What does it really take to build innovation that scales inside a legacy business? In this episode, Benjamin Thompson, Head of Global Insights & Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Group , shares how one of Australia’s largest drinks and hospitality companies stays ahead by blending strategic foresight with cultural transformation. From global tech scouting to the real reasons digital transformation fails, Benjamin unpacks the mindset shifts, leadership dynamics, and operational models that ...
Apr 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 64
Mirko Saul, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Schwarz Digital , joins Paula Macaggi to share how Schwarz Group — the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland — drives innovation at a massive scale. From testing the cutting-edge tech in lab stores to building their own cloud and AI infrastructure, Mirko reveals how the group balances speed, sovereignty, and scalability across 14,000 stores in 30 countries. They dive into the realities of AI, robotics, digital twins, and why startups often underes...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 63
Although Co-op entered the ecommerce space later than most, launching its online presence only in 2019, the company rapidly distinguished itself through quick commerce. Today, Co-op delivers an impressive 500,000 online grocery orders weekly, and its loyalty membership has surged by 50%. In this episode, Chris Conway , Managing Director of Ecommerce at Co-op , shares how leveraging existing convenience stores, strategic partnerships with Deliveroo and Uber Eats, and experimenting with autonomous...
Mar 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 62
In this episode 4th episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe , Paula Macaggi sits down with Christian Raveaux , Head of Retail Media Connect at Rewe Group , to unpack the rapidly evolving world of retail media. Christian reveals how Rewe is blending digital and in-store advertising, harnessing first-party data, and executing innovative campaigns—like weather-responsive ads—to drive real sales growth. He also shares insights into overcoming internal chal...
Mar 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of the OFFBounds , you will meet Javier Figar de Lacalle , Chief Retail Officer of Tendam , one of Spain’s largest fashion groups. Javier discusses how technology is empowering frontline employees to provide exceptional customer experiences while driving operational efficiency across Tendam’s global retail network. From the implementation of RFID and clienteling platforms to the evolution of stores into omnichannel hubs , Javier shares how these innovations are transforming the r...
Mar 11, 2025•34 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution Series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, I sat down with Katya Denike , Chief Product Officer at Holland & Barrett . She shares many insights on leading digital transformation within a 150-year-old legacy brand. We explore the true challenge of aligning teams, breaking old habits, and shifting mindsets to build a product-driven culture. Katya highlights the importance of authenticity in leadership, embracing informality, and the continuous ...
Mar 04, 2025•42 min•Ep. 59
This is the first episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series with Shoptalk Europe , and I sat down with Arianne Parisi, Chief Digital Officer at JD Sports, to discuss the massive digital transformation behind one of the world’s largest sports retailers. With over 4,500 stores across 30+ countries, JD is redefining omnichannel retail, from AI-driven customer care to global-local market strategies. Arianne shares how JD is breaking down silos, rethinking KPIs beyond revenue, and leveraging da...
Feb 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 58
How does a 200-year-old luxury brand stay ahead in the digital era? In this episode of OFFBounds , I sit down with Carla Graça, CDO of Vista Alegre , to explore how AI, automation, and personalization are transforming retail. From running six global e-commerce platforms to leveraging AI for customer experience , Carla shares how Vista Alegre is blending heritage with innovation —and why Cristiano Ronaldo just became a major investor. Retail leaders, is your brand ready for the future? Tune in no...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min•Ep. 57
Retail is evolving fast, and we’re diving into what’s next! In this episode of OFFBounds , I sit down with Joe Lazslo, Head of Content US at Shoptalk , to explore the biggest shifts in retail— Unified Commerce, Loyalty, Customer Experience, and more. We break down why loyalty is harder than ever , how retailers are redefining customer experiences , and why Shoptalk’s new event, Shoptalk Luxe, is a game-changer for the industry. Plus, in the end, we tease something BIG that OFFBounds and Shoptalk...
Feb 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 56
NRF 2025 wrapped up a few weeks ago, this year’s key theme was Game Changer. In this episode, Paula Macaggi breaks down the biggest trends shaping the future of shopping, from the shift toward Generative AI-powered product discovery to the long-overdue RFID breakthrough. We also explore the rise of Social Commerce, the need for brands to foster real-world communities, and the growing demand for ultra-fast delivery. With so much change happening in retail, the question is: Are brands ready? Tune ...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of OFFBounds , I chat with Stuart Frelick , Dyson’s Global Head of Product, about the ambitious retail transformation that’s redefining the stores of the brand. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of how Dyson modernized its systems, tackled the challenges of scaling innovation globally, and delivered a seamless customer experience. We explore the importance of bold leadership, the surprising ways Dyson’s passionate community influences product development, and what’s next for the ...
Jan 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 54
This week I’m joined by Greg Merrill , the former Head of Digital Transformation at Nike, for a deep dive into what it really takes to lead change in today’s fast-moving world. From his unconventional career journey to his insights on balancing innovation and operational excellence, Greg shares how transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, strategy, and building a culture that thrives on adaptation. This episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. ---- ...
Jan 21, 2025•33 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of OFFBounds , I’m sharing my personal guide to the top retail conferences you should attend in 2025. From the bustling halls of NRF’s Big Show in New York to the vibrant Shoptalk events and hidden gems like EuroCIS in Germany, I’ll walk you through the must-attend events and why they’re worth your time. Whether you’re looking to discover cutting-edge tech, connect with industry leaders, or explore global markets, I’ve got you covered. Tune in for my honest insights, practical ti...
Jan 14, 2025•10 min•Ep. 52
In this first episode of OFFBounds' second season, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ricardo Larroudé, co-founder and CEO of the innovative footwear brand Larroudé. Launching in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Larroudé has quickly risen to prominence, earning the prestigious "Brand of the Year" award in 2024. Ricardo shares the bold vision and strategies behind the brand's disruptive approach to fashion distribution, its commitment to filling the mid-market gap with high-quality, accessible footwear,...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 51
At the beginning of spring 2024, I interviewed Tiago Quaresma, who runs the Group that owns some of the coolest stores selling Portuguese culture's traditions. For me, O Grupo o Valor do Tempo is a masterclass of value creation through storytelling and customer experience and it was one of the most shared interviews we had in our first season. By offering a dreamy environment with stellar service, their tinned fish business can sell a can of sardine for 10x the price of those that are sold in th...
Dec 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 50
In this special year-end episode of OFFBounds , we reflect on 2024—a defining year for retail and the year our podcast journey began. From the meteoric rise of Walmart online to leadership shakeups at Nike and Starbucks, this episode recaps the trends, challenges, and transformations that shaped the industry. We revisit key insights on data-driven decision-making, loyalty programs, AI's role in commerce, and leadership lessons from global executives. Join Paula Macaggi as she looks back on OFFBo...
Dec 17, 2024•17 min•Ep. 49
In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi dives into the growing trend of premiumization with retail expert Jack Stratten. Together, they explore how brands like Zara, H&M, and Wegmans are elevating their offerings through immersive store designs, curated products, and enhanced customer experiences to compete with ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Discover why premiumization is redefining the retail landscape across industries and what it means for the future of shopping. ----...
Dec 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of OFFBounds, Emmanuel Malkor, Managing Director of Carrefour Links, shares how this innovative division is transforming retail through advanced data collaboration. Discover how Carrefour centralized its data from eight countries into a unified platform, enabling smarter decision-making and empowering suppliers with actionable insights. Malkor explains Carrefour Links’ shift to focus exclusively on data collaboration while retail media operations are now managed by Unlimitail, a ...
Dec 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 47
In this episode, Paula interviews Brahim Lemseffer, CEO of LabelVie Europe, to discuss the groundbreaking Atacadão business model. Originally a Brazilian innovation, Atacadão combines retail and wholesale into a hybrid format that’s now making waves in Europe. Brahim shares LabelVie’s journey—from its roots in Morocco to its latest bold venture: opening the first Atacadão store in Paris, France . This hybrid model is shaking up the European market by offering everyday low prices, a streamlined S...
Nov 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 46
Have you noticed more people hitting the pavement? You’re not imagining it. Running has surged into a global phenomenon post-pandemic, transforming marathons and run clubs into cultural moments and vibrant communities. From record-breaking numbers at the NYC Marathon to cosmetics giant Maybelline becoming the event’s first cosmetic partner, running is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that is reshaping the world as we know it. In this episode, Paula Macaggi explores how the running trend reshap...
Nov 19, 2024•20 min•Ep. 45
In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi, fresh from her recent trip to Shanghai, takes you on an eye-opening journey into China's complex and rapidly evolving luxury market. Joined by retail expert Jacques Roizen , a 12-year Shanghai resident with an extensive background in managing top-tier brands like Pandora and Etam China, and today the Managing Director of DLG (Digital Luxury Group), Paula and Jacques dive into the unique challenges and opportunities within China's digital ecosyste...
Nov 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 44
Paula Macaggi sat down with Simon Clarke, the Chief Information Officer of Clarks, a legendary British shoe brand with nearly 200 years of heritage. In this episode, Simon shares insights into the digital transformation that Clarks undertook in record time—just 18 months. Discover how Simon led Clarks’ shift from legacy systems to a modern, composable digital platform, all while keeping the project on budget and on time. Learn about the challenges, strategies, and team culture that drove this in...
Nov 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 43
In this eye-opening episode, host Paula Macaggi, founder of OFFBounds, sits down with renowned retail expert, author, and former Alibaba executive, Sharon Gai, to uncover the unique dynamics shaping commerce in China. As Paula prepares for her first trip to Shanghai, they talk about what Western consumers can expect from China’s advanced e-commerce landscape, from AI-powered shopping to experiential dining and the game-changing super app, WeChat. Sharon, author of E-Commerce Reimagined, shares i...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min•Ep. 42
In this exclusive episode of the OFFBounds podcast, host Paula Macaggi interviews Joe Megibow, the new CEO of Casper, to discuss the major turnaround strategy for the iconic direct-to-consumer (DTC) mattress brand. Casper, once a shining star highly backed by VC investors looking into profit in the DTC space, faced challenges after going public and went back to being private. Now, with Joe at the helm for 10 months already, the company is refocusing on positive cash flow and profitability and se...
Oct 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi chats with Kristen D’Arcy, the first-ever CMO of True Religion , about the brand's remarkable turnaround. After two bankruptcies, True Religion is making a big comeback, and Kristen shares how she’s helping lead the charge. From tapping into the brand's rich history in music and culture to launching the Team True influencer program, Kristen talks about what it takes to stay relevant in today’s market. She also gives us a sneak peek into how athletes, r...
Oct 15, 2024•34 min•Ep. 40
In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Alicia Waters, the President of Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids, to explore how the brand has perfected the art of "Design with Purpose." Alicia shares insights into Crate & Barrel's seamless omnichannel experience, innovative store transformations, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design. They also discuss Crate & Barrel's flagship store in New York, the growing baby registry, and the evol...
Oct 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi interviews James Reinhart , co-founder and CEO of ThredUp , to discuss how the company is revolutionizing the secondhand fashion industry through the power of AI. Learn how ThredUp uses technology to streamline the resale process, from item inspection to online merchandising, making sustainable shopping more accessible and efficient. James also shares insights on the growing trend of circular fashion, ThredUp’s brand partnerships, and what the future h...
Oct 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Dara Meath , Chief Technology Officer at Build-A-Bear Workshop, to explore how the iconic brand is embracing digital transformation while staying true to its heartwarming, in-store experience. Dara shares insights on Build-A-Bear’s seamless integration of technology across channels, their innovative venture into the virtual world of Roblox, and her leadership approach with the T90 philosophy. Tune in to discover how Build-A-Bear is ...
Sep 24, 2024•37 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Luciano Rodembusch , President of Pandora North America , to explore how Pandora is redefining the jewelry industry. Discover how Pandora is making diamonds accessible to all with their innovative lab-grown diamonds while staying committed to sustainability. Luciano shares insights into Pandora's Phoenix Strategy, their journey from being known for charms to being known as a full jewelry house, and the power of storytelling in creating l...
Sep 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of our new Retail Innovation Series with OFFBounds and Shoptalk Fall , I sit down with Alison Hiatt , the Chief Merchandising and Growth Officer at Vera Bradley , who stepped into her role in 2023 with the mission of leading a rebranding and turnaround for the beloved American brand. Known for its vibrant, patterned bags, Vera Bradley had touched the hearts of many since the 80s but struggled to stay relevant with newer generations. Alison shares her journey of taking on this cha...
Sep 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 35
