Omni Talk Retail

Grabango has officially shut down, marking a significant moment for the future of fixed-position camera-based automated checkout systems. The podcast discusses the implications of this closure, particularly in light of the fact that Grabango's technology, which was aimed at offering a checkout-free shopping experience, struggled to gain traction despite its innovative approach. Speakers analyze how the perceived value of simply walking out of a store without checking out may not be enough for consumers to choose such technologies over more established solutions. They also emphasize a shift in retail technology investments towards more cost-effective options like in-store robotics, which could lead to a decline in interest for just walk-out systems. As the conversation unfolds, they reflect on recent trends in the industry, including Amazon's own setbacks with similar technologies, suggesting a broader reevaluation of the automated checkout landscape.Takeaways: Grabango has permanently ceased operations, highlighting challenges in automated checkout technology. The shutdown of Grabango raises questions about the viability of camera-based checkout systems. Retailers may prioritize lower-cost solutions like robotics instead of complex camera systems. The trend towards in-store robotics is expected to intensify following Grabango's exit from the market. Amazon's criticisms of its own just walk out tech suggest a broader industry reevaluation. Retailers are focusing on technologies that directly impact their core business and profitability. Companies mentioned in this episode: Grabango Aldi Amazon Instacart Sam's Club Thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital for making this episode possibleFor the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/T_30gGTzlZ4This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this exclusive podcast episode from Omni Talk, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga join Shoptalk’s Joe Laszlo, Ben Miller and Alexa Tietjen, for a game show-style recap of all the key takeaways from Shoptalk Fall 2024 in front of the live conference audience, replete with tuxedos, buzzers, and amazing puns!Key topics covered include:The overall the state of the retail industry right nowThe rise of “Unified Commerce”How retailers are continuing to optimize their product assortmentsThe renewed emphasis on team developmentThe most pressing growth opportunities across the industryLoyalty, loyalty, and more loyaltyAI and data strategiesAnd the most interesting thing the panel learned off-stage, away from the planned conference contentSo, give it a listen, plug it into ChatGPT, and recap the conference for your team like a boss!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this exclusive interview recorded live at Shoptalk Fall 2024, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Sarah Post, VP of Interconnected Experiences at Home Depot.Key highlights include:[1:00] Sarah Post explains the role of interconnected experiences at Home Depot[2:50] How Home Depot caters to both DIYers and pros[3:50] Key advice for retailers looking to enhance their unified commerce strategy[4:30] Exciting holiday product launches, including viral Christmas trees and the iconic 12-foot skeleton[5:50] Home Depot’s approach to digital transformation in retailThanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Navar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIatMicrosoft#shoptalk #retailinnovation #holidayshopping #unifiedcommerce #aiinretail #retailtechnology #homedepotThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live at Shoptalk Fall 2024, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview David Morin, VP of Customer Strategy at Narvar, about the importance of post-purchase intelligence in retail. Key highlights include:[2:00] How Narvar empowers over 1,500 retailers with data-driven post-purchase solutions[4:10] Discussion on delivery estimates, return policies, and enhancing customer satisfaction[8:00] The role of post-purchase in unified commerce [10:20] Preparing for holiday season logistics and return strategies.Thanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Narvar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIatMicrosoft#Shoptalk2024 #retailinnovation #postpurchase #customerexperience #logistics #holidayshopping #unifiedcommerce #aiinretail #retailtechnologyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this exclusive interview recorded live at Shoptalk Fall 2024, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Lauri Joffe, Chief Marketing Officer at American Freight. Key moments include:[1:00] Lori introduces American Freight and her role as CMO[2:30] The importance of unified commerce for consistent customer experience across stores and online[4:10] How traffic counting and conversion metrics help unify e-commerce and stores[6:00] The role of data in understanding customer behavior[8:00] American Freight’s brand refresh and fun Q4 initiatives[9:50] What to expect for 2024 in the home furnishings industryThanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Navar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIatMicrosoft#shoptalk #retailinnovation #holidayshopping #unifiedcommerce #retailtechnology #americanfreight #homefurnitureThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this exclusive interview recorded live at Shoptalk Fall, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Emily Erusha-Hilleque, Senior Vice President of Private Brands at Macy’s.Key highlights include: [1:00] Emily discusses her role in overseeing Macy’s private brands[3:00] The seamless integration of private and national brands across digital and physical channels [4:30] Insights on new private brands On 34th, State of Day, and Mode of One[6:10] The growing influence of digital sales and how Macy’s tailors assortments online[7:20] Macy’s holiday collection highlights, including cashmere, beauty, and home decorThanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Navar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIAtMicrosoft#shoptalk #retailinnovation #holidayshopping #unifiedcommerce #apparel #retailtechnology #macys #privatelabelThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this exclusive interview recorded live at Shoptalk 2024, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga interview Denise Incandela, EVP of the Fashion Division at Walmart U.S.Key moments include:[1:00] Denise explains her role overseeing Walmart’s fashion division[3:40] Walmart’s strategy to expand national and private brands like Scoop and Free Assembly[5:50] How digital data informs Walmart’s assortment and store strategies[8:30] Walmart’s partnership with StockX and luxury brands like Chanel and Coach[10:20] The impact of store remodels on customer perception[12:00] Walmart’s focus on influencers and digital platforms like Roblox[14:00] Looking ahead to spring fashion and exciting brand relaunchesThanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Navar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIatMicrosoft#shoptalk #retailinnovation #holidayshopping #unifiedcommerce #retailtechnology #walmart #fashionstyleThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this interview recorded live from Shoptalk Fall 2024, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga from Omni Talk interview Margaret Synan, Azure Sales Director at Microsoft. Key moments include:[1:00] Overview of the Azure platform’s role in retail[2:40] Key retail innovations through data-driven AI[3:50] Improving customer journey and personalization with AI[5:00] Unified commerce and how Microsoft helps retailers enhance store operations[6:20] Microsoft’s upcoming Ignite event and holiday season expectations[7:30] How generative AI is transforming retail[7:50] Challenges and progress in AI adoption across retail sectorsThanks to Narvar and Microsoft for making all of Omni Talk Retail's Shoptalk Fall coverage possible. Visit Narvar at booth L45 or at Navar.com & Checkout Microsoft at aka.ms/AIatMicrosoft#Shoptalk2024 #retailinnovation #unifiedcommerce #aiinretail #retailtechnology #microsoft #azureThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris and Anne took to the Windy City to discuss:Grabango calling it quits and what it means for the future of Just Walk Out-like tech (Source)Exciting new AI updates from Google Shopping (Source)Amazon’s decision to unify its e-commerce efforts across Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods (Source)JD Sports new reJD resale effort (Source)And closed with a look at why Amazon adding a microwarehouse to a Whole Foods in Pennsylvania could be a horrible idea for Whole Foods shoppers in the long-run (Source)There’s all that, plus childhood career dreams, a ranking of quick-serve fried chicken restaurants, and when was the last time Anne snapped into a Slim Jim.Music by hooksounds.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this Fast Five Short we discuss Kroger's recent partnership with Disney marks a significant shift in the retail subscription landscape, as it now offers Disney's streaming options as part of its annual membership plans. This includes complimentary subscriptions to Disney Basic with ads, Hulu with ads, or ESPN Plus for both new and existing members. The discussion explores the competitive implications of this move, particularly for major players like Amazon and Walmart, and highlights how these subscription services could lead to increased customer loyalty. The conversation also touches on the potential challenges regional grocers may face and speculates on the future of retail memberships as more companies seek to enhance their value propositions. As consumer preferences evolve, the episode emphasizes that the real winners may ultimately be the consumers, who stand to benefit from an expanding array of enticing subscription options.Kroger has made a significant move in the retail subscription landscape by incorporating Disney's streaming services into its Boost by Kroger membership. This strategic decision allows members to choose from a complimentary subscription to Disney Basic with ads, Hulu with ads, or ESPN Plus as part of their annual fee. The $99 membership plan is designed to attract both new enrollees and existing members looking for added value in their subscriptions. Additionally, a more accessible $59 plan offers a six-month subscription to the same streaming services, appealing to a broader audience. This partnership with Disney is seen as a major win for Kroger, positioning it as a formidable competitor against giants like Amazon and Walmart, which already offer similar subscription models that include access to extensive content libraries. This move signals a shift in consumer preferences towards bundled services that integrate both retail and entertainment, raising questions about how regional grocers will keep pace with these developments.The implications of such partnerships extend beyond mere consumer offerings; they hint at a future where grocery retailers leverage media content to enhance customer loyalty. As subscription models become more popular, the potential for customer retention increases, making it harder for consumers to switch to competing brands. The conversation also touches on the future of retail subscriptions, with both speakers contemplating what other services could be integrated into these models. The discussion raises interesting points about the direction of services like Walmart Plus and the ongoing evolution of consumer expectations, particularly among younger demographics like Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These groups prioritize experiences and value, suggesting a future where grocery shopping could incorporate elements of hospitality and lifestyle services, further blurring the lines between retail and entertainment.Additionally, the episode delves into the competitive landscape of retail subscriptions, highlighting how companies like Target may need to rethink their strategies to remain relevant. As Kroger enhances its offerings with Disney's vast content portfolio, the pressure mounts on other retailers to find unique partnerships or services that can differentiate them in a crowded market. The speakers express curiosity about how Target will respond and what additional streaming or media content they could potentially offer. This episode underscores the significance of innovation in the subscription space, as retailers vie for consumer attention and loyalty in an increasingly digital world.Companies mentioned in this episode: Kroger Disney Hulu ESPN Amazon Walmart Paramount Netflix Albertsons PBS This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy