Rethink Retail

The Future of Commerce & Community with David Polinchock & Richard Honiball Welcome to Rethink Retail, the podcast where we uncover the stories and strategies behind some of the most successful retail markets worldwide. From traditional giants to e-commerce disruptors, we explore the secrets behind their success and deliver insights to transform the real retail experience. In this episode, David Polinchock and Richard Honiball dive into how the future of retail blends AI, community, and unified commerce, especially through the eyes of the younger generation. Discover how the concept of the “third place” is evolving and why creating authentic, connected retail experiences matters now more than ever.

In this podcast, top industry experts share how retailers can unify their in-store technologies to drive growth and improve customer experience. Featuring:

The Cyber Edge: Retail Security in an AI-Powered World by

In this episode of Rethink Retail, recorded live from Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, Nick Harbaugh sits down with Julia Xu, CEO and Founder of not one, but two trailblazing companies: Wayo, an AI-powered product sourcing platform, and Multitasky, a bold lifestyle brand making waves in traditional retail.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host April Sabral takes us into the heart of retail innovation with special guest Paula Angelucci. Broadcasting live from New York City, April and Paula dive deep into the evolving role of AI in brick-and-mortar stores. Paula brings her rich background working with Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Burlington Stores, sharing how AI is not replacing, but empowering store associates to elevate customer experience. Together, they explore practical ways leaders can introduce AI to their teams, transforming fear into opportunity and enhancing product knowledge. Tune in for inspiring insights on leadership, the human connection in retail, and the future of AI in stores. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com.

In this episode, Rethink Retail host Corin Dennison speaks with Christoph Annemuller (Diebold Nixdorf) and David Naumann (Verizon) about how AI, computer vision, and edge computing are transforming loss prevention. They explore how AI can spot mis-scans, recognize products in real time, and improve the self-checkout experience, while reducing theft and operational strain. You’ll learn: - Why 1/3 of shrink happens at the checkout - How AI is boosting accuracy without hurting CX - What makes edge computing essential for retail AI - Why solving real problems should come before picking the tech

What does it take to scale a specialty brand from a handful of boutiques to thousands of retail doors worldwide? Bellamy Grindl chats with Vanessa Urenda, co-founder of ADA Collectiojn, shares her journey navigating distribution, building curated assortments, and partnering with the right retailers to grow successfully. Discover the strategy, execution, and market insights that make it happen. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Vanessa’s early days & founding Audit Collection [03:15] Building a distribution network: from 50 to 2,500 boutiques [07:40] The power of curated assortments & market segmentation [11:20] Partnering with department stores & specialty retailers [15:00] Creating strategy & execution support for founders [18:45] Lessons learned on growth, retail partnerships & scaling

What does it take to lead a legacy brand into the digital future? Flick Collingwood chats with Nuno Miller, Digital COO at N Brown Group, to explore the company’s bold transformation from mail-order giant to modern e-commerce player. Hear how N Brown is reshaping its culture, breaking down silos, and placing customer-centricity at the heart of its operations. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] N Brown’s legacy: From catalog to digital [02:30] Why transformation is more than just technology [05:45] OKRs, mission drives & cross-functional tribes [09:30] Breaking silos & building customer-first teams [13:30] The critical role of CEO sponsorship [17:30] Lessons learned: mindset shifts & cultural change [21:00] Nuno’s advice for leading successful digital transformations

In this episode, Marc Scanlan chats with Maryia Zotorovich (Intel) and Christian Weber (Diebold Nixdorf) about the tech transforming retail. From AI-powered checkouts to energy-efficient hardware and modular POS, learn how innovation is meeting real-world retail needs.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Melissa Moore chats with Liliana Scyz, Wholesale Manager at Valentino, live from the Retail Technology Show! Liliana shares her incredible 20-year journey in retail, from Harrods to iconic luxury brands. Discover how a pivotal moment led her to Oxford Said Business School, transforming her view on leadership and the power of teamwork. We explore the essence of great leadership in luxury retail, the critical role of understanding people, and how technology drives customer-centric operations at Valentino. Liliana's bold approach and commitment to continuous learning offer invaluable lessons on embracing change and overcoming fear. Join our global retail community:www.globalretailleaders.com

Mobility, The Future of Retail Flexibility with Diebold Nixdorf + Zebra Technologies In this episode, host Ronald Margulis is joined by Łukasz Wojtasik at Diebold Nixdorf and Drew Ehlers at Zebra to explore the evolving role of mobility in modern retail. From self-scanning to omnichannel orchestration, discover how mobile-first strategies are transforming store operations, empowering associates, and elevating the customer experience.

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Alex Baker chats with Robert Pratley from Dormeo UK, live from the Retail Technology Show! Rob, Dormeo UK Digital Manager, shares his journey into digital strategy, diving into paid social, paid search, and affiliate marketing. Discover how Dormeo is revolutionizing the customer experience, challenging traditional mattress sales, and leveraging data to meet needs cost-effectively.

Smarter Stores. Empowered Associates. Data-Driven Retail. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host and top retail expert Matthew Adam Smith sits down with Jim Norred, Chief Commercial Officer at VusionGroup, to explore how connected retail is transforming from buzzword to bottom-line strategy. You’ll hear:

In this episode of RETHINK Retail, host Andrew Bubsy speak to, Steve Hewitt, former CEO of Gymshark, breaks down the transformative years that helped Gymshark achieve unicorn status. Through a blend of people-first leadership and strategic clarity, Steve shares how the brand scaled without losing sight of its purpose. ⏱ Timestamps: [02:00] Why ego kills culture and humility builds momentum [06:00] People-first hiring: “No assholes, just aligned values” [11:10] Choosing investors who fit your culture [14:00] The “North Star” framework explained [17:00] Audience: Focused targeting and social-native growth [20:30] Values & standards: Why internal clarity matters most

In this Global Retail Leaders episode, host Linda Johansen-James speaks with, Jermain Gil, COO at Good Ranchers, shares how a mission-driven meat subscription business is bringing integrity back to the dinner table. From humble pop-up shop beginnings to launching one of the cleanest chicken nuggets on the market, Jermaine reveals how deep customer understanding, bold experimentation, and a 100% American sourcing commitment set Good Ranchers apart. ⏱ Timestamps: [01:10] The Good Ranchers origin story & ministry roots [04:00] Pop-up shops and pre-launch strategy [07:30] From offline to online: building a DTC model [11:00] Subscription-first success and customer trust [14:20] Money-back guarantee and customer service excellence [17:10] Supporting sustainable American farming

What does it take to launch a clean beauty brand and lead with purpose through every challenge? For Lynn Powers, it started with a bold career pivot and a vision for healthier hair—and a healthier planet. On this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, retail expert Bryan Amaral chats with Lynn Power, CEO and Co-founder of Masami, about her journey from corporate advertising to clean beauty entrepreneurship. From creating a high-performing, sustainable product line to building a brand that prioritizes integrity, Lynn shares what it means to stay mission-driven in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of self-checkout (SCO) in grocery with two industry leaders: Arvin Jawa, VP of Global Retail Strategy & Marketing at Diebold Nixdorf, and Girijesh Agarwal, Chief Strategy Officer at Incisiv. Hosted by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert April Sabral, the conversation dives into exclusive findings from the study "Delivering Success in Grocery", offering actionable insights for grocery retailers navigating automation, efficiency, and the balance between technology and the human touch.

Retail is moving faster than ever. How do brands—and the conferences that serve them—keep up? In this episode of Global Retail Leaders, Julia Hare talks with Sonal Gandhi from The Lead about how the conference is evolving beyond D2C into omnichannel, cultural relevance, and actionable AI strategies. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome to RETHINK Retail [01:00] The evolution of The Lead since 2018 [04:20] Beyond DTC: Omnichannel and new business models [08:00] The shifting funding landscape for emerging brands [11:30] How AI is shaping real-world retail strategies [15:00] Leveraging social media & cultural moments [18:00] Exciting keynote speakers and the Challenger Brand track [22:00] Why The Lead remains approachable as it grows Join the GRL community or be the next guest: https://www.globalretailleaders.com/

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Matt Muller sits down with John Beasley of Home Delivery World and Leena Nunez of the Last Mile Retail Awards to explore the future of last mile innovation

Host: Natalie Berg, Retail Analyst & Founder, NBK Retail (Top Retail Expert) Guests: Darrell Maton, Senior Director of Retail Services Solutions at Diebold Nixdorf Alan Burt, Senior Manager | Retail Technology Lead at RBR Data Services Join Darrell and Alan as they discuss the impact of staff empowerment on retail success. From IT self-service to improving store efficiency, this episode uncovers how the Shift Left approach is reshaping the retail landscape. Tune in now to hear insights from the experts!