RETHINK RETAIL

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.

NRF 2025 brought bold predictions, cutting-edge innovations, and game-changing discussions—but what really matters for retailers in the year ahead? In this episode of Retail Therapy, Retail Cloud Alliance host Andrew Smith sits down with Brandon Rael of Kyndryl, Carol Spieckerman of Spieckerman Retail, and Guy Courtin of Tecsys to unpack the biggest themes from Retail's Big Show, including: The rise of AI-driven personalization and the role of store associates Why retailers are taking a more cautious, pragmatic approach to new tech How supply chain innovation is being overlooked—and why that's a mistake The real impact of digital transformation on retail operations and strategy Whether you attended NRF or want to stay ahead of the conversation, this episode is your deep dive into the trends and challenges shaping retail in 2025.

At NRF 2025, Lauren Kennedy (Upshop) and Derek Hannum (ReposiTrak) discuss how food traceability under FSMA 204 is reshaping the retail landscape.

Join Jack Stratten, RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and Director at Insider Trends, for an engaging discussion on the future of grocery retail. Featuring Oskar Jakobsson (ICA Gruppen) and Carsten Brase (Diebold Nixdorf), this episode dives into how retailers are embracing technology and choice to meet customer demands.

In this special episode of Retail Therapy, host Andrew Smith is joined by retail experts Carol Spieckerman, Liza Amlani, and Trevor Sumner to reflect on the key trends and innovations that shaped the retail industry in 2024. They explore how AI-driven personalization, omnichannel strategies, and interconnected retail networks have redefined the landscape. Tune in for expert reflections on this year's biggest lessons and gain insights on what these changes mean for 2025 and beyond!

As 2024 comes to a close, we proudly present our highly anticipated “2025 Predictions Podcast.” Join us as we delve into expert predictions and key insights shaping the future of retail. This special episode features exclusive interviews with RETHINK Retail's Top Retail Experts and Global Retail Leaders communities, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for 2025 and beyond!

The holiday season is almost here, and department stores have always been the shining star of holiday shopping. But have they been dethroned by the rise of eCommerce?

Tune into the latest episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast to hear Marta Frattini, Industry Strategy and Marketing Lead, Retail at Adobe discuss how retailers can redefine and demonstrate ROI by harnessing AI-driven tools. This conversation is crucial for any CMO looking for a credible seat at the decision-making table, showing their value, and receiving credit for their work.

Join Top Retail Expert Peter Cohan as he dives into the transformative power of AI in retail with Anirudh Sanga, Retail and Consumer Lead at Palantir Technologies. This episode reveals how advanced AI solutions are addressing some of retail's most complex challenges, including inventory management and workforce optimization, and turning them into opportunities for growth.

In this episode, Top Retail Expert and Founder of RETHINK Retail Julia Hare sits down with Tarek Müller, Co-CEO of ABOUT YOU and Co-Founder of SCAYLE, to explore the key strategies behind creating one of the most innovative retail brands in Europe. Tarek shares exclusive insights into how ABOUT YOU has redefined e-commerce with a customer-first approach and how retailers can stay agile in an ever-changing digital landscape. Listen Now if you're looking for inspiration on driving growth and staying ahead in retail!

More than a trend, sustainability efforts have signaled a new age in retail where customers are increasingly aware of and concerned about the environmental impacts of commerce. Sustainability initiatives form a growing, core part of how any business thinks about its brand, operations, and relationships with customers going forward. Join us for a discussion with Shopify and Google Cloud highlighting how technology can help rive these necessary changes, building a future where commerce and sustainability fit hand-in-glove. Join to learn: - How retailers can better understand the balance between sustainability and profitability in 2024 and beyond. - How today's latest AI-powered tools help to optimize supply chains, where the most impactful environmental changes can be made. - How Shopify's $5 million in annual support to climate-conscious entrepreneurs is helping drive climate solutions and industry transparency.

New AiR Podcast Episode: Ahmed Naiem from LilyAI joins host Matthew Smith in an engaging discussion recorded live at Shoptalk Fall! Discover how AI is revolutionizing retail with real-world insights and innovative strategies!

In this episode, Bryan Amaral sits down with Bené Eaton, the Chief Marketing Officer at FIGS, to explore the dynamic world of healthcare apparel innovation. FIGS has redefined medical uniforms with a mission to empower and celebrate healthcare professionals through high-quality, community-focused offerings. Bené shares insights on her journey leading FIGS' largest campaigns, including the recent collaboration with Team USA's medical team for the Paris Olympics. She delves into how FIGS' omni-channel strategy has reshaped the industry by blending a strong online presence with in-person community hubs designed to support and unite healthcare workers. Key Insights: - FIGS' Community-First Approach: Bené highlights FIGS' commitment to building a robust, inclusive community where healthcare professionals feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through ambassador programs and local activations, FIGS fosters connections that extend beyond apparel. - Expanding with Purpose: From LA's Century City to Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, FIGS is creating spaces where healthcare workers can come together, access premium products, and engage in meaningful connections and events. - Innovation in Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare Apparel: Bené discusses FIGS' game-changing direct-to-consumer model, which transformed a fragmented industry by offering seamless, high-quality uniform shopping online, making it easier for busy professionals to find the best fit on their schedule. Ready to join the GRL community? Nominate yourself or another retail executive to join the community today: http://www.globalretailleaders.com

Join host David Polinchock as he sits down with Ben Mand, CEO of Guayakí Yerba Mate, for an engaging conversation on the intersection of business, sustainability, and community. Ben shares his inspiring journey from rural Wisconsin to leading purpose-driven brands, starting with his early career at General Mills and moving through roles at Plum and Harmless Harvest. They explore pivotal moments that shaped his passion for health and environmental stewardship, as well as the unique challenges he faces balancing profitability with an unwavering commitment to ethics and sustainability. Key Insights: - Shifting from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Brands: Ben shares his experience moving from a large corporation to more agile, purpose-focused brands, and the valuable lessons learned through each transition. - Balancing Profit and Purpose: Explore Ben's strategies for maintaining profitability while prioritizing ethical practices and sustainability—a cornerstone of his approach to leadership. - The Power of Authentic Branding: Ben delves into the importance of authenticity in connecting with consumers, highlighting the value of community and the evolving role of in-store and online presence in today's market. - The Future of Food Brands: Get a glimpse into Ben's vision for food brands of the future and the legacy he hopes to build in creating impactful, sustainable businesses. Ready to join the GRL community? Nominate yourself or another retail executive to join the community today: http://www.globalretailleaders.com

The latest episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast is here! Top Retail Expert Ron Margulis sits down with Daniela Jurado, Executive Vice President of North America at VTEX, to discuss how global shifts and evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the industry. From live shopping to adapting to recent trade policies, this episode is packed with strategies for forward-thinking retailers.

Top Retail Expert Michael Zakkour is joined by Paul Fitzpatrick, Head of Global Partnerships and Programs at Shopify, and Manikandan M Sundaram, AVP and Strategic Business Head at Cognizant, to discuss how omnichannel integration and data-driven strategies are shaping the future of enterprise growth in the retail sector. Discover how leading retailers are utilizing insights from every customer interaction to create seamless, unified experiences across all touchpoints—from physical stores to online platforms. As they navigate today's highly competitive retail market, brands are unlocking new growth opportunities through customer-centric, data-driven approaches.

In this episode of the Rethink Retail Podcast, host Melissa Minkow interviews Mark Sciortino, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Retailer Technology & Solutions at Vestcom. They delve into the transformative impact of store digitization and the integration of physical and digital experiences. The conversation covers the pivotal role of data in modern retail, with Mark underscoring how technologies like digital twins can optimize store environments. They also discuss the significance of maintaining consumer trust as retailers look to integrate electronic shelf labels (ESLs), balancing traditional and digital pricing strategies. Practical advice on building a hybrid in-store environment and an introduction to Vestcom's storeLink™ platform are also provided, highlighting the exciting potential and challenges of the digital transformation era in retail.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, recorded live at Groceryshop 2024, we're joined by Pratyush Kumar, Director of Digital Product Management at Sobeys, and Matt Miles, Director of Americas Retail at Diebold Nixdorf. Together, we explore how these industry leaders are using cutting-edge technology to transform the grocery shopping experience. Listen as Pratyush dives into Sobeys' groundbreaking approach to personalization at scale—from their ScenePlus loyalty program to the power of AI in crafting seamless, real-time customer experiences. Matt shares Diebold Nixdorf's innovative self-service solutions, designed to remove friction at checkout and deliver a faster, more efficient shopping experience. Discover how AI, open retail systems, and real-time data are shaping the future of retail, especially in high-demand seasons like the holidays. Whether you're a retail professional or simply curious about the future of grocery shopping, this episode is packed with insights on how technology is driving the next wave of retail transformation. Tune in now to hear more about how Sobeys and Diebold Nixdorf are leading the way in retail innovation.