The Retail Podcast

A great demonstration of the power of robotics in the supply chain Thompson Brockmann, VP of Operations, talks us through Tompkins Robotics demo. Tompkins Robotics: A Global Leader in Robotic Automation of
Distribution and Fulfillment Operations In today's fast-paced business world, companies are always looking for ways to streamline their operations and increase efficiency.
Tompkins Robotics is at the forefront of this movement, providing cutting-edge
robotic automation solutions for distribution and fulfillment operations. At the heart of Tompkins Robotics' offerings is their primary
system, tSort. This revolutionary system consists of autonomous mobile robots
that can sort a wide range of items and parcels to consolidation points for
order fulfillment, store replenishment, returns, parcel distribution, and
virtually any other process in the supply chain. tSort is a truly modular,
scalable, and portable robotic sortation system that helps build world-class
supply chains while providing unmatched flexibility and throughput. With three models of tSort (tSort, tSort Plus, and tSort
Mini) and two sortation methods (tilt trays and cross belts), Tompkins Robotics
systems can handle the broadest range of products on the market. The systems
can handle items as small as a penny, up to 40 inches long by 30 inches wide
and weighing up to 120 pounds. These systems are designed to work in small
operations in the backroom of a grocery store, supercenter, or mall anchor
store, to large fulfillment centers processing millions of units a day. Tompkins Robotics' systems maximize performance, making their
clients more agile, adaptable, profitable, and successful in today's dynamic
marketplace. In addition to tSort, Tompkins Robotics also offers other
proprietary solutions such as xChange, tSort3D, and xPress. xChange is a
robotic sortation order removal and replacement system for orders and shipping
systems. tSort3D is a new, very dense sortation system ideal for ecommerce and
provides as much as 10 times the sort destinations and volume compared to
competing solutions. xPress is an overhead robotic transport system that can be
used in retail to DC environments. Tompkins Robotics continues to expand the
core systems with complementary robotics and integrated material handling
systems to automate fulfillment operations. In conclusion, Tompkins Robotics is a global leader inproviding innovative robotic automation solutions for distribution and
fulfillment operations. Their flagship product, tSort, is a game-changer in the
industry, offering unparalleled flexibility and throughput. With a range of
other proprietary solutions, Tompkins Robotics is helping companies to
streamline their operations, increase efficiency, and become more agile and
profitable in today's dynamic marketplace. #robotics #nrf2023 #supplychaintransformation #retail

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With consumer confidence still high and unemployment at a 50-year low, the US economy is going through a period of inflation and robust consumption. Despite this, economists forecast that GDP growth will decelerate significantly in 2023 to just 3%. It's crucial to remember that this does not inevitably portend a recession.

1. A decline in 2023: In 2023, the economy is predicted to develop by 3% GDP, which is less than the 1.7% potential growth rate. This reduced growth rate is anticipated to affect a number of economic sectors, including the housing market and those that are influenced by interest rates.

2. Reduction in Consumer Spending: In the first half of 2023, in particular, a reduction in consumer spending is anticipated as a result of the anticipated economic slowdown. It is anticipated that this drop will also affect company investment and start later in the year.

3. There will not be a recession. Despite the anticipated downturn, analysts do not believe a recession will occur soon, according to some analysts. The fact that the Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 425 basis points last year shows that they continue to believe the economy is strong.

4. Concerns about the job market: Many people are worried about the job market since analysts forecast layoffs in the tech sector and hiring in the financial services sector. The speakers were upbeat about consumers, as they still have cash and strong balance sheets.

5. Interest Rates and Prognostications: According to the Federal Reserve, interest rates will stay high for the foreseeable future, which might affect how much it costs consumers and companies to service their debt. The first half of 2023 will see a US recession, according to KPMG Economics, although other sources are less certain. The yield curve inversion is being closely watched as a possible recessionary indicator.

#RETAIL https://www.theretailpod.com/

A super insightful conversation with Kelly Haut Thacker, Salesforce Senior VP, Marketing, Commerce Cloud & CMO of Retail and Consumer Goods (RCG). Discussing their new "New Salesforce data* which shows that a disconnected experience is a top frustration customers have with retailers. What’s more, 79% of consumers surveyed plan to reassess their retail spending over the next 12 months. However, 65% of consumers will remain loyal to companies that offer a more personalized experience". I found Kelly´s perspective on Increasing Loyalty & Revenue while decreasing costs through #cleandata to improve profitability while delivering hyper personalisation music to any retailer's ears in today´s high inflation and interest operating environment.

About Kelly
Kelly Thacker, Senior VP, Marketing, Commerce Cloud & CMO of Retail and Consumer Goods (RCG) at Salesforce

Kelly Thacker leads marketing for Commerce Cloud and the Retail and Consumer Goods business at Salesforce and is responsible for marketing strategy, operations and execution across the full spectrum of the Commerce Cloud portfolio and RCG business globally.

As a ten year veteran of Salesforce, Kelly has held other senior marketing roles centered around bringing the cloud to enterprises around the world. She served as chief marketing officer for the Customer Success Group, responsible for the positioning and go-to-market strategy for Salesforce’s Support and Professional services business. She was also instrumental as an early marketing leader of the Salesforce small and medium business unit, where she worked with thousands of small businesses on developing the tools and technology required to grow sustainability.

Kelly came to Salesforce from a series of non-profit initiatives focused on using technology to solve challenges that humanity faces globally. Kelly was the founder and CEO of The James Project, a nonprofit venture in India, and Banau, a non-profit venture in Nepal.

#retail #commercecloud #salesforce

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We had the great pleasure of getting a quick snapshot from Lupine Skelly from Deloitte to discuss their 2023 Retail Industry Outlook Report. #retail #deloitte #nrf2023

Summary

Despite the spate of bad economic news, the keyword among retailers is resiliency. They’ve

done it before—not too long ago, during the worst pandemic-related lockdowns and

shortages—and they can do it again. Market challenges will always be a factor, and retailers are

learning that they cannot rely on traditional cost-cutting alone to navigate the latest downturn.

Instead, retailers should examine how they’ve been most productive in recent years, honing

omnichannel, supply chain management, and digital commerce to protect margins and aim for

profitability in the future. And the real X-factor is the rapidly evolving consumer. Ensuring the

consumer experience is at the heart of investments may be the key to prospering when the

dust finally settles.

#RETAIL https://www.theretailpod.com/

 Bill Swift, CEO of Brierley, the company that created the loyalty industry and is now transforming loyalty for the future with next-generation technology and top-notch consulting expertise that cannot be rivaled. Brierley was founded by the godfather of loyalty programs Hal Brierley (who is widely credited with pioneering programs, having served as the only outside advisor for American Airlines AAdvantage). 

The business impact of loyalty is significant as loyalty leaders grow revenues about 2.5x faster than others in their industries (HBR). However, managing customer relationships continues to become more difficult for retailers as customers have become more discerning than ever and many loyalty programs have evolved away from their original intent. Bill can provide insight into the role of loyalty programs in customer experience and how to leverage these programs to increase customer engagement. Specifically, Bill can discuss: 

• Why loyalty programs must drive behavior – not just reward behavior
• How capturing share of attention is as important as capturing share of wallet in today’s world
• The importance of leading with strategy to create a profitable program that motivates customers rationally and emotionally 
• How innovative technologies such as facial verification can provide customers a more seamless and convenient retail experience 

 Over the past 35+ years, Brierley has launched and managed some of the world’s most successful loyalty programs, including Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Hilton HHonors, securing the loyalty of millions of valued customers around the globe.

#RETAIL https://www.theretailpod.com/

About Kepler Analytics

Kepler Analytics is a brick-and-mortar store analytics SaaS platform empowering retailers to drive sales using real-time customer traffic and behaviour data. Currently more than 500 retailers, 30,000 locations in 35 countries use our system daily, including several Fortune 500 listed enterprises. Our pioneering radio energy-based technology gives retailers the ability to measure shopper traffic and behaviour with a one-step install sensor. And our analytics software provides valuable insights and real-time alerts for immediate action across the store network.Launched in 2017, we now have 100 team members around the world working together to capture this immense global opportunity and have raised US$20M in venture capital funding so far to accelerate Kepler’s expansion into more markets. Learn more at www.kepleranalytics.com

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Michelle Bacharach is CEO and Co-Founder of FindMine, an award-winning content engine that uses machine learning to scale content curation for the world's top retailers. As a product and strategy expert, Michelle is experienced in growing companies by launching software, apps and websites to millions of people, putting together joint ventures, and conceiving of new products. She has an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA from UC Berkeley (Go Bears!), where she wrote her honors thesis on managing innovation in multinational organizations. 

Previously, Michelle served as Director, Program Management - Univision.com and Entertainment with Univision Communications, Inc. where she was responsible for creating the digital roadmap for Univision's cross-platform digital properties (including TV shows, tentpole events, Univision.com, and the Univision App), ensuring KPIs, user experience, and alignment with business strategy are upheld. She also executed roadmaps using Agile & Scrum methodologies: including writing user stories and acceptance criteria, groom the product backlog, manage overarching priorities and balance workload between 6 different sprint teams to deliver on product vision. She managed delivery of Univision's first digital property built on a responsive framework, which drove triple digit growth in engagement over the previous year's site for the same tentpole event as well as sourced, negotiated, and executed large-scale integrations with vendors. 

Michelle also served with Univision as Associate in the Office of the CEO. In this role, she worked directly with C-suite leadership to evaluate, plan and execute CEO and Board-level strategic initiatives spanning Univision's assets in Broadcast, Cable, Local TV, Radio, and Online/Mobile, including an overhaul of Univision's digital content and product strategy, structuring and valuation of a joint venture with El Rey, Robert Rodriguez's new cable network, and formulation of Univision's long-range, cross-platform English language strategy.

Michelle has also helped venture-backed startups, agencies, and fortune 1000 businesses with their digital strategy and consumer experience: She founded and led the customer innovation team at BigTent, Inc. (acquired by Care.com) and quantified the value of a Facebook “like” for a billion dollar apparel brand while at ReadySet Rocket. She also has raised over $150,000 for her alma mater, U.C. Berkeley and led a team of cold-callers to a record breaking $3M fundraising year for the Cal Calling Center

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15 Min Listen Time

Who is the customer? Ranking U.S. Generations on Their Power and Influence Over Society (visualcapitalist.com)

 The Seven Layers of the Metaverse The Metaverse Value-Chain. Trillions of dollars are pouring into… | by Jon Radoff | Building the Metaverse | Medium

 Snow Crash Snow Crash - Wikipedia

 Ready Player One Ready Player One - Wikipedia

 Colin Vs Cuthbert The Colin vs. Cuthbert caterpillar dispute: what's the latest? - The infolaw Partner Showcase

 What would you like to talk about ? Physical Stores, Meta Commerce, Live Commerce, Pre Loved/ Circular, Purpose Driven Commerce, Technology Driven, E-commerce

 Contact mailto:[email protected]

#RETAIL https://www.theretailpod.com/

In this week’s Five things Friday/Monday, we take a look at the new physical Amazon Store(Amazon Style) opening later this year. Servedup and their food solution, Heat providing luxury mystery boxes, Cook My Grub challenging traditional food delivery & Checkout.com possibly retails digital wallet provider.

Brands Mentioned:

Blue jumper on Youtube

Amazon Fashion Amazon´s first-ever physical fashion store, where customers can find a selection of women’s and men’s apparel, shoes, and accessories.  

ServedUp is an all-in-one EPOS solution which is built to help scale hospitality businesses by speeding up service, reducing staff costs and driving additional revenue. 

Heat the world's only luxury streetwear mystery box.

Cook My Grub Home-cooked food delivery from local chefs where you can Pre-order fresh, healthy, authentic homemade food from professional home-based chefs.

Checkout.com Focusing on supporting businesses thrive in the digital economy.

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Welcome back it has been way toooooooo long, in this weeks episode, we take a look at the trends that will shape the next 5 years of retail while unpacking the NRF agenda.

To watch the video or to see the slides you can watch here: https://youtu.be/A2VJJpG_e0k

The Pinterest 2022 report can be found here: https://business.pinterest.com/en-gb/pinterest-predicts

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