Omni Talk Retail

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, and Scratch Event DJs, A&M’s Kelly Carey and John Clear joined Chris and Anne to discuss:Walmart’s new Symbotic relationship, aka its new robot deal (Source)The veracity of Target’s claims that it has cut its production lead times down from 7 months to 8 weeks (Source)Whether the American consumer really needs smaller Burlington stores (Source)Sephora’s plans to redesign its entire North American store fleet (Source)And closed with an examination of Walmart’s marketplace expansion via Rebag to sell the likes of Fendi, Chanel, and more (Source)There’s all that, plus pit diapers, roundabout rules of the road and the HQ amenities we all just can’t live without.Music by hooksounds.com#walmart #target #sephora #retailtrends #retailnewsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In our latest episode of Omni Talk's Investor Perspectives on Retail and the Consumer, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Simeon Siegel, Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets, to discuss the key trends and challenges facing retail and e-commerce as we approach 2025. They dive into topics such as market share, DTC strategy, and the importance of maintaining brand equity.Key Moments:0:48 - Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga introduce Simeon Siegel, Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets.1:30 – Simeon reflects on the joy of working at the intersection of retail operators and investors, balancing qualitative and quantitative analysis.2:54 – Simeon shares his background, including the influence of his grandfather’s shoe store and how he developed a passion for retail analysis.5:38 – A look at Simeon’s day-to-day role, from stock analysis to blending market data with human psychology insights.8:44 – Simeon recaps 2024 trends, highlighting the return to a market share-driven environment and the shift from macroeconomic challenges to company-specific performances.10:07 – Discussion on inflation, deflation, and how retailers should focus on microeconomic trends to identify opportunities.11:38 – Simeon explains how to analyze earnings reports by asking probing questions to separate marketing narratives from business realities.15:50 – The importance of margins over revenue growth and how brands like Under Armour and Victoria’s Secret can turn around by selling less but charging more.19:49 – How to identify "quality of sale" as an early indicator of business health, with examples from Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.20:50 – Key challenges facing retail C-suites in 2025, with an emphasis on avoiding subjectivity and remaining objective in decision-making.22:56 – Examples of companies successfully avoiding the subjectivity trap, including Under Armour’s pivot to focusing on quality over quantity.24:49 – Simeon highlights brands he’s optimistic about for 2025, including Under Armour and Peloton, and why strategy shifts are critical for their success.27:31 – Insights into TJX as a reliable retail investment and how its business model contrasts with higher-risk brands like Under Armour.29:30 – Quick-fire brand analysis: Gap, Victoria's Secret, American...

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A "Let's Dance" Lightning RoundFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Ebay Allowing Sales Via Facebook MarketplaceFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon Selling Ad Tech To Other RetailersFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If They're Pro Or Con: Best Buy’s New MarketplaceFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon Investing $11 Billion Towards Ai In GeorgiaFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Macy’s Announcing Store ClosuresFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/MHY9wOkZ0LIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

How can retailers and brands harness the power of AI to transform customer experiences? Sara Sullivan, Contentful's Global VP of Solution Engineering, explains how companies like Kraft Heinz, Klarna, and Ruggable are scaling content creation, streamlining workflows, and using LLMs to deliver hyper-personalized messaging at scale. Tune in for insights into workflow automation, team restructuring, and the future of marketing technology.Key Moments:[00:00] Introduction to Sara Sullivan and her background.[02:33] How Contentful empowers brands with scalable personalization.[06:25] The "creative graveyard" problem and how AI addresses it.[14:32] Kraft Heinz’s success with geotargeted content campaigns.[21:10] Ruggable’s use of AI for landing page personalization and efficiency.[25:28] Klarna’s LLM-powered innovations saving $40M in support costs.[30:25] Predictions for the future of AI and retail personalization.#personalization #aiinretail #retailinnovation Music by hooksounds.com*Sponsored Content*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this latest episode of our 5 Insightful Minutes Series, Tim Robinson, Corporate Vice President at Blue Yonder, breaks down the findings of their recent consumer returns survey and what they mean for retailers.Key moments from the interview:1:34 - Why treating returns as inventory is critical for retailers.2:36 - How unique and tech-driven returns experiences can differentiate brands.5:40 - The importance of visibility in the returns process for sustainability and customer satisfaction.7:23 - Predictions on tailored return policies using customer and product data.To read Blue Yonder's report in full, head here: https://chat.blueyonder.com/reimagine-returns?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=omnitalk&utm_campaign=jan25&utm_content=timMusic by hooksounds.com#returns #ecommerceinnovation #customerexperience Sponsored ContentThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, and Scratch Event DJs, Chris and Anne discussed:Macy’s shuttering some of its small format stores (Source)Amazon's $11 Billion AI investment in the great state of Georgia (Source)Best Buy launching a new marketplace with Mirakl (Source)Amazon allowing online retailers to use its advertising tools (Source)And closed with a look at the 1 + 1 = 3 partnership between eBay and Facebook’s marketplace (Source)There’s all that, plus Tim Robinson of Blue Yonder also stopped by for Five Insightful Minutes on returns management, and we also had a NYC-style lightning round, replete with long cab ride discussions about horseshoes, bad mice, and Anne’s brief stint as a tiara model.To read Blue Yonder's comprehensive report on returns, head here: https://chat.blueyonder.com/reimagine-returns?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=omnitalk&utm_campaign=jan25&utm_content=timMusic by hooksounds.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris and Anne kick off Day 3 of NRF 2025 live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio with Michael Diedrich, VP of Store Productivity at Tractor Supply, discussing how the retailer is redefining store productivity while delivering legendary service. Discover how Tractor Supply leverages tools like Quorso's AI Co-Pilot to enhance customer interactions, streamline operations, and ensure consistent performance across 2,300+ stores.Key Moments:0:10 - Introduction to Michael Diedrich and his 23-year journey at Tractor Supply.2:12 - Measuring productivity and performance across Tractor Supply stores.6:12 - How Quorso is revolutionizing sales missions and team engagement.9:15 - Evolving leadership visits with AI-driven insights.11:28 - Leveraging new technologies for instant product knowledge and legendary service.13:39 - Backend optimization with the “Tractor Way” process.14:55 - Plans for 2025: Relentless focus on productivity and customer engagement.#nrf2025 #tractorsupply #retailtechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Omni Talk hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Christian Raveaux, Head of Retail Media Connect at the REWE Group. Key Moments0:04 – Introduction to Christian Raveaux and his role at REWE Group.0:30 – Christian shares his background and journey within REWE Group.0:58 – Overview of REWE Group’s operations across Europe.1:26 – Discussion on automated grocery stores in Hamburg and Cologne.1:42 – Insights from the Retail Media Symposium at NRF 2025.2:24 – The importance of in-store retail media for REWE Group’s strategy.3:04 – Deployment of 3,500+ digital signage screens in REWE Group stores.4:41 – The role of loyalty programs in retail media success.5:12 – Activating and optimizing in-store digital content.5:56 – Importance of engaging media agencies for in-store retail media.6:30 – Predictions for retail media evolution in the U.S. and Europe.7:14 – Challenges with GDPR compliance in European retail media.8:18 – Christian's vision for the future of retail media at REWE Group.#NRF2025 #retailmedia #rewe #retailtechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail welcomes Cedric Clark, EVP of Store Operations at Walmart, for a live NRF 2025 interview from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio to discuss Walmart's latest tech innovations. From digital shelf labels to inventory accuracy solutions, Cedric explains how Walmart leverages technology to empower associates, streamline operations, and enhance the shopping experience.Key Moments:0:15 - Cedric Clark’s 22-year journey from Sporting Goods associate to EVP.2:05 - Walmart’s "people-led, tech-powered" approach to retail.3:45 - How digital shelf labels simplify operations and boost productivity.6:00 - The key ingredients for rolling out store-level technologies successfully.8:10 - Addressing inventory accuracy as the next retail frontier.9:20 - Cedric’s vision for Walmart’s leadership in retail and advice for future innovators.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Omni Talk speaks with Greg Pulsifer, SVP of E-commerce at Sam's Club, live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025. Greg dives into Sam's Club's strategies for digital innovation, from AI-driven personalization and omnichannel optimization to its game-changing Scan and Go experience. Learn how Sam's Club uses data insights to connect online and in-club shopping and hear Greg's take on the future of retail technology.Key Moments:0:06 - Introduction to Greg Pulsifer and his role at Sam's Club.0:40 - Greg's career journey in e-commerce, from the 90s to Sam's Club.3:46 - Responsibilities of the Sam's Club e-commerce team.5:22 - Strategy for omnichannel assortments and online-only categories.7:46 - Personalization through data and AI integration in Sam’s Club.10:21 - Real-time data insights and the impact on retail operations.12:47 - Measuring success and optimizing digital member experiences.18:42 - AI’s role in personalization, search, and marketing content.#nrf2025 #ecommerceinnovation #retailtechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio, we speak with Joe Coll, VP of Asset Protection at Macy's, live from NRF 2025. Joe shares his insights on retail theft, Macy's safety-first strategies, and the evolution of asset protection technologies like RFID. Discover how Macy's balances theft mitigation with customer experience and what lies ahead for the industry in 2025.Key Moments:0:12 - Introduction to Joe Coll and his role at Macy's.1:14 - Joe's 27-year journey at Macy's and his current responsibilities.2:40 - Strategies Macy's employs to combat retail theft and ensure safety.6:02 - Exploring loyalty-based theft prevention solutions and their potential.7:28 - The role of RFID technology in theft prevention and law enforcement collaboration.9:18 - Industry perspectives on friction and customer experience in retail security.10:22 - Priorities for Macy's asset protection in 2025.#nrf2025 #retailtech #retailstrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview, we’re live from NRF 2025 at the VisionGroup booth with Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco. Mark shares Costco's strategic approach to retail media, emphasizing their focus on member value, data foundations, and merchandising collaboration. Learn how Costco plans to use retail media to enhance member experiences and drive top-line growth while leveraging their unique "last mover advantage."Key Moments:0:20 - Introduction to Mark Williamson and his role at Costco.1:32 - Mark discusses Costco's approach to retail media and their "last mover advantage."2:20 - The core purpose of retail media at Costco.3:50 - Retail media trends and opportunities for 2025.6:54 - The relationship between merchandising and retail media at Costco.12:08 - Prioritizing data foundations for 2025 and beyond.#nrf2025 #retailmedia #retailstrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Anne and Chris sit down with Robert Jozic, SVP of Schwarz Media and Group Digital Strategy, to discuss the evolving landscape of retail media. Live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Robert offers a detailed roadmap for leveraging retail media as a strategic growth driver, focusing on digital transformation, incremental revenue, and bridging brick-and-mortar with media innovation.Key Moments:0:10 - Introduction to Robert Jozic and the Schwarz Group.1:25 - Robert’s role and responsibilities in digital strategy and retail media.4:37 - The strategic turning point for retail media in digitization.6:56 - Timeframes and challenges in capturing true media dollars.9:02 - The importance of standards, measurement, and media integration.14:48 - Strategic positioning for retail media success.17:18 - How retail media trends differ in Europe vs. the U.S.18:45 - Future priorities for the Schwarz Group’s retail media initiatives#retailmedia #retailtech #nrf2025This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this special interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio, Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins Omni Talk Retail live at NRF 2025 to discuss the future of the retail industry. From global macroeconomic challenges to the transformative power of AI and robotics, Shay shares his unique perspective on the state of retail and the continued evolution of NRF as a premier event for innovation and collaboration.Key Moments:0:50 – The role of NRF in the retail industry: convening, curating, and communicating.2:20 – Highlights from NRF 2025, including record-breaking attendance and a focus on AI.4:00 – The impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on retail strategies.6:15 – Insights into consumer behavior and disparities across income segments.10:50 – Why NRF continues to call New York home for its global retail event.12:30 – How NRF fosters innovation through a combination of education and exhibits.#nrf2025 #retailinnovationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from the VusionGroup podcast studio at NRF 2025, Michelle Weiskittel Head of Media, Creative, and Operations at Albertsons Media Collective, dives into how Albertsons is transforming the retail media space. From leveraging machine learning for real-time optimization to aligning media efforts with merchant strategies, Michelle provides a comprehensive view of retail media's evolving role in grocery.Key Moments:0:50 – Michelle Weiskittle introduces her role at Albertsons and her media-focused background.2:00 – How retail media integrates with merchant strategies and Omni-channel customer journeys.3:50 – Operational changes at Albertsons and the use of machine learning for optimization.5:45 – Insights from Albertsons' retail media track at NRF 2025 and leadership perspectives.7:20 – Albertsons’ focus for 2025: driving efficiency and effectiveness in retail media.#retailmedia #retailstrategy #albertsonsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy