f you’ve noticed fewer Google searches and more ChatGPT queries lately, you’re not imagining things—AI is changing how we shop. In this episode, I share my top takeaways from the new Retailgentic podcast and newsletter by Scot Wingo. From the rapid emergence of AI agents in commerce to the existential questions facing retailers, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss.

We explore why it’s not too early to lean into agentic AI, how new checkout and payment rails could disrupt traditional e-commerce, and what it means for retail media networks when human traffic gets replaced by bots. Plus, I reflect on what the future might hold for retail websites—are they becoming obsolete, or evolving into something more powerful? Tune in as I break down what’s next in retail’s AI-powered evolution.

Episode Highlights

[0:35] - Why the first place we shop might soon be an AI agent, not a search engine or retailer site

[1:58] - Sctt Wingo’s perspective on riding the AI curve vs. being flattened by it

[3:10] - Are AI agents partners, channels, or parasites? Retailers must choose wisely

[5:55] - Agentic payments: will consumers really let AI shop for them?

[7:50] - The looming threat to retail media networks if bots replace human traffic

[10:00] - Will retail websites die or evolve into hyper-personalized shopping experiences?

Links & Resources

• Retail Gentech Newsletter
• Kiri's article on Walmart’s agentic AI pathway vs Amazon's walled garden
• Scot Wingo on LinkedIn
• Sucharita Kodali (Forrester Research) on LinkedIn
• Michelle Grant (Salesforce) on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
• Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

In today's episode I dive into the real-world ways top retail brands are using AI—not just the flashy stuff you read about, but the practical tools that are truly moving the needle. From AI-driven share of search insights to tools that dissect customer reviews and even create product videos, these aren’t future ideas—they’re game-changing strategies already in play.

I spoke with four seasoned pros from the retail media space—Simon Swan, Elizabeth Rivas, Danny Silverman, and Luiz Antunes Filho—to hear how their teams are integrating AI into their daily workflows. Whether it’s optimizing product listings based on review insights, streamlining content creation, or letting AI manage ROAS targets, their stories reveal how AI is becoming a must-have tool in retail marketing. If you’re looking to get inspired and stay competitive, you’ll want to hit play on this one.

⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights

[1:20] - Simon Swan explains how “My Telescope” uses share of search data across platforms like Google, Amazon, and TikTok to optimize media strategies in real-time.

[3:07] - Elizabeth Rivas shares how AI is transforming customer review analysis and boosting conversion rates by up to 74%.

[5:40] - Danny Silverman breaks down his use of ChatGPT for content creation and SEO tools to boost organic performance.

[7:09] - Luiz Antunes Filho discusses AI-generated video content and campaign automation using tools like Pacvue inside Amazon’s PPC dashboard.

[8:14] - Luiz also highlights how setting target ROAS/CPA allows AI to fine-tune advertising results.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
• Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
• My Telescope – Share of search insights platform
• Pacvue – AI-powered retail media platform
• DetailPage.com – Organic content optimization and market share analytics tool

Connect with today's guests

• Elizabeth Rivas
• Luiz Antunes Filho
• Simon Swan
• Danny Silverman

In this episode, I unpack some eye-opening contradictions in consumer behavior when it comes to retail media. Sure, surveys say a lot—67% of shoppers claim to notice retail ads, and many express preferences for personalization. But are those sentiments actually guiding their spending? Spoiler: not quite.

We explore why what people say often doesn’t match what they do, and why marketers need to be cautious about relying on sentiment alone. From shoppers getting annoyed by video ads they later find useful, to those wanting eco-friendly products they don’t end up buying, the data tells a more nuanced story. This is a candid dive into why performance metrics—not opinions—should be your North Star in retail media strategy.

⏱️ Timeline Summary

• [0:00] 67% of shoppers say they notice retail media ads—what does that really mean?
• [0:25] The big question: do consumer opinions about ads even matter?
• [1:16] Shoppable video paradox—annoying, yet effective?
• [2:01] Misunderstanding retail media: it’s more than just sponsored listings.
• [3:00] Why offsite retail media is growing faster than onsite—and going unnoticed.
• [4:00] Personalization contradictions: wanted but also feared.
• [5:09] Marketers lean into performance, not perception, to guide budget decisions.
• [6:48] Closed-loop measurement: retail media’s secret weapon.
• [7:33] Why survey data can’t be your primary success metric.
• [8:03] The eco-friendly brand paradox—what we say vs. what we buy.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Capgemini Research Institute 2025:  consumer demand survey 
• Path to Purchase Institute and TransUnion Retail Media Network Ratings
• IAB Study Reveals Disconnect Between Brand Strategy and Consumer Journey Amid Soaring Commerce Video Engagement
• Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
• Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

In this episode, I dive deep into why the technology stack behind these networks isn’t just a backend concern—it’s the backbone of your campaign outcomes. From ad server speeds to reporting capabilities and everything in between, we’ll look at why brands and advertisers need to get curious (and even demanding) about the RMNs they partner with.

I’ll share how platforms like Amazon and Walmart dominate with vertically integrated stacks and what that means for the rest of the market. I also explore what retailers’ tech decisions mean for advertisers and offer some essential questions you should ask any RMN partner before signing on. If you’re trying to make smarter ad investments and maximize ROI in the evolving RMN space, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:27] - Key considerations when switching newsletter platforms and what they reveal about user and audience trade-offs

[1:07] - How RMNs have evolved from all-in-one solutions like Criteo to specialized, competitive ecosystems

[2:27] - Why advertisers now face a more complex but more customizable RMN landscape

[3:07] - A preview of 10 questions advertisers should ask RMN partners (see blog for full list!)

[4:01] - Why Amazon and Walmart’s seamless platforms are exceptions—and what to watch for with others

[5:00] - The real cost of slow ad servers and how it kills conversions

[6:00] - Workflow matters: why dashboards, APIs, and real-time data should be non-negotiables

[9:00] - Understanding inventory allocation: how it affects pricing and placement access

Links & Resources:

• Read the full blog post with all 10 essential questions and my RMN ecosystem map
• 💬 Mentioned: Alex Arnett from Dentsu Newstream Media
• 💬 Mentioned: Melanie Babcock from Home Depot

EMARKETER's bold projection—AI-powered search ads surging from $1B to over $25B by 2029—isn’t just hype. From structured product feeds in LLMs to Shopify’s latest catalog API, the foundations of conversational commerce are already reshaping the retail media landscape.

I unpack the key infrastructure shifts, consumer behavior trends, and strategic moves by giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Shopify. Plus, I dive into why attribution is about to get messier—and what that means for brands navigating AI search advertising. If you’re in media buying, eCommerce, or just curious about where digital ads are headed, this one’s for you.

Timeline Summary:

[0:26] - How live product feeds are being wired into AI systems

[1:09] - Shopify’s new catalog API and what it means for real-time shopping

[2:03] - The growth path from $1B to $25B in AI search ad spend

[3:01] - Adobe survey insights on how consumers are already using AI for shopping

[4:00] - Why Shopify metadata now acts as performance media

[5:00] - The different AI retail strategies: Walmart, Amazon, Shopify

[6:10] - The attribution headache: When chat starts the journey and merchant wallets close it

[8:00] - What brands need to do now to get ready for AI-driven search advertising

Links & further reading

• Link to my original post on Forbes.com on May 31st, 2025
•  EMARKETER's forecast
• An Adobe survey of 5,000 U.S. consumers reveals that 39% have already used generative AI for online shopping
• Shopify’s Catalog API, quietly launched during the company’s Summer '25 Edition rollout on May 21st
• Scot Wingo's article mapping the AI agent ecosystem - Retailgentic
• I recently wrote how Walmart is pursuing a dual path of AI agents
• Jason Goldberg (Publicis) in a new white paper on AI

Conference season is here, and with it comes the ever-present question from leadership: “Why should we approve this expense?” In today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I tackle that head-on with advice and stories straight from the front lines of retail media. Whether you’re booking your first trip to Cannes or opening your first conference app, you’ll find actionable tips to make every handshake, session, and badge count.

You’ll hear from seasoned pros like Brian Dudzunski (ex KIND snacks), Bree Keening (Wilton), Louis Antunes Filho (Organika), and Danny Silverman (Silverstream Consulting) as they share their strategies for maximizing ROI, creating intentional networking goals, and discovering emerging tech before your competitors do. Let’s dive into how you can turn these hectic days into high-value wins.

Episode Highlights:

• [0:39] - What to expect from Cannes and how to navigate your first conference with confidence.
• [1:06] - Why bringing cross-functional partners to conferences can supercharge buy-in.
• [2:19] - How one strategic list helped spark a lasting industry connection.
• [3:39] - Lessons from the Prosper Show: spotting innovation and preparing for budget season.
• [5:23] - Three essential tips for trade show success from scheduling to walking the expo floor.
• [6:02] - Why conference floors are the best place to catch up with industry trends—and old friends.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
If you're heading to Cannes, sign up for the "celebrity death match: retail media edition" event, with me, Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipsman!

This episode, I dive into Mary Meeker’s long-awaited return to the tech trend spotlight with her massive 340-page AI report. If you’ve followed her legendary internet trend decks over the years, you know she doesn’t pull punches. Her newest insights confirm what many of us have sensed: AI is not just another tech wave—it’s the defining shift of our era. But what does that mean for those of us in retail, brand marketing, or the agency world?

In this episode, I share the key highlights from Meeker’s report that matter most to our world. From the evolution of clumsy chatbots into advanced AI agents to the reimagining of global logistics and the workforce itself, I unpack the practical implications you need to know. Whether you’re skeptical, overwhelmed, or already on board with AI, this is your cheat sheet for staying ahead.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[0:28] - First impressions of the 340-page AI report: no surprises, but plenty of validation.

[1:36] - The end of basic chatbots and the rise of AI agents—what this means for retailers.

[2:38] - The need for integration with AI agent ecosystems like Google’s Agent-to-Agent and MCP.

[4:02] - Global AI adoption has shattered speed records—how this shapes consumer expectations.

[5:00] - AI is remaking marketing: 75% of CMOs are already experimenting with generative tools.

[5:57] - AI revolutionizing supply chains: from autonomous trucks to dynamic inventory systems.

[6:41] - The new AI-centric workforce: senior leaders managing fleets of agents, not people.

[7:29] - The 32% still offline are coming online—with AI, not browsers. Global markets are changing fast.

[9:18] - A final quote that hits home: you don’t have to predict the AI winners—just don’t be the laggard.

Links & Resources

Mary Meeker's 340 page annual trends report: 'Artificial Intelligence'
Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion by 2029 – Forbes article
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

In this episode, I dive deep into the future of advertising and tackle a burning question in the world of retail media: Will Amazon follow Meta’s path into fully autonomous, AI-driven “black box” advertising? With Meta and Google making bold moves toward automation that minimizes advertiser control, I unpack how Amazon is responding—and whether it’s headed down the same road.

We explore what Mark Zuckerberg’s “no creative, no targeting, no measurement” vision really means, how Google’s Performance Max campaigns are evolving, and what makes Amazon’s approach stand out. You’ll hear insights from industry experts and consultants who weigh in on whether Amazon’s transparency and control will hold up in an AI-dominated future. Whether you’re a brand leader, agency strategist, or retail media nerd, this one’s for you.

🔍 Episode Highlights

[1:00] - Mark Zuckerberg’s radical vision for the future of advertising

[2:00] - How Google’s Performance Max campaigns reflect early “black box” adoption

[3:13] - Is Amazon going to follow Meta and Google’s lead?

[4:08] - How Amazon’s GenAI tools are shaping a “copilot” model, not a “closed cockpit”

[5:37] - The unique challenges Amazon faces with data restrictions and product-based ad creatives

[7:24] - Why auto campaigns for Amazon Search could signal a shift toward greater automation

[8:33] - Why trust, transparency, and independent measurement are key differentiators for Amazon

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

n today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m digging into a question that gets a lot of e-commerce pros fired up: where should your eComm team sit within the org chart? Sales? Marketing? Somewhere in between? I’ve brought in three powerhouse brand-side leaders to share how their companies are structured—and why.

From owning the P&L to forming tightly aligned omni teams, we explore different org setups that can either fuel success or slow you down. You’ll hear how Premier Nutrition, Wilton, and Organica Health Products each approach the placement and management of their Amazon and retail media teams. It’s a short but rich dive into strategy, accountability, and cross-functional alignment that might just inspire your next re-org.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Kicking off with the big question: where should eComm live in your org?

[0:27] - Preview of insights from three brand leaders on structuring eComm teams.

[1:34] - Alicia Ponziani of Premier Nutrition shares how her Amazon and Omni teams are split—and why shopper marketing now reports into Omni.

[2:56] - Brea Keating of Wilton explains why controlling the full P&L is essential for profitability and avoiding interdepartmental tension.

[4:08] - Louise Antunes from Organika Health Products discusses why being housed under sales works best for their Amazon operations.

[5:00] - Wrapping up with a reminder to subscribe for your daily 10-minute dose of retail media insight.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

In this follow-up episode, I dive back into the great retail media debate stirred up by Jason Goldberg’s recent commentary on the Jason & Scott Show. His take? That retail media, outside of Amazon, isn’t exactly thrilling. But after three weeks of reflecting, engaging with community feedback, and digging into new data, I’ve come back ready to challenge that notion and show why retail media is evolving far beyond its Amazonian roots.

I break down three key lenses—efficiency over wallet share, the changing advertising mix, and the rise of offsite media—that paint a much more dynamic picture of where the industry is headed. Whether you’re a marketer, retailer, or just trying to keep your finger on the pulse of digital media trends, this episode is packed with insights that’ll reshape how you think about the retail media landscape.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Revisiting Jason Goldberg’s “retail media is mid” take

[1:12] - Introducing three new lenses to examine retail media’s potential

[1:33] - Lens 1: Efficiency is beating share of wallet in media performance

[3:07] - Surprising ROI insights from Keen Decision Systems’ data

[4:00] - Lens 2: The ad format and inventory game is broadening

[5:00] - How Best Buy’s brand carousels are changing the playing field

[6:20] - The advertiser base is shifting: more torso and tail players

[7:00] - Lens 3: Offsite media is retail’s next frontier

[8:10] - Amazon’s offsite dominance is slipping—here’s why that matters

[9:35] - What this evolution means for the future of retail media

Links & Resources

• Pentaleap’s H1 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report  
• eMarketer's Retail Media Forecast Update H1 2025
• Keen Decision Systems
• Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  Follow Kiri on LinkedIn