Omni Talk Retail

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: Best Strategy Move From A Struggling Retailer

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: Retail Headline You'd Most Like Turned Into A Movie

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

Get an inside look at the Manifest 2024 supply chain conference happening in February in Las Vegas. Tanzil Uddin, SVP of Production at Manifest, joins us to highlight keynote speakers, programming tracks, exhibits, and networking opportunities at this must-attend event for end-to-end supply chain professionals.

With over 300 exhibitors, 40+ supply chain CEOs and CSCOs presenting across 3 days, and 5000 attendees from 50 countries, Manifest 2024 is shaping up to be a premier gathering for those in logistics, procurement, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and more. Don't miss special kickoff summits, innovation showcases, a dynamic expo hall featuring the latest technologies, plenty of networking, and more reasons why Manifest Vegas has doubled in size since last year.

Register today at www.manifestvegas.com/OmniTalk

*Sponsored Content*

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: 2023's Most Overhyped Retail Technology

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: Retail Person Of The Year

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: Retail Technology Of The Year

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: Retail Headline Of The Year

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

The latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five was our annual Retail Awards Show sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle where Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group David Ritter and David Brown gave the award for: 2023's Retailer Of The Year

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/PVSuISOz41k

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five podcast, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle,, David Ritter and David Brown, from the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, stopped by to help Chris and Anne hand out this year’s retail awards.

All told, they gave out awards across 10 categories and also made some predictions for 2024, including:

• Retailer of the Year
• Headline of the Year
• Retail Technology of the Year
• Retail Person of the Year
• Most Overhyped Retail Technology of the Year
• Retail Headline You Would Most Like to See Turned Into a Movie
• Best Strategic Move from a Struggling Retailer
• Best New Partnership of the Year
• Most Laughable Headline of the Year
• Retail Concept You Most Wish You Had In Your Neighborhood

So give this week’s podcast a listen, tell us what we got right and what we got wrong, and be sure to share your thoughts on social media, too!

Music by hooksounds.com

Automation, empowerment, and illumination – those are the three words we would use to describe GenAI’s impact on retail customer service in 2024 and beyond.

So Omni Talk is pleased to announce that Michael Connor, the Global Head of Consumer Goods for Amazon Web Services, and Shannon Flanagan, the VP of Global Industry Strategy for Retail & Consumer Goods at Talkdesk, joined Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for the latest installment of their Omni Talk Ask An Expert Series to provide their expert opinions on how retailers and brands should approach the application of GenAI to customer service.

Collectively the four of them went deep on:

• Talkdesk’s latest research findings on customer service and Generative AI
• Whom GenAI will impact the most – the retailer, the customer, or the service agent?
• Where we can expect GenAI to find its most immediate applications within retail and brand customer service operations
• And, perhaps most importantly, what, if any, roadblocks retailers face in adopting GenAI and how they can overcome them

*Sponsored Content*

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walmart Canada's Store Of The Future

For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/pzzbTRnYCy8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Shoppable Programming: Fad Or Here To Stay?

For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/pzzbTRnYCy8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Best Buy Becoming First Electronics Retailer On DoorDash

For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/pzzbTRnYCy8

TGW’s Vice President of Business Development, James Osborn, joined Chris and Anne to continue the ongoing education around the topic of microfulfillment.

In this podcast, Chris and Anne go deep with James on:

• A good working definition of microfulfillment (i.e. between 500 and 1,000 orders per day)
• The key differences between microfulfillment and grocery operations in the U.S. vs. Europe (e.g. European stores are much smaller, which increases picking efficiency)
• Considerations for colocation vs. dark stores
• How to use backroom automation for multiple purposes
• And, most importantly, how to avoid the common mistakes that make mircrofulfillment projects fail and, even worse, disappoint your customers

*Sponsored Content*

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Uber Launching Store Pickup

For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/pzzbTRnYCy8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:

For the full episode head here:https://youtu.be/pzzbTRnYCy8

In this episode of "5 Insightful Minutes," we dive deep into the world of generative AI, with a focus on Microsoft's General Manager for Modern Work in Retail and Consumer Goods, Jeff Strasser. Join us for an enlightening discussion as we explore how GenAI is transforming the retail landscape and helping retailers tackle today's challenges and shape the future.

Discover how top retailers are leveraging GenAI to address supply chain disruptions, labor availability issues, changing customer expectations, and more. Learn about the significant impact GenAI has on improving productivity, data privacy, and security.

Explore real-world examples from companies like Mars, Domino's, and Starbucks, and gain insights into how they are using generative AI to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to sustainability goals.

If you're curious about the role of AI in the store of the future and want to stay ahead in the retail industry, this video is a must-watch. Join us as we unlock the potential of GenAI and its profound implications for the future of retail.

*Sponsored Content*

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five retail news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris and Anne:

• Discussed what really could be impacting shrink in light of NRF’s softening on its previously stated impact from Organized Retail Crime
• Disagreed about whether the world really needs Uber Store Pickup
• Lauded DoorDash for once again fortifying the strength of DashPass with its new Best Buy relationship
• Showed tempered enthusiasm for Walmart’s store of the future plans from their Canadian brethren up North
• And closed with a look at why in the world anyone needs shoppable “TV” programming from Walmart called “Add to Heart”

There’s all that, plus gingerbread cannibalism, how long we could survive living in a grocery store, and Microsoft’s Jeff Strasser also stops by for 5 Insightful Minutes on Generative AI.

Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Victoria's Secret Store Of The Future 2.0

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/y-ZMxhPwJ7g

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Allbirds Starts Selling On Amazon

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/y-ZMxhPwJ7g

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If Nuuly Has Cracked The Code On Rental And Resale?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/y-ZMxhPwJ7g

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen - A Match Made In Heaven?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/y-ZMxhPwJ7g

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Trigo Taking Checkout Free To Telecom 

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/y-ZMxhPwJ7g

Amazon VP Dilip Kumar joins Chris and Anne on the Omni Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast to share 5 Insightful Minutes on the future of Amazon's Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One Palm Payments.

Music by hooksounds.com

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five retail news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris and Anne discussed:

• Discussed why Etisalat’s new telecom store with Trigo is such an important mark in the evolution of retail
• Got excited for the merger between Foxtrot and Dom’s
• Threw shade at Allbirds for its apparent attitude and timing in selling on Amazon
• Explored what Nuuly is getting right in the rental and resale market
• And closed with a look at why Victoria’s Secret is making “stores of the future” sexy again

There’s all that, plus Cyber Monday’s origins, what Anne and I would do with eight more teeth, and Amazon VP Dilip Kumar also stopped by to give us 5 Insightful Minutes on the future of Amazon Just Walk Out and Amazon One Palm Pay.

Music by hooksounds.com

The hype behind AI is real, and those that dawdle are already at risk of being behind.

Way behind.

So Omni Talk is pleased to announce that Romeo Bolibol, the Managing Partner & Head of Sales for Strategic Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft, and Crys Kelch, the Enterprise Solutions Sales Leader for the Americas at GitHub, joined Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga for the latest installment of their Omni Talk Ask An Expert Series to explain why timing is of the essence when it comes to AI.

Chris and Anne went deep with Romeo and Crys on:

• Why the hype around AI might not be big enough
• The common fears over AI that retail executives are sharing in the boardroom
• The extent of the investment in AI needed across one’s full tech stack
• Real-life examples of next-generation AI already in use at leading retailers
• And, perhaps most importantly, how the right approach to AI will create efficiencies that stack on top of each other so that one plus one will equal three or even four or five in your organization

*Sponsored Content*

Bynder’s Director of Global Field and Customer Marketing, Brian Kavanaugh, joined Chris and Anne for the second time in 2023 to give an even deeper look into Digital Asset Management.

In this podcast, Chris and Anne go deep with Brian on:

• The challenges retailers are faced when it comes to Digital Asset Management (aka DAM)
• Why these challenges become particularly acute during the key holiday selling season
• The value gained, both in sales and productivity, from having a strong DAM setup in place
• The many integration points that come into play with a DAM system, particularly a retailer’s PIM system
• And, perhaps most importantly, why not taking Digital Asset Management seriously now, across every level of a retail organization, could come back to bite you in the future

*Sponsored Content*

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: An On The Ground Report From The New Toys R' Us MOA Store

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/lRse7drV6GY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:  A Ho Ho Hot Mess For Kohl's

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/lRse7drV6GY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Walgreens Killing Warehouses To Ship More From Store

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/lRse7drV6GY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: If new GAP, Inc. Earnings Signal A GAP turnaround afoot?

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/lRse7drV6GY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon & Hyundai Auto Team Up

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/lRse7drV6GY

Anne and Chris put the A&M Consumer and Retail Group's Chad Lusk on the 5-minute hot seat as he shares with us the most recent findings from their survey on current consumer sentiment heading into the holidays.

Chad outlines what actions retailers need to take to stay relevant, along with some great last minute holiday advice.

For the full copy of the 2023 Fall Consumer Sentiment Survey From Alvarez & Marsal Consumer & Retail Group, click here.

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle, Anne and Chris:

• Got really geeked up about Amazon selling Hyundai online
• Pulled the caution flag out on all the Gap turnaround headlines
• Lauded Walgreens for its decision to close an e-commerce fulfillment center in favor of shipping more from its stores
• Feared we can already start to smell the smoldering dumpster fire at Kohl’s
• And closed with an in-person review of the new Toys R Us flagship store at the Mall of America

There’s all that, plus 5 Insightful Minutes on U.S. consumer sentiment with Chad Lusk, Stanley mugs, our favorite camels, and the always unanswerable question of, “Where does the sidewalk really end?”

To sign up for eTail West, click here

To download the Consumer Sentiment Report discussed in Chad's 5 Insightful Minutes, click here

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Cassie Ryding and Chris Creyts discuss: Chipotle Founder's New Robot Restaurant

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/DvEijbd1bfk

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Cassie Ryding and Chris Creyts discuss: Poshmark's Second Hand Sunday Livestream

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/DvEijbd1bfk

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Cassie Ryding and Chris Creyts discuss: Buy With Prime 24/7 Agent Assist

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/DvEijbd1bfk

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Cassie Ryding and Chris Creyts discuss: Amazon & Meta Buddy-up For Facebook & Instagram In-App Shopping

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/DvEijbd1bfk

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton, Anne Mezzenga and guest hosts from the Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group Cassie Ryding and Chris Creyts discuss: Target, Walmart, & The Home Depot Earnings

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/DvEijbd1bfk

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle, A&M’s Chris Creyts and Cassie Ryding stopped by to discuss:

• What to make of this week’s earning reports
• The new Amazon and Meta partnership
• Amazon Buy with Prime Assist
• Poshmark’s livestream Secondhand Sunday plans
• And the Founder of Chipotle’s new restaurant concept that runs on robots

There’s all that, plus Nepalese TikTok bans, Andre 3000, and an all too intellectual discussion about WTF McDonald’s Grimace actually is.

Music by hooksounds.com

Amazon VP AWS Applications, Dilip Kumar, is back for his regular annual appearance to discuss how Amazon continues to think about the evolution of checkout and personal identification.

In this podcast, Chris and Anne go deep with Dilip on:

- The latest Amazon Just Walk Out innovations, including the two new recently opened Seattle Seahawks and Texas Rangers Fan Shops.

- The evolution of Amazon One palm payment

- And, finally, where Just Walk Out and Amazon One could be headed next!

Dilip is a past OmniStar for a reason -- because whenever we have him on the program, you undoubtedly learn something new!

Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: DoorDash Urging Customers To Tip Or Prepare To Wait

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/8KTPdFct7bY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: IKEA Cutting Its Friends & Family Five Percent Loyalty Perk

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/8KTPdFct7bY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: SHEIN's $90 Billion US IPO 

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/8KTPdFct7bY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Google Shopping Now Does Deals

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/8KTPdFct7bY

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Amazon Stores Are Going Out Of Style

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/8KTPdFct7bY

With over 60 million users in the US and topping the app store charts for the most downloaded shopping apps, TEMU and SHEIN are positioned to take serious share from every retailer from dollar stores to Dolce & Gabbana.

In Omni Talk Retail's latest Five Insightful Minutes, Tomorrow's Jordan Berke breaks down why Singles Day and cross-border players like TEMU and SHEIN should be on the radar of U.S. Retailers.

Music by hooksounds.com

In this week’s Omni Talk Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle, Chris and Anne discussed:

• Amazon calling it quits on its Amazon Style fashion store concept
• Google’s launch of discount search
• Shein’s $90 billion IPO valuation
• IKEA pulling back its 5% loyalty discount
• And DoorDash piloting a new warning to customers about bad service should they forgo tipping

There’s all that, plus Tomorrow's Jordan Berke gives us 5 Insightful Minutes on Singles Day, the right starting price point for human artifacts, Silent Doritos, and what we think Jeff Bezos most likely would buy himself as a housewarming gift.

Music by hooksounds.com

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss: Tommy Bahama Moving From Restaurants Into Resorts

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/beDTcCOLbT8

In the latest edition of Omni Talk’s Retail Fast Five, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Firework, Avalara, TGW, and Sezzle Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga discuss:  Instagram And Facebook Trialing An Ad-Free Subscription

For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/beDTcCOLbT8