Omni Talk Retail

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Walmart announces a sweeping redesign of its Great Value private label brand, refreshing packaging across nearly 10,000 items for the first time in over a decade, starting with salty snacks.Albertsons posts anemic Q4 comps of under 1% and a $480 million net loss, as IRA-driven pharmacy headwinds and a $600 million opioid settlement charge weigh heavily on results.Starbucks launches a beta ChatGPT integration for conversational beverage discovery, joining Walmart, Target, Sephora, and others in embedding commerce directly into next-generation AI platforms. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. 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, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and special guests Jennifer Meyers and John Benson of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group discussed: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's sweeping 2026 annual letter to shareholders, covering robotics, drone delivery, satellite broadband, and AI as infrastructure (Source)Starbucks unveiling new "uplifted" store designs in Chicago while rolling out barista bonuses, expanded tipping, and weekly pay (Source)Burger King launching a nationwide hiring push for 60,000 new team members on the back of its Reclaim the Flame turnaround (Source)Dollar General partnering with QSIC to roll out AI-powered in-store audio to 6,000 stores across 48 states (Source)Old Navy reportedly developing a new freestanding athleisure format called Old Navy Sport (Source) There's all that, plus Jack in the Box tacos, the most dramatic DoorDash order in the history of dating, and the question that divided the entire show: Are you Team Alex with an E or with an I? Music by hooksounds.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Instacart acquires international retail tech platform Instaleap, gaining grocery fulfillment technology and retailer relationships across nearly 30 countries to accelerate its global enterprise expansion.David's Bridal joins Shopify's Agentic Storefronts program, integrating its product assortment into ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot while auditing its catalog to optimize for AI-driven discovery.GameStop launches Power Packs, a digital trading card platform offering collectors PSA-graded physical cards stored in the PSA Vault, as collectibles now represent roughly a third of the retailer's total revenue. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Inflation surged to its highest level since 2022 in March, driven by a 21.2% spike in gasoline prices tied to the Iran war, while consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest recorded level since data collection began in 1952.7-Eleven plans to close 645 North American convenience stores in fiscal 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year of net store closures as the company eyes a 2027 IPO.Dollar General is partnering with Qsic to deploy an AI-enabled in-store audio network across approximately 6,000 stores, doubling its audio footprint to 12,000 locations and expanding its DG Media Network with targeted, POS-integrated audio ads. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Starbucks unveils one of its first "uplifted" Chicago stores under its Back to Starbucks restructuring plan, bringing back leather couches, cozy décor, and the third-place experience the brand was built on.Ahold Delhaize USA and Fiserv expand their pay-by-bank pilot broadly across The Giant Company, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop's digital platforms, as grocers race to reduce card interchange fees and deepen first-party financial data relationships.Edibles.com, the hemp-derived THC platform from Edible Brands, opens its first brick-and-mortar flagship in Atlanta with a concierge service model built around consumer education and responsible category growth. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire questions for guest host Laura Kennedy. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy cover everything from Indianapolis fun facts and Kurt Vonnegut to the most rewatchable movies like The Sting and Jaws. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound, #Indianapolis, #KurtVonnegut, #TheSting, #Jaws, #MovieClassics, #RetailFastFive, #OmniTalk, #PopCulture, #Rewatchables This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Carrefour Israel’s $50 million deal to deploy 4,000 smart carts with Cust2Mate. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy discuss whether this is the proof point the smart cart industry has been waiting for or if it’s simply a new vehicle for retail media and couponing. They also debate the long-term ROI of AI-powered carts in the grocery aisle. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Carrefour, #SmartCarts, #RetailMedia, #GroceryTech, #RetailInnovation, #Cust2Mate, #OmniTalk, #InstoreTech, #AI, #RetailOperations This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores the "going concern" warning issued by QVC Group as it grapples with $6.6 billion in debt. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy analyze the staggering decline from $15 billion to $10 billion in sales and a shrinking active customer base. They also debate whether the traditional home shopping model is fundamentally broken or if a pivot to live commerce can save it. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #QVC, #HSN, #RetailAnalysis, #HomeShopping, #LiveCommerce, #RetailTrends, #OmniTalk, #BusinessNews This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Carrefour becoming the first major European retailer to offer grocery shopping directly through ChatGPT. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy breakdown the "agentic shopping" experience and whether consumers actually want to build grocery baskets inside a chatbot. They also debate if the current interface is too high-friction to become the future of e-commerce. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Carrefour, #ChatGPT, #AIinRetail, #GroceryEcommerce, #ConversationalCommerce, #RetailTech, #OmniTalk, #OpenAI, #DigitalTransformation, #GroceryNews This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Aerie’s bold decision to ban AI-generated bodies and people from its marketing. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy discuss the impact of brand trust in an era where consumers think "everything is fake." They also debate whether authenticity like this is a sustainable competitive moat or if retailers will eventually cave to the cost-saving temptations of AI. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Aerie, #PamelaAnderson, #AerieReal, #AIinMarketing, #RetailBranding, #Authenticity, #OmniTalk, #FashionRetail, #GenerativeAI, #BrandTrust This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Bed Bath & Beyond’s acquisition of The Container Store for $150 million. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy break down whether these two bankrupt-adjacent brands can find a new future together by leveraging premium physical real estate. They also debate if this move allows Bed Bath & Beyond to carry high-end brands that Walmart and Target simply cannot reach. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #BedBathAndBeyond #TheContainerStore #RetailMergers #HomeGoods #RetailStrategy #PhysicalRetail #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Jeremy Levine, Senior Director at Alvarez and Marsal's Consumer and Retail Group, joins Omni Talk to break down the tactics traditional regional grocers need to master fresh operations (and win) over the next decade. From the protein consumption gap to the hourly rhythm of a deli department, Jeremy shares what makes fresh so hard to get right and exactly what good actually looks like. If you run a grocery business, manage a fresh department, or advise retailers, this episode is a must-listen. 🔑 Topics covered: Why fresh departments are having a moment, and what's driving itThe protein gap: Americans consume 12 billion fewer grams daily than they shouldWhy fresh is a defensive moat for traditional regional grocersThe four pillars of fresh excellence: talent, process, scheduling, and HQ-store alignmentWhy scheduling is the one thing a grocery CEO should fix first thing Monday morning To read Jeremy and his team's report on how to master fresh operations, click here. 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #groceryretail #freshfood #regionalgrocer #retailstrategy #omnitalk #groceryoperations #freshoperations #retailpodcast #supplychain #groceryceo Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Bed Bath & Beyond signs a letter of intent to acquire F9 Brands, owner of Cabinets To Go and Lumber Liquidators, for approximately $150 million, the second major acquisition in two days as Marcus Lemonis builds out a full-service home renovation platform alongside The Container Store, Elfa, and Closet Works.Walmart expands Walmart Connect's social media capabilities, enabling self-serve advertisers to run full-funnel campaigns on Meta now and TikTok later in 2026.Kroger brings Flashfood to its entire Mid-Atlantic division, pairing the food waste reduction platform with free Kroger Health nutrition classes for a value-driven, whole-health approach to fresh food access. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. 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, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and guest host Laura Kennedy discussed: Bed Bath & Beyond acquiring the Container Store for $150 million (Source)Aerie teaming up with Pamela Anderson to take a very public stand against AI-generated content (Source)Carrefour becoming the first European retailer to offer grocery shopping directly through ChatGPT (Source)QVC Group issuing a going concern warning amid $6.6 billion in debt (Source)Carrefour Israel announcing one of the largest smart cart deployments in retail history (Source) And A&M’s Jeremy Levine also dropped by for 5 Insightful Minutes on how grocers can win in the next decade by mastering their fresh departments. There’s all that, plus Kurt Vonnegut’s unexpected influence on Indianapolis, whether Chris would ever go to space, and why Jaws might just be the most rewatchable movie ever made. P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: PepsiCo's Frito-Lay missed internal revenue targets by over a billion dollars two years running as $7 bags of Doritos pushed consumers to private-label alternatives, and now the company faces an uphill battle winning them back with price cuts that may not be enough given fresh macroeconomic pressures.Ace Hardware is bringing more than 3,700 locations across all 50 states to the Uber Eats platform, giving its locally owned franchisees on-demand delivery capability.Old Navy is said to be developing a new athleisure sub-brand called Old Navy Sport, potentially including a free-standing store format. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: agging in Instagram Reels and new creator affiliate partnerships with Amazon, eBay, and Temu across five test markets.Carrefour becomes the first major European retailer to integrate its full product catalog into ChatGPT, letting French shoppers plan meals, build baskets, and select delivery.Carrefour Israel signs a $50 million, five-year deal to deploy 4,000 A2Z Cust2Mate smart carts across all 150 of its stores, with retail media and data monetization built directly into the agreement. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight episode, Jeff Fish, co-CEO of Intelo.ai, and Noah Herschman, Head of Merchandise Strategy at Intello AI, join Omni Talk to tackle one of retail's most persistently under-teched problems: merchandise planning and allocation. From spreadsheet-driven chaos to agentic AI, Jeff and Noah break down why merchandise planning has been left behind by technology for nearly 30 years, how AI is finally changing that, and what retailers can actually do right now to drive real results — including a 47% reduction in stockouts and a 42% reduction in broken sizes. If you've ever wondered whether AI can finally make life better for merchandise planners, allocators, and buyers, this episode is for you. 🔑 Topics covered: Why merchandise planning has been "under-teched" for decadesThe art vs. science balance that makes AI transformation so hard — and so valuableHow agentic AI and agent-to-agent protocols are changing real-time planning collaborationWhy inventory rebalancing and size curve optimization are low-hanging fruit for luxury and specialty retailersHow Intelo.ai deploys in as little as three weeks — and what results look like 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #retailai #merchandiseplanning #retailtech #agenticai #omnitalk #supplychain #retailinnovation #inventoryoptimization #Inteloai #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: QVC Group delays its annual 10-K filing and warns of "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern, as the company faces $6.6 billion in debt with $2.9 billion due in October and junk-tier credit ratings from both Fitch and Moody's.Starbucks announces a new quarterly bonus program offering baristas and shift supervisors up to $1,200 per year, alongside expanded tipping options through Mobile Order & Pay and Scan & Pay, and a move to weekly pay for all U.S. partners.Burger King launches a nationwide search to hire up to 60,000 employees, citing the success of its Reclaim the Flame turnaround and consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales and traffic as the catalyst for the immediate staffing need. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on March Madness and all the bracket chaos that comes with it. Chris Walton and guest host Jenna DeFranco swap thoughts on the unpredictability of the tournament, busted brackets, and the moments that make March Madness unmatched. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #MarchMadness #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #BracketChaos This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Walmart’s integration with ChatGPT and what it reveals about the current state of AI commerce. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco break down why AI-powered checkout is underperforming and where the real opportunity lies. They also debate whether AI should focus more on discovery than transactions. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #ChatGPT #AIinRetail #Ecommerce #RetailTech #FutureOfRetail #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores DoorDash’s expansion into apparel with brands like Urban Outfitters and Steve Madden. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco discuss whether consumers actually need clothes delivered in an hour—and why behavior may be shifting anyway. They also debate whether this is a novelty or a real long-term retail channel. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #DoorDash #RetailDelivery #InstantCommerce #Ecommerce #RetailInnovation #RetailTrends #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores REI’s potential boycott ahead of its biggest sales event of the year. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco break down how REI’s values-driven brand could amplify the impact of labor disputes. They also discuss whether values-based retail can hold up when financial pressure hits. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #REI #RetailLabor #BrandReputation #RetailLeadership #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment explores Aldi’s decision to expand its partnership with Instacart as its exclusive ecommerce and fulfillment platform. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco discuss why this move aligns with Aldi’s low-cost model—and whether outsourcing digital commerce is a smart long-term strategy. They also debate the tradeoffs between simplicity and control in modern retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Aldi #Instacart #GroceryDelivery #EcommerceStrategy #RetailTech #RetailTrends #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Target’s updated dress code and increased employee discounts. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco break down whether this move helps restore operational consistency or risks hurting employee morale. They also debate whether small changes like this actually impact retention, culture, and the in-store experience. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Target #RetailWorkforce #EmployeeExperience #RetailOperations #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Adam Plom, Vice President and Head of Content for Shoptalk Europe, joins Chris Walton to preview what to expect at this year’s 2026 conference in Barcelona from June 9 to June 11. Adam breaks down what makes Shoptalk Europe unique, from its pan-European reach to its ability to bring together the entire retail ecosystem, including retailers, brands, startups, investors, and more. But more importantly, he dives into why this year’s event feels especially timely. With rapid changes across AI, global trade, and technology, Adam shares how the tone of the industry is shifting toward more openness, more real-world sharing, and more honest conversations about what is actually working. He also unpacks how Shoptalk is approaching AI in 2026, focusing less on hype and more on real use cases, data readiness, and the balance between automation and human ingenuity. Key Topics covered: • What makes Shoptalk Europe different from other retail events • Why this moment in retail feels more urgent than ever • The shift toward openness and real-world sharing across the industry • How Shoptalk builds its content strategy months in advance • Why AI needs to be balanced with human connection • Agentic commerce and what is actually happening today • Preparing product data and discovery for AI-driven search • The importance of data readiness before implementing AI • How AI is reshaping the retail workforce 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights! #shoptalkeurope #aiinretail #agenticcommerce #retailstrategy #retailinnovation #ecommerce #retailtrends #omnitalk #retailpodcast #futureofretail *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: McCormick acquires Unilever's food business in a nearly $45 billion deal, as Unilever sharpens its focus on faster-growing personal care.Macy's formally launches Ask Macy's, an AI conversational shopping assistant powered by Google Gemini, with early beta data showing revenue per visit nearly 5x higher among users.Allbirds agrees to sell its assets and IP to American Exchange Group for just $39 million, a fraction of the $4 billion-plus valuation it once commanded. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! 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, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and guest host Jenna DeFranco of J Recruiting Services discussed: Target boosting its employee discount and rolling out a new dress code for store workers (Source)Aldi launching a fully redesigned nationwide digital experience powered by Instacart (Source)REI’s union voting to authorize a boycott of the co-op’s biggest sales event of the year (Source)DoorDash adding four apparel retailers — Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Rally House — to its on-demand delivery platform (Source)Walmart debuting an in-store app experience inside ChatGPT, backed by its Sparky commerce agent (Source) There’s all that, plus Jenna also helped us hand out this month’s OmniStar Award to Kristie Maurer, owner of Maurer’s Urban Market. And Adam Plom, VP and Head of Content for Shoptalk Europe, joined us for 5 Insightful Minutes to give a preview of what to expect in Barcelona this June. P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #TargetDressCode #AldiInstacart #REIBoycott #DoorDashApparel #WalmartAI #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailTech #OmniSta This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: McCormick acquires Unilever's food business in a nearly $45 billion deal, as Unilever sharpens its focus on faster-growing personal care.Macy's formally launches Ask Macy's, an AI conversational shopping assistant powered by Google Gemini, with early beta data showing revenue per visit nearly 5x higher among users.Allbirds agrees to sell its assets and IP to American Exchange Group for just $39 million, a fraction of the $4 billion-plus valuation it once commanded. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Sephora pilots its consumer app inside ChatGPT in the U.S.ALDI U.S. launches a redesigned website and mobile app fully powered by Instacart's Storefront Pro, naming Instacart its exclusive fulfillment partner across all owned digital channels.U.S. fashion brand Edikted opens its first European flagship on London's Carnaby Street, spanning 4,800 square feet of street-style and runway-inspired womenswear. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Chris Walton sits down with duvo.ai CEO Tomáš Čupr to explore one of the most mind-bending ideas in AI today: not just how AI can improve retail operations, but how it can actually identify what in your operations should be improved in the first place. Drawing on Tomáš Čupr’s experience building Rohlik Group, a $1.5B+ pan-European e-grocer, and now leading duvo.ai, the conversation dives deep into the messy reality of retail operations, including fragmented systems, manual processes, and the hidden gaps leaders don’t even realize exist. From agentic process mapping and Duvo Clarity to autonomous operations and the future of hybrid human and AI teams, this episode challenges conventional thinking around digital transformation and offers a practical look at what it really takes to operationalize AI at scale. If you’re trying to understand where AI fits into your organization, how to uncover inefficiencies, or how to move beyond pilot purgatory into real execution, this conversation delivers a fresh and highly actionable perspective. Key Topics Covered: • 00:00:45 – Why AI should identify problems, not just solve them • 00:03:02 – Tomáš Čupr’s background building Rohlik Group • 00:04:51 – The origin of duvo.ai and challenges with retail automation • 00:07:50 – Why retail operations are too messy for traditional AI approaches • 00:11:07 – The reality that most leaders don’t actually know their own processes • 00:14:32 – Agentic process mapping and Duvo Clarity explained • 00:19:41 – How AI analyzes workflows and recommends improvements • 00:23:26 – Real-world examples including missed supplier follow-ups and margin leakage • 00:25:56 – Automating should-cost analysis across every SKU • 00:29:10 – The rise of self-improving, feedback-loop-driven retail systems • 00:33:20 – The future role of retail leaders managing agents, not just people • 00:41:28 – Why AI-native retailers could outpace legacy competitors • 00:44:57 – Where to start with AI: process first, not data 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. P.S. See our past 8 years of wonderful Spotlight Series podcast guests, featuring roughly 200 movers and shakers in retail, by clicking here: omnitalk.blog/category/spotlight-series-podcast/ #retailtech #retailAI #agenticAI #autonomousretail #processmapping #digitaltransformation #omnitalk #retailpodcast *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Henkel agrees to acquire U.S. premium hair care brand Olaplex for $1.4 billion.The REI Union authorizes a boycott of the retailer's high-stakes anniversary sale, with a final decision expected by May 1st.DoorDash expands its growing apparel delivery category by adding Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Rally House to its platform ahead of spring 2026. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on Superman movie nostalgia and National Puppy Day. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen debate their lack of Superman viewing credentials and reflect on whether they did their dogs justice on National Puppy Day. Because sometimes the best conversations have nothing to do with retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Amazon’s expanding grocery partnerships and its push into one-hour delivery. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how Amazon is leveraging logistics to partner with regional grocers and whether these partnerships are a short-term win or long-term risk. They also debate who really wins as Amazon tightens its grip on the final mile. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Amazon #GroceryDelivery #RetailLogistics #Ecommerce #RetailTrends #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Instacart’s latest AI-powered Caper Cart update using NVIDIA technology. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen debate whether smart carts actually solve real consumer problems or if this is another overhyped investment. From high costs to low adoption, the conversation challenges whether AI is being applied in the right places in retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Instacart #AI #RetailTech #Grocery #Innovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart’s deeper integration with Vizio and what it means for retail media. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how connecting TV viewing data with shopping behavior could unlock powerful new advertising capabilities and help Walmart compete more directly with Amazon. They also explore what unified logins and cross-device tracking mean for the future of consumer data. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #RetailMedia #ConnectedTV #Advertising #RetailTech #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart’s deeper integration with Vizio and what it means for retail media. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how connecting TV viewing data with shopping behavior could unlock powerful new advertising capabilities and help Walmart compete more directly with Amazon. They also explore what unified logins and cross-device tracking mean for the future of consumer data. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #RetailMedia #ConnectedTV #Advertising #RetailTech #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Amazon’s expansion of its Shop Direct feature. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss what it means for brands as Amazon begins pulling in third-party product feeds, allowing customers to shop outside of its marketplace while still staying inside its ecosystem. The duo debates whether this is a win for consumers, a risk for brands, and how this move could reshape ecommerce, data ownership, and digital advertising. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Amazon #Ecommerce #DTC #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this special live episode, Chris Walton is joined on stage at Shoptalk Spring 2026 by Ben Miller, VP of Original Content at Shoptalk; Sarah Engel, President of January Digital; and Joe Laszlo, Head of Content and Insights for Shoptalk US, for a rapid-fire recap of the biggest themes, stats, and moments from the week. From AI hype vs. reality to the rise of agentic commerce, the panel breaks down what actually moved the needle at one of retail's biggest annual gatherings and what it all means for where the industry goes next. If you want the sharpest 40-minute download of Shoptalk Spring 2026, this is it. 🔑 Topics covered: Is AI overhyped, underhyped, or properly hyped — and what about agentic commerce?The biggest shift from Shoptalk 2025 to 2026 The stat of the showWhy "keeping retail human" was the most important non-AI conversationMemorable off-stage insights on resilience, data strategy, and business model transformationThe quotes, epiphanies, and moments that defined the week 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insight on how the future of retail will unfold! #shoptalk #retailai #agenticcommerce #retailtech #omnitalk #ecommerce #retailinnovation #retailpodcast #futureofretail #retailstrategy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: OpenAI shuts down its Sora video generation app ahead of its anticipated IPO, simultaneously dissolving its $1 billion partnership with Disney that was announced just three months ago.Walmart debuts its commerce agent Sparky inside ChatGPT as OpenAI pivots away from Instant Checkout and refocuses on product discovery through its expanded Agentic Commerce Protocol.Poshmark launches a major app redesign featuring AI-powered personalization and new seller tools for its community of approximately 165 million members. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! 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, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and returning guest Carter Jensen — now of The Uncommon Business and one of the original co-creators of this very podcast — discussed: Amazon expanding its Shop Direct feature to accept third-party product feeds (Source)Ulta Beauty launching on TikTok Shop (Source)Walmart and Vizio unveiling new content-to-commerce integrations at the 2026 IAB Newfronts (Source)Instacart integrating Nvidia AI technology into its Caper Carts (Source)Amazon and Winn-Dixie expanding their grocery delivery partnership to the greater Tampa Bay area, plus Amazon rolling out one-hour delivery to hundreds of U.S. cities (Source1 and Source2) There's all that, plus Carter's long-overdue confession about the microphones he "definitely knew how to use," shopping carts in the creek, and whether Raymond the dog is holding a grudge after National Puppy Day got overlooked. #AmazonShopDirect #UltaBeauty #TikTokShop #WalmartVizio #InstacartAI #RetailMedia #GroceryDelivery #SocialCommerce #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailNews This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Gap becomes the first major fashion retailer to offer direct checkout inside Google's Gemini AI platform, using the Universal Commerce Protocol to give shoppers a seamless “agentic” commerce experience, without ever leaving the app.Dollar General names JJ Fleeman, current CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA and a 35-year grocery veteran, as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Todd Vasos effective January 1, 2027.Costco announces its first-ever standalone gas stations, with a 40-pump, members-only location opening in Mission Viejo, California in June and a second planned for Honolulu in 2027. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Target is requiring store workers to wear plain red shirts with blue jeans or khakis starting this summer.UNFI's Endless Aisle program is connecting food retailers with nearly 4,000 SKUs from emerging suppliers through a drop-ship model with no minimum order quantities, giving smaller brands a low-risk path to national distribution.Babylist is opening a 20,000-square-foot showroom in New York City's SoHo neighborhood this summer, expanding its physical retail presence with education programming, content creation, and tailored guidance for city-dwelling parents. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Costco partners with Moloco to launch Reserve Display, a personalized onsite ad format functioning as a "digital end cap," targeting members with AI-driven recommendations at the moment of product selection.Ingka Group, the world's largest IKEA franchisee, plans to cut around 800 corporate jobs as new CEO Juvencio Maeztu moves to simplify an organization he says has "grown too complex" for today's retail environment.Winn-Dixie and Amazon expand their grocery delivery partnership into the Greater Tampa Bay area, now covering nearly 100 cities and towns across Florida and southern Georgia. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Macy's beats Q4 expectations but issues a cautious 2026 outlook, as CEO Tony Spring flags tariff headwinds, macro uncertainty, and the ongoing investment costs of its namesake store transformation.Family Dollar unveils plans to pilot an extra small box store format targeting dense urban markets, alongside strong 2025 results and an ambitious multi-year EBITDA growth target under new private equity ownership.Bob's Discount Furniture delivers a standout first earnings report as a public company, with nearly 17% revenue growth and 7.7% comparable sales growth for the full year. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Amazon rolls out new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options across hundreds of U.S. cities, giving customers access to 90,000+ products with Prime-discounted fees and plans to expand throughout 2026.Build-A-Bear makes its first-ever wholesale debut at Walmart, launching Mini Beans, Micro Mini Beans blind-bag collectibles, and the Build-A-Bear x Bluey collection in 1,500+ stores nationwide this spring.J.C. Penney stages "The Other Paris Runway" in Paris, Texas. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Dollar Tree posts a solid Q4 with net sales up 9% to $5.45 billion, but back-to-back traffic declines raise deeper questions about its consumables assortment.Walmart pilots a "rapid remodel" process that condenses months of store renovation into just four weeks, with tests kicking off in April across Neighborhood Markets in six states.DoorDash expands its proprietary Dot delivery robot to Fremont, California, doubling down on owning its own autonomous delivery hardware and technology stack as part of a broader multi-modal delivery strategy. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Dollar General reports a strong Q4 with net sales up 5.9% to $10.9 billion and same-store sales jumping 4.3%, while unveiling plans for a new treasure-hunt store format and a subscription loyalty pilot in 2026.Dick's Sporting Goods pulls back on Foot Locker closures after its Fast Break store pilot delivers standout comps exceeding Dick's own business, with plans to renovate 250 locations by back-to-school season.Ulta Beauty announces a TikTok Shop launch next week featuring brands exclusively available at Ulta. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on nihilist penguins, Friday the 13th superstition, and March Madness predictions. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn prove once again that retail conversations always find their way into pop culture and the internet’s strangest trends. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #RetailPodcast #PopCulture #MarchMadness #InternetCulture This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at how Dick’s Sporting Goods unexpectedly surged up the Apple App Store rankings. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn break down how the retailer’s Move fitness rewards app is driving engagement and why gamifying fitness could be a powerful retail loyalty strategy. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailNews #DicksSportingGoods #RetailApps #RetailEngagement #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Kroger’s use of autonomous drones inside sub freezing distribution centers. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss how drone technology could transform warehouse inventory management and eliminate some of the most difficult cold chain tasks. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailNews #Kroger #WarehouseAutomation #RetailLogistics #SupplyChain #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at Kroger’s decision to create a Chief Data and AI Officer role. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss what elevating the leader of 84.51 means for Kroger’s long term AI strategy and how data leadership is becoming central to retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailNews #Kroger #AIinRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Costco’s pledge to return any tariff refunds directly to members. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn debate whether this move reflects Costco’s long standing value promise or a strategic messaging play during a complicated economic moment. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailNews #Costco #RetailEconomics #RetailStrategy #RetailIndustry #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Walmart’s plan to expand digital shelf labels across all 4,600 U.S. stores. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss what this massive technology rollout means for pricing accuracy, store operations, and the future of in store retail technology. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailNews #Walmart #DigitalShelfLabels #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: A federal court temporarily blocked Perplexity AI's Comet browser agent from making purchases on Amazon, putting agentic commerce on a collision course with Amazon's $68.6 billion advertising business.Amazon opened its Shop Direct program to third-party product feeds from Feedonomics, Salsify, and CEDCommerce, taking a major step toward becoming a universal storefront for the entire retail internet.The Detroit Axle de minimis lawsuit got the green light to proceed, raising the stakes for every retailer that relied on the sub-$800 duty-free import exemption. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and guest host Jenn Hahn of J Recruiting Services discussed: Walmart expanding its digital shelf label technology to all 4,600 of its US stores, completing what is likely the single largest ESL rollout in retail history (Source)Costco CEO Ron Vachris is publicly pledging to return any tariff refunds directly to members through lower prices (Source)Kroger creating a new Chief Data and AI Officer role by elevating Milen Mahadevan, president of its 84.51 analytics subsidiary, to lead its entire AI and data agenda (Source)Kroger deploying autonomous inventory drones from Corvus Robotics into sub-freezing cold chain distribution facilities (Source)Dick’s Sporting Goods, thanks to its Move fitness rewards app, unexpectedly rocketing to #3 on the Apple App Store free download chart, landing right between Claude and Gemini (Source) And Jenn also helped us hand out this month’s OmniStar Award — given in partnership with Quorso — to Mark Chenier, SVP GMM of Footwear at Academy Sports and Outdoors! There’s all that, plus nihilist penguins, spring break plans, March Madness predictions, and green beer. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #WalmartESL #DigitalShelfLabels #KrogerAI #RetailTech #CostcoTariffs #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #DicksSportingGoods #OmniStar #RetailInnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Kroger's new permanent CEO Greg Foran outlines his five growth priorities.Retail and grocery brands are already dominating ChatGPT's early ad ecosystem, with Sensor Tower tracking more than 100 individual brand promotions in OpenAI's first four weeks of advertising.Fabletics launches its first-ever denim collection, signaling a broader athleisure slowdown as post-pandemic consumers trade leggings for stretch jeans both on weekends and at the office. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses: Costco's Q2 2026 earnings reveal that AI-powered personalized product recommendation carousels drove more than $470 million in e-commerce sales in a single quarter, as digitally-enabled comparable sales surged 22.6%.Albertsons launches a month-long Stock Up Sale running March 6 through April 2 across nearly all its banners, offering hot prices, expanded digital coupons, and quadruple loyalty rewards points in a bid to improve its price image.Kroger announces Customer Appreciation Week, March 11–17, featuring storewide deals and a daily Digital Deal Drop mechanic designed to drive app engagement and urgency for its loyalty members. The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives, host Chris Walton sits down with Omar Akilah, SVP of Product at Infios, and Aadil Kazmi, Head of AI Product Development at Infios, to tackle one of the biggest questions facing retail leaders today: Are retailers actually ready for agentic AI? While AI dominated the conversation at NRF, the reality inside many retail organizations is far more complicated. Many companies are still struggling with fragmented systems, unclear strategies, and uncertainty about where AI should even be applied. Omar and Aadil break down what agentic AI really means for commerce, how it differs from traditional generative AI, and why the biggest opportunity may not be flashy customer experiences but rather the operational backbone of retail: supply chain execution. From autonomous order monitoring to real-time visibility across the entire order lifecycle, they explore how agentic AI could fundamentally reshape how retailers manage fulfillment, delivery promises, and operational decision making. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about AI readiness, including why retailers may not need perfect data infrastructure to begin adopting agentic AI and what leaders should actually focus on in the next 30 days if they want to stay competitive. Key topics covered: • What agentic AI actually means for retail operations • Why most retailers are unprepared for the next wave of AI • The difference between generative AI and agentic AI • Why supply chain execution is a prime use case for AI agents • How autonomous order visibility can transform customer experience • Why retailers may not need a perfect data lake to begin adopting AI • The three ways retailers can approach AI adoption • How to avoid getting stuck in “AI pilot purgatory” • The first practical AI use cases retailers should implement 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations about retail, supply chain, and the technologies reshaping modern commerce. Music by hooksounds.com #ConfessionsOfASupplyChainExecutive #AgenticAI #RetailAI #SupplyChainTechnology #RetailSupplyChain #AIinRetail #AutonomousSupplyChain #Infios #RetailTechnology #SupplyChainPodcast *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on McDonald’s Big Arch taste test backlash, the surprising Scrubs reboot generation gap, the never-ending daylight saving time debate, and Jane Fonda’s viral breakfast burrito “sandwich” comment. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan prove once again that retail, culture, and the internet always collide. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into IKEA testing a store-in-store concept with sporting goods retailer Decathlon. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss what this collaboration could mean for the future of retail partnerships, experiential stores, and how retailers rethink physical space. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #IKEA #Decathlon #RetailPartnerships #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Walgreens’ pilot of a new hybrid pharmacist role. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss whether this approach could ease pharmacist burnout, improve store operations, and help Walgreens adapt to the evolving healthcare retail landscape. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Walgreens #PharmacyRetail #RetailOperations #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Schlotzsky's new brand strategy and redesigned store model. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan break down whether the beloved sandwich chain can modernize its concept, attract new customers, and compete in an increasingly crowded quick service restaurant market. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #RestaurantIndustry #QSR #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Jack Dorsey’s claim that AI could dramatically shrink corporate workforces. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan debate what this means for the future of work, whether companies will truly replace employees with AI, and how organizations may need to rethink talent strategy in an AI-driven world. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #AI #FutureOfWork #JackDorsey #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Target removing artificial dyes from cereals across its aisles. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss whether this move reflects growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients or if it signals a broader power shift where retailers begin dictating product standards to brands. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Target #GroceryRetail #FoodTrends #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and special guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan from the A&M Consumer and Retail Group discussed: Target announcing it will only carry cereals made without certified synthetic colors by the end of May (Source)Block’s Jack Dorsey cutting nearly 4,000 jobs — 40% of its workforce — and replacing that capacity with AI (Source)Schlotzky’s Deli going back to basics with a “deli” rebrand and a next-generation prototype designed to slash operating costs by 20–25% (Source)Walgreens piloting a first-of-its-kind hybrid pharmacist role across six states (Source)IKEA opening its iconic blue box stores to Decathlon in a landmark store-within-a-store pilot in the UK (Source) There’s all that, plus whether a burrito counts as a sandwich, the McDonald’s CEO’s cringeworthy Big Arch taste test video, and whether any of them are excited about the Scrubs reboot. Be careful out there, – Chris, Cassie, Joanna, and the Omni Talk team P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #TargetHealth #ArtificialDyes #BlockAI #JackDorsey #SchlotzkysDeli #WalgreensPharmacy #IKEA #Decathlon #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailTech #RetailInnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives, host Chris Walton sits down with Richard McKenzie, CEO at Veloq, to tackle one of retail’s most persistent questions: When does online grocery finally become profitable? For years, grocers have chased digital growth, but profitability has remained elusive. High picking costs, last mile complexity, thin margins, and legacy infrastructure continue to weigh down performance. Richard breaks down where the real friction points are, why many retailers are still structuring e-commerce as a cost center instead of an operating model, and what has to change for online grocery to truly scale sustainably. This episode explores the operational realities behind digital grocery, from fulfillment models and automation strategies to the role of data orchestration across the enterprise. Richard explains why profitability is less about volume and more about precision, and how retailers that rethink their tech stack, store operations, and network design may finally turn the corner. Key Topics covered: • Why online grocery margins remain under pressure • The true cost of store pick vs. micro fulfillment • Where last mile economics break down • How legacy systems quietly erode profitability • The operational tradeoffs between speed, convenience, and cost • Why data orchestration is becoming a competitive advantage • What scalable automation actually looks like in grocery • The tipping point that could finally make online grocery profitable 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more brutally honest conversations about retail, supply chain, and the technology reshaping how work actually gets done. Music by hooksounds.com #ConfessionsOfASupplyChainExecutive #SupplyChain #OnlineGrocery #RetailSupplyChain #EcommerceProfitability #WarehouseAutomation #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #LastMile #Veloq #SupplyChainPodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on Girl Scout cookie records, Survivor reaching season 50, Team USA hockey celebrations, and a little nerd nostalgia. Chris and Anne prove once again that retail and pop culture always collide. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Burger King President Tom Curtis personally taking customer calls and texts. Chris and Anne discuss whether this represents meaningful executive engagement or a smart short term marketing play. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #BurgerKing #RetailMarketing #CustomerExperience #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Gap Inc’s launch of Encore, a unified loyalty program across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Chris and Anne debate whether loyalty consolidation can drive cross shopping and growth for the portfolio. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #GapInc #RetailLoyalty #OldNavy #Athleta #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Walmart’s launch of Scintilla In Store, giving suppliers real time store level data. Chris and Anne explain why this move could redefine supplier collaboration and unlock faster store execution at scale. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Walmart #RetailData #RetailAI #SupplyChain #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Kohl’s rollout of its new Deal Bar to all 1100 plus stores. Chris and Anne debate whether this value forward merchandising move can meaningfully impact performance or if it is simply table stakes in today’s retail environment. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Kohls #RetailTurnaround #StoreStrategy #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at Carrefour’s major partnership to digitize stores across France as part of its 2030 strategy. Chris and Anne discuss whether smart stores are finally becoming reality and what US retailers should be doing to keep pace. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Carrefour #SmartStores #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail is live from eTail West 2026 with coverage powered by NetElixir. In this interview, Anne Mezzenga speaks with Kelly Cook, CEO of Davids Bridal, fresh off the stage to discuss the company’s bold “Aisle to Algorithm” strategy and what she calls the bridal tech revolution. David’s Bridal is expanding beyond a $4B bridal TAM into the broader $70B wedding ecosystem, building what Kelly describes as an AI and asset light approach to retail and media within the wedding industry. Key themes from the conversation: The “tech sandwich” model: high tech before and after the in store bridal appointmentVirtual try on, AR wedding visualization, and agentic AI guiding brides through 300 planning tasksA vision for one click wedding planning powered by immersive augmented realityHow partnerships and retail media are unlocking value beyond the dressWhy large scale transformation requires fearless talent and cultural clarity Kelly also shares three leadership lessons for retail executives navigating transformation, including her now famous advice: be somebody’s shot of whiskey, not everybody’s cup of tea. Thank you to NetElixir for supporting our eTail West 2026 coverage. #eTailWest #RetailTransformation #AIinRetail #Weddings #RetailInnovation #DigitalTransformation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail is live from eTail West 2026 with continued coverage powered by NetElixir. In this interview, recorded on site at eTail West, Anne Mezzenga speaks with Alex Seaman, Senior Vice President of Furniture.com, about the company’s recent relaunch and its vision for the future of furniture shopping. Furniture.com is building a unified, AI driven platform designed to simplify one of retail’s most complex and considered purchases. By partnering with trusted national furniture retailers, the platform enables shoppers to browse, compare, and check out across multiple merchants in one seamless experience, while retailers retain ownership of fulfillment and first party customer relationships. Alex explains how Furniture.com is leveraging standardized product data, conversational search, and its in house AI agent Dottie to reduce decision fatigue and bring joy back to home design. The conversation also explores why brand trust and strong retail partnerships will matter even more as AI powered discovery reshapes how consumers shop. Key Topics Covered: The recent Furniture.com relaunch and AI powered foundationAgentic checkout and multi merchant cart functionalityStandardizing and enriching product data across 75 plus retailersWhy trust and brand strength matter in an AI driven search landscapeBalancing B2B retailer partnerships with a shopper first experienceSolving decision fatigue in high consideration purchases like furniture Stay tuned for more interviews from eTail West 2026. #eTailWest #RetailInnovation #Ecommerce #AIinRetail #FurnitureRetail #OmniChannel #DigitalCommerce #RetailLeadership 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and Anne were live from eTail West in Palm Springs as they discussed: Carrefour signing a sweeping strategic partnership with Vusion to digitize all of its hypermarkets and supermarkets in France by 2030 (Source)Kohl’s rolling out its new Deal Bar concept to all 1,100+ stores nationwide (Source)Walmart launching Scintilla In-Store, a new real-time mobile data platform for supplier field reps (Source)Gap Inc. officially launching Encore, a unified cross-brand loyalty program spanning Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta (Source)Burger King President Tom Curtis personally fielding calls and texts from customers at his work number (Source) There’s all that, plus mysterious ghost sightings, Thin Mints in the freezer, and a nerd laugh that Anne was not quite ready to deliver on camera. Music by hooksounds.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail is live from eTail West 2026 with coverage powered by NetElixir. In this interview, Anne Mezzenga speaks with Denise Incandela, EVP of Fashion at Walmart, about the ongoing transformation of Walmart Fashion. Over the past several years, Walmart has evolved from a basics driven apparel business into a modern, trend relevant fashion destination. Denise shares how the company has: Relaunched and elevated major private brandsIntroduced new brands like Free Assembly to fill key market white spaceLeveraged AI to accelerate trend analysis and product designModernized stores and e commerce to make fashion the heroUsed pop ups and influencer strategy to shift customer perception Walmart is also applying AI at the earliest stages of product development, using insights from runway shows, social media, and global trend data to accelerate design and deliver more trend right product to customers, faster. With 145 million weekly customers, Walmart’s opportunity to democratize fashion at scale is unmatched. #eTailWest #RetailInnovation #WalmartFashion #AIinRetail #PrivateBrands #Ecommerce #RetailLeadership This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail is live from eTail West 2026 with coverage powered by NetElixir. In this interview, Anne Mezzenga speaks with Kristin Shane, Chief Merchandising Officer at REI, about the company’s three year “Peak 28: Ascending Together” strategy and what it means for the future of specialty retail. Kristin shares how REI is putting the customer at the center through a differentiated service model powered by its Green Vests, a culturally leading assortment designed to inspire progression into new outdoor activities, and renewed investment in retail fundamentals. The conversation also dives into: How REI is approaching AI as a workforce enablement tool, led jointly by the Chief People Officer and Chief Technology OfficerWhy agility matters more than ever in today’s tech environmentThe challenge and opportunity of partnering with brands that are also direct-to-consumer competitorsBuilding a culture centered on being connected, focused, and trailblazingWhat customers can expect from REI in 2026, including new partnerships and expanded experiential assortment A thoughtful discussion on values driven retail, culture as strategy, and what modern merchandising leadership looks like in an AI era. #eTailWest #RetailLeadership #Merchandising #AIinRetail #SpecialtyRetail #OmniTalk #RetailStrategy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail is live from eTail West 2026 with coverage powered by NetElixir. In this interview, Anne Mezzenga speaks with Udayan Bose, Founder and CEO of NetElixir, about how AI is shifting from theory to measurable business impact in performance marketing. A 19 year eTail veteran, Udayan shares how the conversation around AI has evolved from buzzword to accountability, with retailers now demanding tangible, quantifiable outcomes. The discussion breaks AI in marketing into two clear categories: Efficiency AI, including generative AI tools that reduce manual campaign management timePerformance AI, powered by machine learning and predictive analytics to unlock new revenue opportunities Udayan shares real world results, including how NetElixir’s experimentation platform helped reactivate over 1,100 dormant SKUs for CarParts.com in just four months, generating significant incremental revenue and new customer acquisition. The conversation also explores: How to approach AI experimentation without unnecessary riskWhy first party data is critical in a performance AI strategyHow to work alongside Google and Meta’s automation without losing controlWhat retailers should avoid when investing in new AI tools For retailers looking to move beyond AI hype and into measurable growth, this is a practical roadmap. #eTailWest #AIinRetail #PerformanceMarketing #DigitalMarketing #RetailInnovation #Ecommerce #MachineLearning This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode from Omni Talk Retail, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga welcome back Grocery Dealz co-CEOs Matt Goynes and Micheal Waldroup to unpack the rapid national expansion of their real-time grocery price comparison app. Now live in 40 states, Grocery Dealz enables consumers to compare grocery prices across retailers in real time before they shop and even push their lists directly into Instacart for delivery. The conversation dives into how the platform works, how pricing data is sourced, why retailers are paying attention, and what price transparency means for the future of grocery. From over-the-counter medicine and alcohol price swings to retail media monetization and API partnerships, this episode explores how comparison shopping could reshape consumer behavior... just as it did in travel and gas. With grocery bills rivaling plane tickets in weekly spend, is price transparency the next major retail disruption? Key Topics Covered: •What Grocery Dealz is and why it exists •The 3-step user experience: search, substitute, compare •Categories covered beyond center store (including OTC meds & alcohol) •How real-time grocery pricing data is sourced •Retailers’ response to price transparency •The Instacart integration and delivery convenience factor •How Grocery Dealz makes money (affiliate + retail media model) •Consumer adoption metrics and time spent in app •What’s coming next: live coupons and national growth •Can price comparison truly change grocery shopping behavior? Connect with the Guests: Matt Goynes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-goynes-65921368/ Micheal Waldroup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheal-waldroup-3a74b82b7/ #retailtech #grocerytech #pricetransparency #retailmedia #ecommerce #omnichannel #retailinnovation #retailpodcast #OmniTalkRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives, host Chris Walton sits down with Amir Khoshniyati, Vice President at Wiliot, to break down the five supply chain trends that will actually matter in 2026. Every January, supply chain executives make bold predictions. AI will transform everything. Automation will solve labor shortages. Real-time visibility will finally arrive. And by December, most of those predictions turn out to be wildly optimistic or completely off-target. But 2026 may be different. Retail is approaching a true convergence point where Physical AI, real-time item location, generative and agentic AI, grocery e-commerce acceleration, and mounting regulatory pressure are all colliding at the same time. The result is a potential restructuring of how supply chains operate. Drawing from his work with some of the world’s largest retailers, including Walmart, Amir shares what is actually being deployed versus what is still sitting in PowerPoint decks, and why the real driver of change is not hype. It is quantified pain. This episode examines whether we are at a true inflection point and what executives must prioritize right now to avoid falling behind. Key Topics Covered: • Why 2026 could be a true supply chain inflection point • What “Physical AI” really means and how it differs from traditional IoT • Where adoption stands today, pilot purgatory or scaled deployment • The BLE vs. RFID debate and why it may not be either or • Why real-time item location is moving from nice to have to mission critical • How generative and agentic AI intersect with physical supply chain data • When AI agents may begin making autonomous inventory and fulfillment decisions • Why grocery e-commerce is a forcing function for real-time visibility • How perishability, waste, and margin pressure are reshaping tracking needs • The impact of FSMA and growing traceability mandates • Whether compliance will become a competitive advantage • The uncomfortable truth retailers may not want to hear about these trends If you are a supply chain executive with limited budget and bandwidth, this episode delivers a clear message. Start with your pain, quantify it, and build your visibility foundation first. 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more brutally honest conversations about retail, supply chain, and the technology reshaping how work actually gets done. Music by hooksounds.com #ConfessionsOfASupplyChainExecutive #SupplyChain #RetailSupplyChain #Retail2026 #PhysicalAI #AmbientIoT #RealTimeVisibility #GroceryEcommerce #AIInSupplyChain #AgenticAI #FSMA #SupplyChainTransparency #WarehouseOperations #RetailTechnology #Wiliot Sponsored Content This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on Fashion Week trends, 2016 nostalgia, Robert Duvall’s Mount Rushmore, and unexpected Olympic curling drama. From the cultural ripple effects of Fashion Week to the one thing our hosts would bring back from 2016, plus strong opinions on Robert Duvall and the intensity of Olympic curling, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn, keep things moving with quick hits and sharp debate. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailLightningRound #RetailCulture #FashionWeek #WinterOlympics #RobertDuvall #RetailNews #OmniTalk #ConsumerTrends This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at independent convenience stores deploying AI-powered voice insights across 5,200 locations. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn, break down how real-time AI analytics are transforming store operations, workforce monitoring, and frontline decision-making. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #ConvenienceStore #RetailAI #VoiceAnalytics #StoreOperations #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines American Eagle building its largest creator community yet through a rewards-based micro-influencer program. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Jenn Hahn, discuss how this move reflects shifting influencer economics and why smaller creators may deliver outsized engagement. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #AmericanEagle #MicroInfluencer #CreatorEconomy #RetailMarketing #InfluencerStrategy #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Target and Albertsons testing conversational advertising inside ChatGPT. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn, debate whether AI-driven conversations could become a scalable retail media platform or remain an experimental marketing play. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Target #Albertsons #ChatGPTAds #ConversationalCommerce #RetailMedia #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Co-op launching a gender pay gap toolkit ahead of new UK regulations. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Jenn Hahn, discuss whether proactive compliance can become a competitive advantage and how transparency may reshape retail leadership strategy. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #GenderPayGap #RetailLeadership #Coop #RetailHR #WorkforceStrategy #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Converse employees being instructed to work from home ahead of anticipated layoffs as Nike continues its broader restructuring efforts. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn of J Recruiting Services, unpack what this signals about Nike’s long-term brand strategy, workforce management, and competitive positioning. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Nike #Converse #RetailLayoffs #RetailWorkforce #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Retail’s future winners aren’t defined by hype. They are defined by where consumers actually go. In this Omni Talk Ask An Expert episode, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Ethan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer at Placer.ai, to break down the retailers, sectors, and strategies poised to shape 2026. Drawing from real-world foot traffic data and consumer behavior insights, Ethan shares which brands are gaining momentum, which are in turnaround mode, and how shifting expectations around health, value, and experience are redefining retail success. From fitness to grocery to coffee to digitally native retail, this conversation uncovers where physical retail is headed next. Key Topics Covered: Why the fitness sector, including brands like EōS Fitness, is benefiting from long-term health and wellness shiftsHow grocers like H-E-B are winning through localization and innovationThe competitive momentum behind specialty retailers like MichaelsThe “bounce-back” potential of Starbucks and its third-place strategy revivalWhere Home Depot and Target stand on the recovery spectrumGrocery’s evolving battleground: quality vs. value vs. unique differentiationHow retailers like Kroger are experimenting to stay competitiveThe future of digitally native brands and physical retail after pullbacks from players like AllbirdsWhy partnerships with retailers such as Nordstrom may reshape DTC expansionThe industry debate around “value” and why it may be retail’s most misunderstood concept Whether you’re building your 2026 retail strategy, evaluating growth sectors, or tracking competitive momentum, this conversation delivers data-backed insights to help you understand where consumers are spending their time and why. Connect with Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-chernofsky-16ab4519/ Visit Placer.ai: https://www.placer.ai #RetailTrends #RetailersToWatch #RetailAnalytics #FootTrafficData #RetailStrategy #FitnessIndustry #GroceryRetail #Starbucks #DTCBrands #ConsumerBehavior #OmniTalk #RetailInsights This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Maia Josebachvili, Chief Revenue Officer of AI at Stripe, joins Omni Talk to break down what retailers are really saying about Agentic Commerce — and how the conversation has shifted dramatically in just six months. From fraud concerns to discoverability challenges, Maia explains how Stripe is helping merchants navigate the AI agent landscape with the tools they need to stay in control, stay competitive, and sell through AI agents without rebuilding their entire commerce stack. 🔑 Topics covered: The two forms of Agentic Commerce and why retailers are now all-inThe four biggest concerns merchants have about AI-driven shoppingHow Stripe's Agent Commerce Protocol and Suite tackle control, discoverability, fraud, and checkoutWhich major brands — including Walmart, Etsy, Glossier, Spanx, Urban Outfitters, and more — are already live 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #agenticcommerce #retailai #stripeai #retailtech #omnitalk #ecommerce #aiagents #retailinnovation #agenticai #retailpodcast Music by hooksounds.com 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, Quorso, and Veloq, guest host and resident talent expert Jenn Hahn, joined Chris and Anne to discuss: Converse employees being instructed to work from home ahead of layoffs and restructuring at the struggling Nike brand (Source)Co-op launching a gender pay gap toolkit ahead of new UK regulations (Source)Target and Albertsons testing conversational advertising inside ChatGPT (Source)American Eagle building its largest creator community yet with a rewards-based micro-influencer program (Source)Independent convenience stores deploying AI voice insights across 5,200 locations (Source) And Stripe's Chief Revenue Officer of AI, Maia Josebachvili, stopped by to give us 5 Insightful Minutes on how retailers can set themselves up for success in the new world of agentic commerce. PLUS — in partnership with Quorso, and together with Jenn, we handed out this month's OmniStar Award to Kristin Popp, Executive Vice President of Woodman's Food Market and President of Women's Grocers of America, fresh off being named Woman of the Year at the NGA Show. There's all that, plus curling drama at the Winter Olympics, Robert Duvall's Mount Rushmore, and what one thing from 2016 our hosts would bring back. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #Converse #Nike #ChatGPTAds #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #AmericanEagle #MicroInfluencer #ConvenienceStore #AIRetail #AgenticCommerce #Stripe #GenderPayGap This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on luxury travel, Valentine’s Day spending, and one very unexpected McNugget caviar moment. From the continued boom in luxury hotels to billions in Valentine’s retail projections and the internet’s obsession with fast food meets fine dining, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, keep things moving with quick hits and strong opinions. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailLightningRound #RetailCulture #LuxuryTravel #ValentinesDay #McNuggetCaviar #ConsumerTrends #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Spotify’s partnership with Bookshop.org to sell physical books. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, unpack why this move feels like a natural extension of Spotify’s ecosystem and what it means for omnichannel reading behavior. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Spotify #BookshopOrg #RetailStrategy #Omnichannel #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Albertsons’ expansion of cart tracking technology to measure retail media effectiveness. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, discuss whether dwell time truly correlates with incremental sales and what this signals for the evolution of in-store retail media. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Albertsons #RetailMedia #InStoreTech #GroceryRetail #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Anthropic’s Super Bowl campaign pledging that Claude AI will remain ad-free. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, debate whether ad-free AI is sustainable, what it means for monetization models, and how AI platforms may shape retail and commerce. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Anthropic #ClaudeAI #OpenAI #AIAdvertising #RetailTech #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Target’s decision to cut 500 roles while increasing investment in frontline store staffing. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, break down the labor math behind the move and debate whether this represents meaningful operational change or a strategic reset. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Target #RetailLabor #StoreOperations #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Kroger’s appointment of former Walmart executive Greg Foran as CEO. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, unpack what this leadership change signals for Kroger’s competitive positioning, ecommerce ambitions, and long-term strategy against Walmart. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Kroger #GregForan #GroceryIndustry #RetailLeadership #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Shoptalk's Joe Laszlo joined Chris and Anne to discuss: Kroger's appointment of former Walmart executive Greg Foran as new CEO (Source)Target cutting 500 jobs while investing in frontline store staffing (Source)Anthropic's Super Bowl ad campaign pledging Claude AI will remain ad-free (Source)Albertsons expanding cart tracking technology to measure retail media effectiveness (Source)Spotify partnering with Bookshop.org to sell physical books (Source) And Shop Talk's Joe Laszlo joined Chris and Anne to preview Shop Talk Spring 2026 - the 10th anniversary of the event - themed "Retail in the Age of AI" There's all that, plus solarium cappuccinos, the hyoid bone, first edition Dune books, and whether McNugget caviar is worth hitting reload for. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #KrogerCEO #TargetStores #AnthropicAI #RetailMedia #SpotifyBooks #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #Shoptalk #RetailTech This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Chris Walton sits down with Experion Technologies' Mahesh Vijayaraghavan (VP of Retail & Consumer Goods) and Siraj Alimohamed (Global Head of Data & AI) to cut through the AI hype. From platform-first strategies to the pilot fatigue epidemic, Mahesh and Siraj break down why AI is overhyped at the dashboard level but underappreciated where it matters most, i.e. in 6 a.m. inventory decisions and real-time store operations. Learn why building AI like a muscle beats treating it like a project, how to escape automation chaos, and why your digital experience is about to become your biggest competitive advantage. 🔑 Topics covered: Why AI is overhyped but underimplemented in retailPlatform-first approach vs. endless pilot programsInternal efficiency gains vs. consumer-facing AI investmentsProcess optimization before automation (avoid the 30-40% fat)How digital experience becomes differentiation in the AI eraAgentic AI that acts within guardrails, not just recommendsThe reinvestment strategy: internal savings to customer benefits 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #retailai #retailtech #omnitalk #digitalexperience #agenticai #retailinnovation #aiimplementation #experiontechnologies #retailpodcast #supplychain This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the OmniTalk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on culture, fashion, and the lighter side of retail. From Ralph Lauren’s Olympic uniforms and Cracker Barrel’s employee dining rules to winter travel escapes and Kelly Clarkson nostalgia, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, keep things moving with quick hits and strong opinions. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailLightningRound #RetailCulture #FashionRetail #PopCulture #RetailNews #OlympicsFashion #CrackerBarrel #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at BJ’s Wholesale Club’s experiment with smaller-format stores. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, discuss whether clubs can win quick-trip shopping missions, who should be most concerned, and how this move could reshape regional grocery competition. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #BJsWholesale #ClubStores #RetailFormats #GroceryRetail #ConvenienceRetail #RetailStrategy #RegionalGrocers #RetailTrends #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines eBay’s decision to ban AI-powered shopping bots. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, debate the risks and rewards of agentic commerce, why collectibles marketplaces may need tighter controls, and whether other retailers will follow eBay’s lead. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #eBay #RetailAI #AgenticCommerce #EcommerceAutomation #MarketplaceTrust #RetailPolicy #AIinRetail #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart’s launch of cross-border marketplace shipping. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, explain why this move strengthens Walmart’s marketplace flywheel, expands retail media opportunities, and positions Walmart as a true competitor to Amazon’s FBA ecosystem. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #Marketplace #CrossBorderEcommerce #RetailMedia #EcommerceStrategy #AmazonFBA #GlobalRetail #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores why grocery ecommerce has quietly reached 19% penetration. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, unpack what this milestone means for regional grocers, curbside economics, and whether grocery leaders are underestimating how fast digital adoption is accelerating. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #GroceryEcommerce #OnlineGrocery #CurbsidePickup #RetailTrends #DigitalRetail #GroceryIndustry #RetailStrategy #OmniChannel #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Amazon’s decision to shut down its palm payment technology and close select Amazon Fresh stores. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by A&M’s Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar, debate why biometric payments failed to gain traction, whether consumers were ever ready for palm-based checkout, and what Amazon’s renewed focus on Whole Foods signals about the future of grocery retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Amazon #RetailTech #BiometricPayments #AmazonFresh #WholeFoods #CheckoutTechnology #RetailInnovation #RetailStrategy #GroceryRetail #OmniTalk 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, Quorso, and Veloq, A&M's Ken Cochran and Jon Malankar joined Chris and Anne to discuss: Amazon shutting down its Amazon One palm recognition payment system and closing all 72 Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores (Source)Grocery E-commerce hitting a record 19% penetration in December 2025 (Source)Walmart launching a cross-border shipping program called Walmart Exports (Source)eBay banning AI shopping bots from its platform (Source)BJ's Wholesale opening its second small format BJ's Market in Delray Beach, Florida (Source) There's all that, plus Ralph Lauren Olympic uniforms, Cracker Barrel meal mandates, and whether Ken prefers Taco Bell or Ruth's Chris. Music by hooksounds.com #AmazonFresh #GroceryEcommerce #WalmartExports #eBayBots #BJsWholesale #RetailNews #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailTech #MarketplaceCommerce This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on pop culture, consumer trends, and the lighter side of retail. From Netflix’s AI predictions and rotisserie chicken subscriptions to mushroom coffee and internet-fueled food trends, Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn keep things fast, fun, and unpredictable. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailCulture #ConsumerTrends #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down American Eagle’s decision to shut down Quiet Logistics after acquiring the company for $360 million. Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn discuss why selling logistics tech proved harder than expected, when retailers should avoid becoming software companies, and what this means for future retail tech bets. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #AmericanEagle #RetailLogistics #RetailTech #Omnichannel #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at why grocery stores are increasingly winning lunchtime trips from quick-service restaurants. Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn discuss how ready-to-eat meals, pricing pressure, and changing consumer routines are driving this shift and why lunch may be grocery’s most underrated growth opportunity. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Grocery #Foodservice #RetailTrends #LunchRush #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, unpacks Amazon’s plan to eliminate 30,000 corporate roles as CEO Andy Jassy targets bureaucracy and organizational bloat. Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn explore why this move is about structure... not just AI... and what retail leaders can learn about talent, layers, and operational discipline. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Amazon #RetailLayoffs #RetailLeadership #AIinRetail #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Dollar General’s rapid expansion of same-day delivery and why rural America may be its biggest competitive advantage over Amazon. Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn discuss how physical proximity, store density, and cost structure give Dollar General an edge — and why convenience doesn’t always require cutting-edge tech. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #DollarGeneral #Amazon #LastMileDelivery #RuralRetail #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart’s sweeping leadership reorganization as the retailer reshapes its structure to accelerate AI-driven growth. Chris Walton and guest host Jenn Hahn discuss why Walmart elevated the Chief Growth Officer role, how centralized platforms change accountability, and what this shift signals about the future of retail leadership and execution. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #RetailLeadership #RetailAI #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and guest host Jenn Hahn discussed: Walmart's sweeping leadership changes as new CEO John Furner reorganizes for AI transformation (Source)Dollar General expanding same-day delivery to 17,000+ rural stores to compete with Amazon (Source)Amazon planning 30,000 corporate job cuts—the largest in company history (Source)Traditional grocers stealing lunch customers from quick-service restaurants (Source)American Eagle shuttering Quiet Logistics after a $360 million bet gone wrong (Source) And Jenn Hahn also helped us hand out this month's OmniStar award in partnership with Quorso to Tricia Snider, Divisional VP for Dollar General's Northeast/New England Division. There's all that, plus Netflix binge-prediction AI, rotisserie chicken subscriptions, Harry Styles residencies, and whether Jenn has evolved beyond black coffee. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #WalmartLeadership #DollarGeneral #AmazonLayoffs #GroceryLunch #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailTransformation #LastMileDelivery #RetailInnovation #QuietLogistics #JennHahn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on culture, fashion, and the lighter side of retail. From retro love letters and typewriter nostalgia to celebrity wedding drama, fashion legacy, and Broadway’s Magic Mike Live, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga keep things fast, fun, and unpredictable. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailCulture #PopCulture #OmniTalk #FMI2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Simbe’s launch of Tally 4.0, the most advanced generation of its autonomous shelf-scanning robot. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss why expanded coverage across produce, freezers, and top stock is a game-changer, how real-time shelf data becomes the foundation for the connected store, and why in-store robotics may offer one of the clearest ROIs in retail heading into 2026. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Simbe #Tally40 #RetailRobotics #ConnectedStore #RetailTech #GroceryRetail #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down why entertainment has become retail’s latest buzzword... from Fanatics launching Fanatics Studios to Gap appointing its first-ever Chief Entertainment Officer. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga debate whether retail entertainment is a true growth engine or just modern marketing, why Fanatics’ sports flywheel gives it a massive edge, and whether Gap’s LA-based “fashiontainment” strategy will drive ROI or simply add cost. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Fanatics #Gap #RetailEntertainment #Retailtainment #BrandMarketing #RetailStrategy #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart’s push into trendier, more upscale home goods as it looks to attract higher-income shoppers and take share from Amazon. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss why home is ultimately a price-and-search-driven category, how Walmart’s scale, returns, and Walmart+ advantages change the game, and why selling high-end items may be far less risky than it appears. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Walmart #HomeGoods #RetailStrategy #Ecommerce #RetailTrends #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Kroger’s nationwide rollout of grocery delivery through Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates... putting nearly 2,700 stores on yet another major platform. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss why Kroger is embracing every delivery channel, how this strategy compares to Walmart and Amazon’s owned networks, and whether expanding third-party delivery is a smart hedge in a post-Ocado world or a long-term road to being squeezed. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #Kroger #UberEats #GroceryDelivery #RetailStrategy #OmniChannel #RetailTech #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down OpenAI’s move to begin testing ads on ChatGPT... a major shift in how AI-powered search may monetize. Live from FMI, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga debate whether users will care about ads at all, why UI and buying friction matter more than privacy fears, and what this signals about the escalating battle between OpenAI and Google. They also explore how brands may respond as AI-driven searches continue to convert at higher rates. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #ChatGPT #AIAdvertising #RetailMedia #SearchWars #AgenticCommerce #OmniTalk #FMI2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Recorded live at FMI 2026, Omni Talk Retail hosts Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton wrap up their conference coverage with Benjamin Bond, SVP, Strategy & Client Success at Simbe, from the Simbe booth. In this final interview of the conference, Ben shares how Simbe thinks about long term strategy while working day to day with retailers to ensure value realization at scale. He explains why shelf intelligence succeeds when entire organizations align around the store associate, and how Simbe’s technology helps teams prioritize, act in real time, and run better stores. The conversation goes beyond the robot demo to explore how retailers move from pilot programs to full chain deployments, how CFOs evaluate emerging technology investments, and why shelf data is becoming one of the most foundational datasets in retail. Ben also looks ahead to how Simbe’s platform, AI, and computer vision continue to evolve across grocery and other retail verticals. Key Topics Covered Ben Bond’s role spanning strategy and client success at SimbeEmpowering store associates with real time shelf intelligenceMoving from pilot programs to large scale deploymentsBuilding the business case and ROI for retail roboticsOperating models that drive long term retailer successThe future of computer vision, AI, and multimodal platformsExpanding beyond grocery into additional retail sectors This conversation closes out Omni Talk Retail’s live coverage from FMI 2026, recorded at the Simbe booth. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #Simbe #RetailTechnology #ShelfIntelligence #RetailOperations #StoreExecution #RetailRobotics This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Recorded live at FMI 2026, Omni Talk Retail hosts Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton sit down with Justin Weinstein, EVP, Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer at Giant Eagle, Inc., from the Simbe booth. Justin shares an update on Giant Eagle’s progress since their last conversation, including how the company is reinvesting in stores, sharpening value, and doubling down on fresh and quality across the business. He discusses how Giant Eagle is thinking about store prototypes, department level differentiation, and how trends like GLP 1s are influencing merchandising, space allocation, and customer engagement. The conversation also explores agentic AI in grocery, where the hype is real but still evolving, and why operational rigor, real time insight, and strong partnerships are critical to serving customers when it matters most. Key Topics Covered Progress on Giant Eagle’s growth and reinvestment strategyStore of the future thinking and department differentiationValue, pricing, and promotional focusFresh, protein, and nutrient dense foodsGLP 1s and implications for merchandising and space planningAgentic AI and its role in grocery commerceOperational execution and real time visibility through technology partners For more insights from grocery and retail leaders, continue following Omni Talk Retail’s live coverage from FMI 2026, recorded at the Simbe booth. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #GroceryRetail #GiantEagle #Merchandising #RetailMarketing #FoodRetail #RetailTechnology #Simbe This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Recorded live at FMI 2026, Omni Talk Retail hosts Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton sit down with Alyssa Vescio, Chief Merchandising Officer at The Fresh Market, from the Simbe booth. In this conversation, Alyssa shares her career journey from Target to Whole Foods Market and now The Fresh Market, and how each chapter shaped her approach to merchandising, leadership, and purpose. She discusses why healthy discontent has fueled her career, how purpose driven retail can scale responsibly, and what excites her most about The Fresh Market’s brand, people, and potential as she looks ahead to 2026. The discussion explores how merchandising sits at the center of guest experience, supplier relationships, and long term business impact, especially in food retail where quality, freshness, and human connection matter most. Key Topics Covered Alyssa Vescio’s path from Target and Whole Foods to The Fresh MarketBuilding strong merchandising foundations across disciplinesPurpose driven retail and the stakeholder modelWhy food is a powerful human connectorApproaching the first 90 days in a new leadership roleUnlocking brand love, discovery, and differentiationAccessibility and expanding access to high quality food For more conversations from grocery and retail leaders, continue following Omni Talk Retail’s live coverage from FMI 2026, recorded at the Simbe booth. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #GroceryRetail #Merchandising #FoodRetail #RetailLeadership #TheFreshMarket #Simbe This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Recorded live at FMI 2026 from the Simbe booth, Omni Talk Retail interviewed with Lei Duran, SVP at Lowes Foods, to discuss how a regional grocer is redefining what it means to compete through experience, culture, and guest centricity. In this conversation, Lei shares her career journey across Walmart, agencies, and retail strategy roles, and why she ultimately chose grocery as the most powerful place to build lasting brand preference. She explains how Lowes Foods is blending food, entertainment, and community to create destinations customers are willing to drive past competitors for. The discussion also explores how marketing at Lowes Foods goes beyond campaigns, evolving into a true business transformation strategy that connects data, personalization, in store experience, and long term growth. Key Topics Covered: Creating grocery experiences rooted in culture, community, and entertainmentHow Lowes Foods differentiates through in store moments and human connectionUsing guest data and personalization to inform go to market strategyBalancing creativity, speed, and authenticity in a regional grocery environmentMeasuring success through preference, market share, and customer behavior Stay tuned for more live interviews and insights from Omni Talk Retail at FMI 2026, recorded from the Simbe booth. Stop by booth 118 to say hello and catch the conversations in person. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #GroceryRetail #FoodRetail #RetailMarketing #CustomerExperience #RetailLeadership #Simbe This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 in San Diego at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton connected with Madhav Durbha, Group Vice President of CPG & Manufacturing at RELEX Solutions. Madhav shares a practical and grounded perspective on what it really means to adopt an AI-first mindset in grocery and supply chain organizations. Drawing from his experience working with leading companies, he outlines a portfolio-style approach to AI adoption, balancing proven solutions, emerging use cases, and aspirational moonshots. The conversation emphasizes why people remain at the center of supply chain transformation, even as AI accelerates. Madhav explains why organizations must invest heavily in education, culture, and change management, and why successful AI adoption requires as much unlearning as learning. The discussion also explores how leaders are navigating AI with cautious excitement, filtering hype from reality, and rethinking processes instead of simply automating legacy workflows. Key Topics Covered What an AI-first mindset really looks likeA 70/20/10 framework for AI adoptionWhy people and culture determine AI successFiltering AI hype from real business valueRethinking processes instead of automating themThe role of unlearning in digital transformation Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #ArtificialIntelligence #SupplyChain #RetailTechnology #AIFirst #RELEX #FutureOfRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Live from FMI 2026 in San Diego, Omni Talk Retail’s Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Thom Blischok, Chairman and CEO of The Dialogic Group, at the Simbe booth to discuss why 2026 will be the year retail robotics finally move from pilots to scale. Thom breaks down what’s driving broader adoption of in store robotics, including rising cost to serve, labor productivity pressures, and the growing need to improve shelf execution and shopper experience. He also shares why change management is often the missing piece in successful deployments and what independent grocers must get right to compete with larger retailers. Key topics covered: Why 2026 is the year retail robotics scaleMoving from pilot programs to enterprise deploymentCost to serve, labor productivity, and shelf efficiencyChange management as a critical success factorRobotics, shelf intelligence, and the connected storeHow independent grocers can compete using technologyLessons from Schnucks and other early adopters Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailRobotics #InStoreInnovation #ShelfIntelligence #FutureOfRetail #OmniTalkRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 in San Diego at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga speak with Bruce Burrows, former CIO of Loblaw and Sobeys and current Strategic Advisor at Simbe, about how technology, AI, and shelf intelligence are reshaping grocery retail. Bruce shares his perspective on why retailers should focus on being great retailers, not software developers, and how the buy versus build debate is evolving in an era of AI and private LLMs. The conversation explores where grocery sits on the maturity curve for connected stores, why in store execution is becoming table stakes, and how retailers can use data to drive better decisions across merchandising, supply chain, and store operations. Bruce also outlines a practical crawl, walk, run framework for adopting shelf intelligence, starting with fixing out of stocks and pricing issues, then moving toward smarter merchandising, supply chain integration, and new monetization opportunities. The discussion touches on agentic AI, avoiding solution sprawl, and why mid market grocers are often moving faster than larger enterprises. Key Topics Covered Buy versus build in retail technologyThe role of AI and private LLMs in groceryShelf intelligence and the connected store maturity curveCrawl, walk, run adoption of smart store technologyImproving in stock, pricing accuracy, and executionUsing store data to enhance merchandising and supply chainAgentic AI, solution sprawl, and platform strategyWhy mid market grocers are leading tech adoption Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #RetailTechnology #GroceryRetail #AIinRetail #ShelfIntelligence #SmartStores #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 in San Diego at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Russell Zwanka, Director of the Food Marketing Program at Western Michigan University. Russell shares insights from decades in grocery retail and merchandising, paired with his current role shaping the next generation of industry leaders. The conversation explores how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are entering the workforce, what retailers often misunderstand about younger talent, and why flexibility, culture, and in-person learning still matter. The discussion also dives into AI, agentic commerce, GLP-1 adoption, and how grocery store formats are beginning to diverge. Russell explains why shelf intelligence, human judgment, and operational understanding remain critical, even as automation and AI accelerate across the industry. Key Topics Covered What retailers get right and wrong about Gen Z talentHow AI and agentic commerce are changing food marketingWhy human curation still matters in an AI-driven worldThe growing divide between grocery store formatsHow GLP-1s are influencing shopping behavior and nutritionWhat future grocery careers will look like for students Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #GroceryRetail #FoodMarketing #RetailEducation #AIinRetail #GLP1 #FutureOfGrocery #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga speak with Brad Bogolea, Co-founder and CEO of Simbe, about how shelf intelligence is reshaping store execution and why real-time visibility inside the store is becoming essential for retailers. Brad shares the thinking behind Simbe’s newly announced Tally 4.0, the company’s fourth-generation autonomous inventory robot, and how advancements in battery life, edge compute, and optical sensing are unlocking more frequent store coverage and faster time to value. He explains how real-time shelf data is evolving into predictive intelligence that supports merchandising, replenishment, and forecasting decisions across the retail enterprise. The conversation also explores why shelf intelligence is foundational in an increasingly agentic and AI-driven retail environment, how retailers across geographies are prioritizing physical store data, and what Simbe’s first decade has revealed about building long-term retailer partnerships and scaling innovation in grocery and beyond. Key Topics Covered What’s new in Simbe’s Tally 4.0 platformWhy shelf intelligence is gaining urgency across retailReal-time visibility versus predictive intelligenceHow edge AI and advanced sensing improve store executionThe role of shelf data in merchandising and replenishmentLessons from Simbe’s first 10 years in retail automationWhat the next decade of store intelligence could look like Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth, #118, in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #Simbe #ShelfIntelligence #RetailAutomation #StoreExecution #RetailTechnology #AIinRetail #GroceryRetail #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga speak with Karen Fang Grant, Managing Director and Global Research Lead at Accenture, about how technology, health trends, and AI are reshaping the future of grocery retail. Karen shares how forces like GLP 1 adoption, evolving definitions of health and wellness, and changing consumer expectations are influencing assortment, operations, and enterprise decision making across grocery. The conversation explores why AI is moving from experimentation to execution, how agentic AI and automation are beginning to drive real operational impact, and what retailers must do to scale these technologies responsibly. Karen also discusses why organizational readiness, strong data foundations, and cross functional collaboration matter more than any single technology investment, and what separates retailers successfully deploying AI from those still stuck in pilot mode. Key Topics Covered How GLP 1 and health trends are reshaping grocery retail strategyThe evolving role of AI and automation in retail operationsWhy agentic AI represents the next phase of enterprise transformationMoving from AI pilots to scalable, real world impactThe importance of data readiness and organizational alignmentHow retailers can responsibly adopt AI while maintaining trustWhat grocery leaders should prioritize heading into 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #Accenture #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthAndWellness #RetailLeadership #DigitalTransformation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga speak with Julian Mintz, VP of Sales at Albertsons Media Collective, about how retail media is evolving and what brands are looking for next. Julian shares how Albertsons Media Collective is leveraging national scale, local banner strength, and true omnichannel reach to help brands connect with shoppers from the couch all the way to checkout. The conversation explores why in store media is moving into the spotlight, how measurement and closed loop attribution are shaping brand confidence, and what it takes to align media, merchandising, and promotion into a single strategy. Julian also discusses how Albertsons works with CPG partners to break down silos between traditional media, shopper marketing, and retail media, and why education and internal collaboration are critical to driving unit sales and long term growth. Key Topics Covered What differentiates Albertsons Media Collective in a crowded retail media landscapeHow Albertsons defines true omnichannel reachWhy in store media is still early but gaining momentum fastThe role of measurement and closed loop attribution in brand adoptionAligning media, merchandising, and promotion for better outcomesBreaking down silos between brand, agency, and shopper budgetsHow technology enables precision across banners and demographics Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, recorded live from the Simbe booth in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #AlbertsonsMediaCollective #RetailMedia #InStoreMedia #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #Omnichannel #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Brian Monahan, SVP of Albertsons Media Collective, to discuss how retail media is evolving and why in store media is emerging as the next major growth frontier. Brian shares his background across Walmart, Pinterest, Dentsu, and now Albertsons, and explains why retail media is far from a bubble. The conversation explores how first party data, authenticated shoppers, and trip based insights are reshaping how brands measure performance and drive growth across grocery retail. The discussion also dives into Albertsons Media Collective approach to collective growth, the competitive realities of operating as a challenger retail media network, and why local banner equity creates differentiated value for brand partners. Brian outlines why in store media represents the third leg of the retail media stool and how connecting the shopper journey from couch to checkout will define the next phase of retail media innovation heading into 2026. Key Topics Covered How retail media is evolving beyond sponsored adsWhy first party data and authenticated shoppers matterThe role of trip based insights in driving brand growthAlbertsons Media Collective approach to collective growthCompeting as a challenger retail media networkWhy in store media is the next major retail media unlockConnecting off site, on site, and in store media touchpointsWhere in store media stands on the adoption curve heading into 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, and be sure to visit the Simbe booth, #118, in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #Albertsons #RetailMedia #InStoreMedia #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from FMI 2026 at the Simbe booth, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Tim Horton, Vice President of Center Store at Schnucks, to discuss how center store strategy is evolving as consumer health trends, technology, and store execution continue to collide. Tim shares his personal journey growing up in the grocery business and why center store remains a critical frontier for physical retail. The conversation explores how trends like GLP 1 adoption, higher protein demand, and changing definitions of health and wellness are reshaping assortment decisions, space allocation, and the in store experience. The discussion also dives into Schnucks approach to store technology, including electronic shelf labels and robotic scanning, and how these tools are being used to improve execution, compliance, and customer facing service without removing labor from stores. Tim outlines how data, digital engagement, and shelf level personalization will play a growing role as Schnucks looks ahead to 2026. Key Topics Covered How center store is changing amid GLP 1 and health focused consumer trendsBalancing space changes with customer trust and shopping habitsSchnucks approach to technology, including electronic shelf labels and roboticsUsing data and automation to improve merchandising executionElevating health and wellness categories in center storeThe role of digital and personalization in supporting in store discoveryPriorities for Schnucks center store strategy heading into 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from FMI 2026, and be sure to visit the Simbe booth, #118, in the FMI Tech section. #FMI2026 #Schnucks #CenterStore #GroceryRetail #RetailTechnology #HealthAndWellness #StoreExecution #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and Anne discussed: ChatGPT beginning to test ads for logged-in users (Source)Kroger launching on Uber nationwide across 2,700 stores (Source)Walmart leaning into trendier, upscale home goods (Source)Fanatics launching an entertainment studio while Gap creates a Chief Entertainment Officer role (Source)Simbe unveiling Tally 4.0 with advanced AI capabilities (Source) There's all that, plus graduation speech confessions, Magic Mike on Broadway, and whether Victoria Beckham should've hijacked her son's first dance. P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Apple Podcasts and on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #ChatGPTAds #WalmartHome #RetailTech #FanaticsStudio #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #SimbeTally #RetailInnovation #KrogerUber This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives, host Chris Walton sits down with Kim Baudry, Market Development Director at Dematic, to unpack why 2025 wasn’t a year of transformation for retail. It was a year of survival. Despite continued investment in automation and analytics, many retailers are more cautious than ever. Inventory levels are rising. Capital spending is slowing. And behind the scenes, fear, not strategy, is driving decisions. Kim calls 2025 a “vanilla” year. Stable on the surface, but defined by hesitation, uncertainty, and defensive plays. This episode breaks down where retail supply chains are stalling, why flexibility has replaced scale as the priority, and how labor inefficiencies and planning blind spots are quietly draining performance across warehouses and distribution networks. Key Topics covered: • Why 2025 became a “vanilla” year for retail investment • How fear and geopolitical uncertainty are driving excess inventory • Why just in time has quietly become just in case • The hidden cost of warehouse labor tied up in spreadsheets and planning • Why big bang automation is stalling and what is getting funded • The rise of flexible, brownfield friendly automation strategies • Robots as a Service and SaaS as lower risk entry points • Why AI and agentic decisioning may impact warehouses faster than any other function • What retailers must do to move from survival mode to strategic progress 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more brutally honest conversations about retail, supply chain, and the technology reshaping how work actually gets done. Music by hooksounds.com #ConfessionsOfASupplyChainExecutive #SupplyChain #RetailSupplyChain #Retail2025 #SupplyChainStrategy #WarehouseOperations #InventoryManagement #WarehouseAutomation #AIInSupplyChain #RetailTechnology #LogisticsInnovation #Dematic #SupplyChainPodcast *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight episode, Amy Vener, Global Retail & Consumer Goods Marketing Director for Commercial Cloud & AI at Microsoft, joins Omni Talk to unpack the main takeaways from NRF and where retailers should focus next as agentic commerce moves from theory to execution. Drawing on her experience across Walmart, Pinterest, and Microsoft, Amy shares how retailers are shifting away from AI hype and toward real, measurable outcomes. From conversational shopping agents and merchandising insights to connected stores and cultural readiness, this episode breaks down how retailers can drive real return on intelligence in 2026 and beyond. If you’re trying to figure out where AI fits into your merchandising, marketing, store operations, or supply chain strategy (and how to start without boiling the ocean), this conversation is for you. Key Topics covered: • 00:03:08 – Why “what problem are you trying to solve?” still matters more than the tech • 00:07:34 – Agentic commerce use cases across marketing, merchandising, and operations • 00:15:50 – How conversational data is influencing assortment and product development • 00:10:01 – The role of connected stores and digital twins in retail decision-making • 00:09:09 / 00:19:58 – Lessons from brands like Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Cola • 00:23:07 – Why culture and team readiness are critical to AI adoption • 00:25:42 – How retailers should engage Microsoft to drive faster business impact 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #retailtech #retailAI #agenticcommerce #connectedstore #Microsoft #NRF #retailinnovation #omnitalk #retailpodcast #digitaltransformation Sponsored Content This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment of the OmniTalk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire takes on grocery trends, pop culture, and the lighter side of retail. From banana water and dirty sodas to drone birthday deliveries and Golden Globes hot takes, Chris, and Anne, keep things fast, fun, and unpredictable. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailCulture #OmniTalk #NRF2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Walmart’s expansion of drone delivery with Wing to 270 U.S. stores. Chris and Anne discuss why drones finally make sense, how Walmart is attacking the convenience economy, and why this move signals that fast, airborne delivery is no longer experimental. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #DroneDelivery #Walmart #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, covers growing backlash from small brands after Amazon’s Buy for Me feature listed products without permission. Chris and Anne debate opt-in versus opt-out models, brand control in the age of agentic AI, and whether this controversy is a temporary growing pain or a sign of bigger issues ahead. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #AmazonAI #Ecommerce #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Circle K’s expansion of Quorso’s intelligent management platform across more than 7,800 U.S. stores. Chris and Anne explain why turning data into daily action is mission-critical, how AI improves store-level execution, and why this partnership stood out at NRF 2026. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #RetailExecution #AIinRetail #CircleK #Quorso #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Google’s launch of its Universal Commerce Protocol... a major step toward standardizing agentic commerce. Chris and Anne discuss why retailer support matters, how this impacts ownership of the customer relationship, and whether Google is protecting search or positioning itself as the ultimate personal shopping assistant. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #GoogleCommerce #AgenticAI #RetailTech #OmniTalk #NRF2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This OmniTalk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Amazon’s plan to build a massive 225,000-square-foot retail store in Illinois... its most ambitious physical retail experiment yet. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga debate whether Amazon can truly compete with Walmart’s supercenter model, what past Amazon store failures signal, and whether this move represents a final experiment or a much bigger long-term strategy. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here. #BrickAndMortar #Walmart #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and Anne discussed: Amazon's plans to build a 225,000 square foot retail store in Orland Park, Illinois (Source) Google's launch of a Universal Commerce Protocol with backing from major retailers (Source) Circle K expanding its partnership with Corso to over 7,800 US locations (Source) Small merchants upset over Amazon's Buy for Me AI feature listing products without permission (Source) Walmart and Wing scaling drone delivery to 270 stores by 2027 (Source) And Ulta Beauty's SVP of Digital and E-Commerce, Josh Friedman, also stopped by to share five insightful minutes about Ulta's marketplace plans. There's all that, plus banana water, birthday drone deliveries, and why Chris thinks Amazon's supercenter concept might be their last retail experiment. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #GoogleUCP #AmazonRetail #WalmartDrones #AgenticCommerce #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #CircleK #UltaBeauty #RetailTech #DroneDelivery #RetailInnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Jacob Tveraabak, Group Chief Executive Officer of StrongPoint, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how in-store order picking, grocery efficiency, and store-based fulfillment are becoming critical to profitable grocery ecommerce. Jacob explains why grocery presents a fundamentally different operational challenge than other retail categories, driven by high item velocity, low margins, and large basket sizes. Drawing on StrongPoint’s Scandinavian roots, he shares how high labor costs have forced retailers to engineer ultra-efficient picking solutions and why those lessons are increasingly relevant for U.S. grocers. Key Topics Covered: Why grocery order picking requires a fundamentally different technology approachHow labor costs drive efficiency and innovation in Scandinavian retailThe role of in-store picking in profitable grocery ecommerceStore-based fulfillment vs centralized fulfillment centersIntegrating order picking with shelf visibility and store dataReducing substitution, mis-picks, and wasted laborHow connected store infrastructure improves execution at scaleWhy stores are becoming the backbone of future grocery fulfillment Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail’s live coverage from NRF 2026, and thank you to our listeners for tuning in throughout the week. #NRF2026 #StrongPoint #GroceryRetail #OrderPicking #StoreBasedFulfillment #RetailOperations #ConnectedStores #RetailTechnology #OmniTalkRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Martin Bailie, Senior Advisor at Vusion, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why the execution gap has become the biggest risk facing retailers in 2026. As retailers invest heavily in AI, data platforms, and digital transformation, many are discovering that strategy alone does not drive results. Martin breaks down why execution at store level, not vision decks or pilot programs, determines whether technology delivers real P & L impact. From disconnected systems and poor data quality to organizational silos and change management challenges, this conversation examines why retailers struggle to move from ideas to outcomes. Key Topics Covered: • Why the execution gap is now retail’s biggest competitive risk • The difference between strategy, pilots, and scalable execution • How disconnected store systems undermine AI and analytics investments • Why data quality and real time visibility matter more than new tools • The role of connected store platforms in driving consistent execution • Organizational barriers that prevent technology from delivering value • How retailers can align store operations, IT, and leadership priorities • Turning technology investments into measurable P & L results • What retailers must do in 2026 to avoid permanent execution debt Stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello! #NRF2026 #RetailExecution #ConnectedStores #RetailTechnology #RetailAI #StoreOperations #Vusion #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how Costco is building its retail media business in a way that stays true to its culture, values, and member-first philosophy. Mark shares how Costco’s retail media organization has evolved over the past year, including major investments in people, data infrastructure, and foundational capabilities designed to support personalization at scale. Rather than prioritizing short-term monetization, Costco is intentionally building a retail media platform that serves its broader member communication and personalization strategy. Looking ahead to 2026, Mark outlines upcoming product launches including a new clean room, expanded offsite media measurement, search and shopping integrations, and a rebuilt onsite ad server designed to connect identity, data, and in-warehouse sales outcomes. The discussion closes with a look at how Costco views scan-and-go style experiences, warehouse mode, and the role of the app as a one-to-one personalization channel. Key Topics covered:How Costco’s retail media business has evolved since NRF 2025What it means to build retail media “the Costco way”Hiring from within and preserving Costco culture at scaleWhy retail media is subordinated to member communication strategyThe role of AI in delivering personalization across 135 million membersWhy data readiness is the foundation for scalable retail mediaBalancing national brands and Kirkland Signature within retail mediaClean rooms, offsite measurement, and growing advertiser expectationsNew search, shopping, and onsite ad server capabilities for 2026How Costco thinks about scan-and-go, warehouse mode, and the member app Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Costco #RetailMedia #RetailTechnology #Personalization #RetailAI #OmnichannelRetail #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026, Mike Wier, Vice President of Store Brands at CVS, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how CVS is rethinking private brands as a core growth engine across health, wellness, and everyday convenience. Mike explains what it means to run store brands like a “mini CEO,” overseeing product development, sourcing, branding, and growth across a 9,000-store footprint. With most CVS customers shopping quick, mission-driven trips, the conversation focuses on how simplicity, clarity, and trust at the shelf are shaping CVS’s private brand strategy. Looking ahead, Mike outlines his vision for CVS private brands evolving beyond the store, becoming trusted consumer brands that extend outside of CVS’s four walls and operate more like modern CPG companies. Key Topics Covered: What it means to lead private brands as a “mini CEO” inside CVSWhy CVS simplified dozens of brands into a focused brand portfolioHow short, mission-driven trips shape private brand strategyRepositioning the CVS brand for health, wellness, and trustPackaging simplification and shelf clarity as competitive advantagesCompeting with national brands in wellness and everyday essentialsWhy CVS private brands may expand beyond CVS storesHow private brands are becoming long-term growth platforms Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail’s NRF 2026 coverage, and thank you to our listeners for following along throughout the show. #NRF2026 #CVS #PrivateBrands #StoreBrands #RetailStrategy #HealthAndWellness #RetailBranding #RetailInnovation #OmniTalkRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Mary Beth Laughton, President and CEO of REI, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss her first year leading the iconic outdoor co-op and the priorities shaping REI’s next chapter. Mary Beth reflects on stepping into the role during a pivotal moment for the business, balancing retail fundamentals with innovation while staying deeply rooted in REI’s mission and values. She shares how REI is sharpening its customer focus around what the company calls the “Outdoor Evangelist” and why community, trust, and human expertise remain core differentiators in an increasingly digital retail world. Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines REI’s focus on reinventing its membership program, strengthening emotional loyalty, expanding partnerships like its new collaboration with Intrepid Travel, and continuing to elevate service and assortment for a rapidly changing outdoor consumer. Key Topics covered:Mary Beth Laughton’s first year as CEO of REIHow REI defines and serves the “Outdoor Evangelist” customerWhy customer-centric decision-making is embedded into REI’s cultureHoliday performance, gifting growth, and the rise of experience-led shoppingThe role of membership in driving long-term loyalty at REIWhy AI is becoming table stakes, not a retail differentiatorBlending human expertise with technology through REI’s green vestsReinventing loyalty to be emotional, not just transactionalNew partnerships and experiences shaping REI’s futureWhat excites REI most about the road ahead in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #REI #RetailLeadership #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #Membership #Loyalty #OmnichannelRetail #RetailAI #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Aimee Bayer Thomas, Chief Retail Officer at Ulta Beauty, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why physical stores remain the foundation of Ulta’s omnichannel strategy and how experiences are becoming a powerful growth driver in beauty retail. Overseeing more than 1,500 stores and 60,000 associates, Aimee shares how Ulta Beauty is scaling experiential retail through services, technology, and one of the industry’s most ambitious event strategies. From salons and beauty services to birthday parties, brand-led activations, and Ulta Beauty World, she explains how Ulta executed more than 80,000 in-store events and why guests increasingly come in pairs and groups to discover, play, and connect. Key Topics covered:What the Chief Retail Officer role covers at Ulta Beauty Why Ulta believes stores are still central to omnichannel retail How beauty services like salons, brows, and piercings create differentiation The strategy behind executing 80,000 plus in-store events Scaling experiential retail without creating noise or inconsistency How Ulta partners with brands to deliver high-touch experiences The role of technology and the Ulta app in discovery and store engagement Why guests shop beauty experiences in pairs and groups Birthday parties, celebrity events, and Ulta Beauty World as loyalty drivers Balancing centralized event governance with local store execution Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #UltaBeauty #ExperientialRetail #OmnichannelRetail #RetailLeadership #StoreExperience #RetailInnovation #BeautyRetail #CustomerExperience #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this OmniTalk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion podcast studio, Ankur Mittal, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director of Lowe’s India, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why Lowe’s is commercializing its internal retail technology and what that means for the future of point of sale and omnichannel retail. Ankur shares how Lowe’s India supports more than 5,000 associates across core corporate and technology functions, and why the company decided to launch a SaaS offshoot to bring its internally built POS platform to market. From hardware-agnostic design and AI-driven capabilities to modular, plug-and-play architecture, this conversation breaks down how modern POS systems are evolving into the backbone of omnichannel retail. The discussion also explores why mid-sized retailers are responding strongly to flexible, software-first POS solutions, how long POS change cycles have held retailers back, and why true omnichannel requires shared item, pricing, promotion, and inventory data across every channel. Key Topics covered: Why Lowe’s decided to commercialize its internally built retail softwarePoint of sale as the heart of omnichannel retailHardware-agnostic POS and why it matters for retailersAI-driven capabilities including shrink identificationModular commerce architecture and plug-and-play systemsHow mid-sized retailers can modernize POS without big-bang upgradesPOS stability, speed, and operational reliabilityWhat true omnichannel really means beyond BOPISLowe’s roadmap for POS, commerce engines, and enterprise platforms in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #OmniTalkRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #PointOfSale #OmnichannelRetail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in New York, Emily Erusha-Hilleque, SVP of Private Brands at Macy’s and an OmniStar of 2025, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how private brands are becoming a core growth driver for modern retailers. Emily shares how Macy’s is evolving its private brand portfolio to meet the needs of a multi generational, value conscious customer while delivering inspiration, quality, and relevance at scale. From filling white space across the brand matrix to launching new brands and elevating existing ones, this conversation explores what it takes to build private brands customers truly buy into. The discussion also covers how Macy’s is using collaborations and experiential retail to create cultural moments, including the recent Inc. partnership with Christian Siriano, as well as how AI is supporting storytelling, personalization, and basket growth across Macy’s private brand ecosystem. Key Topics covered: • Why private brands are central to Macy’s long term growth strategy • How Macy’s serves a multi generational and value conscious customer • The role of private brands in driving loyalty and lifetime value • How private brands fill white space across Macy’s brand portfolio • Collaborations as a growth engine for private brands • The Inc. partnership with Christian Siriano and experiential retail moments • Making fashion and design more accessible through private brands • How AI supports brand storytelling, personalization, and selective selling • Raising basket size and customer engagement with private brands • What to expect from Macy’s private brand strategy in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026. #NRF2026 #PrivateBrands #RetailStrategy #RetailInnovation #RetailAI #CustomerExperience #Macys #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to break down how physical AI, smart carts, and connected store platforms are reshaping retail operations and customer relationships in 2026. As retailer boards demand real AI strategies, Instacart is positioning connected stores as a long-term competitive advantage. David explains how solutions like Caper smart carts, Store View, digital shelves, and agentic analytics work together to deliver personalization, basket lift, and operational efficiency at scale. From edge-based AI running inside stores to unifying online and in-store journeys, this conversation explores why retailers must own physical data to avoid disintermediation by hyperscalers. Key Topics covered: What a Chief Connected Stores Officer actually oversees at InstacartWhy AI strategy is now a board-level mandate for retailersThe difference between cloud AI and physical AI in storesHow Caper smart carts use edge computing and real-time dataDouble-digit basket lift and measurable retailer value from connected storesWhy checkout automation is really about reducing work, not skipping linesHow personalization, coupons, and gamification drive customer engagementUsing sensor fusion and shelf data to improve in-stocks and executionAvoiding technology sprawl with integrated connected store platformsGlobal expansion plans for Instacart’s enterprise retail technologyThe future of unified online and in-store shopping experiences Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Instacart #ConnectedStores #PhysicalAI #RetailAI #SmartCarts #OmnichannelRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Julie Barber, EVP and Chief Merchant at Sam’s Club, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain how merchandising, data, and agentic AI are reshaping assortment strategy, fresh food execution, and member value in 2026. With more than 20 years at Walmart Inc. and deep experience across grocery, health, general merchandise, and services, Julie shares how Sam’s Club is balancing intentional, value-driven shopping with surprise and delight experiences that keep members engaged. From Scan & Go insights and real-time inventory visibility to agentic AI-powered assortment decisions, this conversation breaks down how modern merchants blend art and science at scale. Key Topics covered: What surprised Sam’s Club merchants about member behavior in 2025Why intentional shopping and surprise and delight coexistHow Scan & Go data is changing assortment and adjacency decisionsUsing connected store signals to improve inventory accuracyThe role of scrubbers, real-time data, and floor executionHow Sam’s Club approaches fresh food, protein trends, and home meal solutionsMember’s Mark and the removal of artificial colors and ingredientsApplying agentic AI to assortment planning and localizationHow AI speeds decisions from weeks to minutesTurning AI-driven efficiency into better in-stocks, lower costs, and member value Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #SamsClub #Merchandising #RetailAI #AgenticAI #ConnectedStore #RetailInnovation #MembersMark #OmniTalk #RetailLeadership This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at Vusion’s booth, Todd Garner, Chief Product Officer at Sam’s Club, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to share how Scan & Go has become a defining pillar of the Sam’s Club member experience and what’s coming next as agentic AI reshapes shopping. With Scan & Go now approaching 40% member adoption and nearing its 10-year anniversary, Sam’s Club is using its limited SKU, membership-based model to reduce friction, shorten the distance between intent and purchase, and unlock new personalized, agent-driven experiences. Todd explains why mobile-first shopping, curated assortments, and AI-powered insights give Sam’s Club a unique advantage and how all of it ladders back to engagement, renewal, and loyalty. Key Topics covered: Scan & Go nearing 40% adoption and what’s driving member usageWhy membership engagement and renewal matter more than individual feature metricsHow Scan & Go fits into a broader frictionless shopping ecosystemWhy limited SKUs make agentic shopping more powerful, not lessUsing mobile-first experiences to shorten intent-to-purchaseThe role of AI in merchandising, discovery, and personalized insightsHow Sam’s Club thinks about product, associate tools, and member experience togetherWhat Todd is most excited to deliver next as Scan & Go approaches its 10-year milestone Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #SamsClub #ScanAndGo #RetailAI #AgenticAI #MembershipRetail #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk #RetailInnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at Vusion's booth, Jim Norred, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Vusion, and Gina Ayala Claxton, CVP of U.S. Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft, join Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why connected stores are quickly becoming a P&L priority for retailers in 2026. As margin pressure, labor constraints, and ecommerce fulfillment demands intensify, retailers are being forced to connect store infrastructure, data, and AI to drive faster, more accurate decisions. From Bluetooth-enabled connectivity and real-time shelf availability to agentic AI, data readiness, and governance at scale, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to modernize stores without creating costly “science projects.” Key Topics covered: Why ecommerce picking accuracy is accelerating connected store adoptionOperational vs. marketing-led drivers of connected store investmentsThe anatomy of a connected store: BLE, data, and AIWhy Bluetooth is emerging as the heartbeat of in-store connectivityAgentic AI, observability, and speeding decisions from signal to executionPlatform vs. point solutions and how retailers avoid technology sprawlGovernance, security, and scaling AI across thousands of storesHow retailers are prioritizing initiatives with measurable P&L impactTurning connected store investments into loyalty, efficiency, and ROI Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #ConnectedStore #RetailTechnology #RetailAI #OmnichannelRetail #StoreOperations #VusionGroup #Microsoft #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion podcast studio, Mark Propes from Vusion and Art Miller from Qualcomm reveal how their partnership is enabling "detect and connect" capabilities that transform physical retail into personalized experiences, and why retailers still testing need to operationalize now before the gap becomes permanent. From edge computing that processes 4K video locally instead of streaming to the cloud, to closed-loop attribution tracking customer intent in real-time physical space, Mark and Art break down the multimodal signal taxonomy (RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, vision) powering connected stores. They share insights on why scanning barcodes continuously creates data-poor environments, how agentic AI creates new doorways into physical stores, and the precision needed for sub-30 minute delivery promises. If you've wondered what detect and connect actually means beyond buzzwords, this conversation delivers the technical foundation and business applications. 🔑 Topics covered: -Detect and connect: the foundation of connected stores explained -Edge computing vs. cloud: why streaming 4K video to cloud makes no sense -Distributed compute: processing where decisions need to be made -Multimodal signal taxonomy: RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, vision working together -Closed-loop attribution in physical retail for the first time -SKU-level visibility with CVAI cameras attached to shelf edge -Real-time customer intent tracking and personalized engagement -"Physical online experience" - tracking dwell time like web pages -Agentic AI as new doorway into physical stores -Operationalize vs. test: the permanent gap warning returns -Sub-30 minute delivery precision requirements -Soft payment implementation without dedicated card readers -Standards-based implementations for reliability and scalability 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #connectedstore #edgecomputing #vusion #qualcomm #retailtech #omnitalk #detectandconnect #retailinnovation #edgeai #physicalretail #retailtechnology #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Neelima Sharma, SVP of Ecommerce and Omnichannel Product & Technology, and Joe Cano, SVP of Digital at Lowe’s, join Omni Talk Retail live from NRF 2026 to unpack how the retailer is personalizing the home improvement journey across digital and physical channels. Recorded live from Vusion's Podcast Studio at NRF 2026, this conversation explores how Lowe’s “digital twins” partner across technology and strategy to meet customers wherever their shopping journey begins. This interview covers: • How Lowe’s personalizes ecommerce for both Pro and DIY customers • Why 80% of Lowe’s in-store sales start online • The role of AI in search, discovery, and conversational commerce with Milo • How Lowe’s uses customer context, home data, and intent to curate experiences • The expanded Google partnership and Lowe’s new business agent • Why endless scrolling is giving way to curated, problem-solving journeys • Connecting digital discovery to in-store execution at scale • Measuring personalization through conversion, LTV, and long-term engagement With nearly two decades of combined leadership at Lowe’s, Sharma and Cano share how AI, omnichannel thinking, and deep cross-team collaboration are shaping the future of personalized retail — and why trust, context, and execution matter more than ever. Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, or stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Lowes #OmnichannelRetail #RetailAI #Personalization #Ecommerce #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion podcast studio, Josh Friedman, SVP of Digital and E-Commerce at Ulta Beauty, reveals how the company's invite-only marketplace strategy is delivering results that exceed expectations, and why they're already graduating digital sellers into brick-and-mortar stores. From the "digital mezzanine" concept that extends beyond traditional beauty categories to in-store returns for all marketplace items, Josh breaks down how Ulta maintains brand authenticity while exploring wellness, grooming, and beauty tech. He shares insights on launching before holiday peak freeze, why 99% of marketplace brands are actively selling, return rates well below expectations, and the strategic test-and-learn approach that's moving successful marketplace sellers into physical stores. If you've wondered how to launch a marketplace that protects brand integrity while driving growth, this conversation delivers the blueprint. 🔑 Topics covered: -The "digital mezzanine" strategy: expanding beyond the physical store floor -Why Ulta chose invite-only vs. open marketplace model -150 brands strong in adjacent categories (wellness, grooming, beauty tech) -Protecting authenticity: no diversion, no distributors, only invited brands -Launching before holiday peak freeze: planning and execution -In-store returns for all marketplace items across every location -99% of marketplace brands actively selling and moving inventory -Return rates well below expectations -Test-and-learn approach: graduating marketplace sellers to brick-and-mortar -Balancing speed vs. standards in marketplace expansion 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights! #ultabeauty #marketplace #retailstrategy #ecommerce #omnitalk #beautyretail #retailinnovation #digitalmezzanine #marketplacestrategy #omnichannel #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion podcast studio, Greg Cathey, SVP of Digital Fulfillment Transformation at Walmart, reveals how customer demand is driving the company's massive drone delivery expansion to 270+ stores coast-to-coast and why everyone, not just one demographic, is using the service. From dynamic delivery windows (25-45 minutes instead of static promises) to surprising use cases like fur baby treats and birthday party surprise-and-delight moments, Greg breaks down how Walmart is using AI for routing in sub-4,000 population Texas towns and intelligent substitutions. He shares insights on environmental benefits of taking vehicles off Atlanta roads, why mayors are requesting the technology for their cities, and how proximity remains Walmart's superpower serving 90% of the US population within 10 miles. If you've wondered what purposeful drone delivery looks like at scale, this conversation delivers the real-world data. 🔑 Topics covered: -270+ stores getting drone delivery: Dallas to Miami to LA (coast-to-coast program) -Wing partnership expansion announced with Google/Alphabet -Customer demand driving expansion: "When is it coming to my neighborhood?" -Dynamic delivery windows: 25-45 minutes vs. static 1-hour promises -Use cases: forgotten items, childcare essentials, pet treats, birthday surprise & delight -All demographics using drones (not just one cohort) -Environmental benefits: removing vehicles from congested metro roads -AI-powered routing reaching sub-4,000 population -Texas towns with sub-30 minute delivery -AI substitutions when items unavailable 95% of country covered with 3-hour or less delivery -Proximity superpower: stores within 10 miles of 90% of US population -Rising customer expectations across ALL demographics (everyone is time-starved) 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights! #walmart #dronedelivery #retailfulfillment #walmartplus #omnitalk #retailtech #wingdelivery #lastmile #retailinnovation #airetail #dronetech #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion Podcast studio, Angie Brown, Chief Information Officer at Home Depot, reveals how 27 years with one company positions her to witness retail's transformation from mobile to e-commerce to AI and why waiting on agentic commerce is not an option. From announcing an expanded Google partnership with Gemini rollout to piloting Magic Apron agents in physical stores, Angie breaks down how AI is solving problems Home Depot couldn't tackle before. She shares insights on accelerating software development cycles, why five-year plans no longer work, delivery routing intelligence that accounts for gates and narrow roads, and the strategic bet on learning agentic commerce across multiple partner platforms simultaneously. If you've wondered what purposeful AI deployment looks like at retail scale, this is your roadmap from one of home improvement's top technology leaders. 🔑 Topics covered: -27-year journey at Home Depot: from entry-level developer to CIO -Why "five-year plans don't work anymore" in retail technology -Google partnership expansion: Gemini, Magic Apron, delivery routing intelligence -AI's impact on software development: ideation to implementation speed gains -Magic Apron evolution: from website tool to in-store pilot agent -Agentic commerce strategy: learning on Home Depot properties AND discovery platforms -Call center AI extending to store-level phone experiences -Delivery routing using AI to predict gates, narrow roads, and success likelihood -Pro customer focus: digital project lists powered by generative AI -Why this is "not a time to sit back and wait" on agentic commerce 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #homedepot #retailai #agenticcommerce #googlegemini #retailtech #omnitalk #retailinnovation #magicapron #retailleadership #airetail #procustomer #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode recorded live from NRF in the Vusion podcast studio, Mark Propes, Chief Business Development Officer at Vusion, and Julian Mills, CEO of Quorso, break down what the connected store actually means beyond the buzzwords and why 2026 is the year retailers risk creating a permanent gap if they don't operationalize this technology. From digitizing the shelf as a data platform to intelligent task management that tells associates exactly what to do at 9 AM Monday morning, Mark and Julian reveal how the connected store eliminates wasted labor spent finding problems. They share insights on exception-based work, the Circle K global rollout across 14 countries and thousands of stores, and why retailers need to stop misallocating labor on tasks nobody knows add value. If you've wondered how connected store technology actually works in practice, this conversation delivers the blueprint. 🔑 Topics covered: -What "connected store" really means: the shelf as a data platform -Live spatial and static data replacing the retail "black box" -Task Delight, Stock Delight, Pick Delight technologies with light-based guidance -How Quorso triages signals to prioritize the five things associates should do now -Circle K announcement: 14 countries, 12,000 stores going live with intelligent management -Why retailers misallocate labor to problem-finding instead of problem-solving -Exception-based work vs. walking around checking planograms five times -The permanent gap risk for retailers who only experiment vs. operationalize -New connected store report collaboration (Vusion, Quorso, Relex, Microsoft) 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #connectedstore #retailtech #vusion #quorso #taskmanagement #retailinnovation #omnitalk #circlek #retailautomation #smartstores #retailoperations #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, Vipul Chawla, CEO of Singapore's FairPrice Group, reveals how their "Store of Tomorrow" has eliminated four critical friction points and delivered jaw-dropping results. From smart shopping trolleys that auto-generate your list to Vision AI that learns unusual patterns without programming, Vipul breaks down how omnichannel retail innovation drives an 70-80% increase in basket size and 82% self-checkout adoption. He shares insights on frictionless experiences, AI-powered store management tools, endless aisle integration, and why even senior customers are embracing these technologies. If you've ever wondered what purposeful retail innovation looks like at scale, this interview is for you! 🔑 Topics covered: - The four customer friction points killing grocery basket size Smart shopping trolleys with personalized navigation and recommendations - How electronic shelf labels guide customers to products and offers Vision AI that detected shoplifting without being programmed for it 70 -80% basket size increase and 82% self-checkout adoption rates -Grocer Genie: AI-powered store management on smartphones - Endless aisle strategy connecting physical stores to digital inventory -Why 31% of labor hours at cashiering can be redeployed elsewhere Scaling innovation across nine retail banners in 2026 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #retailinnovation #smartstores #retailai #grocerytech #omnitalk #singaporeretail #visionai #frictionlessretail #retailtech #fairpricegroup #storeoftomorrow #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us live from NRF's Big Show from the Vusion podcast studio to break down what's really happening in retail right now. From consumer resilience to affordability pressures, Matt reveals the dual forces shaping 2025's surprisingly strong performance and what that means for 2026. He shares exclusive insights on holiday season results, policy challenges retailers navigated, and why AI is becoming the ultimate force multiplier for businesses of all sizes. Plus, Matt drops a bold prediction about transformation, partnerships, and alliances coming in 2026 that nobody's talking about yet. 🔑 Topics covered: - Consumer resilience vs. affordability: the retail paradox of 2025 - Exclusive preview of December CNBC NRF retail monitor results - How retailers navigated tariffs, tax reform, and policy uncertainty - Why AI technology is the great equalizer for small and large retailers - Matt's bold 2026 prediction about retail transformations and partnerships - The power of events like NRF Big Show for industry learning and connection 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail insights! #nrf #retailindustry #matthewshay #retailtech #consumertrends #omnitalk #retailai #nrfbigshow #retailinnovation #retailleadership #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, features Chris and Anne closing out the show with rapid-fire takes on the lighter (and weirder) side of retail and culture. The conversation jumps from LEGO’s smart brick ambitions to the rise of toxic mom groups online, plus the internet’s obsession with five-gallon popcorn buckets. Chris and Anne also weigh in on whether the Stranger Things finale deserves a do-over because no Lightning Round is complete without a strong pop culture opinion. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #RetailCulture #PopCulture #ConsumerTrends #StrangerThings #LEGO This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Schnucks’ reported 100% success rate stopping gift card fraud using Digimarc technology. Chris and Anne explain why gift card fraud is exploding, why this solution actually works, and what other retailers can learn from Schnucks’ approach. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #GiftCardFraud #RetailSecurity #Digimarc #Schnucks #RetailTech #FraudPrevention #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at Save Mart’s rollout of Amazon Returns kiosks across more than 140 stores. Chris and Anne discuss what returns-as-traffic really means for grocers, whether this partnership helps or hurts store economics, and how physical retail keeps getting pulled deeper into Amazon’s ecosystem. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #SaveMart #AmazonReturns #RetailPartnerships #BrickAndMortar #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, the team unpacks Amazon’s integration of instant meal shopping into browser-based Alexa+. Chris and Anne debate whether this is true convenience or just more friction hiding behind AI, and what it signals about Amazon’s long-term grocery and agentic commerce ambitions. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Amazon #AlexaPlus #AIShopping #MealPlanning #GroceryTech #AgenticCommerce #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This clip from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Kroger’s new discount initiative for SNAP recipients. Chris and Anne discuss why affordability strategies matter more than ever, how grocers are approaching value differently, and whether programs like this can drive both loyalty and impact at scale. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Kroger #SNAP #GroceryRetail #RetailStrategy #FoodAccess #RetailNews #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Instacart’s decision to shut down its AI-driven pricing tests after consumer backlash. Chris and Anne dig into why pricing transparency still matters, how quickly trust can erode, and what this means for AI-powered pricing across grocery and retail. A sharp conversation on where experimentation crosses the line. ⏩ Watch the full episode here. #Instacart #AIPricing #RetailAI #GroceryDelivery #PricingTransparency #RetailTech #OmniTalk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Richard McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer at Veloq (a division of the Rohlik Group), joins Omni Talk to reveal how they've cracked the code on profitable online grocery delivery. From achieving 30% annual growth to maintaining an 88 NPS score, Richard breaks down how Rohlik delivers full-basket grocery in 3 hours profitably, why their automation approach succeeds where others have failed, and how building technology "customer backwards" creates operational excellence. If you've ever wondered what actually makes online grocery work financially, this episode is for you. 🔑 Topics covered: ✅ How to achieve profitability in online grocery delivery ✅ Why full-basket strategy drives sustainable unit economics ✅ The importance of right-sizing automated fulfillment centers ✅ Building grocery-first technology vs. adapting warehouse solutions ✅ Managing complexity across 7 picking zones in 30 minutes or less 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #onlinegrocery #retailtech #grocerydelivery #fulfillmentautomation #omnitalk #ecommerce #supplychain #retailinnovation #Rohlik #veloq #retailpodcast *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Join Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for their second annual NRF must-see tech preview, showcasing five breakthrough retail technologies solving critical operational challenges. From AI employees autonomously negotiating supplier contracts to overhead RFID achieving 99% inventory accuracy, discover the solutions delivering measurable ROI and transforming how retailers operate in 2026. Featured companies and innovations: Gain - AI employees Natalie and Bob executing end-to-end supplier negotiations and replenishment, closing deals from repair parts to $2-3M agreements ESW - Cross-border commerce platform reducing international duties by 60% and enabling launches across 200+ countries without the $2.5-4.5M per-country build cost PervasID - Overhead RFID technology (Trackmaster 3X) delivering 98-99% stock accuracy with 6-8 month ROI and 5-10% sales increases through improved on-shelf availability Diebold Nixdorf - Visual AI at checkout reducing shrink from 3% to under 1% through intelligent nudging, with 80% of shoppers self-rectifying when prompted about missed scans Cleveron - Robotic parcel lockers deployed in 300+ Zara stores across 38 countries, eliminating click-and-collect friction with QR code scan delivery in seconds Whether you're a retail technology executive planning your NRF booth strategy, building your 2026 technology roadmap, or looking to move beyond pilots to production deployments, this preview delivers real deployment data, ROI calculations, and operational insights from retailers like Zara, H & M, Calvin Klein, and other major CPG companies already scaling these solutions. #RetailTechnology #NRF2026 #AgenticAI #CrossBorderCommerce #RFID #ComputerVision #RetailAutomation 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, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and Anne discussed: Instacart ending its controversial price testing program (Source)Kroger launching a new discount program for SNAP recipients (Source)Amazon integrating instant meal shopping into browser-based Alexa Plus (Source)Save Mart placing Amazon Returns kiosks across 140+ stores (Source)Schnucks seeing 100% success preventing gift card fraud with Digimarc (Source)And Veloq CEO Richard McKenzie stopped by to give us five insightful minutes on how the Rohlik Group does E-commerce grocery profitably - and how they're bringing that technology to other grocers. There's all that, plus LEGO smart bricks, toxic mom groups, five-gallon buckets of popcorn, and whether the Stranger Things finale needs a do-over. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #Instacart #KrogerGrocery #AlexaPlus #AmazonMealPlanning #RetailTech #GiftCardFraud #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #GroceryDelivery #EcommerceGrocery #Veloq This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, features Chris and Anne tackle the fun side of retail as we head into NRF 2026. Ryan Reynolds keynotes NRF this January... Chris shares the one question he'd ask about Blake Lively's best film role. Anne reveals her son's elaborate Google Slides pitch for an F1B goldendoodle and her puppy yoga compromise. The hosts preview Calvin Klein's new SoHo flagship as a must-see NRF store tour stop, and pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner with their Mount Rushmore picks: Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and Spinal Tap. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #RyanReynolds #NRF2026 #retailconference #keynote #retailmarketing This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, examines Ashley Furniture's groundbreaking partnership with Perplexity that enables complete transactions—from product recommendations to payment—in one conversation. Chris loves this move, calling it brilliant because Ashley can bypass marketplaces and leverage its brand recognition directly in AI search. Anne agrees but criticizes retailers for announcing features that don't work yet, sharing her frustration trying to actually use the Ashley-Perplexity integration. A must-watch for understanding agentic commerce strategy! ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #AshleyFurniture #PerplexityAI #agenticcommerce #AIshop ping #answerengines #retailstrategy #furniture #ecommerce This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, analyzes Target's new permanent Soho store featuring "The Drop" rotating seasonal styles, a Broadway Beauty Bar, and influencer-curated selections. Anne sees potential if Target can solve the technology and operational challenges needed to scale this concept, especially as Ulta departs Target stores. Chris pushes back hard, calling it "pure PR sizzle" that's designed for Instagram photos rather than operational scalability. The debate gets heated as they discuss whether New York City is the right testing ground. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #Target #TargetSoho #retailinnovation #storeconcept #experientialretail #retailstrategy #omnichannel This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, unpacks November's stunning $12.3 billion in online grocery sales—the second time monthly sales topped $12 billion. Chris is gobsmacked by consumers choosing the more expensive delivery option despite budget constraints, while Anne attributes growth to improved curbside pickup experiences and loyalty incentives. Both hosts agree this signals that agentic AI will explode in grocery first, as UBS predicts, given consumers' growing comfort with repeat ordering and price transparency. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #onlinegrocery #grocerydelivery #ecommerce #curbsidepickup #Walmart #Target #agenticAI #consumertrends This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, examines Consumer Reports' investigation revealing Instacart's AI-powered pricing experiments that resulted in price variations up to 23% between customers. Chris and Anne debate whether algorithmic pricing is acceptable for essential categories like grocery, especially as consumers gain access to AI tools that can instantly compare prices across platforms. Anne sees the business case for convenience-based pricing, while Chris questions the ethics of dynamic pricing on necessities. Plus, the A&M Put You on the Spot Question explores whether pricing algorithms feel different for groceries versus travel. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #Instacart #dynamicpricing #AIpricing #grocery #consumerrights #algorithmicpricing #retailtech #transparency This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores Amazon's reported plans to launch a Rush pickup service enabling one-hour order collection at Amazon-owned stores. According to Business Insider, the service would let shoppers place unified orders from Amazon's marketplace and physical store inventory. Chris argues this is a road to nowhere given Whole Foods' operational constraints and Walmart's superior store network, while Anne sees potential if Amazon can solve the logistics puzzle. Is this Amazon's answer to Walmart's pickup dominance or an operational overreach? ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #Amazon #AmazonRush #WholeFoods #retailpickup #lastmile #Walmart #omnichannel #retailoperations This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, David Dorf, Head of Retail Industry Solutions at AWS, joins Omni Talk to cut through the AI hype and reveal what's actually coming for retail in 2026. From LLM limitations to agentic commerce reality checks, David breaks down why domain-specific models are replacing frontier model fantasies, how answer engines will reshape search, and why shopping agents will start with your grocery delivery. If you've ever wondered what AI predictions are worth believing, this episode delivers the clarity you need. 🔑 Topics covered: Why LLMs hit a plateau and what comes nextDomain-specific models and AWS Nova ForgeThe real state of agentic commerce Answer engines vs. search: advertising, trust, and optimizationShopping agents with Instacart and DoorDash leading the chargeInternal retail AI agents transforming merchandising and supply chainAgentic payments with Visa's B2B breakthrough 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #retailai #AWS #generativeai #retailtech #omnitalk #agenticcommerce #answerengines #retailinnovation #DavidDorf #retailpodcast #LLM #shoppingagents #retailoperations Music by hooksounds.com *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: Amazon’s planned “rush” pickup service for one-hour order collection (Source)Instacart’s AI-enabled pricing experiments that may be inflating grocery bills (Source)November’s record-breaking $12.3 billion in online grocery sales (Source)Target’s new SoHo store concept featuring curated beauty and apparel (Source)Ashley’s partnership with Perplexity and PayPal for agentic commerce (Source) And special guest David Dorf of AWS, one of our favorite recurring guests, dropped by to share his insightful predictions on AI for 2026. There’s all that, plus Ryan Reynolds at NRF, the world’s largest golden retriever gathering, and whether Chris would smuggle Calvin Klein underwear from a store tour. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #AmazonRush #InstacartPricing #OnlineGrocery #AgenticCommerce #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #TargetSoHo #AshleyFurniture #PerplexityAI #RetailInnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Specialty retailers keep asking us: handheld scanners or overhead readers? So we settled it the only way we know how: with a knockdown, dragout debate between two RFID experts. In this Retail Technology Spotlight, Anne Mezzenga moderates as Madalynn Lauria (Team Handheld) and Pareiya Gupta (Team Overhead) from GreyOrange make their cases for the best RFID solution. From proving ROI on a tight budget to cutting inventory counts from hours to minutes, this conversation tackles the real questions retailers are wrestling with as they decide how to track inventory in 2026. The verdict? It's not as simple as picking a side. Whether you're testing RFID for the first time or scaling across hundreds of stores, the right answer depends on your velocity, your budget, and what you're actually trying to solve. But one thing's clear: manual counts and mystery stockrooms aren't going to cut it anymore. Key Topics covered: • How to test RFID with minimal budget and staff • Cutting inventory counts from hours to under 20 minutes • Why some retailers are going hybrid (overhead + handheld) • Real-time shrink visibility and where product actually disappears • Tracking TikTok trends and moving inventory between stores in hours • The smart fitting room problem nobody talks about Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content* #RFID #retailtech #inventorymanagement #omnitalk #retailinnovation #smartretail #retailpodcast #omnichannelretail #retailoperations #supplychain This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group close with bold 2026 predictions sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chad predicts OpenAI will launch its own payment platform for agent commerce, Chris forecasts Starbucks will abandon seating for mobile-focused ghost cafes, while Anne expects agent-influenced shopping to triple during 2026 holiday season. Which prediction will prove most accurate? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retail2026 #retailpredictions #openai #agentcommerce #starbucksstrategy #retailfuture #AIshopping This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group call out 2025's most ridiculous retail headlines in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Anne demolishes Starbucks' claim that mobile pickup stores lack "warmth and connection," Chad laughs at Liquid Death's viral pit diaper incident, while Chris questions Target's small town expansion as desperate PR. Which headline showed the worst strategic thinking? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #starbucksfails #liquiddeath #targetstrategy #laughableheadlines #retailfails #retailstrategy #mobilepickup This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group debate 2025's smartest retail partnerships in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chad highlights Walmart's Rebag luxury resale partnership as perfectly timed for cross-income shopping trends, Chris praises Walmart and Avery Dennison's perishables tracking as the "holy grail" for grocery margins, while Anne champions IKEA's Best Buy kitchen installations as brilliant real estate utilization. Which partnership model works best for expansion? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retailpartnerships #walmartrebag #ikeabestbuy #luxuryresale #inventorytracking #retailcollaboration #marketplacestrategy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group recognize 2025's best retail turnarounds in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Both Anne and Chris praise Macy's focus on core stores, private brand investment, and Tony Spring's shoe department service improvements, while Chad celebrates Gap's viral marketing comeback with KATSEYE bringing cultural relevance. Can advertising alone save a struggling brand, or does execution matter more? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #macysturnaround #gapmarketing #tonyspring #strugglingretailers #brandrevival #retailstrategy #KATSEYE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group pitch their retail movie ideas in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chris envisions "Shein: Sac le blue!!!" featuring Paris protests, Chad creates a Black Mirror-style thriller about Neo's terrifying robot servant with human controllers, while Anne wants true crime investigations of mysterious CEO departures at Kohl's and Kroger. Which retail headline belongs on the big screen? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retailmovie #shein #neorobot #kohlsCEO #krogerCEO #retaildrama #retailheadlines This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group call out 2025's most overhyped retail technologies in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Anne criticizes smart carts' misleading deployment numbers and questionable ROI, while both Chad and Chris agree agentic AI commerce is overhyped despite being transformative… pointing to Target's rushed ChatGPT integration as proof retailers are moving too fast without strategy. Can technology be both the future and overhyped simultaneously? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #overhypedtech #smartcarts #agenticai #targetchatgpt #retailtech #technologyhype #retailstrategy This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group crown their CEO of the Year in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chad surprises with Fidji Simo's bold move from Instacart to OpenAI Applications as a signal of commerce's future direction, while both Chris and Anne recognize Doug McMillon's decade-long transformation of Walmart from legacy retailer to omnichannel powerhouse. Was 2025 about execution or strategic positioning? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retailCEO #dougmcmillan #fidjisimo #openai #walmarttransformation #retailleadership #executivemoves This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris, Anne, and Chad reveal their Technology of the Year picks in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chad champions pricing transparency tools like Grocery Dealz that could disrupt grocery economics, Anne argues electronic shelf labels finally reached mainstream adoption after Walmart's chain-wide rollout, while Chris focuses on operational agentic AI transforming warehouses and inventory management. Which technology truly moved the needle? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retailtech #electronicshelflabels #agenticai #pricingtransparency #grocerytech #warehouseautomation #retailinnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Chris, and Anne debate 2025's most significant retail headline sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chris picks Walmart's ChatGPT integration as a potential Amazon disruptor, Anne highlights Etsy and OpenAI's transactional partnership as commerce's pivotal moment, while Chad argues Doug McMillon's retirement marks the end of retail's post-Amazon era. Which headline will define retail's next decade? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #headlineoftheyear #dougmcmillan #walmartchatgpt #etsyopenai #retailleadership #agenticcommerce #johnfurner This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chad Lusk from A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Chris, and Anne debate Retailer of the Year in this segment sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. Chad champions Aldi's unprecedented 225-store expansion and perfect timing with value-conscious consumers, while Anne argues Walmart's technology leadership and fashion momentum earned them the crown. Chris makes the case for Costco's operational discipline and traffic growth despite stock challenges. Who deserves 2025's top retail honor? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ApiGWRByxIY #retaileroftheyear #aldi #walmart #costco #groceryretail #retailexpansion #privatelabel #valueretail 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 teamed up with Chad Lusk from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group to hand out our 2025 Omni Awards across the following categories: Retailer of the YearHeadline of the YearRetail Technology of the YearMost Overhyped Retail TechBest Strategic Move from a Struggling RetailerAnd so much more, including 2026 predictions There’s all that, plus liquid death pit diapers, the Aldi Aisle of Shame Facebook group, and whether robots watching you do chores is the stuff of nightmares. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailAwards #WalmartChatGPT #AldiGrowth #RetailTech #AgenticAI #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #DougMcMillan #2026Predictions #RetailInnovation #ElectronicShelfLabels #RetailCEO This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Store digitization promises to transform retail operations, but most retailers struggle to move beyond pilots and buzzwords. In this Omni Talk Ask An Expert episode, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Troy Siwek (General Manager of gStore at GreyOrange) to reveal what actually works when digitizing physical stores. Learn how digital twins are evolving from concept to operational reality, why unified platforms matter more than individual point solutions, and how to cut through the hype around retail AI. Drawing from GreyOrange's 40,000+ technology deployments, Troy shares hard-earned lessons about RFID integration, computer vision evaluation, robotics orchestration, and organizational readiness. Key topics covered: What store digitization actually means: bridging the physical-digital customer knowledge gapDigital twins as operational "mirrors" that surface real-time insights for associates and executivesHow to evaluate computer vision vendors based on what they actually specialize inWhy most retailers should partner for core digitization tech rather than build in-houseRFID inventory accuracy reducing store tasks from a week to 18 minutesThe organizational shift: who owns store digitization across CTO, CIO, and store ops teamsHow excessive decision-making processes kill retail innovation speedWhen to pilot, when to scale, and when to cut failing technology experiments Whether you're building your 2026 technology roadmap or trying to scale existing store digitization pilots, this conversation provides actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes, accelerate decision-making, and deliver measurable improvements for store associates. Connect with Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troysiwek/  Visit GreyOrange: https://www.greyorange.com  #RetailTech #StoreDigitization #DigitalTwins #RetailAI #RFID #ComputerVision #OmniChannelRetail #RetailOperations #InventoryManagement #RetailInnovation #StoreTransformation #GreyOrange This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Doron Hazan, Director of Data, Product, and AI at Wiliot, joins Omni Talk to discuss the concept of "physical AI" and how it ultimately improve retail operations from the ground up. From ambient IoT sensors to real-time inventory intelligence, Doron breaks down how battery-free Bluetooth pixels are creating self-aware supply chains, how retailers can start small and scale strategically, and why the future of retail operations is about connecting physical things to AI-powered decision engines. If you've ever wondered what happens when IoT meets artificial intelligence in real-world stores (who hasn't), this episode is for you. 🔑 Topics covered: - The difference between digital AI and physical AI - How ambient IoT creates invisible operational improvements - Why battery-free Bluetooth sensors are changing retail visibility - Real-world impact on freshness, inventory accuracy, and customer experience - The platform approach to scaling physical AI solutions 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! Link to Doron's blog post: www.wiliot.com/why-your-ai-agent…tead#news-content #physicalai #retailtech #ambientiot #wiliot #omnitalk #smartretail #retailinnovation #inventorymanagement #supplychain #retailpodcast Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content* This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Ashley Hubka, Senior Vice President of Walmart Business, joins Chris and Anne to reveal how Walmart is shaping B2B e-commerce for businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. From discovering millions of organizational customers already shopping Walmart to building a dedicated B2B platform with business-specific tools, Ashley breaks down how Walmart Business saves organizations time, money, and hassle. Learn about unique features like business printing kiosks, automated subscriptions, multi-user accounts, and pay-by-invoice options that traditional retail can't provide. If you've ever wondered how enterprise-scale retail infrastructure can serve small businesses and organizations, this episode is for you. 🔑 Topics covered: How Walmart discovered millions of B2B customers in their existing baseBusiness-specific tools: printing, subscriptions, and spend managementOmnichannel flexibility: from express delivery to curbside pickupWalmart Business Plus membership and its unique organizational benefitsThe future of B2B retail: expanded assortment and invoicing capabilities 🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights! #walmartbusiness #b2becommerce #retailtech #omnitalk #businesssolutions #smallbusiness #walmartplus #retailinnovation #supplychaintech #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Advent calendars are the hot holiday trend...from Skims to fishing lures to ice cream. Chris reveals his dream: 28 days of Nikes. Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. In this Lightning Round: • Are slop bowls officially dead as sandwiches stage a comeback? • The White House drops 120 pounds of gingerbread • And how Mariah Carey turned one song into $60M For the full episode head here     #adventcalendar #nike #holidaytrends #specialtyretail This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Amazon is testing "Amazon Now," a new 30-minute delivery service in Seattle and Philadelphia, repurposing former Amazon Fresh sites into rapid delivery hubs. But is this innovation or desperation? This segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, analyzes Amazon's grocery struggles. Chris reveals the shocking stat: Despite owning Whole Foods and having Amazon's infrastructure, Amazon's grocery share is still only 4%. He sees this as a defensive move more than offensive strategy. Anne questions the economics. Prime members pay $3.99 per delivery, but after two orders you could subscribe to DoorDash and get access to better quality groceries from trusted regional stores. For the full episode head here     #amazon #amazonnow #grocerydelivery #rapiddelivery #amazonfresh #retailstrategy #lastmile #quickcommerce This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

McKinsey and Business of Fashion report predicts smart glasses are set for a breakthrough year in 2026, with Ray-Ban Meta glasses already the top-selling product in 60% of EMEA stores. But Chris and Anne aren't buying it. This segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, questions the hype around smart eyewear. Anne argues that smart glasses are too visible and fashion-forward for mass adoption—unlike discrete smartwatches and rings. Chris, who owns Meta's Ray-Bans, admits they mostly collect dust and warns fashion retailers to stay away from tech partnerships that could leave them holding markdown bags. For the full episode head here     #smartglasses #raybanmeta #wearabletech #fashiontech #retailtech #metaclasses #techtrends #retailinnovation This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Walmart is quietly testing a new ad format called "sponsored prompts" inside its Sparky AI shopping engine and both Chris and Anne agree this is exactly the right move. This segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, breaks down why retailer-owned AI is the smart play. According to Wall Street Journal reporting, Walmart's new ad format integrates sponsored content directly into Sparky conversations with click-to-buy options. Anne loves it because it captures consumers at the perfect moment with relevant offers. Chris sees it as proof that retailers should focus on their own AI experiences rather than chasing ChatGPT integration—especially since Walmart's ad business is already growing at nearly 100% per year. For the full episode head here     #walmart #retailmedia #aishopping #sparky #retailstrategy #advertising #ecommerce #retailtech This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

ChatGPT just launched shopping research that does the product hunting for you, but should retailers be worried or relieved? This segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, explores the real implications of AI-powered shopping tools. Anne is bullish, arguing that AI shopping tools provide unprecedented price transparency and will change how consumers shop for everything from snacks to electronics. Chris pushes back hard: only 30% of searches are actually research-intensive, and Amazon already dominates product search without needing ChatGPT. The debate gets heated as they question whether these platforms are truly game-changing or just incremental improvements to search. For the full episode head here     #chatgpt #aishopping #openai #productresearch #retailtech #generativeai #ecommerce #shoppingtrends This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Black Friday 2025 just hit $11.8 billion in online sales... up 9.1% from last year. But Chris questions whether AI's 805% traffic surge is actually impressive or concerningly slow compared to other tech adoption curves. This segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, dives deep into what the numbers really mean. Anne argues that 25% of purchases involving AI agents shows tremendous growth potential, especially since we can't even transact in these platforms yet. Chris counters by comparing AI adoption to buy-now-pay-later's 970% growth over three years, suggesting retailers should slow their roll on AI investments. Plus: Why are club stores crushing Black Friday traffic? And why is mobile still only 55% of purchases? For the full episode head here     #blackfriday #retailanalytics #aishopping #ecommerce #retaildata #holidayshopping #mobilecommerce #retailtrends This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Fast Five episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga break down the biggest retail stories from Black Friday 2025, including record-breaking online sales, AI's growing influence on shopping, and what it all means for the future of retail. From ChatGPT's new shopping research tool to Walmart's bold move to monetize Sparky with ads, Chris and Anne debate where retailers should focus their AI investments. Plus, they tackle smart glasses' potential breakthrough year, Amazon's 30-minute delivery test, and whether the industry is moving too fast on agentic commerce. 🔑 Topics covered: Black Friday's $11.8 billion in online sales and what the numbers really mean (Source)ChatGPT introducing shopping research (Source)Walmart's smart play bringing ads to Sparky (Source)The reality check on smart glasses adoption (Source)Amazon's expensive 30-minute delivery experiment (Source) 🎧 Don't forget to like, leave a review, and subscribe for more weekly retail insights! Music by hooksounds.com #blackfriday #retailai #agenticcommerce #chatgpt #walmart #retailtech #omnitalk #smartretail #ecommerce #retailpodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This Lightning Round segment from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, gets personal with the Omni Talk crew's Thanksgiving and Black Friday plans! Anne and producer Ella gang up on Chris's love of jarred gravy (spoiler: they're both anti-gravy). The team shares their Black Friday shopping strategies from Banana Republic to luxury consignment pop-ups. Plus, Anne weighs in on Bianca Censori's Kanye-funded fashion brand launch… is it ironic that someone famous for barely wearing clothes is launching a clothing line? Tune in for the fun, unfiltered takes! #thanksgiving #blackfriday #holidayshopping #shopssmallsaturday #retailpodcast #biancacensori #kanyewest #fashion #lightninground #thanksgivingfood This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy