Omni Talk

In this Ask An Expert episode, Chris and Anne welcome Dave Steck, former VP of IT and Store Innovations at Schnucks, to explore how Digimarc's invisible watermark technology is reshaping the future of retail operations. Learn how weighted items like salads and hot wings are being protected against theft, how retailers can collaborate with vendors to adopt this tech, and how gift card fraud could become a thing of the past. Key Moments: 0:28 – What is an invisible watermark? 3:00 – Real-world use case: Preventing “banana fraud” at self-checkout 6:10 – How easy it is to implement in-store 8:07 – Additional applications for bakery and deli items 10:58 – Integration with packaging and printer workflows 14:00 – Future upgrades with Fujitsu and Everseen 16:00 – ROI and 40% shrink reduction results 20:00 – Why more retailers haven't adopted yet 23:00 – Emerging use cases including robotics and CPG optimization 24:00 – Fighting gift card fraud with watermarked scratch-offs #retailinnovation #Digimarc #selfcheckout #retailtech #lossprevention #grocerytech #omnitalk #retailautomation #DigitalWatermark #ShrinkReduction #GiftCardFraud #SmartStores Music by hooksounds.com

Former Target executives Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga analyze this week's biggest retail stories, including Target's questionable "acceleration office" strategy amid declining sales, Sam's Club's game-changing $8.98 pizza delivery service, Lowe's strategic marketplace expansion with Mirakl, Google's AI-powered shopping checkout revolution, and Nike's return to Amazon after six years. The episode features exclusive consumer sentiment data from A&M's David Schneidman, revealing how consumers are cutting discretionary spending while embracing private label and loyalty programs. The hosts deliver sharp criticism of Target's leadership while praising innovative moves from Sam's Club and Lowe's that leverage technology and customer loyalty. This episode is brought to you in partnership with thethe A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. Music by hooksounds.com

Time to let loose! Our retail experts drop their serious analyst personas for a fun lightning round that covers everything from podcast awards to NFL legends to coffee obsessions. Key Moments: 0:00-0:20 - Golden Globes adds podcast category: Which shows deserve recognition? 0:21-1:50 - Michael's surprising praise for Call Her Daddy's business genius and target audience mastery 1:51-2:35 - Unexpected Tucker Carlson podcast recommendation and educational content praise 2:36-4:07 - Brett Favre documentary debate: Top 5 QB skills vs. "top 100" character rankings 4:08-4:40 - Chris reveals Cookie Monster Halloween costume and Sesame Street spirit animal 4:41-5:30 - Starbucks summer menu breakdown: Refreshers vs. cake pops vs. new shakes 5:31-6:27 - Michael's matcha lavender latte conversion story: From mockery to obsession The lighter side of retail analysis with genuine personality moments and unexpected recommendations. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #lightninground #goldenglobes #CallHerDaddy #tuckercarlson #brettfavre #netflix #sesamestreet #starbucks #retailpodcast #podcastrecommendations #nflquarterbacks #matchalatte

Target's $Billion Rural Gamble - Why Experts Say It's Doomed to Fail Target drops a bombshell expansion strategy that has retail experts in complete agreement - for all the wrong reasons. A former Target executive who actually ran rural stores delivers devastating firsthand insights. Key Moments: 0:00-1:07 - Target's massive rural expansion: 300 stores, 75% to 90% market coverage goal 1:08-2:40 - Chris Disa's measured take: Location-specific success vs. systemic strategy flaws 2:41-4:40 - Michael's scathing critique: "Should never have made it out of C-level meetings" 4:41-5:55 - Why modern Walmart beats Target at their own game in rural markets 5:56-7:30 - Former Target executive Chris Walton's shocking revelation: Rural stores do 50% less volume 7:31-9:15 - The Dollar General problem and why rural markets don't need Target 9:16-10:06 - Michael's final verdict: Focus on "what we can control" instead of "bright shiny objects" A unanimous expert panel demolition of what could be retail's biggest strategic blunder. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY #target #retailstrategy #TargetVsWalmart #RuralRetail #retailnews #retailexpansion #retailnews #dollargeneral #businessstrategy

URGENT: Cyber Criminals Target US Retailers After UK Rampage The cyber attack wave that devastated UK retail is crossing the Atlantic. Our panel, including a former retail CEO with firsthand cyber security experience, breaks down the alarming reality of retail vulnerability. Key Moments: 0:00-1:00 - Breaking news: UK retail hackers now targeting major US brands 1:01-1:15 - Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods attack details 1:16-3:00 - Michael's shocking revelation: Only 20% of US retailers truly prepared 3:01-4:15 - Real-world experience: What happened when Joann Fabrics got serious about security 4:16-5:35 - The customer loyalty catastrophe: Why cyber attacks destroy businesses permanently 5:36-6:25 - Target 2013 and Vegas casino breaches: Long-term customer relationship damage 6:26-7:25 - Michael's warning: "Not your parents' cyber attack anymore" - recovery takes weeks, costs multiply The sobering reality that could save your business - or destroy it. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #cybersecurity #retailsecurity #cyberattacks #databreach #businesssecurity #retailtech #cybercrime #retailnews #securitybreach #businessrisk #cyberthreats For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

Dick's Sporting Goods drops a retail bombshell with the massive Foot Locker acquisition. Our expert panel dissects every angle of this game-changing deal that has Wall Street buzzing. Key Moments: 0:00-0:50 - Deal announcement: $2.4B acquisition details and market reaction 0:51-2:40 - Michael's initial hatred: "Foot Locker has issues" and Nike dependency risks 2:41-4:30 - Michael's flip: Why Dick's $20B size makes this acquisition logical 4:31-5:40 - Chris Walton's "hot take": The shutdown strategy that could work 5:41-7:15 - The Nike power dynamic: Who controls whom in this new relationship? 7:16-8:30 - JD Sports threat and competitive landscape shifts 8:31-9:10 - Mall vs standalone retail: Different customer experiences matter 9:11-11:30 - Chris Disa's strategic analysis: International expansion and operational synergies The debate reveals whether this creates retail powerhouse or dangerous concentration risk. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #DicksSportingGoods #footlocker #nikesneakers #retailstrategy #sportinggoods #SneakerMarket #retailnews #jdsports #retailstrategy #omnichannelretail #retail For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

Target's Bold Same-Day Delivery Gamble - Will It Pay Off? Target makes a major play in the membership wars by expanding Circle 360 to include same-day delivery from 100+ partner retailers. Our expert panel is split down the middle on this strategy. Key Moments: 0:00-0:45 - Target's announcement: same-day delivery expansion with no price markups 0:47-1:25 - Chris Disa defends the move as a consumer who already subscribes 1:26-2:30 - Anne questions the financial viability and subscriber conversion potential 2:31-4:00 - Michael's scathing critique: "should never have left the innovation room" 4:01-6:30 - Chris Walton piles on: Target's strategic confusion vs marketplace investment 6:31-7:50 - Chris Disa's counterargument: widening assortment for same-day needs 7:51-8:35 - Competitive comparison to DoorDash Plus restaurant delivery 8:36-10:00 - Michael reveals hidden operational pitfalls and store labor issues The debate reveals deep strategic questions about Target's direction and competitive positioning. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #target #samedaydelivery #retailstrategy #TargetEarnings #walmartplus #targetnews #RetailOperations #retailnews For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

Walmart's CFO John David Rainey drops a bombshell announcement about upcoming price increases, sending shockwaves through the retail industry. Our expert panel dives deep into what this means for consumers and competitors alike. Key Moments: 0:00-0:35 - Walmart CFO's full statement on price increases starting late January 0:50-2:20 - Michael analyzes the "absolute free-for-all" in retail pricing strategies 2:22-3:28 - Chris Disa warns about surgical pricing and long-term customer training effects 3:30-4:50 - Debate: Did the industry breathe a sigh of relief or remain nervous? 5:00-6:30 - How Home Depot's opposite strategy creates competitive game theory 6:30-7:15 - Why Walmart has an "easy get out of jail free card" other retailers don't 7:15-8:28 - Walmart's competitive moats: retail media and Walmart Plus advantages This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #walmart #retailnews #inflation #consumerprices #retailstrategy #pricingstrategy #retailpodcast For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

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, A&M's Michael Prendergast and Christopher Disa join Chris and Anne to discuss: - Walmart signaling that price hikes could begin later this month - Target Circle 360 members receiving free same-day delivery from 100+ other retailers via Shipt - Dick's Sporting Goods acquiring Foot Locker - The cybercrime wave that has hit European retailers and whether U.S. retailers are prepared for something similar - And closed with a look at Target's new small town store expansion strategy (yes, two Target headlines this week folks!) There's all that, plus RADAR CEO Spencer Hewett stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes to put Chris in his place for his recent comments about his company's Old Navy store rollout, along with a Favre-filled, Sesame Street lightning round. Lastly, don't forget to secure your spot now at CommerceNext.com and use code OMNITALK for 10% off general admission. If you're from a retail brand, you may qualify for a free ticket—but act fast, availability is limited. See you in NYC! Music by hooksounds.com

In this Five Insightful Minutes episode, Omni Talk Retail catches up with Spencer Hewett, founder and CEO of Radar, to dig into the retailer's growing RFID rollout with Old Navy and American Eagle. Key Moments: (0:13) Spencer responds to Fast Five's rollout skepticism

In this episode of Omni Talk Retail's Ask an Expert series, Chris and Anne welcome SPS Commerce's Emily Curran and Rob Schiefelbein for a deep dive into how retailers and suppliers should respond to shifting tariffs and trade conditions. Key Moments: (1:20) Meet the experts: Emily and Rob from SPS Commerce (2:11) SPS Commerce's role in simplifying supply chain connections (6:00) Advice for startups in retail pilot programs (8:05) Transparent communication strategies with retailers (10:00) How to calculate true tariff exposure (11:00) Diversifying your supply chain (15:00) Total landed cost explained (16:45) Leveraging bonded warehouses and FTZs (18:00) Common methods to itemize tariff costs (21:00) Tracking SKUs and auditing data accuracy (28:00) Applying the 5S methodology to retail data (30:00) Final tips for retailers and suppliers #RetailTariffs #SupplyChainManagement #SPSCommerce #OmniTalkRetail #RetailStrategy #TariffStrategy #RetailData #AskAnExpert #EDICompliance #RetailInnovation Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

ASOS has partnered with InPost to offer next-day delivery to locker locations across Europe, enhancing speed and flexibility for online fashion shoppers. While the model is efficient and popular in dense urban markets, Chris and Anne explore whether the U.S. consumer landscape is ready for this kind of out-of-home delivery. This clip from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five is brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

Chris and Anne debate who would dominate in a viral “100 Brits vs. 100 Americans” TikTok battle, confess their sitcom obsessions, and open up about the little joys of pet companionship. Plus, they brace for the final season of Stranger Things—with some strong opinions on what must happen before the credits roll-- in this latest clip from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. It's the end-of-show rapid fire segment and the energy is high: ⏱️ Time Stamps: 0:00 – TikTok's “100 Brits vs. 100 Americans” debate — Chris goes all in on Boston 1:17 – The Office vs. Seinfeld and Cheers: Top sitcom showdown 2:16 – Calming pet moments: Chris shares how Ginsburg the Bernedoodle brings peace 3:16 – Stranger Things' final season: Who remembers what happened… and what still needs to? From fierce pride to nostalgic laughs and soft dog bellies, this is your reminder why the lightning round is always a fan favorite. #tiktokdebate #strangerthings #theoffice #sitcoms #DogLovers #bernedoodle #bachelornation #popculture #lightninground #omnitalkretail For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/AUSpdi73JPk

LTK is teaming up with The Bachelor to turn binge-watching into shopping. In this episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne break down how this partnership modernizes product placement with real-time affiliate links and seamless in-app shopping. Could this model reshape the future of commerce on TV—and are Bachelor fans ready to shop while they watch?

Primark introduced its first U.S. in-store repair workshops to promote sustainability and customer engagement, offering free sewing kits and mending tutorials. While the effort aligns with a broader push for circular fashion, Chris and Anne weigh its true value for low-cost fast fashion shoppers and whether it can scale meaningfully in the U.S. market in this clip from the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

Amazon has introduced Vulcan, its first robot with a sense of touch, now operating in Spokane and Hamburg fulfillment centers. ⏱️ Time Stamps: 0:00 – Amazon announces Vulcan robot 0:15 – Vulcan's capabilities: Force sensors, suction cups & vision 0:53 – Hair straightener meets ruler? Describing the tech 1:30 – Why warehouse automation is gaining momentum 2:40 – Human dexterity vs robots 3:25 – Will Vulcan ever hit stores? Not so fast 4:00 – Naming robots: Why always sci-fi? 5:00 – What's realistic: 10–20 year outlook for stores 5:45 – Final thoughts on Vulcan's warehouse potential This clip of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five is brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand,. #AmazonVulcan #warehouseautomation #retailai #AmazonRobots #FulfillmentTech #retailinnovation #RetailFastFive #omnitalk #robotics #aiinretail For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/AUSpdi73JPk

In this episode of 5 Insightful Minutes, AWS's Justin Swagler joins us to explain why physical stores remain critical in today's digital-first retail landscape. He introduces a compelling framework for the future of retail powered by edge computing, IoT, and agentic AI. ⏱ Key Moments: 0:29 – Why physical stores still matter (Hint: 80%+ of sales happen there) 1:39 – The three pillars for retail tech success: Edge, Cloud, and AI 2:30 – The role of computer vision and unified store data 3:02 – How AI connects store systems for operational efficiency 3:56 – A glimpse into the future: Agentic retail automation 4:20 – Real-world examples: broken machines, out-of-stock items, and how AI solves them 4:55 – What retailers should prioritize for long-term value And be sure to check out the ‘IDC TechScape: Frictionless CX-Enabling Technologies in Retail, 2025' report to unlock detailed insights on retail technology trends and discover how AWS Retail Solutions can help you implement these innovations today -- https://pages.awscloud.com/GLOBAL-brand-awareness-content-download-25-idc-ardm-techscape-frictionless-cx-enabling-technologies-retail-report-learn.html?trk=0693c56e-73b3-49cb-94ab-b24715581a0d&sc_channel=el #aws #retailai #edgecomputing #agenticai #futureofretail #StoreInnovation #retailtechnology #omnichannel #SmartStores #customerexperience Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

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: - Instacart's CEO resigning to take a job with OpenAI - Amazon's new warehouse robot, Vulcan -Primark's in-store repair classes - ASOS offering next-day delivery through InPost Lockers - And closed with a look at how LTK is bringing The Bachelor to life on its social commerce shopping platform There's all that, plus Justin Swagler of AWS stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes on the technologies he thinks will most impact physical store retail operations, and Chris and Anne also go into everything from Stranger Things and The Office to who would win a battle between 100 Yanks and 100 Brits. Be sure also to chheck out the ‘IDC TechScape: Frictionless CX-Enabling Technologies in Retail, 2025' report to unlock detailed insights on retail technology trends and discover how AWS Retail Solutions can help you implement these innovations today. Music by hooksounds.com

In this deep-dive Omni Talk Spotlight, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by Rajat Nigam, Chief Product Officer at ClearDemand, to unpack the critical role of competitive intelligence in modern retail pricing. Formerly leading pricing innovation at Amazon, Rajat explains how engineering, data quality, and normalization are central to making pricing intelligence truly actionable — and profitable. From assortment gap analysis to real-time pricing enabled by electronic shelf labels, this episode explores the full retail stack of competitive data strategy. Key Moments: (1:00) Rajat's background and Amazon's secret pricing project (2:40) What makes “good” competitive intelligence (5:00) The three hardest problems in competitive data (7:30) Matching pack sizes and normalizing prices (10:00) Competitive data beyond pricing – assortment, promotions, planning (14:00) Where comp intel works best: grocery vs. luxury (17:00) Role of price elasticity in retail strategy (20:00) How to start: KVI items, category focus, and data gap analysis (23:30) Agility in pricing with ESLs and real-time data (25:00) Final thoughts and predictions for the future of pricing #RetailTech #CompetitiveIntelligence #PricingStrategy #RetailInnovation #ClearDemand #OmniTalk #GroceryTech #RetailData #amazon #PriceOptimization Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In this insightful retail analysis, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, experts debate whether Walmart's new Texas Supercenter deserves its "store of the future" label or simply represents a necessary upgrade to remain competitive in 2025. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to Walmart's new "store of the future" in Cypress, Texas 0:09 - Surprising revelation: This is Walmart's first ground-up Supercenter in four years 0:18 - Walmart's ambitious plans to convert 150+ stores to this model in coming years 0:24 - Feature breakdown: Fuel station, modernized pharmacy, vision center, and elevated departments 0:39 - Digital enhancements: App integration for services like TV mounting and registry management 0:49 - Technology implementation: Digital shelf labels and QR codes for expanded assortment access 1:32 - Ben Miller's surprise at the four-year gap since Walmart's last ground-up Supercenter 1:43 - Positive assessment of Walmart's operational standards and digital journey integration 2:04 - Strategic value of driving app usage to increase media sales and Walmart+ memberships 2:33 - Expert critique: This isn't truly a "store of the future" but rather a "store of now" 3:13 - Chris Walton explains it's more of a "prototype of the future" - pragmatic evolution vs. revolution 3:54 - Anne Mezzenga highlights regional competitive strategy against H-E-B with features like in-store tortillas 4:32 - What's missing: Comparison to Target's "store of the future" concept with more experimental tests 5:09 - Discussion of testing business model dynamics to improve profitability 5:36 - Reference to Walmart's unlocking of efficiencies through employee-facing technology 6:07 - Final assessment: "It's a Walmart makeover" targeting new demographics with enhanced experience The experts conclude this represents a solid strategic update rather than revolutionary retail concept, positioning Walmart effectively against regional competition while implementing proven technologies. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #walmart #texas #retail #retailnews #retailtrends #retailtech #storeofthefuture

This charming lightning round segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, reveals the personalities behind retail analytics as Ben Miller, a UK retail expert, answers rapid-fire personal questions with humor and authenticity. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to the fast-paced lightning round with Ben Miller 0:05 - Nostalgic food question: Which childhood foods would Ben miss if discontinued? 0:27 - Ben's sentimental attachment to Kellogg's Variety Pack cereals explained 0:43 - Childhood memory: How these cereal packs were special "birthday treats" in his home 0:52 - The tradition continues: Ben now shares these with his own daughters 1:04 - Anne's surprise revelation: She expected Ben to mention the "Curly Whirly" candy 1:18 - National Teacher Appreciation Week prompt: Which teacher influenced Ben most? 1:29 - Ben honors Mr. Sheen, his Grade 7-9 business and economics teacher 1:40 - How a rural Yorkshire school teacher "completely opened my eyes to the world of commerce" 1:57 - Provocative retail statistic discussion: 76% of retailers outside US won't shop American brands? 2:13 - Humorous hypothetical: What clothing would Ben smuggle to the UK in his "boot" (trunk) 2:25 - Ben diplomatically calls "BS" on the statistic while avoiding a deep dive 2:37 - Ben's smuggling strategy: North Face hiking gear for personal use 2:49 - Business plan: Classic Nike sneakers that would "make a killing" if unavailable in UK 3:03 - We coin the term "Ben's Bargain Boot" for the hypothetical smuggling operation 3:10 - Surprise revelation: "Who knew we had a hiker on the podcast?" 3:15 - Final lightning question: Who won the Met Gala fashion-wise? 3:25 - Ben's candid admission of fashion ignorance: "I could add no value whatsoever" 3:33 - Professional deference: Ben cites colleagues Rebecca choice of Lana Del Rey 3:44 - Transparency about potential bias due to Valentino's connection with their advisory board 4:03 - Chris offers Diana Ross as his pick, noting her return to the spotlight 4:10 - Anne, the group's "fashionista," chooses Janelle Monae for her impressive outfit reveal The segment showcases how lightning rounds can reveal the human personalities behind professional expertise, building connection with listeners through personal stories and humor. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #metgala #retailnews #teacherappreciationday

In this eye-opening retail industry analysis, our expert panel examines the high-stakes partnership between Amazon and Saks Fifth Avenue that could reshape luxury shopping forever. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to the new "Luxury Stores at Amazon" partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue 0:50 - Ben Miller breaks down the strategy from Amazon's perspective as they pursue luxury consumers 1:18 - The fundamental mismatch between Amazon's utility-focused model and luxury's desire-creation business 2:05 - Critical context: Amazon's previous investment in Saks Global and the acquisition's financial problems 2:36 - Revelation of Saks' massive debt and upcoming repayment challenges driving this decision 3:32 - Chris Walton explains why luxury brands may not actually participate despite the partnership 4:16 - The "death knell" theory: Why using Fifth Avenue windows to promote Amazon shopping is "asinine" 5:15 - Counterpoint: Nordstrom's success with luxury through exceptional in-store experiences 6:54 - Anne Mezzenga provides a different perspective on the value of Amazon's convenience for luxury shoppers 7:53 - The shipping speed advantage: Getting luxury items next-day versus waiting a week 8:31 - How Amazon's Rufus AI could transform luxury shopping search and recommendations 9:23 - Heated debate: Could Buy with Prime have achieved the same goals without diluting the Saks brand? Listen as our retail experts battle over whether this partnership represents a desperate financial move or a necessary evolution in luxury retail's ongoing digital transformation in this week's Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #amazon #saksfifthavenue #LuxuryRetail #retail #ecommercestrategy #retailinnovation #luxuryshopping #RetailDebate #AmazonLuxury #retailtransformation #omnichannel #retailbusiness

Morrisons Robotic Revolution: UK's First Human-Sized Grocery Aisle Robots This eye-opening segment explores how Morrisons supermarket is transforming UK grocery operations by deploying the first human-sized aisle robots in the country. Retail experts analyze what this means for the industry's automation future. Key Moments: 0:02 - Breaking news: Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to deploy human-sized aisle robots 0:08 - Introduction to Simbe's Tally robots now operating in three northern England stores 0:27 - Ben Mille reveals he hasn't personally seen the robots but shares insider information from a colleague 0:54 - Technical details: Robots autonomously loop stores twice daily, checking 30,000 products hourly 1:07 - Comparison to similar technology already deployed by BJs and Schnucks in US markets 1:18 - Primary use cases: Inventory checking and pricing/promotion accuracy verification 1:23 - Critical ROI metric: Robots save approximately 50 labor hours weekly per store 1:32 - Expert analysis on why inventory management is "everything in grocery" and impacts P&L 1:42 - The challenge of balancing availability against waste, especially for short shelf-life products 2:01 - Anne Mezzenga highlights important insight: Even smaller-format UK stores see ROI from robot deployment 2:36 - Chris Walton confirms this validates "2025 being the year of the robot" prediction 3:03 - Additional benefit beyond inventory: Accurate pricing ensures capturing vendor promotional income Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA The discussion, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, reveals how robotic technology is proving valuable across different store formats and markets, making it a consideration for any retail executive serious about operational efficiency. #morrisons #retailnews #retailstrategy #retailtrends #robots #grocery #retailtech

Pinterest vs. Google: The Visual Search Revolution This episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, explores how Pinterest is disrupting traditional search engines and transforming product discovery through visual search. Our retail experts analyze surprising data and debate what it means for brands' marketing strategies. Key Moments: 0:03 - Breaking news: Adobe research reveals Pinterest emerging as a search engine competitor 0:14 - Surprising statistic: 39% of US consumers have used Pinterest as a search engine 0:23 - Gen Z leading the trend at 47%, with decreasing adoption across older generations 0:36 - Eye-opening claim: 36% of respondents start searches on Pinterest instead of Google 0:48 - Perception advantage: 60% say Pinterest results feel more tailored than Google results 1:10 - Anne Mezzenga discusses how this trend connects to Meta's recent search announcements with ChatGPT 1:34 - Critical insight: Image-based search is driving this shift, especially among younger demographics 1:47 - Industry validation: Google's own data shows 20% of image searches are commerce-related 2:02 - Real-world confirmation: Designers and stylists exclusively using Pinterest for professional searches 2:25 - Historical context: How search is evolving from text-based to visual discovery 3:19 - Ben Millers confirms search fragmentation is a major retail trend affecting marketing investments 4:05 - Research critique: Ben challenges Adobe's methodology and questions the "36%" headline claim 4:46 - Methodological issues: Survey of just 800 people on a single day with unclear geographic representation 5:14 - Distinction between general search and commerce intent: "I'm not going to Pinterest to find out who was president in 1962" 6:28 - The commerce challenge: Getting searches to convert to purchases remains a critical hurdle 7:37 - Anne clarifies: Pinterest's value is specifically for purchase intent and product discovery 8:03 - Integration point: Pinterest results appearing in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini searches 8:47 - Market reality check: Google still dominates overall search, but commerce search is fragmenting 9:35 - Future marketing challenge: How to influence search when traditional paid placements aren't available 10:19 - Opportunity assessment: Commerce search is currently "fair game" for platforms to redefine The episode highlights how visual search is fundamentally changing product discovery and creating new opportunities for retailers who understand these emerging consumer behaviors. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #pinterest #visualsearch #ai #google #retailtech #retailnews #retailstrategy ##retailtrends

In this insightful analysis, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, retail experts reveal what Lowe's new AI assistant is really designed to accomplish, beyond the surface-level marketing about leaky faucets and fertilizer choices. Key Moments: 0:02 - Breaking news: Lowe's introduces MyLow Companion AI assistant for store associates 0:10 - Partnership details: Application developed with OpenAI across 1,700+ stores 0:14 - Core functionalities: Product details, project advice, and inventory information access 0:18 - Key benefit: Accelerating the employee onboarding process 0:27 - Scale achievement: "First retailer to successfully implement this type of technology at scale" 0:33 - Technical capabilities: Generative AI with natural conversational prompts and voice-to-text 0:42 - Example use cases: Fertilizer recommendations and home repair guidance 1:14 - Ben Millers's analysis: Why this is "a great use case for AI" in categories requiring expertise 1:38 - Customer service challenge: Associates' varying experience levels and knowledge gaps 1:50 - Consistency benefit: Creating uniform quality of information regardless of associate tenure 2:00 - Comparison to self-checkout: Options for customers who prefer different service models 2:22 - Anne Mezzenga's critique of the media reporting: Overlooking the more significant training use case 2:42 - Inside information: Conversation with a Lowe's executive reveals true onboarding purpose 2:56 - Real examples: New employees quickly learning shipment timing and warranty information 3:03 - Data collection value: Using interaction data to improve future associate training 3:12 - Customer perspective: Why shoppers wouldn't ask a teenage summer employee about complex repairs 3:40 - Chris Walton's agreement: "100% I'd look this up myself" rather than wait for an associate 4:00 - PR criticism 4:20 - Industry impact concern: Creating false expectations about AI tools for retail associates 4:43 - Higher-value application: Supporting complex high-consideration sales like flooring installations 4:54 - Advanced capability: Prompting associates to ask the right questions based on customer responses 5:01 - Integration potential: Connecting to loyalty programs to enhance personalized selling The experts conclude that while Lowe's marketing focuses on answering simple product questions, the real innovation is in employee training, knowledge management, and creating consistency across a large retail workforce. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #loweshomeimprovement #ai #retailnews #retailtech #retailstrategy #retailtrends

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, Shoptalk's Ben Miller joined Chris and Anne to discuss: - Saks Fifth Avenue's new Amazon storefront - Walmart's new “Store of the Future” down in Texas - Morrisons introducing Simbe's Tally robots - Pinterest becoming a visual search engine - And closed with a look at Lowe's new MyLow AI app for store associates There's all that, plus Omar Akilah of Infios stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes on how AI will impact order management system design, this month's OmniStar, and we ask Ben about everything from which snack food he would least like to live without to the all important question of, “Who won the Met Gala?” Music by hooksounds.com #retailnews #AIretail #ecommerce #Walmart #Amazon #Pinterest #RetailTech

In this exclusive 5 Insightful Minutes interview, Omar Akilah, SVP of Product Strategy at Infios, joins Omni Talk to explore how AI is impacting retail order management systems. From modular OMS architecture to predictive inventory optimization and AI-enhanced customer service, Omar explains why the future of retail fulfillment depends on intelligent, scalable, and purpose-built solutions. Learn how leading retailers can ditch the spreadsheets and future-proof their operations today. Key moments include: 0:11 – Omar joins to talk about how AI is impacting OMS 0:30 – What is a modular order management system and why it matters 1:25 – How Shopify brands can scale with modular tech 2:00 – Why AI—not systems—should power retail functionality 2:52 – How predictive AI is transforming order orchestration and fulfillment 3:44 – Examples of AI in real-time inventory management and optimization 5:00 – Eliminating spreadsheets and manual what-if rules 6:10 – The future: AI as a companion to enhance—not replace—retail jobs 7:50 – AI-augmented agents for better customer service 8:11 – Final thoughts from Omar on intelligent systems and retail agility Music by hooksounds.com #aiinretail #ordermanagement #retailtech #omnichannel #Infos #RetailAI #inventoryoptimization #machinelearning #ecommerce #omnitalk #retailinnovation Sponsored Content

In this week's Lightning Round, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, the Omni Talk crew gets loose with hot takes on 7-Eleven's emo music festival sponsorship, the return of Miami Vice, Target's paper wine bottles, and Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour. Plus, find out which Beyoncé track makes Jeff's all-time list and whether Luis, as a Frenchman, would ever bring wine in paper packaging to a party. For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/LpW3lI-L7TI Retail news meets pop culture in this fast and fun wrap-up! #RetailPodcast #beyonce #SustainableWine #target #miamivice #7eleven #whenwewereyoung #retailnews #popculture #cowboycarter #OmniTalk

Schnucks is rolling out products from its first local brand accelerator, Schnucks Springboard, into 15 stores across Missouri and Illinois. But with rising tariffs and razor-thin margins, will this bold bet on community-rooted innovation pay off—or fizzle out? The Omni Talk team breaks down the business case, strategic risks, and long-term viability of grocers becoming incubators in their latest Fast Five podcast, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

PepsiCo says it plans to replace artificial colors with natural ones across its product lines by 2026, but the move could come with major R&D and consumer acceptance challenges. The Fast Five crew debates whether regulation is the only real way to force change. 0:02 – PepsiCo CEO outlines natural color transition timeline 0:45 – U.S. HHS pushes voluntary color removal by 2026 2:00 – France vs U.S.: stark differences in food color standards 3:40 – Why reformulation is hard: R&D, sourcing, pricing 4:45 – The food-as-medicine opportunity 6:00 – Will Americans accept the change without regulation? 7:00 – Red Vines, Trix, and the real struggle of visual food culture For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/LpW3lI-L7TI This week's episode is brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #pepsico #naturalingredients #CPGInnovation #FoodReformulation #HealthierSnacks #cleanlabel #doritos #RedVines #foodregulations #RetailPodcast

Schnucks is expanding its Caper Cart program, bringing the smart carts to more stores in Missouri and Illinois with new features like a lower tray for bulk items. Omni Talk and A&M experts discuss the promise, pain points, and potential of this next-gen checkout technology in reshaping the grocery shopping experience.

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, A&M's Jeff Dwyer and Luis De Lencquesaing joined Chris and Anne to discuss: - Amazon's tariff pricing fracas with the White House - Schnucks expanding its Caper Cart deployment - ChatGPT potentially integrating with Shopify - Pepsico accelerating its transition to natural ingredients - And closed with a look at if local product innovation incubators ever make sense for grocers There's all that, plus Quorso CEO Julian Mills stopped by for 5 Insightful Minutes on Intelligent Store Management, along with paper wine bottles, Beyonce, and Crockett vs. Tubbs. Music by hooksounds.com

Julian Mills, CEO of Quorso, sits down with Chris and Anne for a fast-paced 5 Insightful Minutes. Julian explains why intelligent management systems are critical in modern retail (0:40), shares a real-world example around promotion execution (1:40), and outlines how solutions like Quorso help retailers improve sales and reduce shrink (3:00). Julian also details the common hurdles retailers face with IT integration (5:00) and why trying to build these solutions internally just doesn't make sense anymore (5:40). #RetailInnovation #StoreOperations #Corso #RetailTechnology #IntelligentManagement #RetailExecution #PromotionExecution #OmniTalkRetail Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

Is microfulfillment still a viable strategy? In this new Omni Talk Spotlight, Chris and Anne sit down with Oliver Vogt, CEO of Tesco's Transcend Retail Solutions and Danielle Dakin, Dematic's Market Development Director, to unpack everything happening with MFCs. Danielle explains how pandemic-driven hype distorted expectations (6:00), while Oliver lays out why volume and operational simplicity are the true keys to success (9:54). They discuss the threshold for MFC success (~500 orders/day) (11:00), why omnichannel flexibility matters more than ever (16:00), and how Tesco's model could fit the US grocery landscape better than you think (24:00). Plus, the duo shares how you can schedule tours of Tesco's live MFC sites in the UK to see the future of grocery fulfillment for yourself (34:00)! #Microfulfillment #ecommerce #retailnews #retailstrategy #retailinnovation #TranscendRetail #Dematic #tesco #MFCs #UrbanFulfillment #automation #grocerydelivery Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

Chris and Anne sit down with Angela Fernandez, SVP at GS1 US, to dive deep into the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the massive shifts underway in food traceability. Angela explains: (6:27) The history of FSMA and how new regulations are reshaping the food industry (8:40) The crucial role of digital traceability (13:12) Why compliance is essential but not a competitive advantage (17:52) How companies can find ROI through end-to-end supply chain visibility (22:20) And what the recent 30-month extension means for brands and food service providers (22:20). Tune in for practical advice on how businesses of all sizes can prepare for the coming new era of food safety! #FSMA #foodsafety #traceability #supplychainvisibility #GS1US #retailinnovation #fda #FoodTraceability #RetailCompliance Sponsored Content

It's lightning round time! Chris and Anne open with OpenAI's surprising energy usage linked to polite prompts (00:03), then reveal whether they use manners with their own bots (00:22). Things escalate with papal name hypotheticals (01:15), a very serious pasta shape debate (02:00), and finally, the sperm race startup that no one saw coming (03:08). Stick around to hear which historical figures' sperm they'd bet on — and why youth might not always win. This week's lightning round was brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw #chatgpt #openai #lightninground #retailnews #comedypodcast #PastaDebate #SpermRaces #anthonyedwards #lebronjames #popefrancis

Walmart is testing a new beauty bar concept at 40 stores as part of its spring sale event, and Chris and Anne dive deep into what it means for the retailer's future (00:04). Chris highlights how this test differs from Target's Ulta partnership and lets Walmart fully own its beauty experience (01:45), while Anne shares insights from her past at Target and her shift to buying drugstore beauty via Walmart Plus (02:50). They both discuss how beauty bars create immersive, high-touch customer experiences while tackling in-store theft through controlled environments (04:00). Bonus: behind-the-scenes tidbits from their visit to Walmart's Store of the Future in Mississauga (01:07). For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw This week's episode was brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #walmart #beautybar #retailinnovation #walmartplus #cosmetics #retailnews

In this episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne break down Trove's acquisition of reverse.supply and why it's a game-changer for global resale (00:02). Anne highlights the upside for brands and customers alike, from lower costs due to tariff avoidance (01:45) to stickier brand engagement through resale ecosystems (02:50). Chris recalls Trove CEO Terry Boyle's past comments on resale's potential for 3–5% comp sales growth (03:30), and the duo agrees the real value lies in making resale turnkey and low-risk (04:15). Plus, they discuss how peer-to-peer resale reduces logistics friction and offers a major growth lever in challenging times (04:40). For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw #trove #resale #ReverseSupply #circularfashion #retailinnovation #recommerce #peertopeer #retailgrowth #secondhandshopping

Target's new floral brand Good Little Garden has entered the chat — and Chris and Anne are divided (00:03). While the brand offers fresh flowers and plants starting at $6 (00:28), Chris argues the category is operationally complex and unlikely to become a billion-dollar brand (01:00). Anne sees parallels with Trader Joe's floral success (03:10), and the duo debates whether this launch is a strategic win or a fleeting experiment (05:00). From vermin talk to sales data speculation and nostalgic merchandising war stories, this one's got all the petals and thorns. For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw #target #retailstrategy #GoodLittleGarden #retailinnovation #traderjoes #retailnews #flowers This week's episode was brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

In this episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne dive into Quorso's new partnership with Circle K (00:02), highlighting how this technology will scale across 5,000 stores in 12 countries and 11 languages (00:16). They discuss the significance of bringing task management and performance analytics into the convenience vertical (01:30), and what this means for late-night operations and workforce efficiency (03:00). Chris shares how the partnership validates Quorso's scalability (02:54), and Anne reflects on how one employee managing a store alone at night benefits from intelligent prioritization (04:00). If you're in retail tech or ops, this one's a must-listen. For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw #retailtech #circlek #quorso #conveniencestores #retailinnovation #workforceoptimization #retailnews

In this episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne analyze Walmart's bold move to grow its gas station footprint, aiming to add 40–45 new locations this year as part of a five-year expansion plan (00:03). They discuss how Walmart is using fuel as a strategic lever to increase Walmart Plus membership value (01:00) and compare this tactic to Costco's successful model (02:00). Anne shares her personal experience with Walmart Plus fuel limitations (03:10), while Chris breaks down the massive opportunity in front of Walmart, with only 415 fuel sites currently serving over 4,600 stores (04:20). Plus, they touch on recent leadership changes that indicate Walmart's full steam ahead approach (04:45). For the full episode, head to: https://youtu.be/YZOCyd_MPhw #walmart #retailstrategy #walmartplus #gasstations #customerloyalty #retailnews

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: - Walmart's gas station expansion strategy - Quorso's intelligent store management platform rollout with Circle K Europe - Target's new floral owned brand - Trove's acquisition of reverse.supply - And closed with a look at why Walmart's 40 store beauty bar test could herald even more sales growth in Walmart's future There's all that, plus pasta shapes, Papal naming, and the latest spectator sport, sperm racing. Music by hooksounds.com

This week's lightning round, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, is packed with laughs and unexpected questions. Chris and Anne start by debating what the official Omni Talk uniform would be, inspired by Starbucks' new black-on-green dress code (0:01). Then they reminisce about epic faceplants, including Anne's “Great Fall of Lisbon” (1:17), and react to Jewel suing Kroger over her removal from the Wellness Festival (2:09). Chris unveils his Chris-apalooza music lineup—Elvis, the Beatles, and the Jackson 5 (2:37)—while Anne keeps things grounded with crosswalk tech that talks like Lil Jon (3:25). It's retail banter with a side of absurd. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #RetailPodcast #lightninground #retailhumor #jewel #kroger #jeffbezos #jackson5 #starbucks #retailnews #blueorigin

In this Omni Talk Retail Fast Five discussion, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne explore Hy-Vee's decision to shutter most in-store bars and eliminate full-service dining in favor of counter-only service (0:02). Chris critiques the overuse of “experiential retail” as a vague, unscalable buzzword (1:00), calling Hy-Vee's move a necessary correction in an era where operational simplicity and consistency matter more than novelty. He shares a personal anecdote from his days at Gap about the hidden complexity of over-segmentation in retail (2:59) and warns about the challenges of managing stores with differing formats. Anne supports the shift as a logical step for maximizing floor space and profitability, citing successful models like Aldi and Sprouts that keep formats tightly controlled (4:50). The episode closes with a spirited debate on whether experiential retail ever really worked—and if retailers should let go of the fantasy altogether (7:40). For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #hyvee #retailstrategy #grocery

In this Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne dig into DoorDash's latest AI feature rollout for restaurant partners (0:02). The tools include an AI-powered camera for high-quality food photos, an item description generator, and instant visual enhancements to improve online menus (0:08). Anne shares how these tools will help small, independent restaurants like La Bodega Taco Shop compete with larger chains (1:04), while Chris highlights the risk of all AI descriptions sounding the same (3:13). They both agree photography is the most impactful feature—it's what drives clicks and cravings (4:00). The discussion wraps with some food fun and a reminder that good burritos matter more than buzzwords (5:28). For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #doordash #restauranttech #fooddelivery #smallbusinesssupport #foodphotography

In this Omni Talk Retail Fast Five episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne dive into Sam's Club's bold plan to open 15 clubs annually and remodel all 600 existing locations in the U.S. (0:02). Backed by strong performance and growing online sales, Sam's Club hopes to double its membership over the next 8–10 years, according to CEO Chris Nicholas (0:21). Chris lays out three reasons he's bullish: impressive comp sales growth (0:56), rising app adoption like Scan & Go (1:24), and soaring popularity among Gen Z and millennials (2:04). Anne agrees with the momentum but flags a continued awareness gap compared to Costco and emphasizes the importance of tapping Walmart Plus to attract new members (3:04). The episode wraps with a discussion of retail media advantages and the potential to unify Walmart and Sam's Club memberships under one banner (4:59). For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #samsclub #walmart #costco #retailstrategy #scanandgo #retailtech #MembershipGrowth #retailnews

In this episode of Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne dive into Walmart's latest AI-powered innovation: the Trend-to-Product tool (0:03). The duo explains how the tool uses generative AI to produce trend-driven mood boards, shorten design timelines by up to 18 weeks (1:10), and assist Walmart in appealing to newer, more affluent shoppers through trendier fashion options (2:44). Anne shares her experience working on similar product development teams at Target and emphasizes how this tool eliminates the tedious manual design process (1:26). Chris voices caution around AI fatigue and the importance of maintaining focus on big-picture strategies in stores versus chasing shiny objects online (3:36). The episode closes with thoughtful reminders about managing open-to-buy limits and making smarter decisions amid the flood of trend data (6:30). For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #walmart #retailinnovation #aiinfashion #generativeai #retailtech #walmartfashion #merchandising

In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand,Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga break down Ulta's surprising decision to pause its shop-in-shop rollout with Target. Despite Target touting strong beauty performance, Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman—an operations leader and former Target exec—has decided to hold at 610 locations, raising questions about store traffic, brand alignment, and future investments. Chris compares Target to a ‘Mike Dexter' moment in retail (3:00), while Anne explores how cultural sentiment and operational caution may be driving this pause (4:50).