Podcasts about retail group

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Chap Achen, Senior Director, Analyst for Digital Commerce and Supply Chain at Gartner, discussed: • Walmart partnering with Subway to deliver made-to-order restaurant meals alongside groceries and household essentials through its Express Delivery service, and why Chris sees it as another example of Walmart executing a cohesive long-term growth strategy built around convenience, loyalty, and retail media expansion: https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/now-you-can-get-a-subway-sandwich-with-your-walmart-delivery-5a003b24 • Amazon expanding Fresh Same-Day Delivery in London, allowing customers to add groceries to the same basket as millions of other products, and whether this signals the future of grocery retail as Amazon continues playing the long game in global commerce: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-grocery-same-day-delivery-uk • New York passing legislation aimed at limiting so-called surveillance pricing, and whether regulating AI-driven personalized pricing strikes the right balance between consumer protection and innovation: https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2026-06-05?article=new-york-legislators-pass-bill-curb-personalized-pricing • Amazon rolling out new AI-powered visual search capabilities, including real-time image generation, curated style collages, and visual suggestions, and whether these tools could strengthen Amazon's position as the product search super app: https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2026-06-03?article=amazon-expands-visual-search-capabilities-shopping-app • A startup called The Mall launching an invite-only shopping app designed to aggregate products from more than 10,000 brands into one personalized feed, and whether it represents the future of discovery or another well-intentioned idea destined to be overtaken by larger platforms: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/01/a-new-app-the-mall-is-building-a-universal-feed-for-online-shopping/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-06-04%20Retail%20Dive:%20Tech%20%5Bissue:85662%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive:%20Tech And Duvo CEO Tomáš Čupr also stopped by for 5 Insightful Minutes to discuss why retailers need to stop waiting for perfect data, focus on solving their messiest problems first, and rethink how they approach AI implementation across their organizations. There's all that, plus Barcelona architecture, Vienna bucket lists, Vikings quarterback predictions, European retail favorites, Fashionology Summit takeaways, and why Gen Z may be more comfortable shopping through image-first and intent-driven experiences than retailers realize. P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/retail_podcasts/ Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Shelley Huff, former CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding and co-founder of The Interval, discussed: • Google unveiling its new Universal Cart that allows shoppers to add products across retailers and channels into a single AI-powered shopping experience, and whether it represents the biggest long-term threat yet to Amazon's commerce dominance: https://www.retaildive.com/news/google-launches-cross-retailer-universal-cart/820957/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-26%20Retail%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:85275%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive • Walmart rolling out a new prepaid consolidation program that simplifies inbound logistics for suppliers, and why both Chris and Shelley see it as a rare win-win for retailers and vendors alike: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/walmart-rolling-out-simplified-inbound-logistics-for-suppliers/821111/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-27%20Supply%20Chain%20Dive%20%5Bissue:85359%5D&utm_term=Supply%20Chain%20Dive • SPAR Austria expanding its use of inventory robots to additional stores, and what the move signals about the growing role of robotics in improving store operations and inventory accuracy: https://spar-international.com/news/spar-austria-expands-inventory-robot-trial/ • Walmart reporting explosive growth in store-fulfilled delivery, including record-fast delivery times and surging drone deliveries, and which metrics matter most as the company battles Amazon for customer loyalty: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/walmart-store-fulfilled-deliveries-getting-faster/821126/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-28%20Supply%20Chain%20Dive%20%5Bissue:85420%5D&utm_term=Supply%20Chain%20Dive • AWS launching a new agentic shopping assistant solution that allows retailers to deploy Amazon-powered conversational shopping experiences, and the critical question every retailer must answer about who owns the customer intelligence layer: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/aws-agentic-shopping-assistant-retailers And RADAR CEO Spencer Hewett also dropped by for 5 Insightful Minutes to discuss his company's $170 million raise, connected stores at scale, and why real-time retail is finally becoming a reality. There's all that, plus sunrise hikes in Arizona, European grocery innovation, The Rock's latest product launch, and why younger shoppers may be more comfortable letting AI make decisions for them. P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/retail_podcasts/ Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Laura Kennedy, retail strategist formerly of CB Insights and Kantar, discussed: • Starbucks shutting down its AI-powered inventory counting tool after widespread accuracy issues and what the failure reveals about the challenges of deploying AI inside real-world retail operations: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/starbucks-ai-inventory-system-discontinued_n_6a10640ce4b0bb04cec6162a • Radar reaching unicorn status after raising $170 million and why RFID-powered inventory intelligence may finally be crossing the retail adoption chasm: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/19/radar-reaches-unicorn-status-in-series-b-funding-round.html • Google unveiling the biggest transformation to Search in over 25 years with AI-powered search experiences, autonomous background agents, and major implications for the future of commerce discovery: https://www.theverge.com/tech/932970/google-search-ai-update-io-2026 • Klarna launching a shopping app directly inside ChatGPT and whether payments, trust, and consumer behavior will determine who ultimately wins the AI commerce race: https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2026/klarna-launches-chatgpt-shopping-app-with-live-prices/ • Ross Stores posting a staggering 17% comparable sales increase and why off-price retail, and potentially resale, may become one of the defining retail winners of this economic era: https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/ross-stores-lifts-outlook-as-sales-jump-6ba6f3a5 There's all that, plus Indy 500 energy, terrifying Jurassic Park revelations, Star Wars debates, underrated Midwest road trips, Spielberg nostalgia, and producer Ella officially crowning “unicorn status” the greatest business term of all time. Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guests Kelly Carey and Chad Lusk of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group discussed: • Amazon aggressively expanding 30-minute delivery across the U.S. and why the real strategy may be psychologically redefining what consumers expect from retail convenience: https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-expands-30-minute-delivery-service-to-more-cities/819962/? • Walmart quietly piloting neighborhood delivery depots in vacant retail spaces and whether the retailer may actually hold the long-term infrastructure advantage in the immediacy wars: https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/walmart-pilots-small-depots-faster-delivery/ • Best Buy launching in-store consultation spaces inside IKEA locations and why the partnership may create one of the smartest experiential retail adjacencies in home commerce today: https://www.retaildive.com/news/best-buy-ikea-expand-partnership-consultation-spaces/820219/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-14%20Retail%20Dive:%20Tech%20%5Bissue:84930%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive:%20Tech • Amazon rolling out Alexa for Shopping nationwide and why AI commerce may ultimately come down to one key question: who actually captures the transaction? : https://chainstoreage.com/amazon-enables-conversational-shopping-alexa-voice-assistant • Shein acquiring Everlane for approximately $100 million and what the deal says about the collision between brand values, operational scale, and the realities of modern retail economics: https://puck.news/everlane-is-selling-out-to-shein/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-18%20Retail%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:85051%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive There's all that, plus karaoke confessions, transformation overload, AI shopping hot takes, wedding mic-stealing attempts, and a surprisingly deep conversation about the future psychology of commerce. Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Kathryn Mazza, former Chief Marketing Officer at Hy-Vee, former President of RedMedia, and now Chief Growth Officer at Barrow's Connected Store, discussed: • OpenAI officially launching its ChatGPT Ads Manager and what the platform's push into advertising means for Google, Meta, and the future of search-based marketing: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/openai-solidifies-ad-platform-ambitions-with-chatgpt-ads-manager/819801/ • Target debuting two new creator programs and whether the retailer is strategically rebuilding brand love or simply arriving late to the creator commerce era: https://chainstoreage.com/target-launches-two-new-creator-programs • Dollar General integrating its on-site, off-site, and in-store retail media capabilities into one connected advertising ecosystem and why it could become a major unlock for brands and media buyers: https://chainstoreage.com/dollar-general-unifies-onsite-and-offsite-ad-inventory-access • Audible opening a “bookless bookstore” in New York City featuring audiobook discovery lounges, storytellers, and immersive listening experiences designed to rethink physical retail: https://www.usaToday.com/story/entertainment/books/2026/05/01/audible-story-house-bookless-bookstore/89776169007/ • Amazon Pharmacy expanding same-day delivery for the Ozempic pill to thousands of cities and why GLP-1 medications may dramatically reshape pharmacy, grocery, and retail traffic patterns: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506335808/en/Amazon-Pharmacy-Expands-Access-to-New-Ozempic-Pill-via-Same-Day-Delivery-Kiosks There's all that, plus airport security horror stories, bizarre travel behavior, Des Moines growth surprises, dream podcast guests, creator loyalty debates, and one very spirited Target argument. Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Jenn Hahn, Founder & CEO of J Recruiting Services and host of Candid with Candidates, discussed: • Target requiring 150 remote merchandising employees to relocate to Minneapolis or exit, and what it signals about collaboration, creativity, and accountability during a retail turnaround: https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-remote-merchandising-employees-relocate-minneapolis-headquarters/818603/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-04-28%20Retail%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:84328%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive • Estée Lauder expanding job cuts to as many as 10,000 roles as part of its “Beauty Reimagined” strategy, and whether it's merger math, a department store reality check, or both: https://www.retaildive.com/news/estee-lauder-layoffs-point-of-sale-department-stores/819068/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-05-01%20Retail%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:84493%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive • Walmart rolling out trained in-store beauty experts to 400+ locations, and why investing in service could be its next big competitive advantage: https://apnews.com/article/walmart-stores-beauty-products-experts-customers-b2337d86a3204d4b3c0f4e5b6ddc953e • Anthropic's Claude integrating with Instacart, Uber Eats, and more, enabling fully conversational shopping experiences and why this may finally crack the code on AI-driven commerce: https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2026-04-27?article=instacart-uber-eats-integrate-anthropic-claude-ai-platform • Walmart's plan to train all 2.1 million employees on AI tools, and the massive (and messy) reality of scaling workforce transformation at that level: https://www.ciodive.com/news/Walmart-AI-training-agentic-workforce/818254/ There's all that, plus March Madness heartbreak, talent truths, Taco Bell debates, Star Wars blind spots, and a candid look at what it really takes to lead and hire in the age of AI. Music by hooksounds.com

We're spending more on fuel, crowding out most other areas. ANZ card data from April shows spending at the pump jumped 0.9% on top of March's 20% hike shortly after the Iran war began. Spending on retail, public transport, car dealerships, and the normally recession-proof health and beauty sector all took a hit. There was an unusually large drop at supermarkets too – 1.4%. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking they've seen a decisive shift in how we grocery shop. He says people are opting for different brands and being smart with their money. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Shelley Huff, former CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding, former Walmart executive, and current co-founder of The Interval community, discussed: • An AI-powered retail store in San Francisco run by “Luna,” an AI agent managing everything from inventory and staffing to pricing and logistics, and what it means for the future of retail leadership and automation: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/04/21/ai-boss-retail-store-future-shopping/89649006007/ • Best Buy CEO Corie Barry stepping down after seven years, with longtime executive Jason Bonfig taking over as the retailer looks to redefine its future growth strategy: https://www.retaildive.com/news/best-buy-ceo-corie-barry-steps-down-jason-bonfig/818156/ • Party City's comeback inside 700+ Staples stores and whether personalization and party planning can actually create a compelling retail experience: https://chainstoreage.com/party-city-retail-comeback-inside-staples-stores • Dairy Queen expanding its AI drive-thru ordering pilot with Presto across North America, and why voice AI may finally be ready for prime time: https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2026-04-17?article=dairy-queen-expanding-pilot-voice-ai-drive-thru • Walmart testing store-based fulfillment for marketplace orders, aiming to shrink delivery windows from days to hours and challenge Amazon's convenience advantage: https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2026-04-20?article=walmart-reportedly-pilots-store-based-marketplace-order-fulfillment There's all that, plus AI-powered packing lists, Arizona basketball legends, currywurst confusion, Kentucky Derby prep, bridal shower chaos, and a deep debate on whether consumers are actually ready to trust AI with their wallets. Music by hooksounds.com

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from World Retail Congress 2026 in Berlin, Chris Walton speaks with Scott Price, Group Chief Executive of DFI Retail Group, about how one of Asia's largest retail groups is driving omnichannel growth, loyalty innovation, and AI transformation across its business. Scott explains how DFI has doubled online order volumes, increased ecommerce penetration, and sharpened its customer-first strategy by pushing decision-making closer to local markets across Asia. The conversation explores why operational execution still matters more than flashy technology, how loyalty data is becoming the foundation for personalization and retail media, and why “dynamic pricing” is the wrong way to think about customer offers. The interview also dives into DFI's evolving AI strategy, from team productivity tools and personalized shopping experiences to the future role of AI in merchandising and retail decision-making. Plus, Scott shares why retailers need to focus on the “right to win,” how portfolio simplification has helped fuel growth, and why resilience remains one of retail's most important competitive advantages. Key Topics Covered: • How DFI Retail Group doubled online order volumes • Why operational execution still defines omnichannel success • The importance of local decision-making across Asian markets • How DFI uses loyalty data to power personalization and retail media • Why Scott Price banned the term “dynamic pricing” • The future of AI-powered autonomous shopping experiences • How AI is improving employee productivity across the business • Why merchandising still requires human judgment despite AI advances • DFI's portfolio strategy and focus on “right to win” markets • How retailers can balance technology innovation with retail fundamentals Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from World Retail Congress 2026. #WRC2026 #WorldRetailCongress #OmniTalkRetail #DFIRetailGroup #RetailInnovation #AIinRetail #Omnichannel #RetailMedia #LoyaltyPrograms #FutureOfRetail

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, recorded live from London and sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso and Veloq, Chris Walton and special guest Ben Miller of Shoptalk discussed: -Walmart expanding its Better Care platform into GLP-1 weight management, connecting pharmacy, telehealth, nutrition, and same-day delivery into one ecosystem -Starbucks launching a beta experience inside ChatGPT to recommend and build drink orders while keeping checkout in its own app -Instacart acquiring global fulfillment platform Instaleap to accelerate international growth and expand its enterprise tech footprint -Walmart unveiling its first Great Value private label redesign in over a decade across 10,000+ items to boost appeal and shopability -Aldi using its U.S. stores to test a new globally scalable, modular store format as it rapidly expands toward 3,200 locations There's all that, plus agentic AI debates, Danny DeVito tattoos, Eddie Murphy Mount Rushmores, favorite Apple products, and the ultimate German food debate. Music by hooksounds.com

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Quorso, Infios, Ocampo Capital, and Veloq, Chris and special guests Jennifer Meyers and John Benson of the A&M Consumer and Retail Group discussed: - Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's sweeping 2026 annual letter to shareholders, covering robotics, drone delivery, satellite broadband, and AI as infrastructure - Starbucks unveiling new "uplifted" store designs in Chicago while rolling out barista bonuses, expanded tipping, and weekly pay - Burger King launching a nationwide hiring push for 60,000 new team members on the back of its Reclaim the Flame turnaround - Dollar General partnering with QSIC to roll out AI-powered in-store audio to 6,000 stores across 48 states - Old Navy reportedly developing a new freestanding athleisure format called Old Navy Sport There's all that, plus Jack in the Box tacos, the most dramatic DoorDash order in the history of dating, and the question that divided the entire show: Are you Team Alex with an E or with an I? Music by hooksounds.com

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid-fire questions for guest host Laura Kennedy. Chris Walton and Laura Kennedy cover everything from Indianapolis fun facts and Kurt Vonnegut to the most rewatchable movies like The Sting and Jaws. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/uHrdbq2r8HQ #LightningRound, #Indianapolis, #KurtVonnegut, #TheSting, #Jaws, #MovieClassics, #RetailFastFive, #OmniTalk, #PopCulture, #Rewatchables

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and guest host Laura Kennedy discussed: Bed Bath & Beyond acquiring the Container Store for $150 million (Source) Aerie teaming up with Pamela Anderson to take a very public stand against AI-generated content (Source) Carrefour becoming the first European retailer to offer grocery shopping directly through ChatGPT (Source) QVC Group issuing a going concern warning amid $6.6 billion in debt (Source) Carrefour Israel announcing one of the largest smart cart deployments in retail history (Source) And A&M's Jeremy Levine also dropped by for 5 Insightful Minutes on how grocers can win in the next decade by mastering their fresh departments. There's all that, plus Kurt Vonnegut's unexpected influence on Indianapolis, whether Chris would ever go to space, and why Jaws might just be the most rewatchable movie ever made. Music by hooksounds.com

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Jeremy Levine, Senior Director at Alvarez and Marsal's Consumer and Retail Group, joins Omni Talk to break down the tactics traditional regional grocers need to master fresh operations (and win) over the next decade. From the protein consumption gap to the hourly rhythm of a deli department, Jeremy shares what makes fresh so hard to get right and exactly what good actually looks like. If you run a grocery business, manage a fresh department, or advise retailers, this episode is a must-listen.

New Zealand's new 'Temu tax' is officially in play. All low-value goods worth less than $1000 dollars coming into the country as commercial freight are being charged a low-value levy or tax of $2.21. It patches-up a Customs loophole allowing e-commerce businesses like Temu and Shein to pay next-to-nothing for approval on thousands of packages. First Retail's Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking it's not made to raise Customs revenue, but to recoup the costs currently being paid by the taxpayer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on March Madness and all the bracket chaos that comes with it. Chris Walton and guest host Jenna DeFranco swap thoughts on the unpredictability of the tournament, busted brackets, and the moments that make March Madness unmatched. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/D5hLtPKxk24 #LightningRound #MarchMadness #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #BracketChaos

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Target's updated dress code and increased employee discounts. Chris Walton and Jenna DeFranco break down whether this move helps restore operational consistency or risks hurting employee morale. They also debate whether small changes like this actually impact retention, culture, and the in-store experience. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/D5hLtPKxk24 #Target #RetailWorkforce #EmployeeExperience #RetailOperations #RetailNews #OmniTalk

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and guest host Jenna DeFranco of J Recruiting Services discussed: Target boosting its employee discount and rolling out a new dress code for store workers (Source) Aldi launching a fully redesigned nationwide digital experience powered by Instacart (Source) REI's union voting to authorize a boycott of the co-op's biggest sales event of the year (Source) DoorDash adding four apparel retailers — Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Rally House — to its on-demand delivery platform (Source) Walmart debuting an in-store app experience inside ChatGPT, backed by its Sparky commerce agent (Source) There's all that, plus Jenna also helped us hand out this month's OmniStar Award to Kristie Maurer, owner of Maurer's Urban Market. And Adam Plom, VP and Head of Content for Shoptalk Europe, joined us for 5 Insightful Minutes to give a preview of what to expect in Barcelona this June. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #TargetDressCode #AldiInstacart #REIBoycott #DoorDashApparel #WalmartAI #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailTech #OmniStar

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Amazon's expansion of its Shop Direct feature. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss what it means for brands as Amazon begins pulling in third-party product feeds, allowing customers to shop outside of its marketplace while still staying inside its ecosystem. The duo debates whether this is a win for consumers, a risk for brands, and how this move could reshape ecommerce, data ownership, and digital advertising. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #Amazon #Ecommerce #DTC #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Instacart's latest AI-powered Caper Cart update using NVIDIA technology. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen debate whether smart carts actually solve real consumer problems or if this is another overhyped investment. From high costs to low adoption, the conversation challenges whether AI is being applied in the right places in retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #Instacart #AI #RetailTech #Grocery #Innovation #OmniTalk

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on Superman movie nostalgia and National Puppy Day. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen debate their lack of Superman viewing credentials and reflect on whether they did their dogs justice on National Puppy Day. Because sometimes the best conversations have nothing to do with retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Amazon's expanding grocery partnerships and its push into one-hour delivery. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how Amazon is leveraging logistics to partner with regional grocers and whether these partnerships are a short-term win or long-term risk. They also debate who really wins as Amazon tightens its grip on the final mile. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #Amazon #GroceryDelivery #RetailLogistics #Ecommerce #RetailTrends #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart's deeper integration with Vizio and what it means for retail media. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how connecting TV viewing data with shopping behavior could unlock powerful new advertising capabilities and help Walmart compete more directly with Amazon. They also explore what unified logins and cross-device tracking mean for the future of consumer data. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #Walmart #RetailMedia #ConnectedTV #Advertising #RetailTech #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Walmart's deeper integration with Vizio and what it means for retail media. Chris Walton and returning guest Carter Jensen discuss how connecting TV viewing data with shopping behavior could unlock powerful new advertising capabilities and help Walmart compete more directly with Amazon. They also explore what unified logins and cross-device tracking mean for the future of consumer data. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/__g1k_2BOBA #Walmart #RetailMedia #ConnectedTV #Advertising #RetailTech #OmniTalk

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso and Veloq, Chris and returning guest Carter Jensen — now of The Uncommon Business and one of the original co-creators of this very podcast — discussed: Amazon expanding its Shop Direct feature to accept third-party product feeds (Source) Ulta Beauty launching on TikTok Shop (Source) Walmart and Vizio unveiling new content-to-commerce integrations at the 2026 IAB Newfronts (Source) Instacart integrating Nvidia AI technology into its Caper Carts (Source) Amazon and Winn-Dixie expanding their grocery delivery partnership to the greater Tampa Bay area, plus Amazon rolling out one-hour delivery to hundreds of U.S. cities (Source1 and Source2) There's all that, plus Carter's long-overdue confession about the microphones he "definitely knew how to use," shopping carts in the creek, and whether Raymond the dog is holding a grudge after National Puppy Day got overlooked. #AmazonShopDirect #UltaBeauty #TikTokShop #WalmartVizio #InstacartAI #RetailMedia #GroceryDelivery #SocialCommerce #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailNews

The AP's Jennifer King has the latest retail forecast.

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at Kroger's decision to create a Chief Data and AI Officer role. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss what elevating the leader of 84.51 means for Kroger's long term AI strategy and how data leadership is becoming central to retail. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #RetailNews #Kroger #AIinRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Kroger's use of autonomous drones inside sub freezing distribution centers. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss how drone technology could transform warehouse inventory management and eliminate some of the most difficult cold chain tasks. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #RetailNews #Kroger #WarehouseAutomation #RetailLogistics #SupplyChain #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at how Dick's Sporting Goods unexpectedly surged up the Apple App Store rankings. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn break down how the retailer's Move fitness rewards app is driving engagement and why gamifying fitness could be a powerful retail loyalty strategy. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #RetailNews #DicksSportingGoods #RetailApps #RetailEngagement #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on nihilist penguins, Friday the 13th superstition, and March Madness predictions. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn prove once again that retail conversations always find their way into pop culture and the internet's strangest trends. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #RetailPodcast #PopCulture #MarchMadness #InternetCulture

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Costco's pledge to return any tariff refunds directly to members. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn debate whether this move reflects Costco's long standing value promise or a strategic messaging play during a complicated economic moment. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #RetailNews #Costco #RetailEconomics #RetailStrategy #RetailIndustry #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Walmart's plan to expand digital shelf labels across all 4,600 U.S. stores. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn discuss what this massive technology rollout means for pricing accuracy, store operations, and the future of in store retail technology. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/qZQHl9r-BUc #RetailNews #Walmart #DigitalShelfLabels #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and guest host Jenn Hahn of J Recruiting Services discussed: Walmart expanding its digital shelf label technology to all 4,600 of its US stores, completing what is likely the single largest ESL rollout in retail history (Source) Costco CEO Ron Vachris is publicly pledging to return any tariff refunds directly to members through lower prices (Source) Kroger creating a new Chief Data and AI Officer role by elevating Milen Mahadevan, president of its 84.51 analytics subsidiary, to lead its entire AI and data agenda (Source) Kroger deploying autonomous inventory drones from Corvus Robotics into sub-freezing cold chain distribution facilities (Source) Dick's Sporting Goods, thanks to its Move fitness rewards app, unexpectedly rocketing to #3 on the Apple App Store free download chart, landing right between Claude and Gemini (Source) And Jenn also helped us hand out this month's OmniStar Award — given in partnership with Quorso — to Mark Chenier, SVP GMM of Footwear at Academy Sports and Outdoors! There's all that, plus nihilist penguins, spring break plans, March Madness predictions, and green beer. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #WalmartESL #DigitalShelfLabels #KrogerAI #RetailTech #CostcoTariffs #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #DicksSportingGoods #OmniStar #RetailInnovation

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Jack Dorsey's claim that AI could dramatically shrink corporate workforces. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan debate what this means for the future of work, whether companies will truly replace employees with AI, and how organizations may need to rethink talent strategy in an AI-driven world. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/COjVCrP5sHE #AI #FutureOfWork #JackDorsey #RetailTechnology #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Walgreens' pilot of a new hybrid pharmacist role. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss whether this approach could ease pharmacist burnout, improve store operations, and help Walgreens adapt to the evolving healthcare retail landscape. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/COjVCrP5sHE #Walgreens #PharmacyRetail #RetailOperations #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into IKEA testing a store-in-store concept with sporting goods retailer Decathlon. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss what this collaboration could mean for the future of retail partnerships, experiential stores, and how retailers rethink physical space. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/COjVCrP5sHE #IKEA #Decathlon #RetailPartnerships #OmniTalk

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on McDonald's Big Arch taste test backlash, the surprising Scrubs reboot generation gap, the never-ending daylight saving time debate, and Jane Fonda's viral breakfast burrito “sandwich” comment. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan prove once again that retail, culture, and the internet always collide. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/jVDymvwAUXg #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Schlotzsky's new brand strategy and redesigned store model. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan break down whether the beloved sandwich chain can modernize its concept, attract new customers, and compete in an increasingly crowded quick service restaurant market. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/COjVCrP5sHE #RestaurantIndustry #QSR #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Target removing artificial dyes from cereals across its aisles. Chris Walton and guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan discuss whether this move reflects growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients or if it signals a broader power shift where retailers begin dictating product standards to brands. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/COjVCrP5sHE #Target #GroceryRetail #FoodTrends #RetailStrategy #OmniTalk

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and special guests Cassie Ryding and Joanna Rangarajan from the A&M Consumer and Retail Group discussed: Target announcing it will only carry cereals made without certified synthetic colors by the end of May (Source) Block's Jack Dorsey cutting nearly 4,000 jobs — 40% of its workforce — and replacing that capacity with AI (Source) Schlotzky's Deli going back to basics with a “deli” rebrand and a next-generation prototype designed to slash operating costs by 20–25% (Source) Walgreens piloting a first-of-its-kind hybrid pharmacist role across six states (Source) IKEA opening its iconic blue box stores to Decathlon in a landmark store-within-a-store pilot in the UK (Source) There's all that, plus whether a burrito counts as a sandwich, the McDonald's CEO's cringeworthy Big Arch taste test video, and whether any of them are excited about the Scrubs reboot. You can give this week's Fast Five retail news roundup a listen by clicking above or on the platform of your choice below: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Amazon Music Be careful out there, – Chris, Cassie, Joanna, and the Omni Talk team P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/ P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #TargetHealth #ArtificialDyes #BlockAI #JackDorsey #SchlotzkysDeli #WalgreensPharmacy #IKEA #Decathlon #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailTech #RetailInnovation

This Lightning Round segment of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, closes out the show with rapid fire takes on Girl Scout cookie records, Survivor reaching season 50, Team USA hockey celebrations, and a little nerd nostalgia. Chris and Anne prove once again that retail and pop culture always collide. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #LightningRound #RetailFastFive #OmniTalk #PopCulture

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, breaks down Kohl's rollout of its new Deal Bar to all 1100 plus stores. Chris and Anne debate whether this value forward merchandising move can meaningfully impact performance or if it is simply table stakes in today's retail environment. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #Kohls #RetailTurnaround #StoreStrategy #RetailNews #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at Carrefour's major partnership to digitize stores across France as part of its 2030 strategy. Chris and Anne discuss whether smart stores are finally becoming reality and what US retailers should be doing to keep pace. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #Carrefour #SmartStores #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Burger King President Tom Curtis personally taking customer calls and texts. Chris and Anne discuss whether this represents meaningful executive engagement or a smart short term marketing play. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #BurgerKing #RetailMarketing #CustomerExperience #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Gap Inc's launch of Encore, a unified loyalty program across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Chris and Anne debate whether loyalty consolidation can drive cross shopping and growth for the portfolio. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #GapInc #RetailLoyalty #OldNavy #Athleta #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Walmart's launch of Scintilla In Store, giving suppliers real time store level data. Chris and Anne explain why this move could redefine supplier collaboration and unlock faster store execution at scale. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #Walmart #RetailData #RetailAI #SupplyChain #OmniTalk

In this week's Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, Chris and Anne were live from eTail West in Palm Springs as they discussed: Carrefour signing a sweeping strategic partnership with Vusion to digitize all of its hypermarkets and supermarkets in France by 2030 (Source) Kohl's rolling out its new Deal Bar concept to all 1,100+ stores nationwide (Source) Walmart launching Scintilla In-Store, a new real-time mobile data platform for supplier field reps (Source) Gap Inc. officially launching Encore, a unified cross-brand loyalty program spanning Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta (Source) Burger King President Tom Curtis personally fielding calls and texts from customers at his work number (Source) There's all that, plus mysterious ghost sightings, Thin Mints in the freezer, and a nerd laugh that Anne was not quite ready to deliver on camera. Music by hooksounds.com #RetailNews #SmartStore #Carrefour #VusionGroup #WalmartData #Scintilla #KohlsDealBar #GapEncore #BurgerKing #RetailTech #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #RetailInnovation #LoyaltyPrograms

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, dives into Target and Albertsons testing conversational advertising inside ChatGPT. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn, debate whether AI-driven conversations could become a scalable retail media platform or remain an experimental marketing play. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/adBITqt-5Ho #Target #Albertsons #ChatGPTAds #ConversationalCommerce #RetailMedia #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Co-op launching a gender pay gap toolkit ahead of new UK regulations. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, alongside Jenn Hahn, discuss whether proactive compliance can become a competitive advantage and how transparency may reshape retail leadership strategy. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/adBITqt-5Ho #GenderPayGap #RetailLeadership #Coop #RetailHR #WorkforceStrategy #OmniTalk

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, looks at independent convenience stores deploying AI-powered voice insights across 5,200 locations. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, joined by Jenn Hahn, break down how real-time AI analytics are transforming store operations, workforce monitoring, and frontline decision-making. ⏩ Tune in for the full episode here: https://youtu.be/adBITqt-5Ho #ConvenienceStore #RetailAI #VoiceAnalytics #StoreOperations #RetailInnovation #OmniTalk