

Retail Remix
Retail TouchPoints
The rules of retail are constantly changing. Today, we're in an exciting new era where brands can differentiate through experience and use technology to connect with customers in new and exciting ways. Retail Remix is a new podcast series brought to you by Retail TouchPoints, the industry's leading source for news, insights and research for all things customer experience. Every week, we sit down with someone who is helping put a new spin on the retail experience. Hear from the top practitioners, analysts and innovators in retail, and see what new engagement opportunities await.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 12, 2023 • 28min
Creating Immersive Brand Experiences with Data-Driven Advertising
The modern shopping experience is about creating immersive, personalized experiences for shoppers. What better way to make your customers feel seen and appreciated than by tailoring ads and promotions to them? By leveraging data-driven advertising strategies like targeted campaigns and segmenting audiences, brands can create more effective campaigns that point toward what customers need and what they don't even know they need yet! During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Elisabeth Rommel, General Manager of Global Advertising Growth at eBay. The pair chat about Elisabeth’s unique history in the industry, lessons learned, best practices and insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving advertising world. Check out this episode to get insights on: How eBay is tracking (and responding to) evolving consumer needs via its marketplace; The evolving advertising landscape, and how brands can use data to fine-tune their investments; How the advertising arm of eBay is helping drive shopper and seller growth through various advertising offerings.RELATED LINKSConnect with Elisabeth here!Learn more about eBay Ads Holiday Report.Learn more about industry advertising trends at Retail TouchPoints.

Jun 5, 2023 • 35min
The Evolution of the Creator Economy
The rise of Instagram is a great example to illustrate how the power of influence has shifted from brands to creators. This shift has sparked the evolution and expansion of the “creator economy,” which is fundamentally changing the shopping experience. How can brands keep pace and capitalize on these new opportunities? During this episode of Retail Remix, our host Alicia Esposito talks with Rodney Mason, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships for LTK. The pair chat about how the creator economy works and why it can be advantageous for modern-day retailers. Check out this episode to learn about: The evolution of influencer marketing into the new “creator economy;”The creator economy’s impact on building consumer trust;The evolution of retail media and its implications on the influencer space; andKey tips and best practices for tracking sales and compensating creators appropriately.RELATED LINKSConnect with Rodney here!Get more insights from LTK.Learn more about the LTK Creator Community.Learn more about how creators can power retail media.Learn more about creator-guided shopping and influencer marketing trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn more about creator-guided shopping trends in your industry? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

May 29, 2023 • 30min
Staying Human in a Robot World: The Power of H2H Engagement
In today's digital world, getting caught up in the constant need for online presence and engagement is easy. With the rise of always-on communication channels, leveraging every robot available to maintain a genuine connection with customers can be tempting. However, many successful brands recognize the importance of staying true to the Human-to-Human (H2H) engagement philosophy.During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Tony Drockton, Founder and Chief Cheerleader of the premium leather accessories company Hammitt. Shortly after being attacked by robots, the group discusses Tony’s passion for the H2H engagement philosophy and how Hammitt leverages data to drive improved customer experiences and loyalty. Check out this episode to learn: How Hammitt makes technology invisible in the customer experience to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience;Hammitt's long-term vision for keeping customers engaged and passionate about the brand through their lifetime guarantee program;The importance of connecting digital channels and data with in-store service and events to improve the overall customer journey; andTony’s journey to Hammitt and why he loves the industry.RELATED LINKSConnect with Tony here!Learn more about Hammitt.Learn more about personalization and CX trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn more about personalization and CX trends in your industry? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

May 22, 2023 • 19min
Shopping Center Marketing: Retail’s Most Expensive Gym Membership?
Have you noticed all the stores at your local shopping center vying for your attention? The big, bold signs advertising special sales, discounts and events? These marketing tactics not only cost time, but they also come with a hefty price tag. But did you know that there are usually digital and physical marketing opportunities baked into lease agreements and these resources either go unused or are not fully optimized? That’s why Sean Snyder, Founder and President of Engagement Agents, calls shopping center marketing retailers’ most expensive gym membership.During this episode of Retail Remix, learn how brands and retailers can close the gap between themselves and their shopping center partners to create a more cohesive (and seamless) marketing strategy that drives traffic and dwell time. Listen to learn:How the relationship between retailers and developers have changed;How these dynamics have impacted brands’ go-to market strategies as they double-down on brick-and-mortar investments; and Best practices to help brands and retailers better collaborate with shopping center partners and optimize their marketing investments as the experience continues to evolve. RELATED LINKSConnect with Sean on LinkedIn.Learn more about Engagement Agents!Learn more about shopping center marketing trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn more about the evolution of brick-and-mortar and how shopping malls are investing in the experience economy? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

May 15, 2023 • 30min
Web3: A New Era of Shopper Experience and Expression
The success of any brand hinges on its ability to deliver personalized and immersive customer experiences. Enter Web3, which unlocks a new infrastructure and new capabilities for digital teams to give shoppers more control over their experience. Chris Silver, Co-founder of the customer loyalty platform BambuMeta, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on this topic as he and his team explore the various ways brands can embrace Web3 to enhance customer engagement and drive loyalty. During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Chris about his history in retail and how he analyzes the new opportunities that come with new channels and technologies, such as AR, gaming and metaverse experiences. Check out this episode to learn: Why Chris helped start BambuMeta to enhance the customer experience through loyalty programs and omnichannel technology;The importance of data security and identity protection in this new era of customer experience; andHow brands can determine when and how to jump into the evolving world of Web3.RELATED LINKSConnect with Chris on LinkedIn.Learn more about BambuMeta!Learn more about Web3 trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn more about how Web3 impacts customer loyalty in your industry? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including the D2 Summit: Retail Edition, which will dig into the new era of the internet, and how Web3, NFTs, generative AI and more, will impact the future of the industry. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

May 8, 2023 • 33min
How Qalara is Helping Ethical Brands Scale
As businesses expand globally, they begin to face more complex issues such as global payments, ambiguous compliance requirements and language barriers – and that’s just naming a few! But Aditi Pany founded Qalara to help small and emerging brands scale more seamlessly, and empower retailers to discover these brands, too! During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito sits down with Aditi to learn about why she wanted to create a platform designed to support the growth of ethically made wholesale brands, and how shifting consumer behaviors are driving the evolution of the Qalara business. Listen here to learn: Aditi’s origin story and how her family inspired the creation of Qalara;The new challenges of expanding globally and how Qalara is helping brands overcome them; andTips to help businesses reach similar levels of growth and scale.RELATED LINKSConnect with Aditi on LinkedIn.Learn more about Qalara!Learn more about global supply chain trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn how marketplaces are creating new growth opportunities across the retail ecosystem? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

May 1, 2023 • 21min
Youthforia Founder on Creating Content that Connects…and Drives Commerce
Gone are the days of overwhelming and uninspiring beauty shopping online. With Youthforia’s branded ecommerce site, robust content strategy and seamless beauty discovery platform, we see a new era of online shopping for the beauty consumer. Fiona Co Chan, Founder and CEO of Youthforia, has focused on leveling up the way sustainable skincare and makeup brands connect with consumers – from social media and beyond. During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Fiona about her experience starting Youthforia and what she has learned about how consumers now prefer to shop for makeup and skincare. Tune in to learn: How Youthforia’s use of green chemistry principles has become a key product and marketing differentiator; Fiona’s tips for creating content that resonates with consumers on social media; The unique power of video in marketing and customer experience; and How Youthoria is integrating brick-and-mortar strategically into its growth roadmap. RELATED LINKSConnect with Fiona on LinkedIn and Instagram.See Fiona on Shark Tank!Learn more about beauty retail trends at Retail TouchPoints.Do you want to learn more about how environmental and sustainability initiatives, tech innovation, and buyer expectations impact your industry? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

Apr 24, 2023 • 33min
Unlocking the Power of Subscription Commerce
Subscription models have evolved beyond offering consumers merely convenience and savings. Look at companies like FabFitFun, which now offer curation tools, loyalty programs, access to community and so much more to create a loyal customer base. During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Paul Chambers, CEO and Co-founder of the Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA). The pair talk about how brands and even media companies are working together to unlock the power of subscription commerce and optimize customer experiences. They also discuss how brands can design subscription programs that create customer value instead of headaches. Check out this episode to learn: How the subscription commerce market has grown and whether it’s a “no-brainer” for most brands;The importance of keeping the customer at the center of your subscription program strategy; andHow to use data to improve and innovate program features and benefits.RELATED LINKSConnect with Paul on LinkedIn and Twitter.Learn more about SubSummit and save your seat!Check out SUBTA.Download the Subscription Commerce Industry Outlook report.Learn more about subscription commerce trends at Retail TouchPoints.Want to learn more about how subscription commerce impacts your industry? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register and use the code RRPODD225p to get 25% off all pass types!

Apr 17, 2023 • 33min
How Tractor Supply Uses Technology to Engage and Empower Associates
As retailers consider investing in in-store technology, their goals typically fall into two categories: efficiency and engagement. Some retailers may want to focus on making employees’ lives easier while others may want to prioritize high-touch service to shoppers. How can retailers determine which model makes the most sense? Is it possible to prioritize both goals to create a differentiated customer experience? During this episode of Retail Remix, we listen in on a conversation between our host Alicia Esposito, Glenn Allison, VP of Customer-Facing Applications Development at Tractor Supply, and Tony Boncore, Global Customer Marketing Principal at Honeywell. They discuss how the two companies are collaborating to provide store technology that supports both associates and customers. Listen to learn how Tractor Supply is: Keeping leadership aligned on store technology goals and investment priorities; Effectively measuring the impact of these investments using qualitative and quantitative insights; andCollaborating with partners like Honeywell to establish a vision for long-term innovation. RELATED LINKSConnect with Glenn on Linkedin.Connect with Tony on LinkedIn.Learn more about mobile trends at Retail TouchPoints.Want to learn more about balancing efficiency and innovation? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register before April 6 to get Super Early Bird savings, and use the code RRPODD225p to get an extra 25% off all pass types.

Apr 10, 2023 • 37min
Bringing Food & Beverage Innovation to Target
Expanding your brand into a new market or category can be tricky. How much should you innovate and expand upon what you already do? What do customers expect from such an experience? Rick Gomez, EVP and Chief Food & Beverage Officer at Target, played a crucial role in transforming the retailer’s identity from a typical retailer with limited food and grocery options to a comprehensive grocery store. Last summer, at the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo in Chicago, Rick shared a behind-the-scenes look at how Target approaches innovation and growth to give customers what they want and expect from their shopping experiences.During this episode of Retail Remix, we give you exclusive access to Rick’s session to learn how he and his team helped transform the retail giant from a typical chain of stores into a one-stop destination for shoppers' culinary needs. Listen to learn: How Target uses data and digital tools to innovate;How to show up in new markets in a unique way;Ways to create powerful, personalized moments; andIndustry trends Rick is excited about and considering to drive future growth.RELATED LINKSLearn more about Rick’s work in our Retail Innovator Awards report!Follow Rick on LinkedIn and Twitter.Learn more about food and beverage trends at Retail TouchPoints.Want to learn more about what it takes to evolve your brand and fuel growth? Want to learn from other innovative executives like Rick? Register for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is taking place June 13-15, 2023, in Chicago and will be laser-focused on what’s new and what’s next in connected commerce. All-Access Pass holders will get access to three days of content, including sessions on new revenue models like resale, social commerce, and more. Register before April 6 to get Super Early Bird savings, and use the code RRPODD225p to get an extra 25% off all pass types.


