlMg7QUHJnHC8KyhW93Z_A

Melissa Moore chats with Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland, the luxury brand known for premium footwear and lifestyle apparel. Michael shares how Dubarry evolved from a niche sailing boot maker into a global lifestyle brand while staying true to Irish heritage and craftsmanship.They discuss:Retail innovation, including pop-ups, flagship stores and direct-to-consumer strategies.Customer-driven product design, from sailing boots to country boots.Digital marketing, sustainability and creating unforgettable in-store experiences.Expansion plans and upcoming collections in equestrian, dog accessories and performance footwear.Key Takeaways:Heritage brands can evolve while staying true to craftsmanship.Direct engagement with consumers can overcome challenges like price perception and brand awareness.Retail associates are educators, not just salespeople, enhancing customer loyalty.Listening to customers drives meaningful product innovation.Whether you’re a retail professional, brand enthusiast, or simply curious about how heritage brands adapt in 2025, this episode offers a masterclass in evolution, innovation, and customer-centric retailVisit Dubarry of Ireland’s website www.dubarry.comCatch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieHuge thanks to RevLifter for sponsoring this episode. Test drive RevLifter for 90 days for free. Request a demo to see how machine learning, smart targeting and personalised promotions can transform your eCommerce strategy. Find out how they help retailers boost conversions and increase revenue:RevLifter website: https://www.revlifter.com/RevLifter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlifter/RevLifter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlMg7QUHJnHC8KyhW93Z_A

In this bold and brilliantly candid Retail Room 101 edition of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by one of the most outspoken voices in the industry, The Retail Maverick Andrew Busby. The well-known retail industry expert, speaker and writer,  has extensive experience and knowledge in the retail sector, particularly in areas such as retail technology, customer experience, and emerging trends. In this episode Andrew tackles these trends, terms and technologies that might sound impressive in boardrooms… but often fall flat on the shop floor! From industry jargon to shiny new tech, he doesn’t hold back as he shares what he’d banish from the retail world and what’s actually worthy of our attention. This episode is packed with healthy provocation, a few laughs and some home truths every retailer needs to hear. It’s a fantastic final episode of season 8!In this episode we discuss: The retail buzzwords that have lost all meaningThe importance of context in customer experienceWhy Net Promoter Scores might be misleadingThe human edge in the age of AIWhat might come after the smartphoneRetail’s cybersecurity wake-up callTech that’s truly transforming in-store experiencesConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn: Andrew Busby | LinkedIn🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your retail insights.And don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieA huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the 100th episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by the storytelling legend, Charlie Boyle. The customer experience expert champions the powerful message: human skills are still the heartbeat of retail.Charlie describes why emotional intelligence, empathy and effective communication are not just “soft skills”, they are critical, measurable and trainable capabilities that define great customer and team experiences in today’s retail landscape. Human skills aren’t an optional extra, they’re the foundation of the experience economy. Whether in a flagship store or behind a screen, retail success depends on authentic connection, emotional intelligence, and purpose-led culture.We discuss:Why it’s time to stop calling them “soft skills” — and start building them strategicallyThe underestimated power of emotional connection in both physical and digital retailHow AI and automation are freeing us to lean into our most human strengthsRecognition vs. reward: the free leadership tool that transforms culture and retentionCreating a frictionless, feel-good environment for staff and customers alikeReal-life examples from retail, Amazon, the car industry and beloved Irish brands including Magee’s of Donegal.Thank you to our listeners for supporting 100 episodes of insights, stories and retail wisdom. Here's to the next 100! Grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.🔗 Resources:Customer Experience Excellence Ireland – Customer Experience Excellence Ireland | CX | HomeCharlie book: The Future is Human– AmazonCatch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieA huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast we explore how modern retail leaders are blending passion, people and purpose to drive meaningful growth. George Sullivan is the Founder and CEO of The Sole Supplier, a shopping platform and marketplace connecting sneakerheads with hard to find products. Through the use of innovative tech, engaging content and strategic partnerships, the brand drives over £50 million gross merchandise value (GMV) annually, to global brands like Nike, Adidas and ASOS. Over the past decade, George has bootstrapped the company from a bedroom blog to a UK powerhouse, driven by an amazing team of 30 at their Shoreditch hub in London!Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving retail landscape and what it really takes to lead with heart and innovation.So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.Key themes include:People-First Leadership: Creating supportive, ego-free team culturesAuthentic Community: Building real connections that drive loyaltyCreative Content: Human-led storytelling amplified by AI toolsAI + Human Insight: Using tech to enhance, not replace creativityRetail Trends: Shoppers want stories, transparency and valuesPassion-Led Projects: Solving real problems with purposeWhat’s Next: New content, podcast relaunches and brand collabsCatch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieA huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by an industry veteran who has brought measurable value to companies operating in the publishing, advertising and technology space. Dominick Miserandino is CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus.Having held various C-Level and leadership roles, he has successfully worked and turned around over 100 eCommerce and digital businesses. Today’s guest achieved a 24x increase in monthly traffic at RetailWire.com, propelling it from 50,000 to 1.2 million visitors and transformed its market presence. So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast. We discussed:How do you see those retail and media are all about storytellingHow retailers need to focus on content and customer engagementDigital strategy in 2025?Lessons learned  from the media industry that retailers could apply The best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a leader?Check Dominick out here: https://miserandino.com/Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ieA huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/