Retail Podcast

AI is no longer optional in fashion, it's infrastructure.In this episode of The Retail Podcast, we sit down with Antonia Dumitriu, Co-Founder & CEO of @Irisphera, to explore how AI-powered virtual styling is transforming online fashion retail.Irisphera offers online brands a plug-in virtual personal shopper that:• Detects correct sizing based on brand size charts• Identifies body shape and colour palette• Automatically selects best-fit clothing items• Enables outfit visualisation on a shopper's own image or private avatarThe results?✔️ Conversion rates doubled✔️ Returns reduced by up to 30%✔️ Increased customer confidence✔️ Stronger brand positioningAntonia shares her journey from working as a stylist at 16 — including editorial work for Vogue Italy — to building proprietary AI technology before the current AI wave took off.We cover:Why AI must solve real problems (not invented ones)The psychology behind purchase confidenceWhy small brands shouldn't “start from zero”Why the Middle East is adopting fashion AI faster than EuropeThe future of fashion: personalization, sustainability & omnichannelIf you're in retail, fashion, e-commerce, AI, or brand building — this is essential listening.⏱ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Derived Only From Transcript)00:00 – Why Brands Don't Need to Start From Zero00:25 – Introduction & Why Early Retail Tech Matters00:48 – Meet Antonia Dumitriu01:21 – Antonia's Background: From Stylist to Founder02:13 – Identifying the Problem in Fashion02:35 – Where AI Fits in Fashion03:02 – Building Proprietary Technology Before the AI Wave03:30 – AI Should Solve Real Problems03:50 – What Is Irisphera?04:18 – How the Virtual Personal Shopper Works04:55 – Privacy & Middle East Deployment05:31 – In-Store Omnichannel Experience05:52 – Customer Feedback & Education07:19 – Why Brands Hesitate to Adopt08:13 – Influencers & Viral Adoption Strategy09:06 – Shopify, WooCommerce & API Integration09:32 – The Future of Fashion & AI10:29 – Target Market: Why the Middle East Leads11:49 – Closing Thoughts

Liberty London meets Bridgerton, Quiz enters administration, and pop-ups are taking over the UK high street — this week's Five Things Friday covers the retail stories that matter.In this episode, Alex and Simone break down five major retail and fashion stories shaping the UK high street right now — from heritage brand activations and immersive beauty experiences to the harsh realities facing mid-market retailers.

Retail is shifting fast across Asia-Pacific and this week's Five Things Friday unpacks the signals every operator, brand and investor needs to watch.Low Ngai Yuen MD AEON360 & Ryf Quail (Managing Director, NRF Retail's Big Show APAC & Middle East) joins the conversation with major personal news, and major market insight.In this episode:• Sephora partners with Olive Young to launch dedicated K-Beauty zones globally• Luckin Coffee opens its 30,000th store and expands its flagship + small format model• Inflation resurfaces across Australia and Japan• The structural rise of convenience snacking• Why Seoul is becoming the flagship retail experience capital of AsiaThis is not trend watching. This is structural change.From cultural authority in beauty to omnichannel rollout strategies, from tier-2 coffee expansion to generational food behavior shifts — this episode maps where retail is headed next.ABOUT THIS CHANNEL Welcome to the official channel of The Retail Podcast, your hub for global retail intelligence.Whether you are an executive refining your strategy, a vendor connecting with major players, or an innovator tracking the latest tech, this channel connects you to the pulse of the industry.What to expect:Expert Analysis: Breaking down insights from major global conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, Web Summit, MAPIC; Euroshop and EuroCIS.Diverse Perspectives: Hosted by a rotation of industry veterans and regional experts (APAC, US, EU).Actionable Strategy: We move beyond the headlines to discuss real ROI, digital transformation, and the future of commerce—from AI agents to luxury fashion and grocery trends.As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, we help you cut through the noise to find what actually works in modern retail.

At NRF, we sat down with Alyssa Hampton and Corinne Suarez, senior retail leaders at Marine Layer, to break down what's actually driving success in modern retail.Marine Layer has built a fast-growing retail business by focusing on conscious consumers, low-pressure in-store experiences, and a people-first culture—all while scaling to nearly 60 stores and maintaining B Corp values.In this conversation, we explore:Why younger generations care deeply about who they buy fromHow Marine Layer designs stores as places to hang out, not be sold toThe role of sustainability, recycled materials, and product educationHow retail tech supports seamless in-store and online experiencesWhat women early in their careers need to know about moving from the shop floor to HQThe importance of mentorship, advocacy, and asking for feedbackWhy retail experience builds grit that corporate résumés can't replaceThis episode is essential viewing for retail executives, brand leaders, store operators, and anyone building the future of physical retail.

Unified commerce is everywhere — but Pim Vijftigschild (Chief Commercial & Partner Officer at New Black) argues the next wave is bigger: contextual commerce.In this episode, we break down what “contextual” actually means in retail: capturing the interaction that leads to the transaction, rebuilding the “black book” level of customer understanding, and why most enterprise retail architectures (and RFPs) are stuck in the past.We also get into why modern retail transformation is 15% technology and 85% courage, how retailers get trapped in Frankenstacks and “best-of-breed” RFP thinking, and why click & collect became the wake-up call for legacy systems.Plus: a look at New Black's NRF plans, including iOS Avenue (a live store experience built with an ecosystem of partners) and a world tour concept designed to help retailers bring NRF inspiration back home and translate vision into execution.What you'll learn:How to convert any interaction into a transactionWhy retail tech stacks must shift from an enterprise pyramid to a customer-first funnelThe hidden failure in best-of-breed RFPs (and what's missing)Why “open heart surgery” is the right metaphor for POS changeHow brand communities move from one-way “clienteling” to two-way belongingGuest: Pim Vijftigschild, Chief Commercial & Partner Officer, New BlackTopic: Contextual commerce, retail transformation, platform strategy, communities, NRF

This week on Five Things Friday (US Edition), we unpack the momentum shaping US retail and brand marketing right now—starting with strong sentiment coming out of NRF and rolling straight into the biggest advertising moment of the year: the Super Bowl.After a positive “Big Show,” retailers and exhibitors are carrying unexpected optimism into 2025. AI is no longer theoretical—brands are showing how it's actually being used. That confidence sets the stage for how companies are investing, storytelling, and showing up during the Super Bowl.In this episode, we cover:Retail sentiment and exhibitor confidence coming out of NRFAI moving from theory into real, practical useWhy Super Bowl ads command nearly $10M for 30 secondsStandout campaigns from Instacart, Xfinity, Ring, Expedia, and AdidasPurpose-driven marketing at true scaleHow brands extend Super Bowl moments beyond game dayWhat retailers should be doing now to prepare for the World Cup in the USFrom dinosaurs saved by better connectivity to lost dogs reunited through AI-powered cameras, this episode looks at how brands turn technology into emotion—and attention into long-term value.

In this edition of Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simone break down the most important retail and brand signals shaping the future of shopping right now. From Reformation's quietly embedded in-store technology to luxury pop-ups in Dubai malls, this episode explores what actually improves customer experience and what retailers should be paying attention to.We cover how technology should be woven into the retail journey, not bolted on, why wellness-driven shopping baskets are accelerating, and how global markets like the UAE are redefining what shopping destinations can be. The conversation also tackles the realities facing UK retail, from high street pressures to cultural shifts, and why optimism is still justified.In this episode, you'll hear about:Reformation's tech-enabled fitting room modelWhy “quiet tech” is outperforming gimmicksOn Running's purpose-led collaboration strategyProtein and fibre as growth drivers in grocery basketsWhy UAE shopping malls feel like retail's golden eraHow luxury brands are engaging Gen Z without dilutionWhat UK retail must learn — and what it's already doing rightIf you work in retail, brand, ecommerce, or physical experience design, this episode is essential listening.Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Five Things Friday UK00:16 – Meet Alex & Simone00:31 – Retail travel, weather & context setting00:54 – What Alex & Simon do in retail01:16 – Shoptalk Luxe & empowering store staff with tech01:41 – Reformation's “tech menu” store experience01:57 – QR codes, digital baskets & optional technology02:22 – Physical retail's version of Google Analytics02:41 – Why quiet tech matters02:59 – Has Reformation cracked in-store tech?03:22 – The future of fitting rooms04:01 – Global brands entering the UK market04:29 – Asian and US brands expanding into London05:03 – Coffee brands, Camden & taste-testing retail05:16 – On Running x Sky High Farm Goods collaboration05:40 – Purpose-driven brand partnerships06:01 – Wellness shopping trends & Nielsen IQ insights06:28 – Protein and fibre driving basket growth06:47 – Fashion buying, Olympia & industry events07:14 – UAE retail experiences vs the UK07:35 – Why UAE malls feel different08:00 – Shopping as entertainment and destination08:16 – YSL pop-up & gamified luxury08:37 – Engaging Gen Z without cheapening luxury09:27 – Safety, culture & UK shopping centres10:11 – Challenges facing UK retail10:52 – Fun over more product11:15 – Signs of recovery and optimism

Retail in APAC is hitting a breaking point where "freshness" is no longer a luxury it's a survival requirement. Ryf Quail and Yuen Low break down why traditional 6-month order cycles are killing brands and how AI agents are fundamentally changing how consumers discover products.The Value Proposition: In this APAC Edition of Five Things Friday, we go behind the scenes of IKEA's flagship evolution in Shibuya, analyze Puma's strategic board-level shifts, and discuss the "death of search" as AI agents begin to make buying decisions for us.Chapter Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction: Meet Ryf Quail & Yuen Low01:06 — The Supply Chain Trap: Why long-lead orders are failing03:11 — The New IKEA: Why physical stores aren't withdrawing, they're evolving04:33 — Global Comparison: Shibuya's flagship vs. the Chinese retail model08:12 — The AI Agent Shift: When "Search" becomes "Action"10:33 — The Puma Play: Board seats, brand fantasy, and market influence13:47 — Influencer Dynamics: How individual creators are outpacing brand spend16:27 — Closing Thoughts: Is the IKEA withdrawal theory true?

In this episode of Five Things Friday, Alex sits down live at the show with Ryf Quail to unpack what made this year's event the biggest on record from 41–42,000 attendees, packed expo halls, and record exhibitor meetings, to a major global expansion announcement that reshapes the future of retail events.Ryf shares first-hand insights on:Why exhibitors recorded 200+ meaningful meetings on the show floorHow NRF has evolved into a truly global retail platformThe launch of NRF Big Show Middle East in Saudi Arabia (March 2027)Why international attendance now accounts for over a third of total attendeesThe innovation highlights — AI-driven food ordering, robots, holograms, and “store-in-a-box” concepts

How does a regional retailer scale to 86 stores in 7 years? We go on-site at BM's La Finca flagship in Madrid with Regional Director José to uncover the "Anti-Commodity" playbook that is redefining grocery retail in Spain.In this episode, we explore:The 4 Pillars of BM: Why Fresh, Assortment, Service, and CX are non-negotiable.The 10,000 SKU Secret: How to offer "Full Basket" convenience in a proximity format.Fresh as a Driver: Why fresh food accounts for $50%$ of sales and how they scale craft.Local Sourcing KPIs: Moving beyond marketing to create real impact for producers.Retail Tech: The virtual wine recommender and digital assist tools that actually work.About the Guest:José is the Regional Director (Madrid) and Executive Committee member at BM. With a 10-year background at Lidl, he brings a unique perspective on blending discount efficiency with premium service levels.

In this episode of Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simon break down what the rescue of Russell & Bromley by Next really signals for the British high street, why consolidation is accelerating, and what it means for heritage brands.They also explore:Why the UK may be heading toward a three-giant retail landscapeA standout Valentine's campaign from Thortful and how physical products stay relevant in a digital ageThe return of fashion founder Nina Hopkins with her new ready-to-wear label Sam DateWhy fashion careers aren't linear — and why that matters for the next generation of retail talentA first look at www.Keynotely.ai , a new “Spotify for keynotes” built to preserve human intelligence in a world dominated by AIThis conversation blends retail strategy, brand storytelling, fashion innovation, and the future of knowledge sharing — with practical insights for anyone building, selling, or advising retail brands in the UK and beyond.

Host Alex is joined by Simone Oloman, Co-Founder & CEO of Need It For Tonight (NIFT) — often described as Deliveroo for quality fashion — for an honest discussion on what retailers are really prioritising right now.In this episode, we cover:Why Middle East retail (Abu Dhabi & Saudi Arabia) is being built for a new generationSimone's role speaking at ShopTalk Abu DhabiWhy influencer collaborations work best when they feel obvious, using Molly-Mae Hague x Adidas as an exampleThe shift from AI promises to AI proof and real-world impactWhy retailers want to know what AI is doing today, not what it could do tomorrowWorkforce efficiency without layoffs and what “human + AI” actually meansCareer progression from shop floor to leadership, including female leadership pathsWhy Tommy Hilfiger x Liverpool Football Club is about cultural relevance, not footballA rapid-fire breakdown of Pinterest 2026 trendsWhy Gen Z, raised digital, is craving physical experiences againThis episode is grounded, practical, and culture-led — cutting through hype to focus on what retailers should pay attention to now.

In this Five Things Friday – USA Edition, we sit down with Jill, SVP of Content at National Retail Federation (NRF), live from the largest NRF show ever.With 41,000 attendees, 1,000+ exhibitors, 550+ sessions, and 100 countries represented, Jill breaks down what actually mattered at NRF this year — and what retailers must take forward.Key topics covered:Why customer relevance now outweighs platform strategyAI's shift from buzzword to embedded business infrastructureHow agents and automation are driving margin improvement, not layoffsWhy retail is moving at the speed of culture, not just technologyThe rise of contextual commerce and attention-based discoveryHow search behaviour is changing with ChatGPT-style queriesWhat retailers should leave behind — and take forward — into 2026NRF's global expansion: Singapore, Paris, and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) 2027Jill also reflects on standout voices including Gary Vaynerchuk, major announcements from Google, and future-focused thinking from Jason Goldberg of Publicis.This episode is a field guide for retail leaders navigating AI, culture, loyalty, and what comes next-now.

How will the $32 Billion AI Agent market change APAC Retail?In this episode, Ngai Yuen Low (AEON360) and Ryf Quail (Comexposium) reveal why your product pages need to be "machine-readable" by 2028 and how TikTok Shop is evolving beyond fashion.

It's almost Christmas and this week's Five Things cuts straight through the noise.Alex and Simon break down what really happened this Black Friday, why the numbers matter less than the format shift, and what live shopping and brand activations tell us about where retail is heading next.From muted UK retail sales and changing Black Friday behaviour, to why Ralph Lauren's activations are quietly best-in-class, this episode focuses on what retailers should actually be paying attention to right now — not the headlines.We also touch on:The rise of live, shoppable events and social commerceWhy “Black Friday Month” is now the realityWhat brands are doing instead of discountingHow tech companies are preparing for NRF 2026Why activation, not promotion, is the differentiator heading into the new yearThis is a grounded, honest conversation for retailers, brands, and tech leaders navigating a tough market without losing relevance.

This year, NRF is turning the dial up on everything: AI, interactivity, speakers and scaling a 40,000‑person global audience.In this episode, I sit down with Jill from NRF to unpack how the team is bringing the 2026 global theme “The Next Now” to life at the Big Show in the US – and why this could be one of the strongest speaker lineups yet.We dig into how what's next is already here for retail – from AI‑driven shopping journeys to a new generation of talent that expects to participate in content rather than sit through one‑to‑many lectures. Jill shares how NRF has re‑engineered parts of the show to serve that next generation without losing what long‑time attendees love.

In this episode, recorded at MAPIC in Cannes, we sit down with Shane Eldstrom, CEO of United Developers, the company behind Place Vendôme in Qatar – a project that has already become the #3 shopping centre for high-end fashion in the entire Middle East, just a few years after opening. Shane breaks down what makes Qatar's retail market so distinctive, how Place Vendôme has scaled from opening to regional leader, and what international brands need to know before entering the Middle East.

Black Friday isn't a day anymore. Singles' Day now stretches across weeks. Quick commerce promises groceries in 15–30 minutes. In this APAC edition of Five Things Friday, co‑hosts Ngai Yuen Low & Ryf Quail break down how peak season is changing across China, Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan – and what it really means for consumers, retailers and retail property.Joining from WP. Kuala Lumpur and the Greater Sydney Area, Ngai Yuen and Ryf compare how Singles' Day has turned into a multi‑week promotion machine, why Black Friday lands very differently in Singapore vs Malaysia, and how Australia now treats November as a long sprint into Christmas.

Recorded live at MAPIC 2025 in Cannes, this episode features a rare deep-dive with Ian Sandford, President of Eurofund Group, one of Europe's most influential retail property operators. With more than €2B in assets across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and the UK, Eurofund sits at the centre of the sector's biggest shifts.--------*Welcome to the official  channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow's retail.*--------

Black Friday isn't a day anymore. It's a month-long pressure cooker – and it's forcing retailers to rethink everything from promotions to product pages.Correction note: In the episode I mention a jumper with 7% wool – the actual composition was 8% wool.Why Black Friday has morphed into “Black Month” – and what that constant promo pressure does to margins, teams and customer expectationsHow John Lewis is investing £800m to turn “stuffy department store” into experiential destination, complete with VIP member lounges that feel more like British Airways than traditional retailThe power of personal styling: a live story from a first-ever styling session at Aubin, and why curated outfits create genuine “dopamine dressing” moments for time-poor professionalsWhat luxury players like Joseph really want from tech and AI: tools that free staff to serve customers, not replace themHow AI is fast becoming your second customer – from ChatGPT's personal shopping and gift guides to the need for product pages that go beyond specs and capture story, emotion and use-caseWhy the next generation won't “Google it”, they'll ChatGPT it – and what that means for search, content and retail strategyIf you work in retail, ecommerce, CX, merchandising or digital, you're already living these tensions: discount pressure, demand for experience, and the rise of AI-driven discovery.This episode gives you a sharp, 13‑minute snapshot of where those trends are heading – and how brands like John Lewis, Aubin, Joseph, Tumi and M&S are shaping the next chapter.

Julia Paulsen, Director of Ecommerce Nordics at Elkjøp Nordic (part of Currys plc), unpacks how to win when your store has two customers: the human and the AI assistant. We cover data quality, MACH, omnichannel execution, and the culture that turns OKRs into commercial outcomes.

Coupang is finally profitable. China's KKR Group is redefining offline lifestyle retail. APAC's consumer landscape is shifting fast.In this Five Things Friday — APAC Edition, Ryf Quail and Low Ngai Yuen unpack:• Coupang's record revenue and margin transformation• Logistics innovations powering same-day delivery• How Rocket WOW locks in customer loyalty• China's KKR Group and its explosive offline store growth• The rise of Gen Z lifestyle mega-brands• What global retailers must understand about Asia's momentumA essential briefing for leaders in retail, eCommerce, CX, marketplaces, supply chain, and omnichannel strategy.

​ @RitualsCosmeticsGlobal  has opened its newest flagship at 297 Oxford Street, London. And it's unlike anything the brand has built before.In this exclusive tour and interview, Alex Rezvan sits down with:• Annemarie Forsyth — Managing Director UK & Ireland• Richard Lems — Executive Director Format & DesignTogether, they reveal the design philosophy, customer-experience thinking, community strategy and the technology mindset that shaped this extraordinary store.You'll hear the story behind removing an entire floor to create a soaring atrium, how the Water Island anchors the brand experience, why the Mind Oasis is already fully booked for days, and how Rituals views the next five years of retail through wellbeing, community, and immersive physical spaces.If you're in London, Rituals Oxford Street opens today.

How do you transform thousands of frontline colleagues from overloaded and under-informed to connected, confident, and AI‑enabled, without breaking the stores?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Chris Chandler (Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑op) and Mark Williams (Managing Director, WorkJam EMEA) to unpack a full frontline transformation: from paper, WhatsApp groups and scattered comms… to a single digital frontline platform with 90%+ activation and the removal of many tasks removed in just 12 months.

Retail is back in force. Alex reports from Cannes at MAPIC on why capital is returning to physical retail. Simone unpacks the new John Lewis Christmas advert and how sentiment sells. We cover CBRE's data, MINISO's Bond Street bet, retail parks' quiet surge, and why athleisure keeps compounding.The 5 stories1. John Lewis Christmas advert 2025: Why nostalgia + vinyl is the most effective emotional shortcut this season.2. MAPIC takeaways (CBRE): Investment is thawing; leasing momentum improves; prime rents keep edging up as footfall normalizes.3. MINISO on Bond Street: Tourist gravity, pop‑culture IP, and an experience‑first flagship moment.4. Retail parks' resurgence: Value + access + parking = resilient openings and low vacancy.5. Athleisure's resilience: Demand holds; big‑box footwear/apparel remains a habit, not a fad.

Asia's retail landscape is evolving faster than anywhere else on Earth—and this episode brings you the inside view.Host Alex Rezvan sits down with Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, and Low Ngai Yuen, former Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON Malaysia, board member at GDEX and OCK Group, and award-winning creative leader, to explore: • The rise of Chinese retail expansion across Southeast Asia • Why super apps like Grab, WeChat, and Alipay are reshaping loyalty and payment ecosystems • How influencer marketing is evolving into a listed industry • The future of responsible sourcing and supply chain transformation • The intersection of culture, experience, and intelligence in modern retailYuen also shares her vision for empowering women through her NGO WOMENgirls and reflects on storytelling, sustainability, and digital creativity.This is Asia's story—fast, mobile-first, and deeply human.

AI, Merchandising & the Next Era of Retail with Noah (何诺亚) HerschmanAI isn't replacing retail jobs — it's enhancing them. In this episode of The Retail Podcast, host Alex Rezvan speaks with Noah (何诺亚) Herschman, Retail & Ecommerce Senior Executive and Global AI Strategist, about how artificial intelligence is transforming merchandising, pricing, and product lifecycle management.Noah has shaped ecommerce since the 1990s, with senior leadership roles at Amazon, eBay, Groupon, Staples, and nearly a decade at Microsoft as Retail Industry Architect. Now at Intel, he helps global retailers harness agentic AI to make smarter, faster, and more creative merchandising decisions.

Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak (NRF) open with Rosalía's “Berghain” — a genre-bending track with Björk and Yves Tumor that shows how culture still drives commerce. Then come the hard numbers: Amazon's plan to cut ≈ 30 000 corporate jobs (Reuters) and what it signals for hybrid work, efficiency, and morale.Next, Calvin Klein's Reels-first storytelling proves how emotional minimalism beats perfection in branding. They examine TikTok's potential $14 billion Oracle-led divestment, and what a new owner could mean for algorithms and Shop visibility.Holiday season brings optimism with JCPenney's “It's What They Thought That Counts” campaign — reframing value around thoughtfulness — and finally Primark's accelerating U.S. expansion, where tactile, affordable retail wins against fast-fashion fatigue.

Topshop leans into Millennial nostalgia with Cara Delevingne; New Look fires up “Club New Look,” targeting scale with a £30m digital push; and ASOS takes a ten‑day Carnaby Street pop‑up mainstream with 200+ curated pieces and partner brands. Bonus: a culture lens on Rosalía's “Berghain” and what her fashion‑first storytelling means for retail discovery.Related video mentioned: Rosalía — “Berghain” (Official): https://youtu.be/htQBS2Ikz6c?si=E65oy0YY9svYzEtB

Rituals' Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.About this episodeWe cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.

Five Things Friday — Gap's London Comeback, Morrisons' ESL Rollout, AllSaints Pop‑Ups, DFS x Pinterest, Gen BetaToday's agenda: five moves reshaping UK retail—and what to do next.NEWS FLASH LINE‑UP• Gap returns to London with three stores (Covent Garden, White City, Wembley) before Christmas.• Morrisons partners with VusionGroup to digitise pricing across all 497 supermarkets using ESLs.• AllSaints opens three UK pop‑ups (Bristol Cribbs Causeway now open; Battersea Power Station & Stratford next).• DFS teams with Pinterest on a gamified “What's Your Thing? Collage Quest” that turns inspiration into shoppable boards.• Fashion is already talking about “Gen Beta” (babies born from 2025) — signalling a culture‑first decade ahead.

This episode dives into the mechanics of AI-powered personalization with Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder of Eagle AI (ex-Untie Nots). Eagle AI's platform delivers scalable, signal-based personalization that predicts behaviour and nudges loyalty — generating 7:1+ ROI and unprecedented digital engagement.Cédric and Alex discuss:• What personalization really means in 2025• How gamification boosts engagement without gimmicks• Why pragmatic AI often outperforms big “innovation” projects• How Eagle AI achieves 7:1–20:1 ROI with minimal friction• Why retailers must act now rather than wait for the next hype cycle

In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at NRF, decode the five major stories shaping the retail landscape—from Target's nostalgic fashion comeback to Walmart's partnership with OpenAI. A rapid-fire discussion of innovation, curation, and AI's growing role in everyday retail.Topics Covered:• Target x Woolrich collaboration• Ulta Beauty + Mirakl's curated marketplace• Walmart + OpenAI partnership for AI-first shopping• Levi's strong Q3 and store expansion• Amazon's QuickSuite and AI “employee teammate”Hosts:Alex Rezvan, Founder & Host, The Retail PodcastJill Dvorak, SVP of Content, National Retail FederationReferenced Articles:Target x Woolrich: Target PressUlta Beauty Marketplace: Ulta Investor RelationsWalmart + OpenAI: Walmart Corporate NewsLevi's Store Expansion: Retail DiveAmazon QuickSuite: Chain Store Age

Simone Oloman joins Alex Rezvan to unpack how authenticity, community, and creativity are rewriting retail influence — from Prada's cinematic London takeover to Morrisons' 1-hour grocery promise.1️⃣ The new face of influence — Why real voices, not million-follower celebrities, are shaping consumer trust.2️⃣ Campus culture meets commerce — Hollister, the University of Texas, and how student-athletes are becoming micro-media brands.3️⃣ Prada Mode London — A two-day immersive cinema turns shopping into cultural theatre.4️⃣ Morrisons Now — The grocer joins the rapid delivery race with one-hour grocery fulfilment from 158 stores.5️⃣ Walmart x Mirakl & Ted Baker's comeback — Marketplaces evolve and activewear returns to the high street.

Alex (The Retail Podcast) and Ryf Quail (Director, NRF APAC) break down this week's APAC headlines: Galeries Lafayette launches in Mumbai (with Delhi next), a surge of Chinese F&B brands expands into Singapore, and Porsche reports a Q3 delivery dip led by China and North America amid intensifying EV competition. They also explore lululemon Singapore's retail-meets-wellness studio concept and why experiential formats are resetting the playbook for premium retail in Asia.Topics this week• Galeries Lafayette → India: Mumbai flagship now open; Delhi next; 250+ brands under one roof via Aditya Birla partnership.• Chinese F&B → Singapore: Luckin, Mixue, ChaPanda, Nong Geng Ji and more chase stable demand and regional visibility.• Porsche Q3: Deliveries soften, led by China and North America; value-driven EV competition reshapes luxury auto demand.• lululemon Singapore: Retail-meets-wellness format (yoga/Pilates studios inside the flagship) as an experience blueprint.Chapters00:00 Intro00:18 Five Things Friday01:23 Guest teaser03:11 lululemon Singapore05:34 Galeries Lafayette in India07:25 Chinese F&B in Singapore10:00 Porsche Q311:33 WrapFurther reading• Lululemon's retail-meets-wellness concept in SE Asia: https://observatory.sg/lululemons-first-ever-retail-meets-wellness-concept-store-in-se-asia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Aditya Birla (partner): https://www.adityabirla.com/businesses/• Galeries Lafayette (official): https://www.galerieslafayette.com/• Reuters on Chinese F&B in Singapore: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-food-beverage-firms-flock-singapore-first-step-expansion-drive-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Porsche China: https://www.porsche.cn/china/en/

AI, upskilling, and the future of intelligent supply chains — live from NRF Europe.At NRF Europe, Jill Dvorak sits down with Best Buy's Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark Irvin, and Alex Rezvan from The Retail Podcast to explore how artificial intelligence, personalization, and collaborative learning are redefining the global supply chain.Mark reveals how Best Buy is upskilling teams for the AI era, partnering across industries to innovate faster, and reshaping the customer experience through predictive logistics and real-time personalization. From agent-based shopping to inventory positioning, this conversation uncovers what's next for retail's operational backbone.Best Buy, Mark Irvin, Alex Rezvan, Jill Dvorak, NRF Europe, retail innovation, AI in supply chain, logistics, retail technology, predictive analytics, supply chain transformation, personalization, retail media, customer experience, NRF Big ShowEpisode Notes:Recorded live at NRF Europe 2025Hosted by Jill Dvorak (NRF) with Alex Rezvan (The Retail Podcast)Guest: Mark Irvin, EVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Best BuyTopics: Upskilling, AI readiness, personalization, future of fulfillment#RetailPodcast #NRFEurope #BestBuy #AIinRetail #SupplyChainInnovation #RetailNewsAI #RetailLeadership

Retail is moving faster than ever—AI, private labels, and the holiday promo wave are reshaping how we shop. In this episode, Alex and Joe go live across YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch to unpack the week's biggest stories:⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: First live broadcast00:40 – Shopify unlocks ChatGPT checkout for 1M merchants01:23 – Etsy stock jumps, what it means for marketplaces02:27 – Prime Big Deals + Target & Walmart promotions shift holiday timing04:13 – Golden Quarter forecast: flat but resilient05:14 – Pop Mart brings Labubu to Times Square (2026)06:12 – Walmart bans synthetic dyes + 30 additives across private label07:55 – Amazon launches new “Amazon Grocery” brand under $509:14 – Amazon's retail experiments: Go stores, Fresh, and convenience bets10:36 – Closing thoughts: consumer demand, private label, and adapting to pressure

Five Things Friday UK Edition with Simone Oloman & Alex.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro cold open00:17 Roll credits & setup00:54 Boots fragrance-only boutique (Broadgate)01:52 Boots' beauty play & premium push03:13 Hand-off03:26 Designers at Debenhams returns (Kim Cattrall, Ashish)05:09 High street needs a little “zhuzh”06:00 Festive trading season set-up (Prime Day → Christmas)06:46 Søstrene Grene: UK standout performance08:00 NikeSKIMS: culture × performance09:45 Brown is back (palette chat)10:22 Laura Ashley: Lakeside flagship returns11:08 Wrap: grocery vs. luxury11:51 Sign-offREFERENCESSøstrene Grene results & UK expansion:This week's five:1) Boots' first fragrance-only boutique at Broadgate, London (opens 23 Oct 2025).2) Designers at Debenhams returns (AW25) with Ashish; Kim Cattrall fronts the campaign.3) Søstrene Grene posts record results; UK is the standout growth driver.4) NikeSKIMS launches as a new women's brand: performance credibility meets culture.5) Laura Ashley returns to bricks & mortar: 10,000 sq ft flagship at Lakeside.References:Disclosure: Opinions are ours. Not investment advice.#Retail #UKRetail #FiveThingsFriday #Boots #NikeSKIMS #LauraAshley

This week on Five Things Friday, Alex and Simon unpack the retail stories shaping headlines and boardrooms:Shein sparks backlash with a London pop-up designed for independentsAmazon Fresh shutters physical grocery stores—pivoting tech into airports and e-commerceUK retail sales decline for the twelfth month straight, according to the CBIStarbucks retrenches: closing UK stores while doubling down on experience-led formatsPrimark trials in-store clothing repair, raising questions on sustainability vs. greenwashingH&M Group shutters stores worldwide, while Arket opens on London's King's RoadBurberry turns heads at London Fashion Week with its Burberry Portraits campaign on TikTok & InstagramThe retail landscape is contracting, experimenting, and redefining luxury for the next chapter.⏱️ Chapters:0:00 –Intro & Riyadh luxury preview2:49 – Shein's controversial London pop-up4:31 – Amazon Fresh pulls the plug on cashierless stores6:02 – CBI data shows UK retail sales decline 12 months straight7:09 – Starbucks closures & experiential pivot9:04 – Primark launches clothing repair pop-up11:07 – H&M store closures vs. Arket expansion12:45 – Burberry Portraits TikTok & London Fashion Week comeback15:30 – Closing thoughts & community shout-outReferenced sources:Amazon Fresh updateCBI September 2025 surveyStarbucks EMEA updateTikTok – @omo.orojeTikTok – Burberry PortraitsInstagram – Burberry Portraits Reelhttps://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/retail/amazon-uk-online-grocery-delivery-amazon-fresh https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/retail-sales-fall-for-twelfth-month-in-a-row-cbi-distributive-trades-survey-september-2025/ https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2025/emea-update-focused-on-getting-back-to-starbucks/ https://www.tiktok.com/@omo.oroje/video/7323298506976939296 https://www.tiktok.com/@burberry/video/7534720871588498710?q=burberry%20portraits&t=1758882300201 https://www.instagram.com/burberry/reel/DO8zvqmiMRD/

Welcome to Five Things Friday APAC Edition (yes, on a Monday this time!). In this episode, we unpack the big signals shaping retail and consumer markets across the region and beyond.Here's what we cover:Shanghai Fashion Week SS26 – momentum, buying power, and why global buyers are watching China again.India's luxury beauty boom – $800M today, $4B by 2035, and why retailers are planting seeds now.Recession Glam – consumers trading down but still splurging smartly in beauty and fashion.Retail realignment – how APAC and Europe may be drawing closer in strategy and trade.Australia's retail optimism – Deloitte's 2025 holiday report shows green shoots of growth.

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Connie Kwok, Vice President of Quick Commerce at Glovo, to unpack the future of on-demand retail. From groceries and electronics to medicine and AirPods, Glovo has become one of Europe's most dynamic marketplaces—operating in 23 countries and redefining convenience beyond speed.Connie shares her perspective on:What “quick commerce” really means for today's customerWhy speed alone is no longer enough—accuracy and convenience matter tooLocalisation across 23 countries: assortment, pricing, and regulationOperational levers like batching, membership fees, advertising, and dark storesThe cultural contrasts between Asia, Europe, and social commerce in ChinaWhy delight and discovery—not just transactions—will define the next era of retailWhether you're in retail, e-commerce, or logistics, this conversation offers a masterclass in how global platforms adapt to local behaviours while scaling sustainably.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Welcome00:20 – What is Quick Commerce?01:03 – Defining customer convenience beyond speed02:40 – Why Europe converges on 30-minute delivery vs. India's 1505:14 – Localising operations across 23 countries07:05 – Partner model vs. dark stores10:00 – Key categories: groceries, electronics, medicine, alcohol12:45 – Awareness challenges beyond food delivery14:33 – Fashion and returns dilemma15:58 – Marketplace vs. delivery-only17:12 – Technology and operational efficiency at scale18:30 – New gifting experience in Glovo19:54 – What Europe can (and can't) learn from China's social commerce23:40 – Discovery and delight vs. pure transactions in retail24:00 – Closing thanks

London Fashion Week's smartest activations, Tala's next store move, circularity brought to life, Apple's youth brief, and why brands are making TV.Episode SummaryIt's Five Things Friday, UK Edition. Alex and co-host Simone Oloman break down five stories shaping retail and culture this week:British Vogue's concept café during London Fashion Week and why mindfulness-led micro-experiences restore relevance;Tala doubling down on stores with Westfield London, and how IRL activations fuel discovery and social reach;DYLON's LFW pop-up turning care, repair, and personalisation into circular habit-building;Apple's youth brief: nostalgia aesthetics, wired headphones, one-purpose devices—and why a Dua Lipa campaign signals the tone;The rise of brand-made TV: scripted, story-first series that beat ad fatigue and build long-form loyalty.Episode Notes / Show Notes (with references)Tala coming soon to Westfield London: https://www.westfield.com/en/united-kingdom/london/retailers/tala-coming-soon/83612LFW-style cultural reference (Instagram Post): https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxpxazuIwT/DYLON UK & Ireland (activation/circular care): https://www.instagram.com/dylon_uki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Vera Bradley (brand reference): https://verabradley.com/Brand TV / longer-form trend (example reel): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjGDS9EXTx/?__d=1%2FEpisode Type: FullSeason/Ep: (set as needed)Author: The Retail PodcastCopyright: © The Retail Podcast / Alex RezvanContent Advisory: Clean

London Fashion Week's smartest activations, Tala's next store move, circularity brought to life, Apple's youth brief, and why brands are making TV.Episode SummaryIt's Five Things Friday — UK Edition. Alex and co-host Simone Oloman break down five stories shaping retail and culture this week:British Vogue's concept café during London Fashion Week and why mindfulness-led micro-experiences restore relevance;Tala doubling down on stores with Westfield London, and how IRL activations fuel discovery and social reach;DYLON's LFW pop-up turning care, repair, and personalisation into circular habit-building;Apple's youth brief: nostalgia aesthetics, wired headphones, one-purpose devices—and why a Dua Lipa campaign signals the tone;The rise of brand-made TV: scripted, story-first series that beat ad fatigue and build long-form loyalty.Episode Notes / Show Notes (with references)Tala coming soon to Westfield London: https://www.westfield.com/en/united-kingdom/london/retailers/tala-coming-soon/83612LFW-style cultural reference (Instagram Post): https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxpxazuIwT/DYLON UK & Ireland (activation/circular care): https://www.instagram.com/dylon_uki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Vera Bradley (brand reference): https://verabradley.com/Brand TV / longer-form trend (example reel): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjGDS9EXTx/?__d=1%2FKeywordsRetail UK, London Fashion Week, NRF Europe, Tala, Westfield London, DYLON, circular fashion, brand TV, Apple iPhone, Dua Lipa, Gen Z, retail media, in-store experienceEpisode Type: FullSeason/Ep: (set as needed)Author: The Retail PodcastCopyright: © The Retail Podcast / Alex RezvanContent Advisory: Clean

In this special episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Jill Dvorak (SVP Content, NRF) and Ryf Quail (Managing Director, NRF APAC) for a behind-the-scenes look at NRF Europe's inaugural show in Paris.From global connectivity to the future of retail leadership, the conversation spans:Why Europe needed its own NRF “Big Show”The pace of retail innovation and technology adoptionRetail as a people and emotional businessWhat's ahead for NRF New York and NRF Asia-PacificHow regional shows are reshaping global retail growthRetailers from more than 40 countries gathered in Paris, and this episode captures the energy, insights, and optimism driving the industry forward.

Five Things Friday (UK) with the incredible Simone Oloman — • Adaptive fashion at Asda • JLP's H1 turnaround plan • AI trolleys at Morrisons • Barbour × FARM Rio • Oxford Street car‑free dayThis week we break down five UK retail stories shaping the Golden Quarter: George at Asda's 28‑piece adaptive clothing line (inspired by the late Nicky Newman), John Lewis Partnership's H1 results and investment push, Instacart's Caper smart trolleys landing at Morrisons, Barbour's joyful collab with FARM Rio, and Oxford Street going traffic‑free on Sunday 21 September (12–8).Chapters00:00 Cold open00:10 Welcome & volume note01:37 Story 1 – George at Asda: adaptive clothing (inspired by Nicky Newman)04:02 Story 2 – John Lewis Partnership H1 results & investment07:03 Story 3 – Morrisons x Instacart: AI smart trolleys (Caper Carts)09:03 Story 4 – Barbour x FARM Rio collaboration11:49 Story 5 – Oxford Street traffic-free day (Sun 21 Sep, 12–8)12:54 Week ahead & sign-offLinks & sourcesRequested sources (credited)- Asda – Adaptive clothing range (press release): https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- John Lewis Partnership – Half‑Year Results 2025/26 (official PDF): https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/content/dam/cws/pdfs/Juniper/HYR2025/JLP-Half-Year-Results-2025-26.pdf- Instacart & Morrisons – AI shopping trolleys (press release): https://investors.instacart.com/news-releases/news-release-details/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-uk- Barbour × FARM Rio – collection page: https://farmrio.uk/collections/barbour-farm-rio?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22739867213&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7SWH-U6wP_HlnLlKJv7T42Go&gclid=CjwKCAjwiY_GBhBEEiwAFaghvkqYhKTWY4Pqn-CPlKL0aY-NSzPOwEIdwgYLrDhBUunQXqz1DXqEIRoC7jwQAvD_BwE- Nicky Newman – Instagram post referenced: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN7uPz1jf6-/Asda adaptive:- https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/09/asda-george-adaptive-clothing/John Lewis H1:- https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/britains-john-lewis-track-full-year-profit-growth-2025-09-11/- https://www.ft.com/content/23e3ed3e-1055-47b2-a967-2a994e61a6caMorrisons x Instacart:- https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-to-the-uk/- https://chainstoreage.com/morrisons-launch-first-uk-pilot-instacart-smart-cartsBarbour x FARM Rio:- https://www.barbour.com/us/farm-rio.htmlOxford Street 21 Sep:- https://www.london.gov.uk/media-centre/mayors-press-release/mayor-invites-londoners-to-experience-oxford-street-like-youve-never-seen-it-before-as-street-is-transformed-and-made-traffic-free-for-landmark-event- https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/oxford-street-traffic-free-eventWaitrose BCC & awards:- https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/news/waitrose/07042025/waitrose-becomes-first-supermarket-to-set-new-benchmark-for-better-chicken-welfare-standards- https://thegrocergoldawards.co.uk/live/en/page/winners-2025HostsAlex — helps organisations that sell to the retail industry stay relevant with credible thought leadership.Co‑host: Simone Oloman — co‑founder & CEO, Need It For Tonight (NIFT).Support the show• Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify• Join the newsletter: RetailNews.AI• Be a guest or partner: hello@theretailpodcast.comEditor's noteWe've re‑balanced the intro music to align with broadcast loudness targets (see notes below).DisclosuresNo paid placements in this episode. Affiliate links may appear in the description or on our

Kering pushes Valentino buyout to 2028, Armani's will lays out a staged sale/IPO, Petit Bateau heads to Regent, and Valiuz × Infinity create a European retail media leader—plus Qijco adds repairs to the “Vinted of DIY.”Kering defers the full Valentino acquisition to 2028 as debt pressure bites; Giorgio Armani's will instructs heirs to sell a first stake and later a controlling tranche or pursue an IPO; Groupe Rocher selects Regent to acquire Petit Bateau; and a major alliance—Valiuz × Infinity Advertising—emerges to form a European retail media leader. We also spotlight Qijco, the Belgian “Vinted of DIY,” adding repair services to resale and rentals.Stories & sources• Kering–Valentino delay (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kering-delays-full-valentino-acquisition-2028-amid-debt-concerns-2025-09-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Armani's will (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/giorgio-armanis-will-instructs-gradually-sell-fashion-brand-or-seek-ipo-document-2025-09-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Petit Bateau → Regent (FashionNetwork): https://www.fashionnetwork.com/news/Groupe-rocher-selects-regent-to-acquire-petit-bateau,1760833.html• Retail Media alliance (Groupement Les Mousquetaires press release): https://www.mousquetaires.com/communique/valiuz-et-infinity-advertising-sunissent-pour-creer-le-leader-europeen-du-retail-media/Additional context• Qijco (“Vinted of DIY”) adds repairs to resale/rentals (FR coverage):– eCommerceMag: https://www.ecommercemag.fr/Thematique/retail-1220/veille-internationale-2170/Breves/qijco-vinted-bricolage-etend-marketplace-service-reparation-outils-485086.htm– Zepros Habitat: https://habitat.zepros.fr/actus/qijco-marketplace-brico-jardin-produits-occasion-location-desormais-prestationsCopyright & fair useAll linked articles are © their respective publishers and are referenced here for news reporting, commentary, and attribution. Please read the originals for full context.00:00 — Intro & NRF Europe week01:15 — Qijco: the “Vinted of DIY” adds repairs (BE/FR)05:48 — Kering–Valentino deal deferred to 2028 (Reuters)06:31 — Petit Bateau: Groupe Rocher selects Regent (FashionNetwork)09:32 — Armani's will: staged sale or IPO path (Reuters)11:13 — Retail Media: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising (press release)13:54 — WrapEpisode type: FullAuthor/Artist: The Retail PodcastLanguage: EnglishLuxury consolidation pressure: Kering's delay and Armani's succession terms point to valuation resets and capital discipline across European luxury in 2025–2029. Reuters+1Iconic brands under new ownership: Petit Bateau's path with Regent mirrors the “heritage brand + global scale-up capital” pattern; execution will determine whether heritage becomes international growth or dilution. FashionNetwork+1Retail media scale: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising expands reach across 10,000+ stores in six countries, raising the bar on first‑party retail audience activation in Europe. Expect escalating competition with Carrefour and others. Groupement MousquetairesCircular economy in DIY: Qijco's repair layer on top of resale/rental strengthens utilization and lifetime value of tools—smart signal for home improvement ecosystems. ecommercemag.fr+1

APAC is running a different retail race: mobile-first commerce, one-hour delivery wars, tourism tailwinds in Korea, China fast-fashion push overseas, and a working model of AI-native grocery in Singapore. In this Five Things Friday APAC with Ryf Quail (NRF APAC) we break down what's signal, what's noise, and what operators should do next.What you'll learn• Why APAC's ecommerce growth remains mobile-led—and why Western playbooks don't port cleanly• China's “instant retail” price war (Alibaba × Meituan × JD): unit-economics and regulatory risk• Korea's visa-free Chinese group travel: how to staff, assort, and promo for itineraries• Localise formats: Yum China's smaller, value-centric boxes and tighter delivery ops• China's Urban Revivo targets 200+ overseas stores—fast-fashion competition resets• Inside FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Singapore): the most complete AI-assisted supermarket we've seenChapters00:00 Intro & show update01:00 APAC ecommerce: growth + mobile share04:04 China's 1-hour delivery price war06:11 Korea tourism: visa-free Chinese group travel08:09 Yum China: small formats, capital discipline09:14 Urban Revivo: 200+ overseas stores10:06 FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Punggol, Singapore)13:22 WrapReferences / image sourcesGSMA Mobile Economy APAC: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GSMA_APAC_ME2025_WEB-1.pdfSensor Tower ecommerce apps (context): https://sensortower.com/blog/ecommerce-performance-in-shopping-season-2024U.S. mobile share context: https://redstagfulfillment.com/what-percentage-of-ecommerce-sales-on-mobile-devices/Reuters – China instant retail race: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinas-e-commerce-companies-are-getting-singed-by-price-war-2025-09-08/Korea visa-free Chinese group tours (from 29 Sept): https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=278542Yum China (formats/capital): https://ir.yumchina.com/ and https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/new-pizza-hut-concept-stores-china-help-frugal-diners-save-2024-09-06/Urban Revivo global push: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinese-zara-rival-urban-revivo-steps-up-global-push-with-new-stores-fashion-2025-09-03/FairPrice × Google Cloud “Store of Tomorrow”:https://www.googlecloudpresscorner.com/2025-08-27-FairPrice-Group%2C-Singapores-Largest-Retailer%2C-Deepens-AI-Collaboration-with-Google-Cloud%2C-Brings-New-Agentic-Applications-to-its-Store-of-Tomorrow-and-WorkforceSubscribe for weekly APAC signals. Comment: which of these five will you test in the next 30 days payments, instant delivery, tourism targeting, format shift, or AI grocery?#APACRetail #Ecommerce #MCommerce #InstantDelivery #ChinaRetail #SouthKorea #YumChina #UrbanRevivo #FairPrice #AIinRetail

What to expect at NRF 2025: Big Show Europe—keynotes, payments, tours, and how to work the floor.NRF's first Retail's Big Show Europe (16–18 Sept, Paris) is almost here. Jill Dvorak, NRF's SVP of Content, walks us through the theme “Retail Together,” the Sephora opening keynote, why payments (Apple + Adyen) are a growth lever, and how to get the most from the Retail Store Tours. We also touch on Best Buy's momentum and the Authentic Brands Group–Guess deal shaping portfolio strategy. Practical tips inside: plan sessions, leave time to roam, and prioritise AI + payments use cases.Show Notes Event overview & registration: https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/Event overview page: https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/about/event-overviewSpeakers/keynotes incl. Apple & Adyen: https://www.ecommerce-nation.fr/nrf-international-speakers/Apple special address (press PDF): https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/-/media/Files/NRF-PDF/presse/NRF-Communiqu-de-presse-name-dropping-EN.pdfPayments session preview incl. Apple + Adyen (+ On): https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/70721880/2025-nrf-europe-daily-preview-part-1Retail Store Tours (retailer-only): https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/attend/retail-store-toursTour listings (pricing & examples): https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/agenda/full-agenda/Event/RETAIL-STORE-TOUR-1-THE-BIRTHPLACE-OF-WORLD-CLASS-INNOVATIONBest Buy Q2 FY26 results: https://investors.bestbuy.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2025/Best-Buy-Reports-Second-Quarter-Results/default.aspxGuess to go private with Authentic Brands: https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/guess-go-private-14-billion-deal-with-authentic-brands-co-founders-ceo-2025-08-20/CreditsHost: Alex Rezvan. Guest: Jill Dvorak, SVP Content, NRF.

Fast EU retail intel: marketplace moves, refurbished economics, urban formats, cross-border shocks, and beauty platform plays.Fnac Darty's TikTok Shop test, Amazon's Second Chance Deal Days across Europe, Decathlon's new “City” format inside Boulanger in Paris, the impact of new US rules on postal parcels from the EU, and Zalando's expansion into beauty with virtual try-on and creator boards.Topics• Fnac Darty joins TikTok Shop to reach younger buyers and test curated seasonal assortments.• Amazon runs “Second Chance Deal Days” across Europe: refurbished/open-box with warranties—resale momentum continues.• Decathlon opens a compact “City” store inside Boulanger in Paris—sports × tech, proximity, services.• New US customs handling for postal goods from the EU—expect disruption for DTC brands using postal networks.• Zalando doubles down on beauty: VTO, 360 product views, creator boards, major brand adds; expansion across Europe.Chapters00:00 Intro & hosts00:58 TikTok Shop (Fnac Darty)03:20 Amazon Second Chance (refurbs)05:46 Decathlon City × Boulanger (Paris)08:53 US postal/de-minimis changes11:05 Zalando Beauty (VTO, creators, expansion)13:46 WrapReferences (links provided by the hosts)https://corporate.zalando.com/en/fashion/how-zalando-redefining-online-beauty-across-europehttps://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/new-us-customs-regulations-temporary-restrictions-on-postal-goods-shipping-to-the-us-for-private-and-business-customers.htmlhttps://be.fashionnetwork.com/en-be/news/In-a-company-first-decathlon-opens-paris-city-store-in-branch-of-electronics-chain-boulanger,1758383.htmlhttps://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/sustainability/second-chance-deal-dayshttps://www.ecommercemag.fr/Thematique/retail-1220/strategie-retail-2163/Breves/tiktok-shop-fnac-darty-mise-innovation-confiance-produit-484547.htmCreditsHost: Alex Rezvan. Co-host: AlexandraProduced by The Retail Podcast / RetailNews.ai.Follow the show. Share your take on whether TikTok Shop converts to owned sites, or holds buyers in-app.DisclaimerInformational only. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.