Omni Talk Retail

In this live interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Tyler Davis, VP of Merchandise Operations at PetSmart, live from NRF 2025. Tyler shares his strategies for adapting to inflation, implementing cutting-edge pricing systems, and incorporating generative AI into merchandising.Key Moments:0:50 – Tyler Davis introduces his role at PetSmart and career journey.2:15 – Tyler shares his approach to preparing for NRF and setting clear goals.3:45 – Insights on generative AI and its potential to transform retail operations.5:40 – How PetSmart adapted to inflation with pricing adjustments and product mix recalibration.8:00 – Plans for 2025: enhancing merchandising flexibility, planogramming, and pricing technology.10:00 – Discussion on online vs. in-store segmentation and future retail trends.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail kicks off NRF coverage with a tour of Save A Lot’s innovative micro-fulfillment center in Brooklyn, powered by Fabric. Jonathan Morav, Fabric’s VP of Sales, shares insights into how robotic automation and tri-temperature zones are transforming grocery delivery economics in dense urban areas.Fabric develops automated MFCs, with everything built in-house, including unique features designed to support efficient operational processes. Fabric understands that technology can be amazing, but if it doesn’t seamlessly support what happens operationally outside of it, it won’t make an impact.Key Moments:0:01-1:00 – Introduction and NRF kickoff1:01-2:30 – Fabric's approach to fulfillment automation and company overview2:31-4:30 – Key features of the Brooklyn facility, including tri-temperature zones4:31-6:00 – Save A Lot’s entry into NYC through this facility6:01-8:30 – Customer experience and order processing workflow8:31-10:00 – Addressable market size and facility capabilities10:01-12:00 – The evolution of micro-fulfillment and its future potential12:01-14:00 – How the pandemic accelerated grocery automation adoptionExplore the future of grocery innovation with this insightful tour and conversation!And, ff you're interested in learning more, you can reach out to Fabric through the following contacts:Jonathan Morav – VP Sales | Jonathan.Morav@getfabric.comShirley Bachar – VP Marketing and Business Development | Shirley.Bachar@getfabric.comWebsite: www.getfabric.com LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabriclogistics/#groceryshopping #supplychainmanagement #savealot #groceryinnovation

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 Waymo Win Lightning RoundFor the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis 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: Pro Or Con: Community Spaces Inside Grocery Stores?For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis 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: Doordash Teaming Up With IbottaFor the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis 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: Simbe Rolling Out Tally Spot To Augment Its RobotsFor the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis 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: Do Grocers Really Need ‘Vending Machines’ We Can Unlock With Our Phones?For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis 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: Walmart Expanding Electronic Shelf Labels To All StoresFor the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Get an exclusive preview of NRF 2025 as retail tech leaders dive into the game-changing innovations shaping the industry. From AI chatbots and RFID-driven inventory systems to unified commerce and omnichannel strategies, learn how these tools are driving better customer experiences and operational efficiency. Key moments include:0:00 - Introduction and show overview1:33 - GreyOrange: Revolutionary RFID and store intelligence15:46 - Quorso: AI-powered store management solutions25:16 - VusionGroup: Smart store technology and digital pricing40:16 - Scandit: Smart data capture and computer vision solutions51:48 - Microsoft: AI transformation in retail1:04:25 - SPS Commerce: Supply chain optimization1:17:40 - Aptos: Unified commerce solutionsMusic by hooksounds.com#NRF2025 #retailtechnology #retailinnovation #smartstores #digitaltransformation #retailtech #futureofretail #retailstrategy #retailsolutions Sponsored ContentThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of 5 Insightful Minutes, Todd Barentine, President of the Club Division at The Barcode Group, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Costco’s 2025 initiatives and what it means for suppliers and customers. Todd discusses Costco's renewed focus on SKU management, treasure hunt shopping experiences, and its global expansion goals with plans to scale warehouses internationally.Key Moments:(0:30) Why 2025 is about returning to Costco's core strengths(1:50) What brands need to know about working with Costco(3:20) Insights into Costco’s treasure hunt and regional buying strategy(4:50) Plans for international growth and supplier opportunities(5:50) The competitive advantage of Costco’s global approach#costco #retailstrategy #globalexpansion #treasurehunt #retailinsights #retailtrends Music by hooksounds.comSponsored 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:Walmart accelerating its rollout of digital shelf labels to all stores (Source)Cantaloupe’s innovations in smart vending for grocery stores (Source)Simbe augmenting its Tally Robot with fixed-positioned sensors (Source)DoorDash and Ibotta teaming up to offer DoorDash users better pricing (Source)And closed by debating whether or not “community spaces,” like the one recently launched by Giant Food, are ever a good idea (Source)There’s all that, plus Todd Barentine of The Barcode Group stopped by for Five Insightful Minutes on Costco’s 2025 strategy, and we also announced this month’s OmniStar (congrats Christina Minardi of Whole Foods) and discussed Waymo, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and which member of the X-Men Anne would most want to go on a date with.Music by hooksounds.com#OmniTalkRetail #RetailInnovation #DigitalShelfLabels #SmartVending #RetailPodcast #Costco2025 #GroceryTech #DoorDash #Ibotta #CommunitySpacesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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*This 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short they explore which retail technologies and trends fell short of expectations in 2024, including device AI's premature rollout, the cost-prohibitive nature of smart carts, and Target's overemphasis on CarPlay integration. Learn why these technologies failed to meet expectations and what it means for retail innovation.0:04 - Discussion of tariffs as overhyped trend0:56 - Analysis of Caper Cart limitations1:34 - Debate over smart cart value proposition2:02 - Device AI's premature implementation2:27 - Comparison to early tech adoption risks2:59 - Target's CarPlay integration critique3:13 - Digital growth comparison with competitors#retail #retailtrends #retailstrategyFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they analyze the year's most impactful retail headlines, from unprecedented store closures and bankruptcies to Walgreens' potential private equity sale and Google's revolutionary shopping updates. Discover how these stories shaped the retail landscape and what they mean for the industry's future.Key Moments:0:03 - Introduction to headline nominations0:19 - Analysis of 70% increase in store closures0:54 - Discussion of retail bankruptcy trends1:15 - Examination of retail channel blurring2:15 - Walgreens' potential private equity sale3:43 - Amazon's technology strategy shift5:16 - Google's shopping experience transformation6:36 - Final verdict on headline of the year#retailtrends #retailnews #retailFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they explore the groundbreaking retail technologies of 2024, including Walmart's invisible barcode implementation, the rise of in-store robotics, innovative marketplace platforms, and smart loyalty-based theft prevention solutions. Learn how these technologies are reshaping retail operations and customer experience.Key Moments:0:14 - Discussion of in-store robotics and automation0:32 - Analysis of Simbe's $500M funding round1:06 - Impact of robotics on back-of-house operations1:44 - Introduction of invisible barcode technology2:16 - Self-checkout improvement potential3:14 - Marketplace platforms analysis4:09 - Walmart's loyalty-based theft prevention solution5:02 - Customer experience implications5:24 - Loyalty program benefits discussion#retailnews #retailtrends #retailstrategyFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they debate 2024's top retail performers, from Publix's impressive 49% earnings increase and regional expansion to Walmart's successful transformation attracting higher-income customers. Learn why Sprouts' small-format strategy and potential for growth earned them consideration alongside traditional powerhouses.An in-depth analysis of the year's most successful retailers and their winning strategies.Key Moments:0:03 - Introduction to Retailer of the Year nominees0:15 - Publix's impressive performance metrics and expansion0:54 - Discussion of Publix's market penetration1:18 - Introduction of Hermès as luxury contender2:54 - Walmart's successful transformation story3:39 - Analysis of Walmart's key initiatives4:40 - Sprouts' remarkable growth and strategy5:06 - Discussion of future growth potential#retail #walmart #retailtrendsFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they explore why Doug McMillon's success in attracting high-income customers and driving Walmart's digital transformation earned him CEO of the Year, with strong competition from Fran Horowitz's Abercrombie revival and Brian Niccol's impressive leadership at both Chipotle and Starbucks.Key Moments:0:02 - Introduction of CEO nominations0:22 - Doug McMillon's success with high-income customers0:37 - Personal anecdotes about Walmart+ impact1:48 - Discussion of return-to-office strategy2:57 - Fran Horowitz's Abercrombie transformation4:27 - Analysis of other CEO nominations5:14 - Brian Niccol's dual success story5:54 - Examination of Starbucks turnaround strategy#retail #retailstrategy #retailtrends #walmartFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they discuss which retail headlines deserve the Hollywood treatment, including a $200M cocaine-in-bananas scandal, Starbucks' four-minute turnaround story, and Macy's mysterious auditor fraud case. See why these real-world retail dramas would make compelling entertainment.0:08 - Initial movie pitch discussions0:34 - Jeff Bezos character transformation concept0:51 - Porch Pirates action-comedy pitch1:32 - Starbucks turnaround story concept2:45 - Introduction of cocaine-in-bananas scandal3:41 - Macy's auditor fraud story analysis4:31 - Final verdict on most filmable story#retail #starbucksceo #retailtrendsFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they cover the most successful strategic decisions in retail this year, from Kohl's partnership with Babies R Us to Carvana's remarkable turnaround and Abercrombie & Fitch's successful brand reimagining. Learn how these companies transformed challenges into opportunities.Key Moments:0:02 - Introduction to strategic moves discussion0:10 - Kohl's and Babies R Us partnership analysis0:47 - Shein and Children's Place collaboration1:16 - Carvana's remarkable turnaround story2:23 - Abercrombie & Fitch's successful transformation2:40 - Discussion of growth metrics3:00 - Analysis of fashion retail market context#retail #retailtrends #retailstrategyFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis 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, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they analyze the year's most impactful retail partnerships, from SKIMS' strategic expansion with North Face to DoorDash's innovative collaborations with Starbucks and Lyft. Learn how these partnerships are reshaping retail delivery, brand expansion, and customer experience.Key moments:0:08 - Introduction of partnership nominations0:21 - Analysis of SKIMS and North Face collaboration0:43 - Discussion of SKIMS' partnership strategy1:13 - Examination of product quality synergies2:25 - Cerave's creative marketing approach3:24 - DoorDash and Starbucks partnership analysis4:09 - DoorDash and Lyft collaboration impact#retailtrends #retail #retailinnovationFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7AThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy