Best Buy’s incoming CEO says the retailer’s path to growth starts with smaller-format stores that can reach markets its traditional big-box locations cannot. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn debate whether smaller stores can improve productivity and expand Best Buy’s footprint or whether the math makes meaningful long-term growth too difficult.…
Kroger has named Nate Faust, a former Walmart and Jet.com executive, as its first chief e-commerce officer, creating a new leadership role focused exclusively on its digital business. Chris Walton and Jenn Hahn debate whether the move signals a smart investment in Kroger’s e-commerce growth or an organizational step backward…
Welcome to GrocerTalk! In this launch episode, sponsored by Instacart Enterprise, Portager, and Vusion, Ben Miller is joined by Omni Talk President & CEO Chris Walton to unpack the biggest stories in global grocery retail and what they mean for the industry. They kick things off with Couche-Tard’s US$8.7 billion…
Welcome to GrocerTalk! In this launch episode, sponsored by Instacart Enterprise, Portager, and Vusion, Ben Miller is joined by Omni Talk President & CEO Chris Walton to unpack the biggest stories in global grocery retail and what they mean for the industry. They kick things off with Couche-Tard’s US$8.7 billion…
Hy-Vee has officially introduced a new "get it faster" fulfillment option across all of its stores, offering online pickup or delivery in as little as 30 minutes. Hy-Vee Perks Plus members get free 30-minute pickup and pay a flat $4.95 fee for delivery, while non-members pay $9.95 for pickup and…
Gap Inc. is expanding its creator, affiliate, and social media advocacy program to its own staff across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Eligible employees can now earn commissions as brand influencers. Originally launched in October 2025 for external creators, the program has already driven nearly 30,000 unique posts…
David’s Bridal has officially debuted "Outlet by David’s Bridal," a hybrid outlet and full-price shop-in-shop concept. The first location recently opened inside its existing store in McAllen, Texas, with more locations planned later this year. In this clip, we discuss the strategic risks and rewards of selling discounted products alongside…
Albertsons is overhauling its operations under a new initiative called ACI Edge. The grocery giant is consolidating its 11 divisions into just four regions, aiming for $200 million in annual run rate savings by fiscal 2027. This massive reorganization follows a disappointing first quarter where identical sales fell 0.8%, prompting…
US grocery unit sales fell by nearly 2% year-over-year in June, marking the fifth consecutive month of declining volume. According to a new analysis from Bain & Company and NielsenIQ, unit sales declined 1.8% in June, 1.9% in May, and 2.2% in April. With 8 in 10 US consumers trying…
Gap is paying headquarters employees to create content, but will other retailers follow? Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris Walton to explain why employee-generated content feels more authentic than traditional marketing, why retail employees are natural brand advocates, and the one mistake retailers…
David's Bridal is bringing value and premium shopping together under one roof. Is that a smart retail strategy? Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris Walton to discuss whether retailers can successfully combine luxury and bargain shopping, why execution matters, and why this approach…
Are declining grocery sales just a temporary slowdown, or is consumer behavior changing for the long term? Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris Walton to discuss why grocery unit sales remain under pressure, how inflation and fuel prices continue to impact shoppers, and…
Hy Vee is expanding its 30-minute delivery service, but is ultra-fast grocery delivery still a competitive advantage? Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris Walton to explain why 30-minute delivery is becoming table stakes, how it drives customer loyalty, and why subscription memberships may…
Albertsons is reorganizing its business to support future growth, but is it centralizing the right functions? Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris Walton to discuss the benefits of centralized merchandising and buying, the risk of losing local market expertise, and what Albertsons will…
It was National Tequila Day, so Chris Walton asked Josh Hahn one simple question: What's your go-to tequila order? From High Noon Tequila to frozen versus on-the-rocks margaritas, they break down their favorite tequila drinks and settle one of summer's biggest debates. Watch the full OmniTalk Retail Fast Five episode:…
It's Shark Week, and Chris Walton and Josh Hahn debate whether they'd ever go cage diving with sharks. While Josh says he'd probably do it, Chris has a firm answer. They also discuss why sharks are so fascinating, the real fear of scuba diving, and the surprising question Josh's daughter…
John Cena says his hair transplants "totally changed" his life, which sparked a fun debate between Chris Walton and Josh Hahn. From Donald Trump to John Travolta and David Spade, they share which celebrities they think should embrace the bald look. Watch the full OmniTalk Retail Fast Five episode: https://youtu.be/_GsTHL9DBYA
USA Today readers ranked Del Taco as having the best fast food French fries in America. The result surprised Chris Walton and Josh Hahn. Josh Hahn of J Recruiting Services, formerly Meijer and Sports Authority, joins Chris to debate the rankings and compare Del Taco, In N Out, Culver's, and…
Watch the full episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives with Amir Khoshniyati, Vice President, Wiliot, and Kay Irwin, National Practice Lead, Connected Assets & Smart Supply Chain Practice, AT&T here: https://youtu.be/ywGz01vhq9g
Chris Walton puts Josh Hahn in the Fast Five lightning round, covering everything from National Tequila Day and Shark Week to John Cena's hair transplants, America's best fast-food fries, and plenty more retail-free fun. ▶️ Watch the full Fast Five episode here: https://youtu.be/_GsTHL9DBYA
Albertsons is restructuring its business through its new ACI Edge initiative while lowering its financial outlook for the year. Chris Walton and Josh Hahn discuss whether centralizing merchandising and operations is the right move, why regional grocers face mounting competitive pressure, and what Albertsons must do to remain relevant in…
Hy-Vee has rolled out 30-minute pickup and delivery across all of its stores with its new "Get It Faster" service. Chris Walton and Josh Hahn debate whether ultra-fast grocery fulfillment is still a competitive advantage or simply the new baseline as Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers continue raising customer expectations.…
