Podcasts about Retail

What if the biggest risk in the AI era isn't falling behind the technology, but getting ahead of your customers' trust? Agility requires a constant feedback loop between technological innovation and customer sentiment. It demands that we not only deploy new tools like AI, but also actively listen and adapt to how our customers are actually experiencing them. Today, we're going to talk about the delicate balance brands must strike in the age of AI. It's not just about implementing the latest generative AI tools into the shopping experience; it's about doing so in a way that builds, rather than erodes, the customer trust and loyalty you've worked so hard to create.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Romain Fouache, CEO at Akeneo. About Romain Fouache Romain is as passionate about technology as he is about solving the customers' biggest problems and brings more than 20 years of experience scaling category defining B2B technology companies. Most recently, he led operations and sales as COO and then CRO of the leading AI software vendor Dataiku. Romain is a graduate from Ecole Centrale Paris and holds an MBA from NYU Stern. Romain Fouache on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-fouache/ Resources Akeneo: https://www.akeneo.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

What if the ultimate goal of customer experience isn't to create a memorable moment, but to deliver an outcome so seamless and intuitive that the customer doesn't remember the experience at all? Agility requires brands to pivot from building complex, memorable journeys to engineering simple, almost invisible pathways to customer outcomes.Today, we're going to talk about a counterintuitive but powerful idea: that the future of customer experience is not about creating more elaborate experiences, but about radically simplifying them to the point where they become forgettable—in a good way. We'll explore how focusing on effortless outcomes and leveraging AI to enable simplicity can become a measurable growth strategy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Megan Lukitsch, Vice President of Global Sales, CX at CSG. About Megan Lukitsch As Vice President of Global Sales, CX at CSG, Megan Lukitsch brings 25+ years of experience helping global brands transform customer engagement, drive retention, and modernize CX strategy. A leader in enterprise communications and digital transformation, Megan has led initiatives across AT&T, Verizon, ShoreTel, 8x8, and now CSG, consistently delivering measurable impact at the intersection of technology and experience. Megan Lukitsch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganlukitsch/ Resources CSG: https://www.csgi.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

Sales are down… so what should you actually do next? If you've ever had a slow day (or week) where your stomach drops, your heart starts racing, and you're refreshing Shopify every 10 seconds… this episode is for you. Ashley breaks down exactly how to respond when sales dip — and why panic is the fastest way to hurt your business long-term. Retail is cyclical. The difference between struggling boutiques and thriving CEOs is how they respond in the slow seasons. You'll learn: The 4-step CEO reset to regain control when sales drop Why panic leads to bad decisions (and what to do instead) Simple, actionable ways to create momentum immediately   Join The Boutique Hub  ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

In this strategic session from the Retail Collective Summit, leaders from iconic brands including LoveSac, R.C. Willey, Harmon's Grocery, Christy Sports, and Minky Couture convene to break down the operational challenges of navigating a market defined by uncertainty. The conversation dives deep into how decisiveness and aggression in decision-making allowed companies like LoveSac to anticipate tariff crises and pandemic shifts, transforming obstacles into opportunities to onshore production to American soil through automation. Throughout the episode, the panelists explore the tension between adopting new technologies like Artificial Intelligence for inventory forecasting and the absolute necessity of preserving the human experience and personalized service that defines traditional retailers. From the evolution of a brand that began selling blankets out of the back of a car to the management of industry giants with 94-year histories, this panel provides a roadmap for maintaining a clear "North Star" in the face of economic volatility and changing consumer behaviors.  

Arpan Gautam is the Founder of Noon.After years at McKinsey and Goldman, Arpan was led to build institutional-grade yield products in DeFi. Noon now delivers one of the highest performing stablecoin yields (9% APY the last 30 days) while DeFi's biggest competitors sit at 4-6%.In this episode, we cover:+ How Noon's multi-strategy yield engine combines DeFi, CeFi, and TradFi to outperform competitors+ Why private credit, leverage looping, and institutional access remove the gatekeepers on high-yield products+ What institutions actually want: yield, infrastructure, and risk management+ Noon's newly launched tBTC yield vaults------

If your brand guide is a book of laws that everyone ignores, how do you create a shared belief that people both follow and actually want to embrace? Agility requires a shared understanding that's more than a set of rules; it's a way of thinking that allows teams to make consistent decisions, even when they're not in the same room. Today, we're going to talk about Design Systems and Systems Thinking, and specifically, how to build a design language your whole organization can actually use. We'll explore why so many design systems fail by focusing on components instead of conviction, and how rooting a brand in a core, shared belief allows it to scale without breaking. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Jenna Kennedy, Client Strategy at The Office of Experience, and Chris Taylor, Head of Brand Experience at DDN. About Jenna Kennedy and Chris Taylor Jenna Kennedy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabkennedy/ Chris Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-taylor-3961b277/ Resources The Office of Experience and DDN: https://www.officeofexperience.com This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people.Learn more at https://www.officeofexperience.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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

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

Retail is moving fast — and it can feel like whiplash trying to keep up with every new trend, tool, and headline. But here's the thing: as a small or independent retailer, you don't need to know everything. You just need the right information, filtered through the lens of what actually matters for your business.In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about Retail Roar 2026 — my free two-day online industry outlook summit taking place on 26th and 27th March — and why I believe it's the most important shortcut you can take as an independent retailer or brand this year.You'll hear about:Why staying on top of industry trends actually protects both your business and your peace of mindThe line between useful information and overwhelming noise — and how to find itHow understanding the current consumer mindset can change how you stock, market, and sellThe headline speaker I spent three years trying to book: the legendary Mary PortasExpert sessions on email marketing, SEO, AI search, wholesale trends, marketing strategy, and the future of the high streetThe expert lineup includes:Mary Portas — retail legend, broadcaster, and champion of independent retailEman Ismail — email strategist on what's changing in email for 2026Vee Roberts (Insights for Marketing) — marketing strategy and trendsLuke Carthy — SEO and AI search, and what your website needs to do differentlyTherese Oertenblad (Small Business Collaborative) — wholesale trends and how to get seenIan Nicholson (Vacant Shops Academy) — placemaking and what makes a great high streetThis isn't fluffy. It's information for action — curated specifically for small and independent retailers and brands, so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.Get your free ticket at retailroar.co.uk

If you had to start your business over from scratch today, would you build it the same way, or would you build it entirely around an AI core? Agility requires more than just adapting to change; it demands a willingness to proactively dismantle what's working today in order to build what's necessary for tomorrow. It's about challenging the very playbook that brought you success, especially when a fundamental shift like AI arrives. Today, we're going to talk about the playbook for building a unicorn-level business in one era, and the courage it takes to reinvent that playbook for the next. We'll discuss the difference between using AI as a feature versus using it as a foundation, and how leadership and team structure need to evolve to not just survive, but thrive, during this shift. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jason VandeBoom, Founder & CEO at ActiveCampaign. About Jason VandeBoom Jason founded ActiveCampaign in 2003 and continues to lead the company as Founder and CEO. Under his leadership, ActiveCampaign has become the leading intelligent marketing automation platform, supporting over 180,000 businesses across 170+ countries. Now with over 700 employees across offices in the USA, Europe, Australia, Costa Rica, and Brazil, Jason has transformed ActiveCampaign from a side project to support his studies into a $250m+ ARR privately-owned leader in marketing automation. Jason also serves on the board of the Future Founders Foundation, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Jason VandeBoom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvandeboom/ Resources ActiveCampaign: https://www.activecampaign.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

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

Zoning debates across metro Atlanta are becoming more complex as communities wrestle with growth, housing affordability and neighborhood opposition. Developers navigating today's approval process must balance strong housing demand with increased public scrutiny and evolving local policies. Michèle L. Battle, president of Battle Law, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how zoning approvals and community expectations are reshaping development across Georgia. Georgia's Zoning Landscape Is Becoming More Complex Over the past 20 years, zoning approvals in metro Atlanta have become more challenging. Rapid population growth across the region contributes to increased housing demand and intensifies scrutiny of new projects. “When I first got into zoning law, it was really a period of growth that was happening in the metro Atlanta area,” said Battle. “But communities and government officials have become more and more sophisticated in how they are approaching zoning-related matters.” Many jurisdictions now rely on detailed, comprehensive plans and land-use strategies to guide development, limiting flexibility once a proposal reaches the zoning stage. At the same time, residents are more engaged in the process and more willing to voice concerns about density, design and neighborhood impact. As cities and counties refine long-term plans and respond to resident feedback, developers often encounter fewer flexible options and more extensive negotiations before receiving approval. Community Resistance and Housing Affordability Community opposition — often referred to as “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) — plays a significant role in zoning hearings today. Residents frequently raise concerns about density, traffic and school capacity while still hoping to attract new retail and restaurants to their communities. “Most of the communities don't want housing,” said Battle. “What they want are the amenities that go with the housing.” Retail and restaurant development typically follows population growth, but opposition to new housing can limit the density needed to support those businesses. Affordability sits at the center of many zoning debates as construction costs continue to rise and buyers struggle to keep up with higher home prices. Many Atlanta homeowners purchased their properties decades ago at far lower prices. Today's first-time homebuyers face a dramatically different market. “Our children can't buy a house because they can't afford a $400,000 home,” said Battle. “And if we want them out of our houses, we have to figure out how to build something they can buy.” Social Media and AI Are Influencing Zoning Battles Technology is accelerating the formation of public opinion around development proposals. Projects can gain attention online long before developers formally present them to planning commissions or local officials. Artificial intelligence is also beginning to appear in zoning hearings in unexpected ways. “I've now been at hearings where it is very clear that people are getting up to the podium and reading straight off an AI script,” said Battle. “They'll ask AI what the opposition would be to this project and then read two or three pages of information.” While technology has increased public engagement, it has also contributed to misinformation about development and housing economics. Litigation Isn't Always the Best Path Zoning disputes sometimes lead to lawsuits, but most developers prefer negotiation and compromise. Court battles can delay projects for months or even years while adding significant legal costs and uncertainty. “I pride myself on trying to win my cases so that I don't have to send them to all the amazing litigators that I know.” Even when developers prevail in court, the decision often sends the project back through the same local approval process that sparked the dispute. That reality reinforces the value of addressing concerns early with local officials and residents rather than relying on litigation. Three Steps Developers Should Take Before Filing Rezoning Developers can take several proactive steps before filing a rezoning application: Meet with planning departments to understand expectations and review recent cases Meet with the elected official representing the district to discuss development priorities Engage the surrounding community early in the process Battle emphasizes that the key to a successful new development is “communication, communication and more communication” to prevent unnecessary scrutiny. Consistency and Predictability in Zoning Codes A lack of predictability remains one of the biggest challenges developers face in the zoning process. Local governments often approve rezonings but attach numerous conditions that extend beyond existing ordinances. In some cases, those conditions even contradict the zoning code itself. Battle said, “I should be able to come in and apply for R-3 or R-5 or whatever it is and not have to worry about you putting 15 conditions on me that go outside of what you've put in your zoning code.” Greater consistency helps developers make informed investment decisions and reduce uncertainty in the entitlement process. Addressing Tensions Around Growth and Equity Battle also pointed to ongoing tension surrounding development patterns across metro Atlanta. In some communities, residents believe they are not receiving the same level of investment or housing quality as in other areas. Many of these concerns stem from misunderstandings about development economics, construction costs and housing pricing. Battle believes that greater transparency around how housing is financed, built and priced could help communities better understand the challenges developers face and the constraints shaping today's housing market. Tune in to the full episode to hear more insights on navigating Georgia's evolving zoning landscape and the strategies developers can use to move projects forward. To learn more about Battle Law, visit https://BattleLawPC.com/. About Battle Law Battle Law P.C. guides developers, property owners and organizations through the complex world of zoning, land use and permitting in Georgia. The firm provides hands-on support with rezoning applications, land development, variances and commercial real estate transactions, helping clients navigate approvals and avoid costly delays. With a focus on practical solutions and clear guidance, the firm combines legal expertise with strategic insight to help projects succeed. Podcast Thanks Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot's Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts. The post Battle Law: The New Reality of Zoning in Georgia appeared first on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Diane King Hall turns to earnings movers kicking off trading action in the retail space Wednesday morning. She looks into a pair of turnaround stories in Macy's (M) and Lululemon (LULU), with both stocks rallying after the report. It's not the same for SailPoint (SAIL), where Diane notes underwhelming outlook taking the wind out of the company's sails. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

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

Career disruption is accelerating across the economy — and few people have navigated it more boldly than Maryam Banikarim. The former CMO of Univision, Gannett, and Hyatt, and host of The Messy Parts podcast, Banikarim joins Rapid Response to share hard-won wisdom about C-suite politics, and ultimately betting on yourself. Growing up in Iran during the time of revolution, Banikarim offers a unique perspective on the current Middle East conflict — and her determined search for hope amid the chaos.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retail stores remain powerful spaces for storytelling, connection and cultural relevance. José Raul Padron, design lead for the Hershey Experience at The Hershey Company, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how thoughtful retail design transforms everyday shopping into memorable experiences. From immersive brand homes to viral product moments, he says physical retail continues to evolve in a digital-first world.(00:00:00) From chocolate legacy to retail design leadership(00:06:04) Why physical retail still matters in a digital world(00:11:17) Building immersive retail moments that capture culture(00:14:07) Where creative inspiration for retail design comes from(00:16:31) Inside the Hershey's creative hub in Pennsylvania(00:17:49) Career advice for the next generation of retail creativesThe 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:• 394: Halloween trends: What's driving record spending• 367: How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets

When two powerhouse women join forces, the result is more than a brand—it's a movement that brings women together through authentic connection, play, and joy. In this episode, we explore how Laura van der Veer and Danielle Leroux, the team behind She Summits, are redefining wellness and community-building for women and brands alike.The origin story and evolution of She Summits from a women's film fest to a platform for workshops and experiential brand engagement.The challenges and rewards of transforming brands into vibrant communities, and why emotional resonance is more valuable than transactions.The unique approach She Summits brings to corporate and retail partnerships—including why in-person connection and fostering play matter so much.The role of play, joy, and community as core workshop topics—and why adults often need permission to rediscover these elements.How She Summits is intentionally attracting aligned brands and creating welcoming, authentic spaces that aren't about sales, but about lasting impact and belonging.TLDR:Brands that invest in genuine connection, meaningful in-person experiences, and the well-being of women create communities that last. Cultivating play, joy, and authentic engagement isn't just good for business—it's transformative for all involved.Thank you for listening!If this episode inspired you, please screenshot and share it on social media—be sure to tag @meganswanwellness so we can cheer you on. Your support means the world!Connect with Megan SwanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellnessLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellnessWebsites: www.meganswanwellness.com + https://altavitahealth.ca/Subscribe to my Substack: ⁠⁠https://meganswan.substack.com/⁠⁠Connect with Laura + Danielle + She SummitsCheck out their fun play personality type test here: www.shesummitsforum.com/blog/discover-your-play-personalityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesummitsforumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-summits-forum/Keywordswomen's wellness, brand community building, brand experiences, corporate workshops, employee wellbeing, workplace burnout, community marketing, customer engagement, retail events, empowering women, physical retail spaces, brand awareness, women's purchasing power, emotional connection, play workshops, play types, creativity boosting, vulnerability, workshop facilitation, joy workshops, joy glimmers, joy boosters, joy activators, aligning with female-founded brands, in-person experiences, event marketing, building belonging, networking alternatives, experiential retail, collaboration with brands

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  From Saks Fifth Avenue layoffs to failing stores like Neiman Marcus, this isn't just bad luck—it's bad leadership. When “manager mentality” replaces founder thinking, innovation dies and businesses collapse. A real-world breakdown of how outdated thinking, poor execution, and missed opportunities are killing retail—and what smart leaders would do differently.

Aaron Krause did not set out to reinvent the kitchen sponge. He was a car detailer, building buffing pads and the machines that made them. To clean his greasy hands, he made a makeshift hand scrubber out of extra-rough foam, and it worked so well he decided to sell it. But nobody wanted it.He shelved the product for years. Then one day while cleaning up around the house, he accidentally discovered the foam's “magic” properties and realized it would make the perfect kitchen sponge. Scrub Daddy was born. As a friend advised him, nobody goes to the supermarket to discover new innovations in sponges. So Aaron did a furious round of in-store demos and eventually wound up on QVC (where he nearly got kicked off) and finally Shark Tank, where he made $1M the night it aired.In this episode, Aaron breaks down the unglamorous mechanics of building a consumer brand—negotiation, patents, and the obsession needed to keep going when no one believes in your vision.You'll learn:How Aaron's many patents helped drive his car-detailing business The hidden downside of “great” deals: exclusivity traps and corporate bureaucracyHow Aaron forced 3M to rethink value during acquisition negotiations How to sell a product no one is shopping for How Scrub Daddy built a brand block (Scrub Mommy & more) to become a category leaderHow to defend against copycats—patents, trade dress and aggressive enforcementTimestamps:07:24 — “You get to buy your own sneakers”—the childhood lesson that shapes Aaron's hustle09:03 — The brutal factory internship that sends him back to washing cars17:50 — The mirror snaps off a Mercedes… leading to a buffing pad breakthrough19:58 — The parable of the DIY patent: “If you had a toothache, would you drill your own tooth?”27:36 — Dirty factory hands inspire Aaron to invent a special hand scrubber… which no one wants41:35 — Aaron hangs up on a corporate powerhouse: refusing to sell to 3M based on EBITDA51:16 — The shelved scrubbers come out of storage and Aaron discovers their “magical” properties 1:02:31 — Retail won't bite—so he demos in ShopRite and sells 100 sponges a day1:13:43 — Shark Tank → $1M in one night… and retailers suddenly call backFollow How I Built This:Instagram → @howibuiltthisX → @HowIBuiltThisFacebook → How I Built ThisFollow Guy Raz:Instagram → @guy.razYoutube → guy_razX → @guyrazSubstack → guyraz.substack.comWebsite → guyraz.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a world of fleeting social trends, how do you build a creator strategy that drives measurable, long-term revenue instead of just chasing momentary spikes in engagement? Agility requires not just launching campaigns, but building systems that can learn and adapt in real-time based on actual consumer behavior and sales data. Today, we're going to talk about the evolution from influencer marketing to true creator commerce. This isn't just about paying for posts anymore; it's about building scalable, data-driven ecosystems where creators become a genuine extension of your sales and merchandising teams, directly impacting the bottom line. We are here at eTail Palm Springs, and to help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Wendy Wildfeuer and Tim Trevathan, at Motom. About Wendy Wildfeuer Wendy Wildfeuer is a leading expert in the creator economy and social commerce, helping brands and retailers turn creator marketing into scalable, sustainable revenue through Motom's white-label creator storefront solution, Anchor. Wendy's career spans leading marketing and monetization for iconic teen brands such as dELiA*s, Alloy, and Gossip Girl. She also played a pivotal role in the rise of YouTube influencer networks and spearheaded NBCU's first original digital IP production deal for brands with Broadway Video, creators of Saturday Night Live. A recognized innovator at the intersection of retail, tech, and media, Wendy brings extensive expertise as brands look to take back control of the shopper journey in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where social commerce is a critical pillar of a unified commerce strategy. Resources Motom: https://www.motom.me/ Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c43e68ce5cfb321e The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

An absolute must-listen if you're serious about scaling your product business profitably.While I'm on maternity leave, I'm re-airing some of the most impactful Buyerside Chat episodes, and this one dives into one of the most important (and hardest) skills you'll ever learn as a product-based business owner: the ability to edit your product line without emotion.When your business is small, creativity leads the way, and that's a beautiful thing. But when you're growing, scaling, and reinvesting back into inventory, emotion can quietly become one of your biggest profit killers.In this episode, I'm breaking down how buyers actually think when they evaluate assortments, and how you can start making decisions like a CEO instead of an artist, creator, maker or new boutique owner who's emotionally attached to every product.We talk about why having too many SKUs hurts conversion, how to identify what's driving the majority of your revenue, and how editing your collection can instantly improve cash flow, margins, and clarity - for both you and your customers.If you've ever:Felt overwhelmed by how many products you carryStruggled to let go of a once-beloved bestsellerWondered why sales feel stagnant despite adding more SKUsOr felt stuck between creativity and profitabilityThis episode will give you the framework and the confidence that you need to edit with intention.In this episode, we cover:Why editing is one of the most important buyer skills you can learnHow emotion sneaks into product decisions (and how to remove it)Why fewer choices often lead to higher conversionThe 80/20 rule and how it applies to your product lineHow to identify “dead weight” SKUs in your assortmentWhy bestsellers sometimes need to replace—not sit next to—older productsHow edited collections improve profit, clarity, and buyer confidenceWhen more SKUs make sense (and when they absolutely don't)Enjoy the chat! FREE RESOURCE FOR YOU!Grab the Retail Terms & Formulas Cheat Sheet HERE to help you speak the buyer language (with your wholesale buyers AND within your own retail business). LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS?Retail Pitching

In this strategic panel from the Retail Collective Summit in January 2026, we bring together the visionaries behind some of the most disruptive brands in retail to discuss the brutal reality of competition. These leaders share how to handle the moment your "moat" is breached by industry giants and fast followers. We move past the spreadsheets to explore the "Blue Sky" mindset, the danger of resting on a healthy P&L, and the tactical maneuvers required to launch a brand in Target and Walmart while staying under the radar of multi-billion dollar competitors.  If you are a founder or executive navigating a crowded market, this conversation is your playbook for constant reinvention and long-term dominance.  

12 Years of Trading Knowledge in 25 Minutes In episode 551 of the Desire To Trade Podcast, you will be listening to an interview with BlackSheep Academy's César Barriga, a trader who struggled for 10 years to become consistently profitable. César shares the hard lessons from that journey, from losing family money to finally finding peace with a simple, hybrid approach. He breaks down exactly why he now does the opposite of most retail traders and how he keeps his strategy so simple that he can explain it in a few minutes. The video is also available for you to watch on YouTube. >> Watch the video recording! Topics Covered In This Episode 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Who is César Barriga and what's his trading style? 02:11 How he started trading and his 20-year journey 04:16 How forex pulled him in 05:25 The brutal 10-year road to profitability 08:00 Learning what the top 1% of winning traders were doing 09:42 Finding retail sentiment online and building an edge 12:09 Retail trading or the opposite? 14:05 Finding the balance between simple and complicated strategies 16:18 Getting into algo trading through a mentor 18:24 Using AI to code strategies and validating them 20:49 César's hybrid approach (manual and algo) 22:55 How mindset affects your trades 26:23 Why beginners must start manual before ever touching automation 27:20 Where to find César Barriga (links below) What did you like best in this podcast episode? Let's talk in the comments below, or join me in the Facebook group! Desire To Trade's Top Resources DesireToTRADE Forex Trader Community (free group!) Complete Price Action Strategy Checklist One-Page Trading Plan (free template) Recommended brokers: EightCap (preferred Crypto and FX Broker) AxiTrader (use our link to get a special bonus) Desire To TRADE Academy Get a copy of Prop Trading Secrets (Author: Kathy Lien & Etienne Crete) About The Desire To Trade Podcast Subscribe via iTunes (take 2 seconds and leave the podcast a review!) Subscribe via Stitcher Subscribe via TuneIn Subscribe via Google Play See all podcast episodes How to find César Barriga BlackSheep Legacy (English) Instagram: @cesktrades What one thing will you implement after listening to this podcast episode? Leave a comment below, or join me in the Facebook group!

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos   In this spotlight from episode 349, Stacey touches on how despite a packed calendar and the challenges of fitting in special events, the VIP Summit proved invaluable by empowering their Memory Makers with deeper product knowledge. He emphasizes that knowledge builds confidence, which in turn drives successful sales experiences. Through stories of Memory Makers helping customers find tailored solutions—like securing optimal payments or solving unexpected moving mishaps—he illustrates how the Summit's learnings have already begun to resonate and elevate their service. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Mar 13, 2026 – Mish Schneider at Market Gauge tells Financial Sense Newshour why she's raised cash while holding to a core position of commodities given the current trends in the market. Mish says that one of the most important sectors she follows...

A special conversation with author Doug Fleener on his book "Start With What If: 52 Weekly Questions to Spark Immediate Change and Growth".When Doug looked back at every meaningful change in his life, he noticed a pattern: there was always an interrupter — something that disrupted his automatic thinking long enough for him to choose differently. That realization became the foundation of this book. Not a 200-page explanation, but a simple tool: one chapter on the mechanism, and 52 weekly questions designed to help readers practice interruption in real life. In this conversation on The Author's Voice with KAJ, Doug shares how rebuilding his life from addiction and business collapse led him to this insight, why simple ideas are often overlooked, and how better questions can quietly reshape a life over time. Join us to discover how one question a week can spark immediate change.Explore the stories behind the stories at https://kajmasterclass.com.=========================================*Guest*Doug Fleener is the author of Start With What If: 52 Weekly Questions to Spark Immediate Change and Growth. His work centers on a simple but powerful idea: you can always intentionally create better perspectives and options. After rebuilding his life from addiction and the collapse of his family business, Doug went on to serve as Director of Retail for Bose Corporation and later as a CEO. Today, he writes and speaks about real-world change that happens in everyday moments. His framework, The What If Rule, explores how better questions can reshape decisions, leadership, and relationships.Connect:https://www.dougfleener.com/startwithwhatifhttps://www.instagram.com/dougfleener/https://www.facebook.com/groups/61554942906442https://www.tiktok.com/@dougfleener=========================================*Host — Khudania Ajay (KAJ)*Independent journalist | 20+ years in media, leadership & storytelling | 2,500+ long-form conversations

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by David Gottlieb, Chief Revenue officer and Jeff Wrona, VP Product, Image Recognition for FORM, the makers of the award-winning market execution software GoSpotCheck and FORM OpX, and Trax, the industry-recognized global pioneer of Image Recognition, delivering AI-powered shelf-level insights that help brands and retailers improve execution, availability, and growth in the physical store, have merged. Follow David on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmgottlieb/ Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gospotcheckjw/Follow FORM online at: https://www.form.com/ This episode is sponsored by FORM.They answer these questions:When you combine Trax's global reach with FORM's innovative model training and deployment capabilities, what fundamentally changes for CPG brands on the ground?How does proactively onboarding the most popular SKUs in each region shift Image Recognition from just reactive reporting to a proactive competitive advantage?What does 'agentic AI' realistically look like inside a CPG organization over the next three to five years? Is it hype, or are we looking at an operational revolution? If you were building the modern CPG tech stack from scratch today, what happens when IR data is integrated directly into sales, supply chain, and marketing systems?Could shelf-level data become the fastest leading indicator of these generational behavior changes—even faster than syndicated data?In this margin-compressed world, does flawless in-store execution become the single biggest lever brands still control?How does integrating FORM's AI-powered image recognition directly with FORM's mobile task management fundamentally close that gap between identifying a shelf issue and executing a fix right there in the aisle?What unique execution challenges do traditional CPGs face when competing with the speed and emotional connection of these newer brands?How does leveraging AI and granular, SKU-level shelf intelligence help brands manage their physical presence with the same precision and responsiveness as their digital storefronts?If two brands have equal product quality and trade support, does the one with superior IR-driven visibility win every time?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The MacVoices panel continues their analysis of the MacBook Neo, pushing back against reviewers focused only on benchmarks rather than real-world usability. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the machine's intended audience, its value as an affordable entry into the Mac ecosystem, and its potential impact in education and retail markets. The conversation also examines Apple's decision to remove a high-end Mac Studio configuration and what it might signal about supply constraints and product strategy.  This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 MacBook Neo analysis and Mac Studio configuration loss 00:11 Introduction and newsletter mention 00:28 Performance claims about the MacBook Neo 02:36 Real-world expectations versus benchmark tests 03:57 Reviewer reactions and performance discussion 05:41 Why Apple emphasizes price over specs 08:02 Entry point into the Apple ecosystem 09:52 Comparing the Neo to Chromebooks and iPads 12:52 Retail and education market potential 14:10 Market positioning and intended audience 17:54 Finding use cases for the MacBook Neo 20:43 Apple Silicon and broader market implications 23:56 Future impact on Apple's PC market share 25:41 Mac Studio configuration disappears 27:04 Possible RAM supply constraints 28:58 Predictions for Mac Studio's return Links: The MacBook Neo Outperforms These M-Series MacBooks https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-macbook-neos-binned-iphone-chip-vs-other-macbooks MacBook Neo designer Molly Anderson is among the new faces added to Apple's leadership page https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/03/09/apples-updated-leadership-page-reveals-renewed-focus-on-design MacBook Neo will warn you if you plug a display into the wrong USB-C port https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/04/macbook-neo-will-warn-you-if-you-plug-a-display-into-the-wrong-usb-c-port/ Apple's 512GB Mac Studio vanishes, a quiet acknowledgment of the RAM shortage https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03/apples-512gb-mac-studio-vanishes-a-quiet-acknowledgement-of-the-ram-shortage/ Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through Twitter, LinkedIn, or on Mastodon. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession 'firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

We're all being told to "embrace AI or be left behind," but what if the biggest risk isn't ignoring AI, but implementing it poorly and alienating the very customers we're trying to attract? Agility requires not just the speed to adopt new technologies like AI, but the wisdom to discern where they create genuine value versus where they simply add complexity. It's about constantly testing, learning, and refining your approach to serve the customer, not just the algorithm. Today, we are here at eTail Palm Springs hearing about all the latest in e-commerce and retail, and we're going to talk about moving past the hype cycle of AI and getting down to the practical realities of how it's actually changing consumer behavior, and what that means for marketing leaders trying to make smart investments. We'll get into the nuance of what to automate versus what to keep human, and how to use these powerful tools to build customer relationships, not just transactional efficiency.To help me discuss this, I'd like to welcome Keri McGhee, CMO at Attentive. About Keri McGhee Keri McGhee is the Chief Marketing Officer at Attentive, the AI-powered SMS and email marketing platform helping leading brands deliver 1:1 personalized, real-time messaging experiences at scale.  As CMO, Keri leads strategic global marketing to elevate the Attentive brand and drive growth across every stage of the customer journey. She oversees product marketing, revenue marketing, brand and content strategy, events, and partner marketing, ensuring Attentive's story connects deeply with marketers around the world. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and measurable impact, Keri champions marketing that blends data-driven insights with storytelling to inspire and empower brands to build more personal, lasting customer relationships.  Keri McGhee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-mcghee/ Resources Attentive: https://www.attentive.com Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c43e68ce5cfb321e The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

Can a niche hobby become a viable retail concept?The golf industry quietly experienced one of the biggest participation surges in decades during the pandemic. Millions of people picked up clubs for the first time, and the ripple effects are still reshaping the business of golf, from course operations to the rise of indoor golf concepts.This Retail Retold Replay revisits Chris Ressa's conversation with Brian Hilko, owner of Golf Factory in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and a tenant at DLC's Randhurst Village.After two decades as a PGA professional running golf courses, managing operations, and teaching the game, Hilko recognized something most operators overlooked: traditional golf experiences were often transactional and uninspiring. The game people loved deserved better.So he built something different.Golf Factory blends serious golf technology with an approachable, family-friendly environment. Powered by TrackMan simulators used by professional golfers, the concept allows players of all skill levels to practice, compete, and play year round without the intimidation factor many associate with traditional golf settings.Hilko shares the entrepreneurial journey behind launching the business, from identifying the opportunity during the COVID golf boom to building the space with an SBA loan, a partner, and a lot of hands-on work that saved nearly $1 million in construction costs.The conversation also highlights an emerging category within retail real estate: experiential concepts that draw consistent traffic and complement surrounding tenants rather than compete with them. Indoor golf has become a compelling example, delivering entertainment, community engagement, and repeat visits.Looking back now adds helpful perspective. The themes discussed, experiential retail, niche operators, and passion driven entrepreneurship, remain highly relevant as landlords and operators continue to search for concepts that drive traffic and create community.For retail real estate professionals, operators, and entrepreneurs, this replay offers a sharp look at how a passion for the game became a viable retail business.What You'll HearWhy the pandemic accelerated golf participation - and how millions of new players changed the business of the sport.The problem with traditional golf experiences - and why Hilko believed the industry often underserves players.Indoor golf's growing role in the sport - combining professional-grade technology with accessibility for casual players.How TrackMan technology is transforming training and entertainment - bringing tour-level analytics to everyday golfers.The entrepreneurial leap from PGA professional to business owner - and recognizing when the opportunity was right.How Hilko financed the business - combining an SBA loan, a partner, and a detailed business plan built from real operational data.Saving nearly $1 million on buildout costs - by rolling up sleeves and completing major portions of the construction personally.Why location strategy mattered - choosing a retail development with strong surrounding traffic and no direct competition.How experiential tenants complement retail centers - driving visitation that benefits surrounding restaurants and shops.Chapters00:06 — Brian Hilko's background in golfA PGA professional explains how two decades in golf operations led to entrepreneurship.01:26 — Why golf surged during the pandemicChris and Brian discuss the massive participation wave and why the game resonates with new players.02:31 — The appeal of indoor golfHow technology and convenience make the sport accessible for busy people and families.04:14 — Recognizing a business opportunityHilko explains the moment he decided to launch his own golf concept.06:22 — Building a better golf experienceWhy Golf Factory was designed to remove the intimidation factor of traditional golf.08:06 — Financing and launching the businessHow a network, SBA financing, and careful planning made the concept possible.10:25 — Technology that powers the experienceTrackMan simulators bring professional-grade data and gameplay to indoor golf.13:03 — The economics of the buildoutHow the team kept the total buildout under $1 million through hands-on construction.14:36 — Revenue projections and early performanceHilko discusses expectations for growth and seasonality in the business.15:43 — Finding the right retail locationWhy Randhurst Village offered the right combination of demand, traffic, and opport

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

Hollywood's biggest night is more than a spectacle — it's a stress test for an industry in freefall. Janice Min, CEO of The Ankler, joins Rapid Response to break down her Oscars predictions and what the show's upcoming move to YouTube signals about the future of mainstream media. Min also unpacks the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal that caught everyone off guard, what David Ellison's arrival really means for Hollywood, and why a viral AI video of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise has the entertainment world more rattled than any box office bomb.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Jason and Meradith Christensen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Blue Unicorn Bar. After building Northstar into one of the largest home security companies in the nation and exiting to private equity, Jason "disrupted himself" to enter the brutal world of CPG.  We dive into the "Willy Wonka" chemistry behind their proprietary manufacturing, the logistical nightmare of shipping real chocolate in the summer, and how they landed major retailers like Harmon's and Associated Food Stores in record time. From the high-stakes pivot of a tech founder to the molecular science required to create a "fluffy" protein bar without additives, this conversation reveals what it truly takes to scale a premium brand while maintaining total control over production.  

Retail earnings season just wrapped, and the headlines are telling one story while the data tells another. Consumer sentiment is dismal. Tariffs are squeezing margins. Geopolitical uncertainty looms. Yet average retail revenues grew 7-9% in Q4, and consumers keep spending. How do you reconcile these contradictions? Simeon Siegel, Senior Managing Director at Guggenheim Securities and one of Wall Street's most data-driven retail analysts, cuts through the noise with a simple philosophy: "The first thing I look at is revenues. Because it's very easy to conflate growth rates with revenue sizes."In this episode of The Retail Pilot, Ken sits down with Siegel to dissect what's really happening in retail beyond the sentiment surveys and macro doom-scrolling. From Nike's "dying" $47 billion business to Gap's viral comeback, from the D2C myth to why NPS scores should be banned from boardrooms, Siegel brings his signature contrarian analysis backed by hard numbers. This isn't about feelings—it's about what consumers are actually doing with their wallets, which stocks are positioned to win, and why the retail industry's most cherished beliefs might be leading CEOs astray.In this episode you'll learn:Why consumer spending remains strong despite abysmal consumer sentiment—and what that divergence really meansThe revenue vs. narrative disconnect: How Nike can be "dying" with $47-49 billion in salesWhich retail subsectors are winning and losing in the K-shaped economy (hint: it's a market share story, not a demographic one)Simeon's top stock picks for 2026: Why he's bullish on Nike, TJX, Ross, Birkenstock, Planet Fitness, and CapriThe real impact of tariffs on Q4 earnings: What retailers passed through vs. what they absorbedWhy Gap Inc.'s comeback under Richard Dickson is working—and whether it's sustainable beyond the hypeThe one KPI Simeon wants banned from retail boardrooms: Net Promoter Score (NPS) and why it misleads executivesWhy "D2C is not all it's cracked up to be": The data-driven case for wholesale distributionHow the Iran conflict could impact consumer spending, gas prices, and petroleum-based athleisure costsThe department store survival blueprint: What Macy's, Nordstrom, and off-price retailers are getting rightWhy TJ Maxx's lack of e-commerce is actually an asset for moving premium brand inventory "invisibly"Don't forget to subscribe to The Retail Pilot podcast for more conversations with retail industry leaders and visionaries shaping the future of commerce.If you missed our last episode, where Terry Lundgren (former Macy's CEO) and Jan Rogers Kniffen dissect the Saks Global bankruptcy, predict the future of department stores, and reveal why some retailers will survive while others won't, be sure to tune in.Connect with Ken:-Follow Ken Pilot Ventures on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The MacVoices panel continues their analysis of the MacBook Neo, pushing back against reviewers focused only on benchmarks rather than real-world usability. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the machine's intended audience, its value as an affordable entry into the Mac ecosystem, and its potential impact in education and retail markets. The conversation also examines Apple's decision to remove a high-end Mac Studio configuration and what it might signal about supply constraints and product strategy.  This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 MacBook Neo analysis and Mac Studio configuration loss00:11 Introduction and newsletter mention00:28 Performance claims about the MacBook Neo02:36 Real-world expectations versus benchmark tests03:57 Reviewer reactions and performance discussion05:41 Why Apple emphasizes price over specs08:02 Entry point into the Apple ecosystem09:52 Comparing the Neo to Chromebooks and iPads12:52 Retail and education market potential14:10 Market positioning and intended audience17:54 Finding use cases for the MacBook Neo20:43 Apple Silicon and broader market implications23:56 Future impact on Apple's PC market share25:41 Mac Studio configuration disappears27:04 Possible RAM supply constraints28:58 Predictions for Mac Studio's return Links: The MacBook Neo Outperforms These M-Series MacBookshttps://lifehacker.com/tech/the-macbook-neos-binned-iphone-chip-vs-other-macbooks MacBook Neo designer Molly Anderson is among the new faces added to Apple's leadership pagehttps://appleinsider.com/articles/26/03/09/apples-updated-leadership-page-reveals-renewed-focus-on-design MacBook Neo will warn you if you plug a display into the wrong USB-C porthttps://9to5mac.com/2026/03/04/macbook-neo-will-warn-you-if-you-plug-a-display-into-the-wrong-usb-c-port/ Apple's 512GB Mac Studio vanishes, a quiet acknowledgment of the RAM shortagehttps://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03/apples-512gb-mac-studio-vanishes-a-quiet-acknowledgement-of-the-ram-shortage/ Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through Twitter, LinkedIn, or on Mastodon. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Oil is surging and the headlines say brace for impact — but the relationship between energy prices and advertising spend is more nuanced than it looks. In this episode of the Media Intelligence Podcast, WPP Media's Kate Scott-Dawkins, Jeff Foster and Nidhi Shah break down what rising oil prices actually mean for advertising budgets, media planning and brand strategy across five key markets: the US, Canada, the UK, Europe and Australia.The team unpacks why an oil shock today works as a macro stress multiplier rather than a direct spending killer — and what that means for marketing investment decisions in 2026. Then it's into eCommerce, where US online retail crossed $1.23 trillion in 2025 and the UK hit nearly 29% of all retail sales online — and what the rise of global retail media networks means for brands and advertisers navigating this shift.Topics covered: oil price impact on CPI and consumer spending, inflation risk by market, retail media growth, OpenAI's commerce strategy, Amazon's advertising ecosystem, and the global eCommerce players reshaping media investment.00:00 Introduction01:50 Oil prices and the macro stress multiplier02:37 Market by market: US, Canada, Europe and Australia14:30 China: EVs, exports and the labour market shift17:17 eCommerce: where retail growth is actually happening20:06 Retail media, agentic commerce and the $1B+ club26:26 Amazon's content and commerce ecosystem

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!When Tim Baxter left Express, he thought he might semi-retire. What he discovered instead was a vision he'd been building toward for 30 years; a belief in the meaningful role a retail store can play in people's lives, and his conviction to bring it to life. In this conversation, Haley Boehning sits down with Tim to unpack the story behind The Baxter Collective, a new highly-curated physical retail platform opening its first store in Rye, New York. Designed to fill the white space between the endless aisles online and the niche boutique, The Baxter Collective isn't about reinventing the department store. It's about something older and more human: a neighborhood store where people feel welcome, the edit is done specifically for them, and the sales team knows their name. The conversation is a masterclass in leadership and clarity of conviction. Tim talks about the moment he realized what was missing in retail today, not a format, but a feeling. He shares what he learned from 30+ years across Macy's, Express, and in his board seat at Stitch Fix about why brands lose their way, why simplicity is harder than it looks, and why the store manager is the most underestimated person in the business. Behind every bold business move is a leadership story. This is Tim Baxter's. If you've ever wondered what it takes to bet on a new idea after a long career, or how to stay close to the customer when everything around you is telling you to scale, this retail story is for you. Special Guest: Tim Baxter, Founder, The Baxter Collective 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.

HOUR 4: They're now just adding a tip?! On retail transactions?! full 2192 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0000 EnPFRQDZy8m8Ks1hXFs4fYXYyxV4zU34 news The Dana & Parks Podcast news HOUR 4: They're now just adding a tip?! On retail transactions?! You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodc

Keegan Myles is Head of Business Operations at Confido, the end-to-end operations platform built specifically for CPG brands. On this episode of ITS, Keegan and Ali talk about how his experience at Simple Mills, MUSH, and PATHWATER led him to the team at Confido and why sales and operations planning with the right numbers are so critical to a brand's success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Mike Wilcox, CFO of Blockchain.com, to unpack the economics of crypto exchanges. They discuss how platforms serve both retail traders and institutional clients, the different ways exchanges generate revenue, and the tension between blockchain's radical transparency and the valuable first-party data exchanges control.—SPONSORS:Brex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.ai—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNMike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wilcox-65078a12/https://www.blockchain.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—TIMESTAMPS:Here's the trimmed version:0:00 Preview and intro2:12 Tradfi to crypto transition3:49 Blockchain.com origin5:45 CFO as business partner6:01 Finance team backgrounds7:02 Banking relationships8:51 On ramps and off ramps8:51 Retail vs. institutional10:53 Sponsors — Brex | Metronome | RightRev14:09 B2C to B2B motion16:04 Shared infrastructure18:31 Go-to-market differences19:00 Brand equity and low CAC20:06 Education as top-of-funnel21:13 Institutional vs. retail volatility22:37 Exchange vs. brokerage model23:56 How brokerages make money24:06 Sponsors — Rillet | Tabs | Abacum27:31 Setting take rates29:13 Distribution flywheel30:13 Data as a moat31:13 Nigeria market playbook31:44 Crypto balance sheet33:25 Duration matching34:37 Transaction-level risk36:12 Latency arms race37:28 Stablecoins and CFOs38:13 Risk vectors40:01 Annual planning41:51 Lightning round43:00 Finance software stack43:31 Advice to younger self44:09 Credits

You've worked across startups, agencies, and large enterprises. What connects all those chapters of your career and brought you to where you are today? What originally drew you to TikTok and made this role the right next step in your journey?As Head of US Enterprise Retail and Telecom how do you help legacy brands succeed on a platform that moves at internet speed? How do you help large enterprise retailers and CPG brands translate their existing strategies into something that feels native on TikTok and what separates brands that truly win from those that simply show up?Looking ahead what do you think brand leaders need to unlearn in order to win on modern platforms?

“It's been a tsunami of potentially concerning headlines,” says Kevin Davitt. He uses Nasdaq's data to help gauge recent performance in tech after the latest earnings cycle. Turning to options, Kevin looks at flows, which he interprets as showing a swing back towards macro risk. Retail investors are becoming “increasingly sophisticated” very quickly, he notes.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

WIth consumers increasingly skeptical of advertising, what's the real difference between a brand that's being genuinely helpful and one that's just being creepy? Agility requires brands to not just react to consumer behavior, but to anticipate it with smarter technology. It's about shifting from broad assumptions to a nuanced understanding of intent, especially when economic uncertainty changes the rules of engagement. Today we are here at eTail Palm Springs, and we're going to talk about the evolution of performance marketing in an era of signal loss and consumer uncertainty. As traditional methods like third-party cookies fade away, marketers need new tools and strategies that are not just incrementally better, but fundamentally different in their approach to engaging customers and driving results. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back to the show Jaysen Gillespie, Global Head of Analytics and Product Marketing at RTB House. About Jaysen Gillespie Jaysen Gillespie is a seasoned product and analytics leader with over 15 years in Adtech and data science. As VP of Global Product Commercialization and Analytics at RTB House, he's known for translating insights into simple narratives that marketers can actually use. Whether guiding global teams or speaking on stage, Jaysen has a knack for making performance results understandable and immediately relevant. His focus is always on what drives real business outcomes, not just what looks good on a dashboard. For him, data is only powerful when it leads to smarter decisions and measurable impact. Jaysen Gillespie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysengillespie/ Resources RTB House: https://www.rtbhouse.com Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c43e68ce5cfb321e The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

Global supply chains are navigating an era marked by evolving challenges and opportunities. As technological advancements such as AI continue to reshape the landscape, leaders must adapt to the constant pressures of global uncertainty.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Tony Zuazo, Interim CEO of the Community Resource Center, to explore the intersection of people, process, and technology in today's supply chain environment. Tony shares insights from his extensive experience leading supply chains at Dollar General and his current work in nonprofit leadership. Together, they discuss the critical role of innovation in supply chain management, the growing significance of automation and AI, and the importance of adapting processes to meet both short-term needs and long-term goals.Scott and Tony also touch on the complexities of decision-making in global supply chains, the balance between technology and human-driven processes, and the need for clear communication in change management. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on how to manage uncertainty, drive efficiency, and keep people at the heart of successful supply chain operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:42) Tony Zuazo's background and supply chain leadership at Dollar General(07:35) Retail supply chain's evolution over the past decade(08:16) Shifts in technology: automation and AI(10:24) Unchanging global pressures in the supply chain(11:18) Importance of micro decisions in operations(13:52) Key non-negotiables at Dollar General(16:49) Overengineering vs. oversimplifying technology solutions(20:07) The importance of overcommunication in leadership(23:20) CRC's mission: hygiene and security(26:33) Ways to support the Community Resource Center(30:15) Leadership lessons: people, process, and technology(32:49) Standardizing processes with room for flexibilityAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Tony Zuazo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyzuazo/Learn more about the Community Resource Center: http://www.crcmidtn.orgLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Months to Days: How AI-Speed Supply Chain Design Is Breaking Traditional Org Models—And Talent Too: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/store-shelves-commnity-impact-journey-1556

 Heavy hitters like Larry Fink and Paul Atkins have said that tokenization is the future, but acquiring and managing tokenized assets can be a tall order for the average retail investor. Today's company is working to change that, with a unique strategy that provides value far beyond market exposure. Marco Santori is the Chief Executive Officer of Solmate, which trades under the symbol SLMT. Solmate is an institutional infrastructure company accelerating Solana's growth, and giving investors exposure to Solana's native token, SOL. Marco is a treasury company pioneer, launching the very first Altcoin treasury on Nasdaq, and he was a partner at Pantera Capital where he helped to structure some of the industry's best performing treasuries. Marco was also the Chief Legal Officer at Kraken, one of the world's largest digital asset exchanges, served as the President of Blockchain.com, and he was a partner at the law firm Cooley, where he led the firm's global fintech team. Today, Marco joins us to explain how Solmate's infrastructure flywheel creates value, what makes Solana unique among blockchains, and how the emergence of digitized capital markets will impact the world of finance.Highlights:Blockchain basics (2:22)What is Solana? (4:27)What sets Solmate apart (7:28)Infrastructure flywheel (11:08)Digital capital markets (13:31)Why the UAE? (15:42)Institutional readiness and blockchains (19:30)How will blockchains change finance? (21:17)Innovations in the works (24:53)Solmate's investment thesis (27:19) Links: Marco LinkedInSolmate LinkedInSolmate WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

As ChatGPT pulls back on native in-app checkout, malls becomemainstream again. Is agentic commerce ready for primetime, or are consumers seeking more analog experiences? PLUS: Dick's Sporting Goods' loyalty loop that turns steps into spending power, and a dystopian new platform that rents out humans for AI agents that can't operate in the physical world. Everything old is new again. Granny's Favorite Store Goes to TikTok Shop Key takeaways: ChatGPT is stepping back from native in-app checkout, but the commerce protocol it built with Stripe lives on 77% of shoppers prefer clicking through to a website over buying directly via AI The mall remains a societal favorite third space, even as stores become shoppable content studios (just ask John Lewis) Dick's Sporting Goods' movement-linked rewards program is quietly building one of retail's stickiest loyalty ecosystems, making it a viable competitor to AI apps "Rent-a-Human" platforms signal a strange new frontier: AI agents outsourcing tasks to people in “meatspace” In-Show Mentions: How 2,000 consumers used AI to shop Gen Z Is Going to the Mall Again — WSJ Rent-a-Human Join us at Shoptalk Spring 2026! Associated Links: Check out Future Commerce on YouTube Check out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and print Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce world Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce Have 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.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss why Starbucks just revamped its loyalty program, what the ideal loyalty program looks like, and how this revamp could tie into a broader strategy to bring customers back into stores and drive frequency if you were CEO of Starbucks for a day. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Analyst Arielle Feger.   Get more insights like these with our free, industry-leading newsletters covering advertising, marketing, and commerce. Sign up at 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-starbucks-loyalty-revamp-blueprint-modern-rewards-reimagining-retail © 2026 EMARKETER   Rokt helps marketers reach high-intent customers in the Transaction Moment™—when they're actively completing a purchase online. Powered by AI and first-party data, Rokt Ads connects your brand with over 400 million global shoppers and delivers outcomes you can count on. Learn more at rokt.com/emarketer to get started today.

As a marketing leader, is your primary job to persuade human customers, or are you now preparing to negotiate directly with their AI agents? Agility requires marketing leaders to not only react to market changes, but to become the primary architects of that change within the enterprise. It's about transforming the marketing function from a cost center into the accountable growth engine for the entire business. Today, we are recording from eTail Palm Springs, and we're going to talk about the expanding, and frankly, more demanding role of the CMO. It's a topic that's front and center here at eTail, where many are discussing how marketing leaders must evolve beyond traditional brand stewardship to become true architects of change—driving cross-functional growth, owning the P&L impact of their investments, and steering the organization through continuous transformation. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ed See, Chief Growth Officer at Zeta Global. About Ed See As Chief Growth Officer, See leads the charge in accelerating the company's growth strategy. His priorities include deepening CMO and c-suite engagement, demonstrating the transformative potential of Zeta's AI-driven solutions, and helping businesses achieve measurable, high-impact marketing outcomes.  Bringing 30 years of practice to Zeta, Ed was most recently a Partner in McKinsey & Company's Growth Marketing & Sales practice, focused on helping companies drive growth through modern marketing. While at McKinsey, he worked with large companies to identify growth opportunities and increase the value of their relationships with customers and consumers. His expertise includes digital strategy, digital marketing, growth and marketing analytics, segmentation, and advertising and marketing technology. Over the course of his career, Ed has advised some of the world's major brands on how to apply new capabilities, analytics, and technology to improve their marketing and sales performance. Prior to joining McKinsey, Ed was a partner at Deloitte and held leadership roles at several other companies.   Ed See on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-see-496857/ Resources Zeta Global: https://www.zetaglobal.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c43e68ce5cfb321e 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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

Retail today looks a lot different than it used to. Customers can shop on their phone from their couch. They can compare us to the entire world in about five seconds. They expect personalization. They expect overnight, or even two-hour delivery. And honestly? That's fair! If we want to stay relevant, we have to evolve and grow to meet the customer's changing needs. But one constant that's anchored us through our entire 125 years is that we don't define what good service looks like—customers do. In parts 1 and 2 of our 125th anniversary series we took a look back at our history, and how our culture has spread and grown along with the company. For Part 3 we're bringing the focus to the present—to pay attention to what a modern customer is looking for, to meet them on their terms, and to empower our people to seek out new and better ways to serve. To help tell this story you'll hear, once again, from my brother and Co-CEO, Erik Nordstrom, as well as our cousin and Chief Merchandising Officer, Jamie Nordstrom. You'll also hear from a few current Nordstrom employees in varying roles—from the physical sales floor to our digital marketplace. No matter where our customers wish to shop with us—in a store face-to-face, or in sweatpants under a blanket in bed—we'll be there for it. Yes, the business has become more complex, but the mission is simple: Make customers feel good, and look their best. Thanks for tuning in to episode 105. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

What if the biggest friction point in your customer's journey isn't your checkout page, but the overwhelming paradox of choice you've intentionally created for them? Agility requires not just reacting to consumer behavior, but proactively re-architecting the entire purchase journey based on what the data tells you they *truly* need, even before they know it themselves. Today, we are here at eTail Palm Springs, and we're going to talk about tackling one of the biggest challenges in e-commerce: the high-consideration purchase. We'll explore how brands can move beyond simply offering endless options and instead use AI and behavioral data to create a guided, trust-based experience that actually simplifies decision-making and leads to conversion. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Dan Bennett, CMO at Furniture.com. About Dan Bennett Dan Bennett is Chief Marketing Officer and founding team member at Furniture.com, where he's reshaping furniture retail through AI, data, and an open marketplace model. Since 2022, Dan has helped scale the company to 80+ employees across two offices, connecting millions of shoppers with hundreds of brands.Before Furniture.com, he was CMO at Packable, a Carlyle-backed e-commerce platform that grew into Amazon's largest third-party marketplace partner and reached a $2 billion valuation. Earlier, Dan spent over a decade leading digital and brand strategy at McCann and Grey, driving growth for global names like P&G, Facebook, Microsoft, and Nike.Dan brings a focus on clear priorities, fast execution, and building teams that fuel sustainable growth. Dan Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettdaniel/ Resources Furniture.com: https://www.furniture.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c43e68ce5cfb321e 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://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba 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