RETHINK RETAIL

Latest Episodes:

Retail AI: Closing the Reality Gap Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Most AI projects die in the boardroom because they ignore the person holding the handheld scanner. In this episode, Sharon Gai, Matt Redwood, and Paula Angelucci move past the hype to discuss what actually works on the shop floor. The Pivot from Shiny to Useful Stop starting with the technology. Matt Redwood argues that the most successful AI implementations begin with a specific human frustration. Whether it is identifying non-barcoded produce or managing "dark" areas of the store, the tech must serve the journey. One pilot even saw a 75 percent reduction in shrink, but the real win was the store staff lobbying to keep the tools because they made their jobs easier. Empowering the Artist Paula Angelucci views AI as the ultimate tool for the frontline. By automating the "laundry" of the industry, retailers can finally return to being entertainers and experts. From AI-driven leadership coaching to real-time product insights, the goal is to give associates their time back. Watch the full interview to see how Diebold Nixdorf and WHSmith are turning data into a genuine competitive advantage.

Winning in The Agentic Era: The Commerce Roadmap for Success Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Your product data wasn't built for AI agents. Here's why that's a problem. In the latest episode of RETHINK Retail's award-winning AiR (AI in Retail) podcast series, host Jamie Tenser sits down with @Anne-Claire Baschet, Chief Data & AI Officer at @Mirakl and a Top AI Leader recognized by RETHINK Retail, to explore the seismic shift happening in retail discovery right now. Anne-Claire brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and strategic vision, from her roots as a Data Scientist at AXA to leading e-commerce platforms at Aramis Group, and now driving AI innovation at Mirakl. As a recognized leader in the AI retail space, she's at the forefront of what she calls the "agentic era" in commerce. The reality check: • 53 million shopping queries happen daily on ChatGPT alone • 60% of shoppers now use AI in their shopping journey • Traditional keyword optimization? It's no longer enough What retailers must do now: ✓ Product data & API infrastructure – Make your catalog AI-responsive, not just mobile-responsive ✓ Brand content & social proof – Build trust signals that AI agents recognize ✓ Pricing transparency – Show the real price (product + promo + tax + shipping) ✓ Fulfillment capabilities – Accurate stock and delivery promises matter more than ever ✓ Performance tracking – Test, learn, and optimize for agentic channels Anne-Claire's advice for 2026? "Experiment. The ones who win are going to be those whose products AI can actually find, understand, and recommend."

Retail 2026: Magic, Data, and Human Connection Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, Julia Rogers Vargas, VP and GM, Identification Solutions at Avery Dennison and Sasha Wallinger, contributor at Forbes move past the buzzwords to find the "magic" in the retail grind. The End of the Visible Transaction We are rapidly approaching a "post-transactional" world. As AI bots begin to automate our daily chores, from replenishing diapers to choosing grocery brands, the traditional checkout experience is fading. Sasha and Julia explore why this shift forces a total pivot in marketing: if a bot is making the purchase, a brand’s only survival strategy is a deep, emotional relationship with the human behind the machine. Data as the Non-Negotiable Floor You can't build "magic" on a broken foundation. Julia highlights that while everyone is chasing AI, the real winners are those perfecting their data accuracy through RFID and sensor technology. If the information feeding your digital models is inaccurate, the entire ecosystem collapses. Accurate "track and trace" is what allows the logistics to become invisible, leaving room for the human touch. Freeing the "Hardy" Retailers Retail has always been about "humans serving humans." By automating the tedious, manual processes, what Julia calls the "laundry" of the industry, we aren't replacing the workforce. Instead, we are re-empowering retailers to be the entertainers and artists they were meant to be, bringing intimacy and delight back to the physical space. Watch the full interview to see how Avery Dennison is bridging the gap between digital intelligence and physical artistry.

Solving Fashion Supply Chain Overdevelopment Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Liza Amlani (Retail Strategy Group) and Aimee Heuschkel (Lectra) joined RETHINK Retail at NRF to discuss why the industry is currently making too much of the wrong product. The Overdevelopment Crisis Right now, brands are throwing supply at consumers and hoping demand follows. With 81% of retailers struggling to keep up, the result is massive waste and shrinking margins. The fix requires moving from reactive systems to predictive, data-led models. Breaking Down Retail Silos Teams are often "rowing in different directions." Success in 2026 requires bringing design, sourcing, and materials together at the very start of the process. When everyone aligns on business goals rather than siloed targets, efficiency skyrockets. Materials as a Strategic Unlock Instead of fabric being a "service" to design, it should be the starting point. Elevating materials teams reduces waste and simplifies calendars, ensuring your brand is ready for upcoming transparency regulations like Digital Product Passports (DPP). Listen the full podcast to future-proof your product journey.

Gen Z 2026: Navigating the New Trend Cycle Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Marie Schwartz caught up with MaryLeigh Bliss from Ypulse at NRF to talk Gen Z in 2026. The old marketing playbooks? They’re history. The 20-year trend cycle is over. MaryLeigh explains how social media has created a "firehose" of fragmented trends where Gen Z is nostalgic for everything at once. Whether it’s a 90s reboot or a meme from two weeks ago, the pace is moving faster than most retailers can keep up with. We’re also seeing the rise of the "AI Detective." Gen Z is hunting for glitches and demanding that AI-generated content be clearly labeled. Transparency is now a requirement for trust, which is why brands like Aerie are winning by doubling down on human authenticity. Finally, the "post-social" era has arrived. Follower counts don't guarantee reach anymore, the algorithm is the new gatekeeper. From the "social closet" (dressing up for TikTok but living in sweatpants) to the surprising return of cinema-going, this episode covers exactly how to reach the next generation in 2026. Watch the full interview for the complete Gen Z playbook.

Experential Retail: The Permanent Jewelry Boom Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, RETHINK Retail host Marie Schwartz sits down with Jake Randolph and Adel Cruz from LINKED Permanent Jewelry to discuss the explosive growth of experiential retail. Key Highlights: - Experiential Sales: Why "permanent" products are winning on social media. - The AI Advantage: How solo owners use AI to scale marketing and operations. - Future of Retail: A first look at LINKED’s new "no-welding" model for traditional stores. Building 2026 Entrepreneurs From Air Force pilots to estheticians, the permanent jewelry business model is empowering a new wave of retail owners. Discover how simple tech and a "community-first" mindset are redefining the gig economy.

Pragmatic AI: Solving the Retail Data Gap Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Retailers often chase AI for its own sake instead of solving specific operational problems. In this session of Retailer Tech Tips, Thaddeus Segura from VusionGroup and Guy Courtin from Tecsys discuss how to move past "irrational exuberance" to build an operating model that survives the current industry bifurcation. Key Discussion Points: - The Hardware Flywheel: Intelligence starts at the shelf, using battery-powered cameras to gather necessary AI signals. - Managing Expectations: The industry must move away from "magic beans" toward transparent conversations about AI capabilities. - The Future of Discovery: AI tools are changing how consumers find brands, shifting loyalty from ads to personalized recommendations. - The Omnichannel Hurdle: Traditional safety stock is no longer viable as modern retail demands real-time inventory precisio Are you ready to "bite the bullet" on tech costs now, or will you wait for another budget cycle?

Shoptalk Spring 2026 Preview: How AI Is Transforming Retail Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

As Shoptalk Spring 2026 approaches, one theme is shaping the conversation across the retail industry: AI is moving from experimentation to real-world application. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Fritz Finlay speaks with Joe Laszlo, Head of Content & Insights at Shoptalk, about the ideas and trends expected to define this year’s event. Their discussion explores several themes emerging across AI in retail today: - Human-Centric AI As automation expands across retail operations, successful brands are focusing on how technology can enhance, not replace, the human elements of service, connection, and experience. - AI as a Multiplier Rather than asking what roles AI replaces, retailers are increasingly exploring how AI can expand what teams are capable of accomplishing. - From AI Hype to Retail Impact The most valuable AI applications are solving long-standing retail challenges, from merchandising decisions and demand planning to customer engagement and discovery. Joe also shares how these themes are reflected in the Shoptalk Spring 2026 agenda, where leaders from companies such as New Balance, Victoria’s Secret, and Reddit will discuss how AI is shaping the next phase of retail innovation.

Ecommerce Now: Elevating Shopper Experience and Discovery Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, Digital Shelf Institute Executive Director Lauren Livak joins Paul Murphy to discuss what’s shaping the next phase of ecommerce, from changing shopper behavior to the growing gap between browsing and buying. They discuss why many digital experiences still struggle to help shoppers make decisions, and what retailers can do differently to better capture attention and support the path to purchase. Key discussion points include: - The Conversion Gap: Why rising site traffic doesn’t always translate into completed purchases. - The “Imagination Gap” in Ecommerce: How visualization and contextual experiences help shoppers understand products in their own environment. Explore the insights shaping the next phase of ecommerce.

Intelligence at the Edge: Powering the Store of Tomorrow Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Is Your Store Ready for What's Next? Modern retail is about more than just selling products. It’s about being fast, reliable, and smart right when the customer needs it most. In our latest podcast, Intelligence at the Edge: Powering the Store of Tomorrow, we’re breaking down how the world's leading retailers are using edge computing to transform the shopping experience. Why Listen? Host Michael Klein talks with Mariya Zorotovich, General Manager at Intel and Frank Baur, COO at Diebold Nixdorf about the tech that keeps stores running at peak performance. Forget the buzzwords. We’re talking about real solutions for real-time retail. What You’ll Discover: - Speed That Matters: Why processing data in the store (not the cloud) is the key to zero-friction checkouts. - Reliability at Scale: How to keep thousands of locations synced and surging without system failures. - Smart Growth: How to build a modular foundation that supports AI, computer vision, and personalization today. Don't let your infrastructure hold you back. Tune in to find out how to build a store that is truly future-ready.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected