In this episode, we delve into key insights from an interview with Mirko Saul, the SVP of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, featured on the Off Bounds podcast hosted by Paula Macaggi. Schwarz Digital, the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland with 14,000 stores across 30 countries, is a significant player in the retail landscape. Mirko shares his team's structured approach to technological innovation, which includes problem-first technology scouting, rigorous preliminary research and vetting, lab testing in a controlled environment, defining KPIs from day one, incremental store rollouts, and thorough integration versus evaluation. These methodologies ensure that technological advancements are cost-effective and aligned with core business goals. The discussion also offers valuable lessons for retail media, emphasizing the importance of starting with business objectives, simulating testing environments, validating vendor scalability, and making strategic decisions on data sovereignty and in-house development versus external partnerships.

Link to podcast interview that Kiri refers to in this epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrYSTb9-zfg&t=80s

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:35) About the Show
(01:57) Introduction to Schwarz Digital Team's Innovation Approach
(02:05) Problem-First Technology Scouting
(03:32) Preliminary Research and Vetting
(04:19) Lab Testing in a Simulated Store Environment
(05:07) Defining KPIs from Day One
(06:37) Incremental Store Rollouts
(07:10) Integration and Evaluation
(07:50) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(11:27) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, we explore Amazon's recent launch of Nova Act, a developer tool for AI agents designed to facilitate various internet-based actions, from apartment hunting to transactional tasks. Comparing it to OpenAI's Operator, we discuss how Nova Act represents Amazon's strategic response to the evolving landscape of consumer-facing AI. We delve into the timing of this launch, its implications for retailers, and its potential to integrate with Alexa to create a comprehensive research and transaction assistant. The discussion forecasts a future dominated by AI agents optimizing retail experiences, potentially transforming advertising and consumer interactions. As AI agents become gatekeepers in shopping, the script underlines the importance for brands and retailers to adapt to new forms of agent-led optimization and customer engagement.

You can find the link to the episodes of our 'AI in Retail' 5 part mini-series here in this post : https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-ai-affects-the-consumer-path-to-purchase-ai-in-retail-series-part-5-2/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:02) About the Show
(01:24) Introduction to Nova Act
(02:14) Amazon's Developer Tool and Future Plans
(03:11) Timing and Market Response
(03:54) Amazon's Strategic Moves
(06:14) Implications for Brands and Retailers
(06:56) Predictions for Retail's Future
(09:01) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(09:23) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, we discuss a Forbes article written by our host Kiri Masters about Home Depot's distinctive strategy in the retail media landscape. Unlike many retailers focusing solely on monetizing digital shelf space, Home Depot emphasizes the supplier experience. Melanie Babcock, VP of Orange Apron Media, played a pivotal role in developing this approach. Babcock's journey began in 2018, leading to the integration of onsite and offsite advertising channels under one platform. With technological advancements, including a crucial partnership with Penta Leap, Home Depot prioritized customization to enhance supplier interaction. This supplier-centric model positions Home Depot ahead of industry shifts, particularly as retail media evolves. Tune in to learn about the challenges and future prospects of this innovative retail media network.

Link to the Forbes article of Kiri this episode is based on: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/21/home-depots-retail-media-chief-puts-suppliers-at-the-center/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:03) Introduction to Home Depot's Unique Retail Media Approach
(02:19) The Birth of Orange Apron Media
(03:01) Building a Cohesive Advertising Strategy
(04:02) Home Depot's Tech Stack Evolution
(06:36) Integrating Onsite and Offsite Media
(08:14) Addressing Measurement Challenges
(09:55) Future Outlook for Orange Apron Media
(10:51) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, we delve into how failure serves as feedback in retail media, turning initial setbacks into strategic successes. Brand leaders share their experiences with product reformulations, agency transitions, and high-budget campaigns that initially failed but eventually led to significant learning and success. Featuring insights from Justin Bomberowitz, Director of Ecommerce at WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller, Director of Marketplaces @ Dr. Squatch, Nem Lazic, E-Commerce Channel Manager at Zevia and Julie Liu, Director of Digital Commerce at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, we explore the essential lessons learned from their spectacular stumbles and how they navigated these challenges to triumph.

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:55) About the Show
(01:17) Justin Bomberowitz on Amazon Playbook Failures
(02:19) Jamie Roller's Agency Transition Woes
(03:26) Nem Lazic on Instacart Campaign Challenges
(04:37) Julie Liu on Personal Branding and Career Growth
(07:08) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' recalls a surprising incident where two star employees were found working for both their agency and a competitor simultaneously. This revelation sparked a deeper investigation into how to distinguish genuine expertise from mere appearances, an issue that's become even more critical in the age of AI and digital avatars. To tackle this question, the host consults with retail media experts Ross Walker, Mike Feldman, and Jordan Witmer. They share insights into identifying candidates who truly know their stuff versus those who might just seem competent, highlighting strategies like internal promotions, structured situational interviews, purposeful interview panels, and leveraging professional networks. Jordan Witmer also offers a nuanced take, suggesting that many so-called imposters are actually specialists with limited perspectives rather than deliberate frauds. The episode concludes with actionable tips for hiring managers to better evaluate and develop promising talent.

Link to Jordan Witmer's articles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(03:22) About the Show
(03:44) Ross Walker's Insights on Candidate Pitfalls
(06:09) Mike Feldman's Structured Interview Approach
(09:43) Jordan Witmer's Perspective on Imposters
(11:24) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(12:15) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

This episode tackles the common industry fixation on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), exploring how retail media leaders achieve growth by shifting focus away from this single metric. Hear pivotal experiences from brand leaders like Justin Bomberowitz of WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller of Dr. Squatch, and Nem Lazic of Zevia, who emphasize the importance of broader business outcomes over ROAS. They discuss challenges like navigating high CPCs, balancing brand vs. unbranded spending, and the double-edged nature of ROAS. This episode equips you with real-world insights to help clarify the value of prioritizing overall business growth in your ad strategies.

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About the Episode
(00:55) About the Show
(01:15) WILDE Brands' Unique Market Position & Approach
(02:43) Dr. Squatch's Strategy Shift
(03:35) Zevia's Internal Perspective: The Double-Edged Sword of ROAS
(04:33) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, the host Kiri Masters explores the implications of Amazon's Alexa Plus on brand strategies and product discovery. Building on Kiri's Forbes post, the discussion focuses on a recently uncovered patent that signifies a shift from keyword-based search optimization to attribute-based product identification. We delve into the critical steps brands must take to adapt, including thoroughly documenting product attributes, using conversational language, providing comprehensive technical specifications, and strengthening brand recognition. The episode also touches on the potential challenge for new products due to the reliance on historical data and user behavior in recommendations. The episode concludes with actionable steps for brands to optimize for voice-powered discovery.

Read Kiri's full post on Forbes.com: 'Amazon’s New Alexa+ Forces Brands To Rethink Their Marketing Strategy' : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/14/amazon-alexa-forces-brands-to-rethink-their-marketing-strategy/

Link to the Alexa+ patent analysis from Andrew Bell: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:16) About the Show
(00:37) Introduction to the Episode
(01:07) Amazon Alexa Plus Patent Overview
(02:39) Implications for Brands
(03:57) Key Imperatives for Brands
(05:45) Brand Recognition in Voice Search
(07:15) Historical Data and User Behavior
(09:01) Preparing for Voice-Powered Discovery
(10:25) Future of Ads in Voice Search
(10:45) Conclusion and Future Insights
(11:01) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this practical episode, the host Kiri Masters shares invaluable insights on building your personal brand through speaking engagements, whether you're on the brand side or solution provider side of retail. She breaks down the unique benefits and challenges each group faces when pursuing speaking opportunities, from navigating corporate approvals to maximizing the career-building potential of getting on stage. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Kiri offers actionable strategies for landing speaking slots, including partnering with solution providers and leveraging original research, while also sharing a helpful database of retail industry events for listeners to explore.

Link to Kiri's Ghost blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/fecfadd7-dbc5-4687-9cee-6c096e6d3c5e/

Link to the retail media industry events database: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/industryeventsdatabase/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:51) About the Show
(01:13) Brand Leaders Speaking Opportunities
(02:26) Benefits for Organizations
(04:07) Personal Career Benefits
(05:00) Solution Providers Overview
(06:02) Getting Speaking Approval
(07:42) Leveraging Data and Research
(11:46) Industry Events Database
(13:09) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses Amazon's recent announcement of Alexa Plus, a significant upgrade to Alexa's capabilities by integrating voice commands with Rufus's advanced product intelligence. This fusion aims to create a more sophisticated shopping assistant, capable of handling complex product queries through natural conversation. The episode covers how this development impacts retail professionals and the consumer path to purchase, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience through enhanced natural language processing and seamless cross-device continuity. Key insights are drawn from an Amazon patent analysis and opinions from experts, highlighting the evolution from clunky voice commands to a potential game-changer in voice commerce.

Link to Kiri's detailed article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/13/amazons-patent-reveals-how-alexa-will-transform-product-discovery/

Link to analysis of Alexa patent: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:10) Introduction and Background
(01:46) Amazon's Patent and Alexa's Evolution
(03:49) Advanced Product Research Capabilities
(05:35) The New Shopping Journey
(07:06) Voice and Visual Integration
(08:29) Personalization in Alexa
(10:25) Implications for Consumers and Brands
(12:46) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

In this episode, we explore Best Buy's upcoming launch of a third-party marketplace in the US set for this summer. While expanding its product range is a goal, the primary focus is on building a robust advertising business. We delve into insights from Best Buy's recent earnings call, where CEO Corey Barry emphasized the interconnectedness of the marketplace and advertising strategies. We also compare Best Buy's current approach to historical attempts and other retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Key highlights include the diversification of advertisers, impacts on brands, seller perspectives, and anticipated consumer benefits. The episode concludes with a bullish take on Best Buy's potential ad revenue growth through this marketplace initiative.

Link to Kiri's original Forbes article on this topic, published Tuesday march 11 : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/11/best-buys-marketplace-bet-is-really-about-ad-revenue/

Link to Pentaleap/ Colosseum strategy report: https://www.pentaleap.com/reports/h2-2024-sponsored-products-benchmarks-report

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(02:06) Best Buy's Marketplace History
(04:19) Advertising Potential of Marketplaces
(06:11) Diversifying Advertiser Base
(10:17) Seller Perspectives on Best Buy's Marketplace
(13:18) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(13:48) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb