Rethink Retail

In this episode, host Matt Muller, Principal Consultant at Rethink Retail and author of The Mindful Innovator, welcomes Rocquan Lucas, VP of Content at GroceryShop, to talk about the flagship event shaping the future of grocery and CPG. Key Insights: - How GroceryShop has grown since its 2018 debut into a global stage for grocery and CPG innovation - The rise of agentic AI and its real-world applications - Balancing efficiency with customer engagement in stores - Why planning with purpose (and breaking silos) is key for innovation

What happens when you mix the science of data with the art of human connection? That’s the theme behind Shoptalk Fall 2025, Retail Alchemy. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, HG O’Connell joins host Sharon Gai to share how ShopTalk Fall is creating an intimate, experimental space for retail leaders. Highlights include: - Why Shoptalk Fall is designed as a “lab” for testing new formats and ideas - This year’s theme of Retail Alchemy and how it plays out across sessions and the show floor - The rise of AI fatigue, and the demand for real case studies with measurable results - The return of Shopwalks, taking execs on curated tours Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Hosted by Nino Horttrich, and with the collaboration of Matt Redwood of Diebold Nixdorf, we explore how Tillster is solving some of the biggest challenges in QSR. From tackling operational challenges to improving speed, personalization, and consistency, this conversation explores how strategic partnerships can transform the customer journey and future-proof restaurant operations.

We’re halfway through 2025, and retail is riding a wild mix of breakthroughs, challenges, and shifting shopper habits. In this special mid-year episode, host Andrew Smith (ThinkUncommon) is joined by top retail experts Neil Saunders (GlobalData Retail), Jerry Sheldon (IHL Services), and Sucharita Kodali (Forrester Research) to unpack: The biggest retail stories and consumer shifts so far Which tech is delivering real impact (and which is still just hype) Smart strategies to protect margins and run leaner ops Advice for the months ahead

In this new episode of Retailer Tech Tips, we explore how geospatial data is redefining store planning, logistics, and customer experience in real time.

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Marie Driscoll sits down with Amrita Bhasin, CEO at Sotira, a leading voice in reverse logistics, to explore how AI, overstock management, and sustainability are transforming the future of retail. Reverse logistics is now an $800 billion global industry, yet remains one of the most under-discussed pillars of modern commerce. With e-commerce return rates as high as 50%, and growing concerns over landfill waste, brands are urgently seeking smarter solutions for excess inventory.

Redefining Trust in Online Jewelry Retail by

Nick Harbaugh talks with Shira Libhaber of Marcella, one of America’s fastest-growing fashion brands. Shira dives into how the company combines timeless design, global expansion, and next-gen tech to create a scalable yet purpose-driven model.

Rethink Retail brings together two powerhouses shaping the future of commerce:

Renee Hartmann chats with Jean-Sébastien Crevier, VP of Sales and Marketing at WeCook, live from Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona. Jean-Sébastien shares how WeCook is scaling Canada’s ready-to-eat meal space through data-first strategies, predictive churn models, and a no-gimmick approach to loyalty. Learn how his team balances growth with profitability, what really works in paid vs. organic social, and how AI is reshaping their marketing ops. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

On the floor at Shoptalk Europe, RETHINK Retail’s Marie Driscoll sits down with Nicolas Kroeger, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Manor AG, Switzerland’s largest department store chain. In a dynamic conversation, Nicolas shares how his expanded role is driving process efficiency and innovation through AI across departments.

Live from the LEAD Summit, Sandy Hernandez sits down with Sarah Angelmar, Executive Director of Customer Experience at Clarins Group, the brand that helped define “clean beauty” before it was a trend. From their AI chatbot "Cara" to the emotional science behind loyalty, Sarah reveals how Clarins blends 71 years of family heritage with bold CX innovation. Timestamps [02:00] – Clarins’ roots: From plant science to prestige skincare [05:30] – "Cara": The AI chatbot that supports (not replaces) beauty advisors [08:15] – Why Clarins became a B-Corp, and what it means for customers [11:45] – Rethinking loyalty: No points. No gimmicks. Just trust. [15:20] – How customer emotion informs CX design [19:10] – Family-owned in a corporate world: Moving fast without losing soul ✨ “We don’t want to be transactional. We want to be unforgettable” — Sarah Angelmar Join our global retail community: www.globalretailleaders.com

What does it take to bring authentic Korean traditional food to a global audience through e-commerce? David Polinchock chats with Ryan Kim, founder of Kim'C Market, a Korean food import business, to explore how personal experience sparked a mission to deliver healthier, artisanal products directly from Korean farmers. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Ryan’s personal story: loss and health awakening [02:30] Starting an e-commerce brand with no prior experience [05:00] Sourcing authentic ingredients: visiting farmers in Korea [08:00] Educating customers on fermentation and product quality [11:00] Navigating marketing and growing a diverse customer base [14:00] The power of authenticity and direct relationships [17:00] Lessons learned and future plans for expansion

Rethink Retail, was live at The Lead 2025 in NYC with our host Liza Amlani and Dr. Alisa Brady, founder of Sweetums, a fast-growing beauty and sexual wellness brand blending intimacy, scent, and science. A clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Brady shares how customer data, cognitive research, and product innovation are driving Sweetums’ retail expansion. From flavored intimate wipes to lip balm with a built-in applicator, learn how Sweetums is taking pleasure mainstream, one scented swipe at a time. You’ll hear: - How Dr. Brady used psychology and scent science to design her first product - What the data really says about men, cinnamon buns, and buying behavior - Why women are the surprise buyers of Sweetums’ men’s line - How flavored fragrance and function-first packaging are driving connection - Where Sweetums is winning in retail and what’s next after The Lead 2025 pitch stage Join our global retail community: www.globalretailleaders.com

Retailer Tech Tips: How Retailers are Driving Next-Gen Fulfillment Strategies In this episode, we’re diving deep into how retailers are transforming fulfillment with the power of cloud technology. Brandon Rael (Kyndryl), Prateek Trivedi (Cognizant), and Shannon Kirk Nakamoto (Icertis) join us to unpack fulfillment strategies that deliver speed, agility, and customer satisfaction in an increasingly digital retail landscape. Key takeaways include: - The evolution of modern fulfillment - Automation and AI in warehouse operations - Dropshipping, hybrid models, and micro-fulfillment - Vendor collaboration through smarter data - Real-time tracking and visibility - Addressing labor, sustainability, and delivery challenges Whether you're reimagining your supply chain or scaling fulfillment for the holidays, this episode delivers practical insights and future-forward strategies to keep your business moving.

What’s the secret to transforming traditional hospital wear into stylish, comfortable, and empowering apparel? Host Robin Barrett Wilson sits down with Chaitenya Razdan, Founder of Care + Wear, to uncover how this visionary brand is changing the face of healthcare uniforms. Discover their mission to blend fashion with function, elevate caregiver morale, and push the boundaries of medical apparel design. ⏱ Timestamps: [00:00] Care & Wear’s origin story and vision [03:10] Designing for comfort without sacrificing style [06:50] How Care & Wear supports healthcare workers’ confidence [10:20] Overcoming challenges in a conservative industry [14:00] Future plans: innovation, sustainability, and growth [17:30] Chet’s top tips for entrepreneurship and brand building

On this episode of Rethink Retail, host Marie Driscoll sits down with Shunda Lynch, luxury retail expert with extensive experience at Bloomingdale´s. Shunda shares her unexpected journey into luxury retail, from studying fashion design to building a loyal clientele through passion and deep relationship-building. Hear how her love for classic and innovative luxury brands shaped her approach in a competitive industry. Join the conversation and gain fresh insights into luxury retail leadership and customer connection. Join our global retail community: www.globalretailleaders.com

Welcome to Rethink Retail, the podcast where we uncover the stories and strategies behind some of the world’s most successful brands. From retail giants to ecommerce disruptors, we reveal the secrets of their success and share key insights to drive true retail transformation. Shannon Flanagan chats with Jessica Rosario-Calcano, VP of Merchandising at Perry Ellis International. Jessica shares her unique journey into merchandising, her philosophy of balancing data-driven decisions with creativity, and how collaboration across teams fuels innovation. Tune in to explore how the future of retail and AI are shaping the industry today, are you ready to rethink retail?

What sets great brands apart in the age of AI? Maria Carlton, former Under Armour Senior Director and retail strategist, joins host Alan Malcomson live from The Lead Summit in New York. With 20+ years in the industry, Maria shares lessons on agility, authenticity, and leadership, from driving predictive analytics to embracing sustainability and mentoring future talent. ⏱️ Highlights: [01:00] Retail's constant evolution [03:30] How AI is transforming operations [06:00] The secret to brand authenticity [10:00] Agility & future-proof leadership

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Rebekah Kondrat speaks with Victoria Katsarou, VP of Global Retail at Estée Lauder Companies, live from The Lead. Victoria unpacks how Estée Lauder blends luxury, innovation, and humanity to shape the future of beauty retail. From building agile teams to staying laser-focused on the consumer experience, her people-first philosophy drives transformation at scale. We cover: ✔️ Leading with empathy in a global retail org ✔️ How tech enhances, not replaces, the human connection ✔️ Scaling agility across 150+ markets ✔️ What the future of beauty retail looks like