Retail Podcast

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.

M&S launches a dedicated resale shop on eBay (with Reskinned), the ONS delays July retail sales to 5 Sept, TikTok Shop's GMV Max becomes the only supported campaign type, Sainsbury's begins a facial‑recognition trial, Lush closes UK stores for a day in solidarity with Gaza, and Charlotte Tilbury drives experiential shade‑matching at John Lewis and Café Airbrush in Covent Garden. Simone Oloman joins to decode what matters for operators—right now. Show notes / references:In this UK edition of Five Things Friday, Alex and Simone Oloman cover six moves reshaping trading plans this month:Resale goes mainstream: M&S × eBay launches an official pre‑loved shop, powered by Reskinned—a cleaner, scalable route to circularity than DIY platforms. Operators: track supply inflows, voucher economics, and re‑commerce margin mix. Marks & SpencerDemand sensing > lagging KPIs: The ONS delayed the July 2025 retail sales release to 5 Sept for quality assurance; combine official series with real‑time social/returns data for better buys and markdowns. Office for National StatisticsSocial commerce hardens: TikTok Shop Ads → GMV Max only. Expect heavier automation; ensure attribution and returns accounting are wired for campaign‑level ROAS and net‑margin truth. TikTok For Business+1Safety vs privacy: Sainsbury's begins an 8‑week facial‑recognition pilot in Sydenham (London) and Oldfield Park (Bath); union support vs privacy‑rights pushback—governance, DPIAs, and signage matter. corporate.sainsburys.co.ukbigbrotherwatch.org.ukBrand activism with teeth: Lush shut UK shops, website and factories for a day—authenticity is an operational decision, not a slogan. Budget for impact and community response. LushExperience = acquisition: Charlotte Tilbury turns shade matching into a moment (John Lewis photo‑booths; Café Airbrush at Covent Garden). High‑touch, low‑friction sampling feeds CRM and lifetime value. British Beauty CouncilTheIndustry.beautyChapters / timestamps (mm:ss)00:00 – Welcome & format (fast 15)00:58 – M&S × eBay resale (why it's smart, how it scales)02:14 – ONS delay & the case for live demand signals03:50 – TikTok Shop GMV Max: what marketers must change04:32 – Sainsbury's: facial‑recognition pilot (safety vs privacy)06:05 – Lush: one‑day UK closures; what “authenticity” really costs06:55 – Charlotte Tilbury shade‑match activation (John Lewis)09:19 – Café Airbrush & Covent Garden Big Beauty10:00 – Wrap, next week teasers & CTAsShow notes / references:• M&S launches resale on eBay (Reskinned partnership): https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/media/press-releases/ms-launches-resale-ebay-give-clothes-another-life• ONS: July retail sales release delayed to Sept 5 (quality assurance): https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-statistics-office-delays-retail-sales-data-release-by-two-weeks-2025-08-19/• TikTok Shop Ads — GMV Max migration (official help): https://ads.tiktok.com/help/article/gmv-max-migration-tiktok-shop-ads• Sainsbury's facial‑recognition pilot (Sydenham & Oldfield Park): https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2025/sainsbury-s-begins-facial-recognition-trial-to-combat-shoplifting• Lush closes UK stores in solidarity with Gaza: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/03/lush-closes-all-its-uk-stores-in-protest-over-starvation-in-gaza• Covent Garden — Big Beauty (4–14 Sept): https://www.coventgarden.london/experience/things-to-do/big-beauty-at-covent-garden/• Charlotte Tilbury pop‑up / shade‑match activations: https://theindustry.beauty/charlotte-tilbury-turns-covent-garden-into-cafe-airbrush-celebrating-complexion-launch/

Five Things Friday — APAC edition. Guest Ryf Quail (NRF: Retail's Big Show APAC) breaks down why retail media in APAC is set to lead globally, then we dive into Thailand's mall renaissance, Uniqlo's recycling roadmap, MUSINSA×ANTA's China JV, and Urban Revivo's global expansion.Chapters below. Sources and links at the end.Subscribe for weekly, no‑nonsense retail intel across APAC.What we cover• Why APAC retail media is outpacing the West, with China and the U.S. dominating spend• Thailand's malls (ICONSIAM, MBK, Central Group) as cultural engines and retail tourism magnets• Uniqlo: recycled materials and the 2030 climate roadmap• MUSINSA × ANTA: K‑fashion's structured path into China via a joint venture• Urban Revivo: China's answer to Zara, scaling with new flagships and a design hub in LondonChapters / Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Guest setup (Ryf Quail, NRF APAC)00:26 – Format: Two from Ryf, three from Alex00:52 – APAC retail media: the fastest‑rising ad channel02:10 – China + U.S. concentration; APAC's trajectory03:45 – India, Vietnam, Philippines: the next lifts05:03 – Segment 2: Southeast Asia's mall culture05:30 – Thailand leads: ICONSIAM, MBK, Central Group07:56 – Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam: development pipeline09:16 – Story 1: Uniqlo & recycled materials roadmap10:40 – Story 2: MUSINSA × ANTA joint venture in China12:27 – Story 3: Urban Revivo accelerates global flagships13:40 – Takeaways: APAC is setting the pace14:07 – Outro & tease for future global editionShow Links (put these on separate lines for YouTube parsing)• Urban Revivo — About: https://global.urbanrevivo.com/pages/about-urban-revivo-hp0036• MUSINSA × ANTA JV: https://about.musinsa.com/newsroom/musinsa-anta• Uniqlo — Recycled Materials: https://www.uniqlo.com/id/en/special-feature/sustainability/recycle-materials• NRF: Retail's Big Show APAC (guest org): https://nrfbigshowapac.nrf.com/• ICONSIAM: https://www.iconsiam.com/en• MBK Center: https://www.mbk-center.co.th/en• Central Group: https://www.centralgroup.com/en• eMarketer/Insider Intelligence — Retail Media growth + China/US shares (summary): https://www.emarketer.com/ (specific references in “Research sources” below)#RetailMedia #APAC #NRFAPAC #Thailand #Kfashion #Uniqlo #UrbanRevivo #Ecommerce

Five Things Friday UK Edition with Simone Oloman UK retail news this week: Aldi boosts wages, Topshop returns to Liberty, Asda expands Express, JD Sports shares rise, and The Very launches an immersive fashion experience.Aldi: linkTopshop: linkAsda: linkJD Sports: linkThe Very Group: link

US retail news: Walmart marketplace AI and next‑day delivery, Gap's denim push, Best Buy's refurb engine, Cracker Barrel's logo U‑turn, plus A&F × NFL. Subscribe for weekly retail strategy.American Eagle's latest ambassador buzz & denim warsGap's creative burst and the renewed denim cycleBest Buy repairs/refurb: sustainability with marginsCracker Barrel brand mark reversal - what it signalsWalmart Seller Summit: tools for speed, content, conversionBonus: A&F becomes the NFL's official fashion partner

APAC retail briefing: LABUBU/Pop Mart's blind‑box momentum, China's Gen Z wellness shift, Australia Post's US‑parcel pause (de minimis), “dopamine village” malls in PH, and JD.com's new Dubai warehouse. Subscribe + comment with your action.LABUBU/Pop Mart = modern playbook: scarcity, social currency, collaborations (host commentary).Gen Z wellness, China: beauty x health, functional nutrition, ingestibles, and unmet needs in mental/cognitive wellness. McKinsey & Company+1AusPost → US pause: letters/documents & low‑value gifts continue; duties need pre‑collection after de minimis shift; other posts also pausing. ABCMalls as “dopamine villages”: SM Investments doubles down on experiences, arenas, fandoms, and tribes to capture demand. sminvestments.comJD in Dubai: JAFZA warehouse, digital ops model, MEA reach; supports faster cross‑border. JD Corporate Blog00:00 Welcome & cold open (Ryf + Alex)00:30 LABUBU/Pop Mart: the blind‑box playbook (scarcity, social, IP) — host commentary05:24 China's Gen Z wellness wave (beauty x health; functional nutrition; unmet needs) — Source: McKinsey + Retail Asia. McKinsey & CompanyRetail Asia09:36 Australia Post's US‑parcel pause: why de minimis matters — Source: ABC News explainer. ABC12:44 Malls → “Dopamine villages”: SM's entertainment ecosystem bet — Source: SM Investments. sminvestments.com16:30 JD.com opens Dubai warehouse: faster APAC→MEA cross‑border — Source: JD Corporate Blog. JD Corporate Blog20:20 Wrap + next week's K‑pop teaser

Kaave Pour (ex‑SPACE10/IKEA) breaks down the home as retail's #1 touchpoint: from layered home systems to utilities as technology (heat pumps, batteries, air/water quality), the Matter standard, robots, renting vs. owning, and how energy economics reshapes behaviour. You'll learn: The home stack:structure → furnishings → utilities → interfaces/data → services Why utilities are the next big tech platform for healthier, cheaper living How layers are blurring (IKEA energy, Airbnb building homes, etc.) Kitchen as battleground: in‑home touchpoints for grocery & CPG Europe lens: cost‑first renewables, off‑grid myths, renting, community Leadership: mission‑led recruiting; winding down SPACE10 without losing momentum CTA: If you lead retail, ecommerce or CX,subscribe and share with your ops & product teams. Chapters below ↓00:00 Intro & why Kaave returns01:08 Inside IKEA/SPACE10: building an innovation culture02:35 Pilots, new ventures & ‘home' as the red thread03:18 Ending SPACE10 & what's next05:16 Kaave's 3 filters: impact, people, money08:14 Why he's fixated on the home08:37 Hiring for mission: how to attract top talent12:08 Closing SPACE10: lessons from the transition14:40 The home's expanding role in work, fulfilment & wellbeing16:40 The home stack: structure → utilities → services → data18:13 Layers blur: Airbnb, IKEA Energy & new players19:49 The home becomes retail's #1 touchpoint24:29 Utilities as the next big tech (heat, water, air)27:29 Energy shift: costs beat ideology29:05 Unbundling food: cloud kitchens vs groceries31:42 The next 5 years: renting, community, tech adoption33:20 Matter, spatial/wearable computing & home robots37:24 UBI: promise, risks & policy40:30 Resilient jobs in utilities41:16 Thanks & close

Glossier joins TikTok Shop, Adidas rewrites nostalgia, back‑to‑school spend pulls forward, Prime vs Walmart deals, UK ultrafast delivery, loyalty reboots, agentic AI pilots, France's “Drive,” Mango's stylist AI, Gulf luxury momentum, Reliance x Shein, live commerce scale.Welcome to a four‑region special of Five Things Friday.USA with Jill Dvorak (NRF): Glossier lands on TikTok Shop; Adidas' Superstar reboot taps cross‑generational creators; Cannes Lions confirms the shift from big‑agency dominance to creator ecosystems; NRF back‑to‑school shoppers are starting earlier; Prime Day stretches to four days while Walmart and Nordstrom counterprogram; BNPL remains a swing factor.UK with Simon Solomon (Need It For Tonight): Festival activations drive real‑time demand; “messy cool” vs “clean girl” aesthetics; ultrafast convenience as lifestyle, not logistics; Adidas' culture‑led run (and a New Balance flagship worth a visit).UK (extended): Loyalty evolves from vouchers to membership and recognition; retailers test agentic AI for operations; pop‑ups become the culture engine; athleisure's “bigger vs impactful” store strategy face‑off.Europe: France's Le Drive grabs share; a grocer integrates with a full‑stack e‑grocery partner; Spain's BM optimizes store design for local, upmarket feel; Mango's Stylist AI gets field‑tested.APAC: The Gulf defies luxury's slowdown with experience‑first flagships (and Shanghai's showpiece store turns heads); Australia's sales uptick masks a fast‑fashion flood; Reliance x Shein changes supply dynamics; live commerce delivers 24/7 in SEA and is coming west with Gen Z.Guests: Jill Dvorak (NRF), Simon Solomon (Need It For Tonight), Alex [Europe], Ryf Quail & Laura Doonan (APAC).Links & mentions:– NRF research (back‑to‑school), Prime Day/Walmart/Nordstrom, Adidas Superstar campaign, Glossier on TikTok Shop, festival activations, UK ultrafast delivery, France “Le Drive,” Mango Stylist AI, Gulf luxury developments, Reliance x Shein, L'Oréal live commerce.Follow & partner: RetailNews.ai • TheRetailPodcast.comCTA: Reply with one signal you're betting on this quarter and why.

From AI-powered supermarket lanes to shifting consumer habits, Alexandra Boisson & The Retail Podcast team unpack Europe's retail trends.In this Five Things Friday – EU Edition, Alexandra Boisson and Alex from The Retail Podcast dive into the latest shifts in the European retail market.We cover:Colruyt's Easy Checkout: AI-powered cameras speeding up lanes by 70% (via RTL.be).French Summer Sales Decline: Only 39% of shoppers participated vs. 43% last year, with fewer purchases and smaller spends (via Actu-Retail).Birkenstock: Profit beats expectations despite trade tensions (via Reuters).Douglas Beauty: Strong sales in Germany and CEE offset French softness (Douglas).Carlsberg: Modest growth, cautious outlook for the second half (Carlsberg Group).

From Currys' Action AI rollout to Space NK's Willy Wonka-style flagship, this week's top UK retail stories.In this summer edition of Five Things Friday, Alex from The Retail Podcast is joined by Simone Oloman (Co-Founder, NIFT) and Dave to unpack the hottest retail stories in the UK right now.We cover:Store closures & uncertainty — Claire's administration filing, River Island restructuring, Hobbycraft closuresStore openings that wow — Space NK's Oxford Street flagship (inspired by creator Chantelle Pang's coverage on TikTok), Bershka's AR mirror-powered Trafford Centre debut, and POP MART's Liverpool ONE expansionAI in retail operations — Currys' partnership with Quorso to roll out “Action AI” (source: Quorso)Beauty industry shake-up — Ulta Beauty's acquisition of Space NK (source: Ulta Beauty Press Release)Pop-up culture — London's Pizzeria Pop-Up Party (source: Eventbrite)Referenced creators and sources:TikTok creator Chantelle Pang: TikTok profile, Space NK videoQuorso news release on Currys partnershipUlta Beauty press release on Space NK acquisitionEventbrite listing for Pizzeria Pop-Up Party

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex speaks with Rupert Pick, Global MD of Hot Pickle, the award-winning brand experience agency behind iconic activations for Magnum, Guinness, Marmite, Pokémon, Waitrose, Tesco, and more.From physical brand homes to cultural relevance, Rupert reveals how Hot Pickle blends creativity, product innovation, and immersive retail activations to keep global CPG brands connected to their audiences. He explains why sampling should never be transactional, the formula for scaling playfulness, and how to avoid the “brand irrelevance” trap that's hit names like River Island and Claire's.

In this week's Five Things Friday – US Edition, Alex Rezvan is joined by Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at the National Retail Federation (NRF), to unpack five key stories shaping retail right now.We cover:1️⃣ Zalando's European Growth — How the fashion giant is exceeding forecasts and expanding its portfolio ahead of NRF Big Show Europe in Paris (Sept 16–18). Read NRF's speaker announcement2️⃣ ShopMy and the Creator Economy — Why social-led shopping platforms like ShopMy and influencer discovery tools are redefining retail inspiration. More from Vogue Business3️⃣ Hailey Bieber's Rhode Beauty — From a $1B brand sale to a physical retail presence, and why its new parent, e.l.f. Beauty, keeps winning. Discover Rhode4️⃣ Resale Market Acceleration — Deloitte research shows over 150 brands investing in in-house resale channels, while California's new SB 707 law sets strict textile recycling rules.5️⃣ Martha Stewart's First Standalone Stores — Why the homeware icon is opening in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait via Marquee Brands.

In this week's Five Things Friday UK Edition, Alex and Simone break down the retail trends you can't afford to ignore. From iconic brands fighting for survival to the innovative players winning Gen Z loyalty, we explore how cultural relevance is now the biggest currency in retail.Topics include:River Island & Claire's — lessons from legacy brand strugglesMango's teen range expansion and the underserved youth marketUK's booming £4.8B online second-hand homeware sectorLoop earplugs — turning hearing protection into a fashion flexTALA's scuba-tech leisurewear and the rise of functional styleIf you're in retail, brand marketing, or consumer strategy, this episode is your cultural trend compass.

Delipop shutters its robot locker network; JD.com tries a €2.2 bn play for Ceconomy/MediaMarkt; US & Chinese tourists rein‑in luxury spend; Dutch grocer Picnic finishes its Île‑de‑France roll‑out; France moves to criminalise ultra‑fast‑fashion influence. Analysis, context, and what it means for European retail. Five Things Friday – European Edition | 7 Aug 2025Hosts: Alex (RetailNews.ai) & Alex Boisson (French Trade Commission, London)Delipop pulls the plug on robotic multi‑brand pick‑up points – after just nine Paris sites, the start‑up enters liquidation, citing regulatory confusion and investor caution. lineaires.comJD.com's €2.2 bn play for Ceconomy / MediaMarkt‑Saturn – the Chinese marketplace seeks an instant European footprint; German regulators will decide. Financial TimesEuro‑summer a bust for luxury – Prada, Burberry, Kering and others blame softer US & Chinese tourism. Vogue BusinessPicnic's 10th Île‑de‑France hub goes live – Dutch online grocer now reaches 2 m households around Paris with free 20‑minute slots and EV fleets. (LSA‑Conso, 2 Aug 2025).France drafts law making ultra‑fast‑fashion influencing a crime – Shein and Temu squarely in the cross‑hairs; eco‑score and advertising fines incoming. Marie Claire UKWhy it matters: Consolidation, consumer caution and sustainability regulation are reshaping European retail. We unpack the trends and flag what to watch next.Links & sources (fair‑use reference):Delipop liquidation – Linéaires, 4 Aug 2025https://www.lineaires.com/la-distribution/delipop-met-fin-a-ses-drives-pietons“JD.com launches €2.2 bn offer for Ceconomy” – Financial Times, 5 Aug 2025https://www.ft.com/content/f773c342-1044-43c5-a106-54274e466fe7“Is Euro summer a bust for luxury brands?” – Vogue Business, 7 Aug 2025https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/consumers/is-euro-summer-a-bust-for-luxury-brands“Picnic finalises Île‑de‑France roll‑out with 10th hub” – LSA‑Conso, 2 Aug 2025https://www.lsa-conso.fr/livraison-picnic…hub-logistique“France just made influencing fast fashion a crime” – Marie Claire UK, 12 Jul 2025https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/france-fast-fashion-ban(All links © their respective publishers; provided here under fair‑use for commentary.) 00:00:00

Ryf & Laura join Alex to unpack five APAC headlines: China's Shushu·Tong shakes luxury, Korea's “honjok” solo shoppers rewrite store design, K‑beauty label Anua wins U.S. fans, Vietnam's retail GMV rockets 37 %, and Laura talks about in on Yotpo's pivot plus Gen Z's debit‑first mindset.

Shopping online can feel like navigating endless aisles of irrelevant products, leaving customers frustrated and retailers losing sales. In this insightful episode of The Retail Podcast, host Alex speaks with Warren Cowan, CEO of Foundit, about how retailers can transform customer frustration into powerful intent-driven experiences.Explore why traditional e-commerce fails to inspire, and discover practical strategies for surfacing relevant products at precisely the right moments. Warren shares real-world insights on how retailers can avoid overwhelming shoppers with excessive choices, reduce decision fatigue, and unlock hidden sales opportunities buried in their “dark aisles.”You'll learn:The biggest frustrations online shoppers face—and how to address them.Why a “catalog-first” mindset is holding back your e-commerce growth.How retailers like Aldi and Lidl succeed by simplifying customer decisions.Practical tips to shift toward customer intent-led experiences.The role AI and automation play in future-proofing your e-commerce site.Why traditional personalization often falls short, and what to do instead.Join Warren Cowan and Alex as they discuss real-world successes from Foundit's clients, including increased conversions, reduced bounce rates, and significant merchandising efficiencies. It's time to trade frustration for inspiration and transform browsing into buying.Featuring Warren Cowan, CEO of Foundit.Key topics: E-commerce, customer intent, merchandising automation, retail tech, personalization, digital transformation, AI in retail, customer experience, decision fatigue, online shopping trends.

This week on Five Things Friday EU Edition, host Alex from The Retail Podcast is joined by co-host Alexandra Boisson, Retail Tech & eCommerce Specialist at Business France. Together, they explore Europe's retail landscape highlighting game-changing AI innovations, pivotal EU regulatory shifts, and controversial moves by major brands like Zara's parent, Inditex.

Episode at a glance0:00 Intro – Alex & Simone set the scene1:21 Magnum's affordable luxury play5:11 Smaller, faster, more targeted UK store formats8:12 Cybersecurity breaches erode consumer trust11:13 Omnichannel fulfilment: John Lewis × Uber Eats & B&Q marketplace C&C12:41 Culture collabs: Buzz Social app and community‑first retail14:23 Wrap‑up & next week's teaserKey takeawaysAffordable luxury wins Gen‑Z wallets. Magnum positions a £1.50 treat as a lifestyle statement, partnering with Hailey Bieber's Rhode Beach Club and Primavera Sound to flood social feeds with golden sticks.Store footprints are compressing. Co‑op's 1,500 sq ft “On‑the‑Go” in Solihull and Primark's 12,000 sq ft Trafford home concept mark a pivot to high‑velocity assortments and commuter missions. Trust is the new margin. Repeated attacks—from Harrods to Sanderson—show why only 11 % of UK retailers carry cyber insurance. M&S's public cyber update proves transparency must join price, product, and CX in the trust stack.Last‑mile gets luxury treatment. John Lewis pilots 30‑minute delivery via Uber Eats in Leeds and Stratford; B&Q scales marketplace click‑and‑collect to 300 stores, turning each location into a micro‑fulfilment node. Culture is the channel. Independent “Buzz” app curates Nike x music x art events, proving brands must participate—not commentate—in community spaces.Reference linksMagnum Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/magnum/?hl=enEast of England Co‑op store opening plans — https://www.eastofengland.coop/news/opening-plans-confirmed-for-new-east-of-england-coB&Q Click + Collect (marketplace roll‑out) — https://www.diy.com/customer-support/click-collectBuzz Social App IG — https://www.instagram.com/buzzsocialapp/?hl=enM&S Cyber Update — https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/cyber-updateBuzz App (iOS) — https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/buzz-find-creative-events/id6744612334Calls‑to‑Act

Ben Jackson of Klaviyo explains why email still outperforms, how regional channel preferences are shifting (Germany loves WhatsApp, Nordics swear by SMS), and where AI genuinely moves the needle for retail CMOs drowning in data. Host Alex digs into practical roadblocks—from siloed martech stacks to missing content workflows—and how Klaviyo's new Customer Hub and AI agent aim to solve them.TimestampChapter title00:00Intro & why email still matters00:27Conferences, Klaviyo booths & today's agenda00:58Meet Ben Jackson01:17Myth‑busting: “Email is dead”02:24Multi‑channel done right03:31Tech vs. process bottlenecks05:10Regional channel preferences06:24Community as growth engine07:33Klaviyo's AI approach09:19Unified data superiority11:23Too much first‑party data?12:12Common retailer mistakes13:24Coming CRM curve‑balls14:07Consumers' value exchange15:31Introducing Customer Hub16:16What's holding CMOs back17:54Final insights & outro

In this launch episode of Five Things: Middle East Edition, hosts Alex and Leanne break down five major developments reshaping the business, retail, and cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia — all deeply tied to the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 strategy.

Ulta Beauty enters the UK, Target goes big on back-to-school, AI hits a trust challenge, cannabis beverages gain ground, and Walmart eyes tween fashion. Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak (SVP of Content, NRF) decode five major trends reshaping retail in America:Ulta Beauty's Global Move: Expanding internationally with 83 new stores in the UK.

Nostalgia meets innovation from swaps to smart service.Resale is mainstream, loyalty looks like an airline, and Topshop is back.In this Five Things Friday – UK Edition, Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman break down five signals every retailer should track right now:RIXO Pre‑Loved – How a premium label keeps inventory (and spend) inside its own ecosystem.Community Clothes Swaps – Loanhood & Islington Council prove circular fashion can scale locally.Topshop × Cara Delevingne – Millennial nostalgia fuels the brand's digital relaunch under ASOS.TOCO Swim Loyalty – A “frequent‑flyer”‑style rewards model that turns engagement into revenue.Currys + AI Video Support – Vyntelligence tech lifts first‑time‑fix rates and slashes carbon‑heavy call‑outs. Why it matters: safety, circularity, and service now fight for the same share of wallet—and the winners are already blending physical and digital touchpoints. Links & ResourcesRIXO Pre‑Loved: https://rixolondon.com/en-eu/pages/rixo-pre-lovedLoanhood × Islington Swap event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/islington-clothes-swap-tickets-1410481420899?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=11p3ylkb_upMQ.._gaMTg1MDI3Nzg3Mi4xNzUzMzUzNDMw_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NTMzNTM0MzAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTMzNTM0MzAkajYwJGwwJGgwTopshop relaunch w/ Cara Delevingne: https://www.asosplc.com/news/topshop-partners-cara-delevingne-launch-topshopcom-and-brands-new-era/?utm_source=chatgpt.comTOCO Swim: https://www.instagram.com/tocoswim/TOCO Swim loyalty page: https://shopify.com/6073647192/account/pages/42026b1f-3325-417d-853a-8da8af55312bTOCO Swim × New Acres rooftop event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rooftop-riviera-toco-swim-x-new-acres-tickets-1469348664409?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf_-VzVjhnuQC1RE22XECPsu4MmlVWhj6ckP5O9jRSaEwfIhqUzolgpNhGpQw_aem_sAVw8-_Wuo5RoQLrbiIZgwCurrys rolls out Vyntelligence AI: https://vyntelligence.com/news/retail-first-currys-rolls-out-game-changing-ai-video-tech-with-vyntelligence/ HostsAlex Rezvan – Founder, The Retail PodcastSimone Oloman – Co‑founder & CEO, Need It For TonightUK retail, circular fashion, resale, clothes swap, RIXO Pre‑Loved, Topshop relaunch, Cara Delevingne, TOCO Swim, loyalty program, Currys, AI video support, Vyntelligence, retail podcast, Five Things Friday 

From safe rooms to social commerce, we unpack what's shaping the APAC retail landscape now.Recorded live during Australia's largest retail conference, this episode of Five Things Friday – APAC Edition dives into two polarizing forces in retail: rising crime rates and retail media growth. Co-host Laura, chair of the Online Retailer Conference, joins Alex to dissect what's making headlines—and what's shifting power—in the Asia-Pacific market.Key Topics:

Live from NRF APAC, The Retail Podcast brings you exclusive access to Twilio's 2025 State of Customer Engagement Report. This isn't theory—it's what leading global brands are actually doing on the ground.We unpack:Why 82% of brands think they personalize well—but only 16% of customers agreeHow AI is redefining CX across channelsWhat customer data unification looks like in diverse APAC marketsWhy privacy and consent are the new battlegrounds for loyaltyAnd what brands can do today to close the perception gap

Join Alex Rezvan and Alexandra Boisson for another engaging Five Things Friday EU edition. This week, we explore:Carrefour's innovative "Store Me Up" startup accelerator, aiming to redefine in-store AI experiences.Pinterest's AI-driven partnership with La Redoute, creating a seamless transition from inspiration to purchase.Insights from Germany highlighting rising retail theft, reduced reporting rates, and increased security investments.French heritage brand Kiabi's ambitious RFID technology deployment across 450 stores.Amazon's strategic expansion into physical beauty retail in Milan, marking Europe as a core innovation hub.Stay ahead of retail trends—subscribe and leave us a review!Carrefour AI, Pinterest Shopping, RFID Retail, Kiabi Innovation, Amazon Retail Europe, Retail Theft Germany, Alexandra Boisson, Alex Rezvan, Retail Technology, European RetailReference Links (Mentioned in the Show):Carrefour LinkedIn PostCarrefour Store Me UpPinterest x La Redoute CampaignKiabi RFID rollout articleAmazon Beauty store in MilanGerman Retail Theft Report

On this week's Five Things Friday UK, Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman dissect the most impactful developments shaping retail: Topshop's major comeback, Studio Seven's London pop-up, the escalating rivalry between John Lewis and M&S, Eco by Sonia's debut in the UK, and the burgeoning market for non-alcoholic beer highlighted by Baro Brewing at Wimbledon.Highlights include:The challenge of reinventing nostalgia for today's shoppers.Pop-ups as powerful tools for brand discovery.Strategies fueling the John Lewis–M&S battle for consumer loyalty.Eco by Sonia's expansion story.The rise of non-alcoholic drinks and celebrity branding.Hosts:Alex Rezvan – Founder, The Retail PodcastSimone Oloman – Founder & CEO, Need It For Tonight

Ryf Quail returns energized from New Zealand to join Alex Rezvan in dissecting fascinating retail shifts across APAC. They delve into consumer mobility, the impact of currency fluctuations on shopping behaviors, the evolution of rational brand loyalty programs, and emerging quick-commerce opportunities, including rapid jewellery delivery in India. Plus, a deep dive into how Korean brands Musinsa and Coupang are reshaping regional retail dynamics amid China's efforts to boost domestic spending. APAC retail, Gen Z shopping, brand loyalty, quick commerce, Musinsa, Coupang, CaratLane, consumer trends, retail strategy, Asia-Pacific markets. 0:00 – Intro & Ryf's New Zealand Ski Trip1:21 – Consumer Mobility & Japan's Tourism-Driven Retail Growth2:41 – Cross-Border Shopping: Hong Kong & Southern China3:16 – Singapore-Malaysia Border Retail Dynamics4:27 – Gen Z & the Erosion of Brand Loyalty5:43 – Rational Loyalty Programs: Hong Kong & Indonesia6:59 – Love Bonito's Innovative Loyalty Experiences9:59 – Korean Retail Expansion: Musinsa & Coupang11:47 – China's Push for Increased Domestic Consumption13:24 – India's Jewellery Quick-Commerce Revolution16:27 – Closing Remarks & Fun Wrap-Up1. Consumer Mobility:Japan's weakened yen boosted tourism-driven retail, with up to 20% of Tokyo's retail spending from tourists.2. Cross-border Retail:Consumers in Hong Kong and Singapore regularly cross borders (to China and Malaysia) for cheaper goods, services, and fuel.3. Loyalty Shifts:Gen Z prioritizes rational decisions over emotional brand attachment, reshaping loyalty programs.Programs like Hong Kong's U-REWARDS (7-Eleven) engage 60% of the local population.Indonesia's Alpha Mart generates 60% of its revenue through its loyalty program.4. Innovative Retail Experiences:Brands like Love Bonito leverage physical experiences (Partner Benches) as a unique loyalty driver.5. Korean Retail Expansion:Musinsa expands from an online giant in Korea to physical stores in Shanghai, responding strategically to prior investments by Alibaba into Korea.Coupang is rapidly growing across Asia due to strong cultural exports (K-pop, beauty, fashion).6. China's Economic Policy Shift:China's new economic priority focuses on boosting domestic consumption amid slower internal growth.7. India's Quick-Commerce Boom:Jewellery delivery in under 50 minutes by platforms like Swiggy, with major retailers like CaratLane capitalizing on urban India's quick-commerce infrastructure.Musinsa expansion insights sourced from Jing Daily and Musinsa official site.Coupang's regional growth supported by insights from Korea Herald and Coupang website.China's consumption policy shift referenced from SCMP article.Quick-commerce jewellery data from CaratLane and analysis from India Retailing.Key Insights from the Transcript and Articles:

Guest: Bobby Morrison — Chief Revenue Officer, Shopify Host: Alex, Founder of The Retail Podcast & RetailNews.AI What we cover- 00:00 Complexity vs. simplicity: 10 trn data queries, 1.1 trn edge requests - 02:17 The modern Shopify stack (e‑com, wholesale, retail POS) - 07:05 AI‑driven search and why affiliates are back - 10:31 Perplexity, edge commerce & the future of discovery - 12:20 From entrepreneur DNA to 50 %+ enterprise revenue - 15:09 Cutting “keep‑the‑lights‑on” teams by 70 % after migrating - 18:36 Partner ecosystems: agencies → GSIs → SIs - 21:04 Sidekick AI: your built‑in growth analyst - 23:30 Inside founder‑led culture at scale - 27:49 Global retail tour & where to meet Bobby next Links & resources- Shopify Sidekick ➜ https://www.shopify.com/sidekick - Partner program overview ➜ https://www.shopify.com/partners - Black Friday/Cyber Monday data 2024 ➜ https://news.shopify.com/bfcm-2024 - Join our newsletter for weekly retail tech briefings ➜ https://retailnews.ai ---Enjoyed the episode?Rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ it fuels future conversations like this one.

Join Alex as he interviews Kate Ridley, Chief Brand Officer at Stanley 1913, exploring the brand's remarkable evolution from a traditional heritage company to an innovative hydration industry leader. Kate shares powerful insights on maintaining authenticity through strategic partnerships, harnessing cultural trends, and prioritizing sustainability. Essential listening for anyone interested in brand strategy, consumer trends, sustainability, and the secrets behind long-term brand relevance.Brand Transformation & InnovationAuthentic Partnerships: Post Malone & Leo MessiSustainability InitiativesDigital Commerce & TikTok StrategyConsumer Engagement & Global TrendsTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 02:00 - Stanley's Brand Evolution 06:15 - Iconic Partnerships 10:20 - Heritage & Innovation Balance 14:35 - Sustainability Storytelling 19:10 - Digital Commerce Strategies 23:50 - Personal Insights from Kate Ridley 27:30 - Future Trends & Stanley's GrowthSubscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast!Branding, Hydration Market, Sustainability, Consumer Trends, Post Malone, Leo Messi, Kate Ridley, Stanley 1913, Marketing Strategy, Retail Podcast

Alex & Jill Dvorak unpack key US retail stories: Glossier on TikTok, Adidas' Superstar comeback, NRF Back-to-School data & Prime Day showdown.⏩ Jump straight into it:00:00 Welcome & Intro to Jill Dvorak (NRF)00:47 Glossier's Big TikTok Move03:17 Adidas Superstar Relaunch (Missy Elliott & Samuel L. Jackson)05:15 Cannes Lions: Creators vs Agencies (Walmart Connect & more)07:54 NRF's Back-to-School Insights (Shopping Trends & Spending)11:09 Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart & NordstromWelcome to our first-ever **Five Things Friday USA Edition!** Alex sits down with the brilliant **Jill Dvorak (SVP Content, NRF)** for a lively chat on the hottest US retail and commerce stories of the week:

Why Europe's grocers love ‘Le Drive' and how Mango turned AI into a personal stylist.⏩ Jump to a topic: 00:00 Intro | 01:05 Drive‑Thru Grocery (Leclerc, Carrefour) | 04:03 Auchan × Houra deal | 06:28 Spain's BM premium format | 07:37 Mango AI Stylist | 12:05 ‘Messy Era' culture shift | 15:05 Sign‑offWelcome to the European edition of *Five Things Friday*.