Podcast appearances and mentions of Chris Walton

Former Target executives Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga analyze this week's biggest retail stories, including Target's questionable "acceleration office" strategy amid declining sales, Sam's Club's game-changing $8.98 pizza delivery service, Lowe's strategic marketplace expansion with Mirakl, Google's AI-powered shopping checkout revolution, and Nike's return to Amazon after six years. The episode features exclusive consumer sentiment data from A&M's David Schneidman, revealing how consumers are cutting discretionary spending while embracing private label and loyalty programs. The hosts deliver sharp criticism of Target's leadership while praising innovative moves from Sam's Club and Lowe's that leverage technology and customer loyalty. This episode is brought to you in partnership with thethe A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. Music by hooksounds.com

Target's Bold Same-Day Delivery Gamble - Will It Pay Off? Target makes a major play in the membership wars by expanding Circle 360 to include same-day delivery from 100+ partner retailers. Our expert panel is split down the middle on this strategy. Key Moments: 0:00-0:45 - Target's announcement: same-day delivery expansion with no price markups 0:47-1:25 - Chris Disa defends the move as a consumer who already subscribes 1:26-2:30 - Anne questions the financial viability and subscriber conversion potential 2:31-4:00 - Michael's scathing critique: "should never have left the innovation room" 4:01-6:30 - Chris Walton piles on: Target's strategic confusion vs marketplace investment 6:31-7:50 - Chris Disa's counterargument: widening assortment for same-day needs 7:51-8:35 - Competitive comparison to DoorDash Plus restaurant delivery 8:36-10:00 - Michael reveals hidden operational pitfalls and store labor issues The debate reveals deep strategic questions about Target's direction and competitive positioning. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #target #samedaydelivery #retailstrategy #TargetEarnings #walmartplus #targetnews #RetailOperations #retailnews For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

Dick's Sporting Goods drops a retail bombshell with the massive Foot Locker acquisition. Our expert panel dissects every angle of this game-changing deal that has Wall Street buzzing. Key Moments: 0:00-0:50 - Deal announcement: $2.4B acquisition details and market reaction 0:51-2:40 - Michael's initial hatred: "Foot Locker has issues" and Nike dependency risks 2:41-4:30 - Michael's flip: Why Dick's $20B size makes this acquisition logical 4:31-5:40 - Chris Walton's "hot take": The shutdown strategy that could work 5:41-7:15 - The Nike power dynamic: Who controls whom in this new relationship? 7:16-8:30 - JD Sports threat and competitive landscape shifts 8:31-9:10 - Mall vs standalone retail: Different customer experiences matter 9:11-11:30 - Chris Disa's strategic analysis: International expansion and operational synergies The debate reveals whether this creates retail powerhouse or dangerous concentration risk. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. #DicksSportingGoods #footlocker #nikesneakers #retailstrategy #sportinggoods #SneakerMarket #retailnews #jdsports #retailstrategy #omnichannelretail #retail For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY

Target's $Billion Rural Gamble - Why Experts Say It's Doomed to Fail Target drops a bombshell expansion strategy that has retail experts in complete agreement - for all the wrong reasons. A former Target executive who actually ran rural stores delivers devastating firsthand insights. Key Moments: 0:00-1:07 - Target's massive rural expansion: 300 stores, 75% to 90% market coverage goal 1:08-2:40 - Chris Disa's measured take: Location-specific success vs. systemic strategy flaws 2:41-4:40 - Michael's scathing critique: "Should never have made it out of C-level meetings" 4:41-5:55 - Why modern Walmart beats Target at their own game in rural markets 5:56-7:30 - Former Target executive Chris Walton's shocking revelation: Rural stores do 50% less volume 7:31-9:15 - The Dollar General problem and why rural markets don't need Target 9:16-10:06 - Michael's final verdict: Focus on "what we can control" instead of "bright shiny objects" A unanimous expert panel demolition of what could be retail's biggest strategic blunder. This week's episode was brought to you with the help and support of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/Qx2hUtMWmTY #target #retailstrategy #TargetVsWalmart #RuralRetail #retailnews #retailexpansion #retailnews #dollargeneral #businessstrategy

In this deep-dive Omni Talk Spotlight, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by Rajat Nigam, Chief Product Officer at ClearDemand, to unpack the critical role of competitive intelligence in modern retail pricing. Formerly leading pricing innovation at Amazon, Rajat explains how engineering, data quality, and normalization are central to making pricing intelligence truly actionable — and profitable. From assortment gap analysis to real-time pricing enabled by electronic shelf labels, this episode explores the full retail stack of competitive data strategy. Key Moments: (1:00) Rajat's background and Amazon's secret pricing project (2:40) What makes “good” competitive intelligence (5:00) The three hardest problems in competitive data (7:30) Matching pack sizes and normalizing prices (10:00) Competitive data beyond pricing – assortment, promotions, planning (14:00) Where comp intel works best: grocery vs. luxury (17:00) Role of price elasticity in retail strategy (20:00) How to start: KVI items, category focus, and data gap analysis (23:30) Agility in pricing with ESLs and real-time data (25:00) Final thoughts and predictions for the future of pricing #RetailTech #CompetitiveIntelligence #PricingStrategy #RetailInnovation #ClearDemand #OmniTalk #GroceryTech #RetailData #amazon #PriceOptimization Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In this insightful retail analysis, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, experts debate whether Walmart's new Texas Supercenter deserves its "store of the future" label or simply represents a necessary upgrade to remain competitive in 2025. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to Walmart's new "store of the future" in Cypress, Texas 0:09 - Surprising revelation: This is Walmart's first ground-up Supercenter in four years 0:18 - Walmart's ambitious plans to convert 150+ stores to this model in coming years 0:24 - Feature breakdown: Fuel station, modernized pharmacy, vision center, and elevated departments 0:39 - Digital enhancements: App integration for services like TV mounting and registry management 0:49 - Technology implementation: Digital shelf labels and QR codes for expanded assortment access 1:32 - Ben Miller's surprise at the four-year gap since Walmart's last ground-up Supercenter 1:43 - Positive assessment of Walmart's operational standards and digital journey integration 2:04 - Strategic value of driving app usage to increase media sales and Walmart+ memberships 2:33 - Expert critique: This isn't truly a "store of the future" but rather a "store of now" 3:13 - Chris Walton explains it's more of a "prototype of the future" - pragmatic evolution vs. revolution 3:54 - Anne Mezzenga highlights regional competitive strategy against H-E-B with features like in-store tortillas 4:32 - What's missing: Comparison to Target's "store of the future" concept with more experimental tests 5:09 - Discussion of testing business model dynamics to improve profitability 5:36 - Reference to Walmart's unlocking of efficiencies through employee-facing technology 6:07 - Final assessment: "It's a Walmart makeover" targeting new demographics with enhanced experience The experts conclude this represents a solid strategic update rather than revolutionary retail concept, positioning Walmart effectively against regional competition while implementing proven technologies. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #walmart #texas #retail #retailnews #retailtrends #retailtech #storeofthefuture

In this insightful analysis, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, retail experts reveal what Lowe's new AI assistant is really designed to accomplish, beyond the surface-level marketing about leaky faucets and fertilizer choices. Key Moments: 0:02 - Breaking news: Lowe's introduces MyLow Companion AI assistant for store associates 0:10 - Partnership details: Application developed with OpenAI across 1,700+ stores 0:14 - Core functionalities: Product details, project advice, and inventory information access 0:18 - Key benefit: Accelerating the employee onboarding process 0:27 - Scale achievement: "First retailer to successfully implement this type of technology at scale" 0:33 - Technical capabilities: Generative AI with natural conversational prompts and voice-to-text 0:42 - Example use cases: Fertilizer recommendations and home repair guidance 1:14 - Ben Millers's analysis: Why this is "a great use case for AI" in categories requiring expertise 1:38 - Customer service challenge: Associates' varying experience levels and knowledge gaps 1:50 - Consistency benefit: Creating uniform quality of information regardless of associate tenure 2:00 - Comparison to self-checkout: Options for customers who prefer different service models 2:22 - Anne Mezzenga's critique of the media reporting: Overlooking the more significant training use case 2:42 - Inside information: Conversation with a Lowe's executive reveals true onboarding purpose 2:56 - Real examples: New employees quickly learning shipment timing and warranty information 3:03 - Data collection value: Using interaction data to improve future associate training 3:12 - Customer perspective: Why shoppers wouldn't ask a teenage summer employee about complex repairs 3:40 - Chris Walton's agreement: "100% I'd look this up myself" rather than wait for an associate 4:00 - PR criticism 4:20 - Industry impact concern: Creating false expectations about AI tools for retail associates 4:43 - Higher-value application: Supporting complex high-consideration sales like flooring installations 4:54 - Advanced capability: Prompting associates to ask the right questions based on customer responses 5:01 - Integration potential: Connecting to loyalty programs to enhance personalized selling The experts conclude that while Lowe's marketing focuses on answering simple product questions, the real innovation is in employee training, knowledge management, and creating consistency across a large retail workforce. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #loweshomeimprovement #ai #retailnews #retailtech #retailstrategy #retailtrends

Morrisons Robotic Revolution: UK's First Human-Sized Grocery Aisle Robots This eye-opening segment explores how Morrisons supermarket is transforming UK grocery operations by deploying the first human-sized aisle robots in the country. Retail experts analyze what this means for the industry's automation future. Key Moments: 0:02 - Breaking news: Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to deploy human-sized aisle robots 0:08 - Introduction to Simbe's Tally robots now operating in three northern England stores 0:27 - Ben Mille reveals he hasn't personally seen the robots but shares insider information from a colleague 0:54 - Technical details: Robots autonomously loop stores twice daily, checking 30,000 products hourly 1:07 - Comparison to similar technology already deployed by BJs and Schnucks in US markets 1:18 - Primary use cases: Inventory checking and pricing/promotion accuracy verification 1:23 - Critical ROI metric: Robots save approximately 50 labor hours weekly per store 1:32 - Expert analysis on why inventory management is "everything in grocery" and impacts P&L 1:42 - The challenge of balancing availability against waste, especially for short shelf-life products 2:01 - Anne Mezzenga highlights important insight: Even smaller-format UK stores see ROI from robot deployment 2:36 - Chris Walton confirms this validates "2025 being the year of the robot" prediction 3:03 - Additional benefit beyond inventory: Accurate pricing ensures capturing vendor promotional income Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA The discussion, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, reveals how robotic technology is proving valuable across different store formats and markets, making it a consideration for any retail executive serious about operational efficiency. #morrisons #retailnews #retailstrategy #retailtrends #robots #grocery #retailtech

In this eye-opening retail industry analysis, our expert panel examines the high-stakes partnership between Amazon and Saks Fifth Avenue that could reshape luxury shopping forever. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to the new "Luxury Stores at Amazon" partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue 0:50 - Ben Miller breaks down the strategy from Amazon's perspective as they pursue luxury consumers 1:18 - The fundamental mismatch between Amazon's utility-focused model and luxury's desire-creation business 2:05 - Critical context: Amazon's previous investment in Saks Global and the acquisition's financial problems 2:36 - Revelation of Saks' massive debt and upcoming repayment challenges driving this decision 3:32 - Chris Walton explains why luxury brands may not actually participate despite the partnership 4:16 - The "death knell" theory: Why using Fifth Avenue windows to promote Amazon shopping is "asinine" 5:15 - Counterpoint: Nordstrom's success with luxury through exceptional in-store experiences 6:54 - Anne Mezzenga provides a different perspective on the value of Amazon's convenience for luxury shoppers 7:53 - The shipping speed advantage: Getting luxury items next-day versus waiting a week 8:31 - How Amazon's Rufus AI could transform luxury shopping search and recommendations 9:23 - Heated debate: Could Buy with Prime have achieved the same goals without diluting the Saks brand? Listen as our retail experts battle over whether this partnership represents a desperate financial move or a necessary evolution in luxury retail's ongoing digital transformation in this week's Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand. Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/BrQ0kfPY4LA #amazon #saksfifthavenue #LuxuryRetail #retail #ecommercestrategy #retailinnovation #luxuryshopping #RetailDebate #AmazonLuxury #retailtransformation #omnichannel #retailbusiness

In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand,Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga break down Ulta's surprising decision to pause its shop-in-shop rollout with Target. Despite Target touting strong beauty performance, Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman—an operations leader and former Target exec—has decided to hold at 610 locations, raising questions about store traffic, brand alignment, and future investments. Chris compares Target to a ‘Mike Dexter' moment in retail (3:00), while Anne explores how cultural sentiment and operational caution may be driving this pause (4:50).

In this episode of Omni Talk's Ask an Expert series, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Stipe Galic, VP of Business Development & Marketing at TGW, to demystify the complexities of returns in today's omnichannel retail world. From cost savings to faster reshelving, Stipe walks us through how automation, flexible software, and a unified DC setup are transforming how retailers like Urban Outfitters manage inventory and returns. Key Moments: 1:05 – Stipe's journey from mechanical engineer to automation leader at TGW 4:59 – Why returns are such a thorn in omnichannel fulfillment 7:00 – Real-time processing of returns with mixed-SKU totes 10:00 – How software decides between single-SKU and return stock 14:36 – Case study: High-end fashion retailer consolidating DC operations 19:56 – Cutting return costs nearly in half through automation 22:00 – “Bridge vs. Ferry” analogy on warehouse responsiveness 24:35 – Seamless integration > cutting-edge tech: the new mindset Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

The Shoptalk 2025 Key Takeaways Podcast is here! Recorded live on stage, this fast-paced episode features Omni Talk's Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton with Shoptalk's content team — Marielle Bobo, Ben Miller, HG O'Connell, and the live conference audience — as they spin the wheel to hit the hottest themes of the show.

In this packed episode, Omni Talk hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview the most innovative retail technology providers attending Shoptalk 2025, giving listeners an insider's guide to the conference's must-see tech solutions. Key Moments: 1:33 – Interview with Big Sur AI's CEO Vinod Ramachandran on their AI sales agent, content marketer, and data scientist tools 17:12 – Lucky Labs' Sneh Parmar explains how they connect brands to major retailers with real-time inventory and attribution data 27:47 – Lily AI's Purva Gupta breaks down how they bridge the gap between merchant language and consumer search terms 44:33 – Syrup's James Theuerkauf discusses their AI decision support system for optimizing inventory management 56:50 – Placer.AI's Ethan Chernofsky shares insights on location analytics and understanding retail traffic patterns 1:12:34 – Treasure Data's Mark Tack on intelligent data platforms transforming retail customer experiences 1:25:01 – Mirakl's Alex Hase explains the rising trend of specialty retailers launching marketplace platforms 1:35:33 – Signifyd's Raj Ramanand reveals how AI is solving the $890 billion returns problem in retail Be careful out there, #retailtech #shoptalk #aiinretail #retailinnovation #ecommerce #retailstrategy #customerexperience #retailanalytics #digitaltransformation *Sponsored Content*

How is AI transforming retail technology? In this episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Jessica Grisolia from Scandit about the latest innovations in smart data capture, shelf intelligence, and workforce efficiency. Find out how AI is not replacing store associates but enhancing their productivity, and why next-best-action intelligence is coming soon to inventory management. ⏳ Key Moments: 0:08 – Intro to OmniTalk's Ask An Expert Series 1:21 – The importance of human-centric retail AI 5:41 – The $1.7 trillion inventory problem retailers face 9:25 – How AI optimizes store associates' workflows 18:52 – Staples Canada's 45% cost reduction with smart data capture 27:44 – Retail AI trends for 2026: Agentic AI and coordinated computer vision

How can AI-driven pricing optimization boost retail profits and customer loyalty?

In our latest episode of Omni Talk's Investor Perspectives on Retail and the Consumer, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Simeon Siegel, Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets, to discuss the key trends and challenges facing retail and e-commerce as we approach 2025. They dive into topics such as market share, DTC strategy, and the importance of maintaining brand equity. Key Moments: 1:00 - Simeon Siegel's background and role in retail analysis 8:50 - 2024 market trends and what's ahead for 2025 15:50 - How brands like Victoria's Secret and Under Armour are evolving 27:20 - Why direct-to-consumer is not a one-size-fits-all strategy 40:00 - Final thoughts on retail innovation and investment strategy #retailtrends #dtc #businessinsights #podcast #ecommerce #marketanalysis Music by hooksounds.com

Our good friends Lena Moriarity from eTail and Lauren Livak Gilbert from The Digital Shelf Institute gave us a great big take aways from the huge NRF Big Show in New York! We threw in a quick clip from the amazing show Omni Talk, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga. They had a great interview with Mark Williamson from Costco's Retail Media Network. Always Off Brand is Ecommerce Simplified, Learn & Laugh!    FEATURING Lauren Livak Gilbert and Lena Moriarty    CREDIT to Omni Talk for the NRF clip with Mark Williamson from Costco.    QUICKFIRE Info:   Website: https://www.quickfirenow.com/ Email the Show: info@quickfirenow.com  Talk to us on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quickfireproductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quickfire__/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quickfiremarketing LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/quickfire-productions-llc/about/ Sports podcast Scott has been doing since 2017, Scott & Tim Sports Show part of Somethin About Nothin:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/somethin-about-nothin/id1306950451 HOSTS: Summer Jubelirer has been in digital commerce and marketing for over 16 years. After spending many years working for digital and ecommerce agencies working with multi-million dollar brands and running teams of Account Managers, she is now the Amazon Manager at OLLY PBC.   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerjubelirer/   Scott Ohsman has been working with brands for over 29 years in retail, online and has launched over 200 brands on Amazon. Owning his own sales and marketing agency in the Pacific NW, is now VP of Digital Commerce for Quickfire LLC. Scott has been a featured speaker at national trade shows and has developed distribution strategies for many top brands. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ohsman-861196a6/   Hayley Brucker has been working in retail and with Amazon for years. Hayley has extensive experience in digital advertising, both seller and vendor central on Amazon. Hayley is based out of North Carolina and has worked in multiple product categories and has also worked on the brand side and started with Nordstrom on the retail floor.  LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-brucker-1945bb229/   Huge thanks to Cytrus our show theme music “Office Party” available wherever you get your music. Check them out here: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cytrusmusic Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cytrusmusic/ Twitter https://twitter.com/cytrusmusic SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VrNLN6Thj1iUMsiL4Yt5q?si=MeRsjqYfQiafl0f021kHwg APPLE MUSIC https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cytrus/1462321449   “Always Off Brand” is part of the Quickfire Podcast Network and produced by Quickfire LLC.  

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024's Retail Awards. In this short, they break down the most laughable retail headlines of 2024, including Coach's misguided Roblox venture, Amazon's hype about ordering Pepsi on your phone while shopping at Whole Foods, Macy's contradictory store closure strategy, and Wayfair's controversial workplace culture statement. Key Moments: 0:02 - Introduction to laughable headlines 0:10 - Coach's Roblox collection analysis 0:40 - Discussion of resource allocation in digital marketing 1:17 - Amazon's hype about ordering Pepsi on your phone while shopping at Whole Foods 2:17 - Macy's store closure contradiction 3:34 - Wayfair CEO's controversial email 4:15 - Impact analysis of poor leadership decisions For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7A our retail experts

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: PorchPals, a new insurance product for stolen packages, is now available nationwide. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the numbers behind package theft, Porch Pals' subscription model, and whether retailers or consumers should take the lead in solving this $13.4 billion problem. Key Moments: [00:00] PorchPals subscription model overview [02:30] The staggering cost of porch piracy [03:40] Who should pay: retailers or consumers? [05:20] Alternative solutions for package theft protection [07:10] Personalized insurance at checkout: a better model? #PorchPals #packagedelivery #ecommercetrends #retailinnovation For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/J8I1H1pFBT8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: E.l.f. Beauty's Virtual Luxe Lounge is a 3D shopping platform exclusive to its loyalty program members. But does it move the needle, or is it another unnecessary 3D gimmick? This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dissect the concept and share alternative approaches to creating meaningful online loyalty experiences. Key Moments: [00:00] E.l.f. Beauty's loyalty program strategy [01:30] What's inside the Virtual Luxe Lounge [03:00] Why standalone 3D shopping rarely works [04:15] Better ideas for engaging loyal customers online [05:45] Live video, TikTok, and other loyalty innovations #elfbeauty #virtualshopping #loyaltyprograms #retailtech For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/J8I1H1pFBT8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Dollar General's fresh produce rollout is slowing in 2025, with plans to add 300 new locations instead of the rapid pace seen in prior years. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga analyze what's behind this decision, including the challenges of running grocery within a dollar store model and the financial dynamics of competing with Walmart in rural markets. Key Moments: [00:00] Dollar General's fresh produce plans for 2025 [01:30] Why grocery is tougher than it looks [03:00] Operational insights from Target's fresh rollout expert [04:15] Competing with Walmart in grocery [05:45] Why this slowdown is actually a smart move #dollargeneral #freshproduce #grocerytrends #retailtrends For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/J8I1H1pFBT8

Tractor Supply is scaling new heights with its “Life Out Here 2030” expansion plan. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga analyze its growth strategy, retail media potential, and B2B opportunities, making the case for why Tractor Supply is the retailer to watch in the next decade. Key Moments: [00:00] Tractor Supply's store expansion goals [01:50] The growth potential in the pet category [03:00] Retail media opportunities for Tractor Supply [04:20] Why Tractor Supply could rival Walmart in scale

In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Spotlight Series Podcast, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the world of private brands with special guests Brandon Warren and Bethany Davis of the Barcode Group. Discover why private brands are crucial to retail growth, who's winning the private label game, and how retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target are adapting their strategies. Brandon and Bethany also share actionable advice for manufacturers and retailers looking to elevate their private label programs. Key moments to look for: [00:00] Intro and overview of the Barcode Group [05:21] Why private brands are booming in retail [13:42] Comparing Costco, Walmart, and Target private label strategies [24:30] Challenges for manufacturers in adapting to private label growth [34:45] Winners, sleepers, and areas for improvement in private brands [39:55] Actionable advice for retailers and manufacturers Don't miss this insightful conversation full of expert takes and innovative ideas! #privatelabel #retailstrategy #target #walmart #costco Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

Chris Walton is the Managing Director of Nunn Media, Australia's Leading Independent Media Agency, and earlier this year he attended the inaugural meeting of the Advertising Who Cares meeting in London, hosted by Brian Jacobs and Nick Manning. The ad industry is by common consent not a great place to be these days. Many within it are unhappy with the state of the industry but are understandably anxious about expressing their views openly.  Driven by a desire to make the ad world a better, more productive, more creatively driven place, Who Cares assembled a community of like-minded professionals who understand what's broken, are collectively smart enough to ideate how to fix the problem and passionate and powerful enough to deliver what needs to be done. Chris shares with us the experience and the outcomes of that meeting. Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/managing-marketing/id1018735190  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75mJ4Gt6MWzFWvmd3A64XW?si=a3b63c66ab6e4934  Listen on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/managing-marketing  Listen on Podbean: https://managingmarketing.podbean.com/  For more episodes of TrinityP3's Managing Marketing podcast, visit https://www.trinityp3.com/managing-marketing-podcasts/  Recorded on RiversideFM and edited, mixed and managed by JML Audio with thanks to Jared Lattouf.

In this Omni Talk Retail podcast episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, to discuss how RFID technology is transforming retail. Key topics covered include: 0:08 – Opening: Discussing RFID's impact on retail and the recent H&M store experience. 0:28 – Introducing Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, and his background in retail and technology. 1:15 – Troy's preparation for the podcast, background in Omnichannel and retail tech, and transition to GreyOrange. 4:29 – Overview of GreyOrange: From supply chain automation to advanced in-store AI applications. 5:52 – How supply chain automation and AI intersect in retail innovation. 7:47 – gStore and AI in action: Real-world examples of automation in fulfillment and in-store operations. 8:45 – Moving from handheld to overhead RFID and the value of real-time inventory tracking. 9:42 – The benefits of RFID: Real-time inventory visibility, replenishment from the backroom, and increased conversion rates. 10:50 – How overhead RFID technology enables constant cycle counts, improving inventory accuracy. 12:29 – Enhanced customer experience: How RFID powers smart mirrors and interactive fitting rooms. 15:06 – Introduction to gStore and how it serves as an operational platform for retailers. 16:16 – RFID as an entry point for retail digital transformation, and how gStore integrates various in-store tasks. 18:59 – Why some retailers are investing in RFID and digital transformation now, especially with omnichannel demands. 20:58 – Use cases in merchandising: Compliance checks, inventory tracking, and heat mapping with G Store. 22:19 – How RFID technology supports product location in stores and enhances in-store experience. 24:03 – Scaling gStore: Considerations for store-to-store variations in RFID technology implementation. 27:13 – Challenges with scaling RFID and the importance of piloting across different store formats. 28:28 – Looking ahead: The future of RFID and other sensing technologies in retail, including the potential of single-platform analytics. 30:52 – The evolving consumer experience: How precise item location impacts omni-channel retail. 32:00 – Final thoughts: The role of real-time data and predictive insights in shaping modern retail. Music by hooksounds.com #rfidtechnology #retailautomation #inventorymanagement #retailinnovation #RetailPodcast #supplychain Sponsored Content

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Lakshman Lakshmanan and Chris Creyts discuss: Buy Buy Baby is set to close all of its physical stores less than a year after its launch, transitioning to an online-only model. This decision comes amid a challenging retail landscape for baby products, characterized by declining birth rates and fierce competition from major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The podcast features insights from Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guests Lakshman Lakshmanan and Chris Creyts, who discuss the implications of Buy Buy Baby's shift and whether a successful baby business can thrive without a physical presence. They explore how influencers have changed consumer behaviors and the commoditization of baby products, making it harder for standalone brands to compete. Ultimately, the conversation raises concerns about the viability of the baby retail market and suggests potential strategies for adapting to these challenges. Takeaways: Buy Buy Baby is transitioning to an online-only model, closing all physical stores by year-end. The closure reflects the challenges physical retailers face in the saturated baby market. Influencers and social media are now primary sources of product information for new parents. The declining birth rates present significant challenges for businesses in the baby product sector. Retail experts suggest that partnerships with established retailers could provide strategic benefits for Buy Buy Baby. The market is dominated by major players like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, leaving little room for smaller competitors. Companies mentioned in this episode: Buy Buy Baby Dream On Me Amazon Target Walmart Kohl's Babies R Us Gymboree Carter's Once Upon a Child Container Store Kirkland's Ikea For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/k5dEe64NBUE

In this exclusive podcast episode from Omni Talk, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga join Shoptalk's Joe Laszlo, Ben Miller and Alexa Tietjen, for a game show-style recap of all the key takeaways from Shoptalk Fall 2024 in front of the live conference audience, replete with tuxedos, buzzers, and amazing puns! Key topics covered include: - The overall the state of the retail industry right now - The rise of “Unified Commerce” - How retailers are continuing to optimize their product assortments - The renewed emphasis on team development - The most pressing growth opportunities across the industry - Loyalty, loyalty, and more loyalty - AI and data strategies - And the most interesting thing the panel learned off-stage, away from the planned conference content So, give it a listen, plug it into ChatGPT, and recap the conference for your team like a boss!

In this exclusive podcast episode from Omni Talk, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga join Groceryshop's Ben Miller and Rocquan Lucas for a rapid fire recap of all the key takeaways from Groceryshop 2024 in front of the live conference audience. Key topics covered include: The overall the state of the Grocery industry right now - What's next for the evolution of the physical grocery store - The importance of adjacent revenue streams - The best AI use case or case study heard at the conference - The technology that excited the panel the most - The "Quote of the Show" - The most surprising thing from the conference - And the most interesting thing the panel learned off-stage, away from the planned conference content So, give it a listen, plug it into ChatGPT, and recap the conference for your team like a boss!

In this episode of the Omni Talk Expert Series, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga are joined by Nikki Baird, VP of Strategy and Product at Aptos, for a deep dive into modern store transformation and the critical role of point of sale (POS) technology. Nikki shares her vast expertise in retail and explains how retailers can upgrade their store operations by leveraging cloud-based POS solutions that empower associates, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability. Key Moments: [0:25] - Introduction to Nikki Baird and her background in omnichannel retail [4:15] - The importance of POS systems in modern store transformation [7:02] - How POS technology has evolved in the past 3-5 years [10:02] - Cloud-based POS systems and their role in offline resiliency [12:26] - The business case for upgrading POS systems and its impact on employees and customers [18:23] - Case study: How The North Face successfully piloted a POS transformation [22:02] - The role of customer experience in measuring POS success [26:24] - Key myths and misconceptions around retail POS upgrades and modern store tech This conversation is a must-listen for retail leaders looking to upgrade their store operations and enhance customer experiences through modern POS technology. Tune in now! #retailtech #omnichannel #pointofsale Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In this exciting episode of Omni Talk's “Ask an Expert” series, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Ownit AI co-founders Payman Nejati and Evan Shiue to discuss how Amazon's Rufus and Google's AI overviews are revolutionizing e-commerce. They dive into the potential impact these innovations will have on product searches, consumer behavior, and how retailers can leverage AI to stay competitive. If you're interested in the future of retail and AI-driven shopping experiences, this episode is a must-listen. Key Moments Include: [0:25] - Introduction to Amazon Rufus and generative AI in retail. [2:05] - Payman and Evan's journey in e-commerce and AI technology. [5:50] - What Rufus does for Amazon users and its significance for e-commerce. [7:50] - How retailers need to adapt to AI-driven search models. [10:43] - How Google's AI overview competes with Amazon and changes search behaviors. [14:11] - Practical examples of how retailers can take advantage of AI in their product catalog. [22:10] - Impact of trends like social media on retail and AI's role in keeping retailers competitive. [26:26] - Discussion on AI in retail media and the integration of ads in AI-driven search. [30:13] - Final advice for retailers looking to leverage AI in their e-commerce strategies. Tune in for a detailed exploration of how generative AI is setting a new standard for shopping! #retailinnovation #ecommerce #Amazon #generativeai #retailtech Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

Dive into the future of retail logistics with Omni Talk's Ask An Expert Series featuring Blake Neal from TGW Logistics. Uncover how e-commerce trends are revolutionizing supply chains, from ultra-fast delivery to sustainable practices. Key moments in the interview include: 0:08 - Introduction to the Omni Talk expert series 5:42 - The rise of ultra-fast delivery and its impact on supply chains 11:52 - Digital marketplaces and the challenges of returns management 20:23 - Sustainability in retail logistics: balancing efficiency and environmental impact 26:54 - The evolution of omnichannel strategies and common mistakes to avoid Join hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga as they explore Blake's insights on warehouse automation, reverse logistics, and the future of retail operations. Whether you're a retail professional or logistics enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on staying competitive in the ever-evolving world of retail technology and supply chain optimization. #RetailTrends #SupplyChain #Ecommerce #logisticssoftware *Sponsored Content*

In an era where customer loyalty is more critical than ever, retailers are shifting their focus from transactional efficiency to interactive engagement across channels, with generative AI spearheading much of the change. So Omni Talk is pleased to announce that Michael Klein, Talkdesk's Director of Retail Product Marketing, joined Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for the latest installment of their Omni Talk Ask An Expert Series to explore the future of retail CX, and, specifically, how retailers should prioritize it and attack it head on. Collectively the three of them went deep on: - The shift from transactional efficiency to interactive engagement - Strategies for integrating new technologies and enabling talented staff - The expanding ecosystem of customer service roles - The critical importance of unifying customer data across all touchpoints - Practical insights and lessons learned from leading retailers It's the perfect conversation for retail executives, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of retail operations and customer engagement. Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In this episode of Omni Talk Retail Technology Spotlight Series, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive deep into the revolutionary world of 2D barcodes with experts Carrie Wilkie from GS1 US and Ayub Mohammed of Bitly. Discover how these small squares are reshaping retail, from supply chains to consumer engagement. Key moments include: 0:08 - Introduction to the future of barcoding in retail 3:50 - The fascinating history of barcodes and their evolution 10:26 - How 2D barcodes are revolutionizing food safety and waste reduction 16:51 - Unlocking consumer engagement through connected packaging 21:37 - ROI for retailers implementing 2D barcode technology 24:51 - How grocers can differentiate themselves with advanced barcoding 27:27 - The future of retail technology and connected packaging With the Bitly Connections Platform, users can manage and track all of their 2D Barcodes and Short Links in one place while getting robust insights into consumer behavior including where and when they are engaging, down to their geographic location, referral source, and time of scan. To learn more, head here: https://bitly.com/pages/resources/press/bitly-introduces-2d-barcodes Join us as we explore how these tiny codes are making a massive impact on inventory management, product traceability, and personalized marketing. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of shopping experiences and brand interactions. #RetailTech #2DBarcodes #ConsumerEngagement #SupplyChain #futureofretail Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In this insightful 5-minute segment, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Chuck Anderson-Weir, Senior Director of Measurement Solutions at Ovative, to discuss the latest EMR (Enterprise Marketing Return) Power Rankings. Link to power rankings: https://ovative.com/insights/2024-media-power-rankings/ Discover the marketing trends that are driving incremental revenue, customer acquisition, and long-term brand equity for retailers. Learn how digital video platforms like CTV and YouTube are rising in the rankings, thanks to their ability to drive in-store traffic and provide full-funnel marketing solutions. Chuck shares examples of retailers like Men's Wearhouse and Torrid, who are leveraging digital video to increase their marketing ROI by up to 20%. Explore the potential of shoppable TV ads, as seen with Amazon Prime Video, and how this technology is catching up to meet consumer engagement preferences. Chuck also predicts that influencer and creator marketing will flip the entire marketing planning cycle on its head by 2025, as retailers become more data-driven and customer-centric. Don't miss out on these valuable insights that could help your retail business stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. #EMRPowerRankings #RetailMarketing #DigitalVideo #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorMarketing #ShoppableTVAds #Ovative #ChrisWalton #AnneMezzenga #RetailIndustryPredictions #2025RetailTrends Music by hooksounds.com Sponsored Content

In yet another one of those, "Holy Cow! That is so cool!" episodes of the Omni Talk Retail Technology Spotlight Series, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga explore the groundbreaking potential of generative AI in the retail industry. Sravanth Aluru, the Founder and CEO of Avataar, alongside Avataar's SVP of Creative AI, Jane Rawnsley, share insights on how their cutting-edge technology is radically improving retail product visualization and storytelling. You'll discover how Avataar harnesses the convergence of AI and computer vision to drastically reduce operational costs and time for retailers while enhancing the consumer experience. You'll also learn about the seamless creation of digital assets, from still images to immersive 3D environments, enabling personalized and engaging product exploration. You'll even gain insights into the future of retail, where the lines between physical and digital blur, and how Avataar empowers brands to scale their content creation and meet customers where they are. The top digital marketplaces and brands like Samsung are already leveraging Avataar's capabilities and witnessing impressive ROI and conversion rate uplifts, so whether you're a retail professional, marketer, or simply fascinated by the transformative power of AI, this episode is a must-watch, with immediate real-world application. Join the conversation and immerse yourself in the boundless possibilities that generative AI brings to the world of retail. And, for additional video footage to complement the interview, check out this link that showcases the full power of Avataar on display: https://youtu.be/c2aaKbUI_Ec #GenerativeAI #RetailTechnology #ProductVisualization #DigitalAssetCreation #ImmersiveExperiences #RetailInnovation #AvatarAI #OmniTalk #Avataar *Sponsored Content*

Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with David Dorf, Global Head of Retail Industry Solutions at AWS, and Filippo Battaini, Research Manager for Retail Insights at IDC, to discuss the most impactful and practical use cases for AI and generative AI in retail. Discover how retailers can leverage AI to drive profitability and ROI through innovative applications in inventory management, demand forecasting, product descriptions, hyper-personalization, and ideation. Learn about the IDC Techscape, a comprehensive framework for evaluating AI use cases in retail, and how it can guide retailers in their AI adoption strategy (Link to Techscape: https://pages.awscloud.com/GLOBAL-brand-awareness-content-download-24-idc-ardm-techscape-ai-in-retail-report-learn.html?trk=3aeeaa98-dfd2-4059-8b8e-7bb2e0acc4bc&sc_channel=el) David and Filippo share real-world case studies demonstrating the transformative power of AI in improving customer experience, enhancing employee efficiency, and streamlining omnichannel operations. They also discuss the organizational changes required for successful AI implementation and offer practical advice for retailers looking to embark on their AI journey. This video is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in retail. Link to the Very Group Case Study: https://aws.amazon.com/resources/analyst-reports/idc/global-ar-report-ardm-idc-the-very-group/?trk=c7f025a5-c68a-4ecb-8f6b-41bd451701ad&sc_channel=el #AIinRetail #GenerativeAI #RetailTechnology #ROI #InventoryManagement #DemandForecasting #Hyperpersonalization #Ideation #RetailMedia #IDCTechscape #AWS #RetailInnovation *Sponsored Content*

Live from the Shoptalk Europe stage, Omni Talk's Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga recap the key takeaways from all three days of the conference with Shoptalk's very own Ben Miller and Zahra Mohamed, all in rapid fire style, and allocating no more than 4 minutes per topic! Highlights include: - The overall state of European Retail - How real is the concept of "Unified Commerce" - Is AI overhyped? Underhyped? Or properly hyped? - The power of brand - Retail Media -- is it all it's cracked up to be? - And, of course, our biggest surprises from the conference and much, much more! Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Buying Or Selling: Target's Price Cuts For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/38T1iAyglTM

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Walmart Expanding Neighborhood Market In More Ways Than One For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/38T1iAyglTM

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: If GoPuff Price Matching Aldi Is Sustainable? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/38T1iAyglTM

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Lego Tying Sustainability Goals To Employee Bonuses For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/38T1iAyglTM

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Hims Offering Wegovy For $199 Per Month

For our money, we cannot think of another technology that unlocks as much value when it is deployed and harnessed across multiple levels of a retail organization in the right way as RFID. So Omni Talk is pleased to announce that Marshall Kay, Global Director of Retail Transformation Services at Avery Dennison, and Randy Dunn, Director of Business Development at Zebra Technologies, joined Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga to share all the ways the best of the best retailers are utilizing RFID. Chris and Anne go deep with Marshall and Randy on: – The history of RFID, i.e. where it has been and where it is going next, inclusive of current pricing, use cases, and category penetration – What Randy refers to as the “ladder” approach to RFID implementation – How to move from a basic, foundational RFID implementation into a world of “RFID+” – And, perhaps most importantly, how to know when you have actually unlocked the full value of RFID inside of your retail organization Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

Very few retailers realize that underneath all their years of operating a retail business lies a technological foundation from which others can learn. But not Walmart. Walmart gets it. Enter Walmart Commerce Technologies. Walmart understands this phenomenon as well as anyone, which is why Omni Talk is pleased to announce that Anshu Bhardwaj, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Walmart Global Technology and Walmart Commerce Technologies, joined Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for the latest installment of their Omni Talk Ask An Expert Series. Chris and Anne went deep with Anshu on: – Anshu's career journey and what led up to her leading Walmart Commerce Technologies – What Walmart Commerce Technologies is and the origin story surrounding it – What differentiates Walmart Commerce Technologies in the SaaS space and why selling technology to other retailers is the right move for Walmart – Walmart Commerce Technologies' currently product portfolio, including Store Assist and Route Optimization – And, of course, where Anshu plans to take things next Music by hooksounds.com *Sponsored Content*

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest host Ben Miller of Shoptalk discussed: How Automatic Age Verification Comes To Self-checkout, In Of All Places, Germany? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/5NLe5lpZPJ4

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest host Ben Miller of Shoptalk discussed: How Big Of A Deal Walmart's Restructuring Announcement Is For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/5NLe5lpZPJ4

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest host Ben Miller of Shoptalk discussed: Exchange Zones: Will They Or Won't They Take Off In The States? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/5NLe5lpZPJ4

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest host Ben Miller of Shoptalk discussed: Are They Buying Or Selling: JCP Opening New Stores? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/5NLe5lpZPJ4