RETHINK RETAIL

Value isn’t just about low prices anymore. As shoppers become more intentional and economic pressures rise, retailers are shifting their strategies—from promotions and pricing to emotional connection and brand authenticity. We dive into how value is being redefined across the industry. Joined by experts Andrew Smith, Carol Spieckerman, Liza Amlani, and Andrea K. Leigh, we explore how retailers are aligning with evolving shopper priorities and what “value” really means today. Special thanks to Adobe and Icertis for making this episode possible!

What happens when technology meets true customer empathy? In this episode of Rethink Retail: Global Retail Leaders, host Alex Baker sits down with Uttam Kumar, Engineering Manager at American Eagle Outfitters, to discuss: - How engineers are becoming storytellers and changemakers in retail - The real role of AI — beyond recommendations, toward anticipation - Why successful digital transformation starts with people, not tech - Moving from waterfall to agile: lessons from 17+ years in retail systems - How hyper-personalization and data discipline define the next retail decade 🎧 Listen to the full conversation Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

EuroShop only happens once every three years — and every edition sets the pace for the future of global retail. In the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Alexis sits down with EuroShop Director Elke Moebius and EHI Senior VP Ulrich Spaan for an inside look at what’s new, what’s evolving, and what the world can expect from EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf — including its first-ever expansion to Dubai. If you’re shaping the next wave of store design, retail tech, or shopper experience, or planning your trip to one of Europe’s biggest retail events, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now

In this Rethink Retail podcast episode live from Groceryshop, David Weinand (Incisiv) speaks with Elisa Lyew, founder of Elisa’s Love Bites, on transforming her passion for clean, better-for-you desserts into a fast-growing national brand. They explore: - How Elisa pivoted from a decade-long NYC bakery to a scalable CPG model - Why clean ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and refined-sugar-free sweets set the brand apart - The focus on a hero product — the chocolate-chip cookie — as the foundation for national expansion Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Rick Olson, a Consulting Partner at Kyndryl with three decades in retail, shares insights on predictive analytics revolutionizing holiday planning. He discusses how retailers can forecast demand accurately, optimize inventory, and enhance operational efficiency to meet seasonal spikes. Rick highlights the importance of diverse data sources for precise predictions and how AI can streamline staffing and store operations. He also emphasizes reducing markdowns through better forecasting and using generative AI to uncover unique retail opportunities.

Bruce Smith, Founder and Chairman of Hydrow, shares his journey from passionate rower to entrepreneur, aiming to redefine home fitness. He discusses the synergy of building hardware, software, and content into one cohesive brand. Bruce reveals how community drives customer loyalty and highlights the shift towards personalized experiences in fitness. With insights on scaling business authentically and the role of AI in the future, he envisions a kinder world through daily movement and connection.

Welcome to Omnichannel Reimagined: A new RETHINK Retail & VTEX Video Podcast Series giving senior retail leaders an insider’s edge on the trends, tech, and tactics shaping the future of B2C and B2B commerce, from seamless digital storefronts to AI-powered experiences. In Episode 1, Top Retail Expert Brendan Witcher sits down with Santiago Naranjo, CRO at VTEX, to explore how AI is reshaping the buyer journey, whether websites are becoming obsolete in an AI-first world, the risks of letting AI platforms control customer relationships and how enterprise brands can remain indispensable, even when shoppers never visit them directly. 🎧 Tune in now to rethink what omnichannel really means in 2025 and beyond

How does a century-old luxury lingerie brand balance craftsmanship, connection, and cutting-edge technology? In this Rethink Retail episode, Cathy McCabe, CEO of Proximity, sits down with Marianna Satanas, President of Hanro USA, to explore how timeless values can drive modern transformation. They discuss: - Turning heritage and craftsmanship into a modern customer experience - How human connection still defines true clienteling in luxury - Why authenticity and personalization matter more than ever - Using AI to empower teams and give customers real choice - How sustainability, quality, and emotional value shape buying behavior today

The shelf era is over—and the rules of CPG growth are changing fast. 🛒💡 Join host Bryan Gildenberg and PwC experts Carla DeSantis & Remzi Ural as they break down how AI, agentic shopping, and moment-based experiences are rewriting retail. Learn how to turn data into actionable insights, leverage cloud ecosystems, and build an agile, AI-enabled enterprise that thrives in disruption. Listen now and rethink how your brand connects with consumers

How does a Japanese brand turn 150-year-old silk into a global haircare phenomenon? Alex Baker sits down with Kodai Takahashi, co-founder & CEO of Silk the Rich, to explore: - Transforming heritage silk into affordable luxury haircare - Scaling from 4 bottles sold to 10,000+ stores worldwide - Blending premium product experience with eco-friendly innovation (silk-based plastics!) - Leveraging AI for customer support and community engagement - Adapting to cultural differences while maintaining brand consistency Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com