Retail Technology Spotlight Series

Specialty retailers keep asking us: handheld scanners or overhead readers? So we settled it the only way we know how: with a knockdown, dragout debate between two RFID experts.In this Retail Technology Spotlight, Anne Mezzenga moderates as Madalynn Lauria (Team Handheld) and Pareiya Gupta (Team Overhead) from GreyOrange make their cases for the best RFID solution. From proving ROI on a tight budget to cutting inventory counts from hours to minutes, this conversation tackles the real questions retailers are wrestling with as they decide how to track inventory in 2026.The verdict? It's not as simple as picking a side. Whether you're testing RFID for the first time or scaling across hundreds of stores, the right answer depends on your velocity, your budget, and what you're actually trying to solve. But one thing's clear: manual counts and mystery stockrooms aren't going to cut it anymore.Key Topics covered:• How to test RFID with minimal budget and staff• Cutting inventory counts from hours to under 20 minutes• Why some retailers are going hybrid (overhead + handheld)• Real-time shrink visibility and where product actually disappears• Tracking TikTok trends and moving inventory between stores in hours• The smart fitting room problem nobody talks aboutMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*#RFID #retailtech #inventorymanagement #omnitalk #retailinnovation #smartretail #retailpodcast #omnichannelretail #retailoperations #supplychain

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Doron Hazan, Director of Data, Product, and AI at Wiliot, joins Omni Talk to discuss the concept of "physical AI" and how it ultimately improve retail operations from the ground up.From ambient IoT sensors to real-time inventory intelligence, Doron breaks down how battery-free Bluetooth pixels are creating self-aware supply chains, how retailers can start small and scale strategically, and why the future of retail operations is about connecting physical things to AI-powered decision engines.If you've ever wondered what happens when IoT meets artificial intelligence in real-world stores (who hasn't), this episode is for you.🔑 Topics covered:- The difference between digital AI and physical AI- How ambient IoT creates invisible operational improvements- Why battery-free Bluetooth sensors are changing retail visibility- Real-world impact on freshness, inventory accuracy, and customer experience- The platform approach to scaling physical AI solutions🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!Link to Doron's blog post: www.wiliot.com/why-your-ai-agent…tead#news-content#physicalai #retailtech #ambientiot #wiliot #omnitalk #smartretail #retailinnovation #inventorymanagement #supplychain #retailpodcastMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

In this Retail Technology Spotlight episode, Nick Matthews, VP of Solutions and Architecture at Wiliot, joins Omni Talk to reveal how Walmart is deploying Bluetooth-enabled IoT technology across all 4,600 U.S. stores and 40 distribution centers.From wireless energy-harvesting tags to real-time pallet tracking, Nick breaks down how Wiliot's ambient IoT technology is reducing food waste by tens of millions of pounds, improving inventory accuracy, and improvingg store operations without requiring associates to change their workflow. If you've ever wondered how retailers are solving the "where is my product?" problem at scale (who hasn't?), then this episode is for you.🔑 Topics covered:How Wiliot's BLE pixels work and differ from RFID technologyWalmart's nationwide deployment strategy and infrastructure requirementsReal-time alerts that prevent inventory discrepancies and cold chain breaksFood waste reduction projections for 2026The concept of "Physical AI" and its retail applicationsROI benefits from inventory accuracy to FSMA compliance🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!#retailtech #walmart #IoT #supplychain #inventorymanagement #retailinnovation #foodwaste #omnitalk #bluetoothtechnology #physicalAI #retailpodcastMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Julie Haleluk, Global Head of Growth at Amazon Shopping Video, and Wayne Purboo, VP of Amazon Advertising and Amazon Shoppable Video, join Omni Talk to reveal the future of social commerce and how AI is transforming the way we shop.From the evolution of shoppable video to agentic commerce, Julie and Wayne break down why social commerce isn't going away, how to measure video content beyond the live moment, and why brands need to clean up their data NOW before AI agents start shopping for customers.If you've ever wondered what's next in retail video and social commerce, this episode is for you.🔑 Topics covered:How AI is reshaping the customer journey without replacing human connectionThe difference between social commerce and emerging agentic commerceWhy video content lowers return rates and drives purchase confidenceHow to measure attribution across the evolving customer touchpoint journeyWhat brands must do to prepare for AI agents shopping on behalf of customersWhy Shop the Show on Prime Video is changing second-screen shoppingWant to get tickets to SoCom? Head to SoCom.live now to register!🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!Want to get tickets to SoCom? Head to SoCom.live now to register!#socialcommerce #amazonlive #shoppablevideo #retailai #ecommerce #omnitalk #retailtech #agenticcommerce #videcommerce #retailinnovation #amazonadvertising #retailpodcastMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Matt Goynes, co-founder and co-CEO of Grocery Dealz, joins Omni Talk to reveal how a Texas startup is improving grocery shopping with AI-powered price comparison.From fighting inflation fatigue to building transparent marketplaces, Matt breaks down how Grocery Dealz is becoming the "Gas Buddy for groceries," why price transparency is finally possible now, and how AI enables seamless product matching across hundreds of stores. If you've ever wondered how much you could save by switching stores or how retailers can compete in a transparent pricing world, this episode is for you.🔑 Topics covered:How Grocery Dealz compares prices across hundreds of grocery storesWhy now is the perfect time for grocery price transparencyThe AI behind product matching and substitutionBuilding a B2B marketplace for retailers and CPG brandsWhy retailers are embracing (not fighting) price comparisonDefensibility against ChatGPT and AI-powered shopping search🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!#grocerydealz #grocerypricing #retailai #pricetransparency #grocerytech #omnitalk #retailinnovation #agentic #smartretail #retailpodcast #groceryapp #inflationfighting*Sponsored Content*

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, John Mabe, Product Manager at Dematic, joins Omni Talk to break down the real applications of AI in warehouse operations—separating the hype from what's actually working today. From optimization algorithms to computer vision systems and LLM-powered insights, John explains the three distinct categories of warehouse AI and where each one stands in terms of real-world deployment. Learn why the smallest players struggle to adopt AI, how humanoid robots are closer than you think, and why the "lights out warehouse" might follow a logical path we can already see unfolding.🔑 Topics covered:The three categories of warehouse AI: Optimization, Vision & Perception, and LLMsWhy optimization AI is proven but underutilized by smaller playersHow computer vision is preventing costly downstream errors todayThe realistic timeline for humanoid robots at scale (hint: it's sooner than you think)Why LLMs might be the fastest-deploying AI tool in the warehouseThe crawl-walk-run approach to AI agents running warehouse operations🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!#warehouseai #retailtech #supplychain #automation #dematic #omnitalk #robotics #computervision #LLM #warehouseautomation #retailpodcast

Omni Talk sits down with Krystina Gustafson, co-founder of RetailClub and former Shoptalk content chief, to talk about the new AI Deep Dive Retreat launching this September in Huntington Beach. In this candid conversation, Krystina explains how RetailClub is reinventing the retail event experience—ditching the booths and buzzwords in favor of real conversations, collaborative learning, and hands-on AI training.🔥 What to expect:– A sneak peek into RetailClub’s first AI-focused retreat– How the team behind Shoptalk is flipping the traditional conference model– Who should attend: From AI curious to retail change-makers– Why now is the moment for building an AI-native retail community– And how retailers and brands can attend for free and get up to $1,250 in travel reimbursement!📅 Registration deadline: August 22🌐 Learn more: https://retailclub.comMusic by hooksounds.com#RetailClub #aiinretail #retailinnovation #omnitalk #RetailRetreat #retailleadership #generativeai #RetailEvents*Sponsored Content*

Join Omni Talk’s Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga as they sit down with JOOR CEO Kristin Savilia to explore how JOOR is transforming the wholesale fashion landscape. Kristin shares exclusive insights on digitizing the buyer-brand relationship, enabling smarter assortment planning, and helping independent retailers thrive globally. Learn how JOOR's Shopify integration, AI-powered prospecting, and strategic tariff navigation are reshaping the fashion industry for 2025 and beyond. From shrinking shipping windows to a surge in indie retailers, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating fashion’s evolving B2B landscape.Key Moments:00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Kristin Savilia, CEO of JOOR01:30 – How JOOR digitizes wholesale buying for brands and retailers02:50 – Overview of JOOR’s platform and client base (14K brands, 670K buyers)04:15 – Surge of independent retailers: From 47% to 62% of GMV06:00 – Shopify integration: Bridging wholesale with e-commerce and POS07:45 – How retailers can adapt to market uncertainty using JOOR data08:50 – Shrinking shipping windows: From 240 to 84 days and dropping10:15 – Brands respond with curated assortments and evergreen styles11:40 – How JOOR helps optimize product curation and minimize buyer risk13:00 – Tariff pressures and pricing strategies: Expect 20% price increases16:45 – JOOR’s "Ready to Ship" event to offload current inventory18:50 – Leveraging regional assortments for competitive edge20:00 – Launch of JOOR Discover: AI matchmaking tool for brand-retailer growth22:00 – 78% reorder rate and 9X better conversion via AI outreach24:00 – Rise in ChatGPT/Gemini lead generation vs. traditional SEO26:30 – How DTC brands can expand into wholesale with JOOR27:40 – Final thoughts and where to learn more at JOOR.comFor more information on JOOR, head here: https://www.joor.com/Access a JOOR Passport Event here: https://www.jooraccess.com/r/passport/Download the JOOR Whitepaper here: https://resources.joor.com/how-to-tackle-tariffs-and-thrive-this-coming-market-season#fashiontech #wholesaling #retailai #Joor #omnitalk #retailinnovation #shopifyintegration #retailtrends #b2bfashion #retailstrategy Music by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

In this Spotlight Series interview, Catherine Dummitt, VP of Marketing at Narvar, explains how the post-purchase journey is evolving from a cost center to a powerful “trust center.” With insights from over 42 billion consumer interactions annually, Narvar is helping retailers rethink shipping, returns, and communication to boost loyalty, reduce costs, and drive revenue. From AI-driven delivery confidence to smarter shipping perks, this is a must-watch for anyone shaping the future of e-commerce.Key Moments:0:08 – 1:15 | Meet Catherine Dummitt, VP of Marketing at Narvar1:16 – 2:44 | What Narvar is and how it powers post-purchase personalization2:45 – 4:45 | Why delivery confidence is replacing speed as the top consumer priority4:46 – 6:27 | The shift from instant gratification to brand trust and delivery reliability6:28 – 9:10 | The new role of communication and clarity in reducing delivery anxiety9:11 – 12:21 | Strategic free shipping and perks — not one-size-fits-all12:22 – 14:59 | Using Narvar’s data to help brands personalize offers and reduce cart abandonment15:00 – 16:46 | How communication impacts repurchase behavior and lifts revenue16:47 – 18:35 | Turning tracking pages into branding and engagement opportunities18:36 – 21:00 | Why post-purchase should be treated as a “trust center,” not a cost center21:01 – 23:00 | Shipping protection, porch theft anxiety, and new revenue streamsa...

🎙️ In this special Omni Talk Retail Technology Spotlight episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Bryan Chan, Senior Director at E Ink, to explore the journey of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and why they're finally catching fire in the U.S.Key Moments:[01:03] What is E Ink? — Origins as an MIT spinout and Kindle beginnings[2:52] Why ESLs weren’t the original goal — from newspapers to shelf labels[4:45] Learning from “belly loaders” and how real-world store operations shaped the tech[6:48] Battery life breakthroughs, operational benefits, and color evolution[8:34] Why Europe led ESL adoption — labor costs, regulations, and sustainability[12:05] Walmart’s impact: Why the U.S. is finally scaling up ESLs[13:37] ROI is king: 36-month to 9-month payoff windows[17:28] Pricing accuracy, pick-to-light, and fast-changing categories like appliances[23:03] Spectra 6 and the future of full-color ESLs and untethered displays[24:58] Retail media potential vs. power-hungry in-store TVs[30:59] Final advice: Start with ESLs before leaping to full digital screens📲 Want to get in touch with Bryan? Connect with him on LinkedIn — just search Bryan Chan (with a Y).#retailtech #electronicshelflabels #eink #retailinnovation #omnitalk #retailpodcast #walmart a...

In this deep-dive Omni Talk Spotlight, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by Rajat Nigam, Chief Product Officer at ClearDemand, to unpack the critical role of competitive intelligence in modern retail pricing. Formerly leading pricing innovation at Amazon, Rajat explains how engineering, data quality, and normalization are central to making pricing intelligence truly actionable — and profitable. From assortment gap analysis to real-time pricing enabled by electronic shelf labels, this episode explores the full retail stack of competitive data strategy.Key Moments:(1:00) Rajat's background and Amazon's secret pricing project(2:40) What makes “good” competitive intelligence(5:00) The three hardest problems in competitive data(7:30) Matching pack sizes and normalizing prices(10:00) Competitive data beyond pricing – assortment, promotions, planning(14:00) Where comp intel works best: grocery vs. luxury(17:00) Role of price elasticity in retail strategy(20:00) How to start: KVI items, category focus, and data gap analysis(23:30) Agility in pricing with ESLs and real-time data(25:00) Final thoughts and predictions for the future of pricing#RetailTech #CompetitiveIntelligence #PricingStrategy #RetailInnovation #ClearDemand #OmniTalk #GroceryTech #RetailData #amazon #PriceOptimizationMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

Is microfulfillment still a viable strategy? In this new Omni Talk Spotlight, Chris and Anne sit down with Oliver Vogt, CEO of Tesco’s Transcend Retail Solutions and Danielle Dakin, Dematic's Market Development Director, to unpack everything happening with MFCs. Danielle explains how pandemic-driven hype distorted expectations (6:00), while Oliver lays out why volume and operational simplicity are the true keys to success (9:54). They discuss the threshold for MFC success (~500 orders/day) (11:00), why omnichannel flexibility matters more than ever (16:00), and how Tesco’s model could fit the US grocery landscape better than you think (24:00). Plus, the duo shares how you can schedule tours of Tesco's live MFC sites in the UK to see the future of grocery fulfillment for yourself (34:00)!#Microfulfillment #ecommerce #retailnews #retailstrategy #retailinnovation #TranscendRetail #Dematic #tesco #MFCs #UrbanFulfillment #automation #grocerydelivery Music by hooksounds.comSponsored Content

Chris and Anne sit down with Angela Fernandez, SVP at GS1 US, to dive deep into the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the massive shifts underway in food traceability. Angela explains:(6:27) The history of FSMA and how new regulations are reshaping the food industry(8:40) The crucial role of digital traceability(13:12) Why compliance is essential but not a competitive advantage (17:52) How companies can find ROI through end-to-end supply chain visibility (22:20) And what the recent 30-month extension means for brands and food service providersTune in for practical advice on how businesses of all sizes can prepare for the coming new era of food safety!#FSMA #foodsafety #traceability #supplychainvisibility #GS1US #retailinnovation #fda #FoodTraceability #RetailCompliance*Sponsored Content*

What’s happening with retail automation in 2025? Investment in supply chain technology appears to be flattening out as retailers shift focus from large new projects to optimizing existing infrastructure. Anne and Chris sit down with Kim Baudry from Dematic to explore what this means for AI in logistics, warehouse automation, and the future of retail distribution.⏳ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & welcome to Kim Baudry1:03 - The current state of automation investment in retail3:00 - Why supply chain automation is slowing down in 20255:45 - How economic uncertainty & interest rates impact investment7:33 - Where retailers are focusing automation budgets now10:05 - The role of AI & machine learning in warehouse optimization12:50 - How digital twins help simulate supply chain changes15:17 - Retailers "sweating their assets" & maximizing existing infrastructure18:00 - The impact of tariffs & global trade shifts on supply chain strategies22:05 - The future of supply chain efficiency & retail distribution25:30 - Final thoughts#supplychain #warehouseautomation #retailtrends #retailinnovation Music by hooksounds.comSponsored Content

Join Chris and Anne as they interview Simbe Robotics CEO Brad Bogolea for an in-depth discussion about how retail robotics are revolutionizing store operations. Learn how Simbe's Tally robot reduces out-of-stocks by 60%, improves inventory accuracy, why both store associates and customers are embracing the use of robotics, and discover why 2025 could be the year retail robotics go mainstream!Key Moments Include:1:51 - Origins of Simbe and the development of Tally4:24 - How retailers utilize robotics data8:13 - Real-world implementation examples15:18 - Impact on store associates and operations21:42 - Best practices for robotics deployment26:31 - Customer reactions to in-store robots30:35 - Future of retail robotics34:40 - Discussion of shelf management challenges#retailtrends #retailtechnology #retailinnovation #retailoperations #inventorymanagement #roboticsMusic by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*

In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Spotlight Series Podcast, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the world of private brands with special guests Brandon Warren and Bethany Davis of the Barcode Group. Discover why private brands are crucial to retail growth, who’s winning the private label game, and how retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target are adapting their strategies. Brandon and Bethany also share actionable advice for manufacturers and retailers looking to elevate their private label programs. Key moments to look for:[00:00] Intro and overview of the Barcode Group[05:21] Why private brands are booming in retail[13:42] Comparing Costco, Walmart, and Target private label strategies[24:30] Challenges for manufacturers in adapting to private label growth[34:45] Winners, sleepers, and areas for improvement in private brands[39:55] Actionable advice for retailers and manufacturersDon’t miss this insightful conversation full of expert takes and innovative ideas!#privatelabel #retailstrategy #target #walmart #costco Music by hooksounds.comSponsored Content

In this episode, Chris and Anne sit down with Pam Simon, EVP and Conference Chair of Manifest , to discuss the must-attend event for global supply chain and logistics professionals. Learn about the exciting lineup of startups, investors, shippers, and innovative technologies that will take center stage at the Venetian in Las Vegas, February 10-12, 2025. Pam also highlights new initiatives like the mentorship program and why planning ahead ensures maximum ROI from attending.Key Moments:0:01 – Intro to Manifest Vegas: What sets it apart as the premier global supply chain event.2:00 – Startups and Investors: How Manifest connects innovators with funding.5:00 – Shippers in Focus: Case studies from Mattel, Microsoft, Alibaba, and more.8:00 – Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Symposium, Intermodal Workshop, and Cold Chain Forum.14:00 – Mentorship Program: A new initiative to support women and fresh talent in logistics.16:30 – Why Plan Ahead: Tips to maximize your Manifest Vegas experience.To register for Manifest, visit: ManifestVegas.com/SaveWithOmniTalkMusic by hooksounds.com#ManifestVegas #supplychaininnovation #logistics #startups #investors #mentorship #networking #coldchain #sustainability #technologytrends Sponsored Content

In this Omni Talk Retail podcast episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, to discuss how RFID technology is transforming retail.Key topics covered include:0:08 – Opening: Discussing RFID’s impact on retail and the recent H&M store experience.0:28 – Introducing Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, and his background in retail and technology.1:15 – Troy’s preparation for the podcast, background in Omnichannel and retail tech, and transition to GreyOrange.4:29 – Overview of GreyOrange: From supply chain automation to advanced in-store AI applications.5:52 – How supply chain automation and AI intersect in retail innovation.7:47 – gStore and AI in action: Real-world examples of automation in fulfillment and in-store operations.8:45 – Moving from handheld to overhead RFID and the value of real-time inventory tracking.9:42 – The benefits of RFID: Real-time inventory visibility, replenishment from the backroom, and increased conversion rates.10:50 – How overhead RFID technology enables constant cycle counts, improving inventory accuracy.12:29 – Enhanced customer experience: How RFID powers smart mirrors and interactive fitting rooms.15:06 – Introduction to gStore and how it serves as an operational platform for retailers.16:16 – RFID as an entry point for retail digital transformation, and how gStore integrates various in-store tasks.18:59 – Why some retailers are investing in RFID and digital transformation now, especially with omnichannel demands.20:58 – Use cases in merchandising: Compliance checks, inventory tracking, and heat mapping with G Store.22:19 – How RFID technology supports product location in stores and enhances in-store experience.24:03 – Scaling gStore: Considerations for store-to-store variations in RFID technology implementation.27:13 – Challenges with scaling RFID and the importance of piloting across different store formats.a...

In this Omni Talk Retail podcast episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, to discuss how RFID technology is transforming retail.Key topics covered include:0:08 – Opening: Discussing RFID’s impact on retail and the recent H&M store experience.0:28 – Introducing Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, and his background in retail and technology.1:15 – Troy’s preparation for the podcast, background in Omnichannel and retail tech, and transition to GreyOrange.4:29 – Overview of GreyOrange: From supply chain automation to advanced in-store AI applications.5:52 – How supply chain automation and AI intersect in retail innovation.7:47 – gStore and AI in action: Real-world examples of automation in fulfillment and in-store operations.8:45 – Moving from handheld to overhead RFID and the value of real-time inventory tracking.9:42 – The benefits of RFID: Real-time inventory visibility, replenishment from the backroom, and increased conversion rates.10:50 – How overhead RFID technology enables constant cycle counts, improving inventory accuracy.12:29 – Enhanced customer experience: How RFID powers smart mirrors and interactive fitting rooms.15:06 – Introduction to gStore and how it serves as an operational platform for retailers.16:16 – RFID as an entry point for retail digital transformation, and how gStore integrates various in-store tasks.18:59 – Why some retailers are investing in RFID and digital transformation now, especially with omnichannel demands.20:58 – Use cases in merchandising: Compliance checks, inventory tracking, and heat mapping with G Store.22:19 – How RFID technology supports product location in stores and enhances in-store experience.24:03 – Scaling gStore: Considerations for store-to-store variations in RFID technology implementation.27:13 – Challenges with scaling RFID and the importance of piloting across different store formats.a...

Get ready for the holiday rush with this special Omni Talk Retail Spotlight episode!Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Natalija Pavic, the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Salesforce Commerce Cloud and host of the Commerce Cloud Innovations podcast, and Melissa Dallmeyer, the Global Leader of Enterprise & Mid-market Partnerships at Avalara, to discuss how retailers can best prepare for the busy holiday season.From the benefits of composable and headless commerce to the critical importance of tax compliance, our guests break down the tools and strategies retailers need to ensure a smooth, profitable holiday season. Whether it’s optimizing site speed, managing customer personalization, or avoiding costly mistakes during peak shopping times, this episode is packed with insights to help your business succeed.Key moments from the interview include:[0:08] – Introduction[1:04] – Kicking off the holiday retail prep conversation: What retailers should expect?[5:04] – Natalija explains headless vs. composable commerce and why it’s essential for holiday preparation.[10:06] – Melissa covers the importance of tax compliance and seamless integrations for retail success.[13:12] – How composable architectures help retailers react quickly to unexpected crises during the holiday season.[17:00] – Real-world examples of costly mistakes retailers make and how to avoid them.[24:50] – Final advice on testing systems, ensuring fast checkouts, and keeping operations running smoothly during peak times.[31:03] – Wrapping up: Last-minute tips for holiday retail success and how to connect with today’s guests.Tune in to learn how to prepare for a successful holiday season and get ahead of potential crises before they happen!#ecommerce #taxcompliance #tax #retail Music by hooksounds.comSponsored Content