Hello and welcome to Winning Retail. This episode features an interview with Sandy Gilsenan, Senior Vice President of Retail at Warby Parker, and Kim Nemser, Chief Merchandising Officer and Head of Product Strategy at Warby Parker. On today’s episode, Kim and Sandy discuss revolutionizing and customizing the eyewear industry, using omnichannel tactics to create trust with customers, and Warby Parker’s journey to its 200th store. — “It's here in our hometown in New York City, opening up our 200th...
Apr 06, 2023•42 min•Ep. 39
This episode features an interview with David Walmsley, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Pandora. David has led multiple consumer businesses through their digital transformation and, in the process, scaled omnichannel growth. On today’s episode, David discusses using technology to customize the e-commerce experience, prioritizing bringing your whole company up to speed on digital transformation, and how these advancements are helping to reduce Pandora’s carbon footprint. — “Our starting...
Mar 09, 2023•33 min•Ep. 38
This episode features an interview with Tim Moerman, Sustainability & ESG Director at Anheuser-Busch InBev in Europe. Tim works to deliver sustainable value through global sustainability goals, entrepreneurship, and supply chain D&I. In today’s episode, Tim discusses meeting the consumer demand for sustainability, how he’s using technology for efficiency and transparency, and all that AB InBev is doing to support a future with more cheers. — “What's going to be adamant is that we decarbo...
Jan 10, 2023•40 min•Ep. 37
This episode features an interview with Moritz Klaemt, Vice President for Digital Marketing & eCommerce at Henkel. As a CPG brand specialist in Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care Division, Moritz helps to drive consumer value and alleviate pain points through digital transformation. On today’s episode, Moritz discusses Henkel’s digital community platform, “Ask Team Clean,” explains the difference between consumer centricity and consumer engagement, and touches on the future of AI. -- “Understa...
May 26, 2022•35 min•Ep. 36
This episode features an interview with Scott Ziegler, EMEA Retail Director at Havaianas-Alpargatas. For 38 years, Scott has worked with some of the most iconic brands in the apparel world, from Foot Locker in the U.S. to now Havaianas in Europe, which sells over 200 million pairs of flip-flops each year. On today’s episode, Scott walks us through their Madrid flagship location, makes a case for RFID, and explains what LMX Theory is and how he uses it to build out his teams. -- “One of the great...
May 12, 2022•31 min•Ep. 35
This episode features an interview with Jonathan Muir, Global Director of Retail Activation at adidas. Since joining the iconic sportswear company in September, Jonathan has helped to take adidas’s brand campaigns and bring them to life in stores. On today’s episode, Jonathan walks us through their Berlin flagship location, makes a case for app integration being retailers’ number one priority, and reveals why he thinks sneakers create such an emotional bond with customers. -- “I would love to ge...
Apr 07, 2022•35 min•Ep. 34
This episode features an interview with Dean Frew and Johan Stenström, CTO & SVP of SML Group and Supply Chain Developer at Stadium, respectively. SML recently partnered with Stadium to provide their item-level RFID solutions, helping increase inventory accuracy at the Swedish sports retailer to 99.5%. On today’s episode, Dean and Johan discuss the origins of their partnership, the buy-in needed for digital transformation, and why the most successful retailers are the ones challenging their ...
Mar 24, 2022•38 min•Ep. 33
This episode features an interview with Simone Sweeney, Vice President Global Retail Development at The LEGO Group. Since 2015, Simone has helped develop, lead, and implement global retail programs for the nearly 90 year-old brand. On today’s episode, Simone discusses the concept of “retailtainment,” the challenges of opening 300 stores in over 40 countries over the last two years, and how technology plays both an inspirational and practical role. -- “Everything that we do is our mission to insp...
Mar 03, 2022•39 min•Ep. 32
This episode features an interview with Antonia Johnstone, CEO of Sign of the Times. For over 45 years, Sign of the Times has been London’s premier luxury resale store, which Antonia acquired in 2019. On today’s episode, Antonia discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, the complexities of her industry’s supply chain, and why fashion must reduce its environmental impact. -- “100 billion apparel items are produced yearly and 60% of those will be discarded within one year. It’s quite a big issue, ...
Feb 17, 2022•30 min•Ep. 31
This episode features a recap of NRF 2022: Retail's Big Show, which took place in New York City from January 16th-18th. On today’s episode, we hit the convention floor and hear from various companies about how they are tackling some of retail's most pressing matters, from staffing shortages to supply chain issues to leveraging massive amounts of data. -- Show Notes (3:38) What were the big themes of this year's convention? (5:30) Zliide, the automated checkout company (7:38) Exotec, the warehous...
Jan 31, 2022•33 min•Ep. 30
This episode features an interview with Kellie Romack, Vice President of Associate and Customer Care Product Experience at Walmart U.S. Since joining the company in October of 2020, Kellie has been responsible for creating a frictionless associate and customer experience using innovative technology and streamlined ways of working. On today’s episode, Kellie gives us an inside look into Walmart’s associate-facing app, Me@Walmart, talks about the future of AR in stores, and shares why it’s better ...
Jan 27, 2022•35 min•Ep. 29
This episode features an interview with Jim Weinberg, Chief Merchandising Officer at DSW. As a turnaround and restructuring specialist, Jim has spent his career responding to shifting consumer behaviors, and now oversees merchandising and marketing strategies for the $3 billion shoe giant. On today’s episode, Jim discusses DSW’s transition into the athletic and athleisure space, changing store layouts, and how technology is transforming their business. -- “We’re not selling anything anyone needs...
Jan 12, 2022•39 min•Ep. 28
This episode features an interview with Krista Bourne, SVP of Consumer Sales and Operations at Verizon. As a change leader, Krista has worked her way up from mailroom employee to now incoming Chief Operating Officer at the company. On today’s episode, Krista discusses the holiday shopping season in the face of changing consumer behaviors, the immersive nature of technology in the 5G era, and Verizon’s “Call for Kindness” campaign. -- “We've really met our customers where they expect to see the b...
Dec 22, 2021•27 min•Ep. 27
This episode features an interview with Chris Rupp, EVP & Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Albertsons Companies. For over 20 years, Chris has successfully led and scaled strategic business units for companies like Sears, Amazon, and now Albertsons. On today’s episode, Chris discusses what it was like to run the first Amazon Prime day, the “build vs. buy” conundrum of picking technology, and partnering with places like DoorDash and Pinterest to meet customers wherever they might be thi...
Oct 22, 2021•35 min•Ep. 26
This episode features an interview with Daryl Porter. Daryl recently transitioned from his post as Global Head of Retail Stores at Anheuser-Busch InBev to Senior Partner & Global Omni Operations Lead at Tomorrow Retail Consulting. With over 25 years of retail and leadership experience at Walmart Canada and Anheuser-Busch InBev, Daryl is an omni-channel practitioner with a passion for online grocery. On today’s episode, Daryl discusses the importance of rallying your team around a “just cause...
Sep 30, 2021•38 min•Ep. 25
This episode features an interview with Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Labs for Cartier North America. Since 2017, Andrew has worked to design and test new forms of retail experiences while exploring new frontiers outside the world of jewelry and luxury goods. On today’s episode, Andrew talks about the mission of the Cartier Lab, fostering relationships with artists outside a commercial environment, and the balance between heritage and innovation. -- "Developing the human understand...
Sep 23, 2021•35 min•Ep. 24
This episode features an interview with Brian Coupland, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Staples US Retail. With 20+ years of experience leading enterprise innovation and transformation initiatives, Brian helps drive merchandising strategy and operations across the entire Staples U.S. retail network. On today’s episode, Brian discusses the importance of getting close to the customer, change management, and working with small businesses and makers through the Staples Connect “Breakthroug...
Sep 16, 2021•34 min•Ep. 23
This episode features an interview with Sucharita Kodali, Retail Analyst at Forrester Research. With an expansive career that features stops at Saks Fifth Avenue, Toys R Us, and the Walt Disney Company, Sucharita is an expert on eCommerce and the technology developments that affect online shopping. On today’s episode, Sucharita touches on everything from rogue distributors to the ESG movement to how retailers can avoid the boiling frog syndrome. -- “The thing I think is really important about re...
Aug 25, 2021•36 min•Ep. 22
This episode features an interview with Jody Putnam, Chief Retail Officer at Mattress Firm. In this role, Putnam oversees all markets and 2,400 Mattress Firm locations, working to help their Sleep Experts talk with customers about improving their lives through better sleep. On today’s episode, Jody discusses leading a purpose-driven organization, the role of technology in today’s mattress-buying experience, and America’s sleep habits (spoiler: they’re not good). -- “We improve the lives of peopl...
Aug 18, 2021•35 min•Ep. 21
On this special episode, Winning Retail travelled to the RetailNOW2021 Conference in Nashville, TN, where we spoke with conference attendees about the state of retail in 2021. Featuring insights from companies like Toshiba, Zebra Technologies, and Diebold Nixdorf, among others. -- “Looking at the U.S. consumer, 40% have shifted to be more digital in the way that they shop, and 90% of those say that's how they plan to continue to purchase and engage brands." -Fredrik Carlegren, Toshiba -- Show No...
Aug 06, 2021•18 min
This episode features an interview with Orchid Bertelsen, Head of Consumer Experience, Strategy & Innovation at Nestlé USA. With over 30 brands in her portfolio, Orchid has spent the past ten years evaluating and testing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, voice assistance, and AR/VR. On this episode, Orchid discusses the connection between consumers and cavemen, the rise of social commerce, and Ruth the Cookie Coach. -- “People jump to the technology because it's almost a sh...
Jul 28, 2021•40 min•Ep. 20
This episode features an interview with John Kirk, President & CEO of the Retail Solutions Providers Association, or RSPA. As the head of North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, and vendors in the retail, restaurant, and grocery verticals, John oversees a member network whose mission is to accelerate growth through connections and education. On this episode, John discusses retail IT innovation in the SMB space, how VARs can help to optimize supply-chain, and what to e...
Jul 21, 2021•39 min•Ep. 19
This episode features an interview with Richard Kestenbaum, Co-Founder and Partner of Triangle Capital. As an investment banker, author, and speaker, Richard has spent his career advising clients in the retail & consumer sector, with a speciality for mergers & acquisitions. On this episode, Richard discusses the importance of running your business as though you’re never going to sell it, how consumer tastes have shifted to focus on brand values, and what legacy companies can learn from y...
Jul 07, 2021•46 min•Ep. 18
This episode features an interview with Warren Shoulberg, award-winning journalist and consultant for the retailing and home furnishings industries. He is a regular contributor to The Robin Report, Forbes.com, The Business of Home, and his own blog, Stupidbusiness.com. On this episode, Warren gives us his take on a wide range of contemporary retail issues, including technological innovation and supply-chain backlog, and shares why he dislikes the terms “brick-and-mortar,” “omnichannel,” and “uph...
Jun 23, 2021•44 min•Ep. 17
This episode features an interview with Anna Barsby, Founder and Managing Partner at Tessiant, a UK-based management consultancy, and the former CIO of Asda. As a people and change leader, Anna has spent her career helping to build cultures through the implementation and adoption of technology. On this episode, Anna talks about the incredible opportunity of building a data system from scratch, what it was like to start her own organization during the pandemic, and how Asda recently partnered up ...
Jun 10, 2021•31 min•Ep. 16
This episode features an interview with Max Pedró, Co-Founder & President of Takeoff Technologies. As an eCommerce and Financial Services entrepreneur, Max is working to transform online grocery by developing an ecosystem of automated micro-fulfillment centers. On this episode, Max takes us inside the backroom of what he calls “the beehive of automation,” discusses why price cannot be overlooked in favor of speed and convenience, and lays out his vision for the grocery store of the future. 3...
May 19, 2021•41 min•Ep. 15
This episode features an interview with Rod Sides, Global Leader of Deloitte Insights & Vice Chairman, US Retail and Distribution Leader. For over 25 years, Rod has helped guide retailers as they navigate uncertainty, compete globally, and improve performance and profitability, creating efficient operations from top to bottom. On this episode, Rod discusses the importance of getting back to the basics, why only 3 in 10 retail executives feel they have a handle on digital technology, and the ...
May 05, 2021•34 min•Ep. 14
This episode features an interview with Tom McGee, President & CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Since 2015, Tom has overseen strategic leadership and operations as ICSC, which is the pre-eminent organization for retail and real estate professionals. On this episode, Tom discusses the impact retail has on our local communities, why physical retail has never been more important, and what to expect at RECon, ICSC’s flagship event, this December in Las Vegas. 3 Takeaways: Yo...
Apr 22, 2021•41 min•Ep. 13
This episode features an interview with Mary Lunghi, Senior Vice President of Consumer Insights and Analytics at Ikea. As the “Voice of the Consumer,” Mary has spent over 25 years distilling data into compelling narratives that drive results, and has been instrumental in Ikea’s recent expansion into urban centers. On this episode, Mary discusses how she uses quantitative insights to influence decision making, the importance of adopting an omni-channel mindset, and what they at Ikea call “the red...
Apr 15, 2021•32 min•Ep. 12
In this Season 2 premiere, Tony interviews Ward Kampf, President of Dallas-based Northwood Retail. Since 2014, Ward has overseen the development and strategic vision of Northwood’s long-term leasing ventures, working with some of the most dynamic retailers from California to the Carolinas. On this episode, Ward discusses the importance of content and context, how technology is ushering in a new world of influencer-based retail, and why he thinks “mixed-use” is an overused term. 3 Takeaways: Prov...
Apr 07, 2021•35 min•Ep. 11
