In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Lightning Round of Burritos, "Best Of" White Lotus Awards, and Tariff Product Hoarding

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: The Pros & Cons of Amazon AI Shopping Agents

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: San Diego Banning Digital-Only Coupons

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Instacart Debuting A New ?Will Call? Delivery Service

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If Old Navy?s 1,200 Store Radar RFID Rollout Is Too Aggressive?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, ClearDemand, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss Whether they're buying or selling Best Buy Creator Storefronts

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/xZ2R3c0ZxsU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

David Dorf, Head of Retail Industry Solutions at AWS, joins Omni Talk to break down how Agentic AI?the next evolution beyond generative AI?is poised to reshape the retail industry. From recommendations and virtual analysts to autonomous shopping assistants, David shares real-world retail examples already in use today. Plus, he explains why the next frontier may be agent-optimized websites and what that means for advertising, loyalty, and even SEO.

? Key Moments:

0:21 ? What is Agentic AI? How it differs from generative AI1:36 ? Real-world use cases: Amazon?s $260M in savings from AI agents2:14 ? Tapestry?s agent-powered data assistant2:42 ? AI recommending tires based on car type and usage3:28 ? Agents navigating browsers: Instacart demo and implications4:30 ? What happens to advertising and loyalty when agents shop for us?5:41 ? Advice for retailers: start small, focus on ROI and automation

? Don?t miss this mind-blowing 5-minute masterclass on the future of AI in retail.

#AgenticAI #RetailInnovation #AWS #GenerativeAI #RetailTechnology #OpenAI #FutureOfRetail #AIinRetail #Automation #AIshopping #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #DavidDorf #Anthropic #RetailTrends2025

Music by hooksounds.com

Sponsored Content

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week?s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne discussed:

Best Buy storefronts and where influencer commerce will go next (Source)Instacart?s introduction of ?Will Call? Delivery (Source)Old Navy rolling out Radar?s RFID solution to 1,200 stores (Source)San Diego banning digital-only grocery store coupons (Source)And closed with a look at just how game-changing Amazon?s implementation of AI agents to shop third-party sites could be (Source)

There?s all that, plus David Dorf of AWS stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes on Agentic AI, and Chris and Anne also discuss tariff stockpiling, soggy doggy burritos and which animal species Anne would most like to see brought back from extinction.

Music by hooksounds.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Love Is Blind Lightning Round

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Whether They're Buying Or Selling: Target?s ?Brown Box Delivery? Pilot

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Edible Arrangements Making a Shift To Sell . . . Edibles

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Klarna & Doordash Bringing BNPL To Meal Delivery

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon Haul Being Priced At 50% Off During Big Spring Sale

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five recorded live from Shoptalk 2025 in Vegas and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Best Buy Connecting Retail Media With Meta

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/NPi_RSCdcTE

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The Shoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Podcast is here! Recorded live on stage, this fast-paced episode features Omni Talk's Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton with Shoptalk's content team ? Marielle Bobo, Ben Miller, HG O?Connell, and the live conference audience ? as they spin the wheel to hit the hottest themes of the show.

? Key Moments & Topics:

(00:54) Introduction of the ?Shoptalk Dream Team?(03:00) Tariffs: Shein?s surprising openness to regulation(05:01) Data: AI, personalization, and retail transformation with DoorDash, Hanes, and SoulCycle(10:14) Retail Media: Growth slowing or just evolving?(13:52) Quote of the Show: Creativity, authenticity, and CVS? traffic drivers(18:50) Demand Creation: Stores still rule; digital discovery leads(23:16) Search: Language & visual search, AI co-pilots, and TikTok?s next gen influence(28:33) Startup Winners: Sotira (reverse logistics) and Playably (gamified ecommerce)(30:31) Most Exciting Tech: From jewelry design with AI to in-store audio(32:45) Careless Whisper (aka Most Interesting Idea Heard Offstage): Trove?s 3-5 comp point resale lift, Sam?s Club?s reinvestment strategy, metaverse surprises, and CEOs getting back in stores(33:58) Agentic AI: Is this a ?Bezos moment? for retail?(39:00) Closing Thoughts: What?s next? Shoptalk Europe, Fall, Groceryshop & more

? For more on upcoming Shoptalk shows visit shoptalk.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Shoptalk 2025 special, recorded live from the Shoptalk TV studio, Omni Talk sits down with Cedric Clark, EVP of Stores at Walmart, to unpack the company?s people-led, tech-powered evolution. Cedric dives into Walmart?s commitment to associate experience, innovation in store technology, and why staying connected to the frontline is key to long-term retail success.

? Key Moments:

(00:54) Cedric on Shoptalk and innovation trends(1:45) His Walmart journey: From fishing licenses to EVP(3:09) Why store-level experience matters in leadership(4:12) People-led, tech-powered: Walmart?s core philosophy(5:47) Game-changing tech: My Walmart app and digital shelf labels(7:53) AI for smarter scheduling and task nudges(13:12) Store experience evolution: Then vs. now(16:06) How Walmart develops its associates(18:20) Winning over new customers and boosting loyalty(20:39) Walmart?s "secret sauce" for success(23:09) Keeping the customer at the center of every decision(25:37) Teasers for what?s ahead in 2025


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Live from Shoptalk 2025, Meta?s JP Chookaszian joins Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga to unpack one of the show?s biggest announcements?Meta?s new omni-channel ad platform. JP walks us through the macroeconomic shifts driving this innovation, why in-store performance matters more than ever, and how AI and GenAI are shaping Meta?s future tools, from dynamic ad generation to virtual try-on. If you want to know what?s next in retail media, this is the episode to hear.

Key Moments:

0:40 ? Intro to JP and his role at Meta

2:30 ? Economic backdrop and shift in consumer behavior

4:50 ? Why retail media matters more in 2025

5:40 ? Meta?s new omni-channel ad solution explained

6:20 ? 21% lift in in-store incremental ROAS

7:10 ? Why in-store signal improves campaign performance

8:00 ? Rollout timeline for general availability

9:00 ? Importance of unified KPIs and org structures

11:45 ? What retailers need to do to prepare

12:50 ? The role of AI and Meta?s Advantage+ suite

13:55 ? GenAI applications like virtual try-on and text generation

16:15 ? Why creative still reigns in the AI era

17:45 ? Final advice: invest in creative, AI, and test-and-learn

19:20 ? How to connect with JP and Meta post-Show

#retail #omnichannel #meta #shoptalk

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Shoptalk 2025 episode, recorded live from the Meta Podcast Studio,, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga chat with Jessica Lachs, Chief Analytics Officer at DoorDash, about her remarkable rise from startup GM to data leader. Jessica unveils DoorDash?s newest partnerships with DSW and Klarna, discusses the role of AI in grocery substitutions and targeted retail media, and explains why data is the foundation of customer-centric innovation.

Key Moments:

0:20 ? Jessica Lachs joins Omni Talk from Shoptalk 2025

1:20 ? Her startup journey: from GM to CAO at DoorDash

3:00 ? Learning SQL and Python from scratch

4:10 ? Launching new partnerships: Klarna and DSW

5:45 ? DoorDash?s evolving verticals beyond restaurants

7:00 ? Retail media and new DoubleDash ad platform

8:20 ? Role of AI in customer personalization and targeting

9:45 ? AI-powered grocery substitutions and smarter alternatives

11:40 ? Creating seamless omnichannel experiences

12:55 ? Solving the first-time search and personalization challenge

14:30 ? Advice for brands: invest in analytics before tech

15:45 ? Building an intentional data strategy and empowering analysts

16:30 ? Wrap-up with ?Life Hacks with Lachs? podcast teaser

#doordash #shoptalk #retailinnovation

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of Omni Talk Retail recorded live from the Meta Podcast Studio at Shoptalk 2025, hosts Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton welcome Five Below?s VP of Digital Marketing, Abhinav Agrawal, and Ovative Group?s SVP of Growth, Jesse Grittner, for a high-energy discussion on how omnichannel strategies are transforming retail. From the collapse of traditional retail boundaries to the rise of AI-driven personalization and measurement, this episode dives deep into what?s driving growth and innovation.

Key Moments:

0:35 ? Introductions and Shoptalk energy

1:00 ? Jesse?s background in retail and Ovative?s role

1:20 ? Abhinav?s unique path from engineering to marketing

2:15 ? What ?growth? means for Ovative

2:45 ? Defining omnichannel and digital-first engagement at Five Below

3:45 ? How digital storytelling connects to in-store sales

4:10 ? Measurement techniques: triangulation and Meta partnerships

5:01 ? Choosing data-driven retail partners

6:01 ? What makes a successful retail collaboration

7:03 ? The future of customer journeys and AI influence

8:19 ? Five Below?s top priority: content that follows trends

9:17 ? Ovative?s investments in creators and rapid insights

10:20 ? Smart tech investments and first-party identity

11:40 ? AI?s role across the retail tech stack

#shoptalk #retailtechnology #retailinnovation

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this insightful Shoptalk 2025 episode, recorded live from the Meta Podcast Studio, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Harvey Ma, VP and GM of Retail Media at Sam?s Club. Harvey explains how Sam?s Club has taken a radically different approach to retail media?reinvesting every ad dollar back into clubs, staff, and the member experience. He also breaks down how Sam?s in-house technology, like their new search engine and Scan & Go platform, prioritizes relevancy over revenue, creating a superior shopper journey.

Key Moments:

0:40 ? Intro to Harvey Ma and his journey from engineering to retail

2:00 ? Sam?s Club?s unique retail media approach: revenue reinvested, not profited

3:45 ? Why member satisfaction drives everything at Sam?s

5:20 ? Rebuilding Sam?s in-house search platform for relevancy over profit

6:50 ? Moving away from ROAS to measure success

8:25 ? Scan & Go as the future of in-store retail media

9:45 ? 71% incremental reach from Scan & Go media

10:50 ? What Sam?s looks for in a retail partner

12:50 ? Trust as a pillar of Sam?s Club strategy

14:00 ? The evolution of retail media: from digital to tactile experiences

15:30 ? Advice for retailers: don?t make it all about money

16:45 ? Three simple questions Sam?s asks of every initiative

17:40 ? Closing thoughts and the importance of member-focused innovation

#samsclub #retailmedia #shoptalk

? Retail Media, Evolved: Liz Roach on KPIs, Clean Rooms & Commerce at Speed | Shoptalk 2025 Live

Albertsons Media Collective's Liz Roche joins Chris and Anne live from the Meta Podcast Studio at ShopTalk 2025 to talk all things retail media?why measurement needs to be reimagined, how to think beyond channel silos, and what teams need to succeed in a data-driven world. From clean rooms to strategic continuity, Liz shares what it takes to win in the next wave of retail media.

? Timestamps:

(0:09) Welcome & intro from Meta?s Surf Room B

(1:00) Liz?s new dual-role: Media & Measurement under one roof

(2:08) Why collaborative tech like clean rooms and APIs is a must

(2:54) What?s changing in KPIs: From campaign lift to LTV & longitudinal metrics

(3:56) How combining measurement & media helps speed to insight

(4:44) Personalization + attribution: Closed-loop is everything

(5:45) The culture of retail media: Bias for action, speed, and strategic partnerships

(6:38) Education still matters?especially with brand marketers new to commerce

(7:24) Industry trend watch: CTV, compressed funnels, holistic measurement

(8:50) Where to invest now? Experimentation: Budgets, KPIs, and media strategy

(9:25) Wrap-up and thanks to Meta for hosting

#retailmedia #shoptalk #retail

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? Retail Fast Five | March 26, 2025 ? Live from Shoptalk 2025

This week, Chris and Anne are back together live at Shoptalk 2025, bringing you exclusive insight and on-the-ground energy. This week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios, kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at their interviews with CVS, Wayfair, and Purina (03:15), followed by their five big retail stories of the week:

Best Buy Launches Social Plus ? A new retail media/social ad hybrid (06:23)Amazon Haul Gets a Spring Sale Boost ? But is it bold enough? (12:23)Klarna x DoorDash Partnership ? BNPL comes to food delivery (16:46)Edible Arrangements Launches Edibles.com ? Game-changing move into hemp products (20:54)Target Tests Brown Box Delivery ? Efficiency play or PR puff? Or both? (24:43)

They also talk Christina Aguilera workout songs (28:47), bad airport snacks (30:14), socks and sleep debates (31:53), and whether Minneapolis should host dating shows (33:03).

? A must-listen for anyone following the ever-changing retail landscape.

Music by hooksounds.com

#RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #RetailNews #BestBuy #AmazonHaul #ShopTalk2025 #RetailMedia #Klarna #DoorDash #Edibles #TargetRetail #Ecommerce #RetailTrends #BNPL #RetailInnovation

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? Personalized Joy at Scale: KK Kandu of Kendra Scott | Shoptalk 2025 Live

Kamanasish Kundu (aka "KK"), SVP & Head of Digital and E-Commerce at Kendra Scott, joins Omni Talk live from the Avalara podcast studio at Shoptalk 2025 to explore the art and science of emotional commerce. From building a nimble, test-driven culture to prepping for an AI-first future of intelligent shopping agents, KK lays out the future of digital retail for a personal brand in an evolving world.

? Timestamps:

(0:09) Welcome and intro to KK Kandu ? recently promoted at Kendra Scott

(1:00) KK?s background: from electrical engineer to e-commerce leader

(1:58) What KK?s Shoptalk session is about: personalization that spreads joy

(2:54) Redefining personalization: it?s about anticipating needs and building connection

(3:50) What makes jewelry unique in e-commerce?and why emotion matters

(4:55) Bringing in-store energy to digital through omnichannel alignment

(5:46) Test-and-learn culture: ?launch and love? for every experiment

(6:52) Navigating price sensitivity and uncertainty with a proactive strategy

(8:20) Showing value through messaging and BNPL while staying nimble

(9:40) What?s next in e-commerce: AI agents, emotional touchpoints, and dual-layer websites

(11:13) Final thoughts: brands that balance intelligence and emotion will win

#shoptalk #kendrascott #retailtech

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? Turning Returns Into Revenue: Trove CEO Terry Boyle on Resale?s Rise at Shoptalk 2025

Terry Boyle, CEO of Trove, sits down with Omni Talk, live from the Avalara podcast studio at Shoptalk, to share how the resale revolution is changing retail. He walks through the tech, economics, and brand strategy behind resale programs that create loyalty, profits, and sustainability?while helping retailers attract new customers in the process.

? Timestamps:

(0:05) Welcome from Shoptalk 2025 at the Avalara booth

(0:33) Terry Boyle?s background: from Nordstrom to Zulily to Trove

(1:46) What Trove does: powering branded resale, trade-ins, and returns

(2:59) Why resale is both a sustainability and profitability play

(4:02) Who Trove works with?Patagonia, Arc?teryx, Brooks, and more

(4:50) Why resale isn?t a Shoptalk track?yet

(5:55) Has resale crossed the chasm?

(6:50) The economics of resale vs. off-price

(8:15) What tech is needed to scale resale (AI, WMS, ERP integration)

(9:05) Is there a ?right way? to do resale?

(9:51) Full site integration = 3?5% of sales from resale

(10:43) Watchouts: how to manage gift card values and return grades

(11:27) Recap and call to action

#shoptalk #resale #retailinnovation

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? Tariff Tuesdays, Taxes & Cross-Border Success: Avalara?s George Trantas at Shoptalk 2025

Live from Shoptalk 2025, Avalara?s George Trantas shares deep insights on what?s next for global retail. From tackling tariffs and tax implications to building a smart cross-border strategy, George brings clarity to the chaos with advice rooted in years of ecommerce and logistics leadership.

? Timestamps:

(0:05) Live from Shoptalk 2025 at Avalara Booth #1554

(0:53) George?s background and shoutout to his son?s hockey championship

(1:19) What Avalara does and George?s evolving role

(2:23) What?s happening in cross-border commerce right now

(3:43) Where to start with cross-border: Canada, UK, Australia

(4:46) Common mistakes in global ecommerce and pricing

(5:58) Tariff talk: what happens if the de minimis rule is removed

(6:56) Advice for retailers to prepare for tariff shifts

(7:57) The surprising truth about taxing tariffs

(8:55) Avalara?s weekly ?Tariff Tuesday? blog and knowledge resources

(9:25) Closing advice: get help, start small, and follow the leaders

#shoptalk #taxes #tariffs

Sponsored Content

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Chris and Anne sit down with Uncommon Goods founder and CEO Dave Bolotsky, live from the Avalara podcast studio, to talk about the company?s origin story, why curation still matters, and how they?re adapting to the latest retail trends. From light manufacturing in Brooklyn to in-house product design and a $25 loyalty program, Dave shares what it takes to thrive in today?s ecommerce world?plus his thoughts on AI, customer experience, and the future of gifting.

? Timestamps:

(0:05) Intro from Shoptalk 2025 at Avalara Booth #1554

(0:26) Dave?s background from Wall Street to ecommerce

(1:33) What makes Uncommon Goods ?uncommon?

(2:50) How they choose and create exclusive products

(4:56) In-house design and Brooklyn-based light manufacturing

(5:45) The evolution of the maker economy and competitive pressure

(6:56) Popular new product: QR code horoscope mugs

(8:00) Dave?s learning approach to Shoptalk

(9:03) How Uncommon Goods is exploring retail media

(9:45) Testing pop-up stores and the ROI challenge

(10:59) Loyalty: ?Uncommon Perks? vs. Prime

(12:01) Using AI in customer service, copywriting, and code

(13:20) Vision for AI in product development

(14:34) Closing thoughts + what?s next for Uncommon Goods

#shoptalk #retailinnovation

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? Inside CVS?s Retail Reinvention | Musab Balbale Live from Shoptalk 2025

Musab Balbale, SVP and Chief Merchandising Officer of CVS Health, sits down with Omni Talk, live from the Avalara podcast studio at Shoptalk 2025, to explore CVS?s bold new retail strategy. With 75% of store traffic coming from the front store, CVS is leaning into AI, hyperlocal formats, and the power of everyday essentials to become a community-first destination for immediate needs.

? Timestamps:

(0:08) Welcome from Shoptalk 2025 ? and puppies?!

(0:36) What Musab oversees at CVS: digital, categories, and front-store merchandising

(1:53) 75% of CVS traffic comes from front-store?surprising stat breakdown

(3:06) CVS as a local community store, not just a pharmacy

(3:35) Musab?s career journey: Walmart, Jet.com, Vitamin Shoppe

(4:00) Comparing the transformation journeys of Walmart and CVS

(4:52) CVS?s small format and standalone pharmacy strategy explained

(5:56) Designing stores for micro trade areas using AI and ML

(7:25) 900 billion value-SKU combos: how tech powers CVS?s tailored assortments

(8:42) The consumer?s evolving expectations and how CVS fits into their routine

(9:33) What categories are leading growth?food, general merchandise, and seasonal

(10:59) ?Immediate gratification? as the overlooked retail trip type

(11:44) The human connection still matters in retail

(12:27) The one trend Musab is watching closely: the true power of AI

#shoptalk

Shoptalk 2025 Exclusive: Shein's Strategy Head Peter Pernot-Day on the Future of Fashion

Chris and Anne sit down with Shein?s Head of Strategy & Corporate Affairs, Peter Pernot-Day, live from the Avalara podcast studio at Shoptalk 2025, to explore how Shein's radically different approach to production and customer experience sets it apart. The discussion covers everything from small-batch on-demand design to retail data engineering and personalization?plus how Shein is thinking about tariffs, technology, and customer loyalty in 2025 and beyond.

? Timestamps:

(0:05) Live from Shoptalk 2025 at the Avalara booth

(0:22) Peter?s background & Shein 101

(1:12) What ?on-demand fashion? really means

(2:48) Technology that drives Shein?s efficiency

(3:59) Shein?s response to the affordability crisis

(5:00) Advice for other retailers: embrace data engineering

(6:15) Personalization & the "experience gap" in e-commerce

(7:42) Photo search and recommender system innovations

(8:37) The role of customer feedback in design

(9:34) Tariffs, De Minimis, and regulatory planning

(10:56) Peter?s favorite thing about Shoptalk: Serendipity

#shoptalk #shein #retailtech

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss the week's most intriguing entertainment stories in this latest episode of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios! We explore Heineken's unique campaign to find a successor for a fourth-generation Irish pub, debate dream vacations, and rank our favorite Adam Sandler films.

KEY MOMENTS:

0:02 - Heineken's search for someone with a specific Irish surname to take over an Irish pub

0:27 - Would our hosts change their name and move to Ireland to inherit a bar?

1:03 - Discussing Mariah Carey's viral unimpressed reaction at the iHeart Radio Music Awards

1:25 - Personal story about an unexpected reaction to a surprise birthday party

2:17 - The incredible $200,000 Four Seasons vacation package to all White Lotus filming locations

2:51 - Speculation about where White Lotus Season 4 might be filmed

3:24 - Happy Gilmore 2 trailer discussion and ranking our favorite Adam Sandler movies

3:45 - Debating Sandler's best work from classics like Billy Madison to critically acclaimed Uncut Gems

Tune in for laughs, hot takes, and our candid thoughts on whether we'd spend $200K to visit White Lotus resorts!

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#whitelotus #adamsandler #HappyGilmore2 #fourseasonshotel #entertainmentnews #mariahcareyreaction #movierankings #luxurytravel

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss how Wonder has scooped up Tastemade for $90 million as part of its grand plan to become the super app of mealtime. Chris and Anne dissect the strategy behind combining streaming food content with real-time delivery via Grubhub and Blue Apron?and whether Wonder?s vision of democratizing personal chefs can actually scale.

(0:02) ? Wonder acquires Tastemade to fuel its mealtime super app ambitions

(0:33) ? Wonder?s pivot from food trucks to centralized kitchens and restaurants

(1:14) ? Grubhub and Blue Apron acquisitions?building blocks of a food empire

(1:40) ? Marc Lore?s bold plan: Personalized chefs for everyone?

(2:03) ? The appeal: choice, convenience, and reducing friction in mealtime decisions

(2:52) ? Is it about delivery... or empowering consumers to cook with ease?

(3:36) ? Advertising potential: Tastemade as a platform to subsidize costs

(4:46) ? Scaling the logistics: Can Wonder handle the complexity at a reasonable price?

(5:29) ? Bezos? rule of choice, food as friction, and the psychology of convenience

(7:00) ? Final verdict: Big risk, big vision?but is it big enough to work?

Marc Lore is betting big on food?and the way we eat might never be the same. Will Wonder change the game... or burn through billions chasing an impossible dream?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#wonderapp #tastemade #foodtech #mealdelivery #superapps #grubhub #cloudkitchen #venturecapital #retailinnovation #foodstartup

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart going all-in with Klarna as its sole Buy Now, Pay Later provider?ditching Affirm and integrating BNPL into its OnePay FinTech app. Chris and Anne explore why this is more than a simple switch, and how it positions Walmart to become a dominant force in payments.

(0:03) ? Walmart drops Affirm, partners exclusively with Klarna for BNPL

(0:30) ? Klarna to underwrite loans, Walmart?s OnePay to handle customer experience

(1:10) ? Walmart?s OnePay valued at $2B+ with $200M in annual revenue

(1:54) ? Why Walmart?s customers won?t notice a difference?and why that matters

(2:26) ? Klarna?s global reach gives Walmart valuable data and fraud prevention potential

(3:06) ? Is BNPL becoming the next Visa or Mastercard for retail?

(3:24) ? Walmart?s strategy: Growth through ownership of payment capabilities

(4:26) ? Signing up is shockingly easy?Chris?s experience and $60 in credits

(4:42) ? Walmart?s long game: becoming the ?payment conduit for America?

(5:08) ? Why simplicity and trust in one provider can be more powerful than choice

With millions of daily shoppers, Walmart?s bet on Klarna and OnePay could reshape how Americans pay. Will other retailers follow suit?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#walmart #klarna #buynowpaylater #retailtech #retailinnovation #retailtech

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Wayfair going BIG in Atlanta with a new 150,000 sq ft store?but is this retail expansion smart or risky? Chris and Anne break down why Wayfair?s move into physical stores could challenge IKEA, fill a key market gap, and provide crucial data to enhance their omnichannel strategy in this latest episode of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios.

(0:03) ? Wayfair announces its second large-format store in Atlanta for 2026

(1:00) ? Chris shares the backstory: Wayfair's initial reluctance to go big

(2:19) ? In-store dwell time up 25%?why shoppers linger at Wayfair

(2:45) ? The white space: serving customers between IKEA and luxury brands

(4:30) ? Same-day pickup, easy returns, and why convenience wins

(5:39) ? Can Wayfair connect in-store behavior to online reviews and sales data?

(6:44) ? AI or no AI? The power of real-time retail data to optimize inventory

(7:02) ? The caveat: 15% sales bump might not be enough?store must be profitable

Will Wayfair?s big store bet pay off? The verdict?s out?but this move could reshape how we shop for furniture in 2025 and beyond.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#wayfair #furnitureshopping #homedecor #retailstrategy #omnichannelretail #furnituretrends #retailinnovation #homefurnishings

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Ulta Beauty going big with a new curated online marketplace?what does this mean for customers, loyalty, and retail media? Chris and Anne break down why this is a savvy move for Ulta, how Mirakl enables quick marketplace rollouts, and why 2025 is shaping up as the year of marketplace dominance in retail in this latest episode of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios.

(0:02) ? Ulta Beauty?s official marketplace announcement

(0:20) ? ?Curated? marketplaces?real or just marketing?

(1:02) ? Why this is a smart move for Ulta?s customers

(2:08) ? Retail media revenue and loyalty points as key drivers

(3:14) ? The role of Mirakl in accelerating marketplace adoption

(4:30) ? 2025: The year of the marketplace (Best Buy, Janie and Jack, Ulta)

(5:46) ? Data value in high-frequency beauty purchasing

(6:03) ? How Ulta?s platform could attract CPG advertisers

If you're in retail or beauty, this is one trend you can't afford to miss. Ulta's move could reshape the future of digital commerce in beauty and wellness.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#ultabeauty #ecommercetrends #retailinnovation #beautyindustry #retailmedia #customerloyalty #OmnichannelRetail #digitalcommerce #retailtech #beautytech

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss how Kroger is betting big on e-commerce?but is its strategy already flawed? In this segment, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios, Chris and Anne debate Kroger?s controversial decision to separate online operations into a standalone unit, question the leadership choice, and unpack whether this sets Kroger up for success?or disaster.

(0:03) ? Kroger forms new e-commerce business unit

(0:11) ? Yael Cosset promoted to EVP and Chief Digital Officer

(0:32) ? Kroger CEO Ron Sargent emphasizes digital growth

(0:56) ? Should e-commerce be a separate division?

(1:46) ? Why this goes against omnichannel best practices

(2:53) ? Is Kroger stuck in the sunk cost trap with Ocado?

(3:54) ? Concerns over leadership structure and priorities

(6:07) ? Are digital sales underperforming despite the investment?

(7:14) ? Final thoughts: too many risks, not enough clarity

Don?t miss this deep dive into a major retail shakeup?and what it could mean for the future of grocery e-commerce. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/K-LainhQQyY

#kroger #ecommercestrategy #retailnews #grocery #ocado #omnichannelretail #digitaltransformation #onlinegroceryshopping #retailtech #retailinsights

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this packed episode, Omni Talk hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview the most innovative retail technology providers attending Shoptalk 2025, giving listeners an insider?s guide to the conference?s must-see tech solutions.

Key Moments:

1:33 ? Interview with Big Sur AI?s CEO Vinod Ramachandran on their AI sales agent, content marketer, and data scientist tools17:12 ? Lucky Labs? Sneh Parmar explains how they connect brands to major retailers with real-time inventory and attribution data27:47 ? Lily AI?s Purva Gupta breaks down how they bridge the gap between merchant language and consumer search terms44:33 ? Syrup?s James Theuerkauf discusses their AI decision support system for optimizing inventory management56:50 ? Placer.AI?s Ethan Chernofsky shares insights on location analytics and understanding retail traffic patterns1:12:34 ? Treasure Data?s Mark Tack on intelligent data platforms transforming retail customer experiences1:25:01 ? Mirakl?s Alex Hase explains the rising trend of specialty retailers launching marketplace platforms1:35:33 ? Signifyd?s Raj Ramanand reveals how AI is solving the $890 billion returns problem in retail

#retailtech #shoptalk #aiinretail #retailinnovation #ecommerce #retailstrategy #customerexperience #retailanalytics #digitaltransformation

*Sponsored Content*

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week?s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios, Chris and Anne discussed:

Kroger?s surprising decision to create a standalone e-commerce unit (Source)Ulta?s launch of a digital marketplace with Mirakl (Source)Wayfair?s plans to open a second large format store in Atlanta (Source)Klarna becoming Walmart?s exclusive BNPL provider (Source)And closed with a look at Wonder?s acquisition spree and if its ?super app for mealtime? is just bad branding of what is actually a good idea (Source)

There?s all that, plus Mariah Carey, Irish names, and our rankings of the best Adam Sandler movies of all-time.

Music by hooksounds.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover: A Ride Or Die Lightning Round

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover:  If Portillo's App Fatigue IS Real And A Reason To Move To Digital Wallets

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover: Buying or Selling: Reckitt?s Claim AI Has Reduced Product Development Lead Times By 60%

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover:  Google Shopping Turning Your Fashion Idea Into Reality

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover:  Loblaw Tagging US Sourced Products With Tariff Symbol

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week?s retail news. In this short, they cover:  

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

How is AI transforming retail technology? In this episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Jessica Grisolia from Scandit about the latest innovations in smart data capture, shelf intelligence, and workforce efficiency. Find out how AI is not replacing store associates but enhancing their productivity, and why next-best-action intelligence is coming soon to inventory management.

? Key Moments:

0:08 ? Intro to OmniTalk?s Ask An Expert Series1:21 ? The importance of human-centric retail AI5:41 ? The $1.7 trillion inventory problem retailers face9:25 ? How AI optimizes store associates? workflows18:52 ? Staples Canada?s 45% cost reduction with smart data capture27:44 ? Retail AI trends for 2026: Agentic AI and coordinated computer vision

? Join the conversation and stay ahead of retail tech trends!

#RetailTechnology #AIinRetail #SmartDataCapture #InventoryManagement #RetailTrends #Omnichannel #AIforRetail #RetailAutomation #StoreOptimization #Scandit #NextBestAction #RetailAI

Music by hooksounds.com

Sponsored Content

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week?s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios, A&M?s David Schneidman and Chris Creyts joined Chris and Anne to discuss:

CVS Health?s rollout of ?mini-stores,? i.e. smaller stores with pharmacies but a limited retail selection (Source)Loblaw identifying U.S. made products at shelf with a new tariff symbol (Source)Google Shopping?s new AI search features (Source)Reckitt?s claims that it has reduced product development lead times by over 60% with generative AI (Source)And closed with an examination of Portillo?s launch of its new loyalty program, not through an app, but through a digital wallet (Source)

There?s all that, plus Blue Steel, airline preferences, and moonlighting as social media influencers.

Music by hooksounds.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

? In this week's Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down the viral Airport Theory TikTok trend (would you show up 15 minutes before your flight?!), the Domino?s stuffed crust debate, and the return of nostalgic retail brands like Limited Too! Plus, which pancakes reign supreme?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:

? Walmart just launched Walmart Unlimited, a shoppable video game experience designed to merge immersive gaming and e-commerce. But is this the future of shopping or just another metaverse experiment destined to fail? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we explore whether Walmart can drive real sales through virtual experiences and if customers will actually buy products inside a game.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:

?? Furniture.com is shaking up the industry by integrating real-time inventory, search data, and in-store browsing into one seamless furniture shopping platform. Could this be the next big thing in home furnishings, or will giants like Wayfair and Walmart respond with their own versions? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down the opportunities, challenges, and future of omni-channel furniture shopping.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:

? Publix is facing a class-action lawsuit over allegations of overcharging customers on weighted food items. Did a simple pricing error cause this, or is there a bigger problem with grocery store transparency? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down what happened, why electronic shelf labels might help prevent these issues, and how customers can protect themselves.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk?s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: 

? Amazon has launched Alexa Plus, its next-generation AI-powered assistant?but is it truly revolutionary or just another Alexa upgrade? ? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we discuss its new features, generative AI improvements, and whether it finally delivers on its smart shopping promise. Will you be subscribing or skipping Alexa Plus?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy