Kiosk Marketplace

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.

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 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.

 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 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 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 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 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.

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.