Rethink Retail

Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine retailers that have a unique history, are making innovative changes to their business model, or are overcoming challenges to stay relevant in this highly competitive landscape. This week, we're stepping into a realm filled with nostalgia, a world that started in a quaint Danish workshop and grew into an icon in every child's playroom and adult's memory. Think back to those tiny, colorful bricks that clicked together to create everything from castles to spaceships, sparking endless hours of creativity and fun. It’s a brand that’s not just about play; it's about the joy of building and the thrill of bringing imagination to life. From inspiring movies to thrilling theme parks, this brand has been a magical part of our childhood and continues to capture hearts across the globe. That's right – this week, we're talking about LEGO.

In this episode, tech maestros Sue McMahon, Director of Worldwide Retail and Consumer Goods Partner Strategy at Microsoft, and Kevin Castillo, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Alliances at Quisitive, dive deep into the cloud's pivotal role in the retail revolution. Gain valuable insights into how the cloud is reshaping the future of retail, prompting business leaders to recognize and harness its advantages.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Hani Batla, CTO and CIO of Adorama, at the Adorama Flagship Store in New York City. Adorama is a leading retail company with nearly 50 years of experience in photography, video, audio, and electronics equipment. They offer an extensive range of products, expert guidance, and competitive pricing, making them a trusted one-stop shop for both enthusiasts and professionals. Throughout his career, Hani has focused on leveraging technology and data integration to enhance customer experiences. Hani's passion for his work at Adorama also stems from his own experiences as a documentarian and content creator and his deep understanding of the needs and preferences of fellow creators. In this episode, Hani shares valuable insights on how small businesses can compete with retail giants by embracing cutting-edge technology and personalization, as well as why the brand's commitment to customer support, educational resources and community engagem

Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine retailers that have a unique history, are making innovative changes to their business model, or are overcoming challenges in order to stay relevant in this highly competitive landscape. Toys “R” Us has plans to open 24 flagship stores next year, but is that what it’s going to take to turn this memorable retailer around? Join host Andrew Smith as he engages in insightful discussions with Top Retail Influencers Shelley Kohan and Sucharita Kodali about the rise, fall, and resurrection of Toys "R" Us while offering some suggestions for their future success.
 This episode of Retail Therapy is brought to you by the Retail Cloud Alliance, Adobe, Blue Yonder, and Amperity.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host Jamie Tenser sits down with Jie Cheng, VP and Global Head of Digital Commerce for Mondelez International, following her panel discussion at Groceryshop 2023. With a diverse background spanning multiple iconic brands such as Conair, Danone, Hershey, and Campbell Soup, Jie has amassed a wealth of experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and digital transformation. She has played a pivotal role in pioneering online sales strategies for branded products, demonstrating her expertise in leveraging digital channels to drive business growth. Jie's current focus lies in harnessing the power of data-driven personalization to enhance consumer experiences and optimize marketing campaigns. During their conversation, Jie dives into the world of retail media in the grocery industry and sheds light on the untapped potential of leveraging consumer data for personalized marketing and enhanced consumer experiences. Resources: Connect with RETHINK Retail on

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Prabash Coswatte, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Grocers Group, a grocery conglomerate that carries the weight of decades-old banners such as Cardinals Markets, Tony's Fresh Markets, and El Rancho Supermarkets. With a focus on Hispanic consumers, Prabash reveals how Heritage Grocers is tailoring their offerings to meet the diverse needs of different communities and shares his insights on how Heritage is using acquisitions and organic growth to deliver better value to customers. Coswatte also emphasizes the importance of technology in improving processes, reducing waste, and enhancing the overall shopping experience through partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Upside. Resources: Connect with RETHINK Retail on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rethink-industries/ For the latest retail insights, visit: www.rethink.industries Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our channel and give us a 5-star rat

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Jason Farver, Executive Vice President at Hy-Vee and Chief Supply Chain Officer and President at Red Media. With an impressive background in manufacturing and privately held companies, Jason brings a fresh perspective to the retail industry. Over the past two years, he has played a pivotal role in Hy-Vee's growth and success, leading the charge in innovative strategies and initiatives. From overseeing the launch of the retail media network, Red Media, to driving efficiencies in the supply chain through robotics and automation, Jason's expertise has been instrumental in elevating Hy-Vee to new heights. With his passion for innovation and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, Jason is reshaping the retail landscape and solidifying Hy-Vee's position as a trusted and forward-thinking brand. Resources: Connect with RETHINK Retail on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rethink-industries/ For the latest retail i

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, we delve deep into the art of customer feedback and enhancing product offerings with Jeff Turnas, Senior Vice President of Culinary at Whole Foods. As we pull back the curtains at Groceryshop 2023, Jeff unveils how Whole Foods, under his culinary strategy, navigated through the pandemic, pivoted its offerings, and embraced the transformative Amazon partnership. Drawing from nearly three decades of experience and expertise in cities like New York, Boston, and London, Jeff shares invaluable insights into achieving elevated customer satisfaction, the redefined grocery store experience post the Amazon-Whole Foods merger, Whole Foods' commitment to sustainability and community, and the importance of cultivating a memorable in-store experience. Dive into the cultural shifts within Whole Foods post-acquisition and understand the larger implications for the grocery retail industry. Resources: Connect with RETHINK Retail on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rethink

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Beatriz Nuñez, Chief Growth Officer of Walmart Mexico and Central America, following her session at Groceryshop 2023. With a tenure of five years at Walmart, she has played a key role in the company's transformation and customer-centric approach and has been instrumental in driving initiatives to enhance the customer experience, implement digitalization strategies, and develop innovative solutions. During their conversation, Beatriz shares the challenges and transformations that Walmart has undergone, especially during the pandemic, and how they have embraced a customer-centric approach to drive their success. She also discusses the launch of Walmart Connect, their retail media network, and the impressive growth it has achieved in revenue and campaign numbers. Beatriz also emphasizes the importance of localization and understanding their customers' needs, highlighting their three-pillar strategy and initiatives like providing affo

In this episodes of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Tropicana Brands Group CEO Monica McGurk live at Groceryshop 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born into a line of family farmers, Monica McGurk found her humble beginnings in the agricultural sector. Her roots lay amidst fields of corn and potato plants, where she first picked up the values of hard work and responsibility. Years later, Monica's journey led her to the elite halls of Stanford University, donning the hats of both a student and an analyst at McKinsey. Yet, she never lost her inclination towards the 'doing' side of things, leading her to take the plunge into the corporate world. Working predominantly in the retail and CPG arena, Monica found herself gravitating back towards the food and beverage industry, a fond nod to her agricultural origins, and made a name for herself working with juggernauts like Coca Cola, Tyson, and Kelloggs. In her current role as CEO of Tropicana and Mainstream brands at Tropicana Brands Group, M

Live from Groceryshop 2023, join Morgan Petty, Lead Retail Analyst at RETHINK Retail, as sits down with Stewart Samuel, Director of Retail Futures at IGD. Stewart is renowned for seamlessly blending his profound knowledge of the grocery retail industry with an exceptional talent for uncovering unexplored growth opportunities. In each discussion, he expertly sketches the current retail panorama, effortlessly navigating its complexities. Stewart's expertise extends beyond theory; it's a well-honed craft that has made him a sought-after figure in the world of retail. He possesses a deep understanding of the art of divestment strategies, paving the way for prosperous mergers. With the grocery retail market becoming increasingly competitive, retailers are actively exploring fresh and innovative trends. Emerging concepts like alternative revenue models and groundbreaking retail spaces are gaining rapid traction. By staying proactive and responsive, retailers can harness these trends to enhance their visibility an

Unleashing the Power of Customer Data in Retail with Randy Evins In a world where customer data is the key to success, retail executives are faced with a daunting challenge. Join Randy Evins SR. Principal & Industry Advisor, Food Drug & Convenience at SAP Retail and Morgan Petty, in this podcast he reveals the secrets to customer adaptive retailing and data-driven decision making. But what happens when the data silos are broken down and the truth is uncovered? Find out in this gripping episode that will leave you on the edge of your seat. In this episode, you will be able to: - Uncover the progression of retail in the technologically driven era and the opportunities it presents. - Discover the significant role of personalized retailing and its influence on customer retention. - Learn why dismantling data silohs can be game-changing for your retail business. - Gain a unique perspective on how customer data can empower retail decisions to maximize ROI. Unearth methods of streamlining inventory for susta

Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine retailers that have a unique history, are making innovative changes to their business model, or are overcoming challenges in order to stay relevant in this highly competitive landscape. Join host Ian Scott and RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Influencers Andrew Smith, Carl Boutet, and Melissa Minkow as they uncover Gymshark's incredible journey from a UK garage startup to a global fitness apparel sensation. Renowned for its sleek designs, innovative fabrics, and a strong connection with its community, it has masterfully blended the realms of gym wear and streetwear. By fostering partnerships with influential fitness personalities and leveraging social media platforms, this brand has cemented its position as a cult favorite among fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, Host Andrew Busby sits down with Arvin Jawa, VP, Global Retail Strategy and Regional VP Americas Retail at Diebold Nixdorf, Martin Bailie, Founder of MWB Advisory Ltd, & RETHINK Retail Board Advisory Member, and Jason Souloglou, CEO of SeeChange to discuss how incorporating AI and self-service solutions can not only reduce friction but minimize shrink and maximize profits for your business. "AI, if applied correctly, really has the power to augment the human capabilities used in store operations as opposed to replacing them" - Arvin Jawa

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, Host Julia Hare sits down with Acosta Group CEO Brian Wynne to to discuss how grocers and CPG brands can differentiate themselves in a market that is more competitive than ever.  As CEO, Brian oversees an impressive workforce of 37,000 specialists spanning North America and Europe. His experience doesn’t stop there: Brian was at the helm of teams within Coca Cola, one of the most successful CPG brands globally. His knack for navigating the complex terrain of retail suppliers and his deep understanding of the CPG and grocery space bring a unique insider's perspective on the challenges and growth passages in this market. “To succeed in today's competitive landscape, grocers should think like brand owners, constantly pushing and challenging themselves to find the right solutions.” - Brian Wynne

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Kirat Anand sits down with Brian Beitler, founder & GM of Live Shop Ventures and Former CMO of Qurate Retail Group, to discuss the future of social shopping and the role of data in enhancing user engagement. During their conversation, Beitler explores how platforms like Instagram and TikTok cater to different audiences and purposes and compares the retail presence in an airport to the shopping features on social media platforms, emphasizing the need for a focused approach in recreating the joy of shopping as a pastime. Additionally, they discuss the challenges and opportunities of catering to younger consumers, specifically the Gen Z and Alpha consumers, who have a rapid consumption style and a high tolerance for choice. Beitler also provides advice for tech entrepreneurs looking to enter the V-commerce space, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of the consumer and the value of experimentation and patience. Resources: Nominate the next Global

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, RETHINK Retail CCO Kirat Anand sits down with Shardé Marchewski, a finance-turned-furniture maven, currently leading the way in supplier diversity at Wayfair. Initially dipping her toes in the field of commercial and investment banking, Shardé transitioned her career in an unexpected yet impressive trajectory, bringing her keen financial acumen and strategic mindset to the vibrant world of online home furnishings. A powerful advocate for diversity and inclusivity, Shardé has passionately woven vital DEI initiatives into Wayfair's business strategies, shedding light on underrepresented suppliers and giving them a platform to flourish. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a fad or trend, it's a daily commitment. We must support and uplift underrepresented groups in the retail industry every single day. - Shardé Marchewski Actions for Retailers: - If you are a retailer or e-commerce brand, think about how you can amplify the voices of underrepresented grou

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Host Gabriella Bock sits down with Ben Miller, a sharp mind who breathes life into two of the industry's most renowned trade shows, Shoptalk and Groceryshop. Known for his inside-out knowledge of the retail industry, Ben plays a pivotal role in sculpting original content that resonates with brands and retailers across the globe. Ben and Gabriella sit down to discuss the upcoming Groceryshop 2023 event, which will be held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from Sept 19-21, 2023. Ben provides a sneak peak into what we can expect at the show this year, revealing topics like the application of AI in grocery, food waste reduction, navigating the US economy's impact on the grocery landscape, and more. "Technology like AI and generative AI has the potential to truly transform the grocery industry, and we've only just scratched the surface." - Ben Miller Resources: Secure your ticket for Groceryshop 2023! Visit: https://gs23-registration.personatech.com/code?cId=cmV0aG

Sabrina Callahan has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of e-commerce, leading the impressive growth of Sam's Club's digital wing. A graduate from the University of Kansas, her journey began with Hilton, where she sharpened her skills in e-commerce and digital strategies. Her professional voyage took a turn when Walmart approached her during her maternity leave. Initially hesitant due to her loyalty to Hilton, she was eventually won over by the energy and passion of Walmart's CMO, Tony Rogers, who proposed an exciting opportunity to build a $60 billion brand. Making the leap into the fast-paced world of retail, Sabrina found her footing and began to make her mark. In a world driven by convenience, she focused on providing value through digital channels, helping launch initiatives like Scan and Go, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery. By personalizing experiences and optimizing traffic, Sabrina stresses the importance of understanding customer behavior and leveraging this data to improve

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at eTail East on August 22, 2023. Our guest today is Monica Royer, a first-generation entrepreneur inspired by her heritage and the birth of her child to establish her successful organic children's wear, Monica and Andy. Having transitioned from a career in pharmaceuticals to the fashion industry, Monica learned the ropes of entrepreneurship through her brother Andy's venture with Bonobos and with the support of dedicated mentors. With a commitment to sustainability, equitable work environments, and providing resources for other parents, Monica is influential in the retail industry and is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join RETHINK Retail CCO Kirat Anand as he and Monica dive into the transformative power of mentorship in bolstering entrepreneurial spirit and how the correct business partner can hugely influence your entrepreneurial milestones. Resources: Join Monica and Andy's virtual classes and events to gain valuable parenting