OFFBounds - #1 Podcast for Commerce Leaders

In this episode of Retail Intelligence in Action, host Ron Thurston sits down with Ometria co-founders Djalal Lougouev  and Ivan Mazur to explore how AI is redefining the future of retail marketing. Together, they discuss the realities of implementing AI within legacy systems, the transition from channel-based to customer-based marketing, and why data architecture is becoming just as critical as creative strategy. Through honest insights and practical examples, they reveal what it truly takes for modern CMOs to lead in an era where intelligence and innovation shape every customer interaction.

In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Richard Kestenbaum, Partner at Triangle Capital, and Forbes contributor, to break down what's really shaping the 2025 holiday season. From tariffs and inflation to shifting consumer confidence and cautious spending, Richard shares his perspective on why “flat is the new up,” how retailers can navigate uncertainty, and what signals in M&A reveal about the health of the retail industry heading into 2026.Check Richard's full article hereSee here KPMG's tariffs report

Retail Intelligence in Action returns with Episode 3, “Beyond the Hype: How AI Fuels Speed, Insight, and Story-Doing,” where host Ron Thurston speaks with Djalal Lougouev, President of Ometria, and Pri Shumate, former CMO of the Miami Dolphins and alum of Nike and Airbnb, about turning instinct into action through AI. The conversation covers talking to your data for rapid answers, using AI as a validator rather than a silver bullet, building small pirate teams that test, learn, and scale, elevating human creativity to find the disruptive idea, rethinking agencies and org design to move from insight to execution, and driving product-market fit and revenue without relying on discounts.

Build-A-Bear Workshop turned birthday rituals and heart ceremonies into a growth engine, with its stock up about 1,900 percent in five years and domestic store traffic up 3 percent while the national benchmark fell. Paula revisits her conversation with CTO Dara Meath to unpack the experience-first model, the rapid 18-month digital sprint from mobile POS to 2D/3D visualization, and the rise of the “kidult” that powers higher-value collecting and gifting. From clever social drops like the Fruit Stand to a culture that “sells stories, not items,” this episode breaks down how emotion, omnichannel execution, and brand discipline translate into real results. Listen for takeaways any retailer can apply.Check my interview with Dara Meath hereSee Build-a-Bear Workshop (BBW) latest results hereVisit the Bear Cave and get a CaBEARnet

In our episode 2 of Retail Intelligence in Action Series in partnership with Ometria, our host Ron Thurston speaks with Ivan Mazour (CEO,Ometria) and Julie Channing (Fractional CMO; ex-Allbirds, Levi's, Nest) about leading with trust and authenticity in an AI-driven era. They unpack why clean, connected data is the bedrock of customer trust, how to use AI as an accelerant (not a replacement) to free teams for storytelling, where personalization truly adds value, and why transparency around AI usage will separate winners from the pack. Practical moves for retail marketing: start small, focus on retention, and partner for speed.

What happens when an iconic Italian coffee brand finds its voice in the U.S. market? Cristian Arcangeli, VP of Marketing, Commercial Strategy and Digital at Illy Caffè, shares how the company achieved fourfold growth by staying true to its premium identity. From redefining what it means to be a luxury coffee brand in America to using Amazon as a storytelling platform, Cristian reveals how clarity, discipline and consistency turned Illy into a modern success story rooted in heritage.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Retail Intelligence in Action, a new series by OFFBounds in partnership with Ometria where we explore how AI is revolutionizing enterprise retail marketing, hosted by retail leader Ron Thurston.There is no established roadmap for AI in retail. In this launch episode of Retail Intelligence in Action, Ron Thurston hosts Nicole Tapscott (CCO, Knix) and Djalal Lougouev (President and Co-Founder, Ometria) to show how teams can chart their own course. They discuss identifying early bottlenecks, running small but meaningful experiments, balancing scale with authenticity, making smart buy vs build calls, earning organizational buy-in with clear goals and guardrails, and avoiding the “sea of sameness” that comes from generic AI tools.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down in New York with retail veteran and professor Matt Marcotte to celebrate the launch of his new book Built on Belief: Why Cultures of Commitment Are the Competitive Advantage. Drawing on three decades of leadership at Apple, Gap, Tori Burch, Bergdorf Goodman, and Salesforce, Matt shares why employees should be seen as a company's most important customers, the difference between compliance and commitment, and why profit should be viewed as the reward for doing the right thing. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and building brands that inspire from the inside out.Get your copy here!

In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Danielle Sporkin, SVP of Media and Marketing Services at Ferrero, to explore how one of the world's most beloved confectionery companies is balancing heritage with innovation. From Nutella and Kinder to Butterfinger and Keebler, Ferrero's portfolio is as diverse as it is iconic. Danielle shares how the company is embracing digital transformation, evolving its retail media strategy from search to full funnel, measuring success through incrementality, and leveraging data and AI to get closer to consumers. She also opens up about her nonlinear career path and offers advice for future leaders in marketing and retail.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Azita Martin, VP & GM of AI for Retail, CPG, and QSR at NVIDIA, the world's most valuable company. Together they explore how AI is transforming retail, from e-commerce and supply chain optimization to computer vision, robotics, and digital twins. Azita shares real-world examples from companies like L'Oréal, Lowe's, and Yum! Brands, and explains why agentic AI and “Physical AI” will redefine how we shop and experience brands in the years ahead.Understand more how Nvidia supports retailers here: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/industries/retail/

In this episode of OFFBounds in partnership with Groceryshop, Paula Macaggi sits down with Linda Bethea, CMO of Danone North America, to explore how one of the world's largest food companies is navigating a massive shift in consumer behavior. From the rise of GLP-1 medications and America's growing focus on wellness, to innovations like Oikos Fusion, cultural activations at Coachella, and retail media strategies, Linda shares how Danone is making health both accessible and engaging. She also reveals her 4 C's of leadership: Curiosity, Courage, Conviction, and Compassion, and what it takes to build brands that truly drive sustainable growth. ----Sponsored by VTEX

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula sits down with Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer of Papa Johns, to explore how pizza, hospitality, and retail collide in her career journey. From Pizza Hut to Hilton to Carter's and now Papa Johns, Jenna shares how each experience shaped her leadership and vision for the brand. We talk about personalization at scale, creative campaigns that break through culture (yes, even a garlic bath bomb

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Jessica Alsing, Chief Digital Officer at Grendene Global Brands — the powerhouse behind Melissa, Ipanema, and Rider. Jessica shares how she helped Melissa achieve 12x growth in the U.S., why storytelling and community are essential to building authentic global brands, and the leadership lessons she's carried from her time at Gap, West Elm, and Crocs. From Melissa's cult following and iconic collaborations to its sustainable closed-loop manufacturing in Brazil, this conversation is packed with insights on scaling beloved brands, navigating new markets, and leading with curiosity.Jessica will be on stage at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago and you can join us by getting your ticket here: https://fall.shoptalk.com/tickets

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with retail leadership expert and author April Sabral to explore how positivity can transform teams, culture, and results. From her start as a 17-year-old sales associate to leading hundreds at Starbucks, Banana Republic, and David's Tea, April shares lessons from three decades in retail leadership, including her ACT framework (Accept, Create, Teach), the $1M chocolate bar story, and insights from her upcoming book Positive Accountability. Packed with practical advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.

Lauren Steinberg, Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw Companies Limited, shares how Canada's largest retailer transformed from an in-store-only business into a multi-billion-dollar digital powerhouse. She reveals how building a “startup within the enterprise” enabled agility and innovation at scale, the role of personalization and AI in reshaping online grocery, and why true customer loyalty goes far beyond points. Lauren also reflects on leadership lessons from her 13-year journey and how Loblaw is connecting food, health, and technology to better serve millions of Canadians.Lauren will be speaking at Groceryshop this September in Vegas. Click here to join us!

While in Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, Paula Macaggi sits down with Josh Friedman, SVP of Digital & E-commerce at Ulta Beauty, to explore how the iconic beauty retailer is blending personalization, AI, and omnichannel innovation to shape the future of shopping. From the Shop My Store feature and 45 million–strong loyalty program to a thriving online community and an upcoming curated marketplace, Josh shares how Ulta is creating seamless, relevant, and inspiring experiences that connect customers online and in-store.Subcribe to our newsletter: https://offbounds.substack.com

In this special episode recorded live at NRF APAC 2025 in Singapore, Paula Macaggi sits down with Panchalee Weeratammawat, Chief People Officer at Central Retail Group, and Mia Anderson, GM of Retail and Channels at 2degrees, to explore how investing in employee happiness leads to stronger customer experiences and business growth. From transforming HR into a strategic powerhouse to turning around employee NPS from -19 to +72, this candid conversation reveals the fundamental strategies behind building a people-first culture in retail.

In this episode recorded in Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ian Burl, Chief Retail Officer at Mecca Brands, Australia's leading prestige beauty retailer. Ian shares how Mecca has built a cult-like following by designing every part of the customer journey around how people feel.From spending every Friday on the store floor to investing 4% of revenue into team education and empathy training, Ian reveals how Mecca scales human connection across 110+ stores. Together, they explore why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more valuable than IQ, how it drives loyalty, and why, in an AI-driven world, human connection will become the ultimate luxury.

In this episode, Shaoming Yang, VP of DingDong Fresh, shares how the company is transforming grocery retail in China through a deeply integrated, AI-powered model. From operating over 1,000 dark stores to delivering live seafood in under 30 minutes, DingDong combines precision forecasting, supply chain innovation, and customer personalization to create one of the most efficient grocery ecosystems in the world. Shaoming breaks down how AI drives everything — from replenishment and logistics to customer service — and why DingDong's “one inch wide, one kilometer deep” approach is enabling not just fast delivery, but true sustainability and global scalability.

India is one of the fastest-growing retail markets in the world, and at the center of its fashion and lifestyle revolution is Myntra, one of the country's largest e-commerce platforms. In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Nandita Sinha, CEO of Myntra, to explore how the company is digitizing a still largely offline market, shaping Gen Z shopping behavior, and powering the rise of trend-driven retail through AI, personalization, social commerce, and even 30-minute fashion delivery. From brand partnerships to creator tools, this is a masterclass in building the future of fashion in a soon-to-be digital-first India.

Retail in APAC Series with NRF APAC 2025: KoreaRetail in South Korea doesn't look like retail anywhere else. With over half of all shopping happening online, the line between digital and physical has completely disappeared. At the center of it all is Lotte Retail, a household name that's now rethinking everything it does. In this episode, Group CEO Sam Kim shares what it really takes to lead transformation at this scale. From AI-powered experiences to ecosystem thinking, he opens up about the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the deep focus on customer experience that are driving Lotte's next chapter, in a country that's already living in retail's future.

In this special episode recorded live at NRF APAC 2025 in Singapore, Paula Macaggi kicks off a six-part series exploring the boldest innovations and biggest challenges shaping retail across Asia-Pacific. From Indonesia's 22,000-store convenience giant to India's booming quick commerce scene and Korea's "no-line" retail revolution, this episode is packed with insights on AI, customer experience, logistics, and emotional intelligence from some of the region's most visionary leaders. Welcome to the first chapter of OFFBounds' Retail in APAC Series.

In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Dusan Vujovic, Head of North America at Tony's Chocolonely, to explore how the Dutch-born chocolate brand is rewriting the rules of ethical business in the U.S. retail landscape. From turning a mission into a movement to breaking into a competitive $4B market, Dusan shares how Tony's combines bold storytelling, radical transparency, and uncompromising taste to win shelf space and consumer trust — all while pushing the industry toward a more just and sustainable future. ----Sponsored by VTEX

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Laudato, COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, a leading U.S. health and wellness retailer with 650+ stores, to explore how great IT teams are built, why innovation starts with operational excellence, and how AI is transforming retail. From vibe coding and RPA to inclusivity and composable commerce, Andrew shares why tech leaders must speak the language of business and why the best strategy isn't about AI—it's about using AI to better serve the customer. ----Sponsored by VTEX

In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Tarek Müller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of About You, to unpack how he built one of Europe's most innovative fashion-tech companies from the ground up. From early bets on mobile and influencer marketing to launching a hybrid model that combines retail and enterprise software, Tarek shares the strategies behind About You's $2B success, the tech powering 200+ online stores, their approach to AI and personalization, and why the upcoming merger with Zalando could reshape the future of online fashion in Europe. ----Sponsored by VTEX

In this special episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi invites you to Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, the region's biggest retail event, to explore why Asia-Pacific is the most powerful engine of global retail growth. With 60% of the world's population and 3.49 billion people expected to join the middle class by 2030, APAC is transforming how the world shops. Paula is joined by Ryf Quail, Managing Director of Comexposium, and David Mann, Chief Economist APAC at Mastercard, to unpack the region's complexity, economic resilience, and the retail innovation emerging from markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and India. From geopolitical shifts to the rise of cross-border marketplaces, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand where retail is headed next.Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn so you don't miss our coverage of NRF APAC 2025!

In this episode, Paula sits down with Mike Dupuis, Chief Digital Officer at Catalyst Brands (Aéropostale, Nautica, Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and JCPenney), to explore the art of digital transformation at scale. We discuss the evolution from 2 brands to 1,700+ stores, the challenge of building unified tech and data platforms, and the critical balance between building and farming brand equity. Mike also shares his insights on AI in retail, from early adoption to automation, and why mastering data will define the winners of the next retail wave. Whether you're leading a legacy brand or scaling a startup, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of commerce. ----Sponsored by VTEX

Join me as I sit down with Paul Porter, Global Chief Experience Officer at Hamleys, the world's oldest and most iconic toy retailer, for a deep dive into the art of creating unforgettable in-store experiences. In this episode, we discuss how Hamleys has captivated generations of shoppers for 265 years, the magic behind its seven floors on London's Regent Street, and the power of play in a digital world. Learn how Hamleys scales joy across 200 stores in 17 markets, why emotion and storytelling still beat one-click convenience, and what the future of experiential retail looks like. If you're passionate about customer experience and retail innovation, this one's for you.

Shoptalk Europe - https://shoptalkeurope.comOFFBounds listeners can get a discount using the codes below:

In this special episode recorded in London, bestselling author and retail leader Ron Thurston joins Paula Macaggi to launch his new book Human Pride—a bold call to embrace what makes us human in an age dominated by AI. They discuss how frontline retail, purpose-driven leadership, and personal pride are the real future-proofing tools in a changing job market. From multigenerational teams to algorithmic interviews, this episode is a masterclass in leading with heart and thriving in the digital era.You can buy your copy here! ----Sponsored by VTEX

VTEX: https://vtex.com---Step inside the yellow-bag world of Selfridges as host Paula Macaggi sits down with CTO Ross Beaumont to reveal how a 1906 department store stays at the cutting edge of luxury retail: from “Selfridges Unlocked” keys that trade spend for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to ReSelfridges buy-back tech fuelling a circular economy, to AI that augments—never replaces—the human touch that turns shoppers into “Very Selfridges People.” Ross lifts the curtain on juggling million-square-foot store ops with next-day delivery, building product-led teams that fail fast but protect customer data, and he explains why he believes Selfridges is less a shop than a cultural destination. Tune in for candid leadership lessons, backstage innovation stories, and proof that confetti cannons, skateboard parks, and Rihanna collabs coexist with rock-solid engineering.

VTEX: https://vtex.com---In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys, to unpack what it really takes to lead transformation at scale in one of the UK's largest retailers. From navigating Brexit and pandemic-era supply chain chaos to pioneering innovation in re-commerce, 3D printing, and customer-centric operations, Lindsay shares a masterclass in operational excellence and people-first leadership. We dive into how Currys is building a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, why Right First Time is more than just a KPI, and how profit and purpose can (and must) go hand in hand. If you love a good leadership lesson, this episode is unmissable.Lindsay will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, our partner for this Europe's Retail Evolution series, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:

VTEX: https://vtex.com---What does it take to digitally transform a £13B retail giant across eight countries and nearly 2,000 stores? In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Blatchford, Global CTO of Kingfisher PLC — the company behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and more — to unpack the tech strategy powering one of Europe's biggest home improvement groups. We dive into why modularity (not just microservices) is the real key to agility, how to scale innovation across diverse banners, and what “do it for me” means for the future of DIY. Chris also shares a powerful take on the business case for DEI, and why backing down on it is simply weak.Subscribe to our newsletter!✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com

VTEX: https://vtex.com---What does it really take to build innovation that scales inside a legacy business? In this episode, Benjamin Thompson, Head of Global Insights & Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Group, shares how one of Australia's largest drinks and hospitality companies stays ahead by blending strategic foresight with cultural transformation. From global tech scouting to the real reasons digital transformation fails, Benjamin unpacks the mindset shifts, leadership dynamics, and operational models that separate innovation theater from meaningful impact. If you're leading change in a complex organization, this conversation is your blueprint.Subscribe to our newsletter!✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com00:00 Introduction to VTEX 01:30 Understanding Endeavour Group's Unique Market Position04:10 The Role of Global Insights and Strategic Partnerships08:30 Innovative Problem Solving in Retail12:13 The Journey of Digital Transformation16:30 Navigating the Future of Technology in Retail19:57 The Reality of AI and Emerging Technologies23:30 Leadership in Digital Transformation26:03 Choosing the Right Technology Partners29:53 Advice for Fostering Continuous Innovation

VTEX: https://vtex.com---Mirko Saul, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, joins Paula Macaggi to share how Schwarz Group — the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland — drives innovation at a massive scale. From testing the cutting-edge tech in lab stores to building their own cloud and AI infrastructure, Mirko reveals how the group balances speed, sovereignty, and scalability across 14,000 stores in 30 countries. They dive into the realities of AI, robotics, digital twins, and why startups often underestimate what it takes to work with a global retailer. This is a masterclass in practical, no-fluff innovation.✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com

Although Co-op entered the ecommerce space later than most, launching its online presence only in 2019, the company rapidly distinguished itself through quick commerce. Today, Co-op delivers an impressive 500,000 online grocery orders weekly, and its loyalty membership has surged by 50%. In this episode, Chris Conway, Managing Director of Ecommerce at Co-op, shares how leveraging existing convenience stores, strategic partnerships with Deliveroo and Uber Eats, and experimenting with autonomous robot deliveries have enabled Co-op to scale quickly and efficiently. He also discusses the future of grocery ecommerce, sustainability in retail operations, and why rethinking traditional models was crucial to their success.Chris will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:

In this episode 4th episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, Paula Macaggi sits down with Christian Raveaux, Head of Retail Media Connect at Rewe Group, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of retail media. Christian reveals how Rewe is blending digital and in-store advertising, harnessing first-party data, and executing innovative campaigns—like weather-responsive ads—to drive real sales growth. He also shares insights into overcoming internal challenges, building strong industry partnerships, and where he sees retail media heading in the next few years.Christian will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:

In this episode of the OFFBounds, you will meet Javier Figar de Lacalle, Chief Retail Officer of Tendam, one of Spain's largest fashion groups. Javier discusses how technology is empowering frontline employees to provide exceptional customer experiences while driving operational efficiency across Tendam's global retail network. From the implementation of RFID and clienteling platforms to the evolution of stores into omnichannel hubs, Javier shares how these innovations are transforming the retail landscape. Tune in to hear about the challenges and strategies behind driving digital transformation, empowering teams, and shaping the future of physical stores.Javier will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, our partner for this Europe's Retail Evolution series, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:

In this episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution Series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, I sat down with Katya Denike, Chief Product Officer at Holland & Barrett. She shares many insights on leading digital transformation within a 150-year-old legacy brand. We explore the true challenge of aligning teams, breaking old habits, and shifting mindsets to build a product-driven culture. Katya highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership, embracing informality, and the continuous need for unlearning outdated practices to foster real innovation.Katya will be on the stage at Shoptalk Europe, which will happen in Barcelona from June 2nd to 4th.OFFBounds listeners get discounted tickets on the links below:

This is the first episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series with Shoptalk Europe, and I sat down with Arianne Parisi, Chief Digital Officer at JD Sports, to discuss the massive digital transformation behind one of the world's largest sports retailers. With over 4,500 stores across 30+ countries, JD is redefining omnichannel retail, from AI-driven customer care to global-local market strategies. Arianne shares how JD is breaking down silos, rethinking KPIs beyond revenue, and leveraging data to stay ahead of trends—like the Adidas Samba comeback. Arianne will be on stage at Shoptalk Europe, which will happen in Barcelona from June 2nd to 4th. If you haven't booked your tickets yet, we have discount links:Retailers and BrandsGeneral AttendeesThis episode is sponsored by New Black. New Black is redefining retail with EVA, a contextual commerce platform that unifies Inventory and order management, pos, in-store apps, promotions, loyalty, and clienteling into one seamless system.  

AD: Shoptalk EuropeHow does a 200-year-old luxury brand stay ahead in the digital era? In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Carla Graça, CDO of Vista Alegre, to explore how AI, automation, and personalization are transforming retail. From running six global e-commerce platforms to leveraging AI for customer experience, Carla shares how Vista Alegre is blending heritage with innovation—and why Cristiano Ronaldo just became a major investor. Retail leaders, is your brand ready for the future? Tune in now!

AD: Shoptalk EuropeRetail is evolving fast, and we're diving into what's next! In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Joe Lazslo, Head of Content US at Shoptalk, to explore the biggest shifts in retail—Unified Commerce, Loyalty, Customer Experience, and more. We break down why loyalty is harder than ever, how retailers are redefining customer experiences, and why Shoptalk's new event, Shoptalk Luxe, is a game-changer for the industry. Plus, in the end, we tease something BIG that OFFBounds and Shoptalk have been working on.

AD: Shoptalk EuropeNRF 2025 wrapped up a few weeks ago, this year's key theme was Game Changer. In this episode, Paula Macaggi breaks down the biggest trends shaping the future of shopping, from the shift toward Generative AI-powered product discovery to the long-overdue RFID breakthrough. We also explore the rise of Social Commerce, the need for brands to foster real-world communities, and the growing demand for ultra-fast delivery. With so much change happening in retail, the question is: Are brands ready? Tune in for the biggest takeaways from retail's most important event.Learn more about RFID with NedapBest Unified Commerce Platform? New Black :)All the data and sources are in our newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe: https://offbounds.substack.com

AD: Shoptalk EuropeIn this episode of OFFBounds, I chat with Stuart Frelick, Dyson's Global Head of Product, about the ambitious retail transformation that's redefining the stores of the brand. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of how Dyson modernized its systems, tackled the challenges of scaling innovation globally, and delivered a seamless customer experience. We explore the importance of bold leadership, the surprising ways Dyson's passionate community influences product development, and what's next for the brand—from Stuart's wishes for loyalty programs to future-focused technology. This conversation is full of real-world insights for anyone interested in retail, innovation, and driving change.Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.

AD: Shoptalk EuropeThis week I'm joined by Greg Merrill, the former Head of Digital Transformation at Nike, for a deep dive into what it really takes to lead change in today's fast-moving world. From his unconventional career journey to his insights on balancing innovation and operational excellence, Greg shares how transformation isn't just about technology—it's about people, strategy, and building a culture that thrives on adaptation. This episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode of OFFBounds, I'm sharing my personal guide to the top retail conferences you should attend in 2025. From the bustling halls of NRF's Big Show in New York to the vibrant Shoptalk events and hidden gems like EuroCIS in Germany, I'll walk you through the must-attend events and why they're worth your time. Whether you're looking to discover cutting-edge tech, connect with industry leaders, or explore global markets, I've got you covered. Tune in for my honest insights, practical tips, and a little behind-the-scenes scoop on what makes these events stand out.Subscribe to our newsletterOur take on NRF APAC 2024 and VTEX Day.

In this first episode of OFFBounds' second season, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ricardo Larroudé, co-founder and CEO of the innovative footwear brand Larroudé. Launching in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Larroudé has quickly risen to prominence, earning the prestigious "Brand of the Year" award in 2024. Ricardo shares the bold vision and strategies behind the brand's disruptive approach to fashion distribution, its commitment to filling the mid-market gap with high-quality, accessible footwear, and the entrepreneurial lessons he's learned along the way. Recorded in São Paulo, the conversation is both inspiring and insightful, offering a glimpse into how a young brand has reshaped the industry with their Direct-to-Demand strategy.

At the beginning of spring 2024, I interviewed Tiago Quaresma, who runs the Group that owns some of the coolest stores selling Portuguese culture's traditions. For me, O Grupo o Valor do Tempo is a masterclass of value creation through storytelling and customer experience and it was one of the most shared interviews we had in our first season. By offering a dreamy environment with stellar service, their tinned fish business can sell a can of sardine for 10x the price of those that are sold in the supermarket. As our episode 50 falls on Christmas Eve, I am happy to offer again the opportunity to listen/watch this episode again. We, from OFFBounds, wish you Happy Holidays!

In this special year-end episode of OFFBounds, we reflect on 2024—a defining year for retail and the year our podcast journey began. From the meteoric rise of Walmart online to leadership shakeups at Nike and Starbucks, this episode recaps the trends, challenges, and transformations that shaped the industry. We revisit key insights on data-driven decision-making, loyalty programs, AI's role in commerce, and leadership lessons from global executives. Join Paula Macaggi as she looks back on OFFBounds' incredible first year, with highlights from interviews across six continents, and shares what's next for the #1 Podcast for Commerce Leaders in 2025!

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi dives into the growing trend of premiumization with retail expert Jack Stratten. Together, they explore how brands like Zara, H&M, and Wegmans are elevating their offerings through immersive store designs, curated products, and enhanced customer experiences to compete with ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Discover why premiumization is redefining the retail landscape across industries and what it means for the future of shopping.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Emmanuel Malkor, Managing Director of Carrefour Links, shares how this innovative division is transforming retail through advanced data collaboration. Discover how Carrefour centralized its data from eight countries into a unified platform, enabling smarter decision-making and empowering suppliers with actionable insights. Malkor explains Carrefour Links' shift to focus exclusively on data collaboration while retail media operations are now managed by Unlimitail, a joint venture with Publicis. From optimizing operations to real-world examples like Procter & Gamble's success in Romania, this episode dives deep into the future of retail innovation and collaboration.