RETHINK RETAIL

Is your AI strategy solving problems or just building more dashboards? Retailers are drowning in data, yet most still struggle to move the needle on store performance. In this episode of the AI in Retail podcast series, Top AI Leader David Polinchock sits down with Corey Spencer, GM & GVP of AI at UKG, to dismantle the "ivory tower" theories failing the frontline. They explore why the industry must shift from static lagging indicators to real-time orchestration. By making AI an "invisible assistant," managers can stop "scheduling" and start coaching, effectively cooling down frontline burnout before it hits the breaking point. Strategic Takeaways: - From Reports to Orchestration: Moving beyond Monday morning dashboards to real-time "AI angels" that flag compliance and staffing gaps as they happen. - The Semantic Layer: Why unifying payroll, HR, and workforce data is the non-negotiable first step to avoiding AI "hallucinations." - The Wisdom Luxury: How AI handles the "knowledge" (facts) so humans can provide the "wisdom" (connection) that defines high-end retail. Stop chasing "shiny objects" that end up as shelfware. Tune in to learn how to build an AI strategy that empowers your people and drives operational excellence.

At a time when "agents" and AI dominate every conversation, it is easy to forget that the ultimate channel is the consumer. In this RETHINK Retail episode, host DeAnn Campbell, Head of Retail Strategy at AAG Consulting and Scott Wueschinski, AVP of Retail Applied Advisory at Genpact, cut through the noise to explain why the human experience is the only real competitive advantage left. They dive into the friction points technology alone cannot fix, from punitive return fees to the "magic" of a store associate who actually knows their craft. Strategic Takeaways: - Cooperative Returns: Moving away from punitive fees by giving customers better tools to get the fit right the first time. - Associate-First Design: Shifting toward frontline tools that employees actually want to use, rather than systems they are penalized for ignoring. - The Data Reality: Why AI agents won't save a business if the foundational data is "crap in, crap out". - The Multiplier Effect: How fixing low-hanging fruit in the store, like removing outdated kiosks, at the same time you deploy AI drives immediate results. Stop chasing "shelfware." Tune in to learn how to balance high-tech agents with the human touch that builds true brand stickiness.

Is Your Supply Chain Your Biggest Competitive Advantage? We often hear about "the art of the merchant," but rarely do we discuss the unsexy mechanics that actually make a brand profitable. In this RETHINK Retail sit-down, Kimberly Lee Minor, CEO of WOCRA, catches up with her longtime friend and fellow retail expert Liza Amlani. From starting on the shop floor at 13 to consulting for the world’s largest brands, Liza has seen firsthand how "broken" the traditional fashion lifecycle can be and shares why CEOs need to spend less time in the boardroom and more time on the shop floor to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. The team explores how elevating materials teams from "service providers" to "strategic partners" can drastically reduce physical sampling and overdevelopment. By shifting the focus to digital material libraries and smarter assortment building, brands can actually do more with less, gaining the creative space needed to innovate. Stop letting inefficient cycles drain your profit. Tune in to discover why the future of fashion is built on smarter processes, not just faster trends.

Is Your Brand Built to Last or Just Built to Sell? Most brands treat retail as a "shiny" trophy, but the reality is that expansion often breaks your margins before it builds your brand. In this RETHINK Retail sit-down, host Gail Rodwell-Simon talks with Brett Gallagher, COO at Nulastin, about the disciplined path from a 2010s DTC startup to a true omnichannel player. They dig into the "ugly" side of growth: why your house must be in order before you expand and how to prove your brand actually matters when you aren't "screaming into Meta". The Reality Check: - The distractions of retail: Why opening new channels can drain your core team if you aren't ready. - The Brand Passport: How to make your customer reviews and social proof travel across every platform. - Testing your reach: Using marketplaces to prove your marketing has omnichannel "pull". - The 2-week rule: Why waiting for quarterly board meetings to check your metrics is a mistake in today's market. Stop the "growth at all costs" cycle. Listen to the conversation to see how to scale without losing your soul or your profit.

How do brands scale AI governance without slowing down innovation? In this episode, Yael Kochman sits down with NRF leaders Christian Beckner and Caroline Reppert to discuss the industry’s shift toward responsible, high-ROI AI adoption. While this conversation was recorded just before the NRF Big Show, the insights remain the definitive roadmap for the year ahead. They dive into why the most successful retailers are prioritizing internal productivity tools and "Agentic" commerce guardrails before rolling out customer-facing AI. Key Topics Covered: - The Governance Shift: Why the CEO and Board are now leading the AI policy conversation - Internal First: How coding and productivity tools are providing the first real wins for ROI - Empowering Employees: Using AI chatbots to support store associates and improve the customer experience - The 2025 Benchmark: Insights from the now-published Retail AI Trends report The report mentioned in this episode is now live! Get the full benchmark data on how your peers are investing in AI today.

The Future of the Store Isn’t Digital. It’s Intelligent. Are we drowning in data but starving for results? Recorded on the ground at Euroshop, host Martin Bailie sits down with industry heavyweights Sam Vise, Marc Jamieson, and John Magill to dismantle the biggest myths in the industry. For years, we’ve been told that "more technology" is the magic bullet. Yet, store teams are more distracted than ever. This conversation dives deep into why the "shiny object" syndrome is failing and how intelligent retail is finally emerging to close the execution gap. Key Takeaways You Can’t Miss: - The AI Myth: Why AI should be a tool for action and not just another dashboard to look at. - Human-Centric Tech: Why the best technology is often the kind the customer never sees. - The "Anti-iPad" Movement: Why it is time to put down the devices and bring back the human greeting. - Hyper-Localization: How the "intelligent planogram" is replacing the one-size-fits-all model. Stop piloting and start executing. Listen now to discover how to transform your strategy from a digital distraction into a high-performance, human-centric engine.

People have been declaring “the store is dead” for years. They were wrong. What’s actually dying is lazy retail. Stop leading from the top down. In this episode of Rethink Retail, experts Linda Johansen, David Polinchock, and Paula Angelucci reveal why a successful frontline retail strategy starts on the shop floor. Key Takeaways: - Respect the Peak: Move corporate planning to Mondays to protect high traffic weekends for the customer. - Authentic Connections: Why "Welcome in" fails and how to build genuine trust with savvy shoppers. - The AI Unlock: Using generative tools to provide real time expertise to store associates. Incentivized Loyalty: Closing the gap between in store service and online conversions.

Generative AI is moving beyond the lab and into the production environment. But for many enterprises, "pilot fatigue" is becoming a major bottleneck to real ROI. In this episode of AiR (AI in Retail), Top AI Leader, Barry McGeough (Group VP, AmeriCo) and Top Retail Expert, Michael Zakkour (Top Expert) deliver a masterclass on Applied Innovation. Through a real-world case study, they reveal how brands are using generative design to collapse the distance between a creative spark and a finished product. Key Takeaways: - The Text-to-Design Workflow: How designers are using text prompts to bypass traditional CAD bottlenecks, moving from 2D patterns to 3D assets and video in record time. - Crossing the Uncanny Valley: Why high-fidelity realism is the prerequisite for consumer trust and digital transactions. - Applied Innovation vs. "Big I" Innovation: The framework for ensuring AI projects solve core business problems rather than staying stuck in the lab. - The AI Super-Cycle: Why AI is a foundational layer for the next decade of retail, not a temporary financial bubble.

As artificial intelligence and immersive technologies dominate the headlines, the core of the industry remains unchanged: the human connection. In this episode of Rethink Retail, Monica San José (Retail Escool) and Richard Honiball (NEXCOM) explore why a successful retail digital transformation must be rooted in a company’s mission and values rather than technology for technology's sake. From the shop floor to the executive suite, our guests share 25+ years of expertise on navigating the "AI wave" while staying authentic to the consumer. Key Takeaways: - Mission Over Machines: Why leading with values and service is the only way to differentiate in a crowded market. - The Gen Z & Alpha Factor: Understanding why younger generations crave community and authenticity over traditional status-driven marketing. - Strategic Innovation: A cautionary look at immersive commerce (AR/VR) and gaming platforms like Roblox, why your core strategy must be solid before you "jump in." - Cultural Evolution: Why true retail digital transformation requires overcoming the human fear of replacement and fostering a culture of innovation from the ground up.

AI is now a core requirement, not a side project. In this episode of the AiR Podcast, Top AI Leader Kimberly Morgan sits with Sameer Sharma and CK Wang from MediaTek, to discuss how edge AI and AIoT platforms are delivering measurable ROI across retail operations The conversation explores why intelligence is moving closer to the device, how edge AI supports real-time decision-making, improves cost efficiency, strengthens data privacy, and enables scalable AI deployment across stores. Key themes include shrink reduction, checkout optimization, infrastructure strategy, and the practical realities of adopting AI at scale. If you are defining your retail AI roadmap, this episode offers a grounded, execution-focused perspective.

Real-time inventory management is reshaping how grocery retailers manage availability, labor, and store execution. On the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, DeAnn Campbell speaks with Aidan Mittra, Co-Founder of OrderGrid, about how real-time, location- and expiry-aware inventory gives retailers true operational visibility that drives better product availability, reduced waste, and stronger margin protection across stores and distribution networks. Key Takeaways - Inventory quality matters: Accurate counts are not enough. Items must be findable, sellable, within date, and in the right location to support profitable operations. - Automated replenishment: Demand-aware ordering reduces manual work for store teams and enables faster, more consistent ordering. - Perishables management: Granular tracking and demand forecasting help minimize waste and maximize sales. - Inventory as an early indicator: Real-time data can surface operational and margin risks before they appear in sales reports. This episode explores how real-time inventory can form the foundation for more predictable, disciplined grocery operations and help position inventory as a measurable business advantage.

Physical retail isn’t just surviving, it’s thrilling, immersive, and unforgettable! In this episode, Sandi Danick, SVP at Triple Five Group, shares how immersive attractions, authentic experiences, and tech-driven insights are transforming shopping into something people can’t wait to return to. Key Takeaways: - Why experience drives loyalty and foot traffic - Engaging Gen Z authentically - Blending entertainment, retail, and culture - Using tech to enhance, not replace, the human touch Want to see how commerce and entertainment collide to create loyalty and foot traffic?

Frictionless checkout has become one of the most discussed topics in retail technology. But for enterprise retailers, the real question is not whether checkout can be frictionless. It is whether it can perform consistently under pressure. Checkout is where throughput, labor efficiency, compliance, and shrink converge. It is the operational control point of the store. In a conversation hosted by Emily Crowe, Editor-in-Chief at Progressive Grocer, Matt Redwood, VP Retail Technology Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf, joined Zara Ngouen, VP Information Technology at Lidl US, to examine what modern AI-enabled checkout requires at scale. The discussion explores how retailers are applying AI-powered age verification to reduce associate interventions while strengthening regulatory compliance. It addresses how real-time behavioral analytics can proactively identify risk patterns and support shrink reduction strategies. And it examines how retailers are redesigning front-end environments to balance automation with human oversight, preserving both efficiency and customer trust. A key theme throughout the conversation is that frictionless checkout is not about removing people or layering in disconnected technology. It is about intelligent retail infrastructure. AI, software, hardware, and services must work together to optimize front-end performance across diverse store formats. As labor volatility continues and cost pressure intensifies, front-end optimization has become a strategic priority. Retailers are rethinking checkout architecture not only to improve customer experience, but to strengthen operational resilience, reduce shrink exposure, and scale modernization efforts across large store estates. For retail executives evaluating AI checkout solutions, loss prevention technology, and automation strategies, this episode offers practical insight into how leading organizations are approaching front-end transformation today.

What does it really take to win over Gen Z and Gen Alpha in 2026? Aliyah Flowers, B2B Community Manager at RETHINK Retail, connects with Sourabh Sharma, Head of Marketing at Histoires de Parfums, to unpack what younger generations actually value. They discuss: - Why community and values now matter more than visibility - How Gen Z and Gen Alpha think differently about sustainability and spending - Where AI genuinely adds value in personalization and where it’s just noise From cultural relevance to conscious consumerism, this conversation challenges brands to think deeper, not louder. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

At NRF 2026, April Sabral, Founder of April Sabral Leadership & Ask April AI, spoke with Marie Schwartz, CEO of RETHINK Retail, about leadership, community, and the real future of AI in retail. They explore: - Why true community starts with deep listening, not followers - What retailers must prioritize in 2026 beyond chasing every new AI trend - How leading with vulnerability can be a competitive advantage - From venture-backed founder to community-driven CEO, Marie shares why 2026 must be the year of execution and application in retail. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

From garage startup to global cult following. During NRF 2026, one thing really stood out in this conversation between Marie Schwartz and Jennifer Sprague, CMO at Hammit. Hammit has built something rare. Customers do not just buy a bag. They collect them. They trade them. They know the story behind the rivets. That kind of loyalty is intentional.. They discuss: - How Hammit protects its brand identity while expanding physical retail - Why resale and community are strengthening long-term loyalty - The operational discipline behind rapid DTC and store growth - Luxury today is built on identity, connection, and strategic retail expansion. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Enterprise AI doesn’t fail because the models aren’t ready. It stalls when operating models, data foundations, and decision paths can’t keep up. Recorded at NRF, this AiR Podcast features Yael Kochman in conversation with Rakesh Srinivasan (The Estée Lauder Companies) and Chris Daniels (Toptal) on what it takes to move from scattered experimentation to repeatable, enterprise deployment - across brands, regions, teams, and partner ecosystems. Key takeaways - Why saturation, skepticism, and a fragmented customer journey are forcing beauty brands to rethink how innovation gets delivered - What must change inside the enterprise to scale AI: product-oriented teams, clear intake and sequencing, and strategy-led roadmaps - The real governance challenge: maintaining brand voice and trust as data flows through platforms, vendors, and generative layers - How modular, “build once, scale many” platforms enable faster deployment across brands - When partnering accelerates outcomes - and why building everything internally can slow progress - A concrete example: Jo Malone London’s Scent Finder and what it shows about treating AI as a product, not a pilot Learn more about The Estée Lauder Companies and Toptal

There is a reason NRF is called Retail’s Big Show. Each year, it generates an unmistakable buzz across the retail industry. What matters most, however, is how that buzz translates into real insight and action. NRF 2026 delivered bold predictions, big ideas, and no shortage of conversation around AI. The real question is what retailers actually took seriously this year. In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Andrew Smith of ThinkUncommon is joined by Liza Amlani of Retail Strategy Group and Casey Golden of CI&T to break down the signals that mattered most from both the show floor and the stage. Rather than rehashing headlines, the conversation focuses on the realities retailers are facing today, including: • Why NRF 2026 felt fresher and more grounded than recent years • The shift from AI education to AI implementation and accountability • Where pressure is building around data readiness, change management, and ROI • Practical examples of what is working, what remains difficult, and what may be overhyped • Why transparency, experimentation, and learning from failure stood out this year Whether you missed NRF or attended in person, this episode offers a clear, honest debrief designed to help retail leaders cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Listen to the full episode of Retail Therapy

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, The RETHINK Retail Podcast features Fritz Finlay, Head of Production at RETHINK Retail, in conversation with Will Burghes, Head of Professional Services at Rockerbox & DoubleVerify. The discussion focuses on how retail media measurement is evolving as brands and retailers move beyond impressions and clicks toward outcome-based metrics that matter to the business. Key insights from the episode include: - Why impressions and clicks are no longer enough for measuring retail media success - How retailers and brands are shifting toward revenue, incrementality, and ROAS - The role of verification, fraud prevention, and brand suitability as table stakes - How retail media networks, CTV, and walled gardens should be measured - Where AI fits into the future of advertising measurement, and where human judgment still matters With retail media networks growing rapidly, this episode breaks down what “good measurement” actually looks like in 2026 and how retailers can prioritize smarter budget decisions without waiting for perfect data. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the top NRF insights on retail media measurement.

Unlock the Future of Brand Growth Discover what’s changing fastest in how brands grow today, straight from industry leaders who are shaping modern commerce. The RETHINK Retail Podcast takes you behind the scenes of marketplace strategies, ecosystem-driven growth, and omnichannel success. Learn from the expertise of Tim Derner of Authentic Brands Group and Remington Tonar of Cart.com as they explore: - Marketplace acceleration: How Amazon, TikTok Shop, and global platforms are driving brand expansion. - Ecosystem advantage: Why combining brands, IP, talent, entertainment, and retail partnerships creates outsized impact. - Omnichannel pitfalls: The most common traps brands fall into when trying to be everywhere at once. - AI in operations: Where automation and intelligence are quietly improving efficiency without being the headline. Whether you’re a brand manager, retailer, or commerce innovator, this episode provides actionable insights to help your brand scale globally, simplify operations, and stay ahead of the competition. 🎧 Listen now and transform the way your brand grows.

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast features Michelle James, Vice President at CTIA, in conversation with Melissa Blassingame, RVP of Partner Alliances at Twilio. As consumers increasingly ignore unknown calls, this episode explores how Branded Calling ID in retail is helping brands rebuild trust and improve voice engagement. - Why trust in voice communications is critical for modern retail - How Branded Calling ID improves answer rates and customer experience - Real-world retail use cases, including delivery and customer support - How industry standards and collaboration are restoring trust in voice 🎧 Listen to the episode to learn how Branded Calling ID is bringing trusted voice back to retail.

Can technology actually make shopping feel more personal? Recorded live at NRF 2026, this RETHINK Retail Podcast moves past the AI hype to focus on the people behind the counter. Host Michael Klein is joined by David Weissman from Tulip, Rissa Jarrat from Jenni Kayne, and Kimberly Levine from TUMI for a candid conversation about the future of clienteling. In a world of digital noise, these leaders are using AI to bring back the "little black book" of retail, at scale: - The "Gift of Time": How TUMI uses technology to free up associates so they can focus on the person standing in front of them. - Authenticity First: Why Jenni Kayne prioritizes "reading the room" over automated messaging. - Million-Dollar Performers: What happens when you give every associate the tools to build their own book of business. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about making sure the "human" stays at the heart of your brand.

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, the RETHINK Retail Podcast dives into how Rebag is using conversational AI to transform luxury resale. Olivier Hepner, CPTO at Rebag and Howe Gu Senior Vice President, Partnerships & Ecosystem at Rezolve AI, discuss moving beyond traditional search, helping shoppers make confident decisions, and blending AI with human expertise. Discover what intelligence-driven retail looks like in a one-of-a-kind product world.

Retail AI is evolving — and the biggest breakthroughs are happening after the sale. In this episode of the Rethink Retail Podcast, host Michael Zakkour speaks with Aadil Kazmi, Head of AI at Infios, about how agentic AI is reshaping retail execution across order management, fulfillment, and transportation. Key Takeaways - Execution is the new battleground – AI’s biggest retail impact is shifting from planning to fulfillment and post-purchase experience - Connected systems win – Breaking silos between OMS, WMS, and TMS enables real-time visibility and self-healing operations - Agentic orchestration is here – AI agents are already making live sourcing, routing, and exception-handling decisions - Modularity unlocks scale – Flexible, interoperable architectures outperform monolithic systems in speed and ROI - Purpose-driven AI pays off – Fewer backorders, faster deliveries, and higher customer satisfaction Ready to transform retail execution with AI? Connect with Infios to learn how agentic AI can power intelligent, end-to-end supply chain operations.

Recorded at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast explores how retailers are translating data into more informed decision-making at the store level. In 'From Insight to Impact: How Intelligent Retail Creates Results', industry leaders discuss how connected retail ecosystems, spanning POS, self-checkout, back office operations, and analytics, can support operational efficiency and contribute to improved customer experiences. The conversation brings together perspectives from Loblaws and Diebold Nixdorf, sharing practical observations on how retailers approach technology integration, scale innovation across store networks, and align digital investments with business priorities. Podcast participants include: - Roman Gerlicher, SVP, Retail Technology, Loblaw Companies Limited - Arvin Jawa, VP, Global Marketing & Strategy, Diebold Nixdorf

AI is transforming how retailers manage payments, prevent fraud, and deliver seamless checkout experiences. In this episode of the Rethink Retail podcast, host Matthew Adam Smith speaks with Kai Lindstrom, VP of Retail Payment Services at SOK, and Jagrati Singh, Regional Sales Director at HCLTech. Key Takeaways: - AI-powered checkout: faster, seamless, and secure transactions - Fraud prevention: smarter detection and reduced operational risk - Modern POS systems: upgrading legacy infrastructure for agility - Hyper-personalization: tailored offers and experiences at scale - Systems integration: aligning platforms, partners, and data for frictionless payments 🎧 A must-listen for retail, payments, and technology leaders navigating AI-driven commerce.

🌟 Can you feel the anticipation? Together we rise! The countdown to NRF big show 2026 has begun! This year promises new activations and global insights that will reshape the retail landscape. What’s one thing you hope to learn at the show? Share with us.

In this episode of RETHINK Retail, Top Retail Experts unpack how much customer expectations have accelerated and expert tips for retailers trying to compete across stores, apps, loyalty programs, and connected channels. Join Emily Pfeiffer, Principal Analyst of Commerce Tech at Forrester and Roopi Crowley, Managing Director of Strategic Retail at T-Mobile for Business, as they explore: - The future of loyalty programs - Dynamic pricing and personalized offers - Collecting and leveraging customer feedback - Using connectivity and data to drive smarter merchandising Learn how to turn customer expectations into opportunities. 🎧 Listen now and rethink your retail strategy.

As the retail industry heads into 2026, innovation is no longer theoretical — it’s operational. In this special episode of the Rethink Retail Predictions Podcast, we spoke directly with retail leaders who are actively building the future of commerce. From omnichannel growth and AI-driven personalization to pricing pressure, trust, and the rise of machine-assisted shopping, these experts share unfiltered insights into what’s actually changing inside retail organizations. 🎙 Featured voices include: - Diana David, Director of Futures at ServiceNow - Stefan Gunnarsson, Founder & CEO at PropTexx - Sara Ahmed Holman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bobbie - Justin Rinaldi, Director of Marketing and eCommerce at Safety Speed Manufacturing - Diptendu Ray, Head of Product Management at Giant Tiger - Swetha Subramanian, Vice President, Data Science and AI Products at Loblaw Companies Limited - Hanna Moisander, Chairperson at Lager 157 - Tammy Mo, Chief Executive Officer of Mozzimo Jewelry - Bubs Shah, Director of UX Design at Macy's Together, these perspectives paint a clear picture: 2026 will reward retailers who move faster, build trust, and operationalize AI at scale.

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Martin Bailie is joined by Jerome Hamrit, Senior Vice President for Data and Retail Media at VusionGroup, and Thaddeus Segura, Senior Vice President for Product at VusionGroup, to explore the evolution of the connected store. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why store digital transformation is fundamentally different from e-commerce transformation - How real-time data from ESLs, computer vision, IoT sensors, and transactional systems creates a “live store” - Why platform thinking and system integration matter more than adding new devices - How Walmart and Carrefour approached connected store infrastructure at scale - The shift from “interesting technology” to essential retail capability - What “precision commerce” means and why it represents the future of retail execution - How connected stores unlock value for retailers, store teams, and brands through better execution, productivity, and monetization 🎧 Listen now to understand how connected stores are redefining retail performance.

What if store cameras were one of retail’s most underused growth assets? In this episode, Martin Bailie (Advisory Board, RETHINK Retail) sits down with Karissa Price, Chief Customer Officer at Dragonfruit AI, and Randy Meadows, Retail Advisor to Dragonfruit AI and former SVP of Asset Protection at Kohl’s, to explore how video AI is transforming retail beyond loss prevention. Key takeaways: - Most retailers already have the infrastructure - the opportunity is how they use it - AI is changing the economics of video across stores and supply chain - Buy-in happens when multiple teams see shared ROI - The real shift is moving from passive footage to actionable decisions 🎧 A must-listen. 📍 Join Dragonfruit AI at NRF Big Show for their Big Ideas session, “From Video to Value: Turning Cameras into Retail Growth Engines.” #RetailTechnology #VideoAI #RetailInnovation #LossPrevention #DragonfruitAI

What happens when survey-based consumer research gets replaced by real-time, AI-orchestrated insight? At GroceryShop 2025, host Kirat Anand sits down with Trevor Sumner, CEO of iGenie.ai, to unpack how the company is redefining a $35B insights industry. They explore: - Why traditional surveys fail — and why 70% of responses are unusable - How iGenie analyzes billions of real consumer signals across search, social, video, and reviews - How AI-driven insight accelerates innovation cycles from 18 months to 2–3 months Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

How do you scale one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in retail? In this episode, host James Tenser sits down with Sean Goldsmith, Co-Founder & CEO of The Zero Proof, to unpack what’s fueling the explosive rise of the non-alcoholic (NA) movement — and how retailers can capitalize. They explore: - The cultural shift toward wellness, moderation, and premium adult experiences - How new NA spirits, wines, and cocktails drive incremental revenue, not substitution - The operational blueprint behind scaling NA from blog → retailer → portfolio brand builder Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Cyber threats aren’t evolving, they’re accelerating. 🚨 In this new AiR Podcast episode, Renee Hartmann sits down with Kenneth Ogami, Industry Leader for Retail & Hospitality at Palo Alto Networks, to unpack the new language of retail resilience. Kenneth brings 20+ years of hands-on retail security experience — from securing Westfield’s digital ecosystem to helping luxury brand Amiri scale securely through hypergrowth. His message is clear: compliance is no longer enough - resilience is the strategy. Key takeaways: - The retail attack surface has expanded dramatically across omnichannel, IoT, and connected store ecosystems. - AI is accelerating threats through deepfakes, automated fraud, and sophisticated social engineering. - Zero Trust is emerging as a business enabler — reducing risk while simplifying operations. - Fragmented security stacks are holding retailers back; unified visibility is now essential. - AI agents are reshaping future operations, requiring new security mindsets and governance. 🎧 Listen now and future-proof your retail organization. Special thanks to Palo Alto Networks for making this episode possible. Visit their NRF booth #3956 to see how top retailers are building cyber resilience that scales.

How is PepsiCo reshaping its future while staying true to the brands consumers love? In this episode, host Matt Mueller sits down with Michael Del Pozzo, President of PepsiCo North America, to explore the company’s bold new chapter. They discuss: - How PepsiCo balances data-driven precision with creative instinct - What’s fueling innovation across beverages, snacks, and brand refreshes - How “One PepsiCo” is accelerating speed, collaboration, and retail partnerships Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

On this episode of “Building a Modern Food Brand,” host Christina Downey sits down with Matthew Newman, CCO at It’s Skinny, to talk about the hard choices founders must make early — and why focus, discipline, and a clear go-to-market strategy matter more than saying “yes” to everyone. Matthew shares: - Why startups must define where they want to live — and hold firm - How It’s Skinny reset its core strategy before scaling - The breakthrough behind their new low-carb, low-calorie rice innovation 🎧 Listen Now Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

What happens when automation, speed, and smart fulfillment collide in the grocery industry? In this episode of the Global Retail Leaders Podcast by RETHINK Retail, host Theo sits down with Petr Lizner of Rohlik Group - one of Europe’s fastest-growing online grocers, to walk us through how Rohlik’s blend of automation hardware and in-house software is redefining what modern grocery can achieve. They explore: - How Rohlik scales high-efficiency online operations across multiple countries - How scalable automation can work in the online grocery environment - The surprising fulfillment metrics, like near-zero commercial shrink, that online models can outperform offline retail on. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Value isn’t just about low prices anymore. As shoppers become more intentional and economic pressures rise, retailers are shifting their strategies—from promotions and pricing to emotional connection and brand authenticity. We dive into how value is being redefined across the industry. Joined by experts Andrew Smith, Carol Spieckerman, Liza Amlani, and Andrea K. Leigh, we explore how retailers are aligning with evolving shopper priorities and what “value” really means today. Special thanks to Adobe and Icertis for making this episode possible!

What happens when technology meets true customer empathy? In this episode of Rethink Retail: Global Retail Leaders, host Alex Baker sits down with Uttam Kumar, Engineering Manager at American Eagle Outfitters, to discuss: - How engineers are becoming storytellers and changemakers in retail - The real role of AI — beyond recommendations, toward anticipation - Why successful digital transformation starts with people, not tech - Moving from waterfall to agile: lessons from 17+ years in retail systems - How hyper-personalization and data discipline define the next retail decade 🎧 Listen to the full conversation Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

EuroShop only happens once every three years — and every edition sets the pace for the future of global retail. In the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Alexis sits down with EuroShop Director Elke Moebius and EHI Senior VP Ulrich Spaan for an inside look at what’s new, what’s evolving, and what the world can expect from EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf — including its first-ever expansion to Dubai. If you’re shaping the next wave of store design, retail tech, or shopper experience, or planning your trip to one of Europe’s biggest retail events, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now

In this Rethink Retail podcast episode live from Groceryshop, David Weinand (Incisiv) speaks with Elisa Lyew, founder of Elisa’s Love Bites, on transforming her passion for clean, better-for-you desserts into a fast-growing national brand. They explore: - How Elisa pivoted from a decade-long NYC bakery to a scalable CPG model - Why clean ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and refined-sugar-free sweets set the brand apart - The focus on a hero product — the chocolate-chip cookie — as the foundation for national expansion Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Join Timm Henderlight, Lead Strategy Consultant at Perficient, and Rick Olson, Consult Partner at Kyndryl, as they reveal how predictive analytics and AI are transforming holiday retail planning. Discover how retailers are: - Forecasting demand with greater accuracy - Optimizing inventory and assortments - Streamlining operations for peak season Whether you’re a retailer looking to gain a competitive edge or simply curious about how data drives holiday success, this episode offers practical insights to help you plan smarter and sell more. Special thanks to @Kyndryl for making this episode possible Listen Now

What happens when passion, purpose, and technology collide on water? In this Rethink Retail: Global Leaders episode, host Ninaad Acharya sits down with Bruce Smith, Founder & Chairman at Hydrow, the premium connected rowing experience redefining home fitness. They explore: - How daily movement can make the world a kinder place - What it takes to build three companies in one — hardware, software, and content - The challenge of scaling while keeping authentic community at the core - Why “the customer is the company” at Hydrow - How founder mindset and leadership evolve through growth - The next frontier: personalization, AI, and the end of cohorts Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Welcome to Omnichannel Reimagined: A new RETHINK Retail & VTEX Video Podcast Series giving senior retail leaders an insider’s edge on the trends, tech, and tactics shaping the future of B2C and B2B commerce, from seamless digital storefronts to AI-powered experiences. In Episode 1, Top Retail Expert Brendan Witcher sits down with Santiago Naranjo, CRO at VTEX, to explore how AI is reshaping the buyer journey, whether websites are becoming obsolete in an AI-first world, the risks of letting AI platforms control customer relationships and how enterprise brands can remain indispensable, even when shoppers never visit them directly. 🎧 Tune in now to rethink what omnichannel really means in 2025 and beyond

How does a century-old luxury lingerie brand balance craftsmanship, connection, and cutting-edge technology? In this Rethink Retail episode, Cathy McCabe, CEO of Proximity, sits down with Marianna Satanas, President of Hanro USA, to explore how timeless values can drive modern transformation. They discuss: - Turning heritage and craftsmanship into a modern customer experience - How human connection still defines true clienteling in luxury - Why authenticity and personalization matter more than ever - Using AI to empower teams and give customers real choice - How sustainability, quality, and emotional value shape buying behavior today

The shelf era is over—and the rules of CPG growth are changing fast. 🛒💡 Join host Bryan Gildenberg and PwC experts Carla DeSantis & Remzi Ural as they break down how AI, agentic shopping, and moment-based experiences are rewriting retail. Learn how to turn data into actionable insights, leverage cloud ecosystems, and build an agile, AI-enabled enterprise that thrives in disruption. Listen now and rethink how your brand connects with consumers

How does a Japanese brand turn 150-year-old silk into a global haircare phenomenon? Alex Baker sits down with Kodai Takahashi, co-founder & CEO of Silk the Rich, to explore: - Transforming heritage silk into affordable luxury haircare - Scaling from 4 bottles sold to 10,000+ stores worldwide - Blending premium product experience with eco-friendly innovation (silk-based plastics!) - Leveraging AI for customer support and community engagement - Adapting to cultural differences while maintaining brand consistency Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Self-checkout is hitting its inflection point in retail! From frictionless AI-powered produce scanning to better integration with loyalty and payment systems, the future of in-store shopping is all about speed, efficiency, and smart tech. Key takeaway: Success comes from getting the basics right, integrating technology, measuring the right KPIs, and aligning staff, not just chasing the “next shiny thing.” Check out the full insights from our Rethink Retail podcast with Host Trevor Sumner, Nino Hörttrich from Diebold Nixdorf and Amar Mokha from Incisiv.

In this special episode of Retailer Tech Tips from Groceryshop 2025, Theo Schweitz, CEO of Drive Wheel and Top Retail Expert, sits down with Rakesh Thaploo, Sr. Partner at Kyndryl, to explore the next era of grocery retail transformation. Together, they discuss how modern grocers are leveraging AI, analytics, and digital store technologies to reduce shrink, boost margins, and deliver richer customer experiences. From the evolution of in-store engagement to the rise of connected data ecosystems, this episode offers practical insights into how retailers can modernize operations while staying true to their consumers. 👉 Listen now and discover the strategies shaping the future of grocery retail.

C-stores aren’t just convenience stops, they’re labs for bold new ideas. On the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Jessica Couch talks with: - Yvette Fossum from Ferrero about their newest c-store launches and how they test big ideas in small spaces - Isabella Chia from Wells Enterprises on how ice cream innovations in c-stores spark brand-wide strategies Fun, fast, and full of real-world insights, hear why brands are leaning on convenience stores to innovate