Podcasts about Retail

On today's podcast episode, we discuss whether Coca-Cola's AI holiday ad is a bold move forward or a soulless shortcut—and, when everything can be generated, whether authenticity becomes the new premium. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Analyst Arielle Feger.   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+, go to EMARKETER.com   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-coca-cola-s-ai-holiday-ad-bold-innovation-soulless-shortcut-reimagining-retail     © 2025 EMARKETER DG Media Network connects advertisers to rural customers at scale, with 90MM+ reachable shoppers. Our unique reach provides access to hard to reach customers that aren't found in the largest demographic audiences available to marketers.   Leverage our unique first-party data to expand your reach and meet our customers wherever they are with omni-channel solutions designed to engage and measure results with closed-loop, one-to-one data and self-service access.   Our robust media portfolio spans in-store, on-site & off-site tactics across the full funnel. Our platform enables even more ways to add value to shoppers on their purchase journey that drives brand equity and sales growth.   Unique reach, at scale, across 20+ tactics and platforms. That's media built better!   Connect with us to learn more about how we're changing omnichannel advertising.   https://www.dgmedianetwork.com/  

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3357: Joshua Becker reveals how decades of marketing have hijacked the spirit of the holidays, turning a season meant for connection into one dominated by consumerism and stress. He offers a compelling case for simplifying gift-giving, focusing instead on meaningful traditions that bring real joy and lasting memories. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/dont-let-shopping-ruin-your-holidays/ Quotes to ponder: "Retail promises the perfect Christmas, but ruins it instead." "Shopping is resulting in the exact opposite emotions we desire during this holiday season." "Lifestyle creep is not just for adults… the phenomena exists for children as well." Episode references: The Hope Effect: https://www.hopeeffect.com/givingtuesday2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Set Active founder, Lindsey Carter has nailed a well-timed, high in demand, product drop. Now the team sells out millions worth of products in the matter of hours. In just seven years, she's built a celebrity-loved athletic wear brand that generates $1 million in under an hour and is on track to hit $30 million in annual revenue this year. Lindsey has yet to take on a dollar from investors and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. Lindsey shares the strategies behind building a brand that Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and thousands of loyal customers can't get enough of. She candidly opens up about building a community with 8,200+ super fans on Instagram, and leveraging AI tools that save her and her team hours every day. We'll dive into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from placing risky second orders to keep momentum going, to learning hard lessons about hiring. In this episode you'll learn: The exact strategy behind Set Active's $1M resort drop (and why location matters)How to build real community that drives sales (spoiler: you can't fake it)AI tools that turned 5-hour tasks into 5-minute winsWhy momentum is everything and how to maintain it across dropsSocial media secrets and why you should treat each platform like a different family memberSmart hiring practices and what makes employees buy into founder visionThe power of asking for help when you need it mostHow transparency and vulnerability create customer loyaltyWhat's next for Set Active…Four Seasons collabs, gorpcore, and 90s-inspired collectionsChapters:(Tips: use vague and general language that identifies what the next few minutes will talk about) 00:00 Introducing Lindsey Carter & Set Active2:20 The Lightning Strike Moment: How Lindsey Discovered Her Entrepreneurial Passion5:07 The Investor Advice Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear 7:00 How to Build Momentum Early In Business (+ How to Keep it Going) 10:21 Core Challenges 7 Years into Set Active & How to Overcome Them14:45 Hitting Rock Bottom In Life/Business–How to Bounce Back from A Down Year 19:47 The $1M Resort Drop Strategy23:26 New Trends Coming Up: Gorpcore, a Four Seasons collab & more25:10 Why You Can't Fake Community & Winning Social Media Strategies 27:09 AI Tools That Set Active Swears By35:29 The Secret to Consistent Wins: How Set Keeps Momentum Going  Guest: Lindsey CarterTitle: Founder & CEO Company: SET ACTIVE Industry: Fashion Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Matt Taylor, Vice President of Digital at Scotts Miracle-Gro. Matt shares how generative search is reshaping the Lawn and Garden category, raising expectations for content, partnerships, and digital experiences. He explains why Scotts brought digital and retail media together under one leader and how his team built a machine-learning model that uses weather, POS, macroeconomic signals, and media data to guide in-season investment.He also breaks down what it takes to align brand, sales, and media teams and why patience and iteration are essential when building data science capabilities.Key takeawaysGenerative search is raising the bar for content, consumer experience, and measurementConsolidating digital and retail media enables full-funnel planning and faster decisionsMachine-learning models help teams optimize weekly investments with real-time dataData science requires buy-in, experimentation, and time to improve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 11, Episode 12 opens with a whirlwind week in retail news. Steve and Michael begin with the long-awaited end of the historic 43-day U.S. government shutdown, exploring what it means for holiday spending, federal workers, SNAP benefits, and travel recovery. While uncertainty lingers—particularly around health-care subsidies—the hosts note that retail may still experience ripple effects, especially among lower-income consumers living paycheck to paycheck. Still, retail sales continue to surprise: year-over-year spending climbed 5%, with clothing, sporting goods, electronics, and general merchandise leading the pack. Ecommerce also surged, with October online sales up 8.2%The hosts then unpack a series of strong earnings from standout brands. On continues its explosive growth with sales up over 30%, while Warby Parker posts a 15% sales jump and meaningful profitability improvement. The RealReal rebounds with 17% revenue growth, and Shopify reports a remarkable 32% increase, reflecting the strength of digitally enabled commerce. Another major storyline is the rapid rise of AI shopping: Adobe Analytics data now shows AI-driven traffic converting 16% higher than traditional channels, validating the momentum behind agentic commerce. In other tech news, Google announces an AI agent capable of calling stores, checking inventory, and completing purchases—a signal of seismic shifts underway in retail automation. And finally, the surprise timing behind the departure of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon prompts conversation about leadership transition, strategy continuity and the remarkable transformation he led. The second half of the episode features an in-depth interview with Julie Bornstein, Founder & CEO of Daydream—an AI-powered, chat-based shopping engine still in beta but already partnered with over 10,000 brands and 350 retailers that has already raised $50mm in capital. Julie shares her impressive career journey through Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Stitch Fix, The Yes, and Pinterest. She then goes to explain how Daydream solves fashion's most enduring problem: overwhelming choice. With generative AI enabling natural-language search, Daydream aims to deliver truly personalized recommendations by combining human stylist expertise with an ensemble of specialized models that understand fabric, fit, color, and aesthetic nuance. Julie also discusses the complexity of building a platform that merges taste-based shopping with machine learning, the importance of deep brand partnerships, and why major retailers see Daydream as both a customer-acquisition engine and an AI learning lab. She previews what's ahead: emerging social features, secondhand expansion, new iOS integrations, an upcoming app launch, and broader consumer rollout.  SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of Mining Stock Education, host Bill Powers speaks with David Erfle from Junior Miner Junky. David believes that the gold producers and developers are cheap both relative to the gold price and also when compared to the 2011 bull market P/E and P/NAV miner valuations. He provides commentary on the gold and silver price while also sharing how he is managing his portfolio in this bull market. David also offers his analyses of Fresnillo's bid for Probe Gold and Silver Tiger's recent approval to construct the El Tigre Stockwork Silver-Gold Project in Sonora, Mexico. 00:00 Intro 0:44 Gold & Silver price commentary 2:29 Undervalued miners 6:20 Retail gold stock inflow 8:46 Silver Tiger permit & Fresnillo buying Probe Gold 13:32 Agnico Eagle to bid for Probe Gold? 15:30 M&A 17:47 Canada backs critical metals projects 18:39 Contract mining concerns? 19:38 JMJ sentiment David's website: https://juniorminerjunky.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter and receive interview transcripts, stock profiles and investment ideas: http://eepurl.com/cHxJ39 Mining Stock Education (MSE) offers informational content based on available data but it does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It may not be appropriate for all situations or objectives. Readers and listeners should seek professional advice, make independent investigations and assessments before investing. MSE does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of its content and should not be solely relied upon for investment decisions. MSE and its owner may hold financial interests in the companies discussed and can trade such securities without notice. If you buy stock in a company featured on MSE, for your own protection, you should assume that it is MSE's owner personally selling you that stock. MSE is biased towards its advertising sponsors which make this platform possible. MSE is not liable for representations, warranties, or omissions in its content. By accessing MSE content, users agree that MSE and its affiliates bear no liability related to the information provided or the investment decisions you make. Full disclaimer: https://www.miningstockeducation.com/disclaimer/

In recent weeks, OpenAI faced seven lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to suicides or mental health breakdowns. To spotlight the controversial relationship between AI and mental health, host Bob Safian is joined on stage at Innovation@Brown Showcase by Brown University's Ellie Pavlick, director of a new institute dedicated to exploring AI and mental health, and Soraya Darabi of VC firm TMV, an early investor in mental health AI startups. Pavlick and Darabi weigh the pros and cons of applying AI to emotional well-being, from chatbot therapy to AI friends and romantic partners. 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.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks is prompting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adopt managed detection and response (MDR) services and explore autonomous security operations centers (SOCs). Research from TechAisle indicates that awareness of MDR among SMBs increased from 39% in 2023 to 61% in 2025, with 89% of mid-market firms prioritizing cyber resilience. This shift is driven by the need for effective security operations that do not rely on in-house expertise, as AI-driven threats evolve faster than traditional defenses can respond.A report from UpGuard highlights the prevalence of shadow AI, revealing that 68% of security leaders use unauthorized AI tools, with 90% of them bypassing corporate governance. This disconnect between security protocols and employee behavior underscores the need for organizations to adapt their governance strategies. Additionally, a significant cyber attack attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored group demonstrated AI's capability to autonomously conduct reconnaissance and data exfiltration, marking a shift in threat actor tactics.Retail executives are increasingly concerned about their employees' ability to identify genuine cyber threats, with 44% reporting a rise in cyber attacks. Despite this awareness, only 25% feel prepared for AI-driven incidents. The report emphasizes the necessity for retailers to adopt a resilience-focused approach, including improved application security and identity controls, to mitigate risks associated with sophisticated cyber threats. This highlights a broader trend across industries where reliance on employee training alone is insufficient to combat evolving threats.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), these developments present both challenges and opportunities. The increasing complexity of cyber threats necessitates a shift towards operational models that prioritize continuous verification and behavioral analysis over traditional detection methods. MSPs can leverage this moment to guide organizations in developing effective cybersecurity strategies that address the preparedness gap, ensuring that clients are equipped to handle the evolving landscape of AI-driven attacks. Four things to know today00:00 AI-Powered Attacks Accelerate as SMB Security Transitions Toward Autonomous SOC Models, Exposing a Governance Gap Around Shadow AI06:43 Retail Executives Report Rising AI-Driven Threats and Low Preparedness, Underscoring the Shift from User Training to Resilience08:50 Stealthier North Korean Campaigns and a Fragmented Ransomware Ecosystem Signal Rising Detection Challenges for MSPs11:49 Cork's New Vantage Platform Targets Unified MSP Risk Validation — But Its Visibility Metrics Demand Scrutiny This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://mailprotector.com/mspradio/

Today's guest is Nick Masca, Head of Data Science for Growth & Personalisation at Marks and Spencer. Marks and Spencer plc is a prominent British multinational retailer headquartered in London, England, known for offering a wide range of clothing, beauty items, home goods, and food products. Nick joins us on the program to surmise his views on the data-driven challenges currently facing the retail and eCommerce sectors. With a focus on change management rather than traditional digital transformation, Nick outlines the key obstacles retail leaders encounter when leveraging data tools to optimize processes like price setting, supply chain efficiency, and customer experience. He shares insights on the friction that arises when introducing automation, particularly in areas like content development, and how data teams can work closely with stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation. If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of the HAE Podcast, host Philip Guarino sits down with James Sutherland, Founder & CEO of Autonomo Technologies, to discuss the rise of autonomous retail, the convergence of AI and consumer behavior, and how automation is reshaping global retail economics—from labor shortages to dynamic pricing and customer experience. GUEST BIO: James Sutherland is Founder & CEO of Autonomo Technologies, Europe's leading autonomous retail company. James began his career at Mars Inc moving into large-scale food factory construction. After Harvard Business School he pivoted to AI, recognising its transformative potential across industries—especially the $3 trillion convenience retail sector - which led him to start Autonomo in 2021.

From LeBron to TikTok, awareness is officially performance. Destaney and Justin share how Hyperice, Natrol, and Lucky Energy use creative campaigns and full-funnel strategy to turn brand buzz into real Amazon growth. Connect with Destaney on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/destaney-wishon Connect with Justin on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/justinnuckols See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3357: Joshua Becker reveals how decades of marketing have hijacked the spirit of the holidays, turning a season meant for connection into one dominated by consumerism and stress. He offers a compelling case for simplifying gift-giving, focusing instead on meaningful traditions that bring real joy and lasting memories. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/dont-let-shopping-ruin-your-holidays/ Quotes to ponder: "Retail promises the perfect Christmas, but ruins it instead." "Shopping is resulting in the exact opposite emotions we desire during this holiday season." "Lifestyle creep is not just for adults… the phenomena exists for children as well." Episode references: The Hope Effect: https://www.hopeeffect.com/givingtuesday2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Julia Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute, about her career, background, lifelong interest in agriculture and food, and how she joined the Meat Institute following a career in environmental law. The discussion covers the role of the Meat Institute in the food supply chain and how it serves member companies and the food industry in general, through its food safety best practices and a free online course, "The Foundations of Listeria Control." Julia reveals the Protein PACT initiative and explains how food safety relates to risk management with their shared values. She tells how meat processors are good community members. Listen for advice on the culture of safety and how it starts at the very top of the organization.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:17] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by Julia Anna Potts, the CEO of the Meat Institute. We'll discuss food safety and education, and risk frameworks that the Institute uses to ensure that our food and supply chains are clean. But first… [:47] The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM will be held on December 3rd and 4th. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA will be held on December 4th and 5th. These are virtual courses. [1:03] Links to these courses can be found through the Certifications page of RIMS.org and through this episode's show notes. [1:11] RIMS Virtual Workshops! On November 19th and 20th, Ken Baker will lead the two-day course, "Applying and Integrating ERM." [1:24] "Managing Data for ERM" will be led again by Pat Saporito. That session will start on December 11th. Registration closes on December 10th. RIMS members always enjoy deep discounts on the virtual workshops. [1:40] The full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's notes. [1:52] This episode is released on November 18th, 2025, Day Two of the RIMS ERM Conference in Seattle, Washington. We've covered a lot of ERM ground in the last few episodes. For more ERM, click the link to the RIMS ERM Special Edition of Risk Management magazine in the notes. [2:18] RIMScast ERM coverage is linked as well. Enhance your ERM knowledge with RIMS! [2:24] On with the show! Our guest is Julie Anna Potts. She is the President and CEO of the Meat Institute. She leads the Institute in implementing programs and activities for the association. [2:38] She is an agricultural veteran, previously serving the American Farm Bureau Federation as its Executive Vice President. [2:47] With Thanksgiving coming up next week in the U.S., I thought this would be a great time on RIMScast to talk about food safety, food production, and what another not-for-profit is doing to ensure the safety of our products and the speed and efficiency of our supply chain. [3:07] We're going to have a lot of fun and talk turkey, so let's get to it! [3:12] Interview! Julie Anna Potts, welcome to RIMScast! [3:27] Julie Anna Potts and RIMS CEO, Gary LaBranche, are both part of the Committee of 100 with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. They get together with other association heads across industries. Julie Anna says it is very valuable. [3:44] Julie Anna and Gary were talking in the summer about food safety and about what the Meat Institute does, and Gary invited her to be on RIMScast. [3:57] Justin notes that it is the week before Thanksgiving in the U.S. Juliana says they are doing so much in Washington now, and food safety is always top-of-mind around the holidays. There are lots of turkeys and turkey products being sold in the United States. [4:45] Julie Anna says turkey is cultural for Thanksgiving, and poultry, and how you cook it and handle it in the kitchen is incredibly important for food safety. [5:01] Justin asks, Is fish meat? Julianna says fish is protein, but we don't classify it as meat or poultry. Justin wants to keep the argument going with his family at Thanksgiving. [5:31] Julie Anna says they have lots of arguments around the Meat Institute, like whether ketchup belongs on hot dogs. Julie Anna says the answer to that is no. [5:41] Julie Anna has been at the Meat Institute for a little over seven years. She came in as President and CEO. She has been in Washington for most of her career, since undergrad. She graduated from law school in D.C. and worked at a firm. [5:59] Julie Anna has been in agriculture, representing farmers for years. She went to the Senate as Chief Counsel of the Senate Agriculture Committee. She has been at the Meat Institute for the last seven years. [6:19] Food and agriculture have been central to Julie Anna's career and also to her family life. Her husband grew up on a farm. Julie Anna is two generations off the farm. [6:32] They love to cook, dine out, and eat with their children; all the things you do around the holidays, and gather around the Thanksgiving table. They have passed to one of their three children their love of food traditions. She's their little foodie. [6:52] Julie Anna has a career and a personal life that is centered around food. [7:11] The Meat Institute members are the companies that slaughter animals and do further processing of meat. They are in the supply chain between livestock producers and retail and food service customers. [7:35] To be a general member of the Meat Institute, you have to have a Grant of Inspection from the Food Safety Inspection Service of the USDA. The Federal Grant of Inspection is a requirement to be able to operate and to sell into the market. [7:56] When we look at the capacity we have at the USDA, in the last several months, we're not seeing a decline in capacity, but more emphasis on our Food Safety Inspection Service. [8:18] Through DOGE, voluntary retirements, through additional resources coming in with the One Big Beautiful Bill, and through recruiting, the Meat Institute is seeing its member companies have staffing, even through this government shutdown. They're considered essential, as always.  [8:54] The Meat Institute was established in 1906 for the purpose of addressing food safety and industry issues. Those are Jobs One, Two, and Three, every day. The Meat Institute has all kinds of education it offers to its members. [9:15] The members of the Meat Institute have strong food safety programs. They have HASSA Plans and third-party audits. The Meat Institute helps any member company of any size, from 25 employees to global companies, with education on, for example, Listeria training.   [9:53] The Meat Institute has just launched an online platform that has had great uptake. If you have associates in your business who have never had food safety training, for all levels of folks, there is online, free, and freely available training on how to deal with Listeria. [10:19] All the Meat Institute member companies have significant Food Safety staffing and Food Safety Quality Assurance Programs. Julie Anna praises the people throughout the industry who work in Food Safety for their companies. It's a life-or-death matter. [10:45] Food Safety staff are always seeking to become better, so the Meat Institute has a Food Safety Conference and Advanced Listeria Training (an in-person module). They interface with the regulators, who are partners with the Meat Institute in this.  [11:14] The Meat Institute is always striving for better Best Management Practices across everyone's programs, which are never just the minimum. A philosophy of doing just what is compliant does not get you into the best space. [11:36] The Meat Institute is here to encourage Best in Class, always. Food Safety is non-competitive in the Meat Institute. Everyone across the different-sized companies, from 25 employees to 100,000, can feel comfortable sharing what's working for them. [12:06] That is important when it comes to conferences and other things they do. Let's be candid with each other, because nobody can get better if you're not. [12:17] The Meat Institute has seen cultural issues where CEOs don't think about Food Safety and Quality Assurance because they have great people taking care of it. That's true a lot of the time, until it isn't. [12:42] The tone that needs to be set at the very top of the organization is that this is hugely important for risk management. Hugely important for your brand and your ability to operate. [12:56] The Meat Institute board asked, if we are pushing culture down through the organization, what kinds of questions do I need to ask, not just my Food Safety Team, but everyone, and demonstrating my knowledge, understanding, and commitment to governance of this big risk? [13:31] The Meat Institute created a template of a set of questionnaires for executives. It is a C-Suite document and documentation. [13:47] It's a voluntary questionnaire for a CEO, regardless of company size, indicating that you understand how important this is in ensuring that everything that you push down through your organization, culturally, is focused on Food Safety. [14:05] The link to the Listeria Safety Platform is in this episode's show notes. [14:11] Justin says the structure of the Meat Institute is very similar to the structure of RIMS, with open communications and knowledge-sharing, or else the industry does not grow or improve. [14:27] Justin says it sounds like the industry executives are stepping up their game amid the tumult coming out of Washington. Julie Anna agrees. [14:47] Julie Anna says the Meat Institute has been driving that progress. It is incredibly important. Julie Anna thinks that in a lot of industries, there is a pull and tug between the companies and regulators. [15:07] In the case of meat and poultry inspection and what the Meat Institute does with FSIS, it is a collaboration. The inspectors verify for consumers what the companies are doing to keep food safe. [15:28] It is up to the company to decide how it is going to do this effectively and successfully and get better at it. [15:41] Numerous third parties do audits and help customers across the supply chain, but the responsibility rests with the companies. [15:59] The Meat Institute staff has highly technical people who come out of academia, out of the plant, having done FSQA, Legal, and safety regulations. There are folks who have been in inspection in the government at FSIS. [16:29] The Meat Institute has several staff whose job it is to stay on top of the latest improvements and ensure that everybody knows what those are, and in dialogue with our FSIS inspection leadership here in Washington, D.C. [16:46] The Meat Institute looks to FSIS to make sure that consumer confidence is there. It does nothing for our industry if consumers think that FSIS isn't being an effective regulator. [17:11] The Meat Institute companies have to be the ones that do more than the bare minimum to ensure they're doing the best they can. The Meat Institute's philosophy is always to push further and further. [17:25] There is an expense associated with that. The Meat Institute does its best to help manage that risk for its companies by giving them everything they need to be the best that they can be. [17:40] The Meat Institute has 36 employees. They are very transparent in the Food Safety world. They want non-members to take advantage of all their resources in Food Safety. A lot of the things they offer on education and regulations can be accessed without being a member. [18:14] The Meat Institute has recently joined an alliance to stop food-borne illness and is looking to get more engaged in that organization. That's across several segments, not just meat and poultry. [18:35] The Meat Institute has committed and re-committed over the years to the efforts it makes with its companies. The Meat Institute looks for its companies to be leaders in the Food Safety space. [18:53] Quick Break! The RIMS CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management is our live virtual program led by the famous James Lam. Great news! A third cohort has been announced, from January through March 2026! [19:14] Registration closes January 5th. Enroll now. A link is in this episode's show notes. [19:22] Save the dates March 18th and 19th, 2026, for The RIMS Legislative Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C. [19:31] Join us in Washington, D.C., for two days of Congressional Meetings, networking, and advocating on behalf of the risk management community. Visit RIMS.org/Advocacy for more information and updates and to register. [19:45] We've got more plugs later. Let's return to our interview with Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts! [19:56] Julie Anna says a lot of our companies are also regulated by the FDA because they do further processing. For example, pizzas with pepperoni, or any number of mixed products that have both FDA and USDA regulatory personnel on site. [20:20] FSIS is, by far, more present and more in tune with what member companies are doing than the inspectors at the FDA. [20:30] Justin asks if restaurants can be members of the Meat Institute. There is a segment of membership called Allied Members, which includes restaurants and grocery stores. If they are not processors, but they are procuring meat and poultry for sale, they are in the meat industry. [21:09] The Meat Institute has had a great deal of interaction on many issues with its retail and food service customers. [21:25] Shortly after she joined the Meat Institute, Julie Anna was handed a mandate from the board to be proactive and lean in on the things consumers are interested in with an initiative to continue to maintain or rebuild trust. [21:48] These are things like food safety, animal welfare, environmental impact, and worker safety. They call this initiative Protein PACT (People, Animals, and the Climate of Tomorrow). Food Safety is front and center in Protein PACT. [22:13] The Meat Institute has a way of focusing its efforts through this lens of improvement in five areas that work together to reassure consumers. When they know that you're working on all these issues and trying to improve, it increases trust in all the above issues. [22:54] Retail and Food Service customers in the industry want to know more and more. They want to know upstream, what are you doing to get better? [23:05] They want to know how they can take the data that you are collecting anonymously and in the aggregate to communicate at the point-of-sale area to ensure that their customers, collectively, are getting what they need? [23:23] Julie Anna saw this recently at H-E-B, a popular grocer in Texas. Julie Anna walked through one of their huge, beautiful, newly renovated stores. The engagement the ultimate customer has is in the store, asking questions of the butcher. [24:07] It's wonderful to be able to say, If you have food safety concerns, we have a relationship that we can give you the knowledge you need to answer those concerns, and it's coming very consistently across the industry. [24:40] Justin asks, When the Meat Institute members lean in, are they leaning in at 85% or 93%? You'll only get ground beef jokes here, on RIMScast! Julie Anna says, it's all good. Justin says those kinds of jokes are called The Manager's Special. [25:17] One Final Break! RISKWORLD 2026 will be held from May 3rd through the 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RISKWORLD attracts more than 10,000 risk professionals from across the globe. Guess what! Booth sales are open now! [25:37] This is the chance to showcase your solutions, meet decision-makers face-to-face, and expand your global network. Connect, Cultivate, and Collaborate with us at the largest risk management event of the year. The link to booth sales is in this episode's show notes. [25:53] Let's Return to the Conclusion of My Interview with Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts! [26:16] Julie Anna was an environmental lawyer in private practice. Her work involved the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and Superfund. One of her clients was the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). [26:42] When Julie Anna left the firm, she moved in as General Counsel to the AFBF, the largest general farm organization in the U.S. Besides environmental law, she worked there in lots of other types of law as General Counsel. [27:06] At the Meat Institute, Julie Anna collaborates with the AFBF. The ag sector in Washington, D.C., is very collaborative. The Meat Institute works closely with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council, and the commodity groups. [27:35] Everybody is connected. If you are working on an animal issue, you're going into crop groups and animal health companies. The Meat Institute works with everyone. Their philosophy is, We all get better when we share knowledge. [28:03] That's the basis of the conversation Julie Anna and Gary LaBranche had in the summer about this podcast. The Meat Institute has resources it would love to share on the risk management of food safety issues. [28:20] The Meat Institute also knows consultants and other help outside of the meat industry that they can point people to, as needed. The Meat Institute would love to be a resource to the listeners of RIMScast. You can check out the contact information in the show notes. [29:02] Julie Anna is familiar with risk professionals. She serves on the board of Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide Agribusiness has Food Safety expertise. When Julie Anna practiced law, she worked with clients on helping them manage risk and assess potential outcomes. [30:09] Julie Anna says risk management is one of her favorite topics. How do you plan to recover from a flood after a hurricane? How do you plan for farm animal disease? There are now three animal disease outbreaks that are constantly on their minds at the Meat Institute. [30:31] The Meat Institute helps run tabletop exercises with its companies, sometimes involving government officials, as well. It's New World Screwworm to the South. It's High Path Avian Influenza, which has crossed over from poultry to dairy and beef cattle.  [30:48] Julie Anna continues, We have African Swine Fever, which has not gotten to the United States, thank goodness! All of these require a certain level of preparedness. So we work on it as a policy matter, but we also need to operationalize what happens when this happens. [31:16] The pandemic is a good recent example of what happens when things fall apart. Member companies have a very limited ability to hold live animals if they're not going to slaughter. They don't have anywhere to go. [31:44] The pandemic was an example of what happens when something reduces capacity and the animals start backing up. It's incredibly important that things work. The pandemic was unimaginable to a lot of people. It tested our risk management models. [32:10] Once we were there, dealing with it, we had incredible adaptability to the circumstances we were facing. That only happens if you face certain problems every day to keep that plant running. For member companies, if the plants don't run, the animals don't have a place to go. [32:37] Farmers get a lower price for their animals, consumers have the perception that there's not going to be enough food, and there's a run on the grocery stores. During the pandemic, it righted itself really quickly, once we got some PPE, etc. in place, and some guidance. [32:59] The member companies relied heavily on the CDC to tell them how to get people in so the plants could run. It was difficult for everyone. Julie Anna thinks that we learned a lot from that experience on how to help your company troubleshoot in the moment to keep going. [33:37] Julie Anna addresses how PFAS issues are being handled. It's an EPA issue and a state's issue for regulations on packaging and recycling. The state issues are predominant. Environmental issues are being addressed at the state level. We could end with 50 regimes. [35:04] That's where there's more risk for the Meat Institute and its members, especially companies that sell nationwide. There is very little state regulatory work that the Meat Institute does directly. [35:26] The Meat Institute is examining how to utilize other resources to figure out, with a small staff, how to monitor and stay ahead of these things for our members. That's very much on their minds. The EPA's work has been swinging back and forth between administrations. [36:02] It's hard to convince a business of a good recommendation if the rules are going to change with the next administration. It's a problem of where to invest in things like measuring emissions and what to do to satisfy customers when the rhetoric changes dramatically. [37:04] Justin says we've had a different administration every four years for the last 16 years. He says if he were a business owner, he would do everything he could to make sure the water coming in and going out is clean to avoid verdicts. Nuclear verdicts are through the roof. [37:27] Julie Anna speaks of social inflation by juries wishing to send a message to big corporate entities. She says member companies are dealing with these issues all the time. What's the right amount of rulemaking for effluent limitation guidelines? [38:20] The Meat Institute had opposed what the Biden administration had proposed, given that the number of companies it estimated would not be able to stay in business was close to 80. The Trump administration has backed off and is leaving in place what was there before. [38:52] That's all part of the Federal policy debate in D.C. It does not diminish the commitment its members have to be good community members. They work in their communities. Julie Anna was just down in East Tennessee at a wonderful family company, Swaggerty Sausage. [39:16] They do water treatment. They are beloved in the community because of how they take care of people. They bring in pigs from North Carolina and turn them into sausage. Julie Anna met the fifth generation. He is eight months old. [39:40] Julie Anna had a great visit with people, understanding how their commitment to the environment and animal welfare, and the things they can show their community members that they are doing, works for them. Julie Anna saw how the sausage is made, Justin adds. [40:28] Justin says, You've been such a delight to speak with, and we've learned so much. Is this the busiest time of year for your members, with Thanksgiving coming up, the religious holidays coming up, and then New Year's? Are they keeping Safety at the top of their risk radar now? [40:59] Julie Anna says Our members, and we, keep Safety at the top of the risk radar every single day. It does not get harder during high-volume days. [41:15] There's a spike around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. There's a lot more turkey happening around Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas, but certainly, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, brisket, and all kinds of things. It's cyclical. [41:49] Julie Anna wishes Justin could come into a plant with her, walk through, and see the number of times there are interventions for food safety. X-rays for foreign material. Sprays for certain types of pathogens, and the ways in which the hide is treated. [42:14] It is such a huge part, and they are so proud of what they do. They are happy to show anybody how we continue to hold that up as the most important thing. Worker Safety is also hugely important. We're talking about our humans and what we do to protect them. [42:42] Safety is really important, and it does not receive any less attention at busy times. [42:50] Justin says that's a great sentiment to close on. It has been such a delight to speak with you, and I'm so glad we had the chance to do this. It's going to be especially impactful now, just ahead of Thanksgiving and the religious holidays, and the New Year. [43:16] Special thanks to Julie Anna Potts of the Meat Institute for joining us here on RIMScast just ahead of Thanksgiving 2025. Links to the Meat Institute resources are in this episode's show notes, as is RIMS coverage of Food Safety and related topics. [43:34] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [44:02] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [44:20] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [44:38] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [44:54] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [45:09] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [45:21] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!   Links: RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | Jan‒March 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy | RIMS Legislative Summit SAVE THE DATE — March 18‒19, 2026 RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) Reserve your booth at RISKWORLD 2026! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS Risk Management magazine | Contribute RIMS Risk Management Magazine: "USDA Budget Cuts Present Food Safety Risks" (May 2025) Meat Institute Meat Institute — Foundations of Listeria Control RIMS Risk Management magazine ERM Special Edition 2025 RIMS Now Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM Virtual Workshop — December 3‒4 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA — December 4‒5, 2025 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule "Applying and Integrating ERM" | Nov 19‒20, 2025 | April 4, 2026 "Leveraging Data and Analytics for Continuous Risk Management (Part I)" | Dec 4. See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Recipes for Success with Wendy's CRO Bob Bowman" "Franchise Risks with Karen Agostinho of Five Guys Enterprises" "Risk Insight with AAIN Leadership and Panda Express"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges | Sponsored by AXA XL (New!) 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RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Kristen Peed!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Julie Anna Potts, CEO, The Meat Institute   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3357: Joshua Becker reveals how decades of marketing have hijacked the spirit of the holidays, turning a season meant for connection into one dominated by consumerism and stress. He offers a compelling case for simplifying gift-giving, focusing instead on meaningful traditions that bring real joy and lasting memories. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/dont-let-shopping-ruin-your-holidays/ Quotes to ponder: "Retail promises the perfect Christmas, but ruins it instead." "Shopping is resulting in the exact opposite emotions we desire during this holiday season." "Lifestyle creep is not just for adults… the phenomena exists for children as well." Episode references: The Hope Effect: https://www.hopeeffect.com/givingtuesday2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you transform thousands of frontline colleagues from overloaded and under-informed to connected, confident, and AI‑enabled, without breaking the stores?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Chris Chandler (Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑op) and Mark Williams (Managing Director, WorkJam EMEA) to unpack a full frontline transformation: from paper, WhatsApp groups and scattered comms… to a single digital frontline platform with 90%+ activation and the removal of many tasks removed in just 12 months.

Hogyan lehet hidat építeni ügyfél és hatóság között a legélesebb adóviták idején?Mit jelent valódi értéket teremteni egy olyan kihívásokkal teli szektorban, mint az FMCG?Az EY Agenda Podcast legújabb epizódjában Suta György, az EY Magyarország adópartnere és a Consumer Products & Retail iparági fókuszterület vezetője mesél karrierje fordulópontjairól, az adózás emberi oldaláról, és arról, hogyan látja a gyorsan változó FMCG szektor jövőjét.A beszélgetés során szó esik:a vezetővé válás tanulságairólaz adóviták világáról és a szakmaiság szerepéről a bizalomépítésbenvalamint az FMCG szektor aktuális kihívásairól – infláció, szabályozási környezet, fenntarthatóság, digitalizáció.

¡Gestionando el SEO está de vuelta! Arrancamos la Temporada 3 con un capítulo imperdible junto a Mauro Alegre, especialista en marketing digital y SEO con trayectoria en Procter & Gamble, Unilever y L'Oréal.   En este episodio hablamos sobre cómo diseñar estrategias SEO en empresas de consumo masivo, gestión de territorios SEO, manejo de canibalización de keywords, el impacto real de la IA en la búsqueda y el tráfico, y cómo se integra el SEO con brand managers, equipos de contenido, científicos y agencias.

What happens when AI becomes the centre of how we shop, yet trust still determines whether any of it works? That question shaped my conversation with Romain Fouache, CEO of Akeneo, who joined me to unpack the latest consumer data on AI driven shopping experiences. Retail giants might be setting the pace, but the real story sits in how everyday shoppers feel about these new tools. Akeneo's recent research caught my attention when it revealed that eighty four percent of consumers who acted on an AI recommendation were satisfied with the purchase. The appetite is clearly there, yet trust remains fragile, especially when only forty five percent feel confident in AI powered suggestions and even fewer enjoy their chatbot interactions. Romain sees this moment as both a turning point and a warning, one that demands honest conversations about transparency and product data. As we worked through the findings, Romain explained why good AI depends entirely on high quality product information and why poor data is still the biggest threat to customer confidence. He argued that brands can reduce friction, improve discovery, and deliver more relevant experiences by grounding their AI tools in reliable product knowledge rather than guesswork. He also spoke about why many chatbots continue to miss the mark. The issue is less about the technology and more about the lack of strong product foundations beneath it. When recommendations go wrong, trust erodes quickly, and rebuilding that trust will require clear communication about how data is used and why certain suggestions appear. I found his view on privacy particularly interesting, especially his belief that better intent based interactions could lower the industry's dependence on invasive data collection. Looking ahead to 2026, Romain shared why he expects conversational shopping to become a primary way people browse and evaluate products. He believes the shift away from keyword driven search is already happening and that smaller retailers should not feel outpaced by the largest platforms. With the right product experience strategy, he says, AI opens new opportunities for global reach and category diversification. The conversation also touched on why product experience, rather than product data alone, will determine the brands that build loyalty in an increasingly competitive environment. It left me wondering how ready businesses truly are for a world where product information must be accurate, real time, and aligned with the way AI tools interpret customer intent. What do you think matters most for building trust in AI powered shopping? Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer: Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Options flashing a bullish, but cautious, signal ahead of Nvidia earnings. Bernstein sees near-term risk for the country's biggest retailer. Plus, the $100M AI Super PAC picks its first target.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode: Is your business steering your life instead of the other way around?  In this episode, I'm reminding creative shop owners that thriving retail doesn't happen by accident – it's designed with purpose. As we wrap up the year and move forward into 2026, I'm sharing my "captain your own ship" approach to intentional business planning. Let me teach you how to stop drifting with the tides of the economy, staff changes, or trends, and start charting your course toward profit, joy, and freedom. Smart Retail Strategies to Design Your Best Year Yet: Learn how planning brings the future into the present so you can take control now. Learn how to shift from reacting to leading with clarity and purpose. Create a one-page plan that keeps your business focused and flexible. Embrace the CEO mindset every creative shop owner needs for the year ahead. "Hope is not a strategy. Clarity is." Your Next Steps: Reflect on what worked and what didn't this year. What are you super proud of? What wouldn't you do again? Grab my Design Your Best Year Ever Workshop to create your intentional 2026 plan. We will meet live on January 13th at 2pm ET for a Q+A. Anyone who purchased the stand-alone class and anyone in my Inner Circle or Level Up Mastermind (this masterclass is included in your membership) is invited to this live workshop! Related podcasts we think you'll like:  Episode 196: New Revenue Stream Ideas for Your Retail Business Episode 212: Pushing Through Business Blocks with Guest Expert Jane Bellante Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn't Optional in Your Retail Business   About your host, Wendy Batten   In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy. I've had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I've supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.  For more support from Wendy   Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank yo

Emma Irwin and Flywheel's SVP of Commerce, Mike Feldman, are live from Nashville for a rapid-fire recap of Amazon unBoxed 2025. In just 20 minutes, Emma and Mike unpack the announcements shaping the future of retail media - from unified ad platforms and the latest in video innovation, to full funnel AI-powered campaigns and the evolving role of AMC. Hear candid takes on what's truly new, which launches matter most, and why the human touch still sets agencies apart as automation accelerates.

Recorded live at Amazon Ads unBoxed, Joe Shelerud talks with Meredith Goldman, Director of Media Enablement at Amazon Ads, about the newest innovations across DSP, AMC, AI-driven creative, and audience expansion.They explore how Creative Agent and Ads Agent are lowering barriers for advertisers, how advertisers can use AI without replacing human expertise, and how AMC is becoming the central hub for measurement and optimization across the full funnel.Key Takeaways:How Amazon is using AI to democratize advanced advertising toolsCreative Agent's role in scaling personalized, high-performing creativeAds Agent's natural-language recommendations for audience and campaign optimizationWhy Deal Builder will accelerate access to premium supplyHow AMC connects signals across sponsored ads and DSP for deeper measurementWhy human strategy + AI execution creates the strongest resultsWhat these updates mean for brands planning 2025–2026 retail media strategies

A busy week includes Nvidia earnings Wednesday, September jobs data Thursday, and a full shopping cart of retail earnings reports. Rate cut odds are down, and yields up.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.Diversification and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal, and for some products and strategies, loss of more than your initial investment.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(0130-1125) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You've got a few property tabs open. The photos look good. The numbers are in the range you were hoping for. On paper, any one of them could work, but choosing the one that actually fits your long-term plan? That's where most people hit pause.If that moment feels familiar, you're not the only one. The best investors don't pick properties by gut feeling or guesswork; they follow a clear process.In this live session, Gregg Cohen (co-founder of JWB Real Estate Capital) will walk through a real decision scenario using JWB's Portfolio Generator Tool, the same tool hundreds of Fortune Builders Passive Income Club members have used to stay focused and build wealth without second-guessing every move.During the session, you'll see how experienced investors:✅Identify the key goal or constraint before comparing properties✅Break down why one deal fits better than another (even when both look good)✅Map out a portfolio on purpose instead of choosing one deal at a timeFor 17 years, JWB has helped FortuneBuilders Passive Income Club members build long-term wealth, generating over $300M in profits. Now you'll get a front-row seat to watch that decision process play out in real time.Listen NOW!Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction02:06 History and Background of Fortune Builders04:37 Current Real Estate Market Analysis08:09 Understanding the Retail and Investor Markets10:07 Maximizing Incentives in Today's Market11:52 How to Pick the Right Investment Property13:19 Using JWB's Tools for Property Selection15:30 Financial Engineering and Decision Making32:07 Client's Budget and Property Selection33:20 Importance of a Rainy Day Fund35:53 JWB's Relationship Building Process38:59 Understanding 1031 Exchange41:11 Live Property Portfolio Exercise49:55 Upcoming Events and AnnouncementsStay connected to us! Join our real estate investor community LIVE: https://jwbrealestatecapital.com/nyai/Schedule a Turnkey strategy call: https://jwbrealestatecapital.com/turnkey/ *Get social with us:*Subscribe to our channel  @notyouraverageinvestor  Subscribe to  @JWBRealEstateCompanies  

In this episode of the AI Agent & Copilot Podcast, John Siefert hosts Jeff Miller, Vice President, Americas, LS Retail, for a discussion on LS Retail's position in its industry, how it supports organizations across the globe, integrating AI, and upcoming projects.Key TakeawaysAbout the company: LS Retail has been a leader in its industry from an ISV perspective. The company has been in the ecosystem for about 30 years, focusing on software development in the retail market. There are over 110,000 retail locations using LS Retail in their stores. "We come to a market with what we call 'composable solution,' so I can build building blocks, depending on a retailer's need, that can do everything from run the entire enterprise of a retail business, simply down to a point-of-sale solution that integrates into the rest of the retailer solution stack," Miller explains.Global use: One of LS Retail's specialties is creating the localization and fiscalizations that organizations need to operate across different countries. Every country manages aspects of business, like taxes, a little bit differently. Between LS Retail and its partners, they have done the work to make sure it operates in a way that companies conducting business in various countries can use the software in their stores around the world. Deploying in the Microsoft Cloud with Azure enables them to implement the software seamlessly.Partner network: Operating at a global scale also speaks to the power of LS Retail's business partner network. It has over 300 business partners globally who go through certification testing so they have a technical understanding of how to implement the software and support clients in their local communities.AI integration: "We really take in the whole idea of customer zero and being a frontier firm to heart," Miller says. Within LS Retail, there has been an emphasis on using Copilot and Copilot Studio not only from a development standpoint but also for automating the testing of code. Externally, LS Retail is part of Microsoft's program, "The Microsoft Red Carpet Club." They have been meeting to discuss ideas around agents and providing feedback to Microsoft about the future of products and code, as well as how it integrates with Dynamics products.Pharmacy agent: LS Retail recently announced a project at an event. One of the agents it has developed supports pharmacies in Europe. The company is working on co-innovation projects with pharmacy clients to develop an agent that manages tasks for them, like handling prescriptions and refills. LS Retail is looking at opportunities to expand this particular agent in Latin America as well. Visit Cloud Wars for more.

This episode is brought to you by Commerce.DoorDash has come a long way from delivering takeout. Today, it's a platform for everything local — powering delivery, fulfillment and retail innovation across dozens of categories.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Fuad Hannon, DoorDash's VP of New Verticals, to unpack how the company is executing its vision to level the local commerce playing field. From the launch of DashMart Fulfillment Services to partnerships with brands like Kroger and Party City, DoorDash is helping retailers of all stripes and sizes compete on speed, convenience and customer experience.Key Takeaways:How DoorDash's mission to empower local economies has evolved beyond restaurants;How the company's investments in autonomous delivery are setting the stage for the next generation of 24/7 commerce;What the recent acquisitions of SevenRooms and Symbiosis reveal about DoorDash's growing reach in technology and services; The growth of DoorDash's $1 billion+ advertising business and how the company balances merchant ROI with consumer experience; PLUS The most unusual product Faud has seen DoorDash deliver.Related LinksExplore how DoorDash is expanding into retail, fulfillment, and autonomous deliveryRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Fulfillment Services; Party City, CVS Among First to TrialRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Driverless Delivery with Waymo in Phoenix Metro AreaGet more insights on retail innovation at Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix -----How to Win Customers Across Every ChannelThis guide from BigCommerce brings you expert insights on data, branding, and marketing to help you grow sales across every major channel. Read the Guide.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While Target, Kroger, and Walmart and other bit stores create their own retail media networks, Paypal plans to one-up them all by democratizing things. Corey & Gordon offer their thoughts on Paypal's plan to facilitate ad placement on millions of SMB websites, sending ad revenue to those small businesses. The episode features an interview with the executive heading it up -- Dr. Mark Grether, SVP and General Manager of Paypal Ads. The hosts conclusion: Hmmm, this might actually work. Stay in the loop with all things Borrell when you join our Research Alert Lists. As always, thank you for listening. If you like the episode, leave us a review!  Want to join the conversation? Share your comments at borrellassociates.com/podcast.

In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan and guest Adam McCann discuss the dangers of so-called “deferred interest” and how to avoid becoming a victim this holiday shopping season and beyond. John and Adam explain what deferred interest is and how it works, detail when you’re likely to encounter it, and provide tips for how to deal with it, plus ideas for safer alternatives. This financing trick is a lot more common and costly than most people realize, so it could really pay off to learn the ins and outs of this scheme. In addition, John answers some of your questions. More on this episode from WalletHub: Best 0% APR Credit Cards & Best Budget Apps  To find the best way to pay for your shopping trips, both during the holidays and throughout the year, check out WalletHub's picks for the best credit cards for shopping.

With Washington reopening and Nvidia's earnings in focus, investors look for direction as key data returns after a record shutdown. Retail giants and the Fed minutes add to a busy week ahead.➡️ Just a quick reminder, Capital Markets Quickie is brought to you by AMF Capital AG, Asset Management Frankfurt, your leading provider for individual investment solutions and mutual funds. Visit https://www.amf-capital.de for more information.>>> Make sure to check out my newsletter "Cela's Weekly Insights":https://endritcela.com/newsletter/>>> You can subscribe here to our YouTube Channel “MVP – Main Value Partners”:https://www.youtube.com/@MainValue>>> Visit my website for more information:http://www.endritcela.com>>> Follow me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/endrit-cela/>>> Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/endritcela_official/Disclaimer for "Capital Markets Quickie" Podcast:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are based on information available at the time of recording and reflect the personal perspectives of the host. They do not represent the viewpoints of any other projects, cooperations, or affiliations the host may be involved in. "Capital Markets Quickie" does not offer financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, please conduct your own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor.

Marco Hoffmann war vor drei Jahren bereits zu Gast im Podcast, damals als Mitgründer von SWISS Gate AG, einem aufstrebenden Startup im legalen Cannabis-Bereich. In dieser neuen Folge spricht er offen, ehrlich und reflektiert über das, was danach kam: der Konkurs. SWISS Gate wurde einst mit mehreren Millionen Franken bewertet, hatte Investoren an Bord, wuchs stark im E-Commerce, doch dann kam die gesetzliche Wende: Die Bestsellerprodukte durften plötzlich nicht mehr verkauft werden. Umsatz weg, Businessmodell kaputt und die versuchte Transformation Richtung B2B und vegane Hanfprodukte im Retail funktionierte nicht schnell genug. Marco erzählt: • Wie es ist, wenn der Kontostand schrumpft, der Lohn gestrichen wird und du trotzdem kämpfst • Wie der Gang zum Konkursamt tatsächlich abläuft, juristisch, emotional, organisatorisch • Was es bedeutet, privat für Mietverträge und Bankkredite zu bürgen – und wie er 18 Monate lang seine Schulden abbezahlte • Warum sein Netzwerk trotz Scheitern zu ihm hielt und er schnell wieder eine neue Stelle fand

In dieser Folge von wiecommerce? spricht Max mit Marc Sonnemann, der bei edding die Markenpräsenz am Point of Sale verantwortet und das Retail-Media-Geschäft auf Händler- und Marktplatzseiten vorantreibt. Das Gespräch bietet einen umfassenden Einblick in den aktuellen Stand und die Weiterentwicklung des Retail-Media-Marktes aus Markensicht.Marc erläutert, welche Voraussetzungen geschaffen werden müssen, damit Retail Media weiter wächst, welche Rolle es für edding im Budgetmix spielt und welche Erfahrungen das Unternehmen auf verschiedenen Plattformen – auch jenseits von Amazon – gesammelt hat. Zusätzlich teilt er seine Perspektive auf Chancen, Herausforderungen und notwendige Entwicklungen innerhalb dieser dynamischen Mediengattung.Eine Folge, die insbesondere für Marken, Händler und Retail-Media-Interessierte relevante Einordnungen liefert. Viel Spaß beim Hören!Über Marc Sonnemann> Marc auf LinkedInwieCommerce? Social Links>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weitere Plattformen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CreditsLogo Design: Naim SolisIntro & Jingles: Kurt WoischytzkyFotos: Stefan GrauIntro-Video: Tim Solle

Ready to make more money this holiday season?In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal sits down with brand strategist and copy consultant Nicole Prince to break down exactly what retailers should be emailing, posting, and saying RIGHT NOW to boost Q4 revenue — and how to keep that momentum rolling into the new year.Nicole has spent over 15 years crafting high-converting brand voice and copy for major names like Anthropologie, Ulta Beauty, Soft Surroundings, and M.Gemi. Now, she's helping independent retailers simplify their messaging, show up confidently, and turn email into their highest-ROI sales channel.This conversation is packed with strategy, templates, and last-minute Q4 moves you can implement today![0:29] - What you should actually be emailing in Q4[1:10] - About Nicole Prince[6:02] - The #1 thing retailers can do TODAY to make more money[8:03] - Why email still beats every marketing channel in Q4[9:38] - How big brands structure their messaging — and how independents can copy the playbook[10:53] – Three-email-per-week framework for holiday success[14:35] – The resend-to-non-opens strategy that boosts instant sales[19:49] – The Three Kings Day opportunity most retailers miss[20:25] – How to drive more foot traffic with simple in-store incentives[25:41] – The biggest Q4 email mistakes and how to fix themJoin the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

Retail investors in India are no longer the “weak hands” of the market. They are behaving more like pros, staying invested through volatility and forcing everyone to rethink how India's stock market really works.In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj in conversation with Mr. Pranav Haridasan, MD and CEO, Axis Securities, to decode how the Indian markets have changed from 2020 to 2025 and what that means as we head toward 2026. They unpack the rise of the equity culture, the new discipline in retail investors, and the real story behind flows into equities, derivatives, and IPOs in India.You will hear a ground level view from a leading brokerage on:1) Why retail investors now think and act more like institutional investors2) How the 2020 to 2025 bull run reshaped confidence in Indian equities3) Whether India's stock market rally can survive global shocks and AI bubbles4) Equities versus derivatives and why regulation is cooling risky short term trading5) How themes like consumption, capex, Make in India, defence, EMS, building materials are shaping market leadership6) What is really happening in India's IPO and tech IPO pipeline and how to think about profitless tech valuations7) Why volatility, climate shifts and changing cycles make forecasting demand harder for manufacturers and consumer companies8) How policy, GST moves and ease of doing business reforms affect brokers, investors and marketsIf you follow business news, markets, tech, manufacturing, policy and IPOs and you want a clear, jargon light view of where India's markets may be headed next, this conversation is for you.Watch till the end to hear Pranav's candid take on:a) Whether 2025 was the “hard reset” the market neededb) How he sees earnings, growth and sentiment playing out in the year aheadc) What long term investors should really focus on in Indian equitiesHit like, share this with someone who tracks the India stock market, and subscribe to The Core Report podcast for more deep conversations on markets, business, technology and the Indian economy.The Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships & brand studio requirements.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in (https://www.thecore.in/)Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-Report)Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp-Channel) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/thecorenewsletter)

P.M. Edition for Nov. 14. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is stepping down after more than a decade at the helm, and longtime executive John Furner will take his place. WSJ reporter Chip Cutter discusses how McMillon reshaped the U.S.'s biggest private employer, and what it means for its strategy with Furner in the top spot. Plus, how does online retailer Quince seem to always have what you're looking for? Chavie Lieber, who covers fashion and culture for the Journal, goes inside the company's strategy and how it's able to sell high fashion “dupes” at a fraction of the price. And the U.S. has struck a trade deal with Switzerland after a charm offensive from the country's business executives that lowers the tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by Fidelity Investments and the all-new Fidelity Trader+ platform. Try Fidelity's most powerful trading experience yet: ⁠⁠https://www.fidelity.com/trading/trading-platforms?immid=100734&imm_pid=430504639&imm_aid=a&dfid=&buf=99999999⁠⁠ Views, opinions, products, services, and strategies discussed are not endorsed or promoted by Fidelity Investments. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC In this episode of the Risk Reversal Podcast, hosts Guy Adami and Dan Nathan sit down with Jenny Just and Matt Hulsizer of PEAK6 at the Ascend Innovation Summit in Austin, Texas. The discussion explores their backgrounds in options trading at O'Connor and Associates, the evolution of retail trading, and the significance of democratizing finance. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in trading, the importance of culture in maintaining business integrity, and how PEAK6 leverages these elements in various ventures, including Apex Fintech Solutions. Additionally, the episode features a segment with Bill Capuzzi, CEO of Apex, who discusses the impact of fintech innovations and the convergence of traditional and decentralized finance. —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal Media

On this week's episode - Wade and Gavin chat with Jonathan Lawrence. Jonathan has an extensive background in retail, growing up in his family business, Arizona Health Foods, Sunflower Farmers Market, Sprouts and most recently an 11 year run at Fresh Thyme Market that featured several leadership positions! Jonathan is now Vice President of Sales of Natural/Specialty at Advantage Solutions working with brands, retailers, and his team on maximizing penetration of brands in those retailers. We talk all things retail, leading teams, opening stores, brokering and his guess on how many steak dinners Gavin ate and didn't pay for.

Stock market trends are in sharp focus as central banks pivot, earnings broaden beyond mega-cap leaders, and AI-driven CapEx reshapes corporate priorities. In this AMA edition of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with BlackRock's Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas in the Investment Portfolios Solutions team. Together they field listener questions on rate cuts, market breadth, ETF flows, and how AI adoption could influence equity leadership over time.Gargi brings a cross-asset lens to what's driving global growth and volatility. Fresh off a busy earnings season and recent policy moves, she shares what she's hearing most from investors and how she thinks about portfolio positioning in the present market environment.Key moments in this episode:02:00 Parallels between running and investing - run your own race, what are your risk parameters04:32 Where policy's heading: The Fed's first rate cut marks a shift toward easing. December isn't guaranteed, but the big picture is that rates are starting to move toward more normal levels.07:52 Earnings season check-in: Big tech is still leading, but other companies are finally joining in with stronger results. That's helping the market feel a little more balanced.11:29 AI spending boom: Companies are pouring money into data centers and infrastructure to keep up with AI demand—funded by healthy cash flows and long-term plans.12: 25 Shoppers are split: Higher-income consumers are still spending on travel and tech, while others are trading down to save. GLP-1 medicines (like weight-loss drugs) are showing up as a big talking point for companies.13:40 Money on the move: Investors are starting to put cash to work again. ETF flows hit over $1 trillion this year, with interest across bonds, stocks, and even gold.16:37 Bonds and gold today: Many people are looking at bonds for income and keeping an eye on gold as markets shift.Check out this Spotify playlist for more content on alternative investing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Fe8VwKyG5FPYekFFSksbI

Lupine Skelly, Retail Research Leader at Deloitte, joins Phillip and Alicia to dissect the stark reality behind this year's holiday shopping forecast. Consumer spending is projected to drop by 10%, and economic pessimism has reached its highest level since the Great Recession. As a result, retailers are facing a season where communicating value is key. This conversation explores the enduring vitality of Black Friday, the quiet revolution of private label brands, and how cultural rituals, AI integration, and brand loyalty are being fundamentally rewired. The Data Doesn't LieKey Takeaways:Shoppers expect to spend $1,595 this season as economic concerns peak57% expect the economy to weaken, the most pessimistic outlook recorded since 1997Black Friday remains vital despite two decades of obituaries24% of budgets are spent by October due to the Prime Day effectPrivate label gains ground as brand loyalty fundamentally shiftsKey Quotes:[00:02:10.14] Lupine Skelly: "57% of people are saying they expect the economy to weaken in the year ahead, and that's the highest we've seen since we started tracking that question in 1997. To put that in context, 2008 was probably the next highest at 54%—that was around the Great Recession. So [there's] a lot of uncertainty out there."[00:04:42.72] Lupine Skelly: "I feel like people have been trying to kill off Black Friday for 20 years. Is Black Friday dead? It's not dead."[00:13:17.91] Lupine Skelly: "In our study, 42% of consumers are saying they're going to use gen AI to find the perfect gift. And even more are saying they're going to use it to find the best deals."[00:25:49.24] Lupine Skelly: "Retail is always battling for share of wallet, but I think we're at a very different time period. Gaming, gambling—there's some big juggernauts taking what might have been the money you used to go to the mall years ago."Associated Links:Dig deeper into Deloitte data and insights hereCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Timm Henderlight, Lead Strategy Consultant at Perficient, and Rick Olson, Consult Partner at Kyndryl, as they reveal how predictive analytics and AI are transforming holiday retail planning. Discover how retailers are: - Forecasting demand with greater accuracy - Optimizing inventory and assortments - Streamlining operations for peak season Whether you're a retailer looking to gain a competitive edge or simply curious about how data drives holiday success, this episode offers practical insights to help you plan smarter and sell more. Special thanks to @Kyndryl for making this episode possible Listen Now

As Sesame Street's 56th season gets underway, Elmo, Big Bird, and the Sesame organization are navigating a volatile chapter in the show's history — marked by government funding cuts, evolving new media habits, and AI's impact on education. Sesame Workshop's CEO Sherrie Westin joins Rapid Response to discuss balancing risk-taking with brand trust, partnering with Netflix and with Google, and why emotional well-being and kindness are the skills that matter most in today's world.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.

A delightful chat with an iconic fixture of the Kansas City running community Gary Gribble. The Pennsylvania native had a successful sales career before starting his line of area running stores in his forties, a successful pasion project for a man who ran marathons in every state. A genial and enjoyable success story well told!

ABOUT DINA TOWNSEND Dina's Linkedin Profile: linkedin.com/in/dinatownsendDINA TOWNSEND BIOAs Chief Sales Officer at Mamava, Dina leads the Sales Organization with energy, optimism, and a genuine passion for building connections. She is rooted in the belief that strong business acumen and a meaningful mission can be seamlessly intertwined. After a purpose-driven career pivot from Digital Signage Technology to Mamava, she channels her expertise into propelling sales for this mission-centric company. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dina is a former skydiver, a hobby homesteader, an avid college football fan, and a well-intentioned, albeit average, golfer.email: dinat@mamava.com | 802.347.2111 (o) Website: www.mamava.comSay yes to dignified lactation spaces! Be a hero—here's how you can help. SHOW INTRO:Welcome to Episode 82! of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast…In every episode we continue to follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts.” And as we continue on this journey there will be thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places.We'll talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us.We'll also have guests who are creative marketing masters from international brands and people who have started and grown some of the companies that are striking a new path for us follow.If you like what you hear on the NXTLVL Experience Design show, make sure to subscribe, like, comment and share with colleagues, friends and family.The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is always grateful for the support of VMSD magazine.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. I think the IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience.SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org Today, EPISODE 82… I talk with Dina Townsend Chief Sales Officer at Mamava a company whose mission is to create a healthier society through infrastructure and support for breastfeeding. And, along with partners who share in in their purpose of celebrating and supporting breastfeeding, Mamava is moving closer to creating a future where there is a dignified lactation space anywhere a parent may go. We'll get to my discussion with Dina in a minute, first though a few thoughts…*                     *                          *                          *A few episodes back I had Claire Coder founder and CEO if Aunt Flow on the show. That was an interesting conversation since we crossed what I think were a few boundaries (at least for me) and we talked quite candidly about menstruation. Not just about the biology of women's monthly cycle but about the fact that there are many women who have faced the scenario of getting their period unexpectedly and not have pads or tampons to meet them in their moment of need.Enter the company Aunt Flow who provides free feminine hygiene products in public restrooms, schools and other public buildings and to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters - for which tens of thousands of women are eternally grateful.This conversation with Dina Townsend, I guess you could say, falls in the Aunt Flow camp of subjects. Breast feeding moms was not a subject that I had on the list of things to address on the podcast. But here we are nevertheless with a subject that piqued my curiosity because the company Dina works for, Mamava, checks most of the boxes in our Dialogues on DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and he Arts” catch phrase.First off…I did not know there was something called the “Pump Act”. For the curious out there, a little internet searching comes up with this:“…The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, enacted in December 2022, expands workplace protections for nursing employees by requiring employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for pumping breast milk for up to one year after a child's birth.This law allows for legal action if employers fail to comply…”Now… Dina will contend that many employers do in fact provide such a space and also that a janitors closet with a folding chair would be in line with the requirements. Sure, a closet meets the description of a ‘private space' but it wholly underserves the needs of a nursing mother in terms of experience.I am aware that there are widely divergent views on the whole subject of breast feeding – we are not going to go there – except that I'll say that I fully line up behind my wife who breastfed our two sons.My discussion with Dina moves from the necessity to provide environments for nursing mothers to breastfeed their infants while in public places to the buying power of mothers who statistics indicate make an enormous amount of the buying decisions in households to how tying Retail Media Networks - RMNs – to Mamava pods serve a triple bottom line serving People, Planet and Profit. It's a way of shifting our thinking about business from “How much money did we make?” to: “Did we make money in a way that benefits society and the environment too?”Nielsen, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Harvard Business Review research tells us that Women drive 70–80% of consumer purchasing decisions in the U.S. and that is even for products they don't personally use.  And that their annual global consumer spending, is $20 trillionwhich, by the way, is a number projected to rise to $28 trillion. In many households, women make or heavily influence91% of new home purchases, 92% of vacation decisions, and 80% of healthcare choices says research by the Yankelovich Monitor, Marketing to Women Conference data.And Millennial and Gen Z mothers are even more influential: they control about $1 trillion in direct annual spendingand are primary decision-makers for food, home goods, education, and entertainment – says research by the Pew Research Center.So, women and moms are a force to be reconned with in terms of buying power and why Mamava pods are more than an economic discussion. The behavioral and psychographic aspects of them is important as well.Women increasingly valuebrands that support family life, caregiving, and inclusivity and so features like Mamava pods in retail locations or corporate HQs or parental-leave policies have brand-equity impact.We have known for some time that brands that are considered authentic exhibiting genuine empathic concern for their customer and employeesare major drivers in establishing brand affinity and purchase decisions. The BabyCenter “State of Modern Motherhood” report says that “ 9 in 10 mothers say they are more loyal to brands that “understand the challenges of motherhood.”And then there is mom's digital influence. Pew Internet studies explains that“80% of moms research products online before buying and that 60% follow parenting or lifestyle influencers for purchase guidance.”When you combine these factors with the emergence of Retail Media Networks, RMNs, you have a value add to placing Mamava pods in places that do not actually take up any more space on the sales floors of a store than is already being occupied with stuff that does support the brand experience or selling anything.Use to be that when digital screens came into the retail world, we had kiosks as wayfinding devices. Then a proliferation of screens emerged in the market where walls were more digital wallpaper crowding the environment with content and, in my opinion adding little to experience, arguably creating a shopping experience with more visual distraction and diminishing the overall experience. Painting the environment with the broad-brush stroke of digital media is often ineffective in capturing and retaining attention and doesn't lead to the positive results we think it does.That said, well considered application of digital media like those found on Mamava pods creates an opportunity to provide messaging to customers that could be more like a public service announcement, like ‘get your flu shot here today,' or a focused marketing piece that invites customers to consider a particular product that they may not have thought of prior to arriving at the store.So, you might ask why this matters to retail designWomen and mothers aren't just your average everyday consumers, they're key decision-makers shaping the social expectations of brands and spaces. Retailers, airports, and workplaces that provide amenities like Mamava pods, family restrooms, or flexible shopping experiences are responding directly to data-driven insights like:Increased dwell time and spending when caregivers feel accommodated.Higher brand loyalty and word-of-mouth among mothers.Positive CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility - and inclusivity signaling which is important for both consumer and employee attraction.If you have recently traveled through an airport, you may have already come upon a Mamava pod or maybe you have seen their “bench” version in a retail store. Fed up with pumping in bathrooms and borrowed spaces—Mamava's co-founders, Sascha Mayer and Christine Dodson, applied their decades of expertise in design and brand strategy to solve a problem that was largely invisible: the lack of lactation spaces in workplaces and public spaces and as a result, the Mamava pod was born.Tying together the Mamava pod, and its various incarnations, and retail media needed some savvy about how to create an effective in-store media application that wouldn't end up as just another screen in an already overwhelming environment.Enter Dina Townsend.As Chief Sales Officer at Mamava, Dina leads the Sales Organization with energy, optimism, and a genuine passion for building connections. She is rooted in the belief that strong business acumen and a meaningful mission like the Mamava brand platform can be seamlessly intertwined. After a purpose-driven career pivot from the world of Digital Signage Technology to Mamava, Dina channels her expertise into propelling sales for this mission-centric company. ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon.  The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

The salient point of our discussion centers on the nuanced dichotomy within the furniture market, where a reported year-over-year sales increase of 4.9% in October belies a troubling decline in actual transaction volume, which fell by 6.1%. This phenomenon indicates that the growth is largely attributable to escalated prices rather than an uptick in consumer purchasing activity, a situation exacerbated by tariff impositions and inflationary pressures that weigh heavily on the industry. We also delve into notable corporate developments, such as J and K Home Furnishings' strategic acquisition of Infinger Furniture, which not only signifies market expansion but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability through substantial renovations aimed at achieving a 93% eco-friendly operation. Furthermore, we examine the evolving landscape of supply chain dynamics, particularly the significant reductions in global container freight rates, juxtaposed against rising costs on transcontinental routes. Lastly, we address pressing consumer safety issues arising from recalls in the sector, underscoring the imperative for manufacturers to adhere rigorously to safety standards to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.The intricate landscape of the furniture industry is currently experiencing a confluence of growth and challenge, as evidenced by the latest data released by Fiserv. The reported 4.9% increase in sales at furniture stores for October paints a picture of burgeoning market vitality. However, a more granular examination reveals a disconcerting 6.1% decline in actual transaction volumes, indicating that the sales surge is not a result of increased consumer activity, but rather a consequence of elevated prices driven by ongoing tariffs and inflationary pressures. This dichotomy prompts a critical reflection on the sustainability of such growth amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, highlighting the need for industry stakeholders to recalibrate their strategies in response to these evolving market dynamics.In a significant corporate development, J and K Home Furnishings has strategically acquired Infinger Furniture, a well-established retailer in South Carolina, thereby expanding its market presence into the Charleston area. This acquisition is not merely a transactional event; it represents a broader strategic initiative aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies and embracing sustainability within the retail framework. J and K's ambitious plans for a comprehensive remodel of the Infinger location, including the installation of solar panels and a commitment to achieving a 93% green certification, exemplify a forward-thinking approach that aligns with contemporary consumer values surrounding environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the establishment of a local warehouse is poised to streamline logistics and improve service delivery, thereby positioning the company favorably within a competitive marketplace.As the discussion progresses to supply chain dynamics, the podcast elucidates the recent downward trend in global container freight rates, particularly a notable 15% drop for shipments from Shanghai to New York. This decline can be largely attributed to the completion of pre-holiday import activities by U.S. retailers, resulting in diminished demand for container space. In stark contrast, rising shipping costs on Asia-Europe routes signal the complexities and variances inherent in global logistics. Such fluctuations necessitate agility and foresight from retailers as they navigate the evolving landscape of supply chain management. The podcast also brings to light critical consumer safety concerns, particularly regarding the significant recalls of non-compliant clothing storage units, which underscores the imperative for manufacturers to adhere to safety regulations. The convergence of these themes ultimately reinforces the necessity for industry vigilance and adaptability in...

André Schürrle spricht über seine radikale Neuerfindung nach dem Karriereende – und warum er mit 29 Jahren keine Lust mehr auf Millionengehälter hatte. In dieser Episode von selbst&frei teilt der Weltmeister von 2014 seine ungeschönte Wahrheit über die Zeit nach dem Fußball. André erklärt, wie er alle lukrativen Angebote aus der Fußballwelt ablehnte und stattdessen in einen leeren Raum ging – ohne Plan, ohne Ziel, nur mit der Überzeugung: "Ich bin nicht mehr der Fußballer." Nach Jahren des Zweifels und der Identitätssuche war es eine Eiswanderung bei minus 22 Grad in Polen, die alles veränderte. Diese 30 Minuten bis zum Gipfel, in denen er wieder seine Limits spürte, gaben ihm die Energie zurück, die er heute noch in sich trägt. André spricht offen darüber, wie er seine Uhrensammlung und Luxusautos verkaufte, weil sie ihm nichts mehr bedeuteten, und warum ein Kaffee mit seinen Kids auf der Torstraße heute mehr wert ist als jeder materielle Besitz. Besonders eindrucksvoll: Seine Reflexion über Geld. Von 100.000 Euro im Jahr über 100.000 im Monat bis zu 150.000 pro Woche – und warum am Ende nur der Lifestyle mitwächst, aber nicht die Zufriedenheit. Heute baut er mit Drill ein Elektrolyt-Unternehmen auf, das in wenigen Monaten 20 Millionen Impressions generierte und bald in den großen Handelsketten stehen soll. André teilt seine wichtigste Erkenntnis: Persönliche Freiheit bekommst du nur, wenn du Entscheidungen für dich selbst triffst – nicht für externe Faktoren oder das Ego. Ein ehrliches Gespräch über Verantwortung, Fokus und die Kunst, an der Oberfläche des Lebens nicht hängen zu bleiben. Mehr zu André: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreschuerrle/DRYLL: https://www.dryll.co/ Kapitel: Chapters 00:00:00 Intro: Was macht es mit einem, auf einen Punkt reduziert zu werden? 00:02:02 Selbst und frei: Die Suche nach der eigenen Identität 00:05:40 Der WM-Moment 2014: Fluch und Segen 00:08:44 Identitätskrise nach dem Fußball 00:11:40 Die Kunst des Nein-Sagens 00:14:34 Wer bin ich ohne den Fußball? 00:19:33 Die Balance zwischen Familie, Sport und Unternehmertum 00:22:45 Das Ende der Karriere: Nichts tun ist keine Lösung 00:25:28 Die Rolle des Geldes: Von 100.000€ im Jahr zu 100.000€ pro Woche 00:31:10 Materielle Dinge loslassen: Uhren und Autos verkauft 00:35:23 Der Wendepunkt: Eiswanderung in Polen 00:44:25 Drill: Die Geburt einer Geschäftsidee 00:55:59 Der spektakuläre Launch: Backyard Ultra Event 00:59:15 Die Zukunft von Drill: Von Gyms in den Retail 01:03:31 Bootstrap vs. Investoren: Die Finanzierungsfrage 01:09:13 Angel Investing: Warum André aufgehört hat 01:13:08 Fokus in einer ablenkungsreichen Welt 01:16:10 Persönliche Freiheit: Der Schlüssel liegt in Entscheidungen 01:21:56 Die Illusion von Social Media und der lange Weg zum Erfolg selbst&frei wird im Auftrag von Vivid Money produziert – dem Geschäftskonto für Unternehmer. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/selbst-frei-mehr-freiheit-als-selbstst%C3%A4ndiger-unternehmer/id1846867704 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kwfByUnCbOZDr2Ep7Oohv?si=ab76108e7f704d6f&nd=1&dlsi=ea1f65b177414f05

Pascal Wagner interviews Evan Polaski, digging into what 18 years across retail and multifamily have taught him about raising capital through multiple market cycles. Evan shares what it was really like trying to raise an institutional fund heading into the 2008 crisis, how the “denominator effect” froze commitments, and why that experience still shapes his view of risk today. He contrasts institutional and retail LP behavior, explains why he's gravitated back to necessity-based retail, and calls out the dangers of marketers-turned-operators who chase AUM instead of disciplined deals. Evan also walks through how he evaluates sponsors as an LP himself, what “conservative underwriting” should actually mean, and the specific questions passive investors need to ask about performance versus the original pro forma. Evan PolaskiCurrent role: Director of Capital Raising, BlackGate Partners Based in: Cincinnati, Ohio Say hi to them at: https://goblackgate.com | LinkedIn Alternative Fund IV is closing soon and SMK is giving Best Ever listeners exclusive access to their Founders' Shares, typically offered only to early investors. Visit smkcap.com/bec to learn more and download the full fund summary. Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melanie Bartelme is the associate director and global food analyst for Mintel's Premium Global Food & Drink Insights platform. On this episode of ITS, Melanie and Ali talk about food and beverage trends, what's happening with proteinification, what brands need to say out loud, and what consumers are looking for in today's uncertain world. Make sure to listen for a special discount at the end of the episode!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Placer.ai's CMO Ethan Chernofsky is back... revealing why the “convenience above all” mindset is costing retailers millions and what's actually driving traffic in 2025. Omni Talk and Placer.ai reunite for their annual tradition of reviewing the retail year that was. In this data-packed episode, Chris and Anne dig into Placer.ai's latest location analytics to uncover: • Why consumers are visiting more stores but spending less time in them • The “consumer preference epiphany” reshaping retail fundamentals • How Sprouts, HEB, and Barnes & Noble are winning by doubling down on identity • Why the retail middle is dying — and what it takes to survive • The surprising suburban opportunity most brands are missing • Which "dead" brands are quietly staging comebacks Plus: Ethan's bold prediction for the 2025 holiday season that could reshape Q4 planning forever. Featuring real-world traffic data and performance metrics from America's top retailers, this episode is required viewing for anyone in retail leadership, store operations, or strategic planning. #retailstrategy #locationanalytics #retailtrends #omnichannel #consumerinsights #retailtech

Key Takeaways:Market Sentiment & Outlook:Commercial real estate is facing uncertainty into 2026, primarily due to macroeconomic volatility, interest rates, and capital availability.While capital was readily available previously, concern about raising funds or qualifying for loans is now considered the top risk by industry leaders.Most investors still expect to increase real estate holdings to hedge against inflation and diversify portfolios.Sector Performance & Trends:Some sectors like digital economy properties (i.e., data centers), logistics, warehousing, and industrial are performing well and attracting attention.Office investments are regaining traction, contrary to recent trends suggesting office decline.The hotel sector has struggled, with deal value down significantly year-over-year.Retail, especially malls, continues to be challenged, with shifting consumer behavior and design shortcomings cited as reasons.Development Climate:Rising construction costs, interest rates, and property taxes are obstacles for developers.Flex space development continues where supply is low.Affordable, "missing middle" housing and zoning reform are needed to address shortages and promote multi-use developments.Investment Strategy:Investors are more cautious, screening deals more carefully and not as aggressive as previous years.Preference for acquiring properties to hedge against inflation and for portfolio diversification.U.S. remains a preferred market, but interest in other countries (India, Germany, UK, Singapore) is rising, especially among larger firms.Audience/Participant Concerns:Questions targeted real estate taxes, staffing, capital raising, and partnership selection.Equity/capital raising remains a perennial challenge, given market dynamics and investor situations.Mixed-Use Development Advocacy:Strong views were expressed favoring conversion of single-use malls into mixed-use, live-work-play communities to revitalize retail real estate.

Bealls Inc. is adopting crypto payments across its 660+ stores in partnership with Flexa. Bealls Inc. is bringing crypto payments to its 660+ stores, making it one of the largest retailers to adopt the technology. CEO, Matt Beall and Flexa Co-Founder, Danny McCabe join CoinDesk's Sam Ewen to detail the partnership. They explain how the move improves the customer experience while leveraging faster, cheaper transactions to boost retail margins. Learn why a 110-year-old retailer is making a move into the future of payments. - Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://midnight.network/break-free⁠⁠⁠⁠ - OwlTing (Nasdaq: OWLS) is building invisible rails for global payments. With OwlPay, businesses and users can bridge fiat and stablecoins, send money instantly across borders, and access stablecoin checkout at lower costs. Licensed worldwide, OwlTing delivers secure, compliant, and regulated infrastructure for the digital economy. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.owlting.com/portal/?lang=en&utm_source=CoinDesk&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CoinDesk_Banner⁠⁠⁠⁠. - Genius Group has partnered with CoinDesk for Bitcoin Treasury Month, launching the Genius x CoinDesk Quest. Participants can join the Bitcoin Academy, complete free microcourses from experts like Natalie Brunell and Saifedean Ammous, and enter to win 1,000,000 GEMs (worth 1 BTC) promoting bitcoin education and adoption.Learn more at:  ⁠geniusgroup.ai/coindesk-bitcoin-treasury-month/⁠