The video version of this podcast is here

Takeaways

Shoptalk Fall focuses on immediate retail needs for the next six months.

Retail media is a significant topic but should not overshadow other strategic points.

The grocery industry is facing unique challenges compared to other retail sectors.

Generative AI is seen as a transformative technology for retail.

Supply chain agility is crucial in the current economic climate.

RFID technology is becoming essential for inventory management and loss prevention.

Retailers must balance short-term needs with long-term strategic planning.

The emotional connection with customers can drive brand loyalty.

New technologies are changing the landscape of retail, making old solutions relevant again.

Curiosity and openness to new ideas are vital for retail success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shop Talk Fall 2023

01:53 What's New at Shop Talk Fall

04:05 Expectations of Retailers and Brands

08:11 The Role of Retail Media

10:20 Retail Media Evolution in Grocery

12:18 Impact of New Technologies on CPG

15:39 Earnings Season Insights

19:20 Generative AI in Retail

24:01 Supply Chain Challenges and Innovations

30:23 Reviving Old Technologies in New Ways

33:47 Generational Shifts in Retail Engagement

36:03 Navigating Retail Choices and Consumer Preferences

36:42 Lightning Round: Buzzwords and Retail Recognition

39:57 Spotlight on Retail Turnarounds

43:52 Innovative Startups in Retail

46:05 Cities as Retail Inspiration

48:51 Defining Retail in a Changing Landscape

49:33 Memorable Moments in Retail Events

52:50 Personal Reflections on Career Paths

The video version is available here.

Takeaways

Rick Brindle emphasizes the importance of customer service learned from his early retail days.

The transition from retail to CPG requires understanding both sides of the business.

R&D in CPG is about anticipating consumer needs, not just product development.

On-shelf availability is crucial for maintaining customer loyalty.

Social media has transformed consumer-brand relationships, allowing for direct interaction.

Personalization in shopping experiences is more valuable than gamification.

The future of grocery shopping is influenced by technology and consumer preferences.

Online grocery shopping is growing, but challenges remain in product quality.

The retail industry offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles.

Building relationships in retail is key to success and collaboration.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Retail to CPG

08:56 Navigating the CPG Landscape: Insights from P&G to Nabisco

16:10 R&D and Packaging: The Art and Science of Consumer Products

24:25 The Future of Retail: Technology, Media, and Consumer Relationships

29:13 The Evolution of Brand Loyalty

31:42 Consumer Behavior in Grocery Shopping

35:28 Personalization vs. Gamification in Retail

38:09 The Future of Online Grocery Shopping

42:02 The Complexity of Grocery Retail

45:16 Innovations in Product Development

49:07 The Role of Food Safety and Health

52:39 Advice for Future Retail Professionals

The video version of this podcast can be seen here.

Takeaways

Krystina transitioned from journalism to event management, finding commonalities in storytelling and connecting people.

The pandemic forced events to become more technology-driven and data-focused, enhancing attendee experiences.

In-person events are evolving, with a focus on meaningful interactions rather than just networking.

AI is rapidly changing the retail landscape, and many professionals are still figuring out how to adapt.

Building community is essential for success in retail, fostering authentic connections among individuals.

Resilience is key in overcoming professional challenges, as demonstrated by Krystina's experience with Tribe.

AI can be used in personal and professional contexts, helping individuals streamline tasks and enhance productivity.

The future of retail will involve integrating AI into various business models and strategies.

Authenticity in conversations helps build lasting relationships in business.

The pace of innovation requires continuous adaptation and learning in the retail industry.

Chapters

00:00 From Journalism to Event Management

04:04 The Evolution of Events Post-Pandemic

06:32 The Changing Landscape of In-Person Events

09:17 Navigating AI in Retail and Events

11:51 The Importance of Community in AI Adoption

14:32 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Growth

17:01 Real-World Applications of AI in Retail

27:24 The Importance of Case Studies in Tech

28:46 Navigating Challenges and Community Support

32:08 Resilience and Personal Growth

33:28 AI's Impact on Information Overload

35:50 Democratization of Business Opportunities

40:20 The Future of Retail and AI Integration

45:13 Lightning Round Insights

The video version of this podcast can be viewed here

Takeaways

Staying informed is crucial in retail.

Kevin transitioned from investment banking to entrepreneurship.

Pet ownership surged during COVID, creating market opportunities.

Building a brand from scratch involves emotional investment.

Education is key in promoting new pet nutrition products.

Innovating in pet nutrition can fill gaps in the market.

Digital marketing is challenging for new pet brands.

AI can enhance marketing and content development.

Exploring alternative sales channels is essential for growth.

Networking and building a team is vital for entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 Kevin's Journey: From Investment Banking to Entrepreneurship

03:23 The Rise of Pet Ownership and Market Opportunities

05:43 Building a Brand from Scratch: The Emotional Journey

08:45 Innovating Pet Nutrition: The Case for Bone Broth

13:44 Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape

18:39 Exploring Alternative Platforms for Growth

22:15 Leveraging AI in Business Operations

26:53 Future Growth: Omnichannel Strategies and New Product Development

35:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Video version of this episode can be viewed here

Takeaways

Lori emphasizes the importance of teaching and helping others in her career.

Setting communication boundaries is crucial in a fast-paced work environment.

Doing what you love is essential for career satisfaction.

Lifelong learning is a continuous journey that should be embraced.

Self-driven motivation is a key trait employers look for in candidates.

Building character often comes from facing challenges without safety nets.

Having supportive friends is invaluable during tough times.

It's important to balance personal and professional life effectively.

Managing distractions is vital for maintaining productivity.

Adapting to life's changes is necessary for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retaili$tic Podcast

02:05 Lori Schaper's Journey in Tech and Education

09:00 Career Beginnings and Early Influences

11:31 Learning to Work with Others

12:31 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

13:49 Managing Distractions in a Digital Age

18:18 Establishing a Morning Routine

19:08 Balancing Physical and Mental Health

21:30 Reflections on Life Decisions

23:54 Advice for Graduating Students

Video version can be viewed here

Takeaways

Amazon Prime Day saw a significant increase in consumer spending compared to previous years.

Retail media plays a crucial role in helping brands get noticed on Amazon's marketplace.

Consumers are increasingly focused on basic needs rather than luxury items during shopping events.

Retailers are managing prices strategically to absorb costs and maintain consumer interest.

Membership programs like Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus are becoming essential for retailers.

Customer service quality is a key differentiator for retailers in a competitive market.

The trend of comparison shopping is growing among consumers, especially between Amazon and Walmart.

Retailers are leveraging technology and AI to improve efficiency and customer experience.

The impact of tariffs on consumer prices is a concern for retailers and consumers alike.

The future of retail may see tiered membership programs to cater to different consumer segments.

Chapters

00:00 The Dynamics of Prime Day Discounts

07:27 Retail Media and Brand Visibility

09:37 Innovations in Delivery: E-bikes and Instant Needs

11:59 Consumer Behavior: Shifts in Purchasing Trends

14:35 Retail Strategies: Managing Prices and Inventory

17:28 The Competitive Landscape: Walmart vs. Amazon

20:05 Customer Service: The Key to Retention

23:06 The Future of Grocery and E-commerce

25:49 Membership Models: The Next Frontier

31:08 Final Thoughts and Predictions

This is a video episode which you can watch here.

Takeaways

• Feinman transitioned from Bloomingdale's to Goodwill for a mission-driven role.
• Goodwill's technology was outdated, requiring significant upgrades.
• AI has transformed Goodwill's e-commerce operations, increasing efficiency.
• The demographic of Goodwill shoppers has shifted towards younger consumers.
• Goodwill uses data analytics to optimize store locations for donations and sales.
• E-commerce sales at Goodwill have increased by 25% year-over-year.
• The return rate for Goodwill's e-commerce is impressively low at 0.26%.
• Michael emphasizes the importance of testing new technologies before full implementation.
• Goodwill is exploring international shipping to expand its market.
• Leadership and innovation are crucial for adapting to retail challenges.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

01:37 Feinman's Journey in Retail

04:05 Technology Roadmap at Goodwill

08:36 E-Commerce Strategy and Operations

12:19 The Future of E-Commerce and AI Innovations

18:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Retail Technology

25:00 Consumer Behavior and Returns Management

30:48 Innovation and Leadership in Retail

37:15 Conclusion and Future Outlook

This is a video podcast episode, which you can watch here. 

Read Coresight Research reports on sustainability and AI in retail. 

Visit the Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology.

Takeaways

• BTS is the second largest retail season after winter holidays.
• Total BTS spending is set to total around $38 billion this year.
• Families are focusing more on essential items and discounts for BTS shopping.
• Retailers are adjusting strategies to capture budget-conscious shoppers.
• Economic indicators show mixed signals but overall consumer spending remains resilient.
• New tariffs are significantly impacting retail pricing and supply chains.
• Retailers are diversifying sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts.
• Category-specific strategies are crucial for navigating the BTS season.
• Communication of value and pricing transparency is key for retailers this season.
• Retailers should remain agile and data-driven to adapt to changing consumer behavior.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

02:03 The Importance of BTS for Retailers

03:35 Consumer Spending Trends and Categories

07:12 Economic Indicators and Consumer Behavior

11:51 Impact of New Tariff Regime on Retail

20:53 Retail Strategies Amid Tariff Challenges

24:08 Category-Specific Retail Strategies

34:11 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Check out the Coresight Research US Back to School series of reports to dive into US consumers' shopping expectations for the BTS season in more detail. 

This is a video podcast episode, which you can watch here.

Takeaways

• Data is integral to matching suppliers with retailers.
• Fit challenges in merchandising are both physical and technological.
• Retailers are increasingly adopting direct-to-consumer strategies.
• Physical retail spaces are evolving into showrooms and experience centers.
• Retail media is shifting toward more personalized and generative approaches.
• Marketplace strategies allow retailers to experiment with inventory models.
• Tech-first approaches are essential for modern retail operations.
• Market uncertainties are driving retailers to explore new categories and suppliers.
• Collaboration between brands and retailers is becoming more critical for success.

Chapters

00:00 This Week at Coresight Research: New Reports and Data

03:01 The Role of Merchandising in Retail

06:05 Understanding Fit: Technology and Product

09:10 Challenges in Product Assortment and Profitability

12:03 The Blurring Lines Between Retailers and Brands

15:09 The Future of Physical Retail Spaces

17:52 The Evolution of Retail Media

20:54 Marketplace Strategies and Inventory Management

23:58 Tech-First Approaches in Retail

27:08 Navigating Market Uncertainties

29:57 Final Thoughts and Predictions for 2025

Dive further into retail challenges and tech-driven solutions with the recent, in-depth report from Coresight Research and Rithum: Unlocking Success: The Pathway to Profitability for US Brands and Retailers

This is a video podcast episode, which you can watch here.

Takeaways

• Retailers are increasingly investing in technology and transformation.
• Store intelligence technology is crucial for operational efficiency.
• AI and automation are addressing major retail challenges.
• Visibility into store operations is lacking for many retailers.
• Robotics and AI are becoming essential in physical stores.
• Employee satisfaction improves with the adoption of technology.
• Retail media networks are evolving rapidly in the industry.
• Understanding the root cause of shrink is vital for retailers.
• Data-driven decision-making is key to optimizing operations.
• The future of retail is leaning toward an AI-first approach.

Chapters

00:00 This Week in Research: New Reports and Data

01:37 The Evolution of In-Store Retail Technology

03:24 The Impact of Technology on Retail Operations

07:22 Understanding Store Intelligence and Its Benefits

11:21 The Role of Robotics and AI in Retail

15:56 Connecting Data to Business Processes

18:28 Enhancing Employee Satisfaction and Customer Experience

20:05 The Importance of Visibility in Store Operations

22:51 Addressing Shrink and Inefficiencies in Retail

25:00 The Rise of Retail Media Networks

30:38 The Future of Retail Technology and AI

Read the ⁠latest annual study from Coresight Research and Simbe, published in June 2025, to dive into the dawn of new-age stores.