The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

Behind the Scenes at NRF APAC 2025: Insights from Managing Director Ryf Quail

Step backstage at the ⁠NRF APAC Big Show 2025⁠ with ⁠Ryf Quail⁠, Managing Director at Comexposium, as he reveals the powerful growth, strategic decisions, and transformative experiences shaping retail across Asia-Pacific. Ryf shares candid reflections from NRF APAC 2024, dives into what's driving the 2025 agenda, and highlights unique regional retail trends—from lightning-fast delivery revolutions in India to cross-cultural collaborations unlocking market expansion. Discover how NRF APAC is becoming the must-attend event that unites diverse leaders and innovative ideas from around the globe.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:06 Reflecting on NRF APAC 2024 Success03:17 Driving Forces Behind the 2025 Agenda04:58 Diversity and Breakout Sessions Highlights05:52 India's Quick Commerce Revolution06:47 Overcoming Challenges in Cross-Border Expansion07:18 Expanding CEO Networking Opportunities08:27 New and Improved Exhibition Experiences09:39 Global Innovation Showcase Overview11:35 Singapore's Retail Excellence Tours12:21 Impact of Global Economic Context on APAC Retail15:02 Transformational Insights from FamilyMart19:50 Expectations for NRF APAC 2025 Attendance23:33 Creating a Movement in Retail25:11 Closing Thoughts
Don’t miss NRF APAC 2025.Subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more insights from global retail leaders. Visit our LinkedIn page website to register and join the future of retail.
 
Ryf Quail, NRF APAC, NRF Big Show, Comexposium, Retail conference, Asia-Pacific retail, retail innovation, quick commerce, ESG, sustainability in retail, cross-border retail expansion, retail trends 2025, retail CEO networking, retail event insights, Singapore retail, FamilyMart innovation, global retail trends

Digital Passports: The Saviour of Luxury Goods?

Didier Mattalia, co-founder and CEO of Trust-Place, joins Alex on The Retail Podcast to explore how digital passports transform traceability and customer relationships post-purchase. Discover how luxury and premium brands across fashion, home furnishings, electronics, and mobility are leveraging digital passports to authenticate products, engage customers, and meet upcoming EU regulations on product sustainability and recyclability. Didier shares real-world examples, including partnerships with iconic brands like Ligne Roset and Isabel Marant, and offers insights into the future of product identity and data-driven retail.
Episode Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction: What is Product Traceability?
[00:31] Meet Didier Mattalia: Co-founder & CEO of Trust-Place
[01:18] How Trust-Place Creates Digital Passports for Products
[02:48] European Regulation and the Role of Digital Passports
[06:53] Industries Leveraging Digital Passports
[07:59] Giving Identity to Luxury and Fashion Items
[10:19] Case Study: Fighting Counterfeits with Ligne Roset
[12:07] The Customer Journey and Digital Certification
[15:36] How Brands Scale Digital Passports Implementation
[16:45] Didier’s Vision: The Future of Trust-Place and Digital Traceability
Show Notes:
Trust-Place: https://www.trust-place.com
Connect with Didier Mattalia: LinkedIn Profile
Referenced Brands:
Ligne Roset
Isabel Marant
Avery Dennison
Key Topics: Product Authentication, Sustainability Regulations, Customer Engagement, Data-Driven Retail
Keywords: Retail Innovation, Digital Passport, Traceability, Product Authentication, Sustainability, Luxury Retail, Customer Data, EU Regulations, Post-Purchase Experience

Scaling Global Businesses with Language AI | Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling

Global expansion means speaking your customers’ language, not just translating words but capturing your brand’s unique voice. Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling, joins The Retail Podcast to unpack how AI-driven localization transforms content strategy, boosts global SEO, and dramatically reduces costs and complexity. Learn why automated, on-brand translation isn’t just an option; it’s essential for businesses serious about scaling internationally.
 
00:00 – Automating translation to scale global content
00:34 – Why translation complexity leaves money on the table
01:37 – Meet Bryan Murphy and Smartling’s global mission
02:38 – Small business pitfalls in multilingual sites
03:24 – Why brand voice gets lost without professional localization
04:29 – How Smartling automates translations and maintains brand integrity
06:22 – Seamless CMS integration with Storyblok, Shopify, and more
07:35 – Why local language is essential for global e-commerce success
09:13 – Smartling by the numbers: billions of words translated
10:28 – The future of AI agents in localization
11:34 – Ensuring translation quality with AI-powered validation
13:11 – Maximizing SEO impact across multiple languages
15:20 – Maintaining site performance during localization
16:06 – Bryan’s vision for the future: fully automated, seamless translation
 
Localization strategy
Global e-commerce
AI-powered translation
Multilingual SEO
Content management systems (CMS)
International expansion
Translation automation
Brand localization
Shopify integration
LanguageAI
Business Strategy
Technology & AI
Globalization
E-commerce
SEO & Marketing
Retail Innovation
Executive Insights
 
 

Driving Marketplace Innovation at Kingfisher

In this episode, David Gomez Cardona steps into the studio to discuss his global journey in e-commerce, logistics, and digital transformation. He highlights how Kingfisher—parent company of B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Screwfix  continues to strengthen its omnichannel approach. David describes the evolution of customer expectations, from ultra-rapid delivery for urgent DIY fixes to a longer lead time for major renovation projects. He also explores the business impact of marketplace growth, how it opens the door to new audiences, and why it now accounts for a large share of e-commerce sales within Kingfisher’s brands.
 
David’s energy comes from connecting technology and commerce to solve real-world problems, and he explains how the Group’s footprint across multiple European markets sets the stage for ongoing innovation. He believes retailers no longer dictate what customers should want. Instead, the customers shape retail’s future by demanding seamless experiences. If you’re aiming to deepen your understanding of marketplace trends, draw inspiration for omnichannel strategy, or spark fresh ideas about the fusion of physical and digital commerce, this conversation offers valuable insights.
 
Guest Bio:
David Gomez Cardona is Group Marketplace Director at Kingfisher. He began his career in logistics in the United States before moving into e-commerce, driven by a passion for the fast-paced world of digital retail. Over the years, he has helped leading retailers expand internationally, launch robust online marketplaces, and transform how people buy home improvement products. From France to Colombia to the UK, David has a rich background in global retail ecosystems, bridging technology, vendor collaboration, and customer-centric strategies.
Host Introduction:
Your host, Alex, brings a keen interest in the evolving landscape of retail, focusing on how technology and human ingenuity can create extraordinary shopping experiences. With a background in interviewing senior leaders who push boundaries, Alex draws on deep expertise to explore fresh ideas and emerging opportunities in the retail world.
 
Key Moments and Themes:
—David’s global career journey and why he pivoted from logistics to e-commerce.
—Kingfisher’s marketplace expansion in the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, and Poland.
—The role of speed and convenience, exemplified by Screwfix’s one-hour delivery service.
—How physical stores and online channels merge for better customer service, including click-and-collect and in-store returns.
—Adapting to a new paradigm where customers, not retailers, dictate product availability and delivery expectations.
 
Call to Action:
If you enjoy this conversation, follow us on Spotify and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode with colleagues who are curious about the future of marketplaces. Your reviews and feedback help us continue to bring forward-thinking voices in retail innovation.
 
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the speakers. They do not necessarily reflect official policies or positions of Kingfisher or its affiliated brands. This discussion is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice.

Elevating Retail with Innovation and Experience at the Retail Technology Show 2025

Matt Bradley, Founder and Director of the Retail Technology Show, joins Alex to share the behind-the-scenes story of growing one of the UK’s leading retail events. Discover why Matt believes retail gatherings must go beyond exhibitions—they should entertain, educate, and inspire. He reveals the strategic move to London’s Excel Centre, the decision behind the show’s carnival theme, and the extraordinary lineup, including keynotes from retail legends and social media entrepreneur Joe Wicks. If you’re seeking fresh insights, practical retail solutions, and a truly engaging experience, Matt promises the Retail Technology Show 2025 delivers.
Whether you’re tackling payment hurdles, supply chain challenges, or leveraging AI, Matt’s goal is clear: every visitor should leave having learned something valuable, made meaningful connections, and enjoyed themselves along the way.
Episode Highlights (Show Notes):
•Matt’s Journey: From RBTE to Retail Technology Show—reinventing retail events.
•Why Excel London? The strategic decision behind moving venues and how it benefits attendees.
•Carnival Atmosphere: Transforming a retail event into an immersive experience.
•Free yet Premium: How the Retail Technology Show offers top-tier content without a price tag.
•Speaker Lineup: Joe Wicks, Archie Norman (M&S), Steve Hewitt (Gymshark), Sophie Neary (Google), Richard Lim (Retail Economics), and more.
•Retail Insights & Innovations: Practical solutions in AI, payments, and the evolving retail landscape.
•Community & Celebration: The importance of fun, networking, and the highly anticipated retail carnival party.
Retail, Retail Technology Show, Matt Bradley, Retail Innovation, Excel London, Joe Wicks, Archie Norman, Gymshark, Sophie Neary, AI, Retail Conference, Retail Experience, Retail Trends, Networking, Free Retail Events, Retail Podcast
Reserve your spot at the Retail Technology Show, April 2-3, 2025, at Excel London, and transform your retail strategies with fresh insights and practical innovations.
Website link: www.retailtechnologyshow.com

Inside NRF: How a Modern CMS is Powering Retail’s Biggest Show

Join Alex from The Retail Podcast in conversation with M⁠ark Wheeler (Storyblok)⁠ and ⁠Jason Hoolsema⁠ (CIO, NRF) on how a headless CMS revolutionized one of the world’s largest retail shows—enabling rapid content creation, seamless personalization, and a better experience for attendees.
Description
In this special episode of The Retail Podcast, host Alex sits down with two industry experts shaping digital experiences in retail. Mark Wheeler of Storyblok explains how a headless CMS makes it possible for brands to respond to fast-moving trends, like TikTok influencer content, almost instantly. Jason Hoolsema, CIO at the National Federation of Retailers (NRF), shares how transitioning away from legacy systems helped NRF deliver near real-time content and personalization for its massive annual show. Learn about the pitfalls of outdated tech, the power of flexible APIs, and the growing role of AI—from translations to product recommendations.
Whether you’re in e-commerce, marketing, or retail tech, this conversation offers valuable insights into modernizing your digital ecosystem and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Retail Technology, NRF, Headless CMS, Digital Transformation, Content Management, E-commerce, Personalization, AI in Retail, Omnichannel Retail, Storyblok
 
Guest Links
• ⁠NRF⁠
• ⁠Storyblok⁠
Episode Links & CTA
If you enjoyed this episode, please 🙏 leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify or your Podcast platform of choice and share it with a colleague.
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🎙️ How air up® is Changing the Way We Taste Water – with Co-Founder Lena Jüngst

💡 Can scent trick your brain into tasting flavors?
In this special Shoptalk Europe partnership episode of The Retail Podcast, Lena Jüngst, Co-Founder & Co-Inventor of air up®, shares how neuroscience, innovation, and product design are revolutionizing hydration. Lena will also be at Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona (June 2-4, 2024)!
📢 Don’t miss Shoptalk Europe 2024! Ticket prices increase at midnight on Friday, 28th February—secure your spot now!
🎟️ Get a discount with these codes:
🛍️ Retailers & Brands: Use RBTHERE10 → ⁠⁠Register here⁠⁠
🎟️ General Attendees: Use GATHERE10 → ⁠⁠Register here⁠⁠
 
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The science behind scent-based taste
✅ Overcoming fear & trusting your instincts in business
✅ The journey from university project to global brand
✅ The future of sensory-driven consumer products
 
📢 Tune in now for a deep dive into innovation, behavioral science, and the future of hydration!
🔗 Follow Lena: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-juengst/⁠
 
#RetailPodcast #airup #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #ProductDesign

AI in Retail: How Executives Are Embedding AI

📢AI is transforming retail from supply chain to customer experience. In this episode, Jane Cheung, Global Research Leader at IBM, shares insights from a study of 5,000 executives on how AI is being embedded across retail operations.
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction  
02:15 - AI Investment Trends in Retail  
05:30 - AI’s Impact on Supply Chain & Operations  
09:45 - AI in Customer Experience & Marketing  
13:20 - AI Governance Challenges & Solutions  
17:05 - Future of AI in Retail  
20:30 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways  
🎧In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why AI investment in retail is surging (+52% budget increase)
✔️ How AI is shaping customer experience, supply chain & marketing
✔️ The biggest AI governance challenges & how to solve them
✔️ How retailers should align AI with their brand strategy
🔗Follow us for more: https://retailnews.ai/
📩Got thoughts? Leave us a voice note or DM on LinkedIn!
Hashtags (For Discoverability):
#AIinRetail #RetailTech #RetailInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #RetailTrends
AI in retail, artificial intelligence in retail, AI-powered retail, retail innovation, AI trends, IBM research, customer experience AI, supply chain AI, digital transformation, AI governance, AI for business, AI-driven strategy, retail marketing AI

Top 5 Digital Retail Trends 2025: Euromonitor, Michelle Evans

Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Michelle Evans, Global Lead for Retail and Digital Consumer Insights at Euromonitor, as she reveals the top five digital trends that will transform retail in 2025. In this episode, Michelle discusses: 
• Rebuilding Consumer Trust: How micro and nano influencers are taking over the role of traditional macro influencers in building authentic connections. 
• Shopification of Social Media: The evolution of platforms like Instagram and YouTube in creating seamless, in-app purchase experiences. 
• Video-Driven Engagement: With 71% of consumers streaming videos weekly, learn why video is the future of engagement. 
• Budget-Conscious Markets: How digital tools are empowering consumers to find the best deals in a cost-sensitive environment.
• The AI Revolution: Discover how AI is creating a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience in e-commerce.  Stay ahead of the curve with these critical insights. Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the conversation! 
Show Notes Highlights & Timestamps: 
• 00:00 – Introduction: Context on the competitive landscape (Zara, H&M, Shein) 
• 00:00:24 – Guest Introduction: Michelle Evans from Euromonitor 
• 00:01:07 – Michelle’s background and Euromonitor overview 
• 00:03:00 – Trend 1: Rebuilding Consumer Trust with Micro/Nano Influencers 
• 00:04:15 – Trend 2: Shopification of Social Media 
• 00:06:18 – Trend 3: Video-Driven Engagement (71% streaming weekly)  • 00:10:26 – Trend 4: Navigating a Budget-Conscious Market 
• 00:14:16 – Trend 5: AI’s Role in Shaping Intuitive Retail Experiences 
Key Takeaways: 
- Authentic influencer strategies are reshaping consumer trust.
- Social platforms are evolving into comprehensive shopping channels.
- Video content is essential for modern consumer engagement.
- Digital tools are enabling smarter, budget-friendly shopping experiences.
- AI is poised to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape.

The Future of Retail: Harnessing UGC, AI & Sustainability

In this episode, Keith Nealon, CEO of Bazaarvoice, explores how brands can leverage user-generated content (UGC) and artificial intelligence (AI) to build consumer trust and drive retail success. Discover how sustainable and ethical practices, innovative AI-powered tools, and the voice of the customer are reshaping the way consumers discover, research, and purchase products. Gain actionable insights on transforming your content strategy and the future of social shopping in today’s dynamic retail environment.
 
Highlights & Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Introduction & Sustainability in Retail
• 01:03 – Keith’s Background & Bazaarvoice Overview
• 02:20 – UGC & Consumer Behavior Insights
• 03:15 – AI Tools & Innovations
Key Quotes: “When consumers do the talking, trust and sales follow.”
Useful Links: www.retailnews.ai