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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
What happens when your best customer is no longer a person, but an AI agent acting on their behalf? Agility requires not just adapting to new technologies, but fundamentally rethinking the customer journey when those technologies change the very definition of a customer. It demands a proactive stance on what's next, rather than a reactive one. Today, we're going to talk about the seismic shifts happening in e-commerce, fresh off the floor of NRF 2026, and what it all means for the year ahead. We'll explore the real-world impact of AI on the customer experience, the rise of agentic commerce, and how marketing leaders can prepare for a future that's arriving faster than anyone expected.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back Lena Moriarty, Head of Marketing at eTail. About Lena Moriarty Lena Moriarty is the Head of Marketing at eTail, the conference community designed to power your growth 365 days a year. At eTail, she takes charge on all things omnichannel marketing and strategy, from point A to point Z. Lena Moriarty on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/lenamoriarty Resources eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agile Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Tariffs reshaping supply chains. AI's hallucination problem exposed. Just-in-time dead, just-in-case reborn. Warehouse clubs dominating omnichannel. Four major themes. Twenty executive interviews. These were just some of my lessons learned from NRF 2026.Hosted by Chris Walton, former Target executive and co-host of the Omnii Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast. New episodes of Walton's Weekly Wramblings drop every Friday.Brought to you with the help and support of Grocery Dealz and MiraklSubscribe now and be careful out there - the retail landscape is changing faster than ever.
We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Last week, Shelley caught up with five more innovators at NRF 2026 to get their takes on the retail industry and an outlook for this year. Their conversations ranged from the connected store and talent development to geolocation analytics and the need for personalization. Listen and learn from the experts. Matthew Cry transformed his retail leadership experience by leveraging a better way to engage with customers and product with daily insights. “The physical store is the pulse on everything that's happening, connecting your inventory, shoppers, store teams, what's being bought, and what's not being bought. So, we're thinking when a customer is in that moment looking for something, we should be able to show her other products that are available in her size, and we should be saving the sales associate time from not having to do that manually.”Kimberly Minor's explains there is no longer a direct linear career path: “How do we create pathways to new jobs, and how do we prepare people to be flexible so that they are ready when new opportunities open?” She adds “If you're curious about what your future could look like, then you should be curious about what other opportunities are available.”As a professor at FIT and Parsons School of Design, Marie Driscoll distills the underlying trend in retail to the range of AI tools that are aiding the retail practice. Her NRF observations range from Mango , Dick's and LVMH to the K-shaped economy and the challenges of real estate and the luxury market. From a consumer perspective, going into 2026, she says, “I think the consumer is sitting in the best seat. She has so many choices, and the retailers that are creating valuable services for their customers will win.”Dominic Miserandino explores what makes the customer experience joy; he says experiential is a human connection. As a connector, he adds, “I think we have evolved into a non-experiential, transactional retail culture, meaning DoorDash, press the button; Uber Eats, press the button. And the consumer is saying, yeah, that's awesome.” As an antidote, he adds, “You have to seek the emotional connections of humanity. So, retailers need to think about how they can humanize at scale.” is the connection among them all.” Gary Sankary's work on mapping and geo-spatial analytics helps retailers understand why things happen where they do inside and outside stores—everything from the global all the way down to the neighborhood. As a contrarian, he says, “I'm going to be an outlier here and say Agentic AI is not going to innovate; what drives retail success is innovation and design. What AI is helping us do is expand the scope of the things that we can look at.”Matthew Cyr, CEO, Founder, Crave RetailKimberly Minor, CEO Co-Founder, WOC Retail Alliance (WOCRA)Marie Driscoll, TRR Contributor, Professor, FIT, Parsons School of Design Dominic Miserandino, Founder and CEO, RTM NexusGary Sankary,Retail Industry Lead, EsriFor more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry and Rachel are joined by Amar Singh and David Marcotte for a rapid‑fire download on everything we saw, heard, and learned at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show. From global tech innovation to the rise of agentic commerce, frictionless checkout, robotics, synthetic data, and the power of creators, this episode is packed with the signals shaping the next era of retail.
Live from NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show in New York City, Ali Furman, partner and U.S. consumer markets industry leader at PwC, and Barbara O'Beirne, head of global enterprise business development at Stripe, both join Retail Gets Real for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution — and what that means for retailers right now.Near the Expo floor buzzing with robots, AI demos and next-generation technology, Furman and O'Beirne unpack why agentic AI represents a structural change rather than a passing trend. Unlike earlier generations of AI that primarily assisted with search and discovery, agentic AI is designed to act. It can evaluate options, make decisions and increasingly transact on behalf of consumers. They say this evolution is reshaping the very top of the shopping funnel and redefining how consumers decide what to buy.(00:00:00) Why agentic AI was everywhere at NRF 2026(00:04:49) How commerce is moving inside AI conversations(00:07:29) Why agentic commerce is a structural shift, not a trend(00:10:21) How will agentic AI impact bricks-and-mortar retail?(00:12:45) How PwC and Stripe are helping retailers move from pilots to reality(00:18:31) Where retail leaders should start with AI right nowThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 395: Adapting to the rise of AI shoppers• 390: The role of AI in shaping cybersecurity and fraud prevention
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026, Mike Wier, Vice President of Store Brands at CVS, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how CVS is rethinking private brands as a core growth engine across health, wellness, and everyday convenience. Mike explains what it means to run store brands like a “mini CEO,” overseeing product development, sourcing, branding, and growth across a 9,000-store footprint. With most CVS customers shopping quick, mission-driven trips, the conversation focuses on how simplicity, clarity, and trust at the shelf are shaping CVS's private brand strategy. Looking ahead, Mike outlines his vision for CVS private brands evolving beyond the store, becoming trusted consumer brands that extend outside of CVS's four walls and operate more like modern CPG companies. Key Topics Covered: -What it means to lead private brands as a “mini CEO” inside CVS -Why CVS simplified dozens of brands into a focused brand portfolio How short, mission-driven trips shape private brand strategy -Repositioning the CVS brand for health, wellness, and trust -Packaging simplification and shelf clarity as competitive advantages -Competing with national brands in wellness and everyday essentials -Why CVS private brands may expand beyond CVS stores -How private brands are becoming long-term growth platforms Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's NRF 2026 coverage, and thank you to our listeners for following along throughout the show. #NRF2026 #CVS #PrivateBrands #StoreBrands #RetailStrategy #HealthAndWellness #RetailBranding #RetailInnovation #OmniTalkRetail
In this Retail Technology Spotlight episode, Amy Vener, Global Retail & Consumer Goods Marketing Director for Commercial Cloud & AI at Microsoft, joins Omni Talk to unpack the main takeaways from NRF and where retailers should focus next as agentic commerce moves from theory to execution. Drawing on her experience across Walmart, Pinterest, and Microsoft, Amy shares how retailers are shifting away from AI hype and toward real, measurable outcomes. From conversational shopping agents and merchandising insights to connected stores and cultural readiness, this episode breaks down how retailers can drive real return on intelligence in 2026 and beyond. If you're trying to figure out where AI fits into your merchandising, marketing, store operations, or supply chain strategy (and how to start without boiling the ocean), this conversation is for you. Key Topics covered: • 00:03:08 – Why “what problem are you trying to solve?” still matters more than the tech • 00:07:34 – Agentic commerce use cases across marketing, merchandising, and operations • 00:15:50 – How conversational data is influencing assortment and product development • 00:10:01 – The role of connected stores and digital twins in retail decision-making • 00:09:09 / 00:19:58 – Lessons from brands like Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Cola • 00:23:07 – Why culture and team readiness are critical to AI adoption • 00:25:42 – How retailers should engage Microsoft to drive faster business impact
Direto da NRF 2026, a maior feira do varejo global, Maurício Andrade de Paula, diretor de bens de consumo e varejo na Capgemini, detalha as tendências do ano e explica por que 2026 é o ano em que saber usar Inteligência Artificial será diferencial competitivo para as empresas, e o que deve mudar, na prática, para o setor. Mas não se engane, tecnologia não basta. Confiança do consumidor, experiências relevantes e transparência das marcas serão cruciais para o sucesso. Confira a conversa.Links do episódioA página do LinkedIn de Maurício Andrade de PaulaO estudo "What Matters to Today's Consumer 2026", da CapgeminiO livro "Hospitalidade Irracional: o Extraordinário Poder de dar às Pessoas Mais do que Elas Esperam", de Will Guidara, com tradução de Vanessa SchreinerO livro "Faces do Varejo", coletânea de artigos de especialistas brasileiros organizada por Alberto Oyama, Alexandre Luercio e Claudia BittencourtO livro "Small data: Como Poucas Pistas Indicam Grandes Tendências", de Martin Lindstrom, traduzido por Rodrigo Peixoto A The Shift é uma plataforma de conteúdo que descomplica os contextos da inovação disruptiva e da economia digital.Visite o site www.theshift.info e assine a newsletter
This week, co-hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels are joined by senior reporter Julia Waldow to dive into takeaways from the National Retail Federation's 2026 conference; it's the retail industry's biggest conference, and typically sets the tone for the year. The mood at NRF was cautiously optimistic, with brands and retailers showing off their best use cases of agentic commerce and AI tools to help with checkout and discovery. Waldow explains how the week also saw announcements from the likes of Google, and Microsoft about the tools they're deploying for retailers to try. But at the same time, executives said there is still some friction, with many attendees themselves saying they don't trust AI to do their shopping for them. Barkho discuss how beyond technology, brands talked about how to court today's shoppers by focusing on value, and the ways they're looking to stay relevant. Other key themes discussed on the show include: How AI in retail has shifted from hypothetical use cases to case studies of practical applications The far-fetched robotics and technologies seen on the Expo Floor Brands becoming less vocal about tariffs and immigration-related challenges as they focus on growth in a complex landscape
Fresh from the Javits Center, Phillip, Brian, and Alicia unpack NRF 2026's dominant themes, from AI's omnipresence to its curiously low adoption among the very professionals championing it. The conversation moves beyond technology theater to explore what truly drives commerce: cultural connection, intentional brand heritage, and multiplayer engagement that treats customers as collaborators rather than data points.2026 Brought Us An AI Wake-Up CallKey Takeaways:AI saturation at NRF contrasts sharply with minimal executive adoptionSuccessful AI integration preserves brand heritage rather than replacing itMultiplayer brand engagement becomes reality through tools like Taco Bell's Fan StyleplatformAnalog intimacy resurfaces as consumers fight against digital fatigue"Who here has used AI to search for a product that you would like to buy? Not a single hand went up. Three out of 300 people had used ChatGPT to search for anything." — Phillip"The point isn't the technology. The point is building a memorable experience that connects people to people." — Brian (referencing Taco Bell's Dane Matthews)"How do you take a brand that is as beloved and known for being a merchant and design-led company and use technology in a way to just add to it and not try to over modernize it?" — Alicia (on Ralph Lauren's approach)"Maybe people are just figuring out where they want their time and how they want to spend their time... getting back to our roots through things like mahjong, board games, and very simplified intimate spaces." — AliciaIn-Show Mentions:Future Commerce Holiday AI Report, produced in partnership with CimulateMore details from NRF 2026Our official recap of Phillip's conversation with Dane MathewsShop Future Commerce's Multiplayer Brand bookAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Shelley caught up with four innovators at NRF 2026 to get their takes on the retail industry and an outlook for this year. Their conversations ranged from managing returns and geo-location insights to advanced tools for managing inventory. Listen and learn from the experts. Tim Robinson has interesting insights on a significant challenge for retailers, especially, post-holiday: returns. Ethan Chernofsky provides critical analytics to retailers on the implications of traffic patterns in physical stores. He says, “Visit durations are down but the number of visits for every category per customer is going up. So, value, product, experience, and brand affinity have a lot more significance.” Jay Hakami has innovated a novel tech platform that is predictive and helps retailers manage inventories. He says, “Today, with Agentic AI, we're getting into the predictive side going into dynamic planning and allocation. So, we're essentially setting up buyers and planners for absolute success.” George Shaw is also an expert on measuring consumer behavior stating, “Retailers don't want a bunch of dots moving around maps. They want the metrics that they actually care about. We give them a very simple, clean, clear dashboard that they can use operationally at scale.” Special Guests:Tim Robinson, Vice President of Commerce, Blue YonderEthan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer, Placer.aiJay Hakami, CEO and Founder, SkypadGeorge Shaw, Senior Vice President, Standard AI For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
On today's podcast episode, the team reports straight from the show floor at NRF's Big Show 2026 to break down the most compelling themes dominating the conference, noteworthy insights from off-stage and hallway conversations, and what retail leaders should prioritize next based on what mattered most at one of the retail industry's most influential events. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, along with Principal Analysts Sky Canaves and Sarah Marzano. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-what-everyone-talking-about-nrf-s-big-show-2026-reimagining-retail © 2026 EMARKETER
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Jacob Tveraabak, Group Chief Executive Officer of StrongPoint, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how in-store order picking, grocery efficiency, and store-based fulfillment are becoming critical to profitable grocery ecommerce. Jacob explains why grocery presents a fundamentally different operational challenge than other retail categories, driven by high item velocity, low margins, and large basket sizes. Drawing on StrongPoint's Scandinavian roots, he shares how high labor costs have forced retailers to engineer ultra-efficient picking solutions and why those lessons are increasingly relevant for U.S. grocers. Key Topics Covered: -Why grocery order picking requires a fundamentally different technology approach -How labor costs drive efficiency and innovation in Scandinavian retail -The role of in-store picking in profitable grocery ecommerce -Store-based fulfillment vs centralized fulfillment centers -Integrating order picking with shelf visibility and store data -Reducing substitution, mis-picks, and wasted labor -How connected store infrastructure improves execution at scale -Why stores are becoming the backbone of future grocery fulfillment Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from NRF 2026, and thank you to our listeners for tuning in throughout the week. #NRF2026 #StrongPoint #GroceryRetail #OrderPicking #StoreBasedFulfillment #RetailOperations #ConnectedStores #RetailTechnology #OmniTalkRetail
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how Costco is building its retail media business in a way that stays true to its culture, values, and member-first philosophy. Mark shares how Costco's retail media organization has evolved over the past year, including major investments in people, data infrastructure, and foundational capabilities designed to support personalization at scale. Rather than prioritizing short-term monetization, Costco is intentionally building a retail media platform that serves its broader member communication and personalization strategy. Looking ahead to 2026, Mark outlines upcoming product launches including a new clean room, expanded offsite media measurement, search and shopping integrations, and a rebuilt onsite ad server designed to connect identity, data, and in-warehouse sales outcomes. The discussion closes with a look at how Costco views scan-and-go style experiences, warehouse mode, and the role of the app as a one-to-one personalization channel. Key Topics covered: -How Costco's retail media business has evolved since NRF 2025 -What it means to build retail media “the Costco way” -Hiring from within and preserving Costco culture at scale -Why retail media is subordinated to member communication strategy -The role of AI in delivering personalization across 135 million members -Why data readiness is the foundation for scalable retail media -Balancing national brands and Kirkland Signature within retail media -Clean rooms, offsite measurement, and growing advertiser expectations -New search, shopping, and onsite ad server capabilities for 2026 -How Costco thinks about scan-and-go, warehouse mode, and the member app Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Costco #RetailMedia #RetailTechnology #Personalization #RetailAI #OmnichannelRetail #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Martin Bailie, Senior Advisor at Vusion, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why the execution gap has become the biggest risk facing retailers in 2026. As retailers invest heavily in AI, data platforms, and digital transformation, many are discovering that strategy alone does not drive results. Martin breaks down why execution at store level, not vision decks or pilot programs, determines whether technology delivers real P & L impact. From disconnected systems and poor data quality to organizational silos and change management challenges, this conversation examines why retailers struggle to move from ideas to outcomes. Key Topics Covered: • Why the execution gap is now retail's biggest competitive risk • The difference between strategy, pilots, and scalable execution • How disconnected store systems undermine AI and analytics investments • Why data quality and real time visibility matter more than new tools • The role of connected store platforms in driving consistent execution • Organizational barriers that prevent technology from delivering value • How retailers can align store operations, IT, and leadership priorities • Turning technology investments into measurable P & L results • What retailers must do in 2026 to avoid permanent execution debt Stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello! #NRF2026 #RetailExecution #ConnectedStores #RetailTechnology #RetailAI #StoreOperations #Vusion #RetailLeadership #OmniTalk
Horacio “Haio” Barbeito, president and CEO of Old Navy, joins Retail Gets Real to reflect on a global career in retail, the responsibility of developing future talent and how leaders can navigate rapid change while keeping humanity at the center of the business.With nearly three decades of experience spanning Argentina, the United States, Chile, Puerto Rico and Canada, Barbeito's leadership philosophy was shaped by working across cultures and markets. His journey — which included 26 years at Walmart and CEO roles in multiple international businesses — reinforced an early lesson: Growth happens when leaders are willing to leave their comfort zones. Retail, he says, is never static. It demands constant learning, movement and responsiveness to customers whose expectations evolve at the speed of culture.(00:00:00) Building a global retail career through change(00:06:16) Creating first jobs that change lives(00:10:26) Why investing in people is smart business(00:13:20) Navigating AI without losing the human touch(00:19:14) Advice for the next generation of retail leadersThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 391. AI, skills-first hiring and the next era of retail jobs
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at Vusion's booth, Todd Garner, Chief Product Officer at Sam's Club, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to share how Scan & Go has become a defining pillar of the Sam's Club member experience and what's coming next as agentic AI reshapes shopping. With Scan & Go now approaching 40% member adoption and nearing its 10-year anniversary, Sam's Club is using its limited SKU, membership-based model to reduce friction, shorten the distance between intent and purchase, and unlock new personalized, agent-driven experiences. Todd explains why mobile-first shopping, curated assortments, and AI-powered insights give Sam's Club a unique advantage and how all of it ladders back to engagement, renewal, and loyalty. Key Topics covered: -Scan & Go nearing 40% adoption and what's driving member usage -Why membership engagement and renewal matter more than individual feature metrics -How Scan & Go fits into a broader frictionless shopping ecosystem -Why limited SKUs make agentic shopping more powerful, not less -Using mobile-first experiences to shorten intent-to-purchase -The role of AI in merchandising, discovery, and personalized insights -How Sam's Club thinks about product, associate tools, and member experience together -What Todd is most excited to deliver next as Scan & Go approaches its 10-year milestone -Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #SamsClub #ScanAndGo #RetailAI #AgenticAI #MembershipRetail #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk #RetailInnovation
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Mary Beth Laughton, President and CEO of REI, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss her first year leading the iconic outdoor co-op and the priorities shaping REI's next chapter. Mary Beth reflects on stepping into the role during a pivotal moment for the business, balancing retail fundamentals with innovation while staying deeply rooted in REI's mission and values. She shares how REI is sharpening its customer focus around what the company calls the “Outdoor Evangelist” and why community, trust, and human expertise remain core differentiators in an increasingly digital retail world. Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines REI's focus on reinventing its membership program, strengthening emotional loyalty, expanding partnerships like its new collaboration with Intrepid Travel, and continuing to elevate service and assortment for a rapidly changing outdoor consumer. Key Topics covered: -Mary Beth Laughton's first year as CEO of REI -How REI defines and serves the “Outdoor Evangelist” customer -Why customer-centric decision-making is embedded into REI's culture -Holiday performance, gifting growth, and the rise of experience-led shopping -The role of membership in driving long-term loyalty at REI -Why AI is becoming table stakes, not a retail differentiator -Blending human expertise with technology through REI's green vests -Reinventing loyalty to be emotional, not just transactional -New partnerships and experiences shaping REI's future -What excites REI most about the road ahead in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #REI #RetailLeadership #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #Membership #Loyalty #OmnichannelRetail #RetailAI #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Aimee Bayer Thomas, Chief Retail Officer at Ulta Beauty, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why physical stores remain the foundation of Ulta's omnichannel strategy and how experiences are becoming a powerful growth driver in beauty retail. Overseeing more than 1,500 stores and 60,000 associates, Aimee shares how Ulta Beauty is scaling experiential retail through services, technology, and one of the industry's most ambitious event strategies. From salons and beauty services to birthday parties, brand-led activations, and Ulta Beauty World, she explains how Ulta executed more than 80,000 in-store events and why guests increasingly come in pairs and groups to discover, play, and connect. Key Topics covered: -What the Chief Retail Officer role covers at Ulta Beauty -Why Ulta believes stores are still central to omnichannel retail -How beauty services like salons, brows, and piercings create differentiation -The strategy behind executing 80,000 plus in-store events -Scaling experiential retail without creating noise or inconsistency -How Ulta partners with brands to deliver high-touch experiences -The role of technology and the Ulta app in discovery and store engagement -Why guests shop beauty experiences in pairs and groups -Birthday parties, celebrity events, and Ulta Beauty World as loyalty drivers -Balancing centralized event governance with local store execution Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #UltaBeauty #ExperientialRetail #OmnichannelRetail #RetailLeadership #StoreExperience #RetailInnovation #BeautyRetail #CustomerExperience #OmniTalk
In this OmniTalk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion podcast studio, Ankur Mittal, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director of Lowe's India, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why Lowe's is commercializing its internal retail technology and what that means for the future of point of sale and omnichannel retail. Ankur shares how Lowe's India supports more than 5,000 associates across core corporate and technology functions, and why the company decided to launch a SaaS offshoot to bring its internally built POS platform to market. From hardware-agnostic design and AI-driven capabilities to modular, plug-and-play architecture, this conversation breaks down how modern POS systems are evolving into the backbone of omnichannel retail. The discussion also explores why mid-sized retailers are responding strongly to flexible, software-first POS solutions, how long POS change cycles have held retailers back, and why true omnichannel requires shared item, pricing, promotion, and inventory data across every channel. Key Topics covered: -Why Lowe's decided to commercialize its internally built retail software -Point of sale as the heart of omnichannel retail -Hardware-agnostic POS and why it matters for retailers -AI-driven capabilities including shrink identification -Modular commerce architecture and plug-and-play systems -How mid-sized retailers can modernize POS without big-bang upgrades -POS stability, speed, and operational reliability -What true omnichannel really means beyond BOPIS -Lowe's roadmap for POS, commerce engines, and enterprise platforms in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #OmniTalkRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #PointOfSale #OmnichannelRetail
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in New York, Emily Erusha-Hilleque, SVP of Private Brands at Macy's and an OmniStar of 2025, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to discuss how private brands are becoming a core growth driver for modern retailers. Emily shares how Macy's is evolving its private brand portfolio to meet the needs of a multi generational, value conscious customer while delivering inspiration, quality, and relevance at scale. From filling white space across the brand matrix to launching new brands and elevating existing ones, this conversation explores what it takes to build private brands customers truly buy into. The discussion also covers how Macy's is using collaborations and experiential retail to create cultural moments, including the recent Inc. partnership with Christian Siriano, as well as how AI is supporting storytelling, personalization, and basket growth across Macy's private brand ecosystem. Key Topics covered: • Why private brands are central to Macy's long term growth strategy • How Macy's serves a multi generational and value conscious customer • The role of private brands in driving loyalty and lifetime value • How private brands fill white space across Macy's brand portfolio • Collaborations as a growth engine for private brands • The Inc. partnership with Christian Siriano and experiential retail moments • Making fashion and design more accessible through private brands • How AI supports brand storytelling, personalization, and selective selling • Raising basket size and customer engagement with private brands • What to expect from Macy's private brand strategy in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026. #NRF2026 #PrivateBrands #RetailStrategy #RetailInnovation #RetailAI #CustomerExperience #Macys #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to break down how physical AI, smart carts, and connected store platforms are reshaping retail operations and customer relationships in 2026. As retailer boards demand real AI strategies, Instacart is positioning connected stores as a long-term competitive advantage. David explains how solutions like Caper smart carts, Store View, digital shelves, and agentic analytics work together to deliver personalization, basket lift, and operational efficiency at scale. From edge-based AI running inside stores to unifying online and in-store journeys, this conversation explores why retailers must own physical data to avoid disintermediation by hyperscalers. Key Topics covered: -What a Chief Connected Stores Officer actually oversees at Instacart -Why AI strategy is now a board-level mandate for retailers -The difference between cloud AI and physical AI in stores -How Caper smart carts use edge computing and real-time data -Double-digit basket lift and measurable retailer value from connected stores -Why checkout automation is really about reducing work, not skipping lines -How personalization, coupons, and gamification drive customer engagement -Using sensor fusion and shelf data to improve in-stocks and execution -Avoiding technology sprawl with integrated connected store platforms -Global expansion plans for Instacart's enterprise retail technology -The future of unified online and in-store shopping experiences Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Instacart #ConnectedStores #PhysicalAI #RetailAI #SmartCarts #OmnichannelRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion booth, Julie Barber, EVP and Chief Merchant at Sam's Club, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain how merchandising, data, and agentic AI are reshaping assortment strategy, fresh food execution, and member value in 2026. With more than 20 years at Walmart Inc. and deep experience across grocery, health, general merchandise, and services, Julie shares how Sam's Club is balancing intentional, value-driven shopping with surprise and delight experiences that keep members engaged. From Scan & Go insights and real-time inventory visibility to agentic AI-powered assortment decisions, this conversation breaks down how modern merchants blend art and science at scale. Key Topics covered: -What surprised Sam's Club merchants about member behavior in 2025 -Why intentional shopping and surprise and delight coexist -How Scan & Go data is changing assortment and adjacency decisions -Using connected store signals to improve inventory accuracy -The role of scrubbers, real-time data, and floor execution -How Sam's Club approaches fresh food, protein trends, and home meal solutions -Member's Mark and the removal of artificial colors and ingredients -Applying agentic AI to assortment planning and localization -How AI speeds decisions from weeks to minutes -Turning AI-driven efficiency into better in-stocks, lower costs, and member value Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #SamsClub #Merchandising #RetailAI #AgenticAI #ConnectedStore #RetailInnovation #MembersMark #OmniTalk #RetailLeadership
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at Vusion's booth, Jim Norred, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Vusion, and Gina Ayala Claxton, CVP of U.S. Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft, join Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why connected stores are quickly becoming a P&L priority for retailers in 2026. As margin pressure, labor constraints, and ecommerce fulfillment demands intensify, retailers are being forced to connect store infrastructure, data, and AI to drive faster, more accurate decisions. From Bluetooth-enabled connectivity and real-time shelf availability to agentic AI, data readiness, and governance at scale, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to modernize stores without creating costly “science projects.” Key Topics covered: -Why ecommerce picking accuracy is accelerating connected store adoption -Operational vs. marketing-led drivers of connected store investments -The anatomy of a connected store: BLE, data, and AI -Why Bluetooth is emerging as the heartbeat of in-store connectivity -Agentic AI, observability, and speeding decisions from signal to execution -Platform vs. point solutions and how retailers avoid technology sprawl -Governance, security, and scaling AI across thousands of stores -How retailers are prioritizing initiatives with measurable P&L impact -Turning connected store investments into loyalty, efficiency, and ROI Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #ConnectedStore #RetailTechnology #RetailAI #OmnichannelRetail #StoreOperations #VusionGroup #Microsoft #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode recorded live from NRF in the Vusion podcast studio, Mark Propes, Chief Business Development Officer at Vusion, and Julian Mills, CEO of Quorso, break down what the connected store actually means beyond the buzzwords and why 2026 is the year retailers risk creating a permanent gap if they don't operationalize this technology. From digitizing the shelf as a data platform to intelligent task management that tells associates exactly what to do at 9 AM Monday morning, Mark and Julian reveal how the connected store eliminates wasted labor spent finding problems. They share insights on exception-based work, the Circle K global rollout across 14 countries and thousands of stores, and why retailers need to stop misallocating labor on tasks nobody knows add value. If you've wondered how connected store technology actually works in practice, this conversation delivers the blueprint.
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion Podcast studio, Angie Brown, Chief Information Officer at Home Depot, reveals how 27 years with one company positions her to witness retail's transformation from mobile to e-commerce to AI and why waiting on agentic commerce is not an option. From announcing an expanded Google partnership with Gemini rollout to piloting Magic Apron agents in physical stores, Angie breaks down how AI is solving problems Home Depot couldn't tackle before. She shares insights on accelerating software development cycles, why five-year plans no longer work, delivery routing intelligence that accounts for gates and narrow roads, and the strategic bet on learning agentic commerce across multiple partner platforms simultaneously. If you've wondered what purposeful AI deployment looks like at retail scale, this is your roadmap from one of home improvement's top technology leaders.
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion podcast studio, Greg Cathey, SVP of Digital Fulfillment Transformation at Walmart, reveals how customer demand is driving the company's massive drone delivery expansion to 270+ stores coast-to-coast and why everyone, not just one demographic, is using the service. From dynamic delivery windows (25-45 minutes instead of static promises) to surprising use cases like fur baby treats and birthday party surprise-and-delight moments, Greg breaks down how Walmart is using AI for routing in sub-4,000 population Texas towns and intelligent substitutions. He shares insights on environmental benefits of taking vehicles off Atlanta roads, why mayors are requesting the technology for their cities, and how proximity remains Walmart's superpower serving 90% of the US population within 10 miles. If you've wondered what purposeful drone delivery looks like at scale, this conversation delivers the real-world data.
In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion podcast studio, Josh Friedman, SVP of Digital and E-Commerce at Ulta Beauty, reveals how the company's invite-only marketplace strategy is delivering results that exceed expectations, and why they're already graduating digital sellers into brick-and-mortar stores. From the "digital mezzanine" concept that extends beyond traditional beauty categories to in-store returns for all marketplace items, Josh breaks down how Ulta maintains brand authenticity while exploring wellness, grooming, and beauty tech. He shares insights on launching before holiday peak freeze, why 99% of marketplace brands are actively selling, return rates well below expectations, and the strategic test-and-learn approach that's moving successful marketplace sellers into physical stores. If you've wondered how to launch a marketplace that protects brand integrity while driving growth, this conversation delivers the blueprint.
Neelima Sharma, SVP of Ecommerce and Omnichannel Product & Technology, and Joe Cano, SVP of Digital at Lowe's, join Omni Talk Retail live from NRF 2026 to unpack how the retailer is personalizing the home improvement journey across digital and physical channels. Recorded live from Vusion's Podcast Studio at NRF 2026, this conversation explores how Lowe's “digital twins” partner across technology and strategy to meet customers wherever their shopping journey begins. This interview covers: • How Lowe's personalizes ecommerce for both Pro and DIY customers • Why 80% of Lowe's in-store sales start online • The role of AI in search, discovery, and conversational commerce with Milo • How Lowe's uses customer context, home data, and intent to curate experiences • The expanded Google partnership and Lowe's new business agent • Why endless scrolling is giving way to curated, problem-solving journeys • Connecting digital discovery to in-store execution at scale • Measuring personalization through conversion, LTV, and long-term engagement With nearly two decades of combined leadership at Lowe's, Sharma and Cano share how AI, omnichannel thinking, and deep cross-team collaboration are shaping the future of personalized retail — and why trust, context, and execution matter more than ever. Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, or stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #Lowes #OmnichannelRetail #RetailAI #Personalization #Ecommerce #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 in the Vusion podcast studio, Mark Propes from Vusion and Art Miller from Qualcomm reveal how their partnership is enabling "detect and connect" capabilities that transform physical retail into personalized experiences, and why retailers still testing need to operationalize now before the gap becomes permanent. From edge computing that processes 4K video locally instead of streaming to the cloud, to closed-loop attribution tracking customer intent in real-time physical space, Mark and Art break down the multimodal signal taxonomy (RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, vision) powering connected stores. They share insights on why scanning barcodes continuously creates data-poor environments, how agentic AI creates new doorways into physical stores, and the precision needed for sub-30 minute delivery promises. If you've wondered what detect and connect actually means beyond buzzwords, this conversation delivers the technical foundation and business applications.
In this Omni Talk Retail episode, Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us live from NRF's Big Show from the Vusion podcast studio to break down what's really happening in retail right now. From consumer resilience to affordability pressures, Matt reveals the dual forces shaping 2025's surprisingly strong performance and what that means for 2026. He shares exclusive insights on holiday season results, policy challenges retailers navigated, and why AI is becoming the ultimate force multiplier for businesses of all sizes. Plus, Matt drops a bold prediction about transformation, partnerships, and alliances coming in 2026 that nobody's talking about yet.
Today on our show:It's Time to Be Bold in 2026Welcome to NRF- and finally, The Investor Minute which contains 5 items this week from the world of venture capital, acquisitions, and IPOs.Today's episode is sponsored by Rithum.https://www.rmwcommerce.com/ecommerce-podcast-watsonweeklyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Join Scott as he revisits #CircuitPython2025 posts as he thinks about his #CircuitPython2026 goals. As always, he'll try to answer any questions folks ask. 0:00 Getting started 5:29 Hello Everybody - Deep Dive starts at 2PM pacific time 6:11 ESP-32 in music player ( interesting distraction ) 8:54 CircuitPython 2025 recap ... 10:00 Happy Birthday Circuit Python 11:24 hacking kids audio player 11:25 CircuitPython 2025 recap ... 23:18 CircuitMatter is a future priority 36:40 new NRF chips 37:30 Dabao evaluation baochip 40:07 Zephyr port / build directions / evaluation boards 46:59 Printk debugging on eval board 50:45 who maintains the board definitions - zephry community now 53:30 device tree generating dir(boards) 54:36 why does zed editor have to do indexing? 58:58 'west' build 1:01:05 zephyr resources decoding CP configuration ( devicetree to board ) 1:03:00 cptools ( zephyr to CP ) adding nxp,lct-pmod 1:06:33 sublime text vs zed editor choices ( also mentioned windsurf editor ) 1:09:30 device tree overlays / delete storage partition - to allow circuit python storage 1:16:40 wrap up - think about CP 2026 https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/01/02/circuitpython2026-kickoff/ Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com ----------------------------------------- LIVE CHAT IS HERE! http://adafru.it/discord Subscribe to Adafruit on YouTube: http://adafru.it/subscribe New tutorials on the Adafruit Learning System: http://learn.adafruit.com/ -----------------------------------------
As Retail Gets Real reaches its 400th episode, we're joined by Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, for a special conversation reflecting on the year that was, and what it reveals about the future of retail. The milestone episode offers a comprehensive look at the forces that shaped the industry in 2025, from global expansion and trade policy to consumer behavior and artificial intelligence.(00:00:00) Marking 400 episodes and setting the stage for retail's future(00:05:35) Trade policy, tariffs and the cost of uncertainty(00:10:00) Keeping the consumer at the center of retail policy(00:12:10) Understanding today's consumer: anxious, adaptable and still spending(00:17:24) Making sense of AI without getting overwhelmed(00:25:01) Investing in the future of retail leadership and educationThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Learn more about NRF's work on behalf of the retail industry in 2025 at nrf.com/2025• Get ready for Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 375: Tech, trade and taxes: What's impacting retail in 2025• 332: The state of retail heading into 2024
Ok, Ok - guys! We heard you all fan-girling out over Shaun Jackson's panel participation at the Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) conference.....and we got him on the podcast! (you're welcome) In this episode, TalkLP Podcast Host Amber Bradley chats with Shaun Jackson, Executive Director of Risk Management for Panda Restaurant Group about artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it for simple and complex tasks. YOU (yes, you) can get started using AI today by thinking about the examples and strategies that Shaun expertly articulates in this podcast! Take a listen (and a deep breath) - you can do it! This podcast episode is sponsored by a company that also prides itself on REAL talk about how AI solutions can benefit your entire organization AND it's actually affordable because it's not hardware-heavy. Need help with self-checkout? They've got that. Out-of-stocks? They've got it. Questions about real AI that is proven to work? Ask SAI. Find out more by visiting them at NRF's BIG Show booth 6668 or contact them here. SAI Group (Store-wide Active Intelligence) is a computer vision and GenAI company that provides comprehensive retail intelligence solutions. Founded in 2018, we partner with retailers to use AI technology for loss prevention, store safety, operational efficiency, and customer insights all from existing camera infrastructure. We do this using patent granted algorithms developed by us over years using real Retail data from global Retailers
Join Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for their second annual NRF must-see tech preview, showcasing five breakthrough retail technologies solving critical operational challenges. From AI employees autonomously negotiating supplier contracts to overhead RFID achieving 99% inventory accuracy, discover the solutions delivering measurable ROI and transforming how retailers operate in 2026. Featured companies and innovations: • Gain - AI employees Natalie and Bob executing end-to-end supplier negotiations and replenishment, closing deals from repair parts to $2-3M agreements • ESW - Cross-border commerce platform reducing international duties by 60% and enabling launches across 200+ countries without the $2.5-4.5M per-country build cost • PervasID - Overhead RFID technology (Trackmaster 3X) delivering 98-99% stock accuracy with 6-8 month ROI and 5-10% sales increases through improved on-shelf availability • Diebold Nixdorf - Visual AI at checkout reducing shrink from 3% to under 1% through intelligent nudging, with 80% of shoppers self-rectifying when prompted about missed scans • Cleveron - Robotic parcel lockers deployed in 300+ Zara stores across 38 countries, eliminating click-and-collect friction with QR code scan delivery in seconds Whether you're a retail technology executive planning your NRF booth strategy, building your 2026 technology roadmap, or looking to move beyond pilots to production deployments, this preview delivers real deployment data, ROI calculations, and operational insights from retailers like Zara, H & M, Calvin Klein, and other major CPG companies already scaling these solutions. #RetailTechnology #NRF2026 #AgenticAI #CrossBorderCommerce #RFID #ComputerVision #RetailAutomation
I'm Steve Dennis, strategic advisor, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the industry leading Remarkable Retail podcast, along with fellow retail insider Michael LeBlanc.Discover why C-suite executives from Amazon, Walmart, Ikea, Tractor Supply, Vuori and dozens more - choose to share their growth stories on the only retail podcast hosted by two of the NRF's top voices for 2025 and 2026.With AI reshaping just about everything, when making sense of competing narratives has never been more challenging, and when so many brands face an existential choice between becoming remarkable or risking irrelevance, Michael and I are here to give you the no-BS perspectives you need to aim higher, move faster, and take the bold actions you must.Our new season debuts January 13th, 2026, so be sure to follow the Remarkable Retail podcast on all the major platforms and on YouTube. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
durée : 00:26:32 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Philippe Garbit - En 1959, Gaston Gallimard s'entretenait avec Robert Mallet à l'occasion du 50ème anniversaire de la création de la NRF. Dans l'émission "Vocations" il parlait de son métier et de son parcours d'éditeur qui devaient beaucoup au hasard. - réalisation : Mydia Portis-Guérin - invités : Gaston Gallimard Editeur, fondateur des éditions Gallimard (1881-1975)
Neste episódio especial de Natal do Bluetimes Talks, celebramos as melhores projeções para o varejo em uma década: com pleno emprego e inflação controlada, a ABRAS prevê um crescimento de 15% no consumo neste fim de ano. Analisamos como a queda de preços em itens como o azeite (-21%) está impulsionando uma "mesa farta" e a venda de itens premium .Também preparamos o terreno para a NRF 2026: o maior evento de varejo do mundo, em Nova York, terá foco na liderança feminina e cobertura exclusiva da Bluesoft .Entre os destaques:
This segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, features Chris and Anne tackle the fun side of retail as we head into NRF 2026. Ryan Reynolds keynotes NRF this January... Chris shares the one question he'd ask about Blake Lively's best film role. Anne reveals her son's elaborate Google Slides pitch for an F1B goldendoodle and her puppy yoga compromise. The hosts preview Calvin Klein's new SoHo flagship as a must-see NRF store tour stop, and pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner with their Mount Rushmore picks: Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and Spinal Tap. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RjBUyfWgxzY #RyanReynolds #NRF2026 #retailconference #keynote #retailmarketing
Retail's Big Show has long been the industry's can't-miss gathering.In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we get an inside look at what's ahead for NRF 2026, straight from the leaders who bring the event to life. We're joined by Susan Newman, senior vice president of event strategy at the National Retail Federation; Jill Dvorak, senior vice president of content; and Scot Case, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability and executive director of NRF's Center for Retail Sustainability, to preview what attendees can expect at the retail industry's most influential event.(00:00:00) What “The next now” means for retail(00:04:42) Inside the NRF Expo experience(00:07:03) Keynotes, AI and must-see content(00:10:20) Networking, celebrations, and shared experiences(00:11:29) Introducing NRF Rev and the circular economy(00:13:27) Insider tips for navigating Retail's Big ShowThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get ready for Retail's Big Show in NYC• Learn more about the all new NRF Rev• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 371: NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail's Big Show• 375: Tech, trade and taxes: What's impacting retail in 2025
In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Chris and Anne discussed: Amazon's planned “rush” pickup service for one-hour order collection (Source) Instacart's AI-enabled pricing experiments that may be inflating grocery bills (Source) November's record-breaking $12.3 billion in online grocery sales (Source) Target's new SoHo store concept featuring curated beauty and apparel (Source) Ashley's partnership with Perplexity and PayPal for agentic commerce (Source) And special guest David Dorf of AWS, one of our favorite recurring guests, dropped by to share his insightful predictions on AI for 2026. There's all that, plus Ryan Reynolds at NRF, the world's largest golden retriever gathering, and whether Chris would smuggle Calvin Klein underwear from a store tour. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #AmazonRush #InstacartPricing #OnlineGrocery #AgenticCommerce #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #TargetSoHo #AshleyFurniture #PerplexityAI #RetailInnovation
Episode Overview In this episode of Talk Retail To Me, Parker Avery's chief revenue officer, Dan Wittner, and Blue Yonder's head of global retail strategy, Jim Hull, discuss the evolving landscape of retail, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, the importance of data quality, and the transformation of store models into fulfillment centers. They explore the challenges retailers face with labor and the need for dynamic data models to adapt to changing consumer demands. The conversation also highlights the upcoming NRF 2026 Big Show and the excitement surrounding innovations in the retail sector. Key Takeaways AI is now a core part of retail strategy and must be tied to business outcomes. The most successful initiatives focus on measurable impact, such as cost reduction, revenue growth, or operational efficiency. Human adoption is critical to AI success. AI works best when it augments teams and is embraced by users, rather than positioned as a replacement for people. Data quality and dynamic data models are foundational to modern retail. Clean, consistent data and continuously evolving models are essential for accurate forecasting and decision-making. Stores are evolving into hybrid fulfillment hubs. Retailers are hyper-focused on redesigning store models to support fulfillment alongside shopping, improving speed, cost, and customer experience. Labor models must adapt to support fulfillment-enabled stores. New operating models require updated labor standards, expanded skill sets, and more flexible workforce planning. NRF 2026 will showcase retail innovation moving from concept to reality. The event is expected to highlight proven, market-ready solutions delivering real value at scale. Episode Highlights Why most AI projects succeed or fail in retail How retailers are rethinking demand signals and forecasting The growing importance of data quality and dynamic data models The evolution of stores into fulfillment and service hubs What to expect at NRF 2026 (& meet Parker Avery at booth #2703) Related Content Blog Post: Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail Podcast: Retail's Data Reckoning: Your First Move in Transformation Case Study: New Data-Driven Solution Strengthens Grocer's Competitive Pricing Capabilities Insights: The Expert Guide to Data Governance in Retail
NRF President and CEO Matt Shay joins The Retail Pilot to break down what is really happening inside retail as the holiday season reaches its peak. From consumer resilience and record setting holiday sales forecasts to tariffs supply chain challenges and pricing pressures this conversation offers a clear view of the forces shaping retail performance right now.Matt shares how retailers are navigating uncertainty while continuing to execute at a high level and why consumers remain the driving force behind the economy. The discussion also explores how AI is being applied across retail operations from supply chain and fulfillment to marketing customer engagement and in store experiences and why AI is becoming a powerful equalizer for mid size retailers.Show Notes• Introduction and welcome to Matt Shay• The state of the consumer heading into the holiday season• Why retail performance remains strong across categories• NRFs outlook on holiday sales and economic confidence• The impact of tariffs on pricing supply chains and planning• Why uncertainty has made this year especially challenging for retailers• How AI is being used across retail today• AI and its role in customer experience and brand storytelling• What CEOs are saying about AI and the future of jobs• Why physical stores continue to matter• Gen Z and renewed energy around in store shopping• What to expect from NRF 2026 and upcoming industry priorities• Key questions mid size retailers should ask after the holidays• Rapid fire questions to close out the conversationIf you found this episode valuable subscribe to The Retail Pilot for more conversations with leaders shaping retail today. Share this episode with your team and leave a review to help others discover the show.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Gen Z is rapidly becoming one of the most influential consumer groups in the marketplace. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we hear from two guests who sit at the heart of this evolving landscape: Carly Berns, assistant vice president at Burns Communications Group and co-founder of The Z Suite, and Olivia Meyer, a Gen Z retail strategist and Z Suite member. Together, they explore what defines today's youngest adult shoppers, how they influence retail trends and what retailers must do to stay relevant in a world where discovery, personalization and transparency reign supreme.(00:00:00) Introducing Gen Z's growing influence on retail(00:04:00) How The Z Suite connects retailers with Gen Z(00:06:52) How Gen Z uses AI in the shopping journey(00:11:46) Why modern leaders can't ignore social media(00:14:54) The future of retail: a 5–10 year outlookThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Website: bernscommunications.com• Website: thez-suite.com• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carly-berns-057b89bb• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliviagmeyer• Get ready for Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 388: How Gen Z is transforming retail trends on Pinterest• 385: Lessons from a young retail leader
Cyber threats aren't evolving, they're accelerating.
MRKT Matrix - Tuesday, December 2nd Stocks rebound as bitcoin bounces, tech shares gain (CNBC) How a Japanese rate hike could affect markets (Axios) Costco sues Trump admin seeking tariff refunds before Supreme Court rules if they're illegal (CNBC) Holiday shopping turnout jumps to 202.9 million people during Thanksgiving weekend, NRF says (CNBC) Gen Z Shoppers Aren't Spending Like Retailers Need Them To (WSJ) OpenAI Declares ‘Code Red' as Google Threatens AI Lead (WSJ) Comcast's Bid Seeks to Merge NBCUniversal With Warner Bros. (Bloomberg) --- Subscribe to our newsletter: https://riskreversalmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe MRKT Matrix by RiskReversal Media is a daily AI powered podcast bringing you the top stories moving financial markets Story curation by RiskReversal, scripts by Perplexity Pro, voice by ElevenLabs
With news headlines shouting doom and gloom in every direction, is the National Retail Federation's record-breaking $1 trillion holiday forecast wishful thinking? Or something more nuanced? “The consumer is sentimentally weak, but fundamentally sound,” explained Mark Mathews, chief economist and executive director of research for the NRF in a special podcast episode for Retail Rx with Ian Fredericks, chief executive officer of Hilco Global Capital Solutions and executive director of Hilco's Consumer and Retail platform. That's important because the consumer is powering our economy more than ever before. Today, 68 percent of GDP is driven by consumer spending—the largest percentage in the past 15 years. “While lower-income households are definitely struggling, what we have seen over the course of the year is that all households have protected their spending on loved ones,” said Mathews. “Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Back to School, Halloween… we've had at or near record levels of spend across all of those events.” Essentially, it's the nature of spending that has changed, and to safeguard that spending, many have pulled back in other areas like recreation or travel. Consumers have also shifted to more promotional spending that squeeze margins. “The retailer is constrained because prices are rising, so while retailers will offer sales that are important to consumers, we may not see the breadth of sales that we've seen before,” Mathews said. The NRF has been analyzing data and advising retailers for over a century. The November/December season represents roughly 20 percent of the year's retail sales for many retailers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices