How will the $32 Billion AI Agent market change APAC Retail?
In this episode, Ngai Yuen Low (AEON360) and Ryf Quail (Comexposium) reveal why your product pages need to be "machine-readable" by 2028 and how TikTok Shop is evolving beyond fashion.
🔥 Topics & Timestamps:(00:41) The "Wrapped" Strategy: Creating shareable retail moments(03:30) AI Shopping Agents: The $32B forecast for APAC(08:15) TikTok Shop: Moving beyond beauty into serious commerce(11:17) Subscription Retail: Lessons from Coupang & L'Oreal
👤 Connect with the Guests:
Ngai Yuen Low: [Insert LinkedIn URL]
Ryf Quail: [Insert LinkedIn URL]
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
AEON Group: [Link if you have one]
Comexposium: [Link if you have one]
🎙️ About The Retail Podcast:We help retailers and vendors cut through the noise to find what actually works. Hosted by industry veterans, we cover the real ROI of tech, from AI agents to the future of luxury.
👉 Subscribe for more APAC insights:https://retailnews.ai/
It’s almost Christmas and this week’s Five Things cuts straight through the noise.
Alex and Simon break down what really happened this Black Friday, why the numbers matter less than the format shift, and what live shopping and brand activations tell us about where retail is heading next.
From muted UK retail sales and changing Black Friday behaviour, to why Ralph Lauren’s activations are quietly best-in-class, this episode focuses on what retailers should actually be paying attention to right now — not the headlines.
We also touch on:
The rise of live, shoppable events and social commerce
Why “Black Friday Month” is now the reality
What brands are doing instead of discounting
How tech companies are preparing for NRF 2026
Why activation, not promotion, is the differentiator heading into the new year
This is a grounded, honest conversation for retailers, brands, and tech leaders navigating a tough market without losing relevance.
This year, NRF is turning the dial up on everything: AI, interactivity, speakers and scaling a 40,000‑person global audience.
In this episode, I sit down with Jill from NRF to unpack how the team is bringing the 2026 global theme “The Next Now” to life at the Big Show in the US – and why this could be one of the strongest speaker lineups yet.
We dig into how what’s next is already here for retail – from AI‑driven shopping journeys to a new generation of talent that expects to participate in content rather than sit through one‑to‑many lectures. Jill shares how NRF has re‑engineered parts of the show to serve that next generation without losing what long‑time attendees love.
🌐 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 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
00:00:00 – Intro: the Big Show is 38 days away
00:00:35 – Welcoming Jill back & post‑Thanksgiving catch‑up
00:00:56 – Why the show happens after Christmas & representing retailers
00:01:17 – Why this year’s speaker lineup feels different
00:01:37 – Theme “The Next Now” and the 2026 global framing
00:01:58 – One global theme, local flavors & 100+ countries at the Big Show
00:02:18 – AI, generative shopping engines & hockey‑stick tech change
00:02:40 – Next‑gen retail talent replacing the old guard
00:03:03 – What younger audiences want: conversation, not lectures
00:03:22 – Designing content for the up‑and‑coming generation
00:03:44 – Host reflection: last year’s opener & new‑world expectations
00:04:14 – The challenge of serving 4–5,000 people in one room
00:04:35 – You can’t please everyone, but you can make them learn
00:04:55 – What’s new #1: the dedicated AI Stage in the River Pavilion
00:05:17 – General AI vs generative AI content & expert roundtables
00:10:09 – Opening tradition: board chair interview & the 107th show
00:16:54 – 14 years of conversations and “see you in 38 days”
--------
#TheRetailPodcast #NRF
In this episode, recorded at MAPIC in Cannes, we sit down with Shane Eldstrom, CEO of United Developers, the company behind Place Vendôme in Qatar – a project that has already become the #3 shopping centre for high-end fashion in the entire Middle East, just a few years after opening.
Shane breaks down what makes Qatar’s retail market so distinctive, how Place Vendôme has scaled from opening to regional leader, and what international brands need to know before entering the Middle East.
🌐 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!
--------
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
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Cold open: Place Vendôme hits top 3 for luxury in the Middle East
00:19 – Welcome from MAPIC Cannes & intro to Shane Eldstrom
00:44 – Who are United Developers & what is Place Vendôme, Qatar?
01:11 – Why MAPIC? Learnings, innovation & global retail connections
01:41 – Is the Middle East one market? Busting the “single region” myth
01:59 – Qatar’s demographics, Doha, and World Cup–driven infrastructure
02:25 – Local luxury demand and what makes Qatar’s shoppers unique
02:42 – Opening on 15 April 2022 & Place Vendôme’s growth story
02:59 – Thinking of entering Qatar? What retailers should consider
03:35 – New ownership laws & direct entry for international brands
03:56 – The future of retail at Place Vendôme: service, authenticity, sustainability
04:35 – VIP lounge, social-media-powered styling & curated experiences
05:12 – Where to find more info on United Developers & Place Vendôme
--------
#TheRetailPodcast #PlaceVendome #Qatar #RetailRealEstate #MAPIC #FashionTrustArabia #LuxuryRetail #MENA
Black Friday isn’t a day anymore. Singles’ Day now stretches across weeks. Quick commerce promises groceries in 15–30 minutes. In this APAC edition of Five Things Friday, co‑hosts Ngai Yuen Low & Ryf Quail break down how peak season is changing across China, Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan – and what it really means for consumers, retailers and retail property.Joining from WP. Kuala Lumpur and the Greater Sydney Area, Ngai Yuen and Ryf compare how Singles’ Day has turned into a multi‑week promotion machine, why Black Friday lands very differently in Singapore vs Malaysia, and how Australia now treats November as a long sprint into Christmas.🌐 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 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 • 0:00 – Intro: Five Things Friday APAC & on‑the‑road check‑in • 1:06 – Singles’ Day & Black Friday turn into full “seasons” • 2:03 – Black Friday in Singapore vs Malaysia • 2:39 – Australia’s Black Friday “monster” & Christmas build‑up • 3:40 – Spend forecasts, per‑capita estimates & retail optimism • 4:36 – Promo email overload, time‑bound offers & Cyber Monday as one festival • 5:53 – Hockey weekend, 16‑year‑old daughter & shopping plans • 6:12 – TikTok’s “last time” parenting trend and emotional moments • 7:18 – MAPIC recap: retail property finally turns a corner in Europe • 8:12 – Asian retailers (kidswear, Mr DIY) reshaping European high streets • 8:40 – Quick commerce scepticism: infra, riders and margin erosion • 10:03 – India’s BigBasket & the race for shorter delivery promises • 11:25 – Don Don Donki: favourite retailer in Asia & SE Asia juggernaut • 13:07 – Yen weakness, retail tourism & destination Don Don Donki stores in Japan • 14:17 – Store autonomy, non‑traditional management & wrap‑up--------#TheRetailPodcast #FiveThingsFriday #APACRetail #BlackFriday #SinglesDay #QuickCommerce #DonDonDonki #MrDIY #RetailTrends #ecommerce
Recorded live at MAPIC 2025 in Cannes, this episode features a rare deep-dive with Ian Sandford, President of Eurofund Group, one of Europe’s most influential retail property operators. With more than €2B in assets across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and the UK, Eurofund sits at the centre of the sector’s biggest shifts.
--------
*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
--------
🔗 References:
--------
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Running a shopping centre is harder than people think
00:27 Recording live from MAPIC 2025 in Cannes
00:53 Eurofund Group scale & portfolio overview
01:39 What trends are shaping European retail real estate?
01:58 Debt market dynamics & competitive leverage
02:23 Global capital flows reshaping asset valuations
02:41 US startups & new entrants to Europe
03:03 Why retail is growing again
03:28 Expansion advice: why Berlin leads Europe
03:50 Hamburg & Munich property strengths
04:18 Experience, placemaking & guest-centric design
04:40 From “clients” to “guests”: linguistic and strategic shifts
05:13 Toilets, car parks & what they reveal about landlords
05:46 F&B’s rising share and its role in dwell time
06:23 “Get them and keep them”: the only rule
06:44 The question property executives always ask
07:06 Understanding retailer performance inside your centres
07:30 Are your retailers making money?
07:47 Retail media: clean environments vs screen overload
08:06 The biggest screen in Southern Europe (Lisbon)
08:27 Digital vs calmness: what consumers want
08:45 Closing thanks
--------
#TheRetailPodcast #propertymanagement #retailproperty
Black Friday isn’t a day anymore. It’s a month-long pressure cooker – and it’s forcing retailers to rethink everything from promotions to product pages.
Correction note: In the episode I mention a jumper with 7% wool – the actual composition was 8% wool.
Why Black Friday has morphed into “Black Month” – and what that constant promo pressure does to margins, teams and customer expectations
How John Lewis is investing £800m to turn “stuffy department store” into experiential destination, complete with VIP member lounges that feel more like British Airways than traditional retail
The power of personal styling: a live story from a first-ever styling session at Aubin, and why curated outfits create genuine “dopamine dressing” moments for time-poor professionals
What luxury players like Joseph really want from tech and AI: tools that free staff to serve customers, not replace them
How AI is fast becoming your second customer – from ChatGPT’s personal shopping and gift guides to the need for product pages that go beyond specs and capture story, emotion and use-case
Why the next generation won’t “Google it”, they’ll ChatGPT it – and what that means for search, content and retail strategy
If you work in retail, ecommerce, CX, merchandising or digital, you’re already living these tensions: discount pressure, demand for experience, and the rise of AI-driven discovery.
This episode gives you a sharp, 13‑minute snapshot of where those trends are heading – and how brands like John Lewis, Aubin, Joseph, Tumi and M&S are shaping the next chapter.
🌐 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.
*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
0:00 – Intro: Live from The Nest & 5 Things Friday
0:22 – Meet Simone and Matt (“Mr Retail”)
0:39 – Inbox meltdown: Black Friday offers everywhere
1:24 – “Black Month”: brand pressure and promo fatigue
2:05 – Ecommerce spikes, supply chain strain & Cyber Monday
3:03 – John Lewis obsession & the £800m store revamp
3:23 – VIP member lounge: borrowing from airline loyalty
3:48 – From stuffy department store to experiential retail hub
4:36 – Collabs (Topshop, Carhartt) & shifting demographics
4:53 – A personal styling story: first ever styling session
5:18 – Aubin, Scottish wool & dressing for NRF
5:50 – Dopamine dressing: moving beyond “blue, blue, blue”
6:35 – The stigma around personal shopping & who it’s “for”
6:57 – Democratizing styling: bringing personal shopping to everyone
7:45 – Quality vs price: fabric, longevity and cost-per-wear
9:13 – Inside Joseph: luxury retail, tech and AI in-store
9:34 – Use AI to free staff, not replace staff
11:05 – ChatGPT launches personal shopping & gift guides
11:34 – Two customers: the human and the machine
12:02 – Product pages for AI search: from specs to story
12:25 – Gen Z, AI search and the future of retail discovery
13:02 – Wrap-up & teaser for next week
--------
#TheRetailPodcast #RetailPodcast #BlackFriday #ExperientialRetail #PersonalShopping #AIinRetail #EcommerceStrategy #JohnLewis #YouTubePodcast
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
--------
#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
--------
#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:
--------
*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
--------
#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
--------
⏱️ 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
--------
#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
--------
🔗 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
--------
#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.*
--------
📲 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
--------
#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
--------•
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