Omni Talk Retail

In this week's Fast Five Podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, we break down the massive $1.77B merger between SpartanNash and C&S Wholesale Grocers that will service 10,000+ retail locations. We analyze why wholesale consolidation is accelerating and what it means for independent grocers fighting against Walmart and Kroger's dominance.

Timestamps:

5:28 - Merger announcement details

6:09 - Why scale matters in wholesale

7:11 - Pressure on independent grocers

7:51 - Can this stop big retailer market grab?

Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/3lsaTBvBuMs

#Grocery #retailnews #SpartanNash #WholesaleGrocers #RetailConsolidation #IndependentGrocers

In this exclusive interview from the CommerceNext Growth Show, Omni Talk sits down with Jeff Gerstel, CMO of B&H Photo and Video, to explore how one of New York’s most iconic retailers continues to set the bar for loyalty, service, and operational excellence—even with just one physical store.

🎯 Topics discussed:

– Why service, not gimmicks, drives B&H’s customer loyalty

– How livestream video and global ecommerce fuel their success

– What every retailer should do to improve the customer experience

– The practical approach B&H takes to AI and emerging retail tech

– The secret to 99.8% on-time fulfillment (and what they do for the 0.2%)

👏 Huge thanks to GreyOrange for supporting our coverage and enabling smarter, real-time inventory at H&M and beyond.

📍 If you're in NYC, don't miss the B&H store at 34th & 9th or visit the H&M Soho Store on Broadway to see tech in action.

#commercenext #retailnews #retailtech #retailinnovation

In this candid conversation from the Mirakl Summit, Omni Talk sits down with Scott Eckert CEO of the Americas at Mirakl, to talk about his first 100 days on the job and what excites him most about Mirakl’s future. From unlocking B2B marketplaces to building seller-focused tools like Mirakl Connect and embracing retail media as the next big revenue driver, Scott shares his roadmap for accelerating growth in the Americas. Learn why curated marketplaces, a dynamic supply chain, and third-party seller expansion are top priorities for the year ahead.

#MiraklSummit2025 #retailmedia #marketplaces #omnitalkretail #MiraklConnect #ecommercestrategy #retailinnovation #b2bcommerce #retailtrends

Omni Talk sits down with Mirakl’s Chief Data & AI Officer, Anne-Claire Baschet, live from the Mirakl Summit in NYC to talk all things artificial intelligence and e-commerce. Anne-Claire explains how Mirakl is embedding AI across its platform—from catalog onboarding to media operations—and why the future lies in “agentic commerce,” where AI-powered agents help shoppers and sellers alike. With 91% of Mirakl employees already using AI daily, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how Mirakl is preparing for the next generation of e-commerce infrastructure.

#MiraklAI #agenticai #aiinretail #omnitalkretail #MiraklSummit2025 #ecommerceinnovation #retailai #productdiscovery

Max Tepper, Senior Brand Manager at The Sak, joins Omni Talk live from the Mirakl Summit to share how the iconic handbag and accessories brand has transformed into a marketplace powerhouse. Max discusses The Sak’s post-pandemic pivot from brick-and-mortar to DTC and marketplaces, their successful onboarding with Mirakl, and how strategic channel expansion—including Nordstrom, Amazon, QVC, and more—is fueling growth. If you're a brand looking to scale through marketplaces without losing control, this is a masterclass in how to do it right. Learn how they test fast, reach new customers, and simplify operations across many, many different retail marketplaces.

#TheSak #marketplaces #MiraklSummit2025 #ecommerce #omnitalkretail #RetailMarketplaces #handbags #digitalcommerce #retailtransformation

Omni Talk is live from the Mirakl Summit with Joe Cano, SVP of Digital at Lowe’s, for an inside look at how Lowe’s is scaling its digital business through a newly launched Mirakl-powered marketplace. Joe breaks down how the marketplace complements Lowe’s total home strategy, empowers associates, integrates seamlessly into omnichannel operations, and connects directly with Lowe’s evolving retail media strategy. Plus, hear how Lowe’s is using AI—through tools like its Mylow platform—to personalize the experience for DIY and Pro customers alike.

From seamless omnichannel integration to surprising product sales, Lowe’s is reimagining what digital retail looks like.

#loweshomeimprovement #retailai #omnitalkretail #MiraklSummit2025 #JoeCano #retailmedia #ecommerce #digitaltransformation #marketplaces #Mylow

Live from the 2025 Mirakl Summit in New York City, Omni Talk’s Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Cotopaxi Founder and Chief Global Officer Stephan Jacob. In this powerful conversation, Stephan shares how Cotopaxi blends purpose with profit through its mission-driven marketplace expansion strategy, ensuring brand integrity and sustainable impact while scaling. Discover how the brand evaluates partnerships, maintains authenticity, and uses marketplaces to deepen customer relationships—all without compromising values.

Learn why Cotopaxi takes a relationship-first, purpose-led approach to expansion—and how marketplaces play a vital role in that journey.

#cotopaxi #MiraklSummit #marketplaces #retailinnovationl #omnitalkretail #ecommercegrowth #omnichannelretail

Tapestry’s Avinash Kaushik joins Omni Talk live from CommerceNext 2025 to discuss how AI is transforming marketing from the inside out. In this dynamic conversation, Avinash explains why he believes AI is becoming the new operating system for retail—powering personalized communications, predictive analytics, and creative testing across Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman.

Learn how Tapestry is scaling intent-centric marketing, using synthetic humans in research, and leveraging AI to delight customers from inbox to in-store.

Brought to you by GreyOrange, helping retailers like H&M deliver real-time inventory experiences.

#tapestry #AvinashKaushik #IntentMarketing #retailinnovation #CommerceNext2025 #digitaltransformation #aiinretail #coach #personalization #omnitalkretail

Live from CommerceNext 2025, Omni Talk’s Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton sit down with Lauren Price, SVP of E-Commerce and Digital Marketing at COS North America, part of the H&M Group.

Lauren shares how COS is attracting new customers with creator-driven campaigns, authentic product storytelling, and a strong focus on foundational e-commerce execution. From the viral success of the Clean Cut Tee to insights on Gen Z expectations and a major tech overhaul, this conversation is packed with takeaways for any brand navigating the future of fashion retail.

Brought to you by GreyOrange, powering real-time inventory visibility at H&M stores like the one in Soho, NYC.

#COS #CommerceNext2025 #genz #ecommercestrategy #quietluxury #omnitalkretail #tiktokfashion #creatoreconomy #retailinnovation

Live from CommerceNext 2025, Omni Talk’s Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Sarah Henry, Walmart's VP of Content, Influencer, and Commerce, to explore how Walmart is tapping into the creator economy and reshaping the retail experience through social commerce. From the rise of Gen Z shopping behaviors to the role of AI in simplifying creator workflows, Sarah gives an inside look at the Walmart Creator platform, influencer strategy, and the future of shoppable content.

Sarah shares how the retailer is leading in the social commerce space with its Walmart Creator platform, helping creators of all sizes monetize authentically. From Gen Z shopping insights to AI’s role in flattening the funnel, this live CommerceNext interview is full of takeaways for the future of retail.

Brought to you by GreyOrange.

#walmartcreator #socialcommerce #retailinnovation #genz #CommerceNext2025 #influencermarketing #omnitalk #retailtrends #creatoreconomy #aiinretail

In the first edition of Omni Talk’s new monthly series, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga team up with AWS’s Daniele Stroppa to spotlight the Retail Tech Startup of the Month—and the inaugural winner is Botify.

Learn how Botify helps brands improve discoverability across both traditional and generative search engines by going beyond SEO to optimize content visibility for bots and agents. Discover why Botify’s approach is a big win for brands navigating the evolving consumer search landscape, and how it also helps reduce operational costs.

Key moments from the interview:

• 00:00 – Intro to new Omni Talk segment with AWS: Retail Tech Startup of the Month
• 00:33 – Meet Daniele Stroppa, AWS Worldwide Technical Leader for Retail
• 01:01 – Daniele’s role in retail innovation and partner strategy at AWS
• 02:07 – First award winner revealed: Botify
• 02:19 – What Botify does: improving brand visibility across search platforms
• 02:54 – Why visibility in generative search (Perplexity, ChatGPT) matters
• 03:37 – How Botify goes beyond traditional SEO
• 04:06 – Analyzing bot and agent behavior on brand websites
• 04:23 – Helping brands ensure critical content is discoverable
• 04:41 – Long-term retail implications: revenue, brand recognition, infrastructure cost savings
• 05:31 – Congrats to Botify and final thoughts on the startup’s impact

Music by hooksounds.com

#retailtech #StartupOfTheMonth #aws #Botify #omnitalkretail #ecommerceseo #generativeai #retailai #discoverability #digitalcommerce

Brought to you in partnership with AWS

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne discussed:

• SpartanNash’s merger with C&S Wholesale Grocers (Source)
• Whatnot, the $5 billion shopping app you probably haven’t heard of (Source)
• Walmart equipping its store associates with mobile AI tools (Source)
• H-E-B piloting autonomous deliveries in Austin, TX (Source)
• Amazon testing tighter grocery bundling for same-day deliveries (Source)
• And AWS’s Daniele Stroppa also dropped by to help us hand out a new award we are giving out each month in partnership with AWS, and we are calling it the Retail Startup of the Month

There’s all that, plus french fry pizza, steamy romance novels, and whether Chris prefers bar soap or body wash in the shower.

P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/

P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Apple Podcasts and on Feedspot

Music by hooksounds.com

#RetailNews #WalmartAI #WhatnotApp #RetailTech #GroceryDelivery #RetailPodcast #OmniTalk #AmazonGrocery #LivestreamShopping #RetailInnovation #SpartanNash #Botify

Join Omni Talk’s Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga as they sit down with JOOR CEO Kristin Savilia to explore how JOOR is transforming the wholesale fashion landscape. Kristin shares exclusive insights on digitizing the buyer-brand relationship, enabling smarter assortment planning, and helping independent retailers thrive globally. Learn how JOOR's Shopify integration, AI-powered prospecting, and strategic tariff navigation are reshaping the fashion industry for 2025 and beyond.

From shrinking shipping windows to a surge in indie retailers, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating fashion’s evolving B2B landscape.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Kristin Savilia, CEO of JOOR
• 01:30 – How JOOR digitizes wholesale buying for brands and retailers
• 02:50 – Overview of JOOR’s platform and client base (14K brands, 670K buyers)
• 04:15 – Surge of independent retailers: From 47% to 62% of GMV
• 06:00 – Shopify integration: Bridging wholesale with e-commerce and POS
• 07:45 – How retailers can adapt to market uncertainty using JOOR data
• 08:50 – Shrinking shipping windows: From 240 to 84 days and dropping
• 10:15 – Brands respond with curated assortments and evergreen styles
• 11:40 – How JOOR helps optimize product curation and minimize buyer risk
• 13:00 – Tariff pressures and pricing strategies: Expect 20% price increases
• 16:45 – JOOR’s "Ready to Ship" event to offload current inventory
• 18:50 – Leveraging regional assortments for competitive edge
• 20:00 – Launch of JOOR Discover: AI matchmaking tool for brand-retailer growth
• 22:00 – 78% reorder rate and 9X better conversion via AI outreach
• 24:00 – Rise in ChatGPT/Gemini lead generation vs. traditional SEO
• 26:30 – How DTC brands can expand into wholesale with JOOR
• 27:40 – Final thoughts and where to learn more at JOOR.com

For more information on JOOR, head here: https://www.joor.com/

Access a JOOR Passport Event here: https://www.jooraccess.com/r/passport/

Download the JOOR Whitepaper here: https://resources.joor.com/how-to-tackle-tariffs-and-thrive-this-coming-market-season

#fashiontech #wholesaling #retailai #Joor #omnitalk #retailinnovation #shopifyintegration #retailtrends #b2bfashion #retailstrategy

Music by hooksounds.com

*Sponsored Content*

Ever wonder what retail experts actually buy at Costco or what cars they dream about driving? This lightning round reveals the personal side of our A&M retail gurus, from brisket smoking tips to the shocking number of Cheerios varieties on shelves. Brought to you by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

#cheerios #corvettes #costco

Costco is finally building standalone gas stations to solve their infamous parking lot congestion while expanding member benefits beyond the warehouse. This economics 101 supply-and-demand solution could be the competitive edge Costco needs against Sam's Club and Walmart. Presented by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

#costco #costcogas #gas

Albertsons is betting big on digital displays throughout their stores, but grocery retail has a terrible track record with digital advertising execution. Our experts clash over whether this retail media investment will drive meaningful ROI or become another expensive digital billboard failure. Powered by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

#albertsons #retailmedia

Can AI save H&M from Shein's explosive growth? H&M invests heavily in predictive and generative AI to compete as Shein leapfrogs to 1.5% market share. Expert analysis reveals why AI alone won't solve H&M's fast fashion problem. Brought to you by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

#shein #h&m #fastfashion

Amazon restructures grocery leadership under "One Grocery" strategy, merging Whole Foods employees into Amazon systems. Is this long-overdue efficiency or cultural destruction? Expert debate on what this means for grocery competition and Whole Foods' future. Sponsored by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

#grocery #amazon #wholefoods

Walmart just revolutionized product launches forever! See how they delivered every Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order by 9 AM with FREE Coke and Pringles, leaving Target and Best Buy scrambling to catch up. Expert analysis on why this changes everything for electronics retail and gaming drops. Brought to you by A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, Clear Demand, and Ocampo Capital.

#walmart #switch2 #nintendo

For the full episode, head here: https://youtu.be/vjOmUkH_Vhw?si=9f8KlsQw8yUdPqan

In this Spotlight Series interview, Catherine Dummitt, VP of Marketing at Narvar, explains how the post-purchase journey is evolving from a cost center to a powerful “trust center.” With insights from over 42 billion consumer interactions annually, Narvar is helping retailers rethink shipping, returns, and communication to boost loyalty, reduce costs, and drive revenue. From AI-driven delivery confidence to smarter shipping perks, this is a must-watch for anyone shaping the future of e-commerce.

Key Moments:

• 0:08 – 1:15 | Meet Catherine Dummitt, VP of Marketing at Narvar
• 1:16 – 2:44 | What Narvar is and how it powers post-purchase personalization
• 2:45 – 4:45 | Why delivery confidence is replacing speed as the top consumer priority
• 4:46 – 6:27 | The shift from instant gratification to brand trust and delivery reliability
• 6:28 – 9:10 | The new role of communication and clarity in reducing delivery anxiety
• 9:11 – 12:21 | Strategic free shipping and perks — not one-size-fits-all
• 12:22 – 14:59 | Using Narvar’s data to help brands personalize offers and reduce cart abandonment
• 15:00 – 16:46 | How communication impacts repurchase behavior and lifts revenue
• 16:47 – 18:35 | Turning tracking pages into branding and engagement opportunities
• 18:36 – 21:00 | Why post-purchase should be treated as a “trust center,” not a cost center
• 21:01 – 23:00 | Shipping protection, porch theft anxiety, and new revenue streams
• 23:01 – 24:27 | What’s next: Narvar’s AI engine Iris and the evolution of predictive personalization
• 24:28 – 25:14 | How to connect with Catherine and the Narvar team

#Narvar #retailinnovation #PostPurchaseExperience #ecommercestrategy #retailai #customerloyalty #ordertracking #shippingsolutions #retailtransformation #PredictabilityIsProfitability

Music by hooksounds.com

Sponsored Content

Lowe’s VP of Marketplace, Michael McCluskey, joins us to share why the retailer is diving headfirst into the world of third-party marketplaces. Learn how Lowe’s is creating an “endless aisle” experience, what this means for pro customers and sellers, and why the brand aims to become the go-to destination for everything home. Discover how Lowe’s is positioning itself in the trillion-dollar home market with a bold new e-commerce strategy.

• 0:09 – 0:31 | Introduction to Lowe’s marketplace push with VP Michael McCluskey
• 0:32 – 1:20 | Why Lowe’s prioritized a marketplace: meeting project-based customer needs
• 1:21 – 2:00 | Endless aisle strategy and rapid assortment expansion via third-party sellers
• 2:01 – 2:39 | Lowe’s dual-customer focus: serving buyers and sellers
• 2:40 – 3:52 | Extending the marketplace to serve Lowe’s growing Pro customer segment
• 3:53 – 4:42 | Key categories targeted for marketplace expansion: home décor, furniture, outdoor, tools
• 4:43 – 5:06 | Lowe’s differentiation as the “everything for home” store
• 5:07 – 5:46 | Early traction, seller interest, and long-term marketplace ambitions

Music by hooksounds.com

Sponsored Content

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, A&M Brooks Levering and Bryson Waterman joined Chris and Anne to discuss:

• Walmart’s stroke of merchandising genius around the Nintendo Switch 2 launch (Source)
• Amazon restructuring around its “One Grocery” strategy (Source)
• H&M’s plans to reverse its market share declines through AI and store efficiency gains (Source)
• Albertsons’ decision to go all-in on in-store video (Source)
• And closed with a look at why in the world Costco would want to build its own standalone gas stations (Source)

There’s all that, plus Lowe’s VP Michael McCluskey stopped by for 5 Insightful Minutes on Marketplaces, and Chris and Anne asked Brooks and Bryson about everything from Cheerios and Corvettes to what makes the perfect breakfast sandwich.

P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/

P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Apple Podcasts and on Feedspot

Music by hooksounds.com

In this special closing interview from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at CGF 2025 in Amsterdam, Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, joins Omni Talk Retail (0:10). He opens with reflections on the value of the Consumer Goods Forum and his time as co-chair (1:15), before diving into Ahold’s strategy of acting small at scale by empowering local stores and embracing community-specific solutions (2:15). He discusses how loyalty data and AI are reshaping personalized experiences (4:00), and how technology makes it easier to remain locally relevant while capturing operational efficiencies (5:30). Frans shares thoughts on sustainability, collaboration across the value chain, and lessons from peers on issues like plastic waste and human rights due diligence (6:30). He wraps with reflections on leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of staying humble and curious—even as a global CEO (9:00).

#FransMuller #AholdDelhaize #cgf2025 #retailleadership #SustainableRetail #foodwaste #groceryinnovation #retailtechnology #omnitalkretail

Anne and Chris deliver lightning-fast takes on the week's quirkiest retail headlines, covering everything from Tesco's 90s nightclub pop-up to Uber's senior-friendly app features. The segment showcases their signature blend of retail expertise and entertainment while broadcasting live from Amsterdam's Consumer Goods Forum.

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsoring this week's segment.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

#lightninground #retailnews #TescoNightclub #UberSeniors #auntieannes #genz #Amsterdam #dutchfood #retailpodcast #ConsumerGoodsForum #90snostalgia #AccessibilityTech #MallFood #retailstrategy #omnitalkretail

Peloton launched "Repowered," a resale marketplace for used fitness equipment where sellers retain 70% of the sale price while Peloton and platform provider Archive split the remaining 30%. The platform uses AI for pricing suggestions and aims to capture value from the secondary market, though experts worry about Peloton's operational execution track record.

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsoring this week's podcast.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

#peloton #resale #fitnessequipment #retailnews

Amazon is developing humanoid robots that will ride in Rivian electric vans and deliver packages, currently testing the technology in a San Francisco facility designed like an obstacle course. While the concept represents significant automation advancement, experts question whether society is ready for humanoid robots delivering packages in residential areas.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsoring this week's podcast.

Dollar General is launching new celebrity home collections including partnerships with Kathy Ireland, and other brands as part of its "Home Valley" expansion across 20,000+ stores. The strategy aims to attract higher-income shoppers seeking quality home goods at discount prices through a "treasure hunt" shopping experience.

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsoring this week's podcast.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

#dollargeneral #kathyireland #homefurnishing #retailnews #privatelabel

Walmart introduced "Ask Sparky," an AI assistant that helps customers find products, synthesize reviews, and get personalized recommendations through natural language searches. The company plans to evolve Sparky into agentic AI that can automatically take actions, positioning Walmart in the super app conversation alongside Google and Amazon.

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsoring this week's podcast.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

#walmart #genai #agenticai #amazon #amazonai #googleai #retailnews

Walmart launched a strategic "Who Knew?" advertising campaign featuring actor Walton Goggins to highlight its transformation into a comprehensive Amazon competitor with over 500 million items and superior membership benefits. The campaign positions Walmart Plus as offering more value than Amazon Prime with gas discounts, express delivery, and lower annual subscription costs.

Special thanks to the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand for sponsorship this week's podcast.

For the full epsisode, head here https://youtu.be/7Xn7tNqtskk

#walmart #walmartplus #amazon #retailnews

In this final CGF 2025 interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio, Juan Aguiriano, Group Head of Sustainability at Kerry Group, joins Omni Talk Retail to share how Kerry is helping transform global food systems.

Juan kicks off with what energized him most at the event (0:30) and details a not-so-secret breakfast meeting of CSOs including Ahold’s Alex Holt (1:00). He outlines Kerry’s innovation-with-impact strategy—cutting food waste with shelf-life tech (2:30), reducing sugar and salt while preserving taste (3:30), and scaling biotech platforms like fermentation and enzymes (4:30). He then dives into Kerry’s use of AI for food concept development (5:30), combining chef creativity with data to digitally prototype sustainable products (6:30). Juan closes with a look at carbon tracking, hybrid dairy, and how digital platforms help Kerry measure its footprint across 22,000+ products (9:00), making better food and a better planet achievable—at scale.

#KerryGroup #foodinnovation #sustainablenutrition #cgf2025 #JuanAguiriano #omnitalkretail #AIinFood #HybridDairy #foodwaste #CarbonTracking

In this wide-ranging conversation recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at CGF 2025, Alex Holt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize, explains how the grocery giant is making sustainability simple and scalable. She shares her retail journey (0:30), the brand’s “Healthy Communities and Planet” strategy (1:20), and how they're nudging healthier customer choices (2:00). Holt unpacks what it takes to embed ESG into the business (2:40), the power of collaboration—including climate hubs and regenerative ag pilots with major CPGs (3:30), and emerging scalable solutions like dynamic pricing to fight food waste (7:00). She closes with optimism around AI’s role in accelerating progress (12:00) and what she's most excited about in the next 3–5 years (12:50).

#AholdDelhaize #sustainability #CGF2025 #aiinretail #foodwaste #retailinnovation #AlexHolt #regenerativeagriculture #nutriscore #guidingstars #omnitalkretail

Live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at the Consumer Goods Forum 2025 in Amsterdam, Aldi Süd CEO Christoph Schwaiger shares how one of the world’s most influential grocers is leaning into AI and sustainability to better serve global consumers. He reflects on Aldi’s roots in discount grocery and its mission to make sustainability affordable (1:00), why CGF is a vital forum for collaborative innovation (2:45), and how banana and cashew supply chain changes are reshaping ethical sourcing (4:30). Christoph also discusses how to inspire industry-wide cooperation (5:50), the dual power of AI and sustainability as Aldi’s growth levers (7:00), and the rising importance of cybersecurity—especially at the human level (8:30).

#aldisüd #CGF2025 #retailinnovation #grocerytech #sustainability #aiinretail #cybersecurity #DiscountRetail #omnitalkretail

Live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at the Consumer Goods Forum 2025, Eric Riegger, Group CFO of Metro AG, breaks down how one of Europe’s largest wholesalers is investing in tech, AI, and cybersecurity to meet rising customer demands and support long-term growth. He shares his retail journey from Lidl and Aldi to Metro (1:00), contrasts the U.S. and European grocery landscapes (2:30), and explains where AI offers the highest ROI today (4:00). Eric also discusses the lessons learned from a disruptive cyberattack (6:00), the cost of recovery (7:30), and how Metro is rebuilding trust through system harmonization and operational reliability (8:30). Plus, hear what brought him to CGF 2025 and why supplier partnerships and food culture remain central to Metro’s mission (10:00).

#MetroAG #CGF2025 #retailinnovation #retailai #cybersecurity #WholesaleGrowth #grocerytech #retailleadership #omnitalkretail #cfoinsights

In this thoughtful interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at CGF 2025, Wesley Wilson, Head of North America for the Consumer Goods Forum, discusses how global retailers and brands are navigating rapid consumer and technological shifts. He shares CGF’s three pillars—leadership development, industry-wide innovation, and impact (0:45)—and why consumer health and values are top of mind in 2025 (3:00). Wesley also dives into affordability and wellness trade-offs (7:00), the role of data in building better shopping tools (9:00), and how collaboration can drive innovation and responsible tech adoption across the industry (10:00).

#CGF2025 #retailinnovation #ConsumerGoodsForum #healthandwellness #retailleadership #digitaltransformation #retailai #foodasmedicine #omnitalkretail #futureofshopping

In this energetic interview recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at CGF 2025 in Amsterdam, Danone Eurozone President Pablo Perversi sits down with Omni Talk to explore how the brand is transforming food systems across Europe. He shares insights into Danone's mission-first strategy (1:00), how science and branding power gut health innovation like Activia and kefir (3:30), and how AI is optimizing operations and segmentation at scale (7:00). Pablo also reveals what’s behind Danone’s renewed internal pride and external momentum (9:00) and why health, purpose, and digital capabilities are driving the company's next big leap forward (10:30).

#danone #CGF2025 #foodasmedicine #functionalnutrition #retailai #CPGLeadership #ConsumerGoodsForum #HealthThroughFood #digitaltransformation #omnitalkretail

In this inspiring conversation recorded live from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at CGF 2025 in Amsterdam, Bel Group CEO Cecile Béliot-Zind takes Omni Talk inside the company’s mission to balance performance and sustainability through innovation. She breaks down how Bel uses regenerative agriculture (7:00), artificial intelligence for shopper guidance (9:00), and virtual twin tech to accelerate sustainable product development (11:00). Cecile also reflects on her path from Danone to Bel (3:00), the power of collaboration across the food supply chain (6:00), and why the future of food must start with nature and partnership.

#BelGroup #CGF2025 #sustainablefood #aiinretail #regenerativeagriculture #foodinnovation #omnitalkretail #babybel #circulareconomy #retailleadership #healthysnacking

In this live interview recorded from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio at the Consumer Goods Forum 2025 in Amsterdam, Jonquil Hackenberg, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, shares how retailers and brands can embrace circularity to tackle waste and promote sustainability at scale. From United Nations treaty negotiations on plastic (2:30) to launching 150+ regenerative food products (4:50), and the role of retail in reshaping consumer behavior (5:15), Jonquil outlines the tools and collaborations needed to normalize circular thinking. Plus, discover how to connect with the foundation's North American team (6:00) and why affordability and cool factor are key to sustainable product adoption.

#circulareconomy #sustainability #retailinnovation #EllenMacArthurFoundation #CGF2025 #plasticwaste #regenerativeagriculture #retailleadership #zerowaste #omnitalkretail

Live from the Consumer Goods Forum and the VusionGroup Podcast Studio in Amsterdam, Omni Talk Retail sits down with Vipul Chawla, CEO of FairPrice Group, to dive into the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of grocery retail. From launching a digital-only bank to AI-powered stores and a strong sustainability mandate, this conversation covers it all.

🔹 0:40 – Vipul’s career journey from Unilever to Yum! Brands to FairPrice

🔹 1:10 – FairPrice’s multi-format retail model in Singapore

🔹 2:00 – Why the Consumer Goods Forum is critical for collaboration

🔹 3:00 – Daily digital engagement from 1M+ Singaporeans

🔹 4:00 – Deep dive into omnichannel customer behavior

🔹 5:10 – The tech powering FairPrice’s store of the future

🔹 7:30 – “Grocery Genie” and back-end AI systems

🔹 8:00 – Vision AI and real-time inventory tracking

🔹 9:00 – Electric autonomous delivery and sustainability goals

🔹 11:00 – Publishing annual sustainability reports

🔹 12:00 – Leadership philosophy: Ambition vs. Resources

🔹 12:45 – FairPrice’s commitment to Growth Mindset training

#fairprice #retailinnovation #ConsumerGoodsForum #aiinretail #smartstore #grocerytech #sustainability #omnitalkretail #retailleadership #StoreOfTheFuture #RetailCEO #growthmindset

Omni Talk Retail sits down with Danone Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Ayla Ziz, to explore how one of the world’s most trusted food companies is evolving its health mission in today’s fast-paced digital and consumer-centric environment. Recorded live at the Consumer Goods Forum from the VusionGroup Podcast Studio in Amsterdam, this interview covers everything from Danone’s beginnings in a Barcelona pharmacy to AI-driven salesforce tools and specialized nutrition for Alzheimer’s prevention.

Timestamps:

0:40 – The origin of Danone and its mission

1:30 – Transition to a health-focused portfolio

2:40 – Growth of protein-based products and healthy aging

4:00 – Danone’s long-term innovation strategy

5:10 – Innovation without fear of failure

6:10 – The critical role of in-store shopper moments

7:00 – AI-powered salesforce digitization

8:00 – Reaching consumers across digital touchpoints

9:00 – Tailoring brand presence to every occasion

10:00 – Company pride and employee engagement

10:45 – Science-backed specialized nutrition innovations

12:00 – The importance of collaboration across the CPG industry

12:45 – Call to action for shared sustainability goals

#danone #ConsumerGoodsForum #foodforhealth #CGF2025 #danone #CPGLeadership #plantbased #HealthierLives #nutritionscience #SustainabilityInCPG #retailinnovation #omnitalkretail

Omni Talk Retail sits down with Harold Dutzler, PwC's Global Sector Leader for Consumer Goods, live at the Consumer Goods Forum at the VusionGroup Podcast Studio in Amsterdam to unpack insights from PwC’s newest global consumer study. From affordability to aspiration, Harold offers a pragmatic view into the shifting grocery landscape, the role of technology, and the urgent need for smarter collaboration and transparency in food retail.

🔹 0:40 – Harold’s background and passion for the food value chain

🔹 1:55 – Why the Consumer Goods Forum matters to PwC and global collaboration

🔹 2:10 – PwC’s new consumer study: affordability, aspiration, and confusion

🔹 3:40 – The younger consumer’s growing health and digital expectations

🔹 4:50 – Consumers want tools: where’s the AI for food?

🔹 6:00 – Loyalty data and personalizing health and affordability at scale

🔹 7:00 – How retailers can simplify pricing and nutrition transparency

🔹 8:30 – Helping consumers build smart baskets and avoid food waste

🔹 9:15 – Local and health as sustainability cues that resonate

🔹 10:20 – Circularity and reuse pilot examples from Canada

🔹 12:00 – Why collaboration is the only way to scale meaningful progress

🔹 13:10 – Top grocery trend to watch: health + affordability + tech

🔹 14:00 – Second big theme: climate-driven food scarcity and why the system must change

#PwC #ConsumerGoodsForum #FoodRetailTrends #GroceryInnovation #DigitalGrocery #retailtech #SustainabilityInRetail #foodasmedicine #omnitalkretail #FoodAffordability #circulareconomy #healthyeating #foodscarcity #CGF2025

Join Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton as they interview Pete Pearson, Vice President Food, Food Loss and Waste at WWF, live from the Consumer Goods Forum and the VusionGroup Podcast Studio in Amsterdam. This eye-opening conversation reveals the shocking scale of global food waste and provides concrete solutions for businesses and communities.

Key Moments:

0:48 - The mind-blowing statistic: 40% of global food supply is wasted

1:44 - Introducing WWF's Global Farm Loss Tool with Consumer Goods Forum

2:20 - Why perfect-looking produce leaves edible food rotting on farms

3:21 - Food waste as the "gateway issue" to sustainability efforts

4:17 - 10-year partnership success stories: From Hilton to industry-wide change

5:27 - Why hospitality leads on pre-competitive collaboration vs. retail

6:35 - Environmental impacts beyond hunger: embedded resources and methane

7:16 - Food waste ranks 3rd globally for methane emissions (behind fossil fuels and cattle)

8:15 - Solutions from Consumer Goods Forum: McCain's farm loss measurement

8:58 - Infrastructure challenge: Trillions needed for circular food economy

9:43 - Best practice #1: Separate food from trash - "food is never trash"

10:55 - How major retailers can lead the change

11:33 - Zero Food Waste Coalition driving policy at federal and state levels

12:21 - School kids driving policy: 9,000 postcards = Maryland compost bill

13:05 - Resources: Zero Food Waste Coalition, Food Waste Warriors, Hotel Kitchen

#foodwaste #wwf #sustainability #RetailWaste #circulareconomy #foodsecurity #climatechange #wastereduction #consumergoods #retailinnovation #environmentalimpact #zerowaste #composting #foodloss #SustainableRetail

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, Chris and Anne discussed:

• Walmart’s new “Who knew?” advertising campaign (Source)
• Walmart’s gen AI assistant Sparky (Source)
• Dollar General’s home line with Kathy Ireland (Source)
• Amazon training humanoid robots to deliver packages (Source)
• And closed with a look at why they both think Peloton’s move into resale could be more difficult than Peloton thinks (Source)

There’s all that, plus Dutch food, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and how much Anne needs the senior citizen features turned on within her Uber app.

P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/

P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Apple Podcasts and on Feedspot

Music by hooksounds.com

#RetailNews #RetailPodcast #Walmart #dollargeneral #amazon #peloton #RetailTech #AIinRetail #OmniTalk #RetailFastFive #whoknew #sparky #GenAI

This week’s Lightning Round delivers a sugar rush of retail absurdity — from Mondelez pulling products over pricing beef with Aldi, to mistakenly buying 70,000 lollipops, and Sydney Sweeney selling out her soap line. Retail’s never been this entertaining — and we couldn’t bring it to you without the support of our amazing sponsors: A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand — the brands powering the future of retail.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#sydneysweeney #dumdum #oreo #retailnews

David’s Bridal is getting glam with its new Diamonds & Pearls store concept, complete with upgraded fittings and a full glam squad. Thanks to our always fabulous sponsors — A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand — for supporting retail reinvention.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#retailnews #weddingdress

Aldi is making early career access easier with a new virtual retail work experience program designed for teens aged 13 and up. This forward-thinking discussion was made possible thanks to the innovation-minded sponsors of the Retail Fast Five: A&M CRG, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#retailnews #aldi

Victoria’s Secret faced a major website outage this week, raising big questions about cybersecurity readiness in retail. Brought to you by the Fast Five sponsors: A&M CRG, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand — the tech and strategy partners keeping retailers one step ahead.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#cybersecurity #retailnews #victoriasecret

E.l.f. is betting big on Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, with a $1 billion acquisition that could reshape the beauty M&A landscape. This coverage is powered by Omni Talk's Fast Five sponsors: A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand — all trusted names in transforming retail.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#retailnews #elfcosmetics #rhodeskin

Walmart is piloting a digital badge to help Medicare Advantage members identify "food-as-medicine" eligible items — a move blending AI, healthcare, and retail.

As always, this segment is brought to you by our friends at the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Clear Demand — the companies helping retailers win smarter, faster.

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rJh3sY4_BsU

#walmart #foodasmedicine #medicareadvantage #retailnews

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Eugene Amigud Chief Innovation Officer at Infios, joins Omni Talk to separate AI fact from fiction when it comes to transforming the supply chain.

From predictive analytics to agentic AI, Eugene breaks down how to spot purposeful innovation, how to deploy modular decision engines that adapt to change, and why the future of execution is about real-time intelligence — not black-box systems. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually worth adopting in retail AI, this episode is for you.

🔑 Topics covered:

• The difference between real innovation and hype in AI
• Why modular, augmentative tech is key to fast ROI
• How agentic AI could redefine supply chain execution
• Why retailers need a centralized decisioning “brain”

🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retail tech insights!

#retailai #supplychain #generativeai #retailtech #omnitalk #smartretail #agenticai #retailinnovation #Infios #retailpodcast

Fresh from the buzzing halls of Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, the Omni Talk team delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of the biggest retail trends shaping the future live from the conference stage with Shoptalk's very own Ben Miller and Adam Plom.

From TikTok Shop's explosive growth (seriously, it's everywhere) to the rise of agentic AI that's already saving Amazon $200 million annually, this episode covers the tech, strategies, and insights that had everyone talking while eating tapas down the aisles of the Barcelona convention center.

Discover why European business confidence is holding steady despite global uncertainty, how Google's new "Try It On" feature is revolutionizing online shopping, and why investing in your store teams might be the smartest move you make this year.

Plus, hear why Harrods turns OFF their AI when buyers select merchandise, the surprising demographics shopping on TikTok, and how Mars is shifting 70% of their media spend to digital.

Whether you're navigating the complexity of social commerce, implementing new store technologies, or trying to balance engagement with efficiency, this episode delivers actionable insights direct from one of the best conferences out there.

The retail landscape is evolving faster than ever – make sure you're keeping up.