Retail in APAC Series with NRF APAC 2025: Korea

Retail in South Korea doesn’t look like retail anywhere else. With over half of all shopping happening online, the line between digital and physical has completely disappeared. At the center of it all is Lotte Retail, a household name that’s now rethinking everything it does. In this episode, Group CEO Sam Kim shares what it really takes to lead transformation at this scale. From AI-powered experiences to ecosystem thinking, he opens up about the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the deep focus on customer experience that are driving Lotte’s next chapter, in a country that’s already living in retail’s future.

In this special episode recorded live at NRF APAC 2025 in Singapore, Paula Macaggi kicks off a six-part series exploring the boldest innovations and biggest challenges shaping retail across Asia-Pacific. From Indonesia’s 22,000-store convenience giant to India’s booming quick commerce scene and Korea’s "no-line" retail revolution, this episode is packed with insights on AI, customer experience, logistics, and emotional intelligence from some of the region’s most visionary leaders.

Welcome to the first chapter of OFFBounds' Retail in APAC Series.

In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Dusan Vujovic, Head of North America at Tony’s Chocolonely, to explore how the Dutch-born chocolate brand is rewriting the rules of ethical business in the U.S. retail landscape. From turning a mission into a movement to breaking into a competitive $4B market, Dusan shares how Tony’s combines bold storytelling, radical transparency, and uncompromising taste to win shelf space and consumer trust — all while pushing the industry toward a more just and sustainable future.

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Sponsored by VTEX

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Laudato, COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, a leading U.S. health and wellness retailer with 650+ stores, to explore how great IT teams are built, why innovation starts with operational excellence, and how AI is transforming retail. From vibe coding and RPA to inclusivity and composable commerce, Andrew shares why tech leaders must speak the language of business and why the best strategy isn’t about AI—it’s about using AI to better serve the customer.

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Sponsored by VTEX

In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Tarek Müller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of About You, to unpack how he built one of Europe’s most innovative fashion-tech companies from the ground up. From early bets on mobile and influencer marketing to launching a hybrid model that combines retail and enterprise software, Tarek shares the strategies behind About You’s $2B success, the tech powering 200+ online stores, their approach to AI and personalization, and why the upcoming merger with Zalando could reshape the future of online fashion in Europe.

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Sponsored by VTEX

In this special episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi invites you to Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, the region’s biggest retail event, to explore why Asia-Pacific is the most powerful engine of global retail growth. With 60% of the world’s population and 3.49 billion people expected to join the middle class by 2030, APAC is transforming how the world shops.

Paula is joined by Ryf Quail, Managing Director of Comexposium, and David Mann, Chief Economist APAC at Mastercard, to unpack the region’s complexity, economic resilience, and the retail innovation emerging from markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and India. From geopolitical shifts to the rise of cross-border marketplaces, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand where retail is headed next.

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn so you don't miss our coverage of NRF APAC 2025!

In this episode, Paula sits down with Mike Dupuis, Chief Digital Officer at Catalyst Brands (Aéropostale, Nautica, Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and JCPenney), to explore the art of digital transformation at scale. We discuss the evolution from 2 brands to 1,700+ stores, the challenge of building unified tech and data platforms, and the critical balance between building and farming brand equity. Mike also shares his insights on AI in retail, from early adoption to automation, and why mastering data will define the winners of the next retail wave. Whether you’re leading a legacy brand or scaling a startup, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of commerce.

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Sponsored by VTEX

Join me as I sit down with Paul Porter, Global Chief Experience Officer at Hamleys, the world’s oldest and most iconic toy retailer, for a deep dive into the art of creating unforgettable in-store experiences. In this episode, we discuss how Hamleys has captivated generations of shoppers for 265 years, the magic behind its seven floors on London’s Regent Street, and the power of play in a digital world. Learn how Hamleys scales joy across 200 stores in 17 markets, why emotion and storytelling still beat one-click convenience, and what the future of experiential retail looks like. If you’re passionate about customer experience and retail innovation, this one’s for you.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Explore Hamleys: https://www.hamleys.com
• Connect with Paul Porter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul‑porter‑cxo
• OFFBounds newsletter: https://offbounds.substack.com

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Shoptalk Europe - https://shoptalkeurope.com
OFFBounds listeners can get a discount using the codes below:
🎟️ Retailers and Brands, use code RBOFFBO20 
🎟️ General Attendees, use code GAOFFBO20AD: 
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In this special BONUS episode of the OFFBounds podcast, host Paula Macaggi had a coffee chat with Ben Miller, VP of Original Content & Strategy at Shoptalk & Groceryshop, for a rapid-fire chat about the upcoming Shoptalk Europe 2025 in Barcelona. They discuss what makes this event the go-to destination for retail leaders, the biggest trends shaping the industry, and what attendees can expect as Shoptalk Europe brings together the brightest minds in commerce for game-changing conversations.

Whether you’re a retail executive, tech innovator, or just passionate about the future of shopping, this episode offers a sneak peek into the ideas and innovations that will define the next era of retail.

You can secure your tickets here:
🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gC_uXBND
🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gn8KK8g5

In this special episode recorded in London, bestselling author and retail leader Ron Thurston joins Paula Macaggi to launch his new book Human Pride—a bold call to embrace what makes us human in an age dominated by AI. They discuss how frontline retail, purpose-driven leadership, and personal pride are the real future-proofing tools in a changing job market. From multigenerational teams to algorithmic interviews, this episode is a masterclass in leading with heart and thriving in the digital era.

You can buy your copy here!

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Sponsored by VTEX