Omni Talk Retail

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso, Chris and Anne discussed:Kroger’s evaluation of its automated e-commerce fulfillment network (Source)Walgreens dedicating in-store space to party supplies and expanding assortment (Source)Starbucks deploying computer vision technology to track in-store inventory (Source)Pacsun announcing the formation of an industry-first youth advisory council (Source)Nearly half of AI search users preferring AI tools over Google (Source)There’s all that, plus croissants versus pain au chocolat, escargot versus languostines, and whether the Paris Metro beats the London Tube.P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on FeedspotMusic by hooksounds.com#RetailNews #KrogerAutomation #WalgreensPartySupplies #StarbucksAI #PacsunYouth #AISearch #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #RetailTech #ComputerVision #AutomatedFulfillmentThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

EXCLUSIVE: Dunkin' Benelux's Nacho Carnes reveals how they transformed bankruptcy into rapid growth through flavor-focused strategy and data-driven personalization.From the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF Europe, Nacho shares the remarkable turnaround story with us including:✅ How "flavor as strategy" differentiates them from competitors✅ Dubai chocolate donuts and donut printing for personalization✅ Individual QR code promotions based on customer engagement levels✅ First-time Digital Out of Home and Connected TV campaigns✅ Why incrementality beats attribution for measuring true ROI✅ Breaking down data silos to create unified customer profiles✅ Company ownership strategy vs. franchising for data controlThe transformation: From bankruptcy to weekly growth through cultural research, technology infrastructure, and personalized customer experiences.🎯 Perfect for: QSR operators, franchise leaders, data strategists, and anyone interested in post-crisis business transformation.#DunkinBenelux #QSRStrategy #FlavorStrategy #DataPersonalization #RetailTransformationThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

EXCLUSIVE: MC Sonae's Head of Tech Experimentation, Rafael Pires, reveals how Portugal's leading retailer has been pioneering retail innovation for 9 years straight.Rafael Pires shares insights live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at NRF Europe on:✅ Why "gut feeling" often beats complex evaluation matrices✅ How they filter 100+ annual tech initiatives down to executable pilots✅ The breakthrough in-store analytics that tracks customers like e-commerce✅ Why autonomous robots + AI will transform retail in the next 10 years✅ How to balance moonshot experiments with incremental improvements✅ The culture that allows failure and learning from "hype" technologiesRare behind-the-scenes look at how a major retailer actually makes technology decisions and manages innovation at scale.🎯 Essential for: Innovation managers, retail technologists, startup founders, and anyone interested in systematic experimentation.#RetailInnovation #TechnologyExperimentation #MCSonae #InStoreAnalytics #RetailTechThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Ryan Hamburger, Instacart's VP of Commercial Partnerships, explores how affordability is reshaping grocery delivery. He reveals that retailers with in-store pricing can achieve a 10% growth advantage. With plans for European expansion alongside Aldi and Morrison's, he discusses the significant role of agentic AI in future commerce. Hamburger emphasizes that Instacart's philosophy is to never become a retailer, focusing instead on enabling dynamic partnerships, while driving 70-75% incremental sales for their partners.

EXCLUSIVE: NRF President & CEO Matt Shay reveals what topics are dominating every retail boardroom conversation and shares his outlook for the industry's future.In this must-watch interview recorded live from the VusionGroup studio at NRF Europe's inaugural show in Paris, Matt breaks down:✅ Why retail is outperforming growth forecasts (and the hidden reason why)✅ The #1, #2, AND #3 priority for every retail CEO right now✅ How job market shifts directly impact consumer spending✅ The "antiquated" perception of retail that needs to change✅ What the top 10% consuming 50%+ means for retailersKey insights on consumer behavior, and retail innovation that every industry professional needs to hear.🎯 Perfect for: Retail executives, policy professionals, industry analysts, and anyone tracking economic trends affecting consumer spending.#NRF #RetailIndustry #RetailInnovation #ConsumerTrendsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Go behind the scenes at Walmart’s New York Fashion Week pop-up with Denise Incandela, EVP of Fashion at Walmart, and designer Brandon Maxwell, Creative Director for Scoop and Free Assembly, and the designer behind his own celebrated luxury brand. Discover how Walmart is democratizing fashion through elevated private brands, exclusive collaborations, and experiential retail moments in the heart of NYC. From 100% inventory growth this season to Free Assembly rolling out in every Walmart store nationwide and Scoop expanding to half the fleet, Walmart’s fashion transformation is reaching millions more customers than ever before - all at price points 3–4x lower than comparable brands.Key highlights include: the story behind Brandon Maxwell’s limited-edition $98 blazer, Walmart’s strategy to double store exposure for Scoop and Free Assembly, and how fashion at Walmart is redefining perceptions… making style accessible to all. Recorded live in the Meatpacking District during NYFW SS25. #WalmartFashion #WalmartStyle #NYFW2025 #BrandonMaxwell #ScoopStyle #FreeAssembly #AccessibleLuxury #StyleForAll #DemocratizingFashion #RetailInnovation #FutureOfRetail #AmericanFashionThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The lightning round covers fashion films, Ariana Grande's talent level, and AI-generated movies, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.From Chris's surprising Zoolander pick over Devil Wears Prada to Anne's rating of Ariana Grande as a perfect 10, plus discussion of OpenAI's $30 million AI movie "Critters" and the upcoming Spinal Tap sequel. Quick-hit entertainment takes that connect back to retail and culture.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retail insights!For the full #fastfive episode head here: https://youtu.be/1E4Lsj0iSMc #retailnews #retailtech #arianagrande #zoolander #retailmedia #ecommerce #retailinnovation #omnichannel #customerexperience #retailtrends #aiinretailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Office Depot launches a nationwide 15-minute pickup promise with $15 guarantees, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.President Kevin Moffitt positions this as the ultimate convenience play, offering $15 coupons when orders aren't ready in time. Chris worries about operational strain on store teams, while Anne questions whether this is primarily a marketing hook building on their existing 20-minute capabilities.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retail insights!For the full #fastfive episode head here: https://youtu.be/1E4Lsj0iSMc #retailnews #retailtech #OfficeDepot #Pickup #retailmedia #ecommerce #retailinnovation #omnichannel #customerexperience #retailtrends #aiinretailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Kroger unveils its "deli of the future" in a new Kentucky marketplace store, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.The 6,500 square foot prepared food section features open kitchens, made-to-order sandwiches, and premium offerings like Murray's cheese and Snow Fox sushi. Anne sees potential for additional trip occasions, while Chris questions whether this innovation addresses Kroger's real challenges with their existing store base.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retail insights!For the full #fastfive episode head here: https://youtu.be/1E4Lsj0iSMc #retailnews #retailtech #krogerdigitalcoupons #future #retailmedia #ecommerce #retailinnovation #omnichannel #customerexperience #retailtrends #aiinretailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Albertsons introduces three new retail media channels with investment matching programs, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso.The grocer's Media Collective now offers organic influencers, premium in-store screens, and enhanced on-site placements, plus matching CPG investments with enterprise media dollars. Chris and Anne analyze the competitive implications and strategic hooks for competing against Amazon and Walmart's retail media dominance.🔔 Subscribe for weekly retail insights!For the full #fastfive episode head here: https://youtu.be/1E4Lsj0iSMc #retailnews #retailtech #albertsons #grocery #retailmedia #ecommerce #retailinnovation #omnichannel #customerexperience #retailtrends #aiinretailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy