Omni Talk Retail

In this interview, we’re live from NRF 2025 at the VisionGroup booth with Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco. Mark shares Costco's strategic approach to retail media, emphasizing their focus on member value, data foundations, and merchandising collaboration. Learn how Costco plans to use retail media to enhance member experiences and drive top-line growth while leveraging their unique "last mover advantage."Key Moments:0:20 - Introduction to Mark Williamson and his role at Costco.1:32 - Mark discusses Costco's approach to retail media and their "last mover advantage."2:20 - The core purpose of retail media at Costco.3:50 - Retail media trends and opportunities for 2025.6:54 - The relationship between merchandising and retail media at Costco.12:08 - Prioritizing data foundations for 2025 and beyond.#nrf2025 #retailmedia #retailstrategyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Anne and Chris sit down with Robert Jozic, SVP of Schwarz Media and Group Digital Strategy, to discuss the evolving landscape of retail media. Live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Robert offers a detailed roadmap for leveraging retail media as a strategic growth driver, focusing on digital transformation, incremental revenue, and bridging brick-and-mortar with media innovation.Key Moments:0:10 - Introduction to Robert Jozic and the Schwarz Group.1:25 - Robert’s role and responsibilities in digital strategy and retail media.4:37 - The strategic turning point for retail media in digitization.6:56 - Timeframes and challenges in capturing true media dollars.9:02 - The importance of standards, measurement, and media integration.14:48 - Strategic positioning for retail media success.17:18 - How retail media trends differ in Europe vs. the U.S.18:45 - Future priorities for the Schwarz Group’s retail media initiatives#retailmedia #retailtech #nrf2025This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this special interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio, Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins Omni Talk Retail live at NRF 2025 to discuss the future of the retail industry. From global macroeconomic challenges to the transformative power of AI and robotics, Shay shares his unique perspective on the state of retail and the continued evolution of NRF as a premier event for innovation and collaboration.Key Moments:0:50 – The role of NRF in the retail industry: convening, curating, and communicating.2:20 – Highlights from NRF 2025, including record-breaking attendance and a focus on AI.4:00 – The impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on retail strategies.6:15 – Insights into consumer behavior and disparities across income segments.10:50 – Why NRF continues to call New York home for its global retail event.12:30 – How NRF fosters innovation through a combination of education and exhibits.#nrf2025 #retailinnovationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from the VusionGroup podcast studio at NRF 2025, Michelle Weiskittel Head of Media, Creative, and Operations at Albertsons Media Collective, dives into how Albertsons is transforming the retail media space. From leveraging machine learning for real-time optimization to aligning media efforts with merchant strategies, Michelle provides a comprehensive view of retail media's evolving role in grocery.Key Moments:0:50 – Michelle Weiskittle introduces her role at Albertsons and her media-focused background.2:00 – How retail media integrates with merchant strategies and Omni-channel customer journeys.3:50 – Operational changes at Albertsons and the use of machine learning for optimization.5:45 – Insights from Albertsons' retail media track at NRF 2025 and leadership perspectives.7:20 – Albertsons’ focus for 2025: driving efficiency and effectiveness in retail media.#retailmedia #retailstrategy #albertsonsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Josh Friedman, Head of Digital Strategy and Transformation at Ulta Beauty, discusses the company’s approach to revolutionizing customer experiences. From leveraging AI for personalized content to transforming e-commerce and loyalty strategies, Josh provides valuable insights into how Ulta is staying ahead in the beauty retail industry.Key Moments:0:50 – Josh Friedman introduces his role at Ulta and background in e-commerce.1:30 – How Ulta prioritizes technology investments after annual planning.2:20 – The importance of personalization and the role of Ulta’s loyalty program.4:45 – AI’s impact on real-time content creation and personalization.6:30 – The challenges and key elements of successful retail transformation.8:00 – Josh’s serendipitous approach to discovering innovation at NRF.#nrf2025 #ultabeauty #retailindustryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Greg Cathey, Walmart’s SVP of Transformation and Innovation, discusses how Walmart is revolutionizing operations with cutting-edge technologies. From their Sidekick AI tool that supports associates in real-time to the rollout of digital price tags in partnership with the VusionGroup, Greg highlights Walmart’s commitment to innovation and associate empowerment.Key Moments:0:50 – Greg Cathey introduces his role at Walmart and his responsibilities.1:30 – How Walmart gathers associate and customer feedback to drive transformation.3:45 – Walmart's timeline for innovation, from rapid prototyping to long-term projects.6:00 – The rollout of new inventory management practices and their impact on efficiency.10:00 – A deep dive into the Sidekick AI tool and its role in democratizing knowledge.13:40 – Walmart’s partnership with the VusionGroup for digital price tags and operational improvement.#nrf2025 #walmart #retailindustryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this live interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF 2025, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Todd Garner, SVP and Chief Product Officer at Sam's Club. Todd delves into the cutting-edge technologies powering retail innovation, including the success of scan-and-go and computer vision, as well as its digital-first Grapevine concept store.Key Moments:0:50 – Todd Garner shares his career journey from the military to retail leadership.3:20 – Insights on the Chief Product Officer role and its impact at Sam's Club.4:50 – How Sam's Club uses design thinking to solve member and associate pain points.5:30 – Scan-and-go technology and the introduction of computer vision at scale.8:40 – A closer look at the digital-first Grapevine concept store innovations.10:00 – Todd’s strategies for maximizing value from NRF 2025 and finding the right partners.#samsclub #nrf2025 #retailindustryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this live interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Tyler Davis, VP of Merchandise Operations at PetSmart, live from NRF 2025. Tyler shares his strategies for adapting to inflation, implementing cutting-edge pricing systems, and incorporating generative AI into merchandising.Key Moments:0:50 – Tyler Davis introduces his role at PetSmart and career journey.2:15 – Tyler shares his approach to preparing for NRF and setting clear goals.3:45 – Insights on generative AI and its potential to transform retail operations.5:40 – How PetSmart adapted to inflation with pricing adjustments and product mix recalibration.8:00 – Plans for 2025: enhancing merchandising flexibility, planogramming, and pricing technology.10:00 – Discussion on online vs. in-store segmentation and future retail trends.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Omni Talk Retail kicks off NRF coverage with a tour of Save A Lot’s innovative micro-fulfillment center in Brooklyn, powered by Fabric. Jonathan Morav, Fabric’s VP of Sales, shares insights into how robotic automation and tri-temperature zones are transforming grocery delivery economics in dense urban areas.Fabric develops automated MFCs, with everything built in-house, including unique features designed to support efficient operational processes. Fabric understands that technology can be amazing, but if it doesn’t seamlessly support what happens operationally outside of it, it won’t make an impact.Key Moments:0:01-1:00 – Introduction and NRF kickoff1:01-2:30 – Fabric's approach to fulfillment automation and company overview2:31-4:30 – Key features of the Brooklyn facility, including tri-temperature zones4:31-6:00 – Save A Lot’s entry into NYC through this facility6:01-8:30 – Customer experience and order processing workflow8:31-10:00 – Addressable market size and facility capabilities10:01-12:00 – The evolution of micro-fulfillment and its future potential12:01-14:00 – How the pandemic accelerated grocery automation adoptionExplore the future of grocery innovation with this insightful tour and conversation!And, ff you're interested in learning more, you can reach out to Fabric through the following contacts:Jonathan Morav – VP Sales | Jonathan.Morav@getfabric.comShirley Bachar – VP Marketing and Business Development | Shirley.Bachar@getfabric.comWebsite: www.getfabric.com LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabriclogistics/#groceryshopping #supplychainmanagement #savealot #groceryinnovation #retailtechnology #retailtrends *Sponsored Content*This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Waymo Win Lightning RoundFor the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kcThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy