RETHINK RETAIL

What if the real problem with AI in retail isn't intelligence—but expertise? Recorded live at Shoptalk Spring in Las Vegas, this conversation breaks down how Boot Barn is tackling one of retail's hardest challenges: scaling deep, technical product knowledge across 500+ stores—without losing credibility on the floor. Instead of relying on generic chatbots, Boot Barn built a custom AI “associate” designed to know the difference between looking right and being right—especially when safety, compliance, and performance matter. Key Insights: - AI is only as good as what it knows. Boot Barn uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to ground AI in real product specs, safety standards, and brand knowledge—reducing hallucinations and increasing trust where it matters most. - The real unlock isn't AI—it's humans training it. Professional copywriters aren't being replaced—they're evolving into AI trainers, shaping how the system communicates and ensuring the brand voice stays authentic to the Western and workwear customer. Expertise, on demand. In a high-turnover retail environment, AI becomes a “digital co-worker”—giving store associates instant access to complex product knowledge they might otherwise take years to learn. Search is no longer the battleground. As discovery shifts toward AI-driven answers, Boot Barn is preparing for a world where visibility depends on how well your knowledge is structured for machines—not just humans. Listen to the full conversation to see what retail AI actually looks like when it works.

Moving Beyond the Buzzwords Unified Commerce isn't a new term, but true execution remains the "Holy Grail" for enterprise retailers. In this episode, Steven Bailey, Partner at EY and Jonathan Aitken, SVP at RADAR, discuss why the gap between vision and reality is still so wide, and how to close it. The Foundation of Real-Time Retail From the friction of in-store returns to the high cost of order cancellations, the duo explores how fragmented data ruins the customer experience. They break down why "throwing AI at the problem" isn't a fix for a broken architectural foundation. Key Insights include: - Journey vs. Channel: Why structural alignment matters more than technology. - The Smart Store: Transitioning physical locations from "sales points" to "intelligence hubs." - Inventory Truth: Why 99%+ accuracy is the non-negotiable starting point for 2026.

The “Connected Store” has moved from concept to operational priority. In this episode, Pauline Monin (Vusion) breaks down how digital shelf technology is transforming physical stores into responsive, data-driven environments. Operational Excellence & Local E-Commerce Automated pricing removes manual processes and reduces errors at scale, allowing store teams to focus on higher-value tasks. At the same time, stores become more effective local fulfilment hubs. With “Flash-to-Pick” LED guidance, associates can follow optimized picking routes, improving speed and consistency for online order fulfilment. The AI & Retail Media Opportunity Through EdgeSense, fragmented in-store data is unified into a single intelligence layer. This enables AI-driven recommendations across pricing and assortment, while also opening the door to in-store Retail Media. Digital displays can measure engagement such as dwell time, giving brands clearer visibility into performance at the shelf.

Recorded live at Shoptalk Spring, this episode of the AiR Podcast tackles the shift from AI experimentation to real-world accountability. Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco Wholesale, joins Kimberly Morgan, CEO of The Fashion Tech Exec and a Top AI Leader, to discuss why Costco is building its technology ecosystem "from the studs up." The Path of Most Resistance While many retailers opt for "plug-and-play" black-box solutions, Williamson explains why Costco is intentionally choosing a more complex, transparent path. By keeping member data behind its own firewall and inviting partners to work natively inside the Costco data cloud, the company eliminates signal loss while upholding its core code of ethics: respect for the member and respect for the supplier. No AI Strategy Without a Data Strategy The conversation centers on the necessity of a modular, interoperable tech stack. Morgan and Williamson explore how this foundation prepares Costco for the era of agentic commerce. By organizing data properly today, Costco ensures it can provide relevant value wherever members shop in the future—whether via an LLM, a search engine, or the warehouse floor.

This podcast features Darko Pavic, CEO at Fiscal Solutions and Michael Zakkour from 5 New Digital, discussing a critical yet overlooked pillar of global expansion: fiscalization. Why Compliance is Your Transaction Architecture: Fiscalization is more than bureaucracy. It is the technical foundation of every global transaction. Darko introduces his new book, The Fiscalization Compliance Maturity Model: To help retailers move from "firefighting" emergencies to a structured, strategic advantage. The 4 Levels of Compliance Maturity: - Level 1 (Reactive): Ad hoc responses and constant emergencies. - Level 2 (Fragmented): Siloed regional teams and high double work costs. - Level 3 (Connected): Shared tools and unified data architectures. - Level 4 (Strategic): Compliance as a high speed growth engine. Whether you are expanding into 5 countries or 50, this session provides a checklist for turning legal risks into a competitive edge. Watch the full interview to future proof your global retail operations.

Most AI projects die in the boardroom because they ignore the person holding the handheld scanner. In this episode, Sharon Gai, Matt Redwood, and Paula Angelucci move past the hype to discuss what actually works on the shop floor. The Pivot from Shiny to Useful Stop starting with the technology. Matt Redwood argues that the most successful AI implementations begin with a specific human frustration. Whether it is identifying non-barcoded produce or managing "dark" areas of the store, the tech must serve the journey. One pilot even saw a 75 percent reduction in shrink, but the real win was the store staff lobbying to keep the tools because they made their jobs easier. Empowering the Artist Paula Angelucci views AI as the ultimate tool for the frontline. By automating the "laundry" of the industry, retailers can finally return to being entertainers and experts. From AI-driven leadership coaching to real-time product insights, the goal is to give associates their time back. Watch the full interview to see how Diebold Nixdorf and WHSmith are turning data into a genuine competitive advantage.

Your product data wasn't built for AI agents. Here's why that's a problem. In the latest episode of RETHINK Retail's award-winning AiR (AI in Retail) podcast series, host Jamie Tenser sits down with @Anne-Claire Baschet, Chief Data & AI Officer at @Mirakl and a Top AI Leader recognized by RETHINK Retail, to explore the seismic shift happening in retail discovery right now. Anne-Claire brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and strategic vision, from her roots as a Data Scientist at AXA to leading e-commerce platforms at Aramis Group, and now driving AI innovation at Mirakl. As a recognized leader in the AI retail space, she's at the forefront of what she calls the "agentic era" in commerce. The reality check: • 53 million shopping queries happen daily on ChatGPT alone • 60% of shoppers now use AI in their shopping journey • Traditional keyword optimization? It's no longer enough What retailers must do now: ✓ Product data & API infrastructure – Make your catalog AI-responsive, not just mobile-responsive ✓ Brand content & social proof – Build trust signals that AI agents recognize ✓ Pricing transparency – Show the real price (product + promo + tax + shipping) ✓ Fulfillment capabilities – Accurate stock and delivery promises matter more than ever ✓ Performance tracking – Test, learn, and optimize for agentic channels Anne-Claire's advice for 2026? "Experiment. The ones who win are going to be those whose products AI can actually find, understand, and recommend."

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, Julia Rogers Vargas, VP and GM, Identification Solutions at Avery Dennison and Sasha Wallinger, contributor at Forbes move past the buzzwords to find the "magic" in the retail grind. The End of the Visible Transaction We are rapidly approaching a "post-transactional" world. As AI bots begin to automate our daily chores, from replenishing diapers to choosing grocery brands, the traditional checkout experience is fading. Sasha and Julia explore why this shift forces a total pivot in marketing: if a bot is making the purchase, a brand's only survival strategy is a deep, emotional relationship with the human behind the machine. Data as the Non-Negotiable Floor You can't build "magic" on a broken foundation. Julia highlights that while everyone is chasing AI, the real winners are those perfecting their data accuracy through RFID and sensor technology. If the information feeding your digital models is inaccurate, the entire ecosystem collapses. Accurate "track and trace" is what allows the logistics to become invisible, leaving room for the human touch. Freeing the "Hardy" Retailers Retail has always been about "humans serving humans." By automating the tedious, manual processes, what Julia calls the "laundry" of the industry, we aren't replacing the workforce. Instead, we are re-empowering retailers to be the entertainers and artists they were meant to be, bringing intimacy and delight back to the physical space. Watch the full interview to see how Avery Dennison is bridging the gap between digital intelligence and physical artistry.

Liza Amlani (Retail Strategy Group) and Aimee Heuschkel (Lectra) joined RETHINK Retail at NRF to discuss why the industry is currently making too much of the wrong product. The Overdevelopment Crisis Right now, brands are throwing supply at consumers and hoping demand follows. With 81% of retailers struggling to keep up, the result is massive waste and shrinking margins. The fix requires moving from reactive systems to predictive, data-led models. Breaking Down Retail Silos Teams are often "rowing in different directions." Success in 2026 requires bringing design, sourcing, and materials together at the very start of the process. When everyone aligns on business goals rather than siloed targets, efficiency skyrockets. Materials as a Strategic Unlock Instead of fabric being a "service" to design, it should be the starting point. Elevating materials teams reduces waste and simplifies calendars, ensuring your brand is ready for upcoming transparency regulations like Digital Product Passports (DPP). Listen the full podcast to future-proof your product journey.

Marie Schwartz caught up with MaryLeigh Bliss from Ypulse at NRF to talk Gen Z in 2026. The old marketing playbooks? They're history. The 20-year trend cycle is over. MaryLeigh explains how social media has created a "firehose" of fragmented trends where Gen Z is nostalgic for everything at once. Whether it's a 90s reboot or a meme from two weeks ago, the pace is moving faster than most retailers can keep up with. We're also seeing the rise of the "AI Detective." Gen Z is hunting for glitches and demanding that AI-generated content be clearly labeled. Transparency is now a requirement for trust, which is why brands like Aerie are winning by doubling down on human authenticity. Finally, the "post-social" era has arrived. Follower counts don't guarantee reach anymore, the algorithm is the new gatekeeper. From the "social closet" (dressing up for TikTok but living in sweatpants) to the surprising return of cinema-going, this episode covers exactly how to reach the next generation in 2026. Watch the full interview for the complete Gen Z playbook.

In this episode, RETHINK Retail host Marie Schwartz sits down with Jake Randolph and Adel Cruz from LINKED Permanent Jewelry to discuss the explosive growth of experiential retail. Key Highlights: - Experiential Sales: Why "permanent" products are winning on social media. - The AI Advantage: How solo owners use AI to scale marketing and operations. - Future of Retail: A first look at LINKED's new "no-welding" model for traditional stores. Building 2026 Entrepreneurs From Air Force pilots to estheticians, the permanent jewelry business model is empowering a new wave of retail owners. Discover how simple tech and a "community-first" mindset are redefining the gig economy.

Retailers often chase AI for its own sake instead of solving specific operational problems. In this session of Retailer Tech Tips, Thaddeus Segura from VusionGroup and Guy Courtin from Tecsys discuss how to move past "irrational exuberance" to build an operating model that survives the current industry bifurcation. Key Discussion Points: - The Hardware Flywheel: Intelligence starts at the shelf, using battery-powered cameras to gather necessary AI signals. - Managing Expectations: The industry must move away from "magic beans" toward transparent conversations about AI capabilities. - The Future of Discovery: AI tools are changing how consumers find brands, shifting loyalty from ads to personalized recommendations. - The Omnichannel Hurdle: Traditional safety stock is no longer viable as modern retail demands real-time inventory precisio Are you ready to "bite the bullet" on tech costs now, or will you wait for another budget cycle?

As Shoptalk Spring 2026 approaches, one theme is shaping the conversation across the retail industry: AI is moving from experimentation to real-world application. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Fritz Finlay speaks with Joe Laszlo, Head of Content & Insights at Shoptalk, about the ideas and trends expected to define this year's event. Their discussion explores several themes emerging across AI in retail today: - Human-Centric AI As automation expands across retail operations, successful brands are focusing on how technology can enhance, not replace, the human elements of service, connection, and experience. - AI as a Multiplier Rather than asking what roles AI replaces, retailers are increasingly exploring how AI can expand what teams are capable of accomplishing. - From AI Hype to Retail Impact The most valuable AI applications are solving long-standing retail challenges, from merchandising decisions and demand planning to customer engagement and discovery. Joe also shares how these themes are reflected in the Shoptalk Spring 2026 agenda, where leaders from companies such as New Balance, Victoria's Secret, and Reddit will discuss how AI is shaping the next phase of retail innovation.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Digital Shelf Institute Executive Director Lauren Livak joins Paul Murphy to discuss what's shaping the next phase of ecommerce, from changing shopper behavior to the growing gap between browsing and buying. They discuss why many digital experiences still struggle to help shoppers make decisions, and what retailers can do differently to better capture attention and support the path to purchase. Key discussion points include: - The Conversion Gap: Why rising site traffic doesn't always translate into completed purchases. - The “Imagination Gap” in Ecommerce: How visualization and contextual experiences help shoppers understand products in their own environment. Explore the insights shaping the next phase of ecommerce.

Is Your Store Ready for What's Next? Modern retail is about more than just selling products. It's about being fast, reliable, and smart right when the customer needs it most. In our latest podcast, Intelligence at the Edge: Powering the Store of Tomorrow, we're breaking down how the world's leading retailers are using edge computing to transform the shopping experience. Why Listen? Host Michael Klein talks with Mariya Zorotovich, General Manager at Intel and Frank Baur, COO at Diebold Nixdorf about the tech that keeps stores running at peak performance. Forget the buzzwords. We're talking about real solutions for real-time retail. What You'll Discover: - Speed That Matters: Why processing data in the store (not the cloud) is the key to zero-friction checkouts. - Reliability at Scale: How to keep thousands of locations synced and surging without system failures. - Smart Growth: How to build a modular foundation that supports AI, computer vision, and personalization today. Don't let your infrastructure hold you back. Tune in to find out how to build a store that is truly future-ready.

Luxury Retail: High-Tech Meets High-Touch In a market saturated with options, true luxury is defined by the depth of the experience. In this episode, Barney Stacher and Shunda D. Lynch of Bloomingdale's, explore how leading retailers stay relevant in a digital-first world.They break down the necessity of storytelling and why the most advanced AI should serve the sales associate, not replace them. What we explore in this session: - The secret to turning one-time shoppers into lifelong clients through rapport. - Leveraging AI to pinpoint manufacturing defects and minimize return rates. - How different age groups are adapting to new retail tools and follow-up strategies. Discover how to blend predictive data with authentic human connection to keep your brand at the top of the luxury market.

The Human Heart of Retail Innovation The message from NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show was clear: Technology is the tool, but humanity is the strategy. In this episode, Chris Igwe and Dominik Olejko, Head of Customer Insights at Pepco, debrief on the "thousands of years of experience" that met in New York this year. They dive into how global leaders are integrating AI to empower staff and why the "User First" mantra is more critical than ever. Why Tune In: - Beyond AI: How to shift from "AI everywhere" to "AI integrated." - Dark Social & Community: Why the best customer insights are moving to private spaces. - Authenticity: The secret to building trust in an automated world. Get the boots-on-the-ground insights you need to stay future-ready.

Is your AI strategy solving problems or just building more dashboards? Retailers are drowning in data, yet most still struggle to move the needle on store performance. In this episode of the AI in Retail podcast series, Top AI Leader David Polinchock sits down with Corey Spencer, GM & GVP of AI at UKG, to dismantle the "ivory tower" theories failing the frontline. They explore why the industry must shift from static lagging indicators to real-time orchestration. By making AI an "invisible assistant," managers can stop "scheduling" and start coaching, effectively cooling down frontline burnout before it hits the breaking point. Strategic Takeaways: - From Reports to Orchestration: Moving beyond Monday morning dashboards to real-time "AI angels" that flag compliance and staffing gaps as they happen. - The Semantic Layer: Why unifying payroll, HR, and workforce data is the non-negotiable first step to avoiding AI "hallucinations." - The Wisdom Luxury: How AI handles the "knowledge" (facts) so humans can provide the "wisdom" (connection) that defines high-end retail. Stop chasing "shiny objects" that end up as shelfware. Tune in to learn how to build an AI strategy that empowers your people and drives operational excellence.

At a time when "agents" and AI dominate every conversation, it is easy to forget that the ultimate channel is the consumer. In this RETHINK Retail episode, host DeAnn Campbell, Head of Retail Strategy at AAG Consulting and Scott Wueschinski, AVP of Retail Applied Advisory at Genpact, cut through the noise to explain why the human experience is the only real competitive advantage left. They dive into the friction points technology alone cannot fix, from punitive return fees to the "magic" of a store associate who actually knows their craft. Strategic Takeaways: - Cooperative Returns: Moving away from punitive fees by giving customers better tools to get the fit right the first time. - Associate-First Design: Shifting toward frontline tools that employees actually want to use, rather than systems they are penalized for ignoring. - The Data Reality: Why AI agents won't save a business if the foundational data is "crap in, crap out". - The Multiplier Effect: How fixing low-hanging fruit in the store, like removing outdated kiosks, at the same time you deploy AI drives immediate results. Stop chasing "shelfware." Tune in to learn how to balance high-tech agents with the human touch that builds true brand stickiness.

Is Your Supply Chain Your Biggest Competitive Advantage? We often hear about "the art of the merchant," but rarely do we discuss the unsexy mechanics that actually make a brand profitable. In this RETHINK Retail sit-down, Kimberly Lee Minor, CEO of WOCRA, catches up with her longtime friend and fellow retail expert Liza Amlani. From starting on the shop floor at 13 to consulting for the world's largest brands, Liza has seen firsthand how "broken" the traditional fashion lifecycle can be and shares why CEOs need to spend less time in the boardroom and more time on the shop floor to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. The team explores how elevating materials teams from "service providers" to "strategic partners" can drastically reduce physical sampling and overdevelopment. By shifting the focus to digital material libraries and smarter assortment building, brands can actually do more with less, gaining the creative space needed to innovate. Stop letting inefficient cycles drain your profit. Tune in to discover why the future of fashion is built on smarter processes, not just faster trends.

Is Your Brand Built to Last or Just Built to Sell? Most brands treat retail as a "shiny" trophy, but the reality is that expansion often breaks your margins before it builds your brand. In this RETHINK Retail sit-down, host Gail Rodwell-Simon talks with Brett Gallagher, COO at Nulastin, about the disciplined path from a 2010s DTC startup to a true omnichannel player. They dig into the "ugly" side of growth: why your house must be in order before you expand and how to prove your brand actually matters when you aren't "screaming into Meta". The Reality Check: - The distractions of retail: Why opening new channels can drain your core team if you aren't ready. - The Brand Passport: How to make your customer reviews and social proof travel across every platform. - Testing your reach: Using marketplaces to prove your marketing has omnichannel "pull". - The 2-week rule: Why waiting for quarterly board meetings to check your metrics is a mistake in today's market. Stop the "growth at all costs" cycle. Listen to the conversation to see how to scale without losing your soul or your profit.

How do brands scale AI governance without slowing down innovation? In this episode, Yael Kochman sits down with NRF leaders Christian Beckner and Caroline Reppert to discuss the industry's shift toward responsible, high-ROI AI adoption. While this conversation was recorded just before the NRF Big Show, the insights remain the definitive roadmap for the year ahead. They dive into why the most successful retailers are prioritizing internal productivity tools and "Agentic" commerce guardrails before rolling out customer-facing AI. Key Topics Covered: - The Governance Shift: Why the CEO and Board are now leading the AI policy conversation - Internal First: How coding and productivity tools are providing the first real wins for ROI - Empowering Employees: Using AI chatbots to support store associates and improve the customer experience - The 2025 Benchmark: Insights from the now-published Retail AI Trends report The report mentioned in this episode is now live! Get the full benchmark data on how your peers are investing in AI today.

The Future of the Store Isn't Digital. It's Intelligent. Are we drowning in data but starving for results? Recorded on the ground at Euroshop, host Martin Bailie sits down with industry heavyweights Sam Vise, Marc Jamieson, and John Magill to dismantle the biggest myths in the industry. For years, we've been told that "more technology" is the magic bullet. Yet, store teams are more distracted than ever. This conversation dives deep into why the "shiny object" syndrome is failing and how intelligent retail is finally emerging to close the execution gap. Key Takeaways You Can't Miss: - The AI Myth: Why AI should be a tool for action and not just another dashboard to look at. - Human-Centric Tech: Why the best technology is often the kind the customer never sees. - The "Anti-iPad" Movement: Why it is time to put down the devices and bring back the human greeting. - Hyper-Localization: How the "intelligent planogram" is replacing the one-size-fits-all model. Stop piloting and start executing. Listen now to discover how to transform your strategy from a digital distraction into a high-performance, human-centric engine.

People have been declaring “the store is dead” for years. They were wrong. What's actually dying is lazy retail. Stop leading from the top down. In this episode of Rethink Retail, experts Linda Johansen, David Polinchock, and Paula Angelucci reveal why a successful frontline retail strategy starts on the shop floor. Key Takeaways: - Respect the Peak: Move corporate planning to Mondays to protect high traffic weekends for the customer. - Authentic Connections: Why "Welcome in" fails and how to build genuine trust with savvy shoppers. - The AI Unlock: Using generative tools to provide real time expertise to store associates. Incentivized Loyalty: Closing the gap between in store service and online conversions.

Generative AI is moving beyond the lab and into the production environment. But for many enterprises, "pilot fatigue" is becoming a major bottleneck to real ROI. In this episode of AiR (AI in Retail), Top AI Leader, Barry McGeough (Group VP, AmeriCo) and Top Retail Expert, Michael Zakkour (Top Expert) deliver a masterclass on Applied Innovation. Through a real-world case study, they reveal how brands are using generative design to collapse the distance between a creative spark and a finished product. Key Takeaways: - The Text-to-Design Workflow: How designers are using text prompts to bypass traditional CAD bottlenecks, moving from 2D patterns to 3D assets and video in record time. - Crossing the Uncanny Valley: Why high-fidelity realism is the prerequisite for consumer trust and digital transactions. - Applied Innovation vs. "Big I" Innovation: The framework for ensuring AI projects solve core business problems rather than staying stuck in the lab. - The AI Super-Cycle: Why AI is a foundational layer for the next decade of retail, not a temporary financial bubble.

As artificial intelligence and immersive technologies dominate the headlines, the core of the industry remains unchanged: the human connection. In this episode of Rethink Retail, Monica San José (Retail Escool) and Richard Honiball (NEXCOM) explore why a successful retail digital transformation must be rooted in a company's mission and values rather than technology for technology's sake. From the shop floor to the executive suite, our guests share 25+ years of expertise on navigating the "AI wave" while staying authentic to the consumer. Key Takeaways: - Mission Over Machines: Why leading with values and service is the only way to differentiate in a crowded market. - The Gen Z & Alpha Factor: Understanding why younger generations crave community and authenticity over traditional status-driven marketing. - Strategic Innovation: A cautionary look at immersive commerce (AR/VR) and gaming platforms like Roblox, why your core strategy must be solid before you "jump in." - Cultural Evolution: Why true retail digital transformation requires overcoming the human fear of replacement and fostering a culture of innovation from the ground up.

AI is now a core requirement, not a side project. In this episode of the AiR Podcast, Top AI Leader Kimberly Morgan sits with Sameer Sharma and CK Wang from MediaTek, to discuss how edge AI and AIoT platforms are delivering measurable ROI across retail operations The conversation explores why intelligence is moving closer to the device, how edge AI supports real-time decision-making, improves cost efficiency, strengthens data privacy, and enables scalable AI deployment across stores. Key themes include shrink reduction, checkout optimization, infrastructure strategy, and the practical realities of adopting AI at scale. If you are defining your retail AI roadmap, this episode offers a grounded, execution-focused perspective.

Real-time inventory management is reshaping how grocery retailers manage availability, labor, and store execution. On the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, DeAnn Campbell speaks with Aidan Mittra, Co-Founder of OrderGrid, about how real-time, location- and expiry-aware inventory gives retailers true operational visibility that drives better product availability, reduced waste, and stronger margin protection across stores and distribution networks. Key Takeaways - Inventory quality matters: Accurate counts are not enough. Items must be findable, sellable, within date, and in the right location to support profitable operations. - Automated replenishment: Demand-aware ordering reduces manual work for store teams and enables faster, more consistent ordering. - Perishables management: Granular tracking and demand forecasting help minimize waste and maximize sales. - Inventory as an early indicator: Real-time data can surface operational and margin risks before they appear in sales reports. This episode explores how real-time inventory can form the foundation for more predictable, disciplined grocery operations and help position inventory as a measurable business advantage.

Physical retail isn't just surviving, it's thrilling, immersive, and unforgettable! In this episode, Sandi Danick, SVP at Triple Five Group, shares how immersive attractions, authentic experiences, and tech-driven insights are transforming shopping into something people can't wait to return to. Key Takeaways: - Why experience drives loyalty and foot traffic - Engaging Gen Z authentically - Blending entertainment, retail, and culture - Using tech to enhance, not replace, the human touch Want to see how commerce and entertainment collide to create loyalty and foot traffic?

Frictionless checkout has become one of the most discussed topics in retail technology. But for enterprise retailers, the real question is not whether checkout can be frictionless. It is whether it can perform consistently under pressure. Checkout is where throughput, labor efficiency, compliance, and shrink converge. It is the operational control point of the store. In a conversation hosted by Emily Crowe, Editor-in-Chief at Progressive Grocer, Matt Redwood, VP Retail Technology Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf, joined Zara Ngouen, VP Information Technology at Lidl US, to examine what modern AI-enabled checkout requires at scale. The discussion explores how retailers are applying AI-powered age verification to reduce associate interventions while strengthening regulatory compliance. It addresses how real-time behavioral analytics can proactively identify risk patterns and support shrink reduction strategies. And it examines how retailers are redesigning front-end environments to balance automation with human oversight, preserving both efficiency and customer trust. A key theme throughout the conversation is that frictionless checkout is not about removing people or layering in disconnected technology. It is about intelligent retail infrastructure. AI, software, hardware, and services must work together to optimize front-end performance across diverse store formats. As labor volatility continues and cost pressure intensifies, front-end optimization has become a strategic priority. Retailers are rethinking checkout architecture not only to improve customer experience, but to strengthen operational resilience, reduce shrink exposure, and scale modernization efforts across large store estates. For retail executives evaluating AI checkout solutions, loss prevention technology, and automation strategies, this episode offers practical insight into how leading organizations are approaching front-end transformation today.

What does it really take to win over Gen Z and Gen Alpha in 2026? Aliyah Flowers, B2B Community Manager at RETHINK Retail, connects with Sourabh Sharma, Head of Marketing at Histoires de Parfums, to unpack what younger generations actually value. They discuss: - Why community and values now matter more than visibility - How Gen Z and Gen Alpha think differently about sustainability and spending - Where AI genuinely adds value in personalization and where it's just noise From cultural relevance to conscious consumerism, this conversation challenges brands to think deeper, not louder. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

At NRF 2026, April Sabral, Founder of April Sabral Leadership & Ask April AI, spoke with Marie Schwartz, CEO of RETHINK Retail, about leadership, community, and the real future of AI in retail. They explore: - Why true community starts with deep listening, not followers - What retailers must prioritize in 2026 beyond chasing every new AI trend - How leading with vulnerability can be a competitive advantage - From venture-backed founder to community-driven CEO, Marie shares why 2026 must be the year of execution and application in retail. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

From garage startup to global cult following. During NRF 2026, one thing really stood out in this conversation between Marie Schwartz and Jennifer Sprague, CMO at Hammit. Hammit has built something rare. Customers do not just buy a bag. They collect them. They trade them. They know the story behind the rivets. That kind of loyalty is intentional.. They discuss: - How Hammit protects its brand identity while expanding physical retail - Why resale and community are strengthening long-term loyalty - The operational discipline behind rapid DTC and store growth - Luxury today is built on identity, connection, and strategic retail expansion. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Enterprise AI doesn't fail because the models aren't ready. It stalls when operating models, data foundations, and decision paths can't keep up. Recorded at NRF, this AiR Podcast features Yael Kochman in conversation with Rakesh Srinivasan (The Estée Lauder Companies) and Chris Daniels (Toptal) on what it takes to move from scattered experimentation to repeatable, enterprise deployment - across brands, regions, teams, and partner ecosystems. Key takeaways - Why saturation, skepticism, and a fragmented customer journey are forcing beauty brands to rethink how innovation gets delivered - What must change inside the enterprise to scale AI: product-oriented teams, clear intake and sequencing, and strategy-led roadmaps - The real governance challenge: maintaining brand voice and trust as data flows through platforms, vendors, and generative layers - How modular, “build once, scale many” platforms enable faster deployment across brands - When partnering accelerates outcomes - and why building everything internally can slow progress - A concrete example: Jo Malone London's Scent Finder and what it shows about treating AI as a product, not a pilot Learn more about The Estée Lauder Companies and Toptal

There is a reason NRF is called Retail's Big Show. Each year, it generates an unmistakable buzz across the retail industry. What matters most, however, is how that buzz translates into real insight and action. NRF 2026 delivered bold predictions, big ideas, and no shortage of conversation around AI. The real question is what retailers actually took seriously this year. In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Andrew Smith of ThinkUncommon is joined by Liza Amlani of Retail Strategy Group and Casey Golden of CI&T to break down the signals that mattered most from both the show floor and the stage. Rather than rehashing headlines, the conversation focuses on the realities retailers are facing today, including: • Why NRF 2026 felt fresher and more grounded than recent years • The shift from AI education to AI implementation and accountability • Where pressure is building around data readiness, change management, and ROI • Practical examples of what is working, what remains difficult, and what may be overhyped • Why transparency, experimentation, and learning from failure stood out this year Whether you missed NRF or attended in person, this episode offers a clear, honest debrief designed to help retail leaders cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Listen to the full episode of Retail Therapy

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, The RETHINK Retail Podcast features Fritz Finlay, Head of Production at RETHINK Retail, in conversation with Will Burghes, Head of Professional Services at Rockerbox & DoubleVerify. The discussion focuses on how retail media measurement is evolving as brands and retailers move beyond impressions and clicks toward outcome-based metrics that matter to the business. Key insights from the episode include: - Why impressions and clicks are no longer enough for measuring retail media success - How retailers and brands are shifting toward revenue, incrementality, and ROAS - The role of verification, fraud prevention, and brand suitability as table stakes - How retail media networks, CTV, and walled gardens should be measured - Where AI fits into the future of advertising measurement, and where human judgment still matters With retail media networks growing rapidly, this episode breaks down what “good measurement” actually looks like in 2026 and how retailers can prioritize smarter budget decisions without waiting for perfect data.

Unlock the Future of Brand Growth Discover what's changing fastest in how brands grow today, straight from industry leaders who are shaping modern commerce. The RETHINK Retail Podcast takes you behind the scenes of marketplace strategies, ecosystem-driven growth, and omnichannel success. Learn from the expertise of Tim Derner of Authentic Brands Group and Remington Tonar of Cart.com as they explore: - Marketplace acceleration: How Amazon, TikTok Shop, and global platforms are driving brand expansion. - Ecosystem advantage: Why combining brands, IP, talent, entertainment, and retail partnerships creates outsized impact. - Omnichannel pitfalls: The most common traps brands fall into when trying to be everywhere at once. - AI in operations: Where automation and intelligence are quietly improving efficiency without being the headline. Whether you're a brand manager, retailer, or commerce innovator, this episode provides actionable insights to help your brand scale globally, simplify operations, and stay ahead of the competition.

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast features Michelle James, Vice President at CTIA, in conversation with Melissa Blassingame, RVP of Partner Alliances at Twilio. As consumers increasingly ignore unknown calls, this episode explores how Branded Calling ID in retail is helping brands rebuild trust and improve voice engagement. - Why trust in voice communications is critical for modern retail - How Branded Calling ID improves answer rates and customer experience - Real-world retail use cases, including delivery and customer support - How industry standards and collaboration are restoring trust in voice

Your product data wasn't built for AI agents. Here's why that's a problem. In the latest episode of RETHINK Retail's award-winning AiR (AI in Retail) podcast series, host Jamie Tenser sits down with @Anne-Claire Baschet, Chief Data & AI Officer at @Mirakl and a Top AI Leader recognized by RETHINK Retail, to explore the seismic shift happening in retail discovery right now. Anne-Claire brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and strategic vision, from her roots as a Data Scientist at AXA to leading e-commerce platforms at Aramis Group, and now driving AI innovation at Mirakl. As a recognized leader in the AI retail space, she's at the forefront of what she calls the "agentic era" in commerce. The reality check: • 53 million shopping queries happen daily on ChatGPT alone • 60% of shoppers now use AI in their shopping journey • Traditional keyword optimization? It's no longer enough What retailers must do now: ✓ Product data & API infrastructure – Make your catalog AI-responsive, not just mobile-responsive ✓ Brand content & social proof – Build trust signals that AI agents recognize ✓ Pricing transparency – Show the real price (product + promo + tax + shipping) ✓ Fulfillment capabilities – Accurate stock and delivery promises matter more than ever ✓ Performance tracking – Test, learn, and optimize for agentic channels Anne-Claire's advice for 2026? "Experiment. The ones who win are going to be those whose products AI can actually find, understand, and recommend."

Can technology actually make shopping feel more personal? Recorded live at NRF 2026, this RETHINK Retail Podcast moves past the AI hype to focus on the people behind the counter. Host Michael Klein is joined by David Weissman from Tulip, Rissa Jarrat from Jenni Kayne, and Kimberly Levine from TUMI for a candid conversation about the future of clienteling. In a world of digital noise, these leaders are using AI to bring back the "little black book" of retail, at scale: - The "Gift of Time": How TUMI uses technology to free up associates so they can focus on the person standing in front of them. - Authenticity First: Why Jenni Kayne prioritizes "reading the room" over automated messaging. - Million-Dollar Performers: What happens when you give every associate the tools to build their own book of business. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about making sure the "human" stays at the heart of your brand.

Recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, the RETHINK Retail Podcast dives into how Rebag is using conversational AI to transform luxury resale. Olivier Hepner, CPTO at Rebag and Howe Gu Senior Vice President, Partnerships & Ecosystem at Rezolve AI, discuss moving beyond traditional search, helping shoppers make confident decisions, and blending AI with human expertise. Discover what intelligence-driven retail looks like in a one-of-a-kind product world.

Retail AI is evolving — and the biggest breakthroughs are happening after the sale. In this episode of the Rethink Retail Podcast, host Michael Zakkour speaks with Aadil Kazmi, Head of AI at Infios, about how agentic AI is reshaping retail execution across order management, fulfillment, and transportation. Key Takeaways - Execution is the new battleground – AI's biggest retail impact is shifting from planning to fulfillment and post-purchase experience - Connected systems win – Breaking silos between OMS, WMS, and TMS enables real-time visibility and self-healing operations - Agentic orchestration is here – AI agents are already making live sourcing, routing, and exception-handling decisions - Modularity unlocks scale – Flexible, interoperable architectures outperform monolithic systems in speed and ROI - Purpose-driven AI pays off – Fewer backorders, faster deliveries, and higher customer satisfaction Ready to transform retail execution with AI? Connect with Infios to learn how agentic AI can power intelligent, end-to-end supply chain operations.

Recorded at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast explores how retailers are translating data into more informed decision-making at the store level. In 'From Insight to Impact: How Intelligent Retail Creates Results', industry leaders discuss how connected retail ecosystems, spanning POS, self-checkout, back office operations, and analytics, can support operational efficiency and contribute to improved customer experiences. The conversation brings together perspectives from Loblaws and Diebold Nixdorf, sharing practical observations on how retailers approach technology integration, scale innovation across store networks, and align digital investments with business priorities. Podcast participants include: - Roman Gerlicher, SVP, Retail Technology, Loblaw Companies Limited - Arvin Jawa, VP, Global Marketing & Strategy, Diebold Nixdorf

AI is transforming how retailers manage payments, prevent fraud, and deliver seamless checkout experiences. In this episode of the Rethink Retail podcast, host Matthew Adam Smith speaks with Kai Lindstrom, VP of Retail Payment Services at SOK, and Jagrati Singh, Regional Sales Director at HCLTech. Key Takeaways: - AI-powered checkout: faster, seamless, and secure transactions - Fraud prevention: smarter detection and reduced operational risk - Modern POS systems: upgrading legacy infrastructure for agility - Hyper-personalization: tailored offers and experiences at scale - Systems integration: aligning platforms, partners, and data for frictionless payments

In this episode of RETHINK Retail, Top Retail Experts unpack how much customer expectations have accelerated and expert tips for retailers trying to compete across stores, apps, loyalty programs, and connected channels. Join Emily Pfeiffer, Principal Analyst of Commerce Tech at Forrester and Roopi Crowley, Managing Director of Strategic Retail at T-Mobile for Business, as they explore: - The future of loyalty programs - Dynamic pricing and personalized offers - Collecting and leveraging customer feedback - Using connectivity and data to drive smarter merchandising Learn how to turn customer expectations into opportunities.

As the retail industry heads into 2026, innovation is no longer theoretical — it's operational. In this special episode of the Rethink Retail Predictions Podcast, we spoke directly with retail leaders who are actively building the future of commerce. From omnichannel growth and AI-driven personalization to pricing pressure, trust, and the rise of machine-assisted shopping, these experts share unfiltered insights into what's actually changing inside retail organizations.

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Martin Bailie is joined by Jerome Hamrit, Senior Vice President for Data and Retail Media at VusionGroup, and Thaddeus Segura, Senior Vice President for Product at VusionGroup, to explore the evolution of the connected store. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why store digital transformation is fundamentally different from e-commerce transformation - How real-time data from ESLs, computer vision, IoT sensors, and transactional systems creates a “live store” - Why platform thinking and system integration matter more than adding new devices - How Walmart and Carrefour approached connected store infrastructure at scale - The shift from “interesting technology” to essential retail capability - What “precision commerce” means and why it represents the future of retail execution - How connected stores unlock value for retailers, store teams, and brands through better execution, productivity, and monetization

What if store cameras were one of retail's most underused growth assets? In this episode, Martin Bailie (Advisory Board, RETHINK Retail) sits down with Karissa Price, Chief Customer Officer at Dragonfruit AI, and Randy Meadows, Retail Advisor to Dragonfruit AI and former SVP of Asset Protection at Kohl's, to explore how video AI is transforming retail beyond loss prevention. Key takeaways: - Most retailers already have the infrastructure - the opportunity is how they use it - AI is changing the economics of video across stores and supply chain - Buy-in happens when multiple teams see shared ROI - The real shift is moving from passive footage to actionable decisions

What happens when survey-based consumer research gets replaced by real-time, AI-orchestrated insight? At GroceryShop 2025, host Kirat Anand sits down with Trevor Sumner, CEO of iGenie.ai, to unpack how the company is redefining a $35B insights industry. They explore: - Why traditional surveys fail — and why 70% of responses are unusable - How iGenie analyzes billions of real consumer signals across search, social, video, and reviews - How AI-driven insight accelerates innovation cycles from 18 months to 2–3 months Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

How do you scale one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in retail? In this episode, host James Tenser sits down with Sean Goldsmith, Co-Founder & CEO of The Zero Proof, to unpack what's fueling the explosive rise of the non-alcoholic (NA) movement — and how retailers can capitalize. They explore: - The cultural shift toward wellness, moderation, and premium adult experiences - How new NA spirits, wines, and cocktails drive incremental revenue, not substitution - The operational blueprint behind scaling NA from blog → retailer → portfolio brand builder Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com