Julia Paulsen, Director of Ecommerce Nordics at Elkjøp Nordic (part of Currys plc), unpacks how to win when your store has two customers: the human and the AI assistant. We cover data quality, MACH, omnichannel execution, and the culture that turns OKRs into commercial outcomes.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
--------
*Welcome to the official THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:23 Welcome Julia Paulsen (Elkjøp Nordic / Currys)
00:40 What Elkjøp is + Nordic footprint
01:05 Market share + MediaMarkt history
01:49 Norway’s biggest e-commerce revolution
02:32 Two customers: human and AI assistant
05:26 “Menneske og maskin”: human + machine
06:54 How to make PDPs readable for virtual assistants
07:22 Agent vs human shopping missions
08:33 Last mile & omnichannel performance
09:42 Multi-market ecommerce + ContentSquare
12:13 Nordic stores as a strategic advantage
14:22 Culture, OKRs and performance
17:21 Leadership during pressure
19:33 The next 2–3 years of digital retail
20:52 Why structured product data is the battlefield
22:26 21,000 signals → +6% checkout completion
23:42 Closing thoughts
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#TheRetailPodcast #Retail #Ecommerce #AI #AgenticAI #Elkjop #Currys #FutureOfRetail #MACHAlliance #DigitalLeadership #CustomerExperience
Coupang is finally profitable. China’s KKR Group is redefining offline lifestyle retail. APAC’s consumer landscape is shifting fast.
In this Five Things Friday — APAC Edition, Ryf Quail and Low Ngai Yuen unpack:
• Coupang’s record revenue and margin transformation
• Logistics innovations powering same-day delivery
• How Rocket WOW locks in customer loyalty
• China’s KKR Group and its explosive offline store growth
• The rise of Gen Z lifestyle mega-brands
• What global retailers must understand about Asia’s momentum
A essential briefing for leaders in retail, eCommerce, CX, marketplaces, supply chain, and omnichannel strategy.
@RitualsCosmeticsGlobal has opened its newest flagship at 297 Oxford Street, London. And it’s unlike anything the brand has built before.In this exclusive tour and interview, Alex Rezvan sits down with:• Annemarie Forsyth — Managing Director UK & Ireland• Richard Lems — Executive Director Format & DesignTogether, they reveal the design philosophy, customer-experience thinking, community strategy and the technology mindset that shaped this extraordinary store.You’ll hear the story behind removing an entire floor to create a soaring atrium, how the Water Island anchors the brand experience, why the Mind Oasis is already fully booked for days, and how Rituals views the next five years of retail through wellbeing, community, and immersive physical spaces.If you're in London, Rituals Oxford Street opens today.📍 297 Oxford St, London W1D 2JL🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!--------If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome inside Rituals Oxford Street00:09 – Richard on the new flagship and design vision00:37 – Why this store is uniquely special01:07 – Removing floors, creating space & building the atrium01:33 – The Rituals tree and signature entrance experience01:39 – Designing the store path & creating constant discovery02:27 – Where the tour begins: Water Island02:48 – AnneMarie Forsyth joins the tour03:11 – Tourism vs local customers on Oxford Street03:30 – How Rituals activates community & loyalty03:50 – Mind Oasis demand and customer behaviour04:39 – The role of the Water Island in the customer journey05:03 – Demonstration of the Rituals three-step routine06:01 – How Rituals thinks about technology in-store06:41 – Empowering female leaders: AnneMarie’s advice07:48 – Returning to Richard for the second half of the tour08:14 – The energy shift when entering the Mind Oasis08:25 – Why the Mind Oasis matters for modern wellbeing09:06 – How design triggers a slower pace09:24 – Continuous improvement across 1400+ stores10:12 – Technology: invisible, supportive, never distracting11:13 – Community, relevance and premium hubs12:01 – Richard’s favourite parts of the store12:48 – Creating a home-like feeling through fixtures & lighting13:45 – Why lighting is undervalued in retail design13:55 – Invitation to visit the Oxford Street flagship--------#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #Rituals, #RetailDesign, #OxfordStreet, #StoreOpening, #RetailExperience, #CustomerExperience, #RetailInnovation, #BeautyRetail, #LuxuryRetail, #Wellbeing, #MindOasis, #TheRetailPodcast, #RetailNews
How do you transform thousands of frontline colleagues from overloaded and under-informed to connected, confident, and AI‑enabled, without breaking the stores?
In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Chris Chandler (Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑op) and Mark Williams (Managing Director, WorkJam EMEA) to unpack a full frontline transformation: from paper, WhatsApp groups and scattered comms… to a single digital frontline platform with 90%+ activation and the removal of many tasks removed in just 12 months.
🔊 Guests
Chris Chandler – Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑operative
Chris has spent nearly three decades in retail with Midcounties Co‑op, including time as store and district manager. Today he leads store support, loss prevention, communications, operating model, simplification and continuous improvement across a diverse estate spanning food, travel, childcare and utilities.
Mark leads WorkJam’s European expansion and brings 16 years of global retail operations experience from Shell. His focus: where technology meets process, and how digital tools unlock productivity and engagement for frontline teams.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Cold open: Mark on AI agents and intelligent frontline processes
00:24 – Welcome back to The Retail Podcast
00:43 – Chris’s role and the Midcounties Co‑op context (estate, regions, sectors
02:03 – Mark’s background and WorkJam’s mission in EMEA
02:48 – The problem: overloaded, fragmented frontline communication
03:59 – From task chaos to a single digital frontline platform
05:09 – Listening to the frontline: surveys, colleague councils, store visits
06:01 – The forgotten frontline in digital transformation
07:30 – Productivity, compliance, Natasha’s Law and value pockets
07:58 – Culture shift: what’s a task vs what’s a communication?
09:28 – Cutting task volume: 750k+ tasks removed and better data
11:09 – AI for the frontline: agents, instant answers and learning triggers
13:08 – Visual merchandising, computer vision and automated replenishment
14:16 – AI for photo validation and faster central decision‑making
15:08 – Privacy, WhatsApp groups and tackling “shadow IT”
17:07 – Safer social channels and peer‑to‑peer support at scale
#TheRetailPodcast #coop #MidcountiesCoop #Retail, #FrontlineWorkers, #AIinRetail, #WorkJam
Retail is back in force. Alex reports from Cannes at MAPIC on why capital is returning to physical retail. Simone unpacks the new John Lewis Christmas advert and how sentiment sells. We cover CBRE’s data, MINISO’s Bond Street bet, retail parks’ quiet surge, and why athleisure keeps compounding.
The 5 stories
1. John Lewis Christmas advert 2025: Why nostalgia + vinyl is the most effective emotional shortcut this season.
2. MAPIC takeaways (CBRE): Investment is thawing; leasing momentum improves; prime rents keep edging up as footfall normalizes.
3. MINISO on Bond Street: Tourist gravity, pop‑culture IP, and an experience‑first flagship moment.
4. Retail parks’ resurgence: Value + access + parking = resilient openings and low vacancy.
5. Athleisure’s resilience: Demand holds; big‑box footwear/apparel remains a habit, not a fad.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome from Cannes
01:45 – Story 1: John Lewis Christmas advert (why it lands)
05:10 – Story 2: MAPIC/CBRE: retail is back
09:00 – Story 3: MINISO opens on Bond Street
11:45 – Story 4: Retail parks are quietly winning
13:30 – Story 5: Athleisure keeps compounding
15:00 – Wrap & what to watch next
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#TheRetailPodcast # # #
Asia’s retail landscape is evolving faster than anywhere else on Earth—and this episode brings you the inside view.
Host Alex Rezvan sits down with Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, and Low Ngai Yuen, former Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON Malaysia, board member at GDEX and OCK Group, and award-winning creative leader, to explore:
• The rise of Chinese retail expansion across Southeast Asia
• Why super apps like Grab, WeChat, and Alipay are reshaping loyalty and payment ecosystems
• How influencer marketing is evolving into a listed industry
• The future of responsible sourcing and supply chain transformation
• The intersection of culture, experience, and intelligence in modern retail
Yuen also shares her vision for empowering women through her NGO WOMENgirls and reflects on storytelling, sustainability, and digital creativity.
This is Asia’s story—fast, mobile-first, and deeply human.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:
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*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Credits
00:42 – Who is Low Ngai Yuen? From AEON to advocacy
01:24 – Ryf Quail on APAC retail trends
03:09 – China’s new retail push across Southeast Asia
05:28 – Super Apps: Asia’s loyalty revolution
08:30 – The data debate: Online vs offline insight
10:06 – Malaysia’s influencer IPO: Content as capital
11:18 – Gen Z and the content-driven retail economy
13:13 – AI, authenticity & responsible storytelling
13:55 – Sustainable sourcing: Raising regional standards
17:15 – Rethinking corporate responsibility in Asia
18:10 – Menopause retail & social innovation
18:51 – Alex on culture, experience, and intelligence
19:30 – Final reflections from Ryf
19:55 – Outro & thank-yous
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#TheRetailPodcast #RetailPodcast #FiveThingsFriday #RetailTrends #NRFAPAC #SuperApps #RetailAsia #AEON #GDEX #WOMENgirls #RyfQuail #LowNgaiYuen #RetailLeadership #DigitalTransformation #APACRetail #CultureCommerceIntelligence
AI, Merchandising & the Next Era of Retail with Noah (何诺亚) HerschmanAI isn’t replacing retail jobs — it’s enhancing them. In this episode of The Retail Podcast, host Alex Rezvan speaks with Noah (何诺亚) Herschman, Retail & Ecommerce Senior Executive and Global AI Strategist, about how artificial intelligence is transforming merchandising, pricing, and product lifecycle management.Noah has shaped ecommerce since the 1990s, with senior leadership roles at Amazon, eBay, Groupon, Staples, and nearly a decade at Microsoft as Retail Industry Architect. Now at Intel, he helps global retailers harness agentic AI to make smarter, faster, and more creative merchandising decisions.
🎯 Key topics:How AI augments (not replaces) human creativity in merchandisingWhat the “Merchandiser of the Future” looks likeWhy retailers miss real cultural signals (like K-Pop trends)The new era of intelligent forecasting and price elasticityBuilding trust in data and the rise of “agentic AI” assistants.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1----------------*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why AI won’t replace creativity00:25 – Alex introduces the episode01:10 – Noah’s retail background03:30 – The hub of retail: getting assortment and pricing right05:08 – Human creativity meets AI analysis06:33 – Why retailers miss cultural signals07:30 – The merchandiser of the future10:29 – Agentic AI and scenario planning12:00 – Outcomes and financial implications14:15 – How AI transforms “open-to-buy” and promotions15:47 – Closing thoughts and next steps--------#TheRetailPodcast # #RetailPodcast #AIinRetail #Merchandising #RetailInnovation #Ecommerce #RetailStrategy #IntelAI #RetailNewsAI #FutureOfRetail
Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak (NRF) open with Rosalía’s “Berghain” — a genre-bending track with Björk and Yves Tumor that shows how culture still drives commerce. Then come the hard numbers: Amazon’s plan to cut ≈ 30 000 corporate jobs (Reuters) and what it signals for hybrid work, efficiency, and morale.
Next, Calvin Klein’s Reels-first storytelling proves how emotional minimalism beats perfection in branding. They examine TikTok’s potential $14 billion Oracle-led divestment, and what a new owner could mean for algorithms and Shop visibility.
Holiday season brings optimism with JCPenney’s “It’s What They Thought That Counts” campaign — reframing value around thoughtfulness — and finally Primark’s accelerating U.S. expansion, where tactile, affordable retail wins against fast-fashion fatigue.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
🔗 References:
Calvin Klein Reels: https://www.instagram.com/calvinklein/reels/
JCPenney Holiday Campaign: https://corporate.jcpenney.com/2025/10/28/jcpenney-reminds-america-that-this-holiday-season-its-what-they-thought-that-counts/
Primark U.S.: https://www.primark.com/en-us
Amazon Cuts (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/amazon-targets-many-30000-corporate-job-cuts-sources-say-2025-10-27/
TikTok for Business: https://ads.tiktok.com/business/en-US
Rosalía “Berghain” official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & intro
00:00:34 – Rosalía “Berghain”: culture sets the shelf 👉 Watch video
00:04:23 – Amazon targets ≈ 30 000 corporate cuts (Reuters) → article
00:06:26 – Calvin Klein | Storytelling through Reels → instagram.com/calvinklein/reels/
00:08:13 – TikTok | The algorithm in the spotlight → ads.tiktok.com/business/en-US
00:09:45 – JCPenney | “It’s What They Thought That Counts” → corporate.jcpenney.com release
00:11:56 – Primark | Value retail’s American rise → primark.com/en-us
00:14:21 – Wrap & sign-off
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#TheRetailPodcast #Rosalia #Berghain #Amazon #CalvinKlein #TikTok #JCPenney #Primark #NRF #RetailPodcast #FiveThingsFriday #RetailTrends #HolidayRetail #CulturalCommerce #USRetail
Topshop leans into Millennial nostalgia with Cara Delevingne; New Look fires up “Club New Look,” targeting scale with a £30m digital push; and ASOS takes a ten‑day Carnaby Street pop‑up mainstream with 200+ curated pieces and partner brands.
Bonus: a culture lens on Rosalía’s “Berghain” and what her fashion‑first storytelling means for retail discovery.
Related video mentioned: Rosalía — “Berghain” (Official): https://youtu.be/htQBS2Ikz6c?si=E65oy0YY9svYzEtB
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — Cold open, mic check
00:00:50 — Intro & setup
00:07:46 — Topshop & nostalgia: why bringing back Cara Delevingne matters (millennial memory + brand reboot).
ASOS plc
00:09:44 — “We’re rolling” moment
00:09:58 — ASOS Carnaby Street pop‑up: dates (7–16 Nov), 200+ pieces, partner brands (AllSaints, Carhartt WIP, Good American), Topshop/Topman edits, ASOS Collective & ARRANGE; early access for ASOS.WORLD members.
ASOS plc
TheIndustry.fashion
00:12:31 — Pop‑ups: moment vs. momentum (what converts after the confetti)
00:15:03 — New Look “Club New Look”: first‑ever loyalty scheme
00:17:27 — Loyalty that sticks: tiering + experiences blanket discounts (design principles)
00:18:48 — Culture lens: Rosalía’s “Berghain”
00:19:27 — Why nostalgia alone won’t keep the lights on; balance with Gen Z
Vogue Business
00:21:28 — Wrap and next steps
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🔗 References:
Lawreence (IG): https://www.instagram.com/lawreencee__/?hl=en
Outcast Clothing (IG): https://www.instagram.com/outcastclothing/?hl=en
Outcast Clothing (site): https://outcast-clothing.com/
New Look (site): https://www.newlook.com/uk
Topshop (site): https://www.topshop.com/gb/topshop
Rosalía — “Berghain” official link: https://youtu.be/htQBS2Ikz6c?si=E65oy0YY9svYzEtB
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#Rosalia,#Berghain,#ASOS,#CarnabyStreet,#OutcastClothing,#NewLook,#ClubNewLook,#Topshop,#CaraDelevingne,#UKRetail,#FashionBusiness,#RetailTrends,#GenZ,#MillennialNostalgia,#RetailPodcast,#RetailStrategy,#FashionMarketing,#ExperientialRetail,#RetailInnovation,#CulturalCommerce #theretailpodcast
Rituals’ Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.
About this episode
We cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.
Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------
*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
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📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Cold open & hook
00:00:58 Intro: Why Rituals designs for calm
00:02:22 Global brand ambition beyond Europe
00:03:01 “Slow shopping paradise”: lighting, pace, materials
00:04:16 Evolution, not revolution: the two‑year roll‑back
00:05:07 Every store matters: refits + system consistency
00:05:19 Oxford Street flagship & Mind Oasis
00:06:22 Standardize first, localize later
00:06:43 Exporting ideas: Advent calendars & category traction
00:09:02 Always in stores: continuous improvement culture
00:09:48 Brand builders, not just retailers
00:10:27 Sustainability by design
00:11:10 Refits that reuse ~60% of furniture
00:12:46 Keeping creativity alive at scale
00:13:54 Supermarket lessons: pathing, hero placement
00:15:04 China insights: shallow/wide layouts to invite entry
00:16:20 Two‑second brand clarity
00:17:30 Culture and ‘dinos’: why Rituals scales
00:18:43 Oxford Street invite & close
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#TheRetailPodcast #Rituals #RetailDesign #ExperientialRetail #MindOasis #StoreDesign #Bcorp #Sustainability #GlobalRetail #SlowShopping
Five Things Friday — Gap’s London Comeback, Morrisons’ ESL Rollout, AllSaints Pop‑Ups, DFS x Pinterest, Gen Beta
Today’s agenda: five moves reshaping UK retail—and what to do next.
NEWS FLASH LINE‑UP
• Gap returns to London with three stores (Covent Garden, White City, Wembley) before Christmas.
• Morrisons partners with VusionGroup to digitise pricing across all 497 supermarkets using ESLs.
• AllSaints opens three UK pop‑ups (Bristol Cribbs Causeway now open; Battersea Power Station & Stratford next).
• DFS teams with Pinterest on a gamified “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest” that turns inspiration into shoppable boards.
• Fashion is already talking about “Gen Beta” (babies born from 2025) — signalling a culture‑first decade ahead.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
00:00 – Cold open & welcome
00:06 – It’s Five Things Friday (Friday, 24 October 2025)
00:36 – Vibe check & banter
00:58 – Host intro: Alex
01:21 – Co‑host intro: Simon Hart (Need It Tonight)
01:45 – Format + audience milestone
02:29 – Story 1: Gap is back (3 London stores via Next)
05:42 – Story 2: Morrisons x VusionGroup: 497 stores go digital (ESLs)
07:00 – Story 3: AllSaints: three UK pop‑ups (Bristol, Battersea, Stratford)
08:21 – Story 4: DFS x Pinterest “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest”
10:03 – Story 5: Fashion starts planning for Gen Beta
12:18 – Big idea: Retail at the Speed of Culture
13:13 – Next week: in‑store men’s personal shopping activation
16:12 – Wrap & sign‑off
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https://www.next.co.uk/shop/brand-gap-0?p=1#0
• https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/corporate-news/morrisons-partners-with-vusiongroup-to-digitize-pricing-across-its-entire-supermarket-estate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://fashionunited.uk/news/retail/allsaints-plots-three-pop-up-store-openings-across-uk/2025101684429?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.allsaints.com/women.html
• https://es.pinterest.com/pin/560346378659689774/
• https://www.dfs.co.uk/inspiration/pinterest-whats-your-thing-quest?epik=dj0yJnU9eEM0eGtZN18yZC1NUnN2RldkdC1TNEtYUlB2YVR2bUkmcD0wJm49UTUteVZwR1NnYzN4WEZQSXRCR2xkdyZ0PUFBQUFBR2o1NGNV
• https://cadanews.org/1916/news/the-greatest-generation-to-gen-beta/
DISCLAIMERS
• Facts current as of Friday, 24 October 2025. This show is independent commentary; no sponsorships were accepted.
• Chapters are approximate and based on the live conversation.
#Retail #Ecommerce #UKRetail #Gap #Morrisons #AllSaints #DFS #Pinterest #VusionGroup #GenBeta
This episode dives into the mechanics of AI-powered personalization with Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder of Eagle AI (ex-Untie Nots). Eagle AI’s platform delivers scalable, signal-based personalization that predicts behaviour and nudges loyalty — generating 7:1+ ROI and unprecedented digital engagement.
Cédric and Alex discuss:
• What personalization really means in 2025
• How gamification boosts engagement without gimmicks
• Why pragmatic AI often outperforms big “innovation” projects
• How Eagle AI achieves 7:1–20:1 ROI with minimal friction
• Why retailers must act now rather than wait for the next hype cycle
🔗 Guest: Eagle AI
🎙️ Host: The Retail Podcast
Referenced topics:
Personalization in grocery and beauty retail
Predictive AI for offer relevance
SaaS integration for signal-based personalization
ROI optimization and customer lifetime value
In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at NRF, decode the five major stories shaping the retail landscape—from Target’s nostalgic fashion comeback to Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI. A rapid-fire discussion of innovation, curation, and AI’s growing role in everyday retail.
Topics Covered:
• Target x Woolrich collaboration
• Ulta Beauty + Mirakl’s curated marketplace
• Walmart + OpenAI partnership for AI-first shopping
• Levi’s strong Q3 and store expansion
• Amazon’s QuickSuite and AI “employee teammate”
Hosts:
Alex Rezvan, Founder & Host, The Retail Podcast
Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content, National Retail Federation
Referenced Articles:
Target x Woolrich: Target Press
Ulta Beauty Marketplace: Ulta Investor Relations
Walmart + OpenAI: Walmart Corporate News
Levi’s Store Expansion: Retail Dive
Amazon QuickSuite: Chain Store Age
Simone Oloman joins Alex Rezvan to unpack how authenticity, community, and creativity are rewriting retail influence — from Prada’s cinematic London takeover to Morrisons’ 1-hour grocery promise.
1️⃣ The new face of influence — Why real voices, not million-follower celebrities, are shaping consumer trust.
2️⃣ Campus culture meets commerce — Hollister, the University of Texas, and how student-athletes are becoming micro-media brands.
3️⃣ Prada Mode London — A two-day immersive cinema turns shopping into cultural theatre.
4️⃣ Morrisons Now — The grocer joins the rapid delivery race with one-hour grocery fulfilment from 158 stores.
5️⃣ Walmart x Mirakl & Ted Baker’s comeback — Marketplaces evolve and activewear returns to the high street.
🔗 Further Reading:
Prada Mode London — Pradasphere
Morrisons Now Launch — Corporate Site
John Lewis x Russell & Bromley Partnership
Business of Fashion – College Influencers
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
The Retail Podcast / Five Things Friday
🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@theretailpodcast
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
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🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp81QzAfbBdeKhLt4g
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-retail-podcast/id1461457532
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*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 🎧 Welcome & 90,000 Views Celebration
01:20 💬 The Truth About Influencers
03:15 🎓 Campus Creators: Hollister & College Athletes
05:21 🎥 Prada Mode London: When Retail Becomes Cinema
07:33 🛒 Morrisons Now: Grocery in One Hour
09:06 🌐 Walmart, Mirakl & John Lewis’ Marketplace Shift
10:47 👟 Ted Baker Returns — In Activewear
12:30 🔁 Closing Reflections: Quality, Circularity & Community
Alex and Simone wrap with a reflection on where retail influence and lifestyle are heading next.
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#TheRetailPodcast #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday, #RetailInnovation, #InfluencerMarketing, #PradaMode, #MorrisonsNow, #TedBaker, #JohnLewis, #RetailNews, #SimoneOloman, #AlexRezvan
Alex (The Retail Podcast) and Ryf Quail (Director, NRF APAC) break down this week’s APAC headlines: Galeries Lafayette launches in Mumbai (with Delhi next), a surge of Chinese F&B brands expands into Singapore, and Porsche reports a Q3 delivery dip led by China and North America amid intensifying EV competition. They also explore lululemon Singapore’s retail-meets-wellness studio concept and why experiential formats are resetting the playbook for premium retail in Asia.
Topics this week
• Galeries Lafayette → India: Mumbai flagship now open; Delhi next; 250+ brands under one roof via Aditya Birla partnership.
• Chinese F&B → Singapore: Luckin, Mixue, ChaPanda, Nong Geng Ji and more chase stable demand and regional visibility.
• Porsche Q3: Deliveries soften, led by China and North America; value-driven EV competition reshapes luxury auto demand.
• lululemon Singapore: Retail-meets-wellness format (yoga/Pilates studios inside the flagship) as an experience blueprint.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:18 Five Things Friday
01:23 Guest teaser
03:11 lululemon Singapore
05:34 Galeries Lafayette in India
07:25 Chinese F&B in Singapore
10:00 Porsche Q3
11:33 Wrap
Further reading
• Lululemon’s retail-meets-wellness concept in SE Asia: https://observatory.sg/lululemons-first-ever-retail-meets-wellness-concept-store-in-se-asia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Aditya Birla (partner): https://www.adityabirla.com/businesses/
• Galeries Lafayette (official): https://www.galerieslafayette.com/
• Reuters on Chinese F&B in Singapore: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-food-beverage-firms-flock-singapore-first-step-expansion-drive-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Porsche China: https://www.porsche.cn/china/en/
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
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*Welcome to the official channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
#TheRetailPodcast #Retail #APAC #Luxury #India #Singapore #China #NRF #FNB #Porsche #Ecommerce #ExperientialRetail
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------
Show Notes:
Guest: Ghadi Ali — Fashion & Retail Consultant; Jury Member at the Saudi Retail Forum; Top 50 Global Inspirational Women in Retail
What we cover:
• The KSA retail snapshot under Vision 2030
• Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations and pharmacy execution
• Trend #2: From price wars to experience-led retail
• Trend #3: Data & AI powering decisions, inventory, and personalization
• Serving older shoppers without forcing tech
• No‑tech CX pillars: communication, transparency, easy returns
• Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price sensitivity
• Trend #5: Localization: “tradition meets tomorrow”
Quotes:
• “Offline or online, the goal is a seamless journey.” — Ghadi
• “Personalization works when customers raise their hand.” — Alex
• “Design for inclusion: not everyone wants to ‘go digital.’” — Ghadi
Credits:
Host: Alex • Guest: Ghadi Ali
Disclaimer: Views are the guests’ and hosts’ own.
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro: Five Things Friday x Saudi Retail
00:47 Meet Ghadi Ali: background, mission, recognition
01:51 KSA market snapshot & Vision 2030
02:33 Fastest growth: e‑commerce & Gen Z
02:55 Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations
03:51 Pharmacy example: one‑hour delivery
04:20 Omnichannel maturity vs challenges
05:36 Trend #2: Customer experience as differentiator
06:28 Store experiences that wow
08:03 Ramadan retail moments in‑store
09:12 Trend #3: Data & AI powering retail
09:54 Personalization: opt‑in matters
12:11 Serving older shoppers without tech
13:00 No‑tech CX: comms, transparency, returns
13:46 Shopping missions > silos
16:22 Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price
17:20 Fast fashion tension & B‑Corp culture
18:55 Trend #5: Localization: tradition meets tomorrow
20:23 Closing & Riyadh visit shout‑out
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#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #SaudiArabia, #Vision2030, #Omnichannel, #CustomerExperience, #DataAnalytics, #AI, #Sustainability, #Localization, #FashionRetail, #GCC, #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast. / @theretailpodcast --------🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp8...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...--------Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates. / the-retail-podcast 📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com--------🔗 References: 5 Things Friday with Simone OlomanIn this episode, Simone and I dive into five standout stories reshaping retail, tech, and culture. We discuss:A bold breast cancer awareness campaignThe surge of video + live shopping in retailThe ongoing battle against shoplifting / shrinkOura’s luxury concept at HarrodsGrocery retail’s price war ahead of the holidaysLinks & Resources“FT article on live shopping / retail trends” — Financial TimesHarrods Technology & department link (for the concept / tech space)ASDA’s first ever charity TikTok shop newsLidl’s press release on slashing prices for customersASOS Live shopping / video commerce announcementAbout the HostsAlex — Retail thought leader, helping brands amplify their voice, especially on LinkedInSimone Oloman — Co-founder & CEO, Need for Tonight--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & welcome00:55 – Story #1: Breast cancer awareness campaign02:21 – Story #2: Live shopping inside apps03:31 – Story #3: Shoplifting / shrink prevention06:04 – Story #4: Oura’s concept space at Harrods07:49 – Story #5: Grocery pricing & recruitment moves09:46 – Wrap-up & closing--------#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #ASOS, #Harrods, #Asda, #Lidl, #TikTokShop, #RetailInnovation, #LiveShopping, #RetailMedia, #CustomerExperience, #RetailPodcast, #SimoneOloman, #RetailNews, #Ecommerce, #DigitalTransformation, #SocialCommerce, #GroceryRetail, #LuxuryRetail, #RetailTrends
AI, upskilling, and the future of intelligent supply chains — live from NRF Europe.
At NRF Europe, Jill Dvorak sits down with Best Buy’s Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark Irvin, and Alex Rezvan from The Retail Podcast to explore how artificial intelligence, personalization, and collaborative learning are redefining the global supply chain.
Mark reveals how Best Buy is upskilling teams for the AI era, partnering across industries to innovate faster, and reshaping the customer experience through predictive logistics and real-time personalization. From agent-based shopping to inventory positioning, this conversation uncovers what’s next for retail’s operational backbone.
Best Buy, Mark Irvin, Alex Rezvan, Jill Dvorak, NRF Europe, retail innovation, AI in supply chain, logistics, retail technology, predictive analytics, supply chain transformation, personalization, retail media, customer experience, NRF Big Show
Episode Notes:
Recorded live at NRF Europe 2025
Hosted by Jill Dvorak (NRF) with Alex Rezvan (The Retail Podcast)
Guest: Mark Irvin, EVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Best Buy
Topics: Upskilling, AI readiness, personalization, future of fulfillment
#RetailPodcast #NRFEurope #BestBuy #AIinRetail #SupplyChainInnovation #RetailNewsAI #RetailLeadership
Retail is moving faster than ever—AI, private labels, and the holiday promo wave are reshaping how we shop. In this episode, Alex and Joe go live across YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch to unpack the week’s biggest stories:
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: First live broadcast
00:40 – Shopify unlocks ChatGPT checkout for 1M merchants
01:23 – Etsy stock jumps, what it means for marketplaces
02:27 – Prime Big Deals + Target & Walmart promotions shift holiday timing
04:13 – Golden Quarter forecast: flat but resilient
05:14 – Pop Mart brings Labubu to Times Square (2026)
06:12 – Walmart bans synthetic dyes + 30 additives across private label
07:55 – Amazon launches new “Amazon Grocery” brand under $5
09:14 – Amazon’s retail experiments: Go stores, Fresh, and convenience bets
10:36 – Closing thoughts: consumer demand, private label, and adapting to pressure
🔗 References & Sources
Shopify ChatGPT checkout, Amazon grocery private label, Walmart synthetic dyes ban, Pop Mart Labubu Times Square, holiday shopping 2025, retail trends, Black Friday forecast, eCommerce AI, Golden Quarter retail
#RetailNews #Shopify #ChatGPT #Amazon #Walmart #HolidayShopping #RetailTrends
Five Things Friday UK Edition with Simone Oloman & Alex.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro cold open
00:17 Roll credits & setup
00:54 Boots fragrance-only boutique (Broadgate)
01:52 Boots’ beauty play & premium push
03:13 Hand-off
03:26 Designers at Debenhams returns (Kim Cattrall, Ashish)
05:09 High street needs a little “zhuzh”
06:00 Festive trading season set-up (Prime Day → Christmas)
06:46 Søstrene Grene: UK standout performance
08:00 NikeSKIMS: culture × performance
09:45 Brown is back (palette chat)
10:22 Laura Ashley: Lakeside flagship returns
11:08 Wrap: grocery vs. luxury
11:51 Sign-off
REFERENCES
Søstrene Grene results & UK expansion:
This week’s five:
1) Boots’ first fragrance-only boutique at Broadgate, London (opens 23 Oct 2025).
2) Designers at Debenhams returns (AW25) with Ashish; Kim Cattrall fronts the campaign.
3) Søstrene Grene posts record results; UK is the standout growth driver.
4) NikeSKIMS launches as a new women’s brand: performance credibility meets culture.
5) Laura Ashley returns to bricks & mortar: 10,000 sq ft flagship at Lakeside.
References:
Disclosure: Opinions are ours. Not investment advice.
#Retail #UKRetail #FiveThingsFriday #Boots #NikeSKIMS #LauraAshley