Omni Talk Retail

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

Bath & Body Works is bringing Fresh Balsam to Grand Central Terminal, movie theaters, and interactive mall kiosks in what beauty expert Kelly Carey calls "my favorite marketing campaign of the year." But is piping fragrance into public spaces genius brand awareness or an invasive marketing tactic?Kelly breaks down why this campaign is perfectly timed to recapture awareness in a booming fragrance market, while the panel debates the opt-in vs. opt-out question when scent is thrust upon consumers. From middle school Cherry Blossom memories to concerns about sensory overload in movie theaters, this discussion covers the full spectrum of experiential marketing.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#BathAndBodyWorks #ExperientialMarketing #HolidayMarketing #FragranceRetail #RetailInnovationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Amazon is suing Perplexity AI over its Comet shopping agent, claiming it "covertly accesses Amazon customer accounts" and interferes with the curated shopping experience Amazon built over decades. But is this defensive move from the e-commerce giant actually a sign of things to come?Waqas Khan from A&M breaks down the technology protocols at stake, why this feels like a classic incumbent vs. disruptor battle, and how advertising revenue is driving Amazon's aggressive response. Chris argues this is Amazon playing the role of the 1990s brick-and-mortar retailer fighting e-commerce, while the panel debates whether this lawsuit is a negotiation tactic or the first salvo in a long legal war over agentic commerce.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#Amazon #Perplexity #AgenticAI #RetailLawsuit #ShoppingAgents #RetailTechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Adobe's October data reveals a game-changing milestone: generative AI traffic is now converting 16% BETTER than traditional sources—a complete 180 from three months ago when AI traffic converted 9% WORSE. This episode breaks down what Kelly Carey and Waqas Khan from the A&M Consumer and Retail Group think retailers need to know about this inflection point. With AI traffic up 1,200% year-over-year and shoppers spending 44% longer on sites when arriving from AI sources, the experts discuss why this shift makes sense, how consumers are using tools like ChatGPT to cut through digital clutter, and what retailers should be doing RIGHT NOW to prepare for an agentic omnichannel future.Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#AIcommerce #GenerativeAI #RetailTech #AdobeAnalytics #ChatGPT #ShoppingTrendsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Placer.ai’s CMO Ethan Chernofsky is back... revealing why the “convenience above all” mindset is costing retailers millions and what’s actually driving traffic in 2025. Omni Talk and Placer.ai reunite for their annual tradition of reviewing the retail year that was.In this data-packed episode, Chris and Anne dig into Placer.ai’s latest location analytics to uncover:• Why consumers are visiting more stores but spending less time in them• The “consumer preference epiphany” reshaping retail fundamentals• How Sprouts, HEB, and Barnes & Noble are winning by doubling down on identity• Why the retail middle is dying — and what it takes to survive• The surprising suburban opportunity most brands are missing• Which "dead" brands are quietly staging comebacksPlus: Ethan’s bold prediction for the 2025 holiday season that could reshape Q4 planning forever.Featuring real-world traffic data and performance metrics from America’s top retailers, this episode is required viewing for anyone in retail leadership, store operations, or strategic planning.#retailstrategy #locationanalytics #retailtrends #omnichannel #consumerinsights #retailtechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Fast Five episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton are joined by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group's Managing Director Waqas Khan and Director Kelly Carey to unpack the biggest retail headlines of the week—from the AI commerce inflection point to Amazon's legal battle with Perplexity.With Adobe data revealing that AI-driven traffic now converts 16% better than traditional channels, the panel breaks down what this seismic shift means for retailers, why Amazon is fighting back against agentic shopping, and whether Target's new "10-4" service policy will actually work. Plus: Bath & Body Works' genius scent marketing play and the truth about Chief AI Officer roles.🔑 Topics covered:The AI commerce inflection point: Why generative AI traffic is now converting better (Source)Amazon vs. Perplexity: The battle for first product search (Source)Bath & Body Works' experiential scent campaign across Grand Central and movie theaters (Source)Target's controversial 10-4 customer service policy and what it reveals about retail culture (Source)Why Chief AI Officer roles may follow the same path as Chief Digital Officers (Source)🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!#retailai #generativeai #retailtech #omnitalk #ecommerce #amazonvsperplexity #targetretail #aicommerce #retailinnovation #retailpodcast #bathandbodyworks #agenticaiMusic by hooksounds.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The Lightning Round gets wild this week! From a soccer coach using Chat GPT to devise winning defensive strategies, to Jonathan Bailey's Sexiest Man Alive title, to John Lewis offering hand massages for loyalty members, and Carly Rae Jepsen's baby naming dilemma... Chris and Anne tackle the most entertaining retail and culture moments.Plus, hear their personal Chat GPT success stories and debate whether hand massages at a department store would actually drive traffic. It's retail meets pop culture in the best way possible!Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#chatgpt #AIcoaching #jonathanbailey #sexiestmanalive #johnlewis #loyaltyprograms #carlyraejepsen #retailculture #customerexperience #lightningroundThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In a surprising move, GrubHub (owned by Mark Lore's Wonder super app) is partnering with Instacart to enable grocery delivery directly through the GrubHub platform. But this partnership raises major strategic questions: Why would Instacart help a potential future competitor?Chris breaks down the "Greeks bearing gifts" dynamics at play and questions whether this is Mark Lore's chess move toward building the ultimate meal-time super app. Is Instacart making a strategic mistake, or is there a bigger play happening behind the scenes?Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#grubhub #instacart #marklore #wonder #deliverypartnership #grocerydelivery #whitelabel #thirdpartydelivery #retailstrategy #mealplanningThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Kroger is making history as the first retailer to integrate restaurant delivery directly into their grocery app through an expanded partnership with Uber Eats. Now customers can order their weekly groceries AND dinner from local restaurants in one seamless experience, with special benefits for Kroger Boost members.Chris and Anne discuss why this integration is brilliant for the subscription wars and predict when Walmart will respond with a similar Door Dash partnership. Is this the future of grocery shopping?Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#kroger #ubereats #grocerydelivery #restaurantdelivery #krogerboost #subscriptionservices #omnichannel #retailinnovation #fooddelivery #seamlessshoppingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Mondelēz (maker of Oreo and Chips Ahoy) is investing over $40 million in a custom generative AI tool to slash marketing costs by 30-50% and create TV-ready ads for the 2027 Super Bowl. But is building proprietary AI technology the right move, or should CPG brands partner with specialized providers?Chris and Anne debate whether this massive investment will pay off or become a costly sunk cost trap as AI technology rapidly evolves. Anne shares insights from cutting-edge AI advertising demos that are already creating human-likenesses in commercials.Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#mondelez #generativeAI #aimarketing #cpginnovation #accenture #marketingautomation #oreo #advertisingtechnology #aicommercials #retailtechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Starbucks just revealed that delivery has become a $1 billion annual business, growing 30% year-over-year—and it's changing everything about how we think about coffee shops. With 40% of delivery orders including food, this massive revenue stream raises critical questions about Brian Nichol's turnaround strategy.Should Starbucks double down on automation and dark cafes, or invest in improving the in-store experience? Chris and Anne debate the future of Starbucks as delivery continues to explode.Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#starbucks #coffeedelivery #brianniccol #starbucksstrategy #deliveryservices #ghostkitchens #coffeeshop #retailstrategy #automation #mobilepickupThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Amazon is shaking up Whole Foods with a controversial transformation that has retail experts divided. From robot-powered "ShopBots" in the back room fetching Tide Pods and Pepsi, to a massive 3,800 square foot Amazon Grocery kiosk replacing the coffee shop in Chicago's flagship location, Amazon is testing whether Whole Foods shoppers want mainstream brands alongside their organic kale.Chris and Anne debate whether this move will destroy Whole Foods' brand identity or unlock new value for Amazon's delivery business. Is this the future of grocery, or a mistake that will alienate Whole Foods' core customers?Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.For the full episode head here#amazon #wholefoods #groceryrobots #retailtech #amazongrocery #grocerydelivery #retailinnovation #shopbots #organicgrocery #mainstreambrandsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Computer vision is transforming retail stores, but most pilots fail to scale beyond proof of concept. In this Omni Talk Ask An Expert episode, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Joe Serrano (Global Managing Partner, Retail & CPG at HTEC) and Daniel Horton (VP of Engineering & Delivery at HTEC) to reveal the playbook for successful computer vision deployments.Learn why 75% of retail AI pilots fail to scale, which use cases deliver the fastest ROI, and how to evaluate your existing infrastructure before investing in new technology. Joe and Dan share hard-earned lessons about everything from camera requirements and network readiness to privacy concerns and customer trust.Key topics covered:• Why demo accuracy rarely matches real-world performance• How to leverage 60-80% of existing cameras with minor augmentation• The critical difference between customer-facing vs. operational AI deployments• Smart carts, inventory visibility, shrink control, and shelf availability use cases• Privacy, GDPR, and building customer trust with in-store AI• Build vs. buy decisions for computer vision infrastructureWhether you're piloting your first computer vision project or scaling existing implementations, this conversation provides actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and deliver measurable ROI.Join HTEC for their January Webinar: Computer Vision in Action: Cutting Shrink, Boosting Efficiency, and Powering Smarter Stores with Edge AIhttps://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/21011/656661?utm_source=brighttalk-sharing&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=linkshare#RetailTech #ComputerVision #ArtificialIntelligence #RetailInnovation #StoreOperations #RetailAI #OmniChannelRetail #InventoryManagement #RetailTransformation #SmartStoresThis 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:Amazon's push to add mainstream brands like Pepsi and Doritos to Whole Foods through ShopBots and Amazon Grocery kiosks (Source: Wall Street Journal)Starbucks crossing the $1 billion milestone in annual delivery sales with 30% quarterly growth (Source: CNBC)Mondelez investing $40 million in a generative AI tool to slash marketing costs by 30-50% (Source: Reuters)Kroger expanding its Uber Eats partnership to integrate restaurant delivery directly into the Kroger app across 2,600+ stores (Source: Chain Store Age)Grubhub partnering with Instacart to offer grocery delivery through its platform nationwide (Source: Supermarket News)And this month, Chris and Anne handed out the OmniStar Award in partnership with Quorso to Justin Weinstein, EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Giant Eagle, for leading the 95-year-old retailer's bold $100 million "Because It Matters" brand positioning.There's all that, plus a debate on whether AI-generated ads are the future, why ordering dinner through your grocery app makes perfect sense, and whether hand massages would get Chris into John Lewis for holiday shopping.Music by hooksounds.com#RetailNews #WholeFoods #StarbucksDelivery #RetailTech #GenerativeAI #KrogerUberEats #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #Mondelez #GrubhubInstacart #RetailInnovation #CoffeeDeliveryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris and Anne tackle the week's quirkiest retail stories: Netflix bringing Stranger Things' finale to theaters, Target's Weirdly Hot Santa returns for year two, Lululemon's NFL licensing sparks more debate, and Red Bull drops a $50 advent calendar. Fast takes, sharp opinions, and laughs from retail's most entertaining podcast duo.Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.🔔 Follow for weekly lightning rounds!For the full episode head here#strangerthings #targetholiday #redbull #retailmarketing #holidaycampaigns #lightninground #omnitalkThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Amazon unveils AI-powered smart glasses designed to help delivery drivers scan packages, navigate, and capture proof of delivery hands-free. Anne sees potential to reduce device overload for field workers, while Chris worries about long-term health implications and potential lawsuits. Is this the future of last-mile delivery or a Hot Shots-style disaster waiting to happen? Learn about the AR overlay technology, current trials, and what questions retailers should be asking.Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.🔔 Follow for delivery innovation insights!For the full episode head here #amazonglasses #deliverytech #AIwearables #lastmile #drivertech #augmentedreality #logisticsinnovation #amazonlogisticsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy