VTEX: https://vtex.com---Step inside the yellow-bag world of Selfridges as host Paula Macaggi sits down with CTO Ross Beaumont to reveal how a 1906 department store stays at the cutting edge of luxury retail: from “Selfridges Unlocked” keys that trade spend for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to ReSelfridges buy-back tech fuelling a circular economy, to AI that augments—never replaces—the human touch that turns shoppers into “Very Selfridges People.” Ross lifts the curtain on juggling million-square-foot store ops with next-day delivery, building product-led teams that fail fast but protect customer data, and he explains why he believes Selfridges is less a shop than a cultural destination. Tune in for candid leadership lessons, backstage innovation stories, and proof that confetti cannons, skateboard parks, and Rihanna collabs coexist with rock-solid engineering.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys, to unpack what it really takes to lead transformation at scale in one of the UK’s largest retailers. From navigating Brexit and pandemic-era supply chain chaos to pioneering innovation in re-commerce, 3D printing, and customer-centric operations, Lindsay shares a masterclass in operational excellence and people-first leadership. We dive into how Currys is building a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, why Right First Time is more than just a KPI, and how profit and purpose can (and must) go hand in hand. If you love a good leadership lesson, this episode is unmissable.Lindsay will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, our partner for this Europe's Retail Evolution series, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20
VTEX: https://vtex.com---What does it take to digitally transform a £13B retail giant across eight countries and nearly 2,000 stores? In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Blatchford, Global CTO of Kingfisher PLC — the company behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and more — to unpack the tech strategy powering one of Europe’s biggest home improvement groups. We dive into why modularity (not just microservices) is the real key to agility, how to scale innovation across diverse banners, and what “do it for me” means for the future of DIY. Chris also shares a powerful take on the business case for DEI, and why backing down on it is simply weak.Subscribe to our newsletter!✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com
VTEX: https://vtex.com---What does it really take to build innovation that scales inside a legacy business? In this episode, Benjamin Thompson, Head of Global Insights & Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Group, shares how one of Australia’s largest drinks and hospitality companies stays ahead by blending strategic foresight with cultural transformation. From global tech scouting to the real reasons digital transformation fails, Benjamin unpacks the mindset shifts, leadership dynamics, and operational models that separate innovation theater from meaningful impact. If you're leading change in a complex organization, this conversation is your blueprint.Subscribe to our newsletter!✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com00:00 Introduction to VTEX 01:30 Understanding Endeavour Group's Unique Market Position04:10 The Role of Global Insights and Strategic Partnerships08:30 Innovative Problem Solving in Retail12:13 The Journey of Digital Transformation16:30 Navigating the Future of Technology in Retail19:57 The Reality of AI and Emerging Technologies23:30 Leadership in Digital Transformation26:03 Choosing the Right Technology Partners29:53 Advice for Fostering Continuous Innovation
VTEX: https://vtex.com---Mirko Saul, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, joins Paula Macaggi to share how Schwarz Group — the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland — drives innovation at a massive scale. From testing the cutting-edge tech in lab stores to building their own cloud and AI infrastructure, Mirko reveals how the group balances speed, sovereignty, and scalability across 14,000 stores in 30 countries. They dive into the realities of AI, robotics, digital twins, and why startups often underestimate what it takes to work with a global retailer. This is a masterclass in practical, no-fluff innovation.✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com
Although Co-op entered the ecommerce space later than most, launching its online presence only in 2019, the company rapidly distinguished itself through quick commerce. Today, Co-op delivers an impressive 500,000 online grocery orders weekly, and its loyalty membership has surged by 50%. In this episode, Chris Conway, Managing Director of Ecommerce at Co-op, shares how leveraging existing convenience stores, strategic partnerships with Deliveroo and Uber Eats, and experimenting with autonomous robot deliveries have enabled Co-op to scale quickly and efficiently. He also discusses the future of grocery ecommerce, sustainability in retail operations, and why rethinking traditional models was crucial to their success.Chris will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gC_uXBND🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gn8KK8g5👉🏻 This episode is sponsored by New Black; they are redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, POS, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.
In this episode 4th episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, Paula Macaggi sits down with Christian Raveaux, Head of Retail Media Connect at Rewe Group, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of retail media. Christian reveals how Rewe is blending digital and in-store advertising, harnessing first-party data, and executing innovative campaigns—like weather-responsive ads—to drive real sales growth. He also shares insights into overcoming internal challenges, building strong industry partnerships, and where he sees retail media heading in the next few years.Christian will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gC_uXBND🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gn8KK8g5👉🏻 This episode is sponsored by New Black, they are redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, POS, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.
In this episode of the OFFBounds, you will meet Javier Figar de Lacalle, Chief Retail Officer of Tendam, one of Spain’s largest fashion groups. Javier discusses how technology is empowering frontline employees to provide exceptional customer experiences while driving operational efficiency across Tendam’s global retail network. From the implementation of RFID and clienteling platforms to the evolution of stores into omnichannel hubs, Javier shares how these innovations are transforming the retail landscape. Tune in to hear about the challenges and strategies behind driving digital transformation, empowering teams, and shaping the future of physical stores.Javier will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, our partner for this Europe's Retail Evolution series, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gC_uXBND🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gn8KK8g5👉🏻 This episode is sponsored by New Black, they are redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, POS, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.
In this episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution Series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, I sat down with Katya Denike, Chief Product Officer at Holland & Barrett. She shares many insights on leading digital transformation within a 150-year-old legacy brand. We explore the true challenge of aligning teams, breaking old habits, and shifting mindsets to build a product-driven culture. Katya highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership, embracing informality, and the continuous need for unlearning outdated practices to foster real innovation.Katya will be on the stage at Shoptalk Europe, which will happen in Barcelona from June 2nd to 4th.OFFBounds listeners get discounted tickets on the links below:🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20👉🏻 This episode is sponsored by New Black, which is redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, POS, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.
This is the first episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series with Shoptalk Europe, and I sat down with Arianne Parisi, Chief Digital Officer at JD Sports, to discuss the massive digital transformation behind one of the world’s largest sports retailers. With over 4,500 stores across 30+ countries, JD is redefining omnichannel retail, from AI-driven customer care to global-local market strategies. Arianne shares how JD is breaking down silos, rethinking KPIs beyond revenue, and leveraging data to stay ahead of trends—like the Adidas Samba comeback. Arianne will be on stage at Shoptalk Europe, which will happen in Barcelona from June 2nd to 4th. If you haven't booked your tickets yet, we have discount links:Retailers and BrandsGeneral AttendeesThis episode is sponsored by New Black. New Black is redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, pos, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---How does a 200-year-old luxury brand stay ahead in the digital era? In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Carla Graça, CDO of Vista Alegre, to explore how AI, automation, and personalization are transforming retail. From running six global e-commerce platforms to leveraging AI for customer experience, Carla shares how Vista Alegre is blending heritage with innovation—and why Cristiano Ronaldo just became a major investor. Retail leaders, is your brand ready for the future? Tune in now! 🚀Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on LinkedIn
VTEX: https://vtex.com---Retail is evolving fast, and we’re diving into what’s next! In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Joe Lazslo, Head of Content US at Shoptalk, to explore the biggest shifts in retail—Unified Commerce, Loyalty, Customer Experience, and more. We break down why loyalty is harder than ever, how retailers are redefining customer experiences, and why Shoptalk’s new event, Shoptalk Luxe, is a game-changer for the industry. Plus, in the end, we tease something BIG that OFFBounds and Shoptalk have been working on. 👀 Tune in now to get ahead of the trends shaping retail in 2025!
VTEX: https://vtex.com---NRF 2025 wrapped up a few weeks ago, this year’s key theme was Game Changer. In this episode, Paula Macaggi breaks down the biggest trends shaping the future of shopping, from the shift toward Generative AI-powered product discovery to the long-overdue RFID breakthrough. We also explore the rise of Social Commerce, the need for brands to foster real-world communities, and the growing demand for ultra-fast delivery. With so much change happening in retail, the question is: Are brands ready? Tune in for the biggest takeaways from retail’s most important event.Learn more about RFID with NedapBest Unified Commerce Platform? New Black :)All the data and sources are in our newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe: https://offbounds.substack.com
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this episode of OFFBounds, I chat with Stuart Frelick, Dyson’s Global Head of Product, about the ambitious retail transformation that’s redefining the stores of the brand. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of how Dyson modernized its systems, tackled the challenges of scaling innovation globally, and delivered a seamless customer experience. We explore the importance of bold leadership, the surprising ways Dyson’s passionate community influences product development, and what’s next for the brand—from Stuart's wishes for loyalty programs to future-focused technology. This conversation is full of real-world insights for anyone interested in retail, innovation, and driving change.Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---This week I’m joined by Greg Merrill, the former Head of Digital Transformation at Nike, for a deep dive into what it really takes to lead change in today’s fast-moving world. From his unconventional career journey to his insights on balancing innovation and operational excellence, Greg shares how transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, strategy, and building a culture that thrives on adaptation. This episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this episode of OFFBounds, I’m sharing my personal guide to the top retail conferences you should attend in 2025. From the bustling halls of NRF’s Big Show in New York to the vibrant Shoptalk events and hidden gems like EuroCIS in Germany, I’ll walk you through the must-attend events and why they’re worth your time. Whether you’re looking to discover cutting-edge tech, connect with industry leaders, or explore global markets, I’ve got you covered. Tune in for my honest insights, practical tips, and a little behind-the-scenes scoop on what makes these events stand out.Subscribe to our newsletterOur take on NRF APAC 2024 and VTEX Day.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this first episode of OFFBounds' second season, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ricardo Larroudé, co-founder and CEO of the innovative footwear brand Larroudé. Launching in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Larroudé has quickly risen to prominence, earning the prestigious "Brand of the Year" award in 2024. Ricardo shares the bold vision and strategies behind the brand's disruptive approach to fashion distribution, its commitment to filling the mid-market gap with high-quality, accessible footwear, and the entrepreneurial lessons he's learned along the way. Recorded in São Paulo, the conversation is both inspiring and insightful, offering a glimpse into how a young brand has reshaped the industry with their Direct-to-Demand strategy.
VTEX: https://vtex.com---At the beginning of spring 2024, I interviewed Tiago Quaresma, who runs the Group that owns some of the coolest stores selling Portuguese culture's traditions. For me, O Grupo o Valor do Tempo is a masterclass of value creation through storytelling and customer experience and it was one of the most shared interviews we had in our first season. By offering a dreamy environment with stellar service, their tinned fish business can sell a can of sardine for 10x the price of those that are sold in the supermarket. As our episode 50 falls on Christmas Eve, I am happy to offer again the opportunity to listen/watch this episode again. We, from OFFBounds, wish you Happy Holidays!
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this special year-end episode of OFFBounds, we reflect on 2024—a defining year for retail and the year our podcast journey began. From the meteoric rise of Walmart online to leadership shakeups at Nike and Starbucks, this episode recaps the trends, challenges, and transformations that shaped the industry. We revisit key insights on data-driven decision-making, loyalty programs, AI's role in commerce, and leadership lessons from global executives. Join Paula Macaggi as she looks back on OFFBounds' incredible first year, with highlights from interviews across six continents, and shares what’s next for the #1 Podcast for Commerce Leaders in 2025!
VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi dives into the growing trend of premiumization with retail expert Jack Stratten. Together, they explore how brands like Zara, H&M, and Wegmans are elevating their offerings through immersive store designs, curated products, and enhanced customer experiences to compete with ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Discover why premiumization is redefining the retail landscape across industries and what it means for the future of shopping.