Unmasking the Omnichannel Secrets of a Retail Giant: A Conversation with Spencer's Gifts

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter explore the world of retail supply chain innovation with an outstanding panel featuring Venky Avunoori, Vice President of eCom and Customer Technologies at Spencer's & Spirit, Jim Ray, Divisional Vice President of Supply Chain Technology at Spencer's & Spirit, and Justin Cramer, Co-founder at ProShip. Together, they uncover the behind-the-scenes strategies powering the iconic retail brands Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween.

Their insightful discussion reveals how these retail giants master the art of omnichannel fulfillment, navigate seasonal supply chain complexities, and ensure seamless customer experiences. From the challenges of opening 1,500 pop-up stores in weeks to leveraging AI-driven insights and custom-built technologies, this episode is packed with actionable insights and innovative approaches.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(04:00) Half marathons, hockey, and ballroom dancing

(07:35) Overview of Spencer's & Spirit's unique retail model

(12:32) The year-round planning behind Spirit Halloween

(16:11) Inventory optimization and the role of pop-up stores

(20:15) Omnichannel strategies: BOPIS and ship-from-store

(25:00) Overcoming challenges with inventory visibility in stores

(29:07) Leveraging custom technology for temporary distribution centers

(33:19) AI and gen AI innovations for seasonal operations

(37:42) Future of retail fulfillment: Mini fulfillment centers and q-commerce

(42:10) Managing customer expectations in a volatile carrier environment

(46:00) Launching Spirit Christmas: A new seasonal challenge

(48:50) The importance of customer and employee experience

(51:35) Key takeaways from Spencer's & Spirit's supply chain strategies

(54:00) Evolving with customer needs and technology

Resources:

• Download the ProShip Report- https://bit.ly/408liBe
• Schedule a Discovery Call- https://bit.ly/3XTM0we
• Connect with Justin Cramer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincramer/
• Connect with Jim Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ray-ohio/
• Connect with Venky Avunoori : https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkyavunoori/
• Learn more about ProShip: https://proshipinc.com/
• Learn more about Spencer's & Spirit: https://www.spencersonline.com/
• Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/
• Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- Introduction to Microsoft Supply Chain: Enabling Scale and Complexity: https://bit.ly/40K1rsz
• WEBINAR- How Ferguson's Metrics-Driven Strategy Drove an 18% Improvement in Operational Efficiency: https://bit.ly/3YBbsFz
• WEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaD

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/unmasking-omnichannel-secrets-retail-giant-conversation-spencers-gifts-1363