Rethink Retail

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

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at eTail East on August 22, 2023. Meet Jason Del Rey, an established business journalist who has spent the better part of the last decade keeping us hooked, expounding the intricate workings of the retail industry. His inherent interest in entrepreneurship led him to pay special attention to two mammoth forces in retail: Walmart and Amazon. Over the years, Jason has analyzed the two retailers' business models, tracking their growth, and predicting their future strategies. As evidenced in his new book 'Winner Sells All', Jason's keen understanding of the Amazon-Walmart saga carries a tangible depth few can rival. Join RETHINK Retail CCO Kirat Anand as he and Jason discuss Amazon and Walmart's ongoing competition as they vie for dominance in the industry, revealing the surprising missed opportunities, contrasting strategies, and the future battle for the younger consumer's loyalty. The conversation covers Walmart’s early dismissal of e-commerce

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, host and Top Retail Influencer, Ron Thurston interviews Samir Sheth, SVP, Content and Membership at ŌURA, a trailblazing company that has taken health tracking to the next level. ŌURA, which started ten years ago in Finland, seeks to empower its members to live healthier lives by providing them with a small, lightweight ring that collects biosignals accurately. The company aims to differentiate itself by not only tracking data from the wearer's finger but also providing guidance and insights to help users take action based on that data. Join Ron as he explores the fascinating intersection of technology, health, and personal empowerment with Samir. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or simply curious about the future of health tracking, this episode is a must-listen. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! - - - - - - Hosted by Top Retail In

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Kadian Langlais, CMO of Renfro Brands. A beacon of empowering leadership, Kadian plays an instrumental role at Renfro Brands. Since 2018, she has pioneered the transformation of this historic sock and hosiery brand into an agile e-commerce powerhouse. Her undeniable talent gained her a promotion to CMO in 2021, where she has been redefining brand strategies through unrivaled creativity and innovative tactics. At her core, Kadian believes in the power of empathetic leadership and has a vibrant ability to weave this into her management style. This episode also provides valuable lessons and inspiration for women leaders who want to confidently speak up and own their ideas, as Kadian shares her journey of finding her voice and being successful in her career. Nominate the next Global Retail Leader: https://rethink.industries/global-retail-leaders/#nominate If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, our Editor-in-Chief Julia Hare sits down with Luke Rauch, Chief Merchandising Officer at Walgreens. 
A leader who carries an interesting blend of blue-collar work ethic and white-collar acumen, Luke brings his charisma and leadership skills to every facet of his work. You might be surprised to know that his first work experience was at a steel mill which taught him the importance of hard work and resilience. Luke enjoys sports, a passion that underpins his approach to leadership and teamwork, always striving to release the potential of every player. During their conversation, Luke dives into the technological advances that are making personalized experiences increasingly important for customers. By harnessing the power of data gathered from loyalty programs, businesses can gain valuable insight into customer shopping habits. Luke shares how Walgreens leverages this strategy with the 'My Walgreens' customer loyalty program, personalizing offerings to meet indivi

Recorded live from the show floor of The Lead Innovation Summit 2023, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Dani Tan, an accomplished woman in retail who turned opportunities into monumental victories. Her journey covers over ten years in retail: a career she began as a sample coordinator and has now progressed to the role of Head of Digital Merchandising & Product Marketing at Authentic Brands. Dani's expertise across prestigious brands such as Juicy Couture, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Aéropostale is a testament of her finesse in the domain. However, Dani's achievements are not confined to her successful career alone. She is also an enthusiastic mentor whose passion for empowering fellow women in leadership is both laudable and inspiring. Tune in to hear Dani's advice for overcoming the confidence gap, how brands can harness customer data to personalize experiences and improve products, and why, yes you heard it right, #BlingIsBack. Connect with Dani: https://www.danitan.com/ If you enjoyed this episod

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the Lead Innovation Summit 2023. In this episode, guest host Simeon Siegel sits down with Doug Zarkin, a marketing expert who has captivated the world of eyewear for over a decade through his previous role as CMO of Pearle Vision. During his tenure at Pearle, Doug played a pivotal part in transforming the brand by shifting its focus from transactional discounts to building exceptional eye care experiences. His prior ventures took him from the youth and entertainment division of Gray Advertising, to a stint at Avon, and later spearheading the launch of the Victoria's Secret Pink brand nationally. During their conversation, Zarkin emphasizes the importance of building long-lasting relationships with consumers and positioning brands for long-term success. Zarkin encourages marketers to embrace their own path in marketing and let go of the fear of doing things differently. Instead of focusing on the right way, he advises marketers to focus on

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 Andrea K. Leigh and Michael Zakkour as they discuss Walmart, a retailer that’s dominated the brick and mortar space for decades and are currently the largest retailer in the US, brining in an annual revenue $572.754B last year.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host Liza Amlani sits down with Barry McGeough, President of Ponto Footwear, live on the show floor at The Lead Innovation Summit 2023. Barry is a seasoned expert in the field of retail innovation with a remarkable emphasis on digital transformation. Barry's journey into this thriving industry may have been accidental, but his achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a product person in footwear, he ventured into diverse territories, revolutionizing backpacks, goggles, and other innovative wearable devices. What sets Barry apart is his holistic approach to innovation, which has yielded incredible results. As a visionary, he spearheaded the creation of an Innovation Division within an $11 billion company, ushering in a new dimension to their business. Barry has mastered the art of straddling the worlds of tech and retail, skillfully leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance consumer experiences like never before. Listen now to

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host Christine Russo sits down with Lee Anne Grant, Chief Growth Officer of Babylist, live on the show floor at The Lead Innovation Summit 2023. Together, Russo and Grant dive into Babylist's focus on being an audience company and how it has led to improved customer engagement and increased brand loyalty. Grant shares valuable insights on how Babylist connects with their audience, both digitally and through their upcoming physical showroom. She emphasizes the importance of creating engaging experiences for users and tracking digital engagement data to inform their product selection strategies. Grant also discusses Babylist's expansion into the media business, their focus on health and wellness, and the opportunities presented by the changing retail landscape. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Christine Rus

Join host Julia Hare in this captivating episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast as she takes a dive deep into the inspiring journey of Chris Gerbig, President of Pink Lily, a renowned fashion brand. In this interview, Chris shares his remarkable story, starting from the humble beginnings of Pink Lily to its meteoric rise as a leading name in the fashion world. He takes us through the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style. Discover the secrets behind Pink Lily's success, including the company's customer-centric approach and their ability to adapt to changing market trends. - - - - - - Hosted by: Julia Hare

In this episode, join RETHINK Retail's Fritz Finlay, as he delves into the captivating journey of Sean Folkson, the visionary behind Night Food, a snack brand that's revolutionizing the way we indulge in midnight cravings. As a self-proclaimed nighttime snacker himself, Sean experienced firsthand the struggle of finding wholesome snack options that wouldn't disrupt his sleep. Recognizing this unmet need, he set out to create a range of healthier, sleep-friendly snacks that would not only satisfy taste buds but also promote a good night's rest. Tune in as Sean shares his insights into the challenges faced in establishing a snack brand that challenges the status quo and aims to educate consumers. Discover how Night Food strives to empower individuals with knowledge and offer them a range of better snack options that won't leave them tossing and turning all night. - - - - - - Hosted by: Fritz Finlay

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Paula Macaggi and special guest Zarina Kanji from Alibaba explore how virtual reality has revolutionized luxury retail. Zarina shares her journey into the metaverse, where she discovered immersive shopping experiences and the potential of virtual influencers. Listeners will gain insights into the groundbreaking shift brought by the metaverse, explore Taobao Life's virtual reality, and learn about personalized shopping experiences. The episode also touches on the success of Tmall Luxury Pavilion in China and the future possibilities of the metaverse in Western markets. Get ready to be astonished by the transformative power of virtual reality in shopping. Are you ready to be crowned hottest retail tech of the year? Sign up to participate in RETHINK Retail's Nxt Gen Technology Program at rethink.industries/nxt-gen-retail-tech or shoot us an email at media@rethink.industries. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giv

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. In this episode, host Ian Scott is joined by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Influencers Jeff Roberts and Jack Stratten to discuss John Lewis, an over 100-year-old department store giant that grew tremendously over the 20th century with the addition of new retail formats, brick-and-mortar stores, and product lines. With the help of an employee-owned cooperative model, this retailer has gained a reputation by doing things differently while always striving to do better for their customers and employees. This episode of Retail Therapy was brought to you by the Retail Cloud Alliance, Cognizant, and Icertis. To see how Cognizant and Icertis can help transform your retail business, visit them at cognizant.com/us/en/industries/retail-technology-solu

Top Retail Influencer Alex Baker hosts Cristina Marinucci, the Global Head of Shopper Insights & Analytics at Mondelez. Cristina shares a strategy for achieving significant growth and profitability in retail by creating connected and authentic customer experiences. By shifting towards a hybrid approach and prioritizing customer experience and partnerships, businesses can foster individualized experiences and long-term loyalty. This approach leads to increased revenue, customer retention, and overall success in the grocery industry. The episode delves into the power of customer-centricity and partnership. Cristina's extensive background of experience in the FMCG industry taught her the importance of embracing a hybrid approach, prioritizing customer experience, and fostering strong partnerships. Traditional marketing and sales strategies are no longer sufficient. Cristina advocates for adaptability and innovation, leveraging AI and technology to automate basic tasks and focus on strategy and creativity. Her g

Say hello to Cynthia Omokhekpen Asije, an inspiring Nigerian entrepreneur with a heart for the environment and a keen eye for style. As the Founder of The Adirelounge, Cynthia takes sustainability in the fashion world to new heights by using agricultural waste like banana peels to create eco-friendly athleisure and activewear. Her ingenious concept resonated with environmentally-conscious fashionistas across the globe, leading her to share her sustainable vision in over 40 countries. Cynthia's dedication to environmentally friendly practices, as well as her unique talent for design, makes her a sought-after thought leader in the world of sustainable fashion. Join host, Paula Macaggi, as she gets a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Adirelounge's vision and audience as well as uncovering the key to integrating sustainability throughout the fashion retail business. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - -

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Top Retail Influencer Cathy McCabe talks to Dimas Gimeno Álvarez to Explore the connection between advanced technology and enhancing human-centered retail experiences. Discover an innovative retail platform tailored to a distinct customer base. Don't miss out on his insights on creating a unique retail platform that stands out! Dimas Gimeno Álvarez is a trailblazer in retail innovation. He founded Wow Concept, a retailer that blends physical and digital experiences, taking the consumer journey to new heights. Listen now to learn how he strikes the perfect balance between technology and human interaction in his exciting immersive stores. Are you ready to be crowned hottest retail tech of the year? Sign up to participate in RETHINK Retail's Nxt Gen Technology Program at rethink.industries/nxt-gen-retail-tech or shoot us an email at media@rethink.industries. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating

Imagine stumbling into a world you know nothing about and finding wild success. That's exactly what happened to Kieran Powell when he helped a tech CEO raise $1.2 million in a week without even knowing what PR was. From there, he discovered the power of storytelling in generating media attention and became an expert in creating awareness for retail technology companies. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Kieran Powell, executive vice president of Channel V Media, a leading PR firm for retail tech companies. During their conversation, Kieran reveals why many retail tech startups struggle capture the attention of media and potential clients and highlights how adopting a strategic approach to PR and brand awareness can set companies apart from competitors, particularly when it comes to exhibiting at large trade show events. In a bid to help retail tech startups amplify their brand's voice and presence at trade events, RETHINK Retail and Channel V Media have tea