Omni Talk Retail

This Lightning Round segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, gets personal with the Omni Talk crew's Thanksgiving and Black Friday plans!Anne and producer Ella gang up on Chris's love of jarred gravy (spoiler: they're both anti-gravy). The team shares their Black Friday shopping strategies from Banana Republic to luxury consignment pop-ups. Plus, Anne weighs in on Bianca Censori's Kanye-funded fashion brand launch… is it ironic that someone famous for barely wearing clothes is launching a clothing line? Tune in for the fun, unfiltered takes!#thanksgiving #blackfriday #holidayshopping #shopssmallsaturday #retailpodcast #biancacensori #kanyewest #fashion #lightninground #thanksgivingfoodThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, examines Bath & Body Works' decision to launch on Amazon early next year.With $60-80M in unauthorized gray market sales already happening, the company will test a curated assortment to control its brand and capture revenue. Anne argues LLM search makes marketplace presence essential for discovery and conversion. Chris believes Bath & Body Works should wait, perfect their own site experience first, and avoid feeding Amazon's dominance. Who has the better long-term strategy?#bathandbodyworks #amazon #marketplace #graymarket #ecommerce #brandstrategy #retailstrategy #thirdpartysellers #beautyretail #amazonmarketplaceThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, celebrates Gap's 7% comparable sales surge after its viral "Better in Denim" campaign featuring KATSEYE.Anne praises Richard Dickson's entertainment-first approach for making Gap culturally relevant again with Gen Z and millennials. Chris remains cautiously optimistic, questioning whether flashy marketing alone can drive repeat purchases if the product quality doesn't deliver. #gap #richarddickson #katseye #gapdenim #retailmarketing #fashion #genz #viralmarketing #gapcomeback #retailsalesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, analyzes Kroger's decision to shut down three automated fulfillment centers with a staggering $2.6 billion write-off.The grocer is pivoting to in-store fulfillment and third-party delivery partnerships to improve digital profitability by $400M in 2026. Chris questions the scale of the initial investment error, while Anne explores how evolving customer demand for fresh products may impact automation ROI. Is this the end of the CFC era, or just a course correction? #kroger #automation #CFC #grocerytech #ecommerce #retailautomation #Ocado #supplychain #digitalcommerce #grocerydeliveryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores Target's bold move to enable shopping through ChatGPT just days before Black Friday.Anne sees it as a necessary first step into LLM-powered commerce and applauds Target for testing publicly. Chris calls it a "big nothing burger"... questioning why Target launched an incomplete beta feature during their busiest week, especially when their own site search isn't optimized yet. Who's right? #target #chatgpt #aicommerce #llmsearch #conversationalcommerce #retailtech #targetapp #innovation #retailAI #voiceshoppingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, dives into Target's disastrous Q3 earnings.While Walmart, TJX, Ross, and Best Buy raised their outlooks, Target's four-year sales stack turned negative—meaning zero growth since 2021. Chris argues Target is the "real turkey" of earnings season, while Anne questions what anyone expected during a CEO transition and 1,800-person layoff. Is this rock bottom or just the beginning of a longer turnaround? Tune in for the heated debate!#target #retailearnings #walmart #targetvswalmart #discountretail #retailnews #earnings #retailanalysisThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

For this month's Retail Tech Startup of the Month, AWS's Daniele Stroppa returns to spotlight SymphonyAI, a groundbreaking computer vision solution that's improving how retailers tackle the costly out-of-stock problem.SymphonyAI leverages existing in-store cameras to deliver something retailers have been missing: actionable, prioritized worklists that tell associates exactly what to fix first to maximize sales impact. No more drowning in dashboards, just clear direction that drives results. Daniele breaks down how retailers are achieving 25% increases in labor productivity and 5-7% improvements in on-shelf availability, proving this isn't just another tech demo, it's a boon for physical retail operations.🔑 Topics covered:How SymphonyAI turns existing cameras into intelligent inventory systemsThe critical difference between insights and actionable intelligenceWhy prioritization matters more than detectionReal results: 20% lower infrastructure costs, 25% productivity gainsThe shift from reactive to predictive AI-driven store operations🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!#computervision #retailtech #symphonyai #aws #retailinnovation #smartstores #inventorymanagement #omnitalk #retailpodcast #retailaiSponsored ContentThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Chris and Anne discussed:A roundup of the latest retail earnings announcementsTarget enabling mobile app shopping within ChatGPT (Source)Kroger closing some of its automated fulfillment centers (Source)Gap's recent sales surge after viral 'Milkshake' denim ad with Katseye (Source)Bath & Body Works planning to launch on Amazon early next year (Source)And AWS's Daniele Stroppa dropped by to help us hand out November's Retail Tech Startup of the Month AwardThere's all that, plus Thanksgiving shelf-stable food rankings, Black Friday shopping plans, and whether Chris is going turkey trotting or sofa surfing this holiday.Music by hooksounds.com#retailearnings #target #chatgpt #kroger #gap #bathandbodyworks #omnitalk #retailtech #retailinnovation #ecommerce #retailpodcastThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this inaugural episode of Confessions of a Supply Chain Executive, host Chris Walton teams up with Richard Stewart (EVP of Product & Industry Strategy) and Eugene Amigud (Chief Innovation Officer) from Infios to conduct a forensic deep dive into retail's most persistent challenge: out-of-stocks.Despite billions spent on technology, the average retailer still faces an 8-10% out-of-stock rate. But here's the truth most won't admit: the problem isn't getting better. It's just getting different. This episode walks through every breakdown point in the supply chain, from forecasting failures to the infamous backroom problem, and delivers a practical framework to diagnose what's really happening inside your operations.🔑 Topics covered:- Why out-of-stocks are a connectivity problem, not just an inventory problem- The difference between warehouse accuracy (98%+) and store accuracy (97-99%)- How machine learning is transforming demand forecasting- The phantom inventory problem and what causes it- Why you need a centralized decisioning "brain" across OMS, WMS, and TMS- The role of AI in solving out-of-stock situations- Why perfection isn't the goal . . . resilience is- How to start small with purposeful innovation🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more brutally honest retail supply chain insights!Music by hooksounds.com#outofstock #retailsupplychain #retailtech #omnitalk #inventorymanagement #supplychain #retailinnovation #Infios #retailpodcast #supplychainexecution*Sponsored Content*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The lightning round brings holiday cheer and nostalgia to close this episode! Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.Chris reveals he'll use "Santa GPT" (ChatGPT for holiday shopping) to find gifts for his mom, though she already told him she wants a Brita water pitcher. Anne shares her family's Black Friday strategy: setting alarms for discounted ski passes rather than shopping for traditional items.Celebrating Dick Van Dyke's upcoming 100th birthday, Anne reminisces about his role as the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins. The conversation turns to hot chocolate preferences... Chris keeps it basic with mini marshmallows and a "Swiss Miss" approach, while Anne declares that quality marshmallows make or break the experience.For the full episode head here#SantaGPT #ChatGPT #holidayshopping #DickVanDyke #hotchocolate #Sizzler #restaurantrevival #nostalgia #retailfun #holidaytraditionsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Target and Starbucks have partnered to create an exclusive frozen peppermint hot chocolate available only at Starbucks cafes inside Target stores nationwide. This episode, Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores why this seemingly small move could signal Target's merchandising mojo is returning.Chris loves this idea, calling it "smart merchandising that leverages a true differentiation point." Target Circle 360 members get 24-hour early access. While the impact may be small potatoes compared to Target's larger challenges, it's exactly the kind of creative thinking Target used to do well.Anne highlights an additional experience: select Target stores are featuring weekend hot cocoa bars where kids can customize drinks creating memories and driving foot traffic. Both hosts wonder if this could become Target's next "pumpkin spice latte" moment. Producer Ella agrees this is brilliant... adding a Starbucks drink to her hand means even longer browsing time in Target.For the full episode head here#Target #Starbucks #retailcollaboration #exclusivedrink #Targetstores #holidayshopping #retailmerchandising #Targetcircle360 #coffeeshopretail #retailstrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Google is rolling out major AI shopping features including conversational search, agentic checkout, and an AI that calls stores for you. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, sparks a fascinating debate about the future of shopping search.Anne argues Google's comprehensive data ecosystem... from Gmail to Maps to Calendar, gives it an edge over ChatGPT and Perplexity. She believes Google could leapfrog competitors by leveraging existing consumer relationships. Chris pushes back, citing Google Shopping's historical struggles and questioning whether Google's legacy interface might actually hinder innovation.For the full episode head here#GoogleAI #AIshopping #conversationalsearch #agenticAI #ChatGPT #Gemini #retailtech #ecommerce #shoppinginnovation #AIretail #GoogleSearchThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Primark has introduced Buy Now Pay Later options through Klarna and Clearpay... marking a major milestone in BNPL's journey from innovation to mass adoption. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores what this means for retailers.Chris declares that BNPL has officially "crossed the chasm", seven years after it first emerged at Shop.org in 2018. When you can buy $4 shirts on installments, there's no turning back. Anne shares shocking data: 25% of Americans now use BNPL for groceries, up from 14% just a year ago.For the full episode head here#primark #buynowpaylater #klarna #clearpay #bnpl #retailpayments #paymentinnovation #retailtech #affordablefashion #retailnewsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Grocery Dealz has integrated with Instacart to power same-day delivery directly from its price comparison app. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores why this partnership could be a game-changer for consumers.Anne and Chris rate this announcement an 8 out of 10, explaining how it justifies delivery fees by maximizing savings through price comparison. Imagine shopping at three different stores for the best deals without leaving your house... Instacart now makes that possible through Grocery Dealz.This is the second time in five months that Grocery Dealz has made headlines on the show, signaling that this Texas startup is becoming a force in grocery innovation. Plus, hear why this partnership could accelerate margin compression across the industry as price transparency becomes the norm.For the full episode head here#grocerydealz #instacart #grocerydelivery #pricecomparison #retailtech #groceryshopping #samedaydelivery #groceryinnovation #retailnews #omnichannelThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Doug McMillon is retiring as Walmart CEO, handing the reins to John Furner in February 2025. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores McMillon's incredible legacy... 400% stock gains, $576 billion in added market cap, and a cultural transformation that made Walmart a leader in retail innovation.Chris shares a personal story about meeting John Furner and why he believes Furner is the perfect successor. Anne highlights the leadership qualities that set both executives apart.... from McMillon's "fail fast" culture to Furner's empathy-driven approach and curiosity that will be critical as AI reshapes retail.For the full episode head here#walmart #dougmcmillon #johnfurner #retailleadership #ceotransition #retailnews #walmartceo #samwalton #retailinnovation #leadershipstyleThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Chad Lusk, Partner and Managing Director at A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Omni Talk to break down their latest consumer sentiment survey results that every retailer needs to understand.From cautious spending increases to the explosive rise of private label brands, Chad reveals why consumers are trading down, what's driving the shift to lower-price stores, and how retailers can navigate the complex landscape of value-conscious shoppers.You can also read A&MCRG's Consumer Sentiment Survey for Fall 2025 by heading here: alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/cons…y-fall-2025/🔑 Topics covered:Why consumers plan to spend more (but it's not optimism)The trade-down trend: cheaper brands and lower-price storesHow private label is closing the quality gap with national brandsWhat holiday spending will look like this yearWhy the middle tier is getting squeezed🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights!#consumertrends #retailstrategy #privatelabel #consumersentiment #omnitalk #retailinsights #holidayretail #retailpodcast #consumerdata #retaileconomics*Sponsored Content*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Chris and Anne discussed:Doug McMillon retiring as Walmart CEO, with John Furner taking over in February (Source)Grocery Dealz integrating with Instacart’s Developer Platform for on-demand delivery (Source)Primark introducing Buy Now, Pay Later options with Klarna and Clearpay (Source)Google launching new AI shopping features including conversational search and agentic checkout (Source)Target and Starbucks debuting an exclusive Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Source)And A&M’s Chad Lusk stopped by for Five Insightful Minutes to share takeaways from their latest consumer sentiment survey.There’s all that, plus SantaGPT, Dick Van Dyke turning 100, the perfect hot cocoa recipe, and whether Sizzler’s comeback is rare, medium, or well done.Music by hooksounds.com#RetailNews #WalmartCEO #JohnFurner #DougMcMillon #BNPL #GoogleAI #TargetStarbucks #InstacartIntegration #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #GroceryDealz #PrimarkThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The lightning round gets personal as Kelly reveals she'd trade her data to Ulta for holiday discounts (with three sisters and multiple gift exchanges, who can blame her?), Waqas picks "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" as his favorite Andy Garcia film, and the panel mourns the potential disappearance of Italian pasta from US shelves.Plus: middle-aged men are revealed as the biggest holiday spenders, Waqas's dishwasher crisis becomes his entire holiday budget (German vs. Korean appliance debate included), and passionate discussions about the superiority of rigatoni and pappardelle over simple spaghetti.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#HolidayShopping #RetailTrends #LightningRound #ConsumerBehavior #RetailPodcastThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Dollar General has appointed Travis Nixon as SVP of Artificial Intelligence, tasking him with using AI to optimize supply chain, store operations, and merchandising. But how long before every retailer has a Chief AI Officer—and is this even the right approach?Waqas Khan delivers a masterclass on why standalone AI roles may follow the same fate as Chief Digital Officers, most of whom lasted less than two years before the role dissolved. The panel discusses why Dollar General's SVP approach (rather than C-suite) may be smarter, which executive should oversee AI transformation, and why AI needs to be embedded across all functions rather than siloed.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#DollarGeneral #AILeadership #RetailTransformation #ChiefAIOfficer #RetailStrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Target's new "10-4" policy requires employees to smile and wave at customers within 10 feet, and personally greet them within 4 feet. Is this explicit instruction necessary for today's workforce, or a forced, performative approach that signals deeper cultural problems?Former Target store manager Chris Walton shares insider perspective on why this policy reveals how far store culture has declined, while Anne argues that explicit direction is needed for first-time workers entering the retail job market. Kelly calls it "firmly over and out," while Waqas warns it could give employees an excuse to avoid customers entirely.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#Target #CustomerService #RetailOperations #StoreManagement #RetailCultureThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy