Podcasts about retail tech

In this episode, we dive into the shift happening in online search and how e-commerce brands can stay visible as search engines become more conversational.  Lucas Tieleman, Co-Founder of Optiversal, shares how his platform helps brands improve visibility across AI search and shopping tools through better product data.  He also reveals strategies for optimizing product feeds, using AI to automatically generate high-performing use-case landing pages, and getting ready for holiday shopping spikes.  Topics discussed in this episode:  How conversational AI is changing search.   What gaps make brands invisible to AI.How natural search queries differ now. What attributes to add to product feeds.How editorial content builds search context.What an automated data audit reveals.How AI builds high-volume landing pages.Why click rates drop while impressions rise.What rising ad cost per click signals.Why structured data wins holiday sales. Links & ResourcesWebsite: https://www.optiversal.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-nieberding/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/hb2matcyI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out!   Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Dillon Okner is the Founder & Partner of SiteRise, a retail development and construction platform helping brands streamline site selection, store development, and portfolio expansion. With more than 15 years of experience in retail construction and operations, Dillon previously helped support the expansion of major brands including Apple and Tesla. Today, he focuses on helping retailers, restaurants, and franchise operators eliminate development bottlenecks and open locations faster through better data, workflow management, and portfolio visibility.(01:13) - How Retail Openings Break(03:36) - Retail Innovation Edge (05:00) - Store development with SiteRise(07:38) - Apple & Tesla Lessons (09:26) - Proprietary Data (14:07) - Construction Influence on Deals(15:27) - Working with Brokers(16:33) - SiteRise's Clients(17:44) - Getting Buy-in From Stakeholders(20:50) - Collaboration superpower: Dillon's father and grandfather

In this episode, we dive into how smart pricing helps e-commerce brands boost profits and scale growth. Felix Hoffmann, co-founder and CEO of 7Learnings, shares how his predictive pricing models help businesses move beyond simple rules and gut feelings to find the perfect price for every product. He also reveals strategies for managing marketplace complexity, reducing overstock, and using financial goals to steer automated decision-making. Topics discussed in this episode:  How rule-based pricing creates unmanaged business complexity. Why matching competitor prices leads to a market race to bottom. What predictive pricing does using unlimited cloud compute. Why tracking transaction-level costs is vital for profit. How AI identifies different price elasticities across channels. What role weather and attribute data play in predictions. Why high-quality data is the gatekeeper for AI success. How A/B testing proves profit uplifts of over 100 percent. What strategic trade-offs exist between growth and margin. Why AI pricing is now a requirement for market survival. Links & ResourcesWebsite: https://7learnings.com/LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-hoffmann-7learnings/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7learnings/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/us6eab7kI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out!   Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Join us this week for The Tech Leaders' Podcast, where Gareth sits down with Jane Mustoe, Senior Technical Director and Head of Innovation Labs at Tesco. Jane talks about her love of transformative technologies, and how Tesco are actively applying them. On this episode, Jane and Gareth discuss drones, robotics, staff less stores, and how AI will augment, not replace humans. Timestamps: Introduction and the Credit Crunch (2:25) Tesco Innovation Labs: Magic Tills and Digital Assistants (17:58) Innovation Culture and Digital Twins (23:10) AI Applications: Robotics, Dynamic Pricing and Waste Reduction (30:53) AI Usage, Governance and Hiring (38:50) The Future of Tech, and Advice for 21-year-old Jane (47:45) https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

In this Omni Talk Retail episode, recorded live at Retail Technology Show 2026 in London from the Vusion podcast studio, Chris Walton caught up with Giles Smith, retail technology consultant and advisor, to unpack how retailers should actually be thinking about AI right now. Drawing on experience across brands like Burberry, Selfridges, and Unilever, Giles shares a grounded perspective on why AI is less about chasing the latest innovation and more about accelerating what teams can already do. He explains why many organizations are overcomplicating their AI strategies, how governance is becoming the next major challenge, and why retailers should focus on real business problems instead of jumping on every new capability. The conversation also explores the balance between building and buying technology, where AI experimentation actually makes sense, and why the most important differentiator in retail will still come down to people. Key Topics Covered: • Why AI is best understood as a productivity unlock, not a strategy • The danger of running too many disconnected AI projects • How governance and accountability will shape the next phase of AI adoption • When retailers should build vs. buy technology in an AI-driven world • Where experimentation makes sense and where it does not • Why many “problems” AI tries to solve are not actually problems • How AI is changing decision-making inside organizations • The growing influence of CFOs in tech investment decisions • Why human connection remains the most important differentiator in retail Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from Retail Technology Show 2026! #RTS2026 #RetailTechnologyShow #OmniTalkRetail #AIinRetail #RetailStrategy #DigitalTransformation #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #FutureOfRetail #Vusion

In this episode, we explore why accurate inventory tracking is the secret to protecting your profit and keeping customers happy.Jordan Finners, Founder of Pimsical.app, explains how small errors in stock levels can lead to big losses and frustrated shoppers. He shares how his Shopify-native tools replace outdated systems like Stocky to make scanning and reporting faster for retail teams. You will learn how to simplify your stock takes, reduce human error, and keep your business running smoothly without expensive corporate software.Topics discussed in this episode:  How bad data hurts customer trust. Why physical inventory is a hidden cost. How barcode scanning reduces human error. What the end of Stocky means. How to stock take during store hours. Why Shopify native tools save time. What differentiates inventory tools from ERPs. How mobile phones work as scanners. Why frequent stock takes prevent panic. How to automate Shopify inventory updates. Links & Resources Website: https://www.pimsical.app/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/stock-take-inventory-count-1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanfinneran/X/Twitter: https://x.com/JordanFinnersGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/5n8umbdvI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out!   Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Many technology companies are built by people who create a solution for a nonexistent problem. SCAYLE was built by people who studied a problem and then lived it firsthand. For more than a decade, the team behind About You didn't just theorize about what enterprise ecommerce infrastructure should do—they built it, broke it, refined it, and scaled it inside their own business. They grew About You into a $3 billion online fashion retailer operating across 27 countries. By the time they launched SCAYLE as a standalone SaaS platform, they weren't selling a solution they imagined; they were offering a real solution to a real problem. In this episode, Haley Boehning, CEO of Storyforge, sits down with Tarek Müller, co-founder of About You and SCAYLE, to explore what it means to know your customer, not from the outside looking in, but from understanding exactly where they stand. They discuss what it takes to build something that works at scale. How one earns trust in a new market. What Tarek learned that no one else could have taught him. And what it requires to take that hard-won knowledge into a new market, build credibility and land Levi's as their first major U.S. partnership as its global ecommerce platform across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Tarek candidly shares his insights about how to achieve visibility in the crowded American marketplace, and how to succeed by competing against ecommerce platform solutions optimized for commoditized search, not genuine discovery. This is a conversation about what happens when your story and your solution are the same thing.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Der Kassenbon ist für viele Händler:innen noch immer ein Stück Papier – dabei steckt in ihm enormes Potenzial. In dieser Folge des Zukunft des Einkaufens Podcasts spricht Handelsexpertin Marilyn Repp mit Lea Frank, Gründerin und CEO von Anybill - über den Wandel vom Papierbon zum digitalen Touchpoint im stationären Handel. Anybill unterstützt Händler:innen dabei, Kassenbons zu digitalisieren und die darin enthaltenen Transaktionsdaten nutzbar zu machen. Was zunächst im Kontext der Bonpflicht entstand, hat sich zu einer datengetriebenen Plattform entwickelt, die Unternehmen hilft, Kund:innen besser zu verstehen, Marketingmaßnahmen zu personalisieren und stationäre sowie digitale Kanäle miteinander zu verknüpfen. Wie können Händler:innen aus Transaktionsdaten wertvolle Insights gewinnen? Warum ist eine solide Datenbasis die Grundlage für den Einsatz von KI im Handel? Und wie können Unternehmen auch ohne bestehendes Loyalty-Programm erste Schritte in Richtung datengetriebenes Marketing gehen? Eine Folge über Retail-Tech, Daten, Kundenverständnis und die Zukunft des stationären Handels.

In this episode, we dive into why most online stores lose money because of poor search bars and how to fix it.Paulius Nagys, Co-founder of LupaSearch, explains how modern shoppers have very little patience when they can't find what they want. He shares how AI-powered search understands what a person actually means, even if they use the wrong words.You will also learn how to use search data to predict what customers will want next and how to turn your search bar into a powerful tool for more sales.Topics discussed in this episode:  How the "patience gap" kills revenue. Why keyword search is now a commodity. What AI does to match search intent. How search bars act as feedback channels. Why vector search beats simple keywords. How seasonal trends impact search results. What complex catalogs need to convert. Why "symptom search" helps pharmacies sell How real data simulations prove ROI. What the future holds for AI adoption. Links & Resources Website: https://www.lupasearch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupasearchX/Twitter: https://x.com/LupaSearchGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/mw2nekyxI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this edition of Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simone break down the most important retail and brand signals shaping the future of shopping right now. From Reformation's quietly embedded in-store technology to luxury pop-ups in Dubai malls, this episode explores what actually improves customer experience and what retailers should be paying attention to.We cover how technology should be woven into the retail journey, not bolted on, why wellness-driven shopping baskets are accelerating, and how global markets like the UAE are redefining what shopping destinations can be. The conversation also tackles the realities facing UK retail, from high street pressures to cultural shifts, and why optimism is still justified.In this episode, you'll hear about:Reformation's tech-enabled fitting room modelWhy “quiet tech” is outperforming gimmicksOn Running's purpose-led collaboration strategyProtein and fibre as growth drivers in grocery basketsWhy UAE shopping malls feel like retail's golden eraHow luxury brands are engaging Gen Z without dilutionWhat UK retail must learn — and what it's already doing rightIf you work in retail, brand, ecommerce, or physical experience design, this episode is essential listening.Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Five Things Friday UK00:16 – Meet Alex & Simone00:31 – Retail travel, weather & context setting00:54 – What Alex & Simon do in retail01:16 – Shoptalk Luxe & empowering store staff with tech01:41 – Reformation's “tech menu” store experience01:57 – QR codes, digital baskets & optional technology02:22 – Physical retail's version of Google Analytics02:41 – Why quiet tech matters02:59 – Has Reformation cracked in-store tech?03:22 – The future of fitting rooms04:01 – Global brands entering the UK market04:29 – Asian and US brands expanding into London05:03 – Coffee brands, Camden & taste-testing retail05:16 – On Running x Sky High Farm Goods collaboration05:40 – Purpose-driven brand partnerships06:01 – Wellness shopping trends & Nielsen IQ insights06:28 – Protein and fibre driving basket growth06:47 – Fashion buying, Olympia & industry events07:14 – UAE retail experiences vs the UK07:35 – Why UAE malls feel different08:00 – Shopping as entertainment and destination08:16 – YSL pop-up & gamified luxury08:37 – Engaging Gen Z without cheapening luxury09:27 – Safety, culture & UK shopping centres10:11 – Challenges facing UK retail10:52 – Fun over more product11:15 – Signs of recovery and optimism

In this episode of Five Things Friday, Alex sits down live at the show with Ryf Quail to unpack what made this year's event the biggest on record from 41–42,000 attendees, packed expo halls, and record exhibitor meetings, to a major global expansion announcement that reshapes the future of retail events.Ryf shares first-hand insights on:Why exhibitors recorded 200+ meaningful meetings on the show floorHow NRF has evolved into a truly global retail platformThe launch of NRF Big Show Middle East in Saudi Arabia (March 2027)Why international attendance now accounts for over a third of total attendeesThe innovation highlights — AI-driven food ordering, robots, holograms, and “store-in-a-box” concepts

In this episode, we explore how to fix messy product data and creative assets that slow down your brand. Lynn Herman, APM Marketing Manager at Canto, explains how a digital asset management system acts as a single source of truth for your business. She shares why organizing content around your products—rather than random folders—helps you launch faster on Shopify and other marketplaces. You will also learn how to maintain a consistent brand image and stop losing sales due to data errors.Topics discussed in this episode:   What a DAM system does for your content. Why you should organize assets by product SKU. How spreadsheets lead to manual data errors. How to create a launch once publish everywhere flow. What prevents friction in the approval process. How to push assets directly to Shopify stores. Why inconsistent images damage customer trust. What signs show you need a better asset system. How AI search finds specific brand images fast. Why centralizing data stops operational chaos. Links & Resources Website: https://www.canto.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canto/Shopify Integration: https://www.canto.com/integrations/shopify/X/Twitter: https://x.com/cantoGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/4n838wvz______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this OmniTalk Retail episode, recorded live from NRF 2026 at the Vusion podcast studio, Ankur Mittal, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director of Lowe's India, joins Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton to explain why Lowe's is commercializing its internal retail technology and what that means for the future of point of sale and omnichannel retail. Ankur shares how Lowe's India supports more than 5,000 associates across core corporate and technology functions, and why the company decided to launch a SaaS offshoot to bring its internally built POS platform to market. From hardware-agnostic design and AI-driven capabilities to modular, plug-and-play architecture, this conversation breaks down how modern POS systems are evolving into the backbone of omnichannel retail. The discussion also explores why mid-sized retailers are responding strongly to flexible, software-first POS solutions, how long POS change cycles have held retailers back, and why true omnichannel requires shared item, pricing, promotion, and inventory data across every channel. Key Topics covered: -Why Lowe's decided to commercialize its internally built retail software -Point of sale as the heart of omnichannel retail -Hardware-agnostic POS and why it matters for retailers -AI-driven capabilities including shrink identification -Modular commerce architecture and plug-and-play systems -How mid-sized retailers can modernize POS without big-bang upgrades -POS stability, speed, and operational reliability -What true omnichannel really means beyond BOPIS -Lowe's roadmap for POS, commerce engines, and enterprise platforms in 2026 Stay tuned to Omni Talk Retail for continued coverage from NRF 2026, and stop by the Vusion booth #4921 to say hello. #NRF2026 #OmniTalkRetail #RetailTechnology #RetailInnovation #PointOfSale #OmnichannelRetail

L'intelligence artificielle s'invite désormais dans nos parcours d'achat et impacte la relation entre marques et consommateurs. Fini le temps où l'on scrollait pendant des heures sur des sites e-commerce : l'IA agentique promet de devenir notre personal shopper universel, capable de comprendre nos besoins, de recommander des produits et d'acheter à notre place. De ChatGPT à TikTok Shop, les canaux se multiplient et le tunnel d'achat traditionnel s'efface au profit d'une consommation instantanée où découverte et achat ne font plus qu'un. Dans cet épisode d'Écoutons le Futur, quatre experts analysent cette métamorphose du commerce digital : de la montée en puissance des LLM dans les recherches d'achat à l'importance de la transparence et de la réglementation de ces outils. Ils explorent comment les entreprises doivent repenser leur stratégie digitale pour passer du SEO au GEO, créer des expériences omnicanales cohérentes et repositionner l'humain sur des missions à forte valeur ajoutée. Un débat riche sur l'avenir du e-commerce, entre opportunités technologiques et impératifs éthiques.Présents sur notre plateau :- Alexandre Audouin-Fils, Directeur Marketing chez SPOTICAR & Stellantis- Angelica Reyes, Directrice Marketing de Skeepers- Eric Dadian, Président de l'Association Française de la Relation Client- Maxime Girardeau, Directeur associé chez Capgemini en charge de l'innovation et de l'IA pour le secteur du luxeUne émission animée par Valère Corréard Découvrez comment l'IA peut enrichir l'expérience client, préserver les savoir-faire, et accompagner une consommation plus responsable, sans jamais s'imposer avec notre livre l'IA Invisible

Kenneth Hochhauser is Partner and Head of Data and Analytics at RTL. His background includes roles as a retail executive at Macy's and GNC and as a small business and economic development officer for the City of New York. He has advised both tenants and landlords on site selection, trade area analysis, and retail strategy, including introducing Chipotle to the New York metro market and representing Duxiana nationally. His past assignments span major projects such as Brookfield Place, Trump Place, and Columbia University's Manhattanville and Morningside campuses.(02:39) - Ken's Journey(04:59) - Retail Market Trends(06:05) - Retail vs. Office Innovation(07:53) - Shopping Trends and Retail Insights(08:31) - Retail Challenges in Manhattan(10:05) - Retail's Historical Context and Future(12:14) - Tenant Preferences(17:33) - Experiential Retail & Unique Locations(20:56) - Non-Traditional Retail (23:21) - Feature: Blueprint - The Future of Real Estate - Register for 2026: The Premier Event for Industry Executives, Real Estate & Construction Tech Startups and VC's, at The Venetian, Las Vegas on September 22nd-24th, 2026. As a friend of Tangent, you can save $300 on your All-Access pass(28:11) - Retail Tech & Data Utilization(34:29) - Location Indicators & Retail Expansion(38:29) - Collaboration Superpower: an economist(40:08) - US Gov. Shutdown Impact

For this month's Retail Tech Startup of the Month, AWS's Daniele Stroppa returns to spotlight SymphonyAI, a groundbreaking computer vision solution that's improving how retailers tackle the costly out-of-stock problem. SymphonyAI leverages existing in-store cameras to deliver something retailers have been missing: actionable, prioritized worklists that tell associates exactly what to fix first to maximize sales impact. No more drowning in dashboards, just clear direction that drives results. Daniele breaks down how retailers are achieving 25% increases in labor productivity and 5-7% improvements in on-shelf availability, proving this isn't just another tech demo, it's a boon for physical retail operations.

In this episode of Wharton Tech Toks, Debbie Cheng (Wharton MBA Class of 2026) sits down with Leon Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of BetterBasket. Leon shares his journey from launching grocery delivery operations at Uber to co-founding BetterBasket, a YC-backed startup helping grocers use data to optimize pricing in the face of inflation, digital transformation, and legacy systems.Leon also opens up about his decision to take a leave of absence from Wharton to join Y Combinator's Winter '24 cohort, what he's learned about hiring and building a startup culture, and why challenging the status quo is at the heart of entrepreneurship.Whether you're curious about retail tech, YC, or life as a founder-MBA, this one's full of insights.

AWS's Daniele Stroppa, Worldwide Technical Lead for AWS Partners in Retail, joins Omni Talk to announce October's Retail Tech Startup of the Month: Writer. Daniele breaks down why Writer's full-stack generative AI platform is transforming how retailers and brands automate processes and generate content across their organizations. From their proprietary large language models to pre-built retail-specific agents, Writer offers a specialized solution that accelerates time to production.

In this episode, we dive into the challenge faced by independent retailers in competing with giants like Walmart. Ravi Achanta, CEO and Co-founder of RSA America, shares how AI is leveling the playing field. He explains how small retailers can use the data they already have to drive growth, boost customer loyalty, and uncover new revenue, making powerful retail tools practical and easy to use. Topics discussed in this episode:  Why independent retailers struggle against big chains. How AI provides simple, actionable insights from POS data. What fear of technology and cost holds retailers back. Why data-driven decisions attract brands to small retailers. How AI tailors communication based on shopper generation and patterns. What one retailer found: only 4% of loyal customers bought meat. How one New York retailer grew seafood sales by segmenting customers. How AI drastically cuts down time spent planning weekly ads. Links & Resources Website: https://www.rsaamerica.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-achantaGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/27pzbftn______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Welcome back to another EUVC Podcast, where we gather Europe's venture family to share the stories, insights, and lessons that drive our ecosystem forward.Today we dive into the corporate venturing journey of Georg Reifferscheid, Head of Climate Tech at REWE Group, one of Europe's largest retailers with €94B in revenue and 350,000 employees. With supermarkets, discount brands, travel agencies, hotels, DIY markets, and more under its umbrella, REWE is a powerhouse — but also a company with massive sustainability challenges.Georg walks us through how REWE Ventures is structured across four focus areas (Retail Tech, E-Grocery/Mobility, Food Tech, and Climate Tech), why his team is prioritizing cooling, HVAC, and green construction materials, and what it really takes to get startups and corporates to collaborate effectively. From investment strategy and deal stages to the psychology of expectation management, this is a candid look at how a €100B cooperative builds innovation for the next century.

The video discusses the evolving landscape of inventory management in retail, featuring insights from industry leaders on various technologies and strategies. It highlights the challenges retailers face in integrating multiple platforms and technology solutions. The focus is on creating a unified management experience that simplifies operations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

In this episode of Conversations with CommerceNext, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Jenna Flateman Posner, Founder & CEO of Chief Digital Agency, for a candid and insightful conversation on the changing dynamics of retail technology and digital transformation.Jenna shares her remarkable career journey, starting on the technology side, building go-to-market partnerships in loyalty, payments, and localization before making the leap into retail operations as VP of Digital and then Chief Digital Officer at Snipes. She reflects on scaling Snipes' digital business from $7 million to $100 million, navigating the pandemic, civil unrest, and the accelerated shift to digital commerce.From there, Jenna moved to Solo Brands, where she drove digital strategy across a portfolio of outdoor lifestyle companies and activated memorable campaigns, including the award-winning “smokeless” collaboration with Snoop Dogg. These experiences ultimately inspired her to found Chief Digital Agency, a consultancy designed to bridge the persistent gap between technology vendors and retail operators.Jenna describes her role as a translator and conduit between retailers and technology providers—helping vendors refine products, craft go-to-market strategies, and close deals, while assisting retailers with tech selection, vendor management, and implementation oversight. By bringing transparency and empathy to both sides, she helps organizations avoid costly missteps and unlock true partnership value.The conversation dives deep into some of retail's most pressing challenges: why cultural and organizational silos slow down tech adoption, the need for retailers to embrace faster decision-making, and the importance of vendors building trust instead of chasing cold-call volume. Jenna also shares her vision for the future of digital commerce, where AI acts as a unifying operating system and data pipelines—not websites—become the core infrastructure for brand success.With practical advice for vendors, retailers, and technologists alike, this episode offers a roadmap for building stronger relationships, embracing risk, and preparing for a future shaped by AI-driven agents and new consumer expectations.Tune in to hear why Jenna believes digital leaders must become “data people” first—and how Chief Digital Agency is shaping the future of retail partnerships. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In the debut episode of Season Four of the Conversations with CommerceNext podcast, our guest is  Ken Pilot—retail executive, tech investor, and host of The Retail Pilot: Leaders & Legends podcast.Ken's legendary career spans decades and includes pivotal roles such as President of Gap Global, Factory Stores at Ralph Lauren, and leadership positions at J.Crew, American Eagle, and ABC Carpet & Home. He takes us behind the scenes of launching Gap Outlet, transforming a single underperforming store into over 100 high-margin locations in just 36 months, ultimately making it the most profitable division at Gap. The conversation then shifts to current macro challenges, particularly tariffs and global sourcing. Ken unpacks the "tariff math" few are talking about, warning that even modest increases could wipe out 10 points of margin, especially for smaller brands without pricing power or manufacturing flexibility. He anticipates a hit to Southeast Asia, outlines strategic moves by companies like Gap to diversify sourcing, and speculates on the economic implications for North American retail.Next, Ken delves into the retail tech landscape, providing a forward-looking perspective on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the emergence of natural language search, and how retailers must adapt both on-site and externally to remain visible and competitive. He highlights the companies he's advising and investing in, including "Curated For You" (an AI-driven occasion-based merchandising platform) and "Raspberry AI" (tools that help designers iterate visuals from sketches to campaign-ready assets). He also discusses the creative tension AI can introduce and how forward-thinking teams are adapting.Finally, we examine the potential of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) as an underutilized profit stream, particularly in a high-cost, low-margin environment. Ken balances caution with optimism, emphasizing the need for retailers to experiment, remain agile, and stay laser-focused on the customer and core product offering. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

AWS's Daniele Stroppa, Worldwide Technical Lead for AWS partners in retail, joins us to announce August's retail tech startup of the month: Vody. Daniele breaks down how Vody makes data ready for AI and AI agents through their intelligent data infrastructure solutions. Unlike typical approaches that tackle product discoverability with chatbots or search improvements, Vody addresses the challenge at its foundation – the data itself. Their sophisticated system transforms messy product catalogs into AI-optimized data using state-of-the-art multimodal large language models specifically fine-tuned for retail.

What does "secure by default" really mean—and is it enough? In this episode of CyberArk's Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with Scott Barronton, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Diebold Nixdorf, to explore the often-overlooked risks of cloud default settings and how assumptions can lead to vulnerabilities.Drawing on over 25 years in cybersecurity, Scott shares how he balances product and corporate security, leads a global team, and chairs his company's AI steering committee. He discusses the importance of machine identity management, certificate automation, and building security programs that support both innovation and accountability.Plus, Scott reflects on how his passion for travel—including a group trip to Antarctica—informs his leadership style and security mindset.

AWS's Daniele Stroppa, Worldwide Technical Lead for AWS partners in retail, joins us to announce July's retail tech startup of the month: Bria AI. Daniele breaks down why Bria AI is revolutionizing content creation for brands with their visual generative AI platform. Unlike typical text-to-image generators, Bria focuses on commercial value, seamless integration, and fully compliant content creation using properly licensed data. From maintaining brand integrity with "tailor generation" to creating thousands of product images in minutes instead of weeks, Bria AI is solving real enterprise challenges with practical solutions that integrate into existing workflows.

In the first of our 8-part summer series produced in partnership with CommerceNext, our guest is  Ken Pilot—retail executive, tech investor, and host of The Retail Pilot: Leaders & Legends podcast.Ken's legendary career spans decades and includes pivotal roles such as President of Gap Global, Factory Stores at Ralph Lauren, and leadership positions at J.Crew, American Eagle, and ABC Carpet & Home. He takes us behind the scenes of launching Gap Outlet, transforming a single underperforming store into over 100 high-margin locations in just 36 months, ultimately making it the most profitable division at Gap. The conversation then shifts to current macro challenges, particularly tariffs and global sourcing. Ken unpacks the "tariff math" few are talking about, warning that even modest increases could wipe out 10 points of margin, especially for smaller brands without pricing power or manufacturing flexibility. He anticipates a hit to Southeast Asia, outlines strategic moves by companies like Gap to diversify sourcing, and speculates on the economic implications for North American retail.Next, Ken delves into the retail tech landscape, providing a forward-looking perspective on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the emergence of natural language search, and how retailers must adapt both on-site and externally to remain visible and competitive. He highlights the companies he's advising and investing in, including "Curated For You" (an AI-driven occasion-based merchandising platform) and "Raspberry AI" (tools that help designers iterate visuals from sketches to campaign-ready assets). He also discusses the creative tension AI can introduce and how forward-thinking teams are adapting.Finally, we examine the potential of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) as an underutilized profit stream, particularly in a high-cost, low-margin environment. Ken balances caution with optimism, emphasizing the need for retailers to experiment, remain agile, and stay laser-focused on the customer and core product offering. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In the first edition of Omni Talk's new monthly series, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga team up with AWS's Daniele Stroppa to spotlight the Retail Tech Startup of the Month—and the inaugural winner is Botify. Learn how Botify helps brands improve discoverability across both traditional and generative search engines by going beyond SEO to optimize content visibility for bots and agents. Discover why Botify's approach is a big win for brands navigating the evolving consumer search landscape, and how it also helps reduce operational costs. Key moments from the interview: 00:00 – Intro to new Omni Talk segment with AWS: Retail Tech Startup of the Month 00:33 – Meet Daniele Stroppa, AWS Worldwide Technical Leader for Retail 01:01 – Daniele's role in retail innovation and partner strategy at AWS 02:07 – First award winner revealed: Botify 02:19 – What Botify does: improving brand visibility across search platforms 02:54 – Why visibility in generative search (Perplexity, ChatGPT) matters 03:37 – How Botify goes beyond traditional SEO 04:06 – Analyzing bot and agent behavior on brand websites 04:23 – Helping brands ensure critical content is discoverable 04:41 – Long-term retail implications: revenue, brand recognition, infrastructure cost savings 05:31 – Congrats to Botify and final thoughts on the startup's impact Music by hooksounds.com #retailtech #StartupOfTheMonth #aws #Botify #omnitalkretail #ecommerceseo #generativeai #retailai #discoverability #digitalcommerce Brought to you in partnership with AWS

Join Omni Talk's Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga as they sit down with JOOR CEO Kristin Savilia to explore how Joor is transforming the wholesale fashion landscape. Kristin shares exclusive insights on digitizing the buyer-brand relationship, enabling smarter assortment planning, and helping independent retailers thrive globally. Learn how JOOR;s Shopify integration, AI-powered prospecting, and strategic tariff navigation are reshaping the fashion industry for 2025 and beyond. From shrinking shipping windows to a surge in indie retailers, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating fashion's evolving B2B landscape. Key Moments: 00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Kristin Savilia, CEO of JOOR 01:30 – How JOOR digitizes wholesale buying for brands and retailers 02:50 – Overview of JOOR's platform and client base (14K brands, 670K buyers) 04:15 – Surge of independent retailers: From 47% to 62% of GMV 06:00 – Shopify integration: Bridging wholesale with e-commerce and POS 07:45 – How retailers can adapt to market uncertainty using JOOR data 08:50 – Shrinking shipping windows: From 240 to 84 days and dropping 10:15 – Brands respond with curated assortments and evergreen styles 11:40 – How JOOR helps optimize product curation and minimize buyer risk 13:00 – Tariff pressures and pricing strategies: Expect 20% price increases 16:45 – JOOR's "Ready to Ship" event to offload current inventory 18:50 – Leveraging regional assortments for competitive edge 20:00 – Launch of JOOR Discover: AI matchmaking tool for brand-retailer growth 22:00 – 78% reorder rate and 9X better conversion via AI outreach 24:00 – Rise in ChatGPT/Gemini lead generation vs. traditional SEO 26:30 – How DTC brands can expand into wholesale with JOOR 27:40 – Final thoughts and where to learn more at JOOR.com For more information on JOOR, head here: https://www.joor.com/ Access a JOOR Passport Event here: https://www.jooraccess.com/r/passport/ Download the JOOR Whitepaper here: https://resources.joor.com/how-to-tackle-tariffs-and-thrive-this-coming-market-season #fashiontech #wholesaling #retailai #Joor #omnitalk #retailinnovation #fashiontech #shopifyintegration #retailtrends #b2bfashion #retailstrategy Music by hooksounds.com

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Josh Hicks, Senior Technical Sales Engineer at JumpMind, shares his decade-long journey shaping the company's evolution from its startup roots to a retail tech powerhouse. Hicks dives into the development of JumpMind's mobile point of sale platform, used by brands like American Eagle Outfitters and Petco, and explains how his transition from coding to customer-facing roles helped him better understand what clients truly need in scalable, data-driven retail solutions.With deep insights into data architecture, cloud-native tools, and the growing role of AI in retail, Hicks discusses how JumpMind stays ahead of evolving customer expectations. From building resilient platforms to cultivating a culture of excellence, this episode offers valuable lessons for tech professionals and retail leaders alike.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends.  Sign up now here. 

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Joe Seager-Dupuy and Mike Martin, General Partners at True, a £ 600 M+ consumer and retail-focused investment and innovation firm, to explore what it means to be a sector specialist in venture—and why that matters more than ever in today's market.They unpack how True brings together deep operational experience, a robust corporate network, and full life-cycle investment—from pre-seed to public markets. This episode offers a masterclass in building durable advantage in venture through network effects, strategic LP engagement, and sector expertise.Here's what's covered:03:14 Founders' Backgrounds and Experiences05:50 Overview of True's Investment Strategy09:02 Sector Specialization in Consumer and Retail12:00 Leveraging Network and Expertise15:09 Investment Decision-Making Process17:59 Ecosystem and Corporate Partnerships21:10 Consumer Market Opportunities24:07 Investment Strategy and Focus Areas27:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Bevs is transforming how independently owned liquor and convenience stores operate—and in this episode, Jason Vego, co-founder and CEO of Bevs, shares exactly how.If you're searching for ways to modernize your store operations, scale a retail tech startup, or improve inventory management, this conversation is packed with insight. Jason breaks down how Bevs is solving the real problems faced by small-format retailers, from inventory tracking to digital transformation—problems that many store owners and tech founders search solutions for daily.Whether you're a founder building a B2B SaaS company, an operator in the convenience store software space, or simply exploring how AI in retail is reshaping the industry, Jason delivers clarity on product-market fit, startup pivots, and data-driven decision-making. This episode is your shortcut to understanding how to create scalable tools for underserved markets and how to raise smart venture capital while staying grounded in customer needs.

In this episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives, Jack Farrell, VP of Ecommerce at PopSockets, takes us behind the scenes of the brand's transformation—from a one-product DTC sensation to a global lifestyle powerhouse. Jack shares eye-opening lessons from APAC's mobile-first, creator-driven markets, breaks down why PopSockets puts profitability before hypergrowth, and dives into how GenAI is reshaping creative strategies for ecommerce teams. If you're focused on scaling smarter, boosting bottom-line results, and staying ahead in a fast-paced digital world, you won't want to miss this one.

We're bringing back one of our favorite conversations — and for good reason: Noibu is a trusted partner of Mejuri. In this episode, we revisit our insightful chat with Rohit Nathany, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Mejuri, the leading fine jewelry brand redefining ecommerce. Rohit dives into how his team transitioned from a custom tech stack to Shopify, launched a loyalty-driven mobile app, and built a high-performing internal tech culture that fuels fast, focused innovation. Whether you missed it the first time or just want a fresh take, tune in for sharp insights on balancing speed, scale, and strategy in modern ecommerce.

Send us a textIn this episode of Pricing Heroes, we speak with Per Sjöfors — also known as The Price Whisperer — and the founder and CEO of Sjöfors & Partners. With over 35 years of executive experience and more than 750 companies advised, Per shares his unique approach to pricing, grounded in behavioral economics, AI-driven insights, and deep market research.We discuss the true impact of tariffs on pricing strategies, the psychological thresholds that influence customer behavior, and why most companies dramatically underestimate how their market perceives value. Per also explains how to avoid the common mistake of adding “tariff surcharges,” how to communicate price increases transparently, and how pricing teams can build resilience in times of uncertainty.Key Topics:Why tariffs don't affect willingness to pay — and what companies must do insteadIdentifying psychological “price walls” to avoid costly volume lossCommunicating price increases with transparency and value framingThe risks of gut-feel pricing and the ethical dilemma of margin paddingUsing behavioral economics to guide modern, data-informed pricing decisionsRecommended Resources:The Price Whisperer: A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power by Per SjöforsThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanMisbehaving by Richard ThalerNudge by Richard Thaler and Cass SunsteinPredictably Irrational by Dan ArielyConnect with Per Sjöfors: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/persjofors/ Website: https://sjofors.com/----------Get your free copy of Get Ready for the Future Of Pricing with our A-Z Guide.You can access all of our Pricing Heroes episodes featuring our interviews with retail pricing experts at https://competera.ai/resources/pricing-heroes.Interested in joining a dynamic community of pricing experts? Check out the Retail Pricing Community on LinkedIn, where you will find a community of professionals sharing their expertise and discussing the latest trends.For more information about AI pricing solutions, visit Competera.ai.

Send us a textIn this episode of Pricing Heroes, we speak with Josh Pollack, President and Principal Consultant at Pollack Retail Solutions. Josh shares insights from his 25+ years of experience in retail strategy, including stints at Sam's Club, Circuit City, ALDI, PetSmart, FullBeauty Brands, and Cabela's. He delves into why merchandising and pricing teams must work in tandem, how to balance short-term margin gains with long-term brand health, and where AI-driven dynamic pricing can either strengthen or undermine customer trust.Key Topics:Blending creativity and data to drive merchandising successThe intersection of pricing, forecasting, and inventory managementWhy tightly integrated merchandising and pricing functions matterNavigating price changes in volatile markets without alienating customersUsing AI responsibly to optimize prices and maintain brand integrityRecommended Resources:The Indicator by Planet MoneyArtificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie MitchellConnect with Josh Pollack:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-pollack-81980a1/----------Get your free copy of Get Ready for the Future Of Pricing with our A-Z Guide.You can access all of our Pricing Heroes episodes featuring our interviews with retail pricing experts at https://competera.ai/resources/pricing-heroes.Interested in joining a dynamic community of pricing experts? Check out the Retail Pricing Community on LinkedIn, where you will find a community of professionals sharing their expertise and discussing the latest trends.For more information about AI pricing solutions, visit Competera.ai.

Enjoying the Ecommerce Coffee Break Podcast? Here are a few ways to grow your business: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/level-up/ ---In this episode, we dive into how to future-proof your e-commerce strategy with composable commerce. Our guest Natalija Pavić, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Kibo, explains the difference between headless and composable commerce, highlighting how businesses can implement an "integrated composable" approach that allows for incremental innovation without complete platform replacement. Natalija shares insights on how composable commerce enhances customer experiences through better API architecture, enables "Commerce Anywhere" functionality, and provides flexibility for both B2C and B2B use cases. Topics discussed in this episode: Why composable commerce future-proofs e-commerce. What makes composable different from headless microservices. How "integrated composable" adds capabilities without replacing systems. Why API performance is critical for commerce platforms. How composable enables "Commerce Anywhere". Why mid-tier companies can adopt composable with small teams. What B2B dealer portals show about composable flexibility. How AI powers commerce with generative promotions. Why business drivers matter in composable adoption. What makes well-designed APIs key for e-commerce's future . Links & Resources Website: https://kibocommerce.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kibocommerce/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/KiboCommerce YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/kibocommerce Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/yvyukph8 MORE RESOURCESDownload the Ecommerce Conversion Handbook for store optimization tips at https://tinyurl.com/CRO-ebook Best Apps to Grow Your eCommerce Store: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/best-shopify-marketing-tools-recommendations/ Become a smarter online seller in just 5 minutes Our free newsletter is your shortcut to ecommerce success. Every Tuesday and Thursday in your inbox. 100% free. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com Rate, Review & Follow Enjoying this episode? Help others like you by rating and reviewing my show on Apple Podcasts. Rate here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecommerce-coffee-break-digital-marketing-podcast-for/id1567749422 Follow the podcast to catch all the bonus episodes I am adding. Do not miss out. Hit that follow button now!

TakeawaysThe retail landscape is rapidly evolving with new technologies.Customer centricity is a key focus for retailers today.AI is transforming how retailers operate and engage with customers.Startups are crucial for innovation in the retail sector.Shoptalk Spring will feature diverse topics relevant to retail.Balancing customer experience with operational efficiency is essential.The "Shark Reef" Startup Pitch highlights emerging retail-tech solutions.Retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences.Networking at conferences can lead to valuable insights and partnerships.Planning and flexibility are key to maximizing conference experiences. Chapters00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data02:14 Shoptalk Spring Conference Overview03:55 Roquan Lucas: Background and Role at Shoptalk06:38 Consumer Behavior and Content Evolution in Retail09:09 Customer Centricity: A Key Theme for Shoptalk Spring11:41 Startup Pitch: Innovations in Retail Technology15:34 Balancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency19:26 The Role of AI in Retail Transformation23:21 Maximizing Your Experience at Shoptalk26:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts More on Shoptalk Spring 2025:For more on the Startup Pitch event, read our ⁠preview report.Essential Guide to Shoptalk Spring 2025: Navigating the Future of Customer-Centric Retail with AI and Unified CommerceRead our Innovator Profiles and look out for our daily coverage of Shoptalk Spring 2025 here.

In today's episode Patrick and Shelli welcome Jay Topper, Chief Customer Officer at Fabric, to discuss his extensive career, leadership practices, and retail trends in 2025. In our wide-ranging discussion, Jay emphasizes the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and a 'hero culture' within organizations to foster quick and effective change. As an advocate for rapid execution and overcoming complacency, he offers practical advice for leaders to push their teams, but not push them away. Jay unpacks how to strike a balance between speed and thoughtful decision-making to achieve attainable and sustainable successes.(00:23) Welcome Jay Topper(02:15) Jay's Role at Fabric(03:47) Retail Industry Insights for 2025(09:00) Navigating Technology and AI in Retail Tech(14:30) Pushing for Speed in your Teams(23:56) Building a Hero Culture(26:36) Handling Crisis with Levity(29:11) Building Trust in a New Company(41:42) Embracing Impatience(44:31) The Value of Being Proven Wrong(49:02) Closing ThoughtsJay Topper, Chief Customer Officer at Fabric, is a US Army and Coast Guard veteran, who earned a Bachelors degree at the US Coast Guard Academy, and a Masters degree at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. After a decade serving our nation, he's had an exceptional 30 year civilian career, holding technology leadership roles like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer at Chico's FAS, FTD, Vitacost, and Rosetta Stone. He hosts his own podcast for Fabric exploring leadership and retail tech, called “Chiefly Digital.”If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Retailers face mounting challenges—from rising labor costs to evolving customer expectations. In this episode of Retail Tech Tips, we explore how AI, cloud computing, and data integration are transforming in-store experiences. Featuring industry leaders: - Roy Horgan, Group SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications at VusionGroup -Zach Whigham, Associate Director, Retail and Consumer Products at Kyndryl -Trevor Sumner Top Retail Expert Key takeaways from this episode: -AI and computer vision are redefining in-store engagement -Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are driving efficiency at scale -Retailers are moving from theory to action—focusing on ROI-driven solutions VusionGroup is a leader in electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and retail digitalization, helping retailers optimize pricing, promotions, and in-store experiences. Kyndryl is a global IT infrastructure powerhouse, working with retailers to modernize their technology ecosystems for scalability and efficiency. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve.

Retail Tech Tips: Creating seamless, interconnected retail ecosystems. by

Welcome to the 73rd episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives! This time, host Kailin Noivo sits down with Sienne Veit, Founder & Chief Product Officer of Invisible Stuff, for an in-depth discussion on her expertise on mobile-first design, AI's transformative role in retail, and the future of product management. Sienne Veit discusses actionable strategies on how to optimize customer journeys, go beyond traditional metrics, and embrace AI for both front-end and back-end retail innovation.

Meaningful change for patients comes from healthcare focused on hospitality. Marcelle Parrish emphasizes the importance of a patient-focused approach in healthcare. She says that studying, understanding, and improving each step of the patient experience is crucial.Welcome to Elevating Brick and Mortar. A podcast about how operations and facilities drive brand performance.On today's episode, we talk with Marcelle Parrish, CCO of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, equipped with innovative technology, serves more than 200,000 patients across the United States through advanced oral treatments that can help lead to better overall health and quality of life. Guest Bio:Marcelle Parrish, Chief Commercial Officer of Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers and Chief Digital Officer of TAG - The Aspen Group, is responsible for developing innovative strategies to deliver business results across the TAG family of brands and reimagine patient experiences.A Kansas City native, Marcelle graduated from Southern Methodist University and attended George Washington University for her MBA. Upon graduating, she embarked on a 25+ year career holding major digital and brand leadership positions at global retail and direct-to-consumer organizations including Johnson & Johnson, eBay, and Ralph Lauren.Timestamps:00:22 - About ClearChoice00:55 - Marcelle's journey04:52 - Hospitality in healthcare07:02 - Design in healthcare10:37 - How ClearChoice leverages technology15:03 - Adapting to consumers26:20 - Future thinking34:57 - Where to find Marcelle35:28 - Sid's takeawaysSponsor:ServiceChannel brings you peace of mind through peak facilities performance.Rest easy knowing your locations are:Offering the best possible guest experienceLiving up to brand standardsOperating with minimal downtimeServiceChannel partners with more than 500 leading brands globally to provide visibility across operations, the flexibility to grow and adapt to consumer expectations, and accelerated performance from their asset fleet and service providers.Links:Connect with Marcelle on LinkedInConnect with Sid Shetty on LinkedinCheck out the ServiceChannel Website

Welcome to the 65th episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives – this time, host Kailin Noivo sits down with Jenna Flateman Posner, Founder of Chief Digital Agency, for an in-depth discussion on how AI is reshaping retail. Jenna shares her journey from retail tech to leading digital transformations for major brands. Jenna discusses actionable strategies for aligning technology with consumer needs, from optimizing fraud detection to enabling conversational search. Learn how AI can simplify operations, enhance customer service, and drive profitability while keeping your brand competitive in today's digital-first landscape.

How are AI and edge computing revolutionizing the retail industry? In this episode, Bill sits down with Omar El Gohary, Vice President and General Manager of IoT Solutions at ServiceNow​​. Omar shares how AI and edge computing are transforming retail by optimizing operational efficiencies and reshaping customer experiences. He also delves into the challenges of managing distributed data, the impact of GenAI, and the opportunities for innovation in today's fast-paced retail environment.--------Key Quotes:“ Technology that is use case driven, that brings you benefit, that's where retailers have to go and that's where the benefits lie.”“You do see that retailers that have more robust processes, that have integrated their entire value chain, that are able to act on data and be proactive and not reactive, will definitely have an advantage.”“ One of the key words is how do you reduce the barrier to the adoption of the use cases, right? And that is by having the correct edge device, by having the right data approach and bringing the silos together, and having the right AI components.”--------Timestamps: (04:27) Evolving with technology in retail(06:33) Challenges in digitizing the retail industry(14:38) Technology adoption and its impact on retail(18:00) Breaking down data silos (27:03) Managing distributed data at the edge(39:03) GenAI's role in transforming retail--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Omar on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedInReimagining Intelligent Modern Retail: Redefining the Retail Experience for TomorrowLearn more about ServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.com/industries/retail.htmlhttps://www.servicenow.com/products/retail-operations.htmlhttps://www.servicenow.com/company/media/press-room/now-assist-ai-industry-solutions.html

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024's Retail Awards. In this short, they explore the groundbreaking retail technologies of 2024, including Walmart's invisible barcode implementation, the rise of in-store robotics, innovative marketplace platforms, and smart loyalty-based theft prevention solutions. Learn how these technologies are reshaping retail operations and customer experience. Key Moments: 0:14 - Discussion of in-store robotics and automation 0:32 - Analysis of Simbe's $500M funding round 1:06 - Impact of robotics on back-of-house operations 1:44 - Introduction of invisible barcode technology 2:16 - Self-checkout improvement potential 3:14 - Marketplace platforms analysis 4:09 - Walmart's loyalty-based theft prevention solution 5:02 - Customer experience implications 5:24 - Loyalty program benefits discussion #retailnews #retailtrends #retailstrategy For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7A

In the latest edition of Omni Talk's Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024's Retail Awards. In this short they explore which retail technologies and trends fell short of expectations in 2024, including device AI's premature rollout, the cost-prohibitive nature of smart carts, and Target's overemphasis on CarPlay integration. Learn why these technologies failed to meet expectations and what it means for retail innovation. 0:04 - Discussion of tariffs as overhyped trend 0:56 - Analysis of Caper Cart limitations 1:34 - Debate over smart cart value proposition 2:02 - Device AI's premature implementation 2:27 - Comparison to early tech adoption risks 2:59 - Target's CarPlay integration critique 3:13 - Digital growth comparison with competitors #retail #retailtrends #retailstrategy For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/iyNND1vZe7A

Joining us for a special bonus episode recorded live in the Scratch Event DJs remote podcast studio during RevTech Ventures annual summit is RevTech's very own David Matthews. David shares his deep experience with early stage investing in retail technology and shares exciting news about a new fund his firm is launching.Promotional consideration for this episode was provided by RevTech Ventures. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.