Omni Talk

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies studio at Shoptalk Europe, Arianne Parisi, Chief Digital Officer at JD Sports, discusses the company's retail transformation journey and omnichannel commerce strategy. As a leading sports fashion retailer, JD Sports is focusing on putting the customer at the center of their operations while expanding their presence in the US market. Parisi shares insights on overcoming legacy systems, achieving cross-channel consistency, and meeting evolving consumer expectations. She emphasizes the importance of building brand awareness and redefining success metrics in the age of omnichannel retail. Discover how JD Sports is navigating the challenges of digital leadership and driving retail innovation in this engaging conversation.

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe, Marc Vicente Sala, Chief Digital Director at Kingfisher PLC, shares insights on the company's digital transformation and omnichannel journey. Kingfisher, a leading home improvement retailer with brands like B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and Brico Dépôt, is focusing on harnessing the power of AI, marketplaces, and retail media to enhance customer experiences. Marc Vicente discusses the importance of organizing and leveraging customer data to enable effective AI implementation, including algorithmic AI for forecasting and demand planning, as well as generative AI for catalog improvement and image quality enhancement. He also highlights the growing significance of marketplace business models and their synergy with retail media, allowing sellers to gain visibility and monetize through performance-based strategies. Discover how Kingfisher is navigating the digital landscape and driving omnichannel retail inn

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Podcast Studio from Shoptalk Europe 2024, Nikki Sale, Chief Digital Commerce Director at Diageo, shares insights on the company's digital transformation journey and omnichannel retail strategies. Diageo, known for iconic brands like Johnnie Walker, Baileys, and Guinness, is focusing on creating personalized and seamless consumer experiences across both physical stores and online platforms. Nikki discusses the importance of breaking down organizational silos and achieving alignment to effectively deliver omnichannel experiences. She also shares examples of innovative digital tools, such as "What's Your Whiskey," which utilizes flavor print technology to help consumers discover their preferred whiskey tastes. Discover how Diageo is leveraging digital tools and strategies to drive personalization and enhance the customer journey in this engaging conversation.

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe. Sathya Nandakumar, CTO at Holland & Barrett, shares insights on the company's digital transformation journey and the role of AI in the health and wellness retail sector. Holland & Barrett, a leading retailer of vitamins, supplements, and healthy food, is focusing on leveraging technology to enhance personalization and to improve its customer experiences across its omnichannel ecosystem. Nandakumar discusses the importance of a comprehensive AI strategy, highlighting the potential applications of generative AI in search, content creation, and personalization. She also emphasizes the significance of data as the foundation for machine learning, customer insights, and CLV optimization. Discover how Holland & Barrett is navigating the digital landscape, driving omnichannel excellence, and empowering store colleagues to deliver exceptional customer experiences in this engaging conversation.

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe, Sanjeeth Cherian, Head of Product Strategy and Business Operations at Walmart Commerce Technologies, shares insights on the company's journey to offer innovative retail technology solutions to retailers worldwide. As part of the founding team, Sanjeeth discusses the challenges and opportunities of building a SaaS platform that leverages Walmart's extensive experience in e-commerce, store operations, and supply chain. Sanjeeth highlights the importance of customer feedback in shaping product development and the key benefits of their offerings, such as route optimization, which addresses supply chain disruption, cost reduction, and carbon footprint reduction while providing flexibility to retailers. Discover how Walmart Commerce Technologies is positioning itself within the retail tech ecosystem and driving digital transformation through a platform play approach in this engaging conversation. Sponsore

In this exclusive interview from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe, Bruno Mourão, Head of Ecosystem at Sonae MC, shares insights on the company's approach to omnichannel retail, partnerships, and meeting customer expectations. Sonae MC, a leading Portuguese grocery retailer with a strong presence in both physical stores and e-commerce, is focusing on expanding its ecosystem beyond grocery to include food, health and wellness, loyalty, medical services, and marketplaces. Bruno discusses the company's journey from hypermarkets to supermarkets, convenience stores, and franchising models, as well as its efforts to consolidate omnichannel services like click and collect, curbside pickup, and quick commerce. He also touches on the growing importance of retail media and the need for consistency in delivering on customer promises. Discover how Sonae MC is navigating the evolving retail landscape and fostering partnerships with brands and local businesses to better serve Portuguese consum

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe, Dr. Jan Philippe Wintjes, Executive Vice President Global Omnichannel, Hugo Boss, shares insights on the company's approach to omnichannel retail, digital product discovery, and exploring new frontiers like Web 3 and the metaverse. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, JP oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including retail, e-commerce, app development, loyalty programs, customer relationship management, and merchandising. JP discusses the importance of creating engaging and exciting customer journeys across various touchpoints, from retail stores to online platforms. He emphasizes the role of digital product discovery in promoting brands through social media, live shopping, and 360-degree product visualization. Discover how Hugo Boss is leveraging innovative technologies like AI and logistics to enhance operational efficiency and profitability while maintaining an entrepr

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio from Shoptalk Europe, Caroline Welsh, Customer Digital and Trading Board Director at Brico Dépôt (part of the Kingfisher Group), shares insights on the company's remarkable journey in launching an e-commerce website in just eight days and a marketplace in three months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caroline also discusses her role in overseeing merchandising, advertising, loyalty, pricing, and customer data to create exceptional omnichannel experiences. Discover how Brico Dépôt stays true to its purpose while expanding its assortment, leveraging store colleagues' expertise, and fostering partnerships. Caroline also emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the MVP to move quickly and efficiently. Looking ahead, Caroline highlights the critical need for attracting future trade professionals and increasing female representation in the home improvement industry. She also touches on the importance of sustainability and

In this exclusive interview recorded live from the Walmart Commerce Technologies Studio at Shoptalk Europe, Baltazar Ozonek, VP of AI & Innovation at Pandora, the world's largest jewelry company, shares insights on unlocking the value of data and AI in an omnichannel retail environment. With a focus on customer experience and brand alignment, Baltazar discusses the importance of data quality, AI deployment, and personalization across all channels. Discover how Pandora is navigating the challenges of legacy tech and leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain as a competitive advantage. Baltazar also delves into the critical components of successful AI implementation, including data requirements, tech requirements, and people capabilities. Learn about the significance of measuring incremental gains, avoiding diminishing returns, and ensuring true revenue uplift when deploying AI solutions. Baltazar emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach that balances commercial opportunity with the complexity o

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 Sezzle, Chris and Anne discussed: - Amazon adding Grubhub food delivery for free to Amazon Prime (Source: Verge) - Abercrombie & Fitch’s first billion dollar Q1 (Source: Retail Dive) - Takeoff Technologies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (Source: Grocery Dive) - Walmart’s “trippy” new online storefront, Walmart Realm (Source: Fast Company) - And closed with a look at Kohl’s disastrous earnings report (Source: Reuters) There’s all that, plus this month’s OmniStar (congrats Burlington’s Connie Droge), how to best take care of bald scalps, Prince, and whether an AI digital twin of Chris would actually enhance Anne’s work life. Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, Mirakl and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Buying Or Selling: Google’s New AI Fit Tech? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/WRfZZXuntpg

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, Mirakl and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Schnucks Partnering With Ibotta For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/WRfZZXuntpg

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, Mirakl, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart Adding Free Pet Telehealth To Walmart+ For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/WRfZZXuntpg

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, Mirakl, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: TikTok To Make It Easier For Creators To Make Money For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/WRfZZXuntpg

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, Mirakl, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Wayfair Opening Its First Large Format Store! For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/WRfZZXuntpg

In this quick 5-minute interview, Joanna Ranagarajan, Managing Director at the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, explains how Shein has disrupted the fast fashion industry and discusses what other retailers can learn from the disruption. - Learn about Shein’s key strategies, including incorporating consumer feedback into product development, optimizing supply chain agility, and leveraging social media marketing. - Discover how Shein’s data-driven approach and rapid go-to-market strategy have enabled them to capture market share in the competitive retail landscape. - Gain insights into how brands can adapt to changing consumer trends and improve financial metrics by embracing “seasonless” products, reducing lead times, and responding decisively to customer analytics. - Stay ahead of the curve in the evolving world of fast fashion and retail disruption. To read Joanna and her team’s report on Shein and Fast Fashion, head here: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/navigating-the-rapid-pace-of-fashion/ Music

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Wiliot, Avalara, Mirakl, and Sezzle, Chris and Anne discussed: - What Wayfair has to get right in the opening of its first large-format store (Source: Chain Store Age) - TikTok lowering the thresholds for creators to earn seller commissions (Source: Bloomberg) - Walmart adding free pet telehealth to Walmart+ (Source: CNBC) - Schnucks partnering with Ibotta (Source: Chain Store Age) - And closed with a lively debate on the value of Google’s new AI tool that lets advertisers showcase clothing on various models and body types (Source: Wired) There’s all that, plus A&M's Joanna Rangarajan stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes on Shein and fast fashion, and we also talk head transplants, beach vibes, and why Chris thinks he is now a dead ringer for Mikhail Gorbachev. Music by hooksounds.com

Discover how AI is impacting practically impacting retail inventory planning and allocation through the eyes of Desigual. Join Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga from Omni Talk as they interview James Theuerkauf, CEO of Syrup Tech, and Carla Roger Casacuberta, Head of Merchandising at Desigual. Learn how Desigual leveraged Syrup Tech's AI optimization solutions to improve demand forecasting, its omnichannel retail strategies and capabilities, and its overall inventory efficiency. Understand the importance of balancing AI and human intelligence in retail analytics and innovation. Gain insights into the successful implementation of AI technology for merchandising and how it can transform your retail business. Don't miss this informative discussion on the future of AI in retail! #AIinRetail #InventoryPlanning #InventoryAllocation #RetailTechnology #AIOptimization #RetailAnalytics #OmnichannelRetail #DemandForecasting #RetailInnovation #InventoryEfficiency #SyrupTech #Desigual #RetailAISolutions #JamesTheuerkau

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Hims Offering Wegovy For $199 Per Month

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Wiliot, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Truett Horne and Jeremy Levine discussed: Lego Tying Sustainability Goals To Employee Bonuses For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/38T1iAyglTM