The Retail Podcast

NRF Europe 2026 Day 3: 9 Retail Innovation 1 Min Pitches + Q&A Sep 18, 2026 00:18:39 Nine retail companies pitch their solutions at NRF Europe 2026. Host Alex Rezvan then asks what makes each worth choosing over a competitor, before an audience challenge on patents and lasting differentiation.Recorded at the Innovation Stage in Paris, the session moves from short product propositions to a practical buying question: what makes this company different from the next supplier?The pitch

Your Next Customer Is an AI Agent | Amplience Co-CEO John Williams on GEO, AEO and the Content Supply Chain Sep 16, 2026 00:32:43 What happens to e-commerce when the internet is no longer built primarily for humans? John Williams, Co-CEO and CTO of Amplience, explains AEO and GEO, why the AI agent is now your audience before the customer, and why content creation is only a third of what the content supply chain really costs. In partnership with Amplience.What you will learn• AEO is the AI answer above Google's results; G

One Minute to Prove It: 14 Retail Startups Take the Stage | NRF Europe 2026 Sep 15, 2026 00:19:56 14 startups. 60 seconds each. One question: why should a retailer care?Day 1 of NRF Retail's Big Show Europe 2026 in Paris, from the Innovation Stage. Buynomics, Keyban, Ace Waves, Akoustic Arts, Wearfits, M11, Ekoo, Pinpoint, N3xgen, Deepneuronic, Najar, Meteoria, Cloz AI and Veeton each get one minute to say who they are, what problem they solve and what it means for the people running retai

Inditex & Zara, H&M & COS, JD.com, Google + Australian Retail | Five Things Friday Sep 11, 2026 00:10:59 JD’s robotics plan raises a practical question: can automation handle the exceptions that make fulfilment difficult? Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak examine the costs, the people, and the operational test behind the ambition.This Five Things Friday International Edition also covers Inditex’s first-half results, H&M’s Barcelona production office, Google’s changing European search results, and the v

Primark Plans Home Delivery: Too Late? Plus 4 Retail Stories Sep 11, 2026 00:13:14 FULL SHOW NOTESPrimark plans home delivery in Great Britain. Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman discuss the implications for value fashion and how retailers can earn the next purchase. Plus John Lewis, Boots, Lucy & Yak, Damson Madder, and Tu at Sainsbury’s.In this UK edition of Five Things Friday, the discussion connects digital convenience with the reasons customers still choose a store or a bran

Target Beauty Studio: Prestige Beauty Comes to 600+ Stores Sep 4, 2026 00:11:52 Target is bringing 90 prestige, emerging and global beauty brands to more than 600 stores. Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak examine what Target Beauty Studio means for Target, Sephora and Ulta Beauty—and where the customer’s beauty spend could move next.This week’s US retail briefing also covers Nordstrom Rack’s expansion, Williams-Sonoma’s 6.2% comparable brand revenue growth, Lowe’s attempt to addres

Pinduoduo Malaysia, Singapore–Johor Bahru RTS and AI Search Sep 2, 2026 00:13:24 Pinduoduo's expansion in Malaysia is testing how local retailers compete with ultra-low-price cross-border commerce, while the Singapore–Johor Bahru RTS Link could redraw the retail catchment between the two markets.Ngai Yuen Low, Ryf Quail and Alex Rezvan examine the projected S$1.05 billion increase in annual Singapore-resident spending in Johor Bahru, the overlooked plant and wellness categ

Retail Cybersecurity Is a Sector Problem — Scott Price, CEO DFI Retail Group Sep 1, 2026 00:11:24 Scott Price, Group Chief Executive of DFI Retail Group, argues that retail cybersecurity is now a sector-wide risk—not a problem any company can solve alone.Recorded at NRF APAC 2026 in Singapore, the conversation examines why retailers need to share threat intelligence, how digital commerce has redefined customer trust and why hierarchical cultures can create new exposure in the age of deepfakes.

M&S Moves European Ecommerce Fulfilment to Zalando Aug 28, 2026 00:10:18 Marks & Spencer is using Zalando's ZEOS platform for European ecommerce fulfilment across 22 continental European markets.Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman, Co-founder and CEO of NIFT, cover six UK retail stories: M&S and Zalando's European fulfilment partnership; John Lewis Sports & Wellness; ASOS and Barbour's Re-loved collaboration with Jimmy Turrell; George at Asda's If

Walmart Adds Apple Pay, Ross Outpaces TJX on Q2 Comps Aug 28, 2026 00:11:07 Walmart has started rolling out Apple Pay at select US Walmart and Sam's Club locations, with rollout to all US stores and clubs planned by the end of 2026.Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, Senior Vice President, Content at NRF, break down five US retail stories: Home Depot's nationwide three-hour Express Delivery, Lamine Yamal in American Eagle's back-to-school push, Best Buy certifying al

Target’s AI Move, Coach Growth & the Future of US Retail Aug 24, 2026 00:14:25 Why is Coach growing while Kate Spade declines under the same parent company?And what does Target appointing a Chief AI Officer tell us about the next phase of retail technology?In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex and Jill unpack five developments shaping US retail.Target brings Chandu Nair across from Lowe’s as Chief AI Officer, prompting a bigger discussion about whether AI should si

The International Briefing: 5 Global Retail Stories to Know SHEIN, JD.com, India, Shipping & Fabletics Aug 21, 2026 00:12:42 What should global retail leaders be paying attention to right now?In this edition of The International Briefing, Jill Dvorak, Senior Vice President, Content at NRF, joins Alex Rezvan to unpack five developments from across the international retail industry.Europe: What could the €3 charge on low-value imported parcels mean for SHEIN, Temu and cross-border ecommerce?China: JD.com’s latest results

Five Things Friday UK: Harvey Nichols, Poundland, IKEA & Rapid Delivery Aug 21, 2026 00:11:22 Five Things Friday UK Edition is your fast briefing on the retail stories worth paying attention to this week.Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman break down the developments affecting retailers, brands and the wider industry.This week:Frasers buys Harvey Nichols — what could happen to the luxury retailer, its regional stores and its relationship with Flannels?Poundland and value retail — why competing o

A Retail Executive Goes Shopping for AI | NRF APAC 2026 Aug 19, 2026 00:10:10 Alex Rezvan and AEON360 Managing Director Low Ngai Yuen go into operator mode at NRF APAC. Ngai Yuen has a live AI and product-data requirement—and two startups she first met in New York may have the answer. This is the buying journey: the brief, the meetings, the 50,000-SKU proof of concept and the reality of turning conference discovery into retail execution.What does buying AI look like when a

What's Really Happening in Global Retail Right Now? Hugo Boss, Uber Eats, Nike, Fair Price & LA 2028 Aug 10, 2026 00:09:34 Five retail stories. Less than ten minutes. And several signals about where global retail could be heading next.In this international edition of Five Things Friday, we examine five developments across retail, commerce, technology and consumer engagement.First, Fraser’s Group and its position in Hugo Boss — and why the premium market could be ripe for further change. The conversation then moves to

Global Brand Localization: What Retailers Get Wrong Aug 7, 2026 00:27:19 How can a global retailer maintain consistency across markets without losing local relevance?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Katherine Melchior Ray examines why international brand strategies often break down—not because executives reject localisation, but because organisations underestimate how differently trust, value, service and quality are interpreted across cultures.The conversation e

What Retailers Can Expect at NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe Aug 3, 2026 00:06:11 Why are some retail markets able to adopt AI faster than Europe?30% off an All Access Pass: ALEX30NRF Registration page here: https://bit.ly/4vh5Iz5.Annabelle Serres, Director of Events for NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe, discusses the barriers created by legacy infrastructure, the lessons Europe can take from APAC and why retailers now need to accelerate implementation.The conversation also covers

APAC Retail Trends: China Membership, Vietnam E-commerce & K-Food Aug 1, 2026 00:15:31 Retail crime is becoming serious enough to affect whether stores can continue operating in parts of Australia. At the same time, Costco is expanding its reach in China through JD.com, Vietnam’s e-commerce market is being shaped by Shopee and TikTok Shop, and functional foods are moving into the mainstream across Southeast Asia.In this Five Things Friday APAC edition, Alex Rezvan, Ryf Quail and Nga

Primark vs SKIMS and the Return of UK E-Commerce Growth- Plus Argos, Charlotte Tilbury Five Things Friday UK Jul 31, 2026 00:10:16 The UK retail industry never stands still. This week Alex and Simone unpack five of the biggest retail stories shaping customer experience, ecommerce, retail technology and consumer behaviour across the UK.In this episode:• Charlotte Tilbury transforms Covent Garden into an immersive Unreal Glow Club pop-up experience• Online Home Shop posts impressive growth as UK ecommerce continues to evolve• M

Walmart Goes Viral, Amazon Bets on Robots and Wonder Hits $9B Jul 29, 2026 00:09:44 US retail sales rose more than 11% year over year in June—but what sits behind the headline?Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak examine five major US retail developments:• The latest US retail-sales figures and whether the World Cup may have influenced consumer activity• International football fans turning Walmart into an unexpected destination• Walmart converting organic social attention into guided stor

5 Things Friday: WAIC 2026, JD.com's EU Bid & Decathlon's Uber Eats Move Jul 28, 2026 00:12:27 What changes when AI stops being a productivity tool and starts becoming part of the operating system of a business?In this APAC retail briefing, Ryf Quail and the panel examine five developments:• AI-led business transformation at WAIC Shanghai• JD, CECONOMY and EU regulatory scrutiny• Seafolly’s expansion into China• LVMH, Molly Tea and consumer nationalism• Decathlon’s on-demand Uber Eats partn

UK Retail: M&S Goes Bigger, Primark Cuts Prices & Beauty Gets Personal Jul 24, 2026 00:09:12 M&S is building a bigger proposition around the family weekly shop. Primark is lowering prices as competition for value-conscious fashion customers intensifies. Meanwhile, beauty and luxury brands are moving beyond products and free samples towards experiences, consultations and personalisation.In this UK edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Simone examine five retail developments:•

Starbucks Korea, Lefties UK, AI Beauty and Adidas Bangkok Jul 22, 2026 00:08:34 Five global retail stories in one concise briefing: Starbucks Korea’s marketing crisis, retail-crime legislation in Canada and the US, AI-powered beauty at shu uemura, Lefties’ UK launch and Adidas’ community-focused Bangkok store.Five international retail developments in under nine minutes.Alex Rezvan and Jill discuss Starbucks Korea’s response to its Tank Day controversy, organized retail crime

Milan's Retail Shift: Community, Culture & Curated Luxury (Video) Jul 21, 2026 00:02:14 Experience alone isn't enough.On the next stop of our Road to NRF Europe, The Retail Podcast arrives in Milan to explore how one of Europe's fashion capitals is redefining luxury retail.If Madrid showed us retail as a destination and London demonstrated experiential retail, Milan reveals something different—the power of curation.In this episode, we explore how luxury brands build communiti

M&S Bets on Oxford Street, Aldi Goes Baldi and the FIFA Effect Jul 17, 2026 00:08:27 M&S has renewed almost 100,000 square feet of retail space on Oxford Street. Aldi temporarily became Baldi for Pitbull. Holland & Barrett created a wellness pub.Simone Oloman and Alex Rezvan discuss what these stories reveal about destination stores, cultural relevance and experiential retail.Also covered: World Cup spending, online versus physical retail performance, Henry Dummer’s appoin

Uniqlo, Shein and FamilyMart: Global Retail’s New Playbook Jul 15, 2026 00:10:46 Uniqlo is expanding, Shein is approaching a possible Hong Kong listing, and FamilyMart is transforming the convenience store into a fashion and cultural destination.Alex and Jill also discuss Onitsuka Tiger, Inditex’s omnichannel model and what international retail events reveal about brands before they become globally familiar.What do Uniqlo, Shein, FamilyMart, Onitsuka Tiger and Inditex tell us

Inside London's Most Innovative Retail Experiences Before NRF Paris (Video) Jul 14, 2026 00:03:13 Retail is changing faster than ever—and London is showing what the future looks like.Ahead of NRF Europe, we take you on a retail roadshow through one of the world's most influential shopping destinations to explore how leading brands are transforming the in-store experience. From Coach's immersive pop-up inside Selfridges to H&M's flagship on King's Road, this episode showcases how retailers

RH London, Harvey Nichols & the Future of Luxury Jul 13, 2026 00:13:50 Luxury retail is evolving beyond products and this week's World Retail Signals explores exactly why.Alex is joined by Ian and Niamh from the World Retail Congress to discuss the biggest retail developments shaping the industry today.In this episode:RH London's new flagship "Gallery" and how experiential retail is redefining luxury.Why brands including Dior, Gucci, Dolce & Gab

How SM Supermalls Serves 5 Million Shoppers Every Day | Steven S. Tan President Jul 7, 2026 00:11:15 Can physical retail still outperform e-commerce?In this exclusive interview recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific, Steven S. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, explains why physical shopping centres continue to thrive by putting customers at the centre of every decision.SM Supermalls operates nearly 100 shopping centres across the Philippines and China, welcoming approximatel

Wimbledon's Real Winners, Osaka's 350% Spike & Google's World Cup Ads | Five Things Friday UK Jul 3, 2026 00:13:23 The retail marketing stories that matter this week: why the brands winning Wimbledon aren't the official sponsors, Naomi Osaka's 350% search spike, Charlotte Tilbury lands in Boots, and Google's Head of Agencies UK reveals the World Cup ads topping YouTube's leaderboard.Google's Carl Read joins Alex and Simone Oloman (NIFT) to discuss the week's biggest marketing stories, i

From Hamleys to Armani: Scaling Brands in India Jun 30, 2026 00:14:41 Sumeet Yadav, Head of Reliance Brands Limited, on luxury retail, global partnerships and what international brands need to understand about India.How do global brands enter, adapt and scale in India?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, we sit down with Sumeet Yadav, Head of Reliance Brands Limited, just before his keynote at NRF APAC 2026 in Singapore.Reliance Brands Limited sits at the centre o

AI Search, Shopee, Action & Target: Retail’s Big Week Jun 29, 2026 00:11:38 Retailers are facing a new discovery challenge: what happens when AI search becomes the layer between brands and customers?In this episode of World Retail, Alex is joined by Niamh and Ian from World Retail Congress to discuss what is top of mind across global retail. The conversation starts with one of the biggest concerns raised in a CEO survey: whether AI-driven search could reduce brand visibil

Lacoste, Nadine Merabi, Wimbledon Pop-Ups, JD Sports & Disney Collectibles: This week in UK Retail Jun 26, 2026 00:10:19 This week on Five Things Friday UK Edition, Alex is joined by Simone Oloman, co-founder and CEO of For Tonight / Neft, a rapid delivery business for retailers, to unpack five retail stories from a quieter but still revealing week in UK fashion, lifestyle and consumer culture.From Lacoste transforming Selfridges into a tennis clubhouse to Ralph Lauren’s Wimbledon activity on Sloane Square, this epi

Meta Glasses, Walmart Drones & Retail's Biggest Shifts This Week Jun 19, 2026 00:11:40 Retail innovation continues to accelerate.In this episode of Five Things Friday USA, Joe and Jill explore five major stories shaping the future of commerce:• Meta's expanding partnership with Best Buy and the rise of AI-powered smart glasses• Walmart's aggressive drone delivery rollout targeting millions of Americans• Amazon Prime Day's expansion into a four-day retail event• Quince&#3

How Brands Reach Gen Z Without TikTok + Coach's Retail Masterclass Jun 19, 2026 00:14:41 What happens when brands can no longer rely on social media to reach younger consumers?In this week's Five Things Friday UK, retail expert Simone Oloman, Co-Founder and CEO of NIFT, joins us to discuss one of the biggest questions facing retail marketers today: how brands stay connected to youth culture as social media regulations evolve.We explore:✅ The potential impact of proposed social med

The Retail Trends Reshaping APAC: Pomelo, Temu, Miniso & More Jun 19, 2026 00:08:59 This episode of Five Things Friday explores major retail developments across APAC and global markets. Ruth Kewell and Alex discuss Pomelo's mobile-first retail model in Southeast Asia, the worsening retail conditions in Australia, and the international expansion of Chinese retail brands including Miniso, Urban Revivo, Temu and Shein.The conversation highlights how mobile commerce, changing con

The Global Retail Briefing: UK, GCC, Dubai & Luxury Expansion Jun 17, 2026 00:09:35 Global retail is moving fast and this first international briefing looks beyond the US to track where the biggest growth stories are happening.In this episode, we cover Frasers Group’s reported $2 billion takeover bid for Hugo Boss, JD.com’s UK expansion through Joybuy and its summer Black Friday positioning, Lulu Retail’s ambitious store growth across the GCC, Dubai’s two-month summer shopping pu

Madrid’s Retail Shift: Lessons From the Street, Not the Boardroom Jun 17, 2026 00:02:49 Madrid isn’t just a tourist destination. It is becoming a retail destination.In this episode, we explore how Sephora and Calvin Klein are using street-level activations in Madrid to create community, experience and engagement.What does this reveal about the future of physical retail?Retail doesn’t happen in the boardroom. It happens where customers Madrid is famous for tourism, culture, tapas and

How AI, Data and Hospitality Are Rewiring Retail in Japan Jun 16, 2026 00:16:18 Recorded live at NRF APAC 2026, this episode features Toru Koyama, Executive Officer & Head of IT and Digital Promotion Group at H2O Retailing Corp., and Executive Officer & GM of Digital Innovation Division at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. In this conversation, Toru shares H2O Retailing’s transformation journey — from backend IT and ERP foundations to CRM, unified commerce, retai

I Was Ranked #1 in Retail — But This Matters More Jun 16, 2026 00:09:29 I was ranked number one on the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list this week.I am proud of it.But this episode is not really about who is number one. It is about what the retail industry should be measuring in the first place.No ranking system is perfect. No algorithm can fully measure judgement, generosity, lived experience, commercial impact, or trust. But visible w

WooCommerce at Shoptalk Europe: Scaling Open-Source Ecommerce Jun 10, 2026 00:02:17 WooCommerce is live at Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, and the team is bringing open-source ecommerce conversations, enterprise growth strategy, and a local Barcelona touch to the show floor.In this episode, we cover WooCommerce’s presence at Booth B30, where attendees can meet the Woo team, speak with developers and specialists, and explore how open-source ecommerce can support online store growth.

Retail AI, Currys & Hasbro: What’s Changing in Retail Jun 10, 2026 00:08:20 Retail AI is moving quickly — and this episode looks at what that means for retailers, ecommerce platforms, brands, and technology leaders.In this discussion, the hosts cover a range of retail and commerce stories, including Currys in the UK, European retail activity, Hasbro, TikTok influencers, Rep AI, Claude, Debenhams, and the wider shift toward AI-powered retail platforms. The episode also tou

Unauthorized Sellers Are Killing Retail Margins Jun 9, 2026 00:14:47 Retail brand protection is no longer just about stopping counterfeit products. For many brands, the bigger issue is margin loss.In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex speaks with Megan Harman, founder of Thorn Crest, about how unauthorized sellers, copycat products, online price undercutting, broken case packs, and weak reseller agreements can damage retail profitability.Megan explains how a

The Future of Retail in Asia: AI, GLP-1 & Consumer Trends with Isabelle Allen (KPMG) Jun 2, 2026 00:10:29 The future of retail is being shaped by Asia.Recorded live at NRF APAC 2026, this conversation features Isabelle Allen, Global Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG, discussing the trends transforming retail worldwide.Topics include:✅ Why Asia is becoming a retail innovation powerhouse✅ How GLP-1 medications are changing consumer behavior✅ AI adoption challenges facing retailers✅ The grow

NRF 2026 APAC Agenda: The Retail Sessions to Watch May 29, 2026 00:22:23 Ryf Quail joins Alex to walk through the NRF 2026 APAC agenda just before the show opens in Singapore.This episode is a practical guide to the sessions, speakers and themes shaping this year’s event, from AI-powered supply chains and retail media to omnichannel, luxury, malls, content commerce, Japan-style transformation and the rise of APAC as a global retail growth engine.Ryf explains why this y

UK Retail Shake-Up: Ocado, Lidl, M&S Safety & Brand Collabs and a big thank you to COACH UK May 29, 2026 00:13:17 This week on Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simone unpack the biggest retail stories shaping the UK and European market.The episode covers Ocado’s major tech partnership, Lidl overtaking Morrisons, and why the UK grocery market continues to be watched globally as a model for digital and physical retail. Alex also shares reflections from recent retail visits across Europe, including the Coach pop-

Retail vs Netflix: Why Stores Are Fighting for Attention May 26, 2026 00:12:49 Retail is no longer just competing for customer spend. It is competing for attention.In this episode of Podcast Sessions, Richard Fisher, Head of Store Design at Holland & Barrett, joins us live from the EuroShop floor to explore how physical retail is changing in the attention economy.Richard explains why retailers now compete with Netflix, Disney, sport, and other entertainment platforms for

NRF APAC 2026: What Retail Leaders Need to Know Before Singapore May 22, 2026 00:14:08 NRF APAC 2026 is shaping up to be a major moment for retail in Asia Pacific.In this episode, Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, joins Five Things Friday to preview the upcoming show in Singapore and explain why the event continues to grow across exhibitors, registrations, international attendance, and senior retail participation.Ryf discusses the expanding expo, major keynote speakers, APAC

Why Retailers Are Already Falling Behind on AI May 19, 2026 00:25:20 AI is forcing a complete rethink of ecommerce, retail operations, and digital commerce architecture.In this episode, Kelly Goetsch — President at Pipe17 and one of the most influential voices in modern commerce technology — explains why the “status quo is no longer acceptable” in the age of AI.Drawing on experience across Oracle, ATG, commercetools, and modern AI-driven commerce systems, Kelly bre

Amazon vs Perplexity: Who Wins the AI Shopping War? | World Retail Signals May 18, 2026 00:13:01 Amazon vs Perplexity could redefine the future of AI commerce.In this episode of World Retail Signals, the panel explores:Autonomous AI shopping agentsRetail workforce transformationWHP Global’s Marc Jacobs acquisitionGreggs’ expansion strategyWellness retail growthAI-powered customer experiencesA fast-moving breakdown of the retail stories shaping commerce right now.

Stores Are Growing Again — Here's Why Retail Crime Didn't Stop It | World Retail Signals May 15, 2026 00:09:03 Retail is entering a new era shaped by AI, organized retail crime, and a renewed investment in physical stores.In this episode of Five Things Friday — USA Edition, Alex sits down with Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at the National Retail Federation (NRF), to unpack the biggest retail developments shaping the industry right now.Topics include:The bipartisan progress of the Combating Organized Retail C

Why M&S, Topshop, H&M & Vogue Are Winning Fashion Culture Again May 15, 2026 00:08:57 M

How AI Will Transform Private Label Retail in APAC May 14, 2026 00:14:05 AI-driven retail is reshaping how consumers discover products and private label brands may be one of the biggest winners.In episode of Five Things Friday- APAC Edition, the conversation explores why private label adoption across Asia-Pacific is accelerating, how retailers are using customer insight more effectively, and why future retail competition may shift from branding toward relevance, person

Why Enterprise Retail Tech Is Broken And How to Fix It | Jason Cottrell, Orium May 12, 2026 00:18:16 Jason Cottrell, CEO of Orium and President of the MACH Alliance, explains how AI agents and composable commerce are reshaping enterprise retail and digital infrastructure.In this episode, we explore:AI agent ecosystemsHuman-in-the-loop AI governanceEnterprise AI architectureComposable commerceAI-driven workflowsQA automationRetail transformationThe future of enterprise operationsJason shares pract

What Zalando & Primark Are Actually Doing With AI | World Retail Signals May 11, 2026 00:14:02 “90% of Zalando’s marketing content is now AI generated.”Fresh from World Retail Congress, Alex sits down with Ian and Niamh to unpack the retail leadership signals shaping the industry’s future.Featuring insights from Zalando, Primark, Fressnapf, Action and Unhidden, this episode explores how AI is changing organisational structures, marketing execution, customer engagement and long-term growth s

Why Retail Is Splitting in Two | Ted Baker, AI Commerce, Anthropologie & Coal Drops Yard May 8, 2026 00:12:19 Retail isn’t dying — it’s polarising.In this week’s episode of Five Things Friday, we unpack the biggest shifts shaping retail right now, from shrinking UK retail square footage to the rise of AI-powered shopping agents.We discuss:Why mid-market retail is under pressureTed Baker’s return through SelfridgesAnthropologie opening in Coal Drops YardAmazon joining the Universal Commerce ProtocolWhy AI

Retail’s Experience Era: Longchamp, Claire’s Comeback & AI’s Reddit Problem | 5 Things Friday UK May 1, 2026 00:14:08 This week on 5 Things Friday UK edition, we break down the retail stories shaping the high street, physical stores, discovery, customer experience, AI, and the future of retail.The episode starts with a spotlight on Positive Retail, described in the conversation as a more curated, “posh TK Maxx” approach to giving unsold fashion stock a second life without leaning into chaotic discount culture. Th

LVMH Is Struggling. Walmart Is Winning. What That Tells Retail Leaders | World Retail Signals Apr 27, 2026 00:13:10 Retail is changing fast and this episode of World Retail Signals captures the key shifts leaders need to watch right now.In this Berlin edition, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman of World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, join the conversation to unpack the signals shaping the global retail landscape.The episode opens with the pressure facing the luxury sector,

Louis Vuitton Is Opening a Hotel. What Does That Mean for Retail? | 5 Things Friday UK Apr 24, 2026 00:08:25 Retail is moving fast, and this week’s Five Things Friday breaks down the brand moves that matter.Alex is joined by Simone, co-founder and CEO of NIFT — Need It For Tonight, a rapid delivery infrastructure business powering retail through a fashion marketplace app and B2B plugin.This episode covers Louis Vuitton’s immersive Mayfair “hotel” pop-up, why luxury brands are leaning into experience-led

Walmart Is Betting on Weight-Loss Drugs. Is That the Future of Grocery Retail? Apr 24, 2026 00:11:11 This week on Five Things Friday, Deal is back for a fast-moving conversation on the retail stories shaping the week.The episode starts with Revolve and Coachella, unpacking how event-based e-commerce is turning festivals into shoppable brand ecosystems. From Revolve Festival to Gap’s Hoodie House and Rhode World, the discussion explores why the strongest brand activations are no longer just about

Retail Media in 2026: What Shoppers Actually Want | Michael Schuh, dunnhumby Apr 22, 2026 00:26:29 This episode is a paid partnership with dunnhumby.What do shoppers actually want from retail media?Read the full research here:https://resources.dunnhumby.com/retail-media-report-2026/That’s the question at the centre of this week’s episode of The Retail Podcast, where I sit down with Michael Schuh, Global Head of Media at dunnhumby.There’s a lot of noise in retail media right now. A lot of talk a

Macy's Is Closing Stores. Carrefour Is Opening in Africa. What's Really Happening in Global Retail | World Retail Signals Apr 20, 2026 00:11:55 In this episode of World Retail Signals, co-hosts Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, join Alex to unpack the retail developments shaping leadership thinking across the UK, Europe, Africa and the US.The conversation opens with the rise in shop crime across the UK and Europe, and why retailers are increasingly framing it n

Gymshark Is Opening Gyms. Selfridges Is Going VIP. Is This What Loyalty Looks Like Now? Apr 17, 2026 00:13:07 Retail is undergoing a fundamental shift—from product-driven transactions to experience-led ecosystems.In this episode of 5 Things Friday, we break down the most important retail trends shaping 2026:Gymshark is launching its first physical gym, signalling a move from apparel brand to community-driven experience platform.Selfridges is doubling down on ultra-premium retail with its exclusive VSP eco

Zero-Click Shopping Is Here. Here's What Retail Needs to Do Before It's Too Late Apr 17, 2026 00:15:58 AI is fundamentally changing how consumers search, discover, and buy.In this Asia-Pacific edition of 5 Things Friday, we explore the next wave of retail transformation:* The rise of Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and how AI search is replacing traditional SEO* Why zero-click commerce is reshaping customer journeys and reducing friction* China’s rapid retail and technology expansion into Southeas

The New Rules of Retail in 2026: AI, Profitability & the Store's Comeback | World Retail Signals Apr 13, 2026 00:13:50 World Retail Signals breaks down the retail shifts that matter most right now.In this episode, Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to explore the trends reshaping global retail — from AI-driven discovery and stronger store leadership to sustainability, profitability, and the return of physical retail.The

Adidas x ASOS, Experiential Retail & Uber Eats Loyalty Shift | Five Things Friday Apr 10, 2026 00:08:40 Physical retail isn’t dead, boring retail is.This episode breaks down the smart retail moves winning right now: collabs, pop-ups, experiences, and loyalty that works across ecosystems.In this episode of Five Things Friday, the conversation covers the retail stories shaping the week — from Adidas and ASOS taking their collaboration into physical retail, to the continued rise of experience-led store

Amazon’s New Surcharge, Re-Commerce Growth & The Retail Energy Shock | Five Things Friday APAC Apr 10, 2026 00:14:06 In this episode of Five Things Friday APAC Edition, Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, is joined by Ngai Yuen Low, Managing Director of AEON360, for a sharp discussion on the retail issues shaping the region right now.They unpack Amazon’s planned 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge, why that move could redefine platform economics, and how shipping is shifting from a hidden backend cost to a v

Part 2 Top 10 Most Innovative Retail Stores in the World | From Pop Mart to Louis Vuitton Apr 7, 2026 00:11:47 In Part 2 of this conversation, Matthew Brown — Retail Trend Futurist & Keynote Speaker — joins Alex to break down some of the most innovative retail concepts in the world right now.From Pop Mart in Bangkok and Nespresso’s Flatiron flagship to Restoration Hardware, Gentle Monster, and Louis Vuitton’s immersive Shanghai concept, this episode explores how leading brands are transforming physical

World Retail Signals: AI, Store Reinvention, Loyalty & Retail Trends Across Europe, Asia and the US Apr 7, 2026 00:12:59 Welcome to World Retail Signals, the podcast from World Retail Congress, hosted by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress.In this episode, the conversation spans Europe, Asia and the US, exploring the retail signals shaping decision-making right now. The discussion covers the reinvention of physical stores, the rise of data a

Retail Trends UK: Selfridges Pop-Ups, Dyson’s Bold Move, New Look & Peachy Den Apr 3, 2026 00:09:46 Retail is evolving fast and this week’s UK retail breakdown covers the strategies brands are using to stay relevant, drive footfall, and win customers.We unpack five key retail stories shaping the industry right now:Selfridges’ Golden Goose pop-up turning retail into theatrePrada activating experiential retail in LondonPeachy Den expanding with a strong community-led strategyNew Look investing in

5 Things Friday APAC: Oil Shock, Supply Chains & Why Big Brands Are Suddenly at Risk Apr 3, 2026 00:10:47 This week’s Five Things Friday breaks down a growing global retail crisis and why it’s much bigger than consumer confidence.We unpack how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are triggering a ripple effect across Asia Pacific retail, impacting everything from energy costs to supply chains, packaging, and investment markets.Key topics include:Why 60% of Asia’s energy dependence on the Middle Ea

US Retail Hit $1 Trillion in One Holiday Season - What's Next? | ITAB Group Podcast Ep.1 Apr 1, 2026 00:13:10 US retail just crossed $1 trillion in a single holiday season. First time in history.In Episode 1 of the ITAB Group Podcast, recorded LIVE at EuroShop 2026 from the ITAB Group stand, Alex Rezvan sits down with Jill Dvorak — SVP Content at the National Retail Federation (NRF) — fresh off the ITAB Speaker's Corner keynote.This is the first in an exclusive series of conversations recorded with ev

The Future of Retail Stores: Global Flagships, Store Formats & Retail Innovation Mar 31, 2026 00:16:57 Retail is changing fast, and store formats are evolving even through crisis. In this episode of the Retail podcast, Alex sits down with Matthew from Echo Chamber to unpack what the best physical stores in the world are doing differently right now.Drawing on nearly three decades of studying retail, Matthew explains why the top end of physical retail keeps getting more immersive, more inspiring, and

What's Keeping Retail CEOs Awake at Night in 2026? | World Retail Signals Mar 30, 2026 00:15:36 World Retail Signals is a new global retail intelligence show co-produced by The Retail Podcast and World Retail Congress — a monthly look at the top retail narratives shaping executive thinking around the world.This prelude episode goes behind the scenes of World Retail Congress 2026, happening in Berlin, April 2026. Host Alex Rezvan is joined by Ian McGarrigle, founder and chair of World Retail

UK Retail in 5 Minutes: Amazon Rival, Alexa Upgrade, Tesco Pay Rise, Greggs & The Perfume Shop Mar 20, 2026 00:07:01 is week’s 5 Things Friday is a fast, solo rundown of the biggest stories shaping UK retail right now.With a lot happening across the market, this episode covers five standout updates: JD.com launching Joybuy in the UK, Amazon facing fresh competition, Alexa+ and Amazon’s next AI push, Tesco increasing pay for frontline store colleagues, The Perfume Shop expanding its beauty recycling and refill pu

Target Bets on AI, Amazon Gets Faster, OpenAI Checkout, Clinique & Nuuds Five Things Friday US Mar 20, 2026 00:10:17 In this episode of Five Things Friday US Edition, we break down five retail and commerce stories shaping the week.We cover Target’s $6 billion turnaround push, including store refits, price cuts, and a bigger AI focus; Amazon’s expanded one- to three-hour delivery rollout across more cities and suburbs; and OpenAI’s pivot away from direct in-app checkout toward partner-led commerce rails.We also g

5 Retail Shifts Reshaping Asia | Baby Bunting, India, Eid & AI Mar 19, 2026 00:14:51 Edition of Five Things Friday, Ryf Quail and Yuen Low, Managing Director, AEON360, break down five retail developments shaping Asia right now.This episode covers:Baby Bunting’s store-of-the-future turnaroundWhy frontline retail roles are being redesignedIndia’s accelerating retail growth storyHow Ramadan and Eid are being shaped by food and hospitalityWhy AI literacy is becoming essential in retai

How Be Athletica Built a Sustainable Sportswear Mar 17, 2026 00:18:41 In this episode of The Retail Podcast, we sit down with Gauri Sarma, Founder of Be Athletica, to unpack how she’s building a sportswear brandABOUT THIS CHANNEL Welcome to the official channel of The Retail Podcast, your hub for global retail intelligence.Whether you are an executive refining your strategy, a vendor connecting with major players, or an innovator tracking the latest tech, this chann

5 Things Friday USA: ChatGPT Commerce Pause, Off-Price Retail Boom, Primark Expansion & Uniqlo Strategy Mar 13, 2026 00:12:36 Welcome to Five Things Friday – USA Edition.Each week we break down the most important signals shaping retail in the United States in under 15 minutes.This week Jill Dvorak joins the conversation to unpack major shifts across AI commerce, value retail expansion, festival marketing, celebrity entrepreneurship, and global brand strategy.In this episode we discuss:• ChatGPT pausing “agentic commerce”

5 Things Friday UK: SHEIN Xcelerator, John Lewis AI, Whole Foods Expansion & Retail Store Trends Mar 13, 2026 00:12:43 It’s Friday 13 March, and this week’s Five Things Friday UK Edition breaks down the retail stories worth watching right now.In this episode, we cover:Links mentionedSHEIN Xcelerator – https://sheinxcelerator.com/John Lewis TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@johnlewis/video/7614188535574285590John Lewis TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@johnlewis/video/7614188535574285590Otiumberg Reels – https://www.

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