Omni Talk Retail

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 CoveredWhat 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 studentsStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 CoveredWhat’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 likeStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 CoveredHow 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 2026Stay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 CoveredWhat 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 demographicsStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 CoveredHow 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 2026Stay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 CoveredHow 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 2026Stay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 FeedspotMusic by hooksounds.com#RetailNews #ChatGPTAds #WalmartHome #RetailTech #FanaticsStudio #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #SimbeTally #RetailInnovation #KrogerUberThis 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 #digitaltransformationSponsored ContentThis 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 #NRF2026This 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #NRF2026This 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #RetailInnovationThis 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 fulfillmentThank 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 #OmniTalkRetailThis 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 debtStop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello!#NRF2026 #RetailExecution #ConnectedStores #RetailTechnology #RetailAI #StoreOperations #Vusion #RetailLeadership #OmniTalkThis 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 appStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 platformsThank 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 #OmniTalkRetailThis 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 2026Stay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 executionStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 2026Stay 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 #OmnichannelRetailThis 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 2026Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026.#NRF2026 #PrivateBrands #RetailStrategy #RetailInnovation #RetailAI #CustomerExperience #Macys #OmniTalkThis 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 experiencesStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 valueStay 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 #RetailLeadershipThis 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 milestoneStay 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 #RetailInnovationThis 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 ROIStay 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 engagementWith 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #retailpodcastThis 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 #LEGOThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 #OmniTalkThis 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 agreementsESW - Cross-border commerce platform reducing international duties by 60% and enabling launches across 200+ countries without the $2.5-4.5M per-country build costPervasID - Overhead RFID technology (Trackmaster 3X) delivering 98-99% stock accuracy with 6-8 month ROI and 5-10% sales increases through improved on-shelf availabilityDiebold 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 scansCleveron - Robotic parcel lockers deployed in 300+ Zara stores across 38 countries, eliminating click-and-collect friction with QR code scan delivery in secondsWhether 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 #RetailAutomationThis 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 #VeloqThis 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 #retailmarketingThis 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 #ecommerceThis 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 #omnichannelThis 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 #consumertrendsThis 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 #transparencyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy