Episodes

227
March 15, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Loblaw To Tag US Sourced Products With Tariff Symbol

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week’s retail news. In this short, they cover: Loblaw Tagging US Sourced Products With Tariff Symbol For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU This podcast uses the...
226
March 15, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | CVS To Launch New “Mini-Stores”

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Alvarez & Marsal, Mirakl, Simbe, Infios, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Chris Creyts and David Schneidman break down the week’s retail news. In this short, they cover: For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/zoe5hsCC9jU This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn...
225
March 13, 2025

How AI & Smart Data Capture Are Converging To Improve Retail Store Operations | Ask An Expert

How is AI transforming retail technology? In this episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Jessica Grisolia from Scandit about the latest innovations in smart data capture, shelf intelligence, and workforce efficiency. Find out how AI is not replacing store associates but enhancing their productivity, and why next-best-action intelligence is coming soon to inventory management. ⏳ Key Moments: 0:08 – Intro to OmniTalk’s Ask An Expert Series 1:21 – The importance of human-centric retail...
239
March 12, 2025

CVS "Mini-Stores," Google Shopping & Loblaw's Plan To Slap Tariff Labels On U.S. Goods | Fast Five

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital and Infios, A&M’s David Schneidman and Chris Creyts joined Chris and Anne to discuss: CVS Health’s rollout of “mini-stores,” i.e. smaller stores with pharmacies but a limited retail selection (Source) Loblaw identifying U.S. made products at shelf with a new tariff symbol (Source) Google Shopping’s new AI search features (Source) Reckitt’s claims that it has r...
238
March 8, 2025

Airport Theory, Stuffed Crust Wars & Retail Throwbacks – This Week in Consumer Trends!

🚀 In this week's Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down the viral Airport Theory TikTok trend (would you show up 15 minutes before your flight?!), the Domino’s stuffed crust debate, and the return of nostalgic retail brands like Limited Too! Plus, which pancakes reign supreme? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/rTReEPz6yR8 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podc...
237
March 8, 2025

Walmart Unlimited: The Future of Shopping or a Soon-To-Be Failed Experiment?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: 🎮 Walmart just launched Walmart Unlimited, a shoppable video game experience designed to merge immersive gaming and e-commerce. But is this the future of shopping or just another metaverse experiment destined to fail? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capita...
236
March 8, 2025

Furniture.com Is A Really Audacious Retail Concept

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: 🛋️ Furniture.com is shaking up the industry by integrating real-time inventory, search data, and in-store browsing into one seamless furniture shopping platform. Could this be the next big thing in home furnishings, or will giants like Wayfair and Walmart respond with their own versions? In this week's episode, sponsored...
235
March 8, 2025

Publix Sued for Overcharging Customers – Pricing Error or Deception?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: 🛒 Publix is facing a class-action lawsuit over allegations of overcharging customers on weighted food items. Did a simple pricing error cause this, or is there a bigger problem with grocery store transparency? In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we br...
234
March 8, 2025

Is Alexa+ Just Another Overhyped AI Assistant?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: 🚀 Amazon has launched Alexa Plus, its next-generation AI-powered assistant—but is it truly revolutionary or just another Alexa upgrade? 🤔 In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we discuss its new features, generative AI improvements, and whether it final...
233
March 8, 2025

Is Target & Warby Parker's Partnership A Bigger Gamble Than It Appears?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Target teaming up with Warby Parker to bring in-store eyewear services to select locations—but is this a brilliant retail move or a risky bet? 🤔 In this week's episode, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, we break down how this partnership benefits both brands, potential oper...
232
March 5, 2025

Alexa+, Publix & Why There’s More Than Meets The Eye To Target And Warby’s New Deal | Fast Five

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris and Anne discussed: All the wrinkles surrounding Target and Warby Parker’s new partnership (Source) The launch of Alexa+ (Source) The deceptive pricing lawsuit against Publix (Source) Furniture.com’s unique take on omnichannel commerce (Source) And closed with an examination of Walmart Unlimited, Walmart’s new video game shopping experience (Source...
231
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | An LA Raiders Latch Hook Lightning Round

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: An LA Raiders Latch Hook Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
230
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Buy Or Sell: Walmart’s New AI Tool For Merchants, Aka Wally?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If They're Buying Or Selling: Walmart’s New Ai Tool For Merchants, Aka Wally? For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
229
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Kroger And Schnucks Enhance Their Quick Delivery Offerings Via Instacart

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Kroger And Schnucks Enhancing Their Quick Delivery Offerings Via Instacart For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
228
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Sprouts To Launch First-ever Loyalty Program

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Sprouts Launching Its First-ever Loyalty Program For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
227
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Joann To Close All Its Stores

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Joann Closing All Its Stores For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
226
March 1, 2025

Fast Five Shorts | Adidas To Offer Buy With Prime Via Its App & Website

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Adidas Offering Buy With Prime Via Its App & Website For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/mJ9TENRdNnE This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
232
Feb. 27, 2025

How AI is Changing Beauty Retail | Milani Cosmetics CMO at eTail Palm Springs

How is AI transforming beauty retail? At eTail Palm Springs, Milani Cosmetics CMO Jeremy Lowenstein joins Omni Talk Retail to discuss how the brand is using AI, social listening, and influencer marketing to create a seamless shopping experience across online and its in-store channels. 🛍 Key Moments: ✅ (2:42) – How Milani’s baked blush is handcrafted in Italy ✅ (5:08) – The role of AI in content creation & personalization ✅ (6:55) – Why influencers are shaping brand perception ✅ (8:54) – How...
228
Feb. 27, 2025

Build Profit & Boost Loyalty? Learn Why Both Are Possible With AI Powered Pricing | Ask An Expert

How can AI-driven pricing optimization boost retail profits and customer loyalty? 🚀 Chris Walton & Anne Mezzenga sit down with Matt Pavich, Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation at Revionics, to discuss how AI-powered pricing is shaping the future of retail and what retailers must do to stay competitive. 📌 Key Moments: ⏩ 00:00 – Intro ⏩ 02:00 – Why pricing optimization is the biggest lever in retail ⏩ 07:15 – The evolving complexity of pricing in retail today ⏩ 12:45 – AI-powered price o...
224
Feb. 27, 2025

Office Depot & OfficeMax President on Transformation & Omnichannel Innovation | Live at eTail 2025

In this insightful episode of Omni Talk Retail, Anne sits down with Kevin Moffitt, President of Office Depot and Office Max, live from eTail 2025! Kevin shares how his team is focusing on small business needs, AI-powered operational improvements, and omnichannel experiences. 📌 Key Moments: 0:06 - Welcome to eTail 2025 & sponsor shoutout 1:00 - Kevin’s role at Office Depot and the importance of small businesses 2:35 - How Office Depot is catering to digital-first customers 4:50 - The evoluti...
223
Feb. 27, 2025

How DSW is Driving Loyalty with AI & Personalization | eTail West 2025

How is DSW adapting its approach to loyalty? 🤔 In this exclusive interview from eTail West 2025, Paige Sheedy, VP of Growth Marketing at DSW, shares how the brand is using AI, predictive modeling, and personalization to enhance customer loyalty and drive engagement. 📌 Key Moments: ⏩ 00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Shoutout ⏩ 01:30 – How DSW Defines Modern Loyalty & Customer Retention ⏩ 03:45 – The Role of AI & Predictive Modeling in Personalization ⏩ 06:00 – DSW’s Omnichannel Strategy for Customer ...
222
Feb. 26, 2025

Good-Bye Joann, Hello Adidas Buy With Prime & Welcome Walmart To ‘Wally’ World | Fast Five

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Anne remoted in from eTail West, Chris was back home in Minneapolis, and together they discussed: Adidas offering Amazon Buy with Prime via its website and app (Source) Joann no longer being in the fabric of our lives (Source) Sprouts launching its first-ever loyalty program (Source) Kroger and Schnucks enhancing their quick delivery offerings via Instaca...
221
Feb. 26, 2025

AI in Retail & E-Commerce: Insights from NetElixir CEO at eTail West

We’re live from eTail West in Palm Springs with NetElixir CEO Udayan Bose, who breaks down the latest innovations in AI-driven retail marketing. From predictive analytics to strategic experimentation, Udayan shares how brands can increase revenue, optimize Google and Meta ad spending, and navigate the digital marketing evolution. 🔹 [0:14] Live from eTail West: Introducing NetElixir and its mission 🔹 [1:06] Udayan’s 19-year journey with eTail and key industry shifts 🔹 [2:30] How NetElixir pion...
223
Feb. 26, 2025

Scentbird CTO on Personalization, Efficiency & The Future of Retail

We’re live from eTail West with Andrei Rebrov, CTO & Co-Founder of Scentbird, to explore the transformative power of AI in retail. From personalized fragrance recommendations to AI-driven automation, Andrei shares how technology is redefining customer experiences and workplace efficiency. 🔹 [0:14] Welcome to eTail West: Scentbird’s evolution from fragrance subscription to a global scent destination 🔹 [2:18] The challenge of discovering new scents online & how Scentbird solves it 🔹 [4:45] How ...