Kiosk Marketplace

In this episode of the CX Innovator's podcast Eric Williams, senior account executive at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, shares insight on changing customer expectations, the value of a mobile-first strategy in the retail environment and how and why AI will be a game-changer going forward.Williams helps specialty retailers modernize operations through point-to-sale hardware, software and services. With nearly thirty years of experience in customer relationship management, global account management, and market strategy, he specializes in building trusted relationships with retail leaders and guiding organizations through his strategic technology investment.

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, moderated by Judy Mottl, editor of RetailCustomerExperience and DigitalSignage Today, David Weinfeld, co-founder and CEO at Screenverse, and Montana Accavallo, senior vice president of programmatic and client strategy at Screenverse, share insight on what premium buyers are looking for in the digital out of home landscape and how those expectations are shaping which networks win repeat, high-value spend.Weinfeld helps partners align technology, strategy, sales, and monetization to meet expectations and leads Screenverse's vision, product strategy, and SSP and DSP partnerships, shaping how premium digital out-of-home inventory connects with modern, data-driven media buying. Prior to co-founding Screenverse, Weinfeld was Vistar Media's first supply-side sales hire, where he built and led the global SSP media owner practice. During his tenure, he expanded Vistar's Media owner partnerships from 30 to more than 120 worldwide, helping establish one of the industry's most influential DOOH marketplaces and contributing to the growth of a multi-million-dollar SaaS business.Accavallo drives programmatic strategy and partnerships for some of the world's biggest agencies and brands — translating audience data, platform capabilities and measurement into award-winning, performance-driven campaigns.Before joining Screenverse, Montana held key roles at Vistar Media and Neptune Retail Solutions (formerly Quotient Technologies), where she gained deep expertise in programmatic trading, platform strategy, and retail media innovation. Montana leads marketplace education across industry-leading supply-side platforms and demand-side platforms to deliver meaningful results for advertisers and publishers alike.

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Len Covello, CTO at Engage People, shares expert insights why no retailer today can get away without having a loyalty program and what a successful loyalty program should provide to shoppers.Consumers are participating in 17.4 loyalty programs on average, and program members want more ways to earn rewards and more ways to redeem rewards and more than half, 76%, want transactional rewards such as discounts and cashback options, according to an Antavo report, Global Customer Loyalty Report 2025.Yet despite growing consumer want and adoption there are year over year declines in overall satisfaction when it comes to loyalty programs.In the podcast, produced by Networld Media Group and sponsored by Engage People, Covello maps out what a successful loyalty program requires and how Engage People, a loyalty provider, offers with its solution. Engage People was recently recognized at the 2025 Finovate Awards, where our Access Plus platform won the award for "Best Consumer-Facing Payments Solution.

In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast, editor Sandra Carpenter sits down with Steven King, CEO of BlueSky Robotics and Distinguished Professor of Innovation and Emerging Technology at UNC. King is co-hosting and keynoting this year's Automated Retail and Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) show in Tampa, where he'll help lead conversations on how automation, AI and robotics are reshaping self-service industries.King shares his perspective on the event's evolution from the Self-Service Innovation Summit to ARKI, explaining how the rebrand reflects the growing connections between retail, vending, and technology. He also discusses the importance of applied AI, automation in customer experience and the balance between efficiency and human connection.Listeners will hear insights from King on what to expect in Tampa this December, including the themes shaping this year's agenda and why collaboration remains central to the future of automation. Listeners of the Automation and Self-Service podcast also receives $100 off of the registration cost using code "PODCAST".

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Mark Frumkin, director of customer success at Modulate, shares expert insight on how online retailers can deploy AI tools to improve fraud detection, reduce harmful customer interactions and elevate both the agent and the customer experience.The podcast is produced by Networld Media Group and sponsored by Modulate, which provides real-time conversational and voice intelligence technology for customer service and contact centers. Its solutions include ToxMod (real-time detection of harassment and abuse) and VoiceVault (fraud and identity verification through voice), which work in a safeguard agent role against abusive callers, protecting customers from scams and fraud, and ensuring compliance — all while reducing call times and friction in the customer experience.Frumkin leads a team in partnering with customers in the gaming and retail delivery space, including Activision, Riot Games and Rockstar Games. He oversees Modulate's customer success strategy, ensuring smooth onboarding and ongoing successful outcomes for customers, helping them to detect and prevent abuse and fraud in their voice channels and phone lines. Before joining Modulate, Mark was a consultant at Deloitte, where he led projects to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions across various industries.[RELATED_MEDIA}

Vending has long been a symbol of convenience, from the nostalgic glow of the classic Coke machine to today's sleek, touchscreen models that accept mobile payments and even make product recommendations. In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, sits down with Dale Laszig, a longtime payments industry journalist and content creator who has tracked vending's digital transformation for years. Together, they explore how operators are blending tradition and technology to meet modern expectations.Laszig discusses the delicate balance between innovation and accessibility, highlighting how operators can modernize without losing the simple, familiar charm that made vending iconic. From AI-powered personalization and smarter inventory management to the rise of unattended retail in coworking spaces and residential buildings, she shares insights on where the biggest opportunities and challenges lie.As the industry shifts from analog to intelligent, always-connected devices, Carpenter and Laszig look ahead to what's next for automation, from expanding product categories to sustainability and machine design. Whether you're a vending operator, technology provider or simply fascinated by how automation is reshaping everyday experiences, this conversation offers a grounded look at the vending industry's next chapter.

 In the newest episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, Sandra Carpenter, editor of Kiosk Marketplace, talks with Micah Larsen, MBA, sales director at Smart Charging Technologies, about one of the most expensive challenges kiosk and vending operators face: downtime. 

On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're diving into one of the hottest trends in food tech: 24/7 pizza vending. My guest is Travis Musser, PizzaForno's West Coast lead, who is spearheading the brand's expansion into Southern California.PizzaForno is North America's first automated pizzeria, serving fresh, high-quality pizzas in just minutes — anytime, day or night. Now the company is making waves on college campuses across Los Angeles, bringing students a late-night dining option that's convenient, affordable and surprisingly fresh.Musser shares insight about what makes this concept so appealing to students, the reactions he's seeing on campus and why he believes PizzaForno is perfectly positioned to meet the demand for quick, reliable meals in a 24/7 world. He also discusses PizzaForno's unique student ambassador program and where the company hopes to go next on the West Coast.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In this episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, we're exploring an innovative solution tackling one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time: single-use plastic waste.Our guest, Benjamin Arts, co-founder of Mr. Turtle, has launched a "refill revolution" in the cleaning product industry. We discuss how Mr. Turtle's self-service stations are not only making it incredibly easy for consumers to refill their cleaning essentials, but also how they're dramatically reducing plastic waste by offering high-quality, effective products with convenience that rivals traditional shopping. Arts shared the journey behind creating this brand and how their automated refill system integrates into daily life.Our conversation with Arts went beyond just the mechanics of refilling; we also explore the vision driving Mr. Turtle forward. Arts discusses the hurdles of introducing such a transformative concept to the market and the clever strategies they've employed to overcome them. We also look to the future, envisioning how Mr. Turtle aims to expand its reach and further revolutionize consumer habits, making a lasting positive impact on our planet.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

On the latest episode of The Automation and Self Service Podcast, I had a fascinating conversation with Anora Morton, JD, about topics that resonate strongly with groundbreaking initiatives like The Nori Project. It recently launched its innovative Japanese-style vending machines in Louisville, Kentucky. These aren't just typical vending units; they're designed to offer hot and cold, chef-crafted meals, significantly improving access to healthy and affordable food, especially in underserved areas.Morton provided insightful perspectives on how automated services are evolving to not only enhance convenience but also to create substantial community impact. This aligns perfectly with The Nori Project's mission to address food deserts in West Louisville. Our discussion explored everything from the practical efficiency of these machines, providing delicious meals in under a minute for less than $15, to the broader implications of such technology for future expansion beyond local communities.If you're interested in how technology is driving positive change and reshaping access to essential services, then this conversation with Morton is a must-listen. We chat about the future of self-service and automation, examining how forward-thinking ventures like The Nori Project are making a tangible difference. It's an engaging episode that highlights the powerful intersection of innovation and community well-being.Click the link above to listen to the podcast in its entirety, and don't forget to subscribe to the Networld Media Group podcast channel for more great self-service conversations.

Music plays a pivotal role in the retail customer experience as well as retailer's success.As Ola Sars, CEO of Soundtrack Technologies, shares with Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, in this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, music has become a CX strategy that can drive customer loyalty as well as revenue.Sars was a co-founder and COO of Beats Music, a subscription streaming service acquired by Apple in 2014 in a $3 billion dollar deal and which eventually transformed into Apple Music.The Stockholm-based serial music tech entrepreneur is a 2024 Billboard International Power Player. Initially developed in a joint effort with Spotify, Soundtrack serves over 80,000 businesses across 74 countries with a music catalog of more than 100 million tracks available for commercial use.Check out the Networld Media Group YouTube channel to catch up on past CX Innovators podcasts.

On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're discussing the evolving world of smart kiosks and automated retail. This episode features a conversation with Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, and Lee Mokri, Founder and VP of Sales at Byte Technology. Discover how Byte's versatile technology is expanding unattended retail beyond traditional vending, enabling new opportunities in diverse sectors like healthcare, higher education and niche consumer markets.Mokri and Carpenter discuss how Byte's innovative solutions are transforming access to goods and services. From providing 24/7 fresh meals in hospitals to enabling ranchers to sell frozen meats directly to consumers, you'll hear how smart kiosks are redefining the landscape of commerce. Tune in to explore the future of automated retail.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, talks with Dr. Steven Stovall, Ph.D., associate professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, on how the Gen Z consumer is impacting the retail customer experience strategy.Stovall is former corporate executive who managed a global sales team overseeing $7.5 billion in annual revenue and has continued his entrepreneurial pursuits, starting a restaurant, an antique resale business and a hops farm. His unique combination of academic expertise and real-world business ownership makes him a compelling voice on how brands can effectively navigate changing consumer values.

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Chris King, CEO of Monster Mini Golf; shares insight on how the indoor family entertainment brand fulfills its 'philosophy of fun' and why it's the center piece of the brand's customer experience strategy.Monster Mini Golf is an indoor family entertainment brand with 30-plus franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. The entertainment centers offer an 18-hole custom designed blacklight mini golf course, state-of-the-art arcade, party and event rooms with optional laser maze, laser tag, bowling and virtual reality experiences.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts. You can also find all RetailCustomerExperience.com podcasts here as well.

In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times, and Jack Brown, CEO of Legacy Ventures Group, discuss the company's "unbundled" vending packages. Brown's model aims to increase accessibility to vending business ownership, particularly for veterans, women and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, by offering flexible entry points with lower initial investments. The conversation examines the structure and potential impact of this alternative to traditional vending business setups.Brown explains Legacy Ventures Group's business philosophy, emphasizing strategic planning, collaborative partnerships and long-term growth. The discussion focuses on the company's approach to providing tailored solutions and support, highlighting its commitment to addressing the specific needs of individual entrepreneurs. The podcast explores the company's stated goal of facilitating sustainable business development through innovative problem-solving.Carpenter and Brown detail the practical aspects of the "unbundled" package concept, outlining how it allows for phased business development. The episode provides information on the potential benefits and challenges of this approach, offering listeners an overview of how Legacy Ventures Group is attempting to modify the vending industry's traditional entry barriers.

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Marios Savvides, founder, chairman and CTO at UltronAI, offers insight on how AI and computer vision can educe retail shrink, optimize operations and improve the customer experienceSavvides is a leader in AI computer vision, having spent decades working on AI models that solve complex identification challenges. His research in facial and object recognition has been used by the U.S. government and recognized by major global institutions. He is the founder and director of the Trustworthy AI Biometrics Center at Carnegie Mellon University and the Bossa Nova Robotics Professor of AI at Carnegie Mellon. He has authored and co-authored over 240 journal and conference publications and has an IP portfolio that includes over 70 filed patent applications with 50 issued patents.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts. You can also find all RetailCustomerExperience.com podcasts here as well.

The world of retail is rapidly transforming, and at the heart of this change lies the powerful force of artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation with Ray Friedrich, chief strategy officer of East Street Business Advisors, Sandra Carpenter, host of Networld Media Group's Automation and Self Service podcast and editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times, discussed the exciting and sometimes daunting landscape of AI-driven automated retail. The podcast explored how AI is revolutionizing the customer experience, moving beyond simple automation to offer highly personalized recommendations and purchasing journeys.Friedrich shared compelling examples of how AI is being used to tailor offers and even entire shopping experiences, while also addressing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this level of personalization. The conversation also tackled the critical issue of data privacy, discussing how retailers can ethically leverage the vast amounts of data generated by automated systems to improve operations and build consumer trust.Beyond personalization and data, Carpenter and Friedrich examined the evolving role of human workers in this increasingly automated environment. Friedrich offered insights into the potential for new opportunities and discussed how businesses and individuals can prepare for this significant shift in the job market.Friedrich's predictions for the future of this rapidly growing tech offer a glimpse into how these advancements might fundamentally change the way consumers shop and interact with brands, painting a picture of a retail landscape that is both innovative and customer-centric.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

 In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Nick Nickitas, general manager, local independent grocery, at Instacart, gives the scoop on Instacart's AI-powered Caper Cart innovation and all the wins the smart cart technology provides to shoppers, grocers, retailers and brands. Caper Carts are equipped with cameras, sensors and a built-in scale, which work together with an Edge AI system to automatically recognize items as they are placed in the cart. Once added, shoppers are able to watch their running cost total — similar to an online shopping cart. The carts feature an interactive screen that tracks spending, provides access to deals and offers product recommendations based on the customer's location in the store and the cart's contents. Integrated with loyalty programs, Caper Carts allow customers to access personalized promotions and rewards throughout their shopping. 

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Chris Gillen, CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how brands can drive strong customer loyalty through great experiences rather than discounts and sales.A Closer Look helps companies create the kind of connections with customers that last longer than a promotional offer. For more than 25 years, A Closer Look has worked with brands that want to truly understand their customer experience and fix the problems that hurt loyalty and profits. It does this by combining customer feedback with detailed analysis to help brands build stronger relationships with their customers. Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts. You can also find all RetailCustomerExperience.com podcasts here as well.

In this episode of the Automation and Self Service podcast, we explore the innovative world of campus wellness with Melanie Day, founder of In Living Curls. Day shares her journey of bringing hair care vending machines to Kentucky colleges, including Morehead State University. We discuss the impact of this initiative on student well-being, particularly for students of diverse backgrounds, and explore the challenges and triumphs of introducing this unique self-service solution.Discover how technology is empowering students with personalized hair care options while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. Listen to learn how In Living Curls, grounded in accessibility, affordability, and community, is transforming the college experience.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.Follow In Living Curls's self-service journey on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Batteries Plus COO Jon Sica shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl about the brand's strong growth and customer experience strategy.Sica joined Batteries Plus just about six years ago as the chief strategy and development officer, then moved into the role of chief business officer and became COO in early 2024. He leads a powerhouse team that includes the chief franchising officer, chief information officer, chief technology officer and chief growth officer.Batteries Plus achieved a 23.7% year-over-year increase in total systemwide commercial sales for October 2024 and franchise commercial sales grew by 24.4%, setting a new all-time monthly record. October's systemwide commercial sales marked nearly 20% growth year-over-year. Its franchise network that has reached over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwideSubscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts. You can also find all RetailCustomerExperience.com podcasts here as well.

In this episode of the Automation & Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter explores the world of restaurant automation with Parrish Chapman, chief revenue officer of GRUBBRR.GRUBBRR is a provider of self-ordering technology that streamlines restaurant operations and improves customer experiences. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, GRUBBRR helps businesses increase efficiency, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction.Chapman shared insights into the latest technologies shaping the industry, including self-ordering kiosks, AI-powered solutions and data-driven analytics. Learn how GRUBBRR's innovative platform can streamline operations, improve customer experiences and seamlessly integrate with existing POS systems and payment platforms.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Mike Robinson, head of retail solutions and a founding member of The Eighth Notch, Inc., board executive at Vista Outdoor and former EVP of Macys.com shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on the value of sustainability strategy and consumer trends in retail. The Eighth Notch is a technology platform focused on sustainable last-mile deliveries and founded by Jamie Sapp. 

In this episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter talks with Sassan Rahimzadeh, president of Arya Cleaners. They discussed the history of self-service in the dry cleaning industry, exploring the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the sector.Rahimzadeh shared insights into Arya Cleaners' approach to customer service, technology integration and its commitment to delivering high-quality garment care.He recently told Retail Customer Experience, "The best marketing always creates trust between consumers and product. To get things off the ground sometimes you may in fact have to resort to the live human resource to be able to create that trust between consumer and machine."Rahimzadeh will also join other industry leaders at Self Service Innovation Summit for a panel talk, "Self-Service Retail: A Profitable Path to Growth in High-Traffic Locations" Dec. 9-11 in Tampa, Florida. Registration continues through Dec. 6.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Victoria Patterson, field marketing manager for the East Coast at Fleet Feet, and Alex Tallman, director of retail experience and education at Fleet Feet, share insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the iconic hospitality and lodging brand is transforming the brand.Patterson's team supports stores in their grassroots outreach initiatives. The key is connecting with local organizations, (medical professionals, gyms, run/walk clubs, hotels) in order to enhance community wellness. Tallman's team is all about ensuring front-line associates are equipped to deliver an experience that satisfies both the customer and the referring provider.In a previous CX Innovators podcast, Tallman shared insight about the brand's 3D foot scanning technology and other customer experience strategies in play.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts.

In recent months, the availability of ammunition vending machines has sparked significant debate and controversy. From concerns about accessibility to questions about safety, these machines have become a hot topic.To dig deeper into this issue, Vending Times sat down with Grant Magers, the CEO of American Rounds, a company in the development and distribution of ammunition vending machines.Magers discusses the company's stance on safety regulations, addresses the concerns raised by lawmakers and provides insights into the potential benefits of these machines. Join us as we explore the growing trend of ammunition vending machines and the ongoing discussion about their impact on public safety.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Jenna Berg, vice president of brand marketing at G6 Hospitality, the parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the iconic hospitality and lodging brand is transforming the brand.In late spring of this year Motel 6 debuted an innovative campaign centered around Garfield which the brand named as its first-ever official Chief Pet Officer. It all came together via a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment ahead of the Columbia Pictures/Alcon Entertainment animated film "The Garfield Movie," which hit theaters May 24.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Stacy McGranor, director of CX strategy for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the company, whose portfolio of brands includes the NHL team San Jose Sharks, approaches customer experience and why the guest is always top of mind.Sharks Sports & Entertainment's portfolio also includes the SanJose Barracuda of the American Hockey League, the Sharks Ice Family of Rinks, the SAP Center at San Jose and the Tech CU Arena.

This past year, Gong cha, an international bubble tea chain, has seen a surge in self-service kiosk usage across its stores in the Americas.In the inaugural episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Rebecca Kahn, Gong cha's franchise business leader executive for the U.S. and Canada, shares insight with Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter on how Gong cha's Gen Z customers interact with kiosks, touching on boosts in sales, personalization and an enhanced customer experience.This podcast is an extended conversation stemming from a feature article exploring Gong cha's triumphs in the beverage industry.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Sharmeelee Bala, CIO at JCPenney, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the legacy retailer is approaching a $1 billion transformation.The podcast is an extended conversation that began with an initial interview on RetailCustomerExperience.com.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts.

In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Briney Oayda, managing director at Bondi Active and Between the Flags, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the Australia-based lifestyle franchise overcame a big obstacle – providing customers with insight on over 45 different product styles within a small retail footprint.The technology solution, from tutch, a digital platform, offers customers recommendations and provides customer insight to the brand. Between the Flags has three locations surrounding world-famous Bondi Beach and is a go-to destination for locals and tourists.

Though the name Fleet Feet may spur the image of a runner, the retailer is much more than a runner's shoe store. It outfits runners and other athletes with needed footwear, accessories and knowledge from over four decades in business.Founded in 1976 by Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen, the brand has been running strong ever since and just opened its 271st store.In the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Alex Tallman, director of retail experience and education at Fleet Feet, talks with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl about the brand's 3D foot-scanning technology, the focus on store associate education and other customer experience strategies in play.

Making the customer experience fun is at least somewhat important for many online and physical retailers, but at Fun.com, it's absolutely paramount. Fun.com, an e-commerce retailer that sells a range of fun products — from Star Wars plushies to t-shirts from the latest Disney hit — as well as being the home of Halloween.com.CX Innovator podcast guest Dianna Lyngholm serves as director of creative services and e-commerce for Fun.com. She directs brand, strategy and development for multiple departments. Her team handles everything from product photography to marketing campaign curation and video content productions, in addition to social media marketing, copywriting and graphic design.In this latest podcast episode, produced by Networld Media Group, Lyngholm talks with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl about customer experience strategy.Don't forget to check out the ICX Summit taking place Sept. 9-11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Early bird registration is still available.

Neely Woodson Powell knows shoes and she knows how important it is to engage with customers to get customers to slip their feet into her iconic shoe wear.In this latest episode of the CX Innovator podcast, produced by Networld Media Group, Powell shares with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl how customer engagement, and providing 'shoe joy,' has driven success for her national brand of versatile and fashionable footwear.Powell also shares how she hurdled challenges, including COVID-19, to create a multibillion-dollar retail empire. The brand's shoe line, launched 27 years ago, is available online, in retail stores and over 800 boutiques. Charleston Shoe Company will soon open a location in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.Powell will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming ICX Summit taking place Sept. 9-11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Early bird registration is still available.

Banks have a lot of data to work with, especially customer data. However, having raw data is not enough, businesses and banks also need to turn that data into insights. But even with those insights, it can be a major challenge to turn them into actionable strategies to improve the customer experience. How can banks operationalize customer insights? This was a topic, ATM editor Bradley Cooper explored with Shelly Chandler, customer experience leader and strategist and founder of EvolveCX Consulting in this episode of the CX Innovators Podcast.In the episode, Chandler covered this topic in great detail, with an eye for how organizations can bring their entire structure in for CX initiatives.

Ray Friedrich, chief strategy officer at East Street Business Advisors, joined Daniel Brown, editor of Digital Signage Today, for an exclusive audio interview to discuss the rise of automation, robotics and AI across vending, restaurants, and hospitality (among other categories).

 At the Department of Veteran Affairs, the CX charge is led by John Boerstler, chief veterans experience officer who leads the Veterans Experience Office. The office is the insight engine supporting and enabling the department in providing the highest quality experiences. 

As omnichannel shopping has expanded for nearly all product categories, how does a brand ensure the same level of customer satisfaction in self-service touchpoints as in attended environments?

Technology development continues to speed up, with new technologies like AI and robotics changing industries from the ground up. Combine that with global challenges like supply chain issues and new consumer behaviors, and it's hard for any operator to stay on top of things! 

 Bradley Cooper, editor of ATM Marketplace, discussed this topic in detail in a today's CX Innovator's podcast episode with Mack Turner, president and owner of Mack Turner Marketing Consulting and Insights LLC. Turner has experience both as a marketing executive director at Bank of America and as a speaker at the Bank Customer Experience Summit. 

Wayfair isn't limiting AI technology to customer-facing initiatives such as Decorify. The retailer is going well beyond that strategy.

In this episode of CX Innovators, Charlie Ray of Ray Coffee Service explains that what's popular with customers today may not be tomorrow, and how the need for new products and equipment never goes away.

Self-service kiosks have been expanding at a rapid pace on the retail landscape, and COVID-19 has accelerated the consumer's preference for self-service.In this podcast, "Kiosks and the self-service consumer journey," Carl von Sydow, director of self-service for the Americas at Diebold Nixdorf, shares his insights with Elliot Maras, editor of Kiosk Marketplace, and comments on why this trend is emerging in a variety of retail sectors and why it is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, even beyond COVID-19.Questions addressed include:Why has there been an increase in kiosk journey's over the past years?Why are new retailers in different industries looking at self-service kiosks?What new innovations are expected to enhance kiosks?What customer verticals are expanding the most in self-service?What kiosk innovations has Diebold Nixdorf introduced in the last year?

"Transactec, the Future of Transaction Technology," sponsored by Burroughs, explores the future of transaction technology. Elliot Maras, editor of Kiosk Marketplace, interviews Nick Spohn, senior director of business development at Burroughs.

Having reliable and secure connectivity is more critical today than ever for companies and organizations embarking on an interactive digital journey.Jason Dorough, vice president of enterprise sales at Digi International, a global provider of mission-critical and business-critical machine-to-machine and Internet of Things connectivity products and services, offers an overview of the hardware and software that companies need when they embark on this journey in a podcast, "Achieving Connectivity Integrity." Dorough also discusses the IT skills and external resources needed to have a digital presence.

24/7 Germ-Free Touchscreens – Protection for Life, sponsored by Kastus explores the important issue ensuring that customer touchscreens are safe for customers at all times. Elliot Maras, editor of Kiosk Marketplace, interviews John Browne founder and CEO of Kastus.Many people do not realize there can be four times as many germs on touchscreens as on a toilet seat. The more they engage with everyday surfaces, the more touchscreen users are exposed to infectious germs such as MRSA, E. coli and C. diff. For businesses, the state of touchscreens represents a risk to their brand, their customers and ultimately, their profits.