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Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-planning-process
Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-challenges
Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-lifestyle
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that's been heating up since Amazon unveiled it at Unboxed last October: using AMC audiences for Sponsored Products. It's a conversation that's gone from a slow simmer to a full-on boil in recent months, and we've brought in two of Acadia's sharpest retail media minds to break it all down: Ross Walker and Carlos Sastre. We'll be exploring where the real impact is showing up, what's working, and what this shift means for the future of Sponsored Search. Tune in to find out more! "I don't care about winning every single eyeball for a keyword. I only care about winning the subset of eyeballs that are most likely to convert, be a high lifetime value customer, or be most likely to purchase multiple products in my assortment. That is the new game that we are moving towards in the future." Ross Walker KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Carlos discuss: Overview of AMC Audiences for Sponsored Ads: The distinction between using AMC audiences in DSP vs. Sponsored Ads. In Sponsored Products/Brand Ads, AMC audiences act as bid modifiers rather than strict targeting mechanisms. Limitations and Current Capabilities: Advertisers can only boost bids for specific audiences, not exclude or exclusively target them. Only one AMC audience can be applied per campaign currently, which introduces campaign complexity. The "crawl, walk, run" approach: Start simple by identifying the campaign goal (upper vs. lower funnel) before layering in AMC audiences. Recommendations to duplicate existing campaigns and layer AMC audiences for more efficient targeting. Strong results from using purchaser and subscriber lookalike audiences (doubling ROAS and improving conversion rates). Cautions against hyper-granular audience building, which may limit scale and statistical significance. Leveraging “out of the box” audiences first before building complex custom audiences. Keep initial testing straightforward, scaling complexity only if justified by results. Notable reductions in CPCs and significant increases in ROAS for test campaigns that adopted AMC audiences. Dual campaign strategy allows efficiency gains without sacrificing overall volume. The introduction of more AMC-style features directly in the Amazon Ads console (e.g., new-to-brand bid boosting). The shift from keyword/product targeting towards audience-based bidding and what that means for campaign architecture and ROI. Amazon's continued pace of innovation in ad products enables proactive brands to gain an edge. The future of advertising on Amazon involves refining audiences beyond keywords, focusing spend on high-value customers. The importance of adapting campaign strategies to stay ahead as the platform evolves.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. We're back with Part 2 of our special Prime Day series, and today we're diving deep into Ad Strategy. Joining us today is Damiano Ciarrocchi, our Senior Retail Media Manager. With years of experience managing Prime Day ad strategies — both at Amazon and now for our clients — Damiano is a Prime Day pro who's seen it all. Today, he's sharing his insider insights on how this year's Prime Day is shaping up to be different from years past. Don't miss it — tune in now! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Damiano discuss: The Buzz Starts Early: Brands are already fielding Prime Day questions by late April: What's changed this year? How should we budget? What creative assets need to be ready now? Early alignment is critical. Prime Day Is Won Before It Begins: Success isn't defined by the deals you run during Prime Day—it's shaped in the weeks and months leading up to it. A New Playbook for 2025 Advertising: This year demands a shift in budget planning and campaign strategy. With evolving consumer behavior, flexibility becomes your strongest advantage. Unlocking Amazon's New Ad Tools: 2025 marks a new era for advertisers. Tools like Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) audiences are no longer reserved for elite brands—they're now accessible and essential for all. May & June: The Setup Phase: Your early lead-in tactics dictate your visibility and performance during the event. Use this time to build awareness, optimize recall, and prime conversions. Real-Time Agility on Prime Day: Ideally, you're so well-prepared that surprises are minimal, but when the unexpected hits, your ability to pivot fast will set you apart. The Surge Doesn't Stop on Prime Day: Prime Day isn't the finish line—it's the launchpad. Smart brands ride the demand wave into post-event momentum and longer-term growth. Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruption: With tariffs and ongoing logistics challenges, brands need tighter forecasting and contingency plans baked into their Prime Day strategy. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Don't forget to check out part 1 of this Prime Day Prep series! Access this in blog format! Part 1 here! Connect with Senior PPC Manager, Damiano Ciarrocchi Connect with our host, Julie Spear Connect with our host, Jordan Ripley
Jamie Swan stops by WCMP Studios for an interview.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. This is your April edition of the Retail Round-Up! In today's episode, we dive into the latest trends shaking up the retail media landscape, from AI-driven shopping innovations and Walmart's evolving media strategy to concerns about Prime Day restock limits and the ongoing impact of tariffs. The retail media space is moving fast, and there's no sign of slowing down. We're excited to welcome special first-time guest Shahrez Anjum, Senior Account Manager at Acadia, alongside our media expert and friend of the pod, Ross Walker, Director of Retail Media at Acadia. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Shahrez discuss: Amazon recently introduced two major AI-driven features that signal a fundamental shift in how product discovery and shopping journeys will operate: Interests AI and Buy for Me. Interests AI is a product discovery tool that allows Amazon shoppers to enter detailed prompts reflecting their hobbies and passions. Buy for Me, currently in beta, uses agentic AI to place orders on third-party brand websites directly from the Amazon app. Amazon has introduced tighter control over off-site placements, which allows advertisers to manage their spend on external platforms more effectively. Walmart has made two significant updates to its media offering through Walmart Connect, adding Vizio inventory for media buying and the ability to do advanced targeting for on-site display ads. Amazon has made significant strides in simplifying and enhancing how advertisers can interact with its audience targeting capabilities, particularly by integrating AMC (Amazon Marketing Cloud) audiences into its ad console. Native Bid Boosters: Amazon is making it easier for advertisers to access and use audience segments directly within the ad console. The ongoing discussions around tariffs and their potential impact on retail prices have become a recurring topic in the e-commerce space, especially in relation to Amazon. As Prime Day approaches, concerns about restock limits and potential supply chain challenges are rising. In particular, there are indications that Amazon may reintroduce restock limits, a measure previously used to manage inventory flow.
This webinar, hosted by ALNA CEO Ben Kearney withspecial guest Brian Laws (General Manager of Retail Operations at the Lottery Corporation), unpacked some eye-opening statistics about this powerful digitaltool:
We're back for part four of our Retail Operations series on Stories from the River! In this second half of a dynamic two-part conversation, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, continues the discussion with a powerhouse panel from Broad River Retail. Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, Nathan Jeter, GM of Mooresville, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, dive even deeper into the collaborative spirit that drives success across departments. From building trust with store teams to cross-training efforts and building consistency across locations, this episode highlights how strong relationships and shared goals fuel efficiency, accuracy, and exceptional guest care. The group reflects on how far they've come—from feeling siloed to operating as an integrated support system—and how Retail Ops continues to evolve thanks to technology, training, and heart. You'll hear impactful stories, leadership insights, and laughter along the way as the panel celebrates what it truly means to be a team. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and authentic connection—don't miss it! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JX9vtjKovPY Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
We're back for part four of our Retail Operations series on Stories from the River! In this second half of a dynamic two-part conversation, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, continues the discussion with a powerhouse panel from Broad River Retail. Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, Nathan Jeter, GM of Mooresville, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, dive even deeper into the collaborative spirit that drives success across departments. From building trust with store teams to cross-training efforts and building consistency across locations, this episode highlights how strong relationships and shared goals fuel efficiency, accuracy, and exceptional guest care. The group reflects on how far they've come—from feeling siloed to operating as an integrated support system—and how Retail Ops continues to evolve thanks to technology, training, and heart. You'll hear impactful stories, leadership insights, and laughter along the way as the panel celebrates what it truly means to be a team. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and authentic connection—don't miss it! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JX9vtjKovPY Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Returns are costing retailers nearly $900 billion annually—and the problem is accelerating.In this episode, Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins The Retail Podcast to expose the operational chaos, financial impact, and future-facing solutions around retail returns.We explore why returns are no longer a back-office issue—but a strategic lever that can drive or destroy margin. From brand protection and machine learning to reverse logistics and customer trust algorithms, Shamiss offers a blueprint for how retailers can take control of the returns crisis.Key topics include:Why bracketing and e-commerce are fueling unsustainable return ratesHow forward-thinking brands are reducing return fraudWhat every retail exec should know about post-purchase operationsThe rise of trusted customer algorithms and “keep-it” logicWhy returns policy now dictates customer loyaltyThe coming rise of the Chief Returns OfficerKey topics include:Why apparel and e-commerce are fueling a returns crisisHow retailers can shift from defense to offense on returnsThe role of machine learning in solving returns complexityThe hidden cost of return fraud—and how to fight backWhy clear returns policies are now a key sales driverVisions of a future Chief Returns OfficerEnjoying the conversation?Follow The Retail Podcast and leave a five-star review if you believe smarter retail is the future.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today kicks off a special two-part series designed to get you fully prepared for Prime Day. In this first episode, we're diving deep into the operational, promotional, and organic strategies you should focus on as the big shopping days approach. We're excited to be joined by Joanna Otto, an Account Manager on Acadia's Retail team. With more than a decade of experience spanning brand-side roles, agencies, and Amazon itself, Joanna brings a seasoned perspective on how Prime Day has evolved. We're also welcoming Predrag Vetnic, one of our lead strategists for tentpole events. He'll be sharing key data insights and best practices for building an effective merchandising strategy, drawn from our work across a wide range of client partners. Tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Joanna, and Predrag discuss: Start Preparing Early: Begin your preparations by April, as deadlines and operational tasks need to be handled well before Prime Day. Important Dates & Deadlines: AWD inventory by May 15, Deal scheduling closes May 23, FBA inventory deadlines: June 9 (minimal shipment splits), June 18 (Amazon-optimized splits). Sales Velocity & Reviews: Focus on increasing sales and reviews using programs like Vine and Product Win to boost organic ranking. Organic Prep: Invest in keyword optimization, competitive scraping, and high-quality content, including images and infographics. Prime Day Duration: The event has expanded to four days, so expect consistent sales throughout. Merchandise Fees: PED fees have doubled to $100; the new coupon fee structure starts June 2. AI Search: Amazon's AI assistant, Rufus, influences up to 35% of search traffic. Optimize your listings for this. Competitive Monitoring: Be ready to monitor competitors and pivot quickly if issues arise. Expect the Unexpected: Prepare for unexpected challenges, like account health flags and listing suspensions. Economic Pressure: Pricing strategies are more complex due to tariffs and market volatility, so be cautious with price hikes. Invest Strategically: Focus on targeted organic and paid efforts, including influencer and UGC campaigns, to drive relevance.
This lively episode of Stories from the River marks part three of our Retail Operations series! Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, brings together a dynamic group of retail collaborators from Broad River Retail to spotlight the essential partnerships that power day-to-day operations. Nathan Jeter, General Manager of Mooresville, and Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, share how their close working relationship ensures smooth processes and exceptional guest experiences—Jessica, often compared to a lineman protecting the “quarterback,” safeguards every order from start to finish. Meanwhile, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, explain how their teams serve as a vigilant “second pair of eyes,” supporting store Memory Makers behind the scenes and drawing on their own REM experience to provide proactive and empathetic support. The conversation dives deep into collaboration—highlighting daily communication habits as well as innovative approaches that have streamlined audits and inventory management through shared expertise and technology. From stepping in to save guest experiences to transforming perceptions of audit partners, the group showcases a culture of open communication, continuous improvement, and unwavering teamwork. The conversation doesn't stop here—tune in to Thursday's episode for part two with this inspiring crew! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ekuY0Q-_Y00 Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
This lively episode of Stories from the River marks part three of our Retail Operations series! Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, brings together a dynamic group of retail collaborators from Broad River Retail to spotlight the essential partnerships that power day-to-day operations. Nathan Jeter, General Manager of Mooresville, and Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, share how their close working relationship ensures smooth processes and exceptional guest experiences—Jessica, often compared to a lineman protecting the “quarterback,” safeguards every order from start to finish. Meanwhile, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, explain how their teams serve as a vigilant “second pair of eyes,” supporting store Memory Makers behind the scenes and drawing on their own REM experience to provide proactive and empathetic support. The conversation dives deep into collaboration—highlighting daily communication habits as well as innovative approaches that have streamlined audits and inventory management through shared expertise and technology. From stepping in to save guest experiences to transforming perceptions of audit partners, the group showcases a culture of open communication, continuous improvement, and unwavering teamwork. The conversation doesn't stop here—tune in to Thursday's episode for part two with this inspiring crew! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ekuY0Q-_Y00 Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined by three Retail Operations leaders from Broad River Retail — Wes Dudley, VP of Customer Experience & Retail Operations, Andrew Bartlett, Associate Manager, Retail Operations, and Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager, Retail Operations. Together, they explore how the Retail Ops team has grown, transformed, and redefined its role in delivering exceptional support to both Memory Makers and guests. From their unique journeys into Retail Ops to navigating early inefficiencies and learning curves, the group shares how the department has become more agile, innovative, and forward-thinking. They dive into the creation of the Associate Manager role, the importance of building strong store partnerships, and the culture of collaboration and consistency that fuels their work today. Looking ahead, they share how Retail Ops plans to be pioneers in 2025 and beyond, including efforts to standardize processes, expand digital tools, and continue empowering teams to provide seamless experiences. The episode wraps with a fun twist—each guest shares which fictional character best represents Retail Ops, spotlighting the adaptability, grit, and heart of the team. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolution of a team that's always moving forward! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n1U7Vx6wlLY Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined by three Retail Operations leaders from Broad River Retail — Wes Dudley, VP of Customer Experience & Retail Operations, Andrew Bartlett, Associate Manager, Retail Operations, and Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager, Retail Operations. Together, they explore how the Retail Ops team has grown, transformed, and redefined its role in delivering exceptional support to both Memory Makers and guests. From their unique journeys into Retail Ops to navigating early inefficiencies and learning curves, the group shares how the department has become more agile, innovative, and forward-thinking. They dive into the creation of the Associate Manager role, the importance of building strong store partnerships, and the culture of collaboration and consistency that fuels their work today. Looking ahead, they share how Retail Ops plans to be pioneers in 2025 and beyond, including efforts to standardize processes, expand digital tools, and continue empowering teams to provide seamless experiences. The episode wraps with a fun twist—each guest shares which fictional character best represents Retail Ops, spotlighting the adaptability, grit, and heart of the team. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolution of a team that's always moving forward! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n1U7Vx6wlLY Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
My conversation with Return Bear CMO Katherine Lehman explores innovative solutions for streamlining cross-border returns in e-commerce, focusing on fulfillment strategies that enhance customer experience and reduce costs. The discussion highlights the importance of efficient logistics in the evolving landscape of online shopping.We actually forward fulfill to streamline returns.Bearified is our unique return verification process.Cross-border shipping can be simplified for customers.Minimizing time delays is crucial for customer satisfaction.Innovative fulfillment solutions are essential in e-commerce.Customer experience is a top priority in logistics.Return costs can be significantly reduced with proper strategies.The future of e-commerce logistics is focused on efficiency.Holding returns for future customers is a smart strategy.Understanding customer needs drives fulfillment innovations.Chapters00:00Introduction to Return Bear and Its Mission16:36Navigating Cross-Border Returns19:29Enhancing Customer Experience in Returns22:13Sustainability in Returns Management25:28Preparing for the Holiday Season Returns26:30Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're thrilled to welcome two fantastic guests: Lauren Livak Gilbert, Executive Director of the Digital Shelf Institute, and Jon Harding, SVP and Global CIO at Conair. They're here to share insights from a recent report they released in partnership with MikMak—a practical guide to managing technology change across the business, specifically how to leverage IT teams to accomplish transformational growth. Tune in to find out more!
Welcome to the first episode in our special Stories from the River series spotlighting the evolution and impact of Retail Operations at Broad River Retail! In this nostalgic kickoff episode, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined in studio by a panel of incredible pioneers who helped lay the foundation for what we now know as Retail Ops: Kellie Jones, Senior Manager of Retail Operations, Molly Angelo-Teisch, Associate Manager of Retail Operations – North, and Cathy Aleman, Senior Retail Experience Manager. Together, they take a trip down memory lane—reflecting on what Guest Services looked like nearly a decade ago, from fielding countless store calls and manually uploading documents, to the early inefficiencies that sparked a need for change. Listeners will hear how the team navigated a major transformation—moving from a support-heavy model to a system that empowered Home Furnishing Consultants to own the guest journey, supported by new technology, training, and structure. Through it all, these Memory Makers share how they supported stores, embraced change, and built a culture focused on service, innovation, and operational excellence. The episode wraps with reflections, pride in the journey, and a fun twist: each guest shares the theme song they think best captures the spirit of Retail Ops. Don't miss this foundational episode—and be sure to tune in for Part Two coming soon! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9hMVBQ9gWU Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the first episode in our special Stories from the River series spotlighting the evolution and impact of Retail Operations at Broad River Retail! In this nostalgic kickoff episode, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined in studio by a panel of incredible pioneers who helped lay the foundation for what we now know as Retail Ops: Kellie Jones, Senior Manager of Retail Operations, Molly Angelo-Teisch, Associate Manager of Retail Operations – North, and Cathy Aleman, Senior Retail Experience Manager. Together, they take a trip down memory lane—reflecting on what Guest Services looked like nearly a decade ago, from fielding countless store calls and manually uploading documents, to the early inefficiencies that sparked a need for change. Listeners will hear how the team navigated a major transformation—moving from a support-heavy model to a system that empowered Home Furnishing Consultants to own the guest journey, supported by new technology, training, and structure. Through it all, these Memory Makers share how they supported stores, embraced change, and built a culture focused on service, innovation, and operational excellence. The episode wraps with reflections, pride in the journey, and a fun twist: each guest shares the theme song they think best captures the spirit of Retail Ops. Don't miss this foundational episode—and be sure to tune in for Part Two coming soon! This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9hMVBQ9gWU Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
SpartanNash gets a new VP of Retail Operations. Walmart announces a discount deal at its fuel stations. And Tops Friendly Markets goes into expansion mode.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today we're bringing back our very own Director of Retail Marketplace Strategy, Pat Petriello, to discuss how the savviest brands are balancing the needs of brand vs. performance marketing, how to avoid a life sentence in ROAS Jail, and the all-important 95/5 rule. Tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Pat discuss: Introduction to ROAS Jail: Pat Patriello explains the concept of "ROAS jail," where marketers focus solely on Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS), leading to inefficiencies and short-term growth strategies. The 95-5 Rule: Only 5% of consumers are in the market for any given product at any time. The focus should be on brand building for the 95% who are not currently shopping. 60-40 Rule: Introduced by Pat as a guideline, suggesting a budget allocation of 60% towards brand-building and 40% towards performance marketing. This ratio helps balance short-term sales goals with long-term brand equity. Brand vs. Performance Marketing: Discussion on how these strategies differ and the importance of emotional connection through branding to attract long-term customers. Amazon's Role: Insight into how Amazon is transitioning to accommodate brand building alongside its historical strength in direct sales and conversion. Practical Recommendations: Tips for business leaders on how to integrate brand marketing into existing performance-focused strategies without necessarily increasing overall spending. Examples of Effective Brand Building: Brands like Patagonia are highlighted as successfully creating emotional connections that lead consumers directly to their products, bypassing competitive marketplace auctions.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds at Acadia—experts who live and breathe Amazon. Whether it's diving deep into AI advancements, crafting and optimizing product listings, or navigating the ever-evolving customer journey, these two are on the front lines, ensuring our brands are set up for long-term organic success. First up, we have Julian Galindo, Senior Account Manager on our Retail Team—a recognized authority and proud self-proclaimed nerd when it comes to AI-driven content optimization. Joining him is Predrag Vetnic, Retail Strategist with a specialty in high-impact copywriting for ecommerce. If you've shopped on Amazon recently, chances are you've come across his work without even realizing it. We're thrilled to have them both on the show! Tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Predrag, and Julian discuss: Amazon's AI Advancements Introduction to Rufus, Amazon's AI shopping assistant, which helps customers by suggesting products based on their needs and queries. Cosmo, the AI system powering Rufus, aims to understand the "why" behind shopping behaviors to offer more personalized results. Optimization Practices for AI Transition from keyword-based search optimization to a focus on natural language and user intent. Importance of tailoring product detail pages (PDPs) for Rufus, not only using keywords but targeting customer needs and relevant questions. SEO Strategy Evolution Emphasizing human-like interaction while optimizing e-commerce content for AI. Leveraging footprint data from user interactions to inform and refine search experiences. Testing and Measuring Impact Methods for testing the effectiveness of AI-focused optimization strategies. Importance of monitoring conversion rates, organic share of voice, and search rankings. Future of AI in E-commerce Speculation on the integration of AI-driven search with traditional methods. Discussions on how AI could revolutionize personalized shopping experiences on platforms like Amazon.
My conversation with Marianela Nanninga, CEO and founder of ToDo Robotics, explores the challenges of high turnover in jobs and industries, emphasizing the time and resources required for training new employees. It highlights the advantages of machines in maintaining consistent performance and quality, particularly in cleaning tasks, where machines do not miss spots and operate with uniform intensity.TakeawaysJobs with high turnover require significant time for training.Machines provide consistent performance without variability.Quality of work from machines remains constant.Human workers may forget tasks or areas during work.Training does not guarantee that a person will perform well.Machines have precise tracking for cleaning tasks.The pressure and water usage in machines is uniform.Finding and training new employees is costly.Machines can clean areas thoroughly without missing spots.Consistency in performance is a key advantage of machines.Chapters00:00Introduction to Robotics and AI in Business06:02The Evolution of Robotics in the Restaurant Industry11:46Enhancing Efficiency with Cleaning Robots17:00Future Applications of Robotics in Various Sectors22:42The Impact of Robotics on Workforce and Job Roles
In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments. David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and adaptability in various roles throughout one's career. In this conversation, David Johnston and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of intentional communication, building rapport, and the role of the National Retail Federation (NRF) in advocating for the retail industry. They explore the challenges of networking in a digital age, the significance of genuine relationships, and the complexities of engaging with media and legislators. The discussion also highlights the upcoming NRF Protect event, emphasizing its value for learning and networking within the retail sector. Connect with David Johnston here: David Johnston | LinkedIn Register for NRF Protect 2025: Registration Information | NRF PROTECT 2025 Retailers - use discount code WZ200 to receive $200 off registration as a "thank you" for being a listener to the Truth Be Told podcast, courtesy of the NRF! Truths: Communication is a core skill in any profession. Building relationships is essential for success. Continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Transitioning roles requires adaptability and new strategies. Franchise environments present unique challenges. Understanding cultural differences is key in global operations. Effective communication can help manage difficult conversations. Sales skills can be developed from interviewing techniques. Every conversation can be viewed as an opportunity to negotiate or sell. Plan conversations with clear intent and goals. Active listening and open-ended questions foster better communication. Engagement in meetings is crucial for effective communication. Genuine relationships lead to successful networking. Effective communication is key in high-stakes situations. Helping others achieve success leads to personal growth.
April 2, 2025 ~ WJR's Gardening Show hosted by Ann Thomas will be live from their Annual Garden Party, this Saturday, April 5th from 2pm-3pm. Dean Darrin, English Gardens President or Retail Operations and Merchandising, and Ann Thomas join Kevin to preview the show.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. It's time for another episode of the Retail Round-Up, March edition! From a new fee structure on promotions to a longer Prime Day event and expanded advertising capabilities, these updates could reshape how brands approach pricing, marketing, and overall strategy. Joining us today are resident experts Ross Walker, Director of Retail Media at Acadia, and Armin Alipahic, Operations Team Lead. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Armin discuss: Amazon's New Fee Structure for Deals & Coupons – Amazon is introducing performance-based fees for Lightning Deals, Best Deals, Coupons, and Prime Exclusive Discounts starting June 2nd. These changes could significantly impact brands' profitability, particularly ahead of Prime Day. Prime Day Extended to Four Days – Amazon quietly announced that Prime Day 2025 will be a four-day event, giving brands more time to compete but also raising concerns about increased promotional spending. Amazon's Push Into TV Advertising – The launch of Complete TV aims to streamline TV ad buying, including both linear and streaming placements. This move aligns with Amazon's broader strategy to dominate the traditional TV advertising space. Search Query Performance (SQP) API Launch – Amazon is making SQP reports available via API, allowing brands and tech providers to automate and integrate search data more efficiently. This could be a game-changer for search optimization and ad performance tracking. Steeper Discounts for Better Visibility – Amazon is incentivizing brands to offer discounts of 40% or more by promising additional deal placements, though the specifics remain unclear. However, higher promotional costs may make deep discounting unsustainable for many brands.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're excited to welcome back a familiar voice on the show—operations expert Armin Alispahic. Armin is here to bring us up to speed on a recent phenomenon in the Vendor space — the availability of true channel P&L analysis. We'll explore why this trend is only showing up now and what it means for how brands assess their business with Amazon. KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Armin discuss: Understanding Vendor Profitability on Amazon: Two main metrics: Net PPM (Net Pure Profit Margin) and Internal Brand P&L. The hidden third factor—Amazon's internal costs (fulfillment, packaging, and shipping expenses). Why Profitability Analysis Is Becoming Crucial: Amazon is tightening vendor margins, requiring brands to have a clear view of their own and Amazon's profitability. Increase in CRaP (Can't Realize a Profit) items, making it essential to assess profitability at the SKU level. Technology Driving P&L Insights for Vendors: Amazon's 2023 API improvements have enabled better data access for vendor P&L analysis. New tools now provide automated, SKU-level profitability reports. Key Factors That Influence Vendor Profitability: Fixed Costs: Vendor terms (co-op, damage allowances, freight). Variable Costs: Chargebacks, shortages, advertising, and promotional spend. Operational Efficiency: Packaging, fulfillment optimization, and inventory management. How Brands Can Leverage P&L Insights: Smarter Assortment Decisions: Identifying SKUs that drive profitability vs. those that hurt margins. Optimizing Advertising Spend: Allocating budget toward high-margin products rather than just high-volume ones. Better Negotiations with Amazon: Using data to drive conversations in annual vendor negotiations (AVNs). Cross-Team Collaboration: Breaking down silos between marketing, finance, and operations.
TakeawaysUnified commerce connects backend systems with front-facing channels.Consumers expect a seamless shopping experience across all channels.Mobile apps are essential for loyalty and customer engagement.Unified commerce helps retailers meet customers wherever they are.Data integration is crucial for personalized customer experiences.Retailers must unify their channels to remain competitive.A clear strategy and roadmap are essential for successful unified commerce execution.Data quality and management are foundational to unified commerce success.Customer-centric approaches are vital for enhancing the shopping experience.Retailers must adapt to changing consumer expectations and preferences.Unified commerce is not optional; it is essential for retail survival. Chapters00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data02:05 Understanding Unified Commerce04:58 Consumer Behavior and Channel Integration05:30 The Role of Mobile Apps and Social Commerce06:32 Commerce Infrastructure Solutions12:15 Customer Experience and Engagement Solutions18:05 Shopper Data Integration Solutions25:12 Sales and Operations Solutions27:09 Unified Commerce: The Backbone of Retail Operations29:51 Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Ensuring Availability36:47 Challenges in Implementing Unified Commerce47:06 Strategies for Executing Unified Commerce53:43 The Future of Unified Commerce: Adapting to Change Discover technology companies globally that provide unified commerce solutions with the Retail-Tech Landscape: Unified Commerce from Coresight Research.
Send us a textWhat does it take to rise from hourly employee to respected corporate analyst at a retail giant like Best Buy? Paul Young's remarkable 24-year journey reveals powerful leadership lessons that transcend retail and apply to any organization navigating today's complex business landscape.Born in Jamaica and immigrating to the United States to attend the University of North Carolina, Paul's path to leadership began with a simple but profound observation from an early mentor who recognized that Paul's integrity in personal relationships would translate beautifully to business leadership. This moment of recognition changed everything, setting Paul on a trajectory that would eventually position him as a trusted guide during Best Buy's most challenging periods.When the pandemic devastated supply chains and disrupted retail operations, Paul brought something invaluable to his analytics role – actual store experience and a deep appreciation for human relationships in business. While data-focused colleagues exhausted digital contact methods, Paul understood the powerful connections between salespeople and long-term customers. His approach revealed a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy: complete transparency. "Just tell the truth," he emphasizes. "I don't care how bad things are."The conversation takes fascinating turns as Paul reveals his methodology for training new employees and implementing organizational change. Rather than using cookie-cutter approaches, he treats each person as unique, studying what motivates them individually. "You have to be a pseudo-psychologist," he notes, explaining how he gets people talking and then listens actively to understand their perspectives and concerns.Perhaps most powerfully, Paul reflects on the value of occasionally pausing to evaluate one's professional journey. After decades of "tunnel vision" moving from project to project, his recent self-reflection allowed him to see the path he created and recognize the value of his accumulated wisdom. For anyone feeling stuck in day-to-day work without seeing their broader trajectory, this conversation offers a compelling reason to step back and take inventory of your journey.Ready to transform your approach to leadership? Listen now and discover why human connection remains the ultimate competitive advantage in business.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're catching up with Ross Walker, Director of Retail Media, to discuss his recent workshop at the Commerce Media Brand Summit in Atlanta. Ross led an in-depth session on all things bottom-of-the-funnel—what's evolving, why it matters, and how brands can maximize this critical stage. Tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Ross discuss: Defining the Bottom of the Funnel (BOF) BOF focuses on conversion—turning interest into purchases or fostering brand loyalty. Includes retargeting customers who have engaged with your product or brand. Targets high-intent audiences like past visitors, brand searchers, and prior buyers. Shift in Budget Allocation Brands are moving budgets away from branded search and loyalty-based retargeting. More investment is going toward non-branded bottom-of-funnel keywords and audiences. Capturing new customers efficiently is now a bigger priority over maximizing ROAS. 4 Tactics for BOF Success Day Parting: Optimizing spend by adjusting bids based on high-conversion hours and days. Late-day bidding can be effective when competitors run out of budget. Paid & Organic Interdependency: Product listings must align with high-intent keywords to maximize visibility. Strong keyword optimization remains essential for organic rankings and paid efficiency Video Ads for BOF: Vertical video performs better for high-intent searchers. Feature-driven videos convert better than broad brand storytelling at BOF. AI & Automation in Bidding: AI is effective for optimizing bulk campaigns but still requires human oversight. Best use: Let AI handle 80% of the catalog while manually fine-tuning the top performers.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're thrilled to welcome Robert Estill, Head of Global Amazon and Marketplaces for all Beauty at The Hut Group. With extensive experience leading E-commerce teams at powerhouse brands like Unilever, Prestige, Coty, and Versace, Robert offers invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of online retail. Having collaborated with him across multiple brands, we're excited to dive into his insights on building high-performing E-commerce teams, overcoming the challenges of international expansion, the key lessons he's learned throughout his career, and his outlook on the industry's future. KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Robert discuss: E-Commerce Success Requires Adaptability The industry evolves rapidly, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Being comfortable with ambiguity and continuous learning is essential. The Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration E-commerce isn't just marketing and sales—it involves supply chain, finance, legal, and operations. Effective communication with leadership and across departments is as crucial as technical expertise. Understanding P&L is Key to Growth E-commerce leaders must think beyond top-line revenue and focus on sustainable, profitable growth. Inventory forecasting, fulfillment costs, and operational efficiencies all impact success. 1P vs. 3P on Amazon: A Strategic Choice 1P (Vendor Central): Easier operations but less control over pricing and inventory. 3P (Seller Central): More control but requires strong operational capabilities. The decision depends on a brand's financial structure, goals, and ability to handle fulfillment. Expanding Internationally Requires a Localized Approach Each market has unique consumer behavior, dominant platforms, and regulatory requirements. Logistics and fulfillment strategies must be planned carefully, as shipping timelines and compliance vary. Partnering with local third-party logistics (3PL) providers can help navigate complexities. AI & AMC (Amazon Marketing Cloud) Are Game Changers AI tools for content creation, search optimization, and analytics will shape the future of e-commerce. AMC provides deeper insights into customer behavior, helping brands refine their advertising strategies.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. It's time for another episode of the Retail Round-Up, February edition! Major shifts are happening in the world of e-commerce, and this episode explores the cutting-edge developments, innovations, and the impact they are having on brands, retailers, and customers alike. Joining us today are resident experts Ross Walker, Director of Retail Media at Acadia, and Armin Alipahic, Operations Team Lead. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Armin discuss: Amazon's New Direction: Amazon will direct customers to brand sites when products are unavailable on Amazon. Insights into potential motivations, benefits, and downsides for Amazon, brands, and consumers. Speculations on how this will impact Amazon's relationship with brands and their existing models. Ulta Beauty and Omnichannel Integration: Ulta's integration of in-store inventory with brand D2C sites using the Lucky platform. Examination of the implications for brands, customers, and potential for other retailers to adopt similar strategies. Sponsored Content in AI Platforms: Discussion around Rufus AI containing sponsored ads in its search results. Predictions on Amazon's strategy for monetizing Rufus and parallels drawn to traditional advertising platforms like Google. AI for Catalog Management: Amazon's use of AI for filling in missing product attributes and mapping spreadsheets to ease catalog management. The challenges and benefits this presents to brands, particularly those with large catalogs. Amazon's Performance Plus and Brand Plus: Analysis of these tools for optimizing advertising on and off Amazon's platform. Examination of their effectiveness, particularly in targeting new customers vs. retargeting existing ones.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're thrilled to welcome back Mike Black, former CMO and current Chief Growth Officer at Profitero. We'll be diving into key insights from Profitero's latest reports, exploring the ROI of improving search placement and the vital role that ratings and reviews play in driving success. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Mike discuss: Introduction and Welcome: Mike Black's background Profitero's Report Series Background on Profitero and its role in E-Commerce analytics. The digital shelf concept and its components. The need for factual ROI data to support digital investment. Impact of Search Placement on ROI Importance of moving from page two to page one in search results. Stats on sales increase with better organic placement. The difference in ROI between organic and paid search placements. Consumer Research and Behavior Shoppers researching product reviews online even while in-store. Importance of reviews in omni-channel influence. The challenge of internal silos in brand side teams handling reviews. Review Importance and Strategy Sales impact of moving reviews from below four stars to four stars. Review velocity significance in achieving high organic search ranking. The connection between review quality and sales. Future of Profitero Reports Upcoming updates and new benchmarks in content reports. Profitero's focus on deeper content analytics and recommendations. Invitation to provide ideas or questions for future research.
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February Breakfast Program, Strip Hospitality: What makes a winning hand? Tonia Chafetz, Vice President of Leasing and Retail Operations, Caesars Entertainment Alex Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Resorts World Michael Hirschfeld, BLVD Project Leasing, Vice Chairman, JLL Moderator: Deana Marcello, Executive Vice President | Las Vegas, Colliers Sponsored By: City of North Las Vegas
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're excited to welcome back our Director of Retail Media, Ross Walker, who will be sharing surprising insights from his work with a major beauty brand. We'll dive into a compelling case study on full-funnel advertising, exploring the evolving role of Streaming TV in the retail media landscape. We're also thrilled to welcome a new guest to the show! Pat Petriello, a veteran in the retail media landscape and the new Director of Retail Marketplace Strategy at Acadia, is making his podcast debut and sharing some amazing insights with us. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Pat discuss: Definition and Understanding of "Full Funnel" Advertising Discussion on what "full-funnel" means in e-commerce Different goals of advertising campaigns at various funnel stages Changes in Streaming TV Advertising (2023 vs. 2024) Year-over-year changes in streaming TV campaign tactics Supply differences: off-the-shelf vs. curated inventory Targeting enhancements using AMC Impact of different creative approaches Effects and Measurement of Streaming TV Campaigns Assessment of upper and lower funnel metrics Use of AMC for multitouch attribution and enhanced audience targeting Engagement and Retargeting Strategy of retargeting viewers of streaming TV ads Improvements in purchase and engagement rates with better-targeted campaigns Strategic Use of Streaming TV in E-Commerce Integration of streaming TV as part of a broader e-commerce strategy Expansion of brand reach and enhancement of consumer engagement The importance of a full-funnel approach and its results Challenges and Future Considerations Consideration of cost vs. reach in streaming TV campaigns Encouragement to continually test and adapt strategies
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're excited to welcome Ana Laura Zain, CMO of the retail media ad tech platform Pentaleap, and her colleague Emma Helsloot, Pentaleap's Director of Sales. Ana and Emma are also the co-founders of the newly launched Women in Retail Media Collective. In this episode, we'll dive into their vision for this dynamic new organization and explore the impact they hope to make in the retail media space. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ana, and Emma discuss: Origins of the Women in Retail Media Collective: What sparked the idea of the collective How both Ana and Emma identified the need for a network to support women in retail media. Their personal experiences and networking efforts highlight the importance of women supporting women in this space. Mission and Goals: The collective's mission focuses on connecting, growing, and leading women in the retail media sector. They aim to increase women's representation as speakers at events and publish more content authored by women. Growth and Expansion: The collective has grown rapidly, reaching over 600 members worldwide within three months of its inception. Plans for local initiatives and flagship events are in place to enhance networking opportunities. Industry Trends: Hosted discussions on key industry trends such as programmatic advertising, AI agents, and the career paths of retail media leaders. Emphasized the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of retail media. Ways to Get Involved: Join the collective Support their initiatives Connect with the collective via their website and LinkedIn.
Today, we're thrilled to welcome two exceptional guests. Tim Wilson, the Chief Revenue Officer at ProductWind — a cutting-edge retail influencer marketing platform designed to help products launch and thrive organically online. Joining him is Ken Beemer, Director of Client Growth at Acadia, where he drives partnerships that fuel business growth for our clients. Together, they'll share insights on the evolution of ProductWind, why it's a game-changer for retail readiness and actionable strategies to launch products on e-commerce platforms successfully. Don't miss this exciting conversation—tune in now! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Tim, and Ken discuss: The Origin of ProductWind: Tim Wilson shares the backstory of ProductWind, which emerged from an innovative solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's founder, Jason Kowalski, leveraged his experience at Amazon to create a self-service platform that automates promotions and transforms influencer marketing. Tim Wilson's Journey: With his vast experience at companies like Commerce IQ and Pattern, Tim joined ProductWind and embraced the challenge of solving key e-commerce problems. Impact on Clients: Ken Beemer, Acadia's Director of Retail Client Growth, reveals the impact of ProductWind on clients. He discusses various successful campaigns, including launches of new products, revitalizing stalled hero products, and boosting holiday sales. Self-Service Innovation: ProductWind shifted from managed services to a self-service platform, making it accessible and effective for brands of all sizes. The Algorithm Advantage: The secret sauce of ProductWind — marketing to the algorithm. This innovative approach ensures relevancy and maximizes visibility for any product, regardless of brand size or category. Roadmap to Success: What's next for ProductWind, including expanding into new markets like the UK and Germany, and focusing on enhancing data insights and usability.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplaces Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Joining us today is none other than Chris Perry of firstmovr — a frequent guest and the industry's go-to “CPG whisperer.” Chris is here to introduce The ENDCAPS, his innovative new industry award that debuted just a few months ago. We'll explore key insights from the recently announced grocery category winners and get a sneak peek at what's ahead as other categories and brands compete for ENDCAP supremacy this year. Don't miss this exciting conversation—tune in now! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Chris discuss: Importance of a detailed rubric for shopper-centric content. Consistency, storytelling, and clarity in visual content to engage shoppers. Digital shelves require ongoing updates and feedback-driven enhancements. Targeting content appropriately, maintaining relevance, and engaging storytelling. Emphasis on mobile-friendly content length and visibility. Creative mobile hero images maximizing product appeal. Comparison of platform restrictions, with Amazon being more restrictive than Target and Walmart. Avoiding overlays that obscure important content through regular audits. End Cap Awards Introduction to the End Cap awards for excellence in digital merchandising. Methodology and objective assessment by industry judges. Focus on U.S. markets initially, with potential international expansion. Shopper centricity, mobile optimization, and sales growth incrementality as key factors. Future improvements include accessibility, ADA compliance, and retailer-specific tailoring. Complexity of ROI, focusing on leading metrics and actions instead of just lagging metrics. Examples of inclusive marketing approaches like razor brands attracting new and maintaining existing customers. Enhancing PDPs with User-Generated Content to boost customer confidence. Legal considerations and innovative uses of influencer content and statistical endorsements. Storytelling and Incrementality: Effective PDPs answering essential consumer questions and utilizing cross-selling strategies. Highlighting marketing occasions such as Super Bowl or back-to-school for sales driving.
Thank you for an incredible 2024!
In this insightful episode of the Lights on Data Show, host George Firican discusses the importance of data strategy in retail with Zainulabedin Shah, co-founder and CEO of Zeed. The conversation dives into essential components for a successful data strategy, the role of AI and machine learning in retail, and the future trends that will shape the retail landscape. Tune in to learn how cohesive data strategy can transform retail challenges into massive opportunities and foster a data-informed culture within your organization.
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Acadia's Head of Retail Marketplaces Services Julie Spear and Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. This will be our very last episode of 2024 and we are closing out the year with a bang. We reached out to all our podcast guests from 2024 and asked them two thought-provoking questions: What's been the most impactful change/development in our industry from this year and why? What's something in our industry that excites you the most for next year? Over a dozen industry experts shared their insights, highlighting the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the landscape. To break it all down, we've invited two sharp minds to join the discussion: Russ Dieringer from Stratably and our very own Ross Walker. Together, we'll dive into the themes that emerged from these conversations and explore what they mean for the future. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Russ, and Ross discuss: AI & Personalization: Over 60% of past guests identified AI as a top trend. AI is enabling personalization at scale with negligible costs. Ross Walker observes more personalized ads, suggesting deep-level data scraping. Russ Dieringer predicts higher e-commerce conversion rates by 2025 due to personalization. AI's Impact on Retail: Amazon and Walmart are moving towards personalized sites and deals. AI-generated personalized product titles and shopper journeys are evolving. Big brands may face challenges with extensive approval processes, benefiting smaller, agile brands. Retail Media & Ad Spending: Amazon continues to dominate in retail media and gross merchandise value. Discussions on shifting ad budgets, with brands preferring Amazon's scale. Mention of cross-channel media measurement and incrementality. Market Dynamics: Walmart's strengthening position in grocery, competing with Amazon. TikTok's transformation into a commerce platform. Retailers like Home Depot (home goods) and Chewy (pet supplies) find niche success. AI & Product Visibility: High-quality content on product pages influences AI-driven search results. Tools like Rufus can summarize reviews but pose visibility control challenges. Adoption of Omnichannel Strategies: Integration of online and in-store experiences, with Walmart leading. Amazon's gradual integration of data pipelines with Whole Foods. Future Trends: Emerging AI tools to enhance product detail page (PDP) measurement. Potential transformation of retail strategies by AI by 2025. Excitement for further discussions on retail media and marketplace trends in 2025.
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. Today, we're excited to welcome two of Acadia's top experts in organic optimization for Google and Amazon. Scott Walldren, Head of SEO with over 15 years of experience, and Julian Galindo, Senior Account Manager, and Amazon organic growth expert, join us to tackle a key industry debate: does Amazon's advertising and SEO strategy follow Google's past playbook? We'll explore where the parallels hold up—and where Amazon is breaking new ground. Stay tuned for actionable insights from two leading voices in the field! Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Jordan, Scott, and Julian discuss: Conversion is the main goal of SEO on Amazon, emphasizing impactful keyword use over keyword stuffing. Google's Evolution: Transition from keyword focus to user-friendly, AI-refined content. Google's AI influences product titles and search result refinements. Amazon's Search and Product Promotion: Integration of richer content like editorial recommendations and badges on product listings that summarize customer feedback. AI streamlines customer journeys on Amazon, offering personalized recommendations but sometimes struggling with specifics. Importance of understanding consumer perspectives and conducting thorough keyword research. Aligning product descriptions with consumer search behavior. Evaluating search results to gauge consumer intent and market positioning. Balancing product features with search trends and refining naming conventions. The perpetual nature of SEO with continuous updates and adjustments. Regular content refresh cycles recommended for trend alignment and strategy effectiveness. AI's role in managing large-scale content updates and optimizing product discovery. Future implications of AI-driven search experiences. Utilizing questionnaires to gather client-specific information for accurate keyword targeting. Shifts in user search patterns requiring ongoing SEO strategy adjustments. Introduction of AI projects like "Rufus," providing personalized recommendations but facing challenges with detailed requests. User-generated reviews significantly impacting AI algorithms and customer trust in product discovery and purchase decisions. Future of E-commerce SEO: Optimizing for both AI-driven discovery and traditional search rankings.
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. Today, we're bringing together some of Acadia's brightest minds from our retail media, account management, and strategy teams for a roundtable discussion. They'll share their initial insights into what set this Black Friday and Cyber Monday apart for Amazon and the brands we support. Joining us are Ross Walker, leader of our retail paid media team; Joanna Otto, account manager for some of our largest brands; and Predrag Vetnić, account strategist and our in-house authority on merchandising, promotions, and tentpole strategies. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Jordan, Ross, Joanna, and Predrag discuss: Brand Sentiment and Strategy: Observations on brand attitudes towards Q4 events amidst economic uncertainty. Strategies range from aggressive discounting for growth to cautious participation to preserve margins. Changes in 2023: Introduction to new promotional structures by Amazon, including increased required days for discounts to get badging. Highlights on how brands adjusted their strategies to align with these new requirements. Economic and Logistical Factors: Reflection on how macroeconomic factors and Amazon's logistical considerations influence the extended shopping event period. Performance Results: General consensus that most brands saw better performance year-over-year. Notable swings in performance based on promotional participation and advertising strategies. Operational Challenges: Common platform and operational issues, including listing suppressions, pricing compliance issues, and feature glitches. Positive notes on some improved aspects of Amazon's ad console. Upcoming Shopping Weeks: Continued focus on strategies for the remaining holiday shopping weeks. Importance of brand tailored promotions and advanced media tactics using AMC audience data.
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: What would happen if you built a business centered entirely around what you love and what you believe your community is currently missing? We're about to find out! In this truly inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I'm sitting down with Lisa Wrixon, the visionary and CEO behind thestylewell and Lewellyn, two boutique shops in North Vancouver. From her roots in art history to leading retail operations for major brands, Lisa's journey is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Discover how she built a thriving business centered on beautiful design, community engagement, and a curated customer experience—all while staying true to her values and vision. If you're an independent retailer looking for actionable insights and motivation, this episode is for you! Episode Highlights: We dig into Lisa's Background: From studying art history to managing merchandising and retail operations for top brands like The Body Shop and Indaba Trading. thestylewell Origin Story: A dream sparked by a love for beautiful, curated spaces, culminating in a thriving home decor business in North Vancouver. Running Two Shops: Lisa owns thestylewell, focusing on home decor, and Lewellyn, a sister shop for fashion and accessories. Building Community: The importance of hosting workshops, events, and pop-ups to engage with the local design and retail community. Curating Success: Balancing simplicity, aesthetics, and strong operational practices to create a loyal customer base. Biggest Lessons: The value of staying true to your brand while taking calculated risks to grow. Takeaways for Retailers: Invest in your community and prioritize relationships over transactions. Curate your offerings with a strong focus on aesthetics and what resonates with your ideal customers. Don't overcomplicate operations—simplicity and clarity can fuel success. Collaborate and share knowledge generously to foster growth in your industry. Lisa is an active member of the Retailer's Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Lisa inside this program this year. "I opened a shop for me because I couldn't find what I wanted. Now, I create the need for others." -Lisa Wrixon Related podcasts we think you'll like: Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy's Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store Episode 217: Best of Retailer Success Series: Simplifying Your Retail Business with Louise McManus Episode 179: Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer, on Using Unique Marketing and Sales Strategies About Lisa and thestylewell thestylewell is curated and owned by Lisa Wrixon, an innovative and dynamic creative professional who relishes in inspiring, delighting and engaging customers. As a lover of all things beautiful, Lisa has years of experience as a residential Interior Designer, wholesale home décor brand strategist and Manager of Retail Operations for leading Canadian Retailers. But it is her love of all things pretty, that are created with care, and her vision of creating meaningful moments in people's homes that has driven her to open thestylewell. thestylewell aims to provide beautiful decorative pieces, hand selected by Lisa with the intent to enhance a living space, be admired and desired, shared or possessed for oneself. Follow along with Lisa, thestylewell and Lewellyn : thestylewell Website | Lewellyn Website | thestylewell Instagram | Lewellyn Instagram About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/ 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 programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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 you!
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. In this episode, we're joined by Instacart experts Juan Munoz and Robert Benlloch to tackle some key retail media questions: Is my ad spend cannibalizing my organic sales? How should I be assessing my investment for growth? And what are the right measurement frameworks and metrics to use when having these conversations and providing guidance to our clients? Through the lens of Instacart, we'll explore its unique nuances and advantages for measuring and understanding incrementality. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Jordan, Robert, and Juan discuss: Defining Cannibalization: Two types of cannibalization: traditional (ads taking credit for sales that would have happened anyway) and placement cannibalization (paid ads replacing organic placements). Understanding concerns about ad investments cannibalizing organic sales. Instacart-Specific Metrics: Overview of metrics unique to Instacart such as Halo Sales, New to Brand, and market share. Importance of the Customer Insights tab for tracking market share and competitive positioning. Sales per Instacart Weighted Distribution (SDPI): Explanation of how this metric isolates sales velocity by excluding changes in distribution. Importance of controlling for shifts in product availability across stores. Determining Optimal Ad Spend: Discussion on metrics like market share and total sales as better indicators of ad spend efficiency. How Instacart allows correlation of ad spend to market share growth against competitors. Developments in Instacart: Announcement of new metrics like "Share of Digital Shelf" which shows your position relative to competitors. Introduction of "Inspirational Ads" for targeting users looking for specific recipes. Speculations and Insights: Speculation on why Instacart is more transparent with data compared to other platforms. Reflection on Instacart's commitment to providing detailed analytics for better business decisions. Future of Instacart Innovations: Excitement around new ad placements and features like the recipe-based ads. Taking advantage of new developments on Instacart.
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Acadia's Head of Retail Marketplaces Services Julie Spear and Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. Today we're joined by Geoffrey Beliard, Senior Director of Product Solutions at Pacvue. Geoffrey has spent decades leading data and analytics teams both on the brand side at large CPG conglomerates and, more recently, with leading software companies in our industry. We'll dive into Geoffrey's take on where the industry is heading and how he's leading the product team and roadmap at Pacvue to meet that future. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Geoffrey discuss: Core Focus of Pacvue: Emphasis on retail media and retail operations as primary pillars. Strategic choice to excel in fewer areas rather than offering a broad range of services. Differentiation Strategy: Preference for doing fewer things exceptionally well, setting Pacvue apart from competitors like Commerce IQ and Stackline. Advocacy for an open ecosystem, allowing integration with existing data sources and tools. Partnerships and Company Culture: Importance of strategic partnerships to augment weaker areas. Alignment of business strategy with a growth mindset and continuous improvement. Pacvue's Capabilities: Retail media management tools and Pacvue Commerce for comprehensive retail operations. Integration with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger, etc. Insights from Geoffrey Beliard: Experiences from the brand side and agency side contributing to product solutions. Discussion on balancing scalability with niche agency needs. Retail Media Networks and Clean Room Technology: Comparison between broad versus deep approaches in retail media network development. Investment in clean room technology and its role in unifying data and understanding shopper behavior. Measurement and Incrementality: Development of robust methodologies to measure incrementality, starting with Amazon. Use of "ensemble learning" to handle diverse data inputs for better incrementality measurement. Automation vs. Human Intervention: Discussion on the balance between automated AI solutions and manual control. Factors affecting retail operations, including inventory and buy box ownership. Future of Retail Media: Consolidation around the top 20 global retailers developing retail media networks. Importance of large-scale retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target in attracting media investment.
Matt Leigh, VP Retail Operations at Syndigo breaks down the current state of digital content in this episode - looking at increasing regulatory pressures and how brands need to adapt, what motivates retailer data upload methods and requirements, and the need for sophisticated and specialized content data management and expertise.
Welcome to another episode of The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast hosted by Acadia's Head of Retail Marketplaces Services Julie Spear and Director of Retail Operations, Jordan Ripley. Today, we're excited to revisit the important topic of catalog organization with seasoned expert and Operations Manager, Zlatana Pejovoc. A couple of years back, we released an episode focused on managing large apparel catalogs, which is definitely worth a listen if you're dealing with catalog challenges. In this episode, however, we're taking a fresh, holistic look at variations and catalog organization to explore recent developments, current best practices, and the future of assortment strategy. Make sure you tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Zlatana discuss: Evolution of Catalog Variations Increased rigidity and standards in Amazon's process. Introduction of AVs (Automated Variations) in Vendor Central. Shift towards a more self-serve model in recent years. Positive impact on customer experience. Increased complexity but also better flexibility for sellers. Challenges in Catalog Organization: Balancing self-serve options and stricter standards. Better user experience versus operational complexity for brands. Case Studies and Examples: Practical examples from apparel brands and other categories. Best Practices for Variation Strategy: Importance of Grouping Similar Products Up to 30% revenue increase from well-executed variation strategies. Boosting visibility and conversion rates for new products. Common Mistakes and Pitfalls: Incorrect grouping leading to suspended listings. Variating different product types inappropriately. Future of Catalog Management Predictions and Wishes: User-friendly flat files and better support services. Potential AI-driven suggestions for simplifying the variation process.
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