Omni Talk Retail

The lightning round brings holiday cheer and nostalgia to close this episode! Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.Chris reveals he'll use "Santa GPT" (ChatGPT for holiday shopping) to find gifts for his mom, though she already told him she wants a Brita water pitcher. Anne shares her family's Black Friday strategy: setting alarms for discounted ski passes rather than shopping for traditional items.Celebrating Dick Van Dyke's upcoming 100th birthday, Anne reminisces about his role as the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins. The conversation turns to hot chocolate preferences... Chris keeps it basic with mini marshmallows and a "Swiss Miss" approach, while Anne declares that quality marshmallows make or break the experience.For the full episode head here#SantaGPT #ChatGPT #holidayshopping #DickVanDyke #hotchocolate #Sizzler #restaurantrevival #nostalgia #retailfun #holidaytraditionsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Target and Starbucks have partnered to create an exclusive frozen peppermint hot chocolate available only at Starbucks cafes inside Target stores nationwide. This episode, Sponsored A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores why this seemingly small move could signal Target's merchandising mojo is returning.Chris loves this idea, calling it "smart merchandising that leverages a true differentiation point." Target Circle 360 members get 24-hour early access. While the impact may be small potatoes compared to Target's larger challenges, it's exactly the kind of creative thinking Target used to do well.Anne highlights an additional experience: select Target stores are featuring weekend hot cocoa bars where kids can customize drinks creating memories and driving foot traffic. Both hosts wonder if this could become Target's next "pumpkin spice latte" moment. Producer Ella agrees this is brilliant... adding a Starbucks drink to her hand means even longer browsing time in Target.For the full episode head here#Target #Starbucks #retailcollaboration #exclusivedrink #Targetstores #holidayshopping #retailmerchandising #Targetcircle360 #coffeeshopretail #retailstrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Google is rolling out major AI shopping features including conversational search, agentic checkout, and an AI that calls stores for you. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, sparks a fascinating debate about the future of shopping search.Anne argues Google's comprehensive data ecosystem... from Gmail to Maps to Calendar, gives it an edge over ChatGPT and Perplexity. She believes Google could leapfrog competitors by leveraging existing consumer relationships. Chris pushes back, citing Google Shopping's historical struggles and questioning whether Google's legacy interface might actually hinder innovation.For the full episode head here#GoogleAI #AIshopping #conversationalsearch #agenticAI #ChatGPT #Gemini #retailtech #ecommerce #shoppinginnovation #AIretail #GoogleSearchThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Primark has introduced Buy Now Pay Later options through Klarna and Clearpay... marking a major milestone in BNPL's journey from innovation to mass adoption. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores what this means for retailers.Chris declares that BNPL has officially "crossed the chasm", seven years after it first emerged at Shop.org in 2018. When you can buy $4 shirts on installments, there's no turning back. Anne shares shocking data: 25% of Americans now use BNPL for groceries, up from 14% just a year ago.For the full episode head here#primark #buynowpaylater #klarna #clearpay #bnpl #retailpayments #paymentinnovation #retailtech #affordablefashion #retailnewsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Grocery Dealz has integrated with Instacart to power same-day delivery directly from its price comparison app. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores why this partnership could be a game-changer for consumers.Anne and Chris rate this announcement an 8 out of 10, explaining how it justifies delivery fees by maximizing savings through price comparison. Imagine shopping at three different stores for the best deals without leaving your house... Instacart now makes that possible through Grocery Dealz.This is the second time in five months that Grocery Dealz has made headlines on the show, signaling that this Texas startup is becoming a force in grocery innovation. Plus, hear why this partnership could accelerate margin compression across the industry as price transparency becomes the norm.For the full episode head here#grocerydealz #instacart #grocerydelivery #pricecomparison #retailtech #groceryshopping #samedaydelivery #groceryinnovation #retailnews #omnichannelThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Doug McMillon is retiring as Walmart CEO, handing the reins to John Furner in February 2025. This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores McMillon's incredible legacy... 400% stock gains, $576 billion in added market cap, and a cultural transformation that made Walmart a leader in retail innovation.Chris shares a personal story about meeting John Furner and why he believes Furner is the perfect successor. Anne highlights the leadership qualities that set both executives apart.... from McMillon's "fail fast" culture to Furner's empathy-driven approach and curiosity that will be critical as AI reshapes retail.For the full episode head here#walmart #dougmcmillon #johnfurner #retailleadership #ceotransition #retailnews #walmartceo #samwalton #retailinnovation #leadershipstyleThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Chad Lusk, Partner and Managing Director at A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Omni Talk to break down their latest consumer sentiment survey results that every retailer needs to understand.From cautious spending increases to the explosive rise of private label brands, Chad reveals why consumers are trading down, what's driving the shift to lower-price stores, and how retailers can navigate the complex landscape of value-conscious shoppers.You can also read A&MCRG's Consumer Sentiment Survey for Fall 2025 by heading here: alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/cons…y-fall-2025/🔑 Topics covered:Why consumers plan to spend more (but it's not optimism)The trade-down trend: cheaper brands and lower-price storesHow private label is closing the quality gap with national brandsWhat holiday spending will look like this yearWhy the middle tier is getting squeezed🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights!#consumertrends #retailstrategy #privatelabel #consumersentiment #omnitalk #retailinsights #holidayretail #retailpodcast #consumerdata #retaileconomics*Sponsored Content*This 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:Doug McMillon retiring as Walmart CEO, with John Furner taking over in February (Source)Grocery Dealz integrating with Instacart’s Developer Platform for on-demand delivery (Source)Primark introducing Buy Now, Pay Later options with Klarna and Clearpay (Source)Google launching new AI shopping features including conversational search and agentic checkout (Source)Target and Starbucks debuting an exclusive Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Source)And A&M’s Chad Lusk stopped by for Five Insightful Minutes to share takeaways from their latest consumer sentiment survey.There’s all that, plus SantaGPT, Dick Van Dyke turning 100, the perfect hot cocoa recipe, and whether Sizzler’s comeback is rare, medium, or well done.Music by hooksounds.com#RetailNews #WalmartCEO #JohnFurner #DougMcMillon #BNPL #GoogleAI #TargetStarbucks #InstacartIntegration #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #GroceryDealz #PrimarkThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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