Omni Talk Retail

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Target teaming up with Warby Parker to bring in-store eyewear services to select locations—but is this a brilliant retail move or a risky bet? 🤔 In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down how this partnership benefits both brands, potential operational challenges, and why Warby Parker’s slow expansion rate raises questions. Should Target just acquire Warby Parker outright? Let’s discuss! For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris and Anne discussed: - All the wrinkles surrounding Target and Warby Parker’s new partnership - The launch of Alexa+ - The deceptive pricing lawsuit against Publix - Furniture.com’s unique take on omnichannel commerce - And closed with an examination of Walmart Unlimited, Walmart’s new video game shopping experience There’s all that, plus “airport theory,” stuffed crust pizza, and what style of pancakes reigns supreme. Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Adidas Offering Buy With Prime Via Its App & Website For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Kroger And Schnucks Enhancing Their Quick Delivery Offerings Via Instacart For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Joann Closing All Its Stores For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: An LA Raiders Latch Hook Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Sprouts Launching Its First-ever Loyalty Program For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If They're Buying Or Selling: Walmart’s New Ai Tool For Merchants, Aka Wally? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Anne remoted in from eTail West, Chris was back home in Minneapolis, and together they discussed: - Adidas offering Amazon Buy with Prime via its website and app - Joann no longer being in the fabric of our lives - Sprouts launching its first-ever loyalty program - Kroger and Schnucks enhancing their quick delivery offerings via Instacart - And closed with a discussion of Walmart’s new AI tool for merchants, aka “Wally” There’s all that, plus nightly news anchors, Joann memories, and Anne’s favorite Savage. Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: How "The Price Of Wishes Has Increased With Inflation" In The Latest Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: How Long It'll Take Before Retailers Start To Emulate Dick’s Varsity Team Influencer Program? For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: The Pros And Cons Of Amazon Featuring Products From Other Websites Within Its App For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: Whether The World Needs Amazon’s New Beauty Store In Italy? For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

How can AI-driven pricing optimization boost retail profits and customer loyalty? 🚀 Chris Walton & Anne Mezzenga sit down with Matt Pavich, Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation at Revionics, to discuss how AI-powered pricing is shaping the future of retail and what retailers must do to stay competitive. 📌 Key Moments: ⏩ 00:00 – Intro ⏩ 02:00 – Why pricing optimization is the biggest lever in retail ⏩ 07:15 – The evolving complexity of pricing in retail today ⏩ 12:45 – AI-powered price optimization: How it benefits both retailers & consumers ⏩ 18:30 – The impact of tariffs, inflation, and economic trends on pricing ⏩ 24:15 – AI ethics & pricing: How retailers can ensure fair and strategic price changes ⏩ 29:00 – The future of AI in retail pricing: What’s next with generative & agentic AI ⏩ 35:00 – Closing thoughts & how to get started with pricing optimization 📩 Follow OmniTalk for more insights on AI-driven retail innovation! Music by hooksounds.com #retailinnovation #pricingstrategy #pricing #retailtech Sponsored Content

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: Pro Or Con: The Growth Of Digital Screens In Stores? For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, along with special guest hosts from the A&M Consumer & Retail group David Brown and Lisa Collier discuss: If They're Buying Or Selling: Wayfair Muse For the full episode head here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5GLcP12oeI

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, A&M’s David Brown and Lisa Collier joined Chris and Anne to discuss: - Amazon’s new beauty store in Italy - Scheels adding 460 and $11 million worth of digital screens into its stores - Dick’s new varsity influencer program - Wayfair’s new AI-powered shopping tool, Muse - And closed with a look at why in the world Amazon would test letting consumers purchase items within its mobile app from other brands’ websites There’s all that, plus David ranks his favorite sodas, Lisa picks her favorite SNL cast member of all-time, and we all discuss if the price of wish has gone up with inflation. Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Aldi Selling Back Stores It Had Acquired From Southeastern Grocers For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: GapVintage: What’s The Verdict? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Pro Or Con: Instacart Piloting CPG Brand Tasks For Its Workers For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Lovely-Scented Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: EG America Deploying Quorso Tech Across 1,500 Stores For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If Save A Lot Is A Retailer To Watch? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/2w2T7EP2Liw

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, and Scratch Event DJs, Chris and Anne discussed: - The many angles to Aldi’s decision to sell back some of the stores it previously purchased from Southeastern Grocers - How bullish they both are on Gap’s new vintage clothing play - Why EG America’s new partnership with Quorso heralds a new age of store management technology - If Save A Lot should be on everyone’s retailer to watch lists - And closed with an examination of Instacart’s decision to pilot CPG brand tasks for its workers There’s all that, plus Simbe's Caitlin Allen stop by for 5 Insightful Minutes on how to deploy AI and automation successfully at scale, along with Chunk Light Tuna, Ozempic blindness, and how big of a creeper Chris would have been if he had asked his flight attendant what perfume she was wearing on his flight to Vegas this week. To register for CommerceNext, visit -- https://commercenext.com/conference?utm_source=Omnitalk&utm_medium=Social -- and don't forget to use our 10% off Promo Code for General Attendee Tickets: OMNITALK Music by hooksounds.com

In this episode, we dive into the latest trends in retail investing with Claire Cherry, Partner at Era VC. Claire shares her journey from science to venture capital and provides a deep dive into how consumer brands can thrive in today's competitive landscape. 🔹 [1:09] Claire Cherry’s background and journey into venture capital 🔹 [2:28] What Era VC looks for in early-stage consumer brands 🔹 [4:09] Key investment areas: longevity, functional food, and wellness 🔹 [6:07] The rise of food as medicine and its impact on retail 🔹 [9:48] Challenges in customer acquisition and sustainable brand growth 🔹 [12:03] How retail buyers evaluate new brands and product performance 🔹 [14:49] The future of store investments: driving revenue vs. reducing costs 🔹 [16:30] AI-driven personalization and the next wave of loyalty programs 🔹 [18:15] Retail theft prevention: how AI is replacing traditional security methods 🔹 [21:27] RFID and next-gen inventory management solutions 🔹 [26:44] How VCs evaluate pitch decks and decide on investments 🔹 [31:40] Claire’s advice for founders & how to connect with her Tune in for an engaging discussion on the evolving retail landscape, and subscribe to Omni Talk Retail for more expert insights! Music by hooksounds.com #retailtechnology #venturecapital #omnichannel #retailtrends #aiinretail #retailinnovation #futureofretail #functionalfood #healthandwellness

Trybe is redefining women’s leadership conferences, bringing together top executives, founders, and industry leaders across retail, tech, and consumer industries. In this episode, Anne Mezzenga chats with Krystina Gustafson, Trybe's Chief Content Officer, about what makes this event different, who should attend, and why it’s a great opportunity for career growth and networking. Plus, hear about some of the powerhouse speakers, key themes, and special insights into professional and personal development. Don’t miss this inside look at one of the most anticipated leadership events of the year! 📅 Trybe Conference – May 20-22, 2024 | Aria, Las Vegas 🎟 Use code OMNI250 for $250 off registration by visiting https://bit.ly/trybecode #trybe #retail #cpg #womeninbusiness

In this latest 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Caitlin Allen, SVP of Market at Simbe, breaks down the key misconceptions retail executives have about automation, why data quality is critical, and how top retailers are scaling AI-driven solutions. Learn the difference between good and bad computer vision AI, how autonomous robots are driving efficiency, and why collaboration between HQ and store teams is essential for successful tech rollouts. Plus, hear real-life "Aha" moments from retailers who have discovered hidden inventory and optimized operations through AI-powered insights. Key Moments: 🔹 (0:18) – Common misconceptions about retail automation 🔹 (0:44) – The three key priorities: data quality, scalability, and store coverage 🔹 (2:22) – How to distinguish good vs. bad computer vision AI 🔹 (4:26) – Bridging the gap between HQ and store operations 🔹 (5:49) – Eye-opening insights: Retailers discovering hidden inventory 🔹 (6:13) – AI’s role in e-commerce accuracy, automated reordering, and merchandising Music by hooksounds.com #retailtrends #retailtech #robotics #retailinnovation Sponsored Content

What’s happening with retail automation in 2025? Investment in supply chain technology appears to be flattening out as retailers shift focus from large new projects to optimizing existing infrastructure. Anne and Chris sit down with Kim Baudry from Dematic to explore what this means for AI in logistics, warehouse automation, and the future of retail distribution. ⏳ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & welcome to Kim Baudry 1:03 - The current state of automation investment in retail 3:00 - Why supply chain automation is slowing down in 2025 5:45 - How economic uncertainty & interest rates impact investment 7:33 - Where retailers are focusing automation budgets now 10:05 - The role of AI & machine learning in warehouse optimization 12:50 - How digital twins help simulate supply chain changes 15:17 - Retailers "sweating their assets" & maximizing existing infrastructure 18:00 - The impact of tariffs & global trade shifts on supply chain strategies 22:05 - The future of supply chain efficiency & retail distribution 25:30 - Final thoughts #supplychain #warehouseautomation #retailtrends #retailinnovation Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: The New CVS App And What It It Means For Customers For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: A Suitcase Full Of Sunshine Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: The Pros Or Cons of Clinics Inside Of Retail Stores For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: What We Should Make Of IKEA's Secondhand Marketplace For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: If The Third Time's The Charm For Buybuy Baby For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by special co-host and Shoptalk and Groceryshop’s VP of Original Content and Strategy Ben Miller. In this clip, the group discusses: The Impact Walmart's Same-Day RX Delivery Will Have On The Healthcare Landscape For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/ySon4C9S-hQ

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, and Scratch Event DJs, Shoptalk’s VP of Original Content & Strategy, Ben Miller, joined Chris and Anne to discuss: - CVS Health’s new app rollout - Beyond buying back BuyBuy Baby - Walgreens’ plans to close down 47 of its in-store health clinics in Illinois - IKEA’s decision to expand its secondhand furniture marketplace in Europe - And closed with a discussion of whether Walmart+ and Walmart same-day Rx delivery will have the same impact on the pharmacy industry that Walmart+ has had on the grocery business - There’s all that, plus we announced our February OmniStar (congrats Joe Coll of Macy’s), and Chris and Anne grill Ben on everything from #Tayvoodoo and the Fantastic 4 to what American-made products Ben plans to sneak back home to the UK from Las Vegas in his suitcase. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #WalmartPlus #HealthcareRetail #PharmacyDelivery #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #RetailBusiness #HealthcareTech #RetailIndustry #OmniTalk

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon Naming Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel Head Of Worldwide Grocery For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PmDEXwquuSE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If They're Buying Or Selling: Levi’s Claim That Data Helped It Capitalize On The Baggy Jeans Trend For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PmDEXwquuSE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart Increasing Regional Manager Pay To Potentially Over $600k Per Year For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PmDEXwquuSE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A "2-Ply" Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PmDEXwquuSE

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart Allowing Suppliers To Test New Products With Walmart Customers For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PmDEXwquuSE