Episodes

195
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Most Overhyped Retail Tech: From Device AI to Smart Carts

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short they explore which retail technologies and trends fell short of expectations in 2024, including device AI's premature rollout, the cost-prohibitive nature of smart carts, and Tar...
194
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Most Impactful Retail Tech: From Invisible Barcodes to Smart Anti-Theft Solutions

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they explore the groundbreaking retail technologies of 2024, including Walmart's invisible barcode implementation, the rise of in-store robotics, innovative marketplace platform...
195
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Biggest Retail Headlines: 70% Surge in Store Closures and Major Amazon Shifts

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they analyze the year's most impactful retail headlines, from unprecedented store closures and bankruptcies to Walgreens' potential private equity sale and Google's revolutiona...
193
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Retailer of the Year Battle: Walmart vs. Publix vs. Sprouts

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they debate 2024's top retail performers, from Publix's impressive 49% earnings increase and regional expansion to Walmart's successful transformation attracting higher-income c...
192
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Top Retail CEO: Walmart's Doug McMillon vs. Surprising Challengers

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they explore why Doug McMillon's success in attracting high-income customers and driving Walmart's digital transformation earned him CEO of the Year, with strong competition fro...
191
Dec. 21, 2024

Hollywood Meets Retail: 2024's Most Movie-Worthy Business Headlines

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they discuss which retail headlines deserve the Hollywood treatment, including a $200M cocaine-in-bananas scandal, Starbucks' four-minute turnaround story, and Macy's mysterious...
190
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Most Brilliant Retail Moves: From Carvana's 99% Recovery to Abercrombie's Cool Comeback

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they cover the most successful strategic decisions in retail this year, from Kohl's partnership with Babies R Us to Carvana's remarkable turnaround and Abercrombie & Fitch's suc...
189
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Best Retail Partnerships: SKIMS x North Face vs. DoorDash's Game-Changing Moves

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they analyze the year's most impactful retail partnerships, from SKIMS' strategic expansion with North Face to DoorDash's innovative collaborations with Starbucks and Lyft. Lear...
188
Dec. 21, 2024

2024's Most Ridiculous Retail Moments: From Virtual Coach Bags to the Pepsi Whole Foods Debacle

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga, along with guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and Chad Lusk discuss 2024’s Retail Awards. In this short, they break down the most laughable retail headlines of 2024, including Coach's misguided Roblox venture, Amazon's hype about ordering Pepsi on your phone while shopping at Who...
187
Dec. 21, 2024

2025 Retail Predictions: Major Changes Coming for Amazon, Target, and Macy's

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI and Ocampo Capital our industry experts share their bold predictions for retail in 2025, including Amazon's continued grocery struggles, potential leadership changes at Target, Macy's privatization, and the consolidation of retail media networks. Get unique insights into the future of retail from seasoned industry veterans For the full episode head here: https://youtu....
186
Dec. 18, 2024

The 2024 Omni Talk Retail Awards Show

In this special year end edition of the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, A&M’s Chad Lusk and David Ritter join Chris and Anne to look back on 2024 and to salute everything that stood out in retail this past year. Who will win retailer of the year? CEO of the year? And which retail headline would you most want turned into a feature film? You will just have to tune into find out! Music by hooksounds.com T...
185
Dec. 17, 2024

Startup Funding Tips: VC Insights from Clarence Bethea at True Ventures

Join Chris and Anne for a candid conversation with Clarence Bethea, investor and executive in residence at True Ventures, as he shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth to startup success with Upsie and becoming a VC. Clarence discusses how AI is shaping the future of retail and startups, the importance of empathy and honesty in funding decisions, and share practical advice for early-stage entrepreneurs, including why early money matters. Key Moments: (1:00) Clarence’s personal jour...
184
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | A Dolly Musical Debut Lightning Round

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Dolly Musical Debut Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/J8I1H1pFBT8 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
183
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | Why E.l.f. Beauty’s Virtual Luxe Lounge Misses the Mark

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: E.l.f. Beauty’s Virtual Luxe Lounge is a 3D shopping platform exclusive to its loyalty program members. But does it move the needle, or is it another unnecessary 3D gimmick? This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, ...
182
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | Is Dollar General Right to Pump the Brakes on Fresh Produce?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Dollar General’s fresh produce rollout is slowing in 2025, with plans to add 300 new locations instead of the rapid pace seen in prior years. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga a...
181
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | PorchPals: Solving Package Theft or Passing the Buck?

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: PorchPals, a new insurance product for stolen packages, is now available nationwide. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the numbers behind package theft, Porch Pals’ su...
180
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | Tractor Supply Plans Major Expansion: Why It’s the Next Decade's Retailer to Watch

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Tractor Supply is scaling new heights with its “Life Out Here 2030” expansion plan. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga analyze its growth strategy, retail media potential, and B2...
179
Dec. 14, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | Amazon Revolutionizes Car Buying with Launch of Amazon Autos

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon has entered the car sales market with Amazon Autos, creating a groundbreaking e-commerce experience for purchasing vehicles. This week on Omni Talk Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris and Anne dive into the platform’s ke...
178
Dec. 12, 2024

Private Brands 101: Kirkland, Target, Walmart & More | Spotlight Series

In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Spotlight Series Podcast, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the world of private brands with special guests Brandon Warren and Bethany Davis of the Barcode Group. Discover why private brands are crucial to retail growth, who’s winning the private label game, and how retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target are adapting their strategies. Brandon and Bethany also share actionable advice for manufacturers and retailers looking to elevate their...
177
Dec. 12, 2024

Why Every Retailer Needs a Marketplace Strategy With Kroger's Brooke Chambers | 5IM

Dive into the world of digital marketplaces with retail veteran Brooke Chambers, Director of Digital Marketplaces at Kroger. Brooke shares her extensive experience in the evolution of digital marketplaces from simple seller acquisition to comprehensive platform partnerships. She discusses the critical role of marketplaces in customer retention, the importance of bridging online and offline experiences, and predicts future trends including social selling and generational shopping shifts. Key Mom...
176
Dec. 11, 2024

Amazon Auto, Porch Pirate Insurance & Why There May Be No Stopping Tractor Supply | Fast Five

In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Ocampo Capital, Chris and Anne discussed: Amazon’s momentous launch of Amazon Auto (Source) Why Tractor Supply Company may be the retailer to watch over the next decade (Source) PorchPals new insurance offering for victims of package theft (Source) Whether Dollar General’s slowdown of its fresh expansion signals underlying issues with its grocery strategy (So...
175
Dec. 11, 2024

Mind the Gap: Bridging the Divide Between Supply Chain & Merchandising | Ask An Expert

Join us for a dynamic conversation with SPS Commerce experts Brandon Pierre and Maayan Kaplan as they dive into bridging the gap between supply chain and merchandising teams in retail. From understanding the transformative power of the OTIF metric to introducing integrated business planning strategies, this episode offers practical advice for retail executives preparing for 2025. Key Moments Include: [00:00] Introduction and episode preview [02:50] Importance of supply chain and merchandising...
174
Dec. 7, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | A Shrimp Jesus Lightning Round

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Shrimp Jesus Lightning Round For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/JwnJXUy6y20 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
173
Dec. 7, 2024

Fast Five Shorts | SHEIN And Temu Are Making Inroads On The Toy Market

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Avalara, Mirakl, Ownit AI, and Ocampo Capital Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss SHEIN And Temu Making Inroads On The Toy Market For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/JwnJXUy6y20 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy