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Fabric by Omni Talk Retail
Jan 11, 2025•15 min
Omni Talk Retail
Omni Talk Retail provides news, analysis, and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry. It covers a wide range of topics related to retail, including e-commerce, technology, marketing, and consumer behavior. The podcast regularly features industry experts, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, as well as retail thought leaders who all share their insights and perspectives on the latest developments in retail.
Episodes
Fast Five Shorts | Walmart Expands Electronic Shelf Labels To All Stores
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart Expanding Electronic Shelf Labels To All Stores For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•7 min
Fast Five Shorts | Doordash Teams Up With Ibotta
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Doordash Teaming Up With Ibotta For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•5 min
Fast Five Shorts | Simbe Rolls Out Tally Spot To Augment Its Robots
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Simbe Rolling Out Tally Spot To Augment Its Robots For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•6 min
Fast Five Shorts | A Waymo Win Lightning Round
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: A Waymo Win Lightning Round For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•4 min
Fast Five Shorts | Do Grocers Really Need ‘Vending Machines’ We Can Unlock With Our Phones?
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Do Grocers Really Need ‘Vending Machines’ We Can Unlock With Our Phones? For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•5 min
Fast Five Shorts | Pro Or Con: Community Spaces Inside Grocery Stores?
In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Simbe, Ocampo Capital and Scratch Event DJs Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Pro Or Con: Community Spaces Inside Grocery Stores? For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/xw-boSNx8kc
Jan 10, 2025•6 min
Walmart Expands ESLs To All Stores, DoorDash Teams With Ibotta & Simbe Hits The Spot | 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 Scratch Event DJs, Chris and Anne discussed: - Walmart accelerating its rollout of digital shelf labels to all stores - Cantaloupe’s innovations in smart vending for grocery stores - Simbe augmenting its Tally Robot with fixed-positioned sensors - DoorDash and Ibotta teaming up to offer DoorDash users better pricing - And closed by debating whether or not “co...
Jan 07, 2025•47 min
Costco's 2025 Strategy Revealed: Back to Basics & Global Expansion | 5IM
In this episode of 5 Insightful Minutes, Todd Barentine, President of the Club Division at The Barcode Group, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Costco’s 2025 initiatives and what it means for suppliers and customers. Todd discusses Costco's renewed focus on SKU management, treasure hunt shopping experiences, and its global expansion goals with plans to scale warehouses internationally. Key Moments: (0:30) Why 2025 is about returning to Costco's core strengths (1:50) What brands need to know abo...
Jan 05, 2025•6 min
NRF 2025: Must-See Retail Technology Innovations & Trends
Get an exclusive preview of NRF 2025 as retail tech leaders dive into the game-changing innovations shaping the industry. From AI chatbots and RFID-driven inventory systems to unified commerce and omnichannel strategies, learn how these tools are driving better customer experiences and operational efficiency. Key moments include: 0:00 - Introduction and show overview 1:33 - GreyOrange: Revolutionary RFID and store intelligence 15:46 - Quorso: AI-powered store management solutions 25:16 - VusionG...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 29 min
The Future Of Retail Robotics: How Simbe's Tally Is Transforming Store Operations With Brad Bogolea
Join Chris and Anne as they interview Simbe Robotics CEO Brad Bogolea for an in-depth discussion about how retail robotics are revolutionizing store operations. Learn how Simbe's Tally robot reduces out-of-stocks by 60%, improves inventory accuracy, why both store associates and customers are embracing the use of robotics, and discover why 2025 could be the year retail robotics go mainstream! Key Moments Include: 1:51 - Origins of Simbe and the development of Tally 4:24 - How retailers utilize r...
Jan 02, 2025•38 min
How 3 Brands Used AI To Personalize Content At Scale And Won | Ask An Expert
How can retailers and brands harness the power of AI to transform customer experiences? Sara Sullivan, Contentful's Global VP of Solution Engineering, explains how companies like Kraft Heinz, Klarna, and Ruggable are scaling content creation, streamlining workflows, and using LLMs to deliver hyper-personalized messaging at scale. Tune in for insights into workflow automation, team restructuring, and the future of marketing technology. Key Moments: [00:00] Introduction to Sara Sullivan and her ba...
Jan 02, 2025•36 min
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.b...
Dec 21, 2024•5 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•4 min
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 revolutionar...
Dec 20, 2024•7 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•6 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•5 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•7 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•6 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•3 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•5 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•3 min
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
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 journe...
Dec 15, 2024•25 min
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 key...
Dec 13, 2024•5 min
Fast Five Shorts | Tractor Supply Plans Major Expansion: Why It’s the Next Decade's Retailer to Watch
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 B2B opportunities, making the case for why Tractor Supply is the retailer to watch in the next decade. Key Moments: [00:00] Tractor Supply’s store expansion goals [01:50] The growth potential ...
Dec 13, 2024•5 min
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’ sub...
Dec 13, 2024•7 min
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 an...
Dec 13, 2024•4 min
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, C...
Dec 13, 2024•1 min
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
Dec 13, 2024•8 min