The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

Five Things Friday: Luxury Wellness Trends, Retail Strategy Insights & World Retail Congress Preview

Welcome to Five Things Friday—a fresh, engaging weekly podcast from the hosts of The Retail Podcast, Laura & Alex!
In our inaugural episode:- 🌟 Discover how Sunday Sporting Club is transforming luxury wellness, creating health-driven, meaningful social experiences.- 🛍️ Get an exclusive preview of the upcoming World Retail Congress 2025 in London, including insights from iconic retail destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis, and the revolutionary new IKEA concept store.- 📈 Dive deep into retail strategy with James Hurman’s latest insightful report in collaboration with Klaviyo, exploring innovative ways to engage and retain consumers.
Featured Links:- [Sunday Sporting Club](https://www.sundaysportingclub.com/)- [World Retail Congress](https://www.worldretailcongress.com/)- Instagram: [Sunday Sporting Club](https://www.instagram.com/sundaysportingclub/)
 
📲 Subscribe, review, and join our community of forward-thinking retail professionals!
 
Five Things Friday, Retail Podcast, Luxury Wellness, World Retail Congress, Retail Trends, Retail Insights, Consumer Strategy, Klaviyo Insights, Sunday Sporting Club, Retail Innovation, Store Formats, Consumer Engagement
#FiveThingsFriday #RetailPodcast #LuxuryWellness #RetailInnovation #WorldRetailCongress #RetailStrategy

Empowering Frontline Workers: How Jabra and AI Transform Retail Communication | Andrew Doyle, VP at Jabra

Join Alex on The Retail Podcast as he speaks with Andrew Doyle, VP of Frontline Workers at Jabra, about how cutting-edge audio technology and AI are revolutionizing frontline communication in retail. Discover how Jabra enhances productivity, customer engagement, and employee satisfaction by enabling crystal-clear audio interactions and seamless integration with AI-driven applications. Andrew explores why voice-driven interfaces and noise-canceling headset technology are critical to maximizing efficiency and accuracy in noisy retail environments.
 
Key discussion points include:
The strategic importance of superior audio solutions in frontline retail.
Why AI-powered voice interfaces are the future of frontline operations.
How noise-canceling technology significantly improves productivity and accuracy.
Insights into Jabra’s innovative retail solutions, including the new Jabra Perform 75 headset.
 
Guest: Andrew Doyle, Vice President of Frontline Workers, Jabra
Host: Alex, The Retail Podcast
 
Learn More: www.jabra.com/perform
Timestamped Chapters (YouTube)
00:00 Introduction
01:03 About Jabra and GN Group’s legacy
02:39 Why frontline workers are critical to Jabra
04:09 Digital transformation in retail frontline
05:28 Voice as the future interface for AI
07:05 Benefits of using headsets: hands-free & clear audio
08:22 Importance of accurate audio transcription
09:28 Noise-canceling microphone technology
11:46 Real-world retail use-case examples
12:37 Introducing the Jabra Perform 75 headset
14:15 Battery life and design features for frontline
15:35 Audio intelligibility and 99% noise-cancellation
16:33 How to learn more and connect with Jabra
SEO-Optimized Tags & Keywords
 
General Keywords:
Retail, frontline workers, retail technology, audio technology, AI communication, headset technology, productivity tools, Jabra, Andrew Doyle, voice AI, noise-canceling microphones, retail innovation, employee engagement, retail podcast.
 
Platform-Specific Tags:
 
YouTube:
Jabra, Frontline Workers, Retail Technology, AI in Retail, Noise Cancellation, Headset Review, Andrew Doyle Interview, The Retail Podcast, Voice Interface, Digital Transformation
 
Spotify & Apple Podcasts:
Retail, Technology, Business, Management, Artificial Intelligence, Productivity, Frontline Workers, Communication, Leadership, Jabra, Andrew Doyle
#RetailPodcast #Jabra #FrontlineWorkers #RetailTech #AIinRetail #VoiceTechnology #EmployeeEngagement #Productivity #Innovation

How Retailers Can Win the Battle Against Returns with ReturnPro CEO Sender Shamiss

Returns are costing retailers nearly $900 billion annually—and the problem is accelerating.
In this episode, Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins The Retail Podcast to expose the operational chaos, financial impact, and future-facing solutions around retail returns.
 
We explore why returns are no longer a back-office issue—but a strategic lever that can drive or destroy margin. From brand protection and machine learning to reverse logistics and customer trust algorithms, Shamiss offers a blueprint for how retailers can take control of the returns crisis.
 
Key topics include:
Why bracketing and e-commerce are fueling unsustainable return rates
How forward-thinking brands are reducing return fraud
What every retail exec should know about post-purchase operations
The rise of trusted customer algorithms and “keep-it” logic
Why returns policy now dictates customer loyalty
The coming rise of the Chief Returns Officer
Key topics include:
Why apparel and e-commerce are fueling a returns crisis
How retailers can shift from defense to offense on returns
The role of machine learning in solving returns complexity
The hidden cost of return fraud—and how to fight back
Why clear returns policies are now a key sales driver
Visions of a future Chief Returns Officer
Enjoying the show? Follow The Retail Podcast and leave us a five-star review to help bring smart retail conversations to more leaders worldwide.
Events mentioned:
NRF 2025
Manifest
Shoptalk
Reverse Logistics Association Conference
Retail, Returns Management, eCommerce, Reverse Logistics, Supply Chain, Retail Innovation, Customer Experience, Retail Operations, Sustainability, Fraud Prevention

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.
Subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more insights into the future of retail and technology!

🎙️ 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