RETHINK RETAIL

Rethink Retail, was live at The Lead 2025 in NYC with our host Liza Amlani and Dr. Alisa Brady, founder of Sweetums, a fast-growing beauty and sexual wellness brand blending intimacy, scent, and science. A clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Brady shares how customer data, cognitive research, and product innovation are driving Sweetums' retail expansion. From flavored intimate wipes to lip balm with a built-in applicator, learn how Sweetums is taking pleasure mainstream, one scented swipe at a time. You'll hear: - How Dr. Brady used psychology and scent science to design her first product - What the data really says about men, cinnamon buns, and buying behavior - Why women are the surprise buyers of Sweetums' men's line - How flavored fragrance and function-first packaging are driving connection - Where Sweetums is winning in retail and what's next after The Lead 2025 pitch stage Join our global retail community: www.globalretailleaders.com

Retailer Tech Tips: How Retailers are Driving Next-Gen Fulfillment Strategies In this episode, we're diving deep into how retailers are transforming fulfillment with the power of cloud technology. Brandon Rael (Kyndryl), Prateek Trivedi (Cognizant), and Shannon Kirk Nakamoto (Icertis) join us to unpack fulfillment strategies that deliver speed, agility, and customer satisfaction in an increasingly digital retail landscape. Key takeaways include: - The evolution of modern fulfillment - Automation and AI in warehouse operations - Dropshipping, hybrid models, and micro-fulfillment - Vendor collaboration through smarter data - Real-time tracking and visibility - Addressing labor, sustainability, and delivery challenges Whether you're reimagining your supply chain or scaling fulfillment for the holidays, this episode delivers practical insights and future-forward strategies to keep your business moving.

What's the secret to transforming traditional hospital wear into stylish, comfortable, and empowering apparel? Host Robin Barrett Wilson sits down with Chaitenya Razdan, Founder of Care + Wear, to uncover how this visionary brand is changing the face of healthcare uniforms. Discover their mission to blend fashion with function, elevate caregiver morale, and push the boundaries of medical apparel design. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Care & Wear's origin story and vision [03:10] Designing for comfort without sacrificing style [06:50] How Care & Wear supports healthcare workers' confidence [10:20] Overcoming challenges in a conservative industry [14:00] Future plans: innovation, sustainability, and growth [17:30] Chet's top tips for entrepreneurship and brand building

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Marie Driscoll sits down with Shunda Lynch, luxury retail expert with extensive experience at Bloomingdale´s. Shunda shares her unexpected journey into luxury retail, from studying fashion design to building a loyal clientele through passion and deep relationship-building. Hear how her love for classic and innovative luxury brands shaped her approach in a competitive industry. Join the conversation and gain fresh insights into luxury retail leadership and customer connection. Join our global retail community: www.globalretailleaders.com

Welcome to Rethink Retail, the podcast where we uncover the stories and strategies behind some of the world's most successful brands. From retail giants to ecommerce disruptors, we reveal the secrets of their success and share key insights to drive true retail transformation. Shannon Flanagan chats with Jessica Rosario-Calcano, VP of Merchandising at Perry Ellis International. Jessica shares her unique journey into merchandising, her philosophy of balancing data-driven decisions with creativity, and how collaboration across teams fuels innovation. Tune in to explore how the future of retail and AI are shaping the industry today, are you ready to rethink retail?

What sets great brands apart in the age of AI? Maria Carlton, former Under Armour Senior Director and retail strategist, joins host Alan Malcomson live from The Lead Summit in New York. With 20+ years in the industry, Maria shares lessons on agility, authenticity, and leadership, from driving predictive analytics to embracing sustainability and mentoring future talent. ⏱️ Highlights: [01:00] Retail's constant evolution [03:30] How AI is transforming operations [06:00] The secret to brand authenticity [10:00] Agility & future-proof leadership

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Rebekah Kondrat speaks with Victoria Katsarou, VP of Global Retail at Estée Lauder Companies, live from The Lead. Victoria unpacks how Estée Lauder blends luxury, innovation, and humanity to shape the future of beauty retail. From building agile teams to staying laser-focused on the consumer experience, her people-first philosophy drives transformation at scale. We cover: ✔️ Leading with empathy in a global retail org ✔️ How tech enhances, not replaces, the human connection ✔️ Scaling agility across 150+ markets ✔️ What the future of beauty retail looks like

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Sharon Yourell sits down with Dr. Michael Schulte from Diebold Nixdorf and Reghu Kutikat from Lulu Group to explore how strategic partnerships and advanced retail tech are transforming in-store experiences. From smart checkouts to data-driven loyalty, discover how retailers are using personalization, automation, and AI to future-proof their businesses and deepen customer engagement.

The Future of Commerce & Community with David Polinchock & Richard Honiball Welcome to Rethink Retail, the podcast where we uncover the stories and strategies behind some of the most successful retail markets worldwide. From traditional giants to e-commerce disruptors, we explore the secrets behind their success and deliver insights to transform the real retail experience. In this episode, David Polinchock and Richard Honiball dive into how the future of retail blends AI, community, and unified commerce, especially through the eyes of the younger generation. Discover how the concept of the “third place” is evolving and why creating authentic, connected retail experiences matters now more than ever.

In this podcast, top industry experts share how retailers can unify their in-store technologies to drive growth and improve customer experience. Featuring:

The Cyber Edge: Retail Security in an AI-Powered World by

In this episode of Rethink Retail, recorded live from Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, Nick Harbaugh sits down with Julia Xu, CEO and Founder of not one, but two trailblazing companies: Wayo, an AI-powered product sourcing platform, and Multitasky, a bold lifestyle brand making waves in traditional retail.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host April Sabral takes us into the heart of retail innovation with special guest Paula Angelucci. Broadcasting live from New York City, April and Paula dive deep into the evolving role of AI in brick-and-mortar stores. Paula brings her rich background working with Macy's, Victoria's Secret, and Burlington Stores, sharing how AI is not replacing, but empowering store associates to elevate customer experience. Together, they explore practical ways leaders can introduce AI to their teams, transforming fear into opportunity and enhancing product knowledge. Tune in for inspiring insights on leadership, the human connection in retail, and the future of AI in stores. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com.

In this episode, Rethink Retail host Corin Dennison speaks with Christoph Annemuller (Diebold Nixdorf) and David Naumann (Verizon) about how AI, computer vision, and edge computing are transforming loss prevention. They explore how AI can spot mis-scans, recognize products in real time, and improve the self-checkout experience, while reducing theft and operational strain. You'll learn: - Why 1/3 of shrink happens at the checkout - How AI is boosting accuracy without hurting CX - What makes edge computing essential for retail AI - Why solving real problems should come before picking the tech

What does it take to scale a specialty brand from a handful of boutiques to thousands of retail doors worldwide? Bellamy Grindl chats with Vanessa Urenda, co-founder of ADA Collectiojn, shares her journey navigating distribution, building curated assortments, and partnering with the right retailers to grow successfully. Discover the strategy, execution, and market insights that make it happen. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Vanessa's early days & founding Audit Collection [03:15] Building a distribution network: from 50 to 2,500 boutiques [07:40] The power of curated assortments & market segmentation [11:20] Partnering with department stores & specialty retailers [15:00] Creating strategy & execution support for founders [18:45] Lessons learned on growth, retail partnerships & scaling

What does it take to lead a legacy brand into the digital future? Flick Collingwood chats with Nuno Miller, Digital COO at N Brown Group, to explore the company's bold transformation from mail-order giant to modern e-commerce player. Hear how N Brown is reshaping its culture, breaking down silos, and placing customer-centricity at the heart of its operations. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] N Brown's legacy: From catalog to digital [02:30] Why transformation is more than just technology [05:45] OKRs, mission drives & cross-functional tribes [09:30] Breaking silos & building customer-first teams [13:30] The critical role of CEO sponsorship [17:30] Lessons learned: mindset shifts & cultural change [21:00] Nuno's advice for leading successful digital transformations

In this episode, Marc Scanlan chats with Maryia Zotorovich (Intel) and Christian Weber (Diebold Nixdorf) about the tech transforming retail. From AI-powered checkouts to energy-efficient hardware and modular POS, learn how innovation is meeting real-world retail needs.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Melissa Moore chats with Liliana Scyz, Wholesale Manager at Valentino, live from the Retail Technology Show! Liliana shares her incredible 20-year journey in retail, from Harrods to iconic luxury brands. Discover how a pivotal moment led her to Oxford Said Business School, transforming her view on leadership and the power of teamwork. We explore the essence of great leadership in luxury retail, the critical role of understanding people, and how technology drives customer-centric operations at Valentino. Liliana's bold approach and commitment to continuous learning offer invaluable lessons on embracing change and overcoming fear. Join our global retail community:www.globalretailleaders.com

Mobility, The Future of Retail Flexibility with Diebold Nixdorf + Zebra Technologies In this episode, host Ronald Margulis is joined by Łukasz Wojtasik at Diebold Nixdorf and Drew Ehlers at Zebra to explore the evolving role of mobility in modern retail. From self-scanning to omnichannel orchestration, discover how mobile-first strategies are transforming store operations, empowering associates, and elevating the customer experience.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Alex Baker chats with Robert Pratley from Dormeo UK, live from the Retail Technology Show! Rob, Dormeo UK Digital Manager, shares his journey into digital strategy, diving into paid social, paid search, and affiliate marketing. Discover how Dormeo is revolutionizing the customer experience, challenging traditional mattress sales, and leveraging data to meet needs cost-effectively.

Smarter Stores. Empowered Associates. Data-Driven Retail. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host and top retail expert Matthew Adam Smith sits down with Jim Norred, Chief Commercial Officer at VusionGroup, to explore how connected retail is transforming from buzzword to bottom-line strategy. You'll hear:

In this episode of RETHINK Retail, host Andrew Bubsy speak to, Steve Hewitt, former CEO of Gymshark, breaks down the transformative years that helped Gymshark achieve unicorn status. Through a blend of people-first leadership and strategic clarity, Steve shares how the brand scaled without losing sight of its purpose. ⏱ Timestamps: [02:00] Why ego kills culture and humility builds momentum [06:00] People-first hiring: “No assholes, just aligned values” [11:10] Choosing investors who fit your culture [14:00] The “North Star” framework explained [17:00] Audience: Focused targeting and social-native growth [20:30] Values & standards: Why internal clarity matters most

In this Global Retail Leaders episode, host Linda Johansen-James speaks with, Jermain Gil, COO at Good Ranchers, shares how a mission-driven meat subscription business is bringing integrity back to the dinner table. From humble pop-up shop beginnings to launching one of the cleanest chicken nuggets on the market, Jermaine reveals how deep customer understanding, bold experimentation, and a 100% American sourcing commitment set Good Ranchers apart. ⏱ Timestamps: [01:10] The Good Ranchers origin story & ministry roots [04:00] Pop-up shops and pre-launch strategy [07:30] From offline to online: building a DTC model [11:00] Subscription-first success and customer trust [14:20] Money-back guarantee and customer service excellence [17:10] Supporting sustainable American farming

What does it take to launch a clean beauty brand and lead with purpose through every challenge? For Lynn Powers, it started with a bold career pivot and a vision for healthier hair—and a healthier planet. On this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, retail expert Bryan Amaral chats with Lynn Power, CEO and Co-founder of Masami, about her journey from corporate advertising to clean beauty entrepreneurship. From creating a high-performing, sustainable product line to building a brand that prioritizes integrity, Lynn shares what it means to stay mission-driven in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of self-checkout (SCO) in grocery with two industry leaders: Arvin Jawa, VP of Global Retail Strategy & Marketing at Diebold Nixdorf, and Girijesh Agarwal, Chief Strategy Officer at Incisiv. Hosted by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert April Sabral, the conversation dives into exclusive findings from the study "Delivering Success in Grocery", offering actionable insights for grocery retailers navigating automation, efficiency, and the balance between technology and the human touch.

Retail is moving faster than ever. How do brands—and the conferences that serve them—keep up? In this episode of Global Retail Leaders, Julia Hare talks with Sonal Gandhi from The Lead about how the conference is evolving beyond D2C into omnichannel, cultural relevance, and actionable AI strategies. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to RETHINK Retail [01:00] The evolution of The Lead since 2018 [04:20] Beyond DTC: Omnichannel and new business models [08:00] The shifting funding landscape for emerging brands [11:30] How AI is shaping real-world retail strategies [15:00] Leveraging social media & cultural moments [18:00] Exciting keynote speakers and the Challenger Brand track [22:00] Why The Lead remains approachable as it grows Join the GRL community or be the next guest: https://www.globalretailleaders.com/

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Matt Muller sits down with John Beasley of Home Delivery World and Leena Nunez of the Last Mile Retail Awards to explore the future of last mile innovation

Host: Natalie Berg, Retail Analyst & Founder, NBK Retail (Top Retail Expert) Guests: Darrell Maton, Senior Director of Retail Services Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf Alan Burt, Senior Manager | Retail Technology Lead at RBR Data Services Join Darrell and Alan as they discuss the impact of staff empowerment on retail success. From IT self-service to improving store efficiency, this episode uncovers how the Shift Left approach is reshaping the retail landscape. Tune in now to hear insights from the experts!

In our latest episode, we catch up with Lena Moriarty live from eTail Palm Springs to uncover what's in store for this year's event and beyond. From launching a new brand identity—Power Your Growth—to debuting their first-ever AI Summit, Lena shares how eTail is moving from just conversation to implementation. Next stop? eTail London

In this RETHINK Retail episode, host Aliyah Flowers sits down with Madison Lee, CEO of Nēmah, to explore how this fast-growing perinatal skincare brand is redefining beauty, trust, and community for modern mothers.

In this RETHINK Retail episode, host Shannon Flanagan chats with Kristen Elmer, VP of D2C Sales at Bark, about how the brand behind BarkBox uses data, personalization, and lifestyle-driven merchandising to keep tails wagging.

In this RETHINK Retail episode, Kait Stevens speaks with Ashley Newman, Director of Marketing & Communications at Zippy Paws, about how the brand has navigated its rebrand, fostered a deep connection with customers, and created meaningful in-person experiences that drive loyalty. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to RETHINK Retail [02:10] Meet Ashley Newman, Director of Marketing & Communications at Zippy Paws [05:30] How Zippy Paws is navigating its rebrand during the pandemic [10:00] The role of in-person events in creating brand loyalty [15:20] Encouraging user-generated content and customer engagement [20:30] Zippy Paws' unique community-focused marketing [25:45] The brand's future vision and growth potential

AI is no longer a “nice to have” — it's a business imperative. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, we're joined by PwC's Alison Furman and Remzi Ural to explore how AI is transforming customer experience, operations, and revenue growth in retail. From strategy shifts to scaling adoption, learn what retailers need to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

How is Scentbird transforming the fragrance industry with subscriptions, personalization, and innovation? In this Global Retail Leaders episode, Fritz Finlay chats with Andrei Rebrov, CEO of Scentbird, about how the fragrance subscription service is making it easier to try new scents while building an omnichannel brand. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to RETHINK Retail [01:25] Meet Andre at Sandberg, CEO of Scentbird [04:15] The beginnings of Scentbird and its fragrance subscription model [08:30] How Scentbird makes fragrance discovery easier online [12:50] The power of personalized recommendations [17:00] Subscription model: The convenience of monthly fragrance deliveries [22:30] Expanding into omnichannel: How Scentbird is navigating brick-and-mortar retail

A RETHINK Retail episode in collaboration with Cognizant Retailers face increasing pressure from labor shortages, supply chain complexity, and evolving customer expectations. So what's the key to staying competitive? Smarter operations. In this episode, we team up with Cognizant to explore how operational transformation drives bottom-line success. Experts Scott TumSuden and Karthik Chandrasekar (Cognizant) and retail consultant Ian Scott reveal how the Stores 360 platform—developed with ServiceNow and Thirdera—is helping brands optimize workflows, boost employee performance, and elevate the customer experience.

How Gerber Children's Wear is Future-Proofing Retail with AI & Authenticity In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, host Richard Kestenbaum, Partner at Triangle Capital and Forbes contributor, sits down with Alicia Littleton, Director of E-commerce at Gerber Children's Wear, to explore how technology, AI, and personalization are transforming the retail experience—especially for today's digital-native parents. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Meet Richard and Alicia [03:30] Social algorithms, data, and understanding today's parent [08:45] Retail channel strategy: Target, Walmart, Amazon & DTC [14:10] Resale, sustainability & loyalty in babywear [19:20] The future of retail tech: AI & conversational commerce [21:05] AI's role in personalization and consumer expectations [24:00] What is conversational commerce and why it matters

Only 5% of specialty retailers are leading in unified commerce. In this special podcast episode, Manhattan Associates, in partnership with Google Cloud and research firm Incisiv, breaks down the just-launched 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail.

Retailers face mounting challenges—from rising labor costs to evolving customer expectations. In this episode of Retail Tech Tips, we explore how AI, cloud computing, and data integration are transforming in-store experiences. Featuring industry leaders: - Roy Horgan, Group SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications at VusionGroup -Zach Whigham, Associate Director, Retail and Consumer Products at Kyndryl -Trevor Sumner Top Retail Expert Key takeaways from this episode: -AI and computer vision are redefining in-store engagement -Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are driving efficiency at scale -Retailers are moving from theory to action—focusing on ROI-driven solutions VusionGroup is a leader in electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and retail digitalization, helping retailers optimize pricing, promotions, and in-store experiences. Kyndryl is a global IT infrastructure powerhouse, working with retailers to modernize their technology ecosystems for scalability and efficiency. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve.

Retail Tech Tips: Creating seamless, interconnected retail ecosystems. by

Can AI revolutionize retail? C&A Brazil and Sam's Club share their strategies. In this Global Retail Leaders episode, Top Retail Expert Alberto Serrentino chats with Paulo Correa, CEO of C&A Brazil, and Todd Gardner, Chief Product Officer at Sam's Club, about how AI is transforming business efficiency, customer experience, and decision-making in retail.

How can retailers embrace sustainability and drive social impact at scale? In this episode of RETHINK Retail, host Lisa Amlani sits down with Bev Kobe, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries, to discuss how Goodwill is redefining retail through the circular economy, resale innovation, and social enterprise. Goodwill is more than just a thrift store-it's a leader in sustainability and job creation, diverting billions of pounds from landfills while employing those who need it most. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to RETHINK Retail [01:20] Meet Bev Kobe, CEO of Goodwill Industries [03:45] The scale of Goodwill: 154 networks and 6 billion pounds of goods collected [07:10] How Goodwill is innovating in circular retail [12:30] Sustainability goals: resale, recycling, and reducing waste [17:50] Beyond retail: Goodwill's impact on communities and job creation [22:15] Take-back programs & retailer partnerships [27:30] Final thoughts: How brands can start their circular journey

How do you scale a retail brand without losing the personal touch? On this episode of RETHINK Retail, we chat with Karrie Helm, Director of Stores at Evereve, about how the brand scaled from a boutique experience to over 100 stores nationwide while keeping its values-driven, customer-first approach intact.

Can a fashion brand grow without paid marketing? Lager 157 proves it's possible. In this Global Retail Leaders episode, Top Retail Expert Alexis chats with Hannah, Chairperson of Lager 157, about how the Swedish brand is scaling across the Nordics and beyond with slow fashion, zero waste, and an authentic approach to retail.

Can sustainability drive profitability and long-term growth? Norrøna proves that it can. In this Global Retail Leaders episode, Top Retail Expert Sharon Yourell Lawlor speaks with Bård Klamme, Retail Director at Norrøna, about how the premium outdoor brand has built a 100-year legacy through circular fashion, transparency, and a commitment to full-price retail.

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Shannon Flanagan sits down with Jean-Didier Allongue, Senior Director of Global Store Design at Harry's, to explore how the brand has scaled across 56,000+ retail locations while staying true to its identity. From disrupting the men's grooming industry to creating seamless in-store experiences at Target, Walmart, Tesco, and Boots, Jean-Didier shares how Harry's navigates the challenges of retail expansion, localization, and brand consistency. They dive into: ✅ How Harry's global retail strategy has evolved ✅ The biggest challenges in localizing store design across different markets ✅ Why brand culture and customer insights shape the future of retail ⏳ Episode Timestamps: ⏩ 00:00 – Introduction to Rethink Retail ⏩ 00:30 – Meet Jean-Didier from Harry's ⏩ 01:27 – Harry's Global Retail Design Strategy ⏩ 02:56 – Trends in Men's Grooming & Retail Innovation ⏩ 03:59 – The Challenge of Localizing Store Designs Globally ⏩ 04:47 – Scaling Harry's Retail Presence Across 56,000+ Locations ⏩ 07:20 – The Role of Vision, Culture & Brand Identity in Growth ⏩ 09:01 – Creating Engaging & Customer-Centric Store Environments ⏩ 11:01 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways Join the GRL community or be the next guest: https://www.globalretailleaders.com/

The future of retail is unfolding before our eyes, and AI is at the heart of it all. In this episode of the AIR Leaders Podcast, a production of RETHINK Retail, our host Matthew Adam Smith sits down with Barry McGough, a Top AI Leader & Global Retail Leader, to discuss the game-changing technologies reshaping commerce.

Retailers operating at scale—especially in high-traffic environments like airports—face a unique challenge: how do you balance speed, convenience, and operational resilience while delivering a seamless customer experience? In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Michael Klein (Top Retail Expert) speaks with Khurram Noor, VP of Customer Facing Systems at Avolta, and Bernd Kraus, VP of Retail Software Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf, to discuss what it really takes to future-proof retail operations.

In the latest Rethink Retail Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Morgan, Chief Innovation Officer at Blue Yonder, to explore how AI and end-to-end visibility are revolutionizing supply chains.

New RETHINK Retail Podcast: How AI is Shaping Retail Host Matthew Adam Smith sits down with Matt Redwood (Diebold Nixdorf) & Nicolas Kroeger (Manor AG) to discuss the impact of AI on retail. From optimizing store operations to elevating customer experiences, this episode covers the game-changing role of AI in retail.

Retail automation is evolving—are you keeping up? In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Ben Bond, VP of Strategy & Business Development at Simbe, joins us to discuss how AI and robotics are transforming inventory management, enhancing pricing accuracy, and driving efficiency for retailers. Recorded live at NRF 2025, this conversation dives into the future of automation and the role of technology in building agile, resilient retail operations.