The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

The Global Retail Briefing: UK, GCC, Dubai & Luxury Expansion

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 push, and Jenni Kayne’s move into international markets through partners including Selfridges and TNT in Toronto.
Key themes include:
International retail expansion
Luxury and premium brand positioning
Middle East retail investment
Holiday shopping moving earlier
E-commerce growth and loyalty
Global department store and marketplace strategy
This briefing is designed to track retail stories outside the US and spotlight where consumer demand, investment, and brand expansion are shifting globally.
Subscribe for more international retail briefings.

Madrid’s Retail Shift: Lessons From the Street, Not the Boardroom

Madrid is famous for tourism, culture, tapas and beautiful architecture.
But walk through Gran Vía and another story starts to appear.
In this episode of The Retail Podcast, we explore how Madrid is evolving from a tourist hotspot into a serious retail destination. From Sephora’s flower-led Mother’s Day activation to Calvin Klein’s floral fragrance launch, the streets of Madrid reveal how physical retail is being reshaped by community, experience and customer engagement.
This episode looks at why the most important retail signals are not always found in boardrooms, strategy decks or technology showcases. Sometimes they are happening directly in front of customers, in the queue, on the street and at the point where culture meets commerce.
You’ll hear about:
Madrid’s shift from tourism destination to shopping destination
Sephora’s experiential retail activation
Calvin Klein’s Euphoria floral launch
Why physical retail still matters
The three speeds of retail: community and culture, experience, and intelligence
What European retail leaders should watch on the Road to Paris
This episode is part of The Road to Paris, exploring the cities, stores and ideas shaping the future of retail ahead of NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe in Paris.

How AI, Data and Hospitality Are Rewiring Retail in Japan

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, retail media, customer data platforms and AI-powered customer communication.
The central idea is the “communication retailer”: a retailer that does not simply sell products in-store, but builds trusted, permission-based relationships with customers across stores, e-commerce, data, service and AI-enabled interactions.
Guest Bio
Toru Koyama is 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. His background includes roles at IBM Japan, Pfizer and PwC, and he previously served as President & Representative Director of Isetan Mitsukoshi System Solutions, where he led structural reforms. He assumed his current H2O Retailing roles in April 2021 and has been associated with the company’s group-wide digital transformation.
 
 

I Was Ranked #1 in Retail — But This Matters More

This episode reflects on being ranked number one on the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list, but shifts the focus to a bigger industry question: what should retail actually recognise as thought leadership? The episode argues that true influence should be measured by useful, visible, consistent contribution — not status, nostalgia, or network size.
Being ranked number one on the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list is something to be proud of.
But the more important question is not who is number one.
It is what the retail industry should be measuring in the first place.
In this episode, we look at the limits of rankings and algorithms, and why no system can fully measure judgement, generosity, lived experience, commercial impact, or trust.
What this ranking does reward is visible work: content, speaking, publishing, interviews, and industry contribution. That matters because recognition in retail has often depended on access, visibility, historic relationships, and who gets invited into the room.
But thought leadership should not be a lifetime achievement award.
It should be evidence of what someone is contributing now.
This episode explores:
Why visible contribution matters
Why retail recognition needs a higher standard
Why thought leadership should be useful, not just visible
Why vendors, partners, event teams, and technology builders deserve more credit
Why The Retail Podcast reaching almost 2,000 listeners a week globally matters more than a ranking
What retail should recognise as thought leadership in 2026
The central question:
In 2026, what should the retail industry actually recognise as thought leadership?
Links:Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list: https://www.thinkers360.com/top-50-global-thought-leaders-and-influencers-on-retail-2026/Connect on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast

WooCommerce at Shoptalk Europe: Scaling Open-Source Ecommerce

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. The conversation also points to platform features, enterprise ecommerce capabilities, and practical discussions around scaling digital commerce businesses.
The episode also highlights WooCommerce’s exclusive local swag: premium candles from Santaló Candles, a Barcelona-based merchant. Plus, WooCommerce is co-hosting a Rooftop Reset & Happy Hour with Avalara, Mollie, and PayPal, giving attendees another way to connect during Shoptalk Europe.
Key themes in this episode:Open-source ecommerceWooCommerce for scaling online storesEnterprise ecommerce capabilitiesShoptalk Europe BarcelonaWooCommerce Booth B30Ecommerce platform featuresMerchant growth strategiesRetail and ecommerce networking
Visit WooCommerce at Booth B30 during Shoptalk Europe to meet the team, ask about the platform, and learn more about their event activities.

Retail AI, Currys & Hasbro: What’s Changing in Retail

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 touches on funding activity, customer behaviour, platform launches, and how retail companies are responding to new technology.
Key themes in this episode include:
AI in retail and ecommerce
Currys and UK consumer electronics
Hasbro and brand-led retail innovation
TikTok influencers and commerce discovery
Rep AI and retail technology funding
Claude and AI platform relevance
Debenhams and retail AI developments
European retail market signals
How customer behaviour is changing
This episode is especially useful for retail leaders, ecommerce teams, founders, marketers, and anyone tracking how AI is reshaping commerce.
Guest/context note: the transcript references Alex, Simon, and Christian, but the provided transcript does not include full names, roles, or bios.
Subscribe for more conversations on retail technology, ecommerce, AI, marketplaces, and the future of digital commerce.
00:00:00 — Episode Intro: Wednesday Retail News Roundup00:00:22 — Welcome and What’s Coming Up00:01:13 — Shop Talk and European Retail Signals00:01:31 — Live Coverage and Market Context00:01:50 — Currys and UK Electronics Retail00:02:23 — Nordic CEO Discussion and Growth Context00:03:01 — Retail Risk, Warning Signs and Monthly Updates00:04:20 — Hasbro Launch Discussion00:05:25 — Toy Companies, TikTok Influencers and Brand Strategy00:05:49 — Rep AI and Retail AI Funding00:06:09 — Claude and AI Platform Direction00:06:51 — Investor Interest and Retail AI Momentum00:07:22 — AI in Retail and Customer Behaviour00:07:36 — Debenhams and Platform Launches00:08:17 — Retail Data, AI Potential and Next Moves00:08:42 — Final Segment: Retail AI Follow-Up

Unauthorized Sellers Are Killing Retail Margins

Unauthorized sellers can quietly destroy retail margins.
In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex speaks with Megan Harman, founder of Thorn Crest, about how unauthorized sellers, counterfeits, dupes, broken case packs, copycat products, and weak reseller agreements can erode brand profitability.
Megan explains why online pricing problems do not stay online. A small marketplace undercut can affect Amazon pricing, retail dynamic pricing, buyer margin requirements, and price protection claims.
The conversation also covers why brand protection is not only a legal issue. It is a sales, margin, distribution, and consumer trust issue.
Topics include unauthorized resellers, price integrity, counterfeits, Amazon marketplace pressure, retail margins, reseller agreements, warranty language, and why brands need to rebuild the foundation before the cracks get worse.
Email: Megan at Thorn Crest Website: https://www.thorncrest.com/brand-protection
Subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more conversations on retail strategy, e-commerce, marketplaces, brand protection, consumer brands, and the future of retail.

The Future of Retail in Asia: AI, GLP-1 & Consumer Trends with Isabelle Allen (KPMG)

Why is Asia becoming the world's most influential retail innovation hub?
In this NRF APAC 2026 Day 1 keynote conversation, Jill Dvorak, Senior Vice President at the National Retail Federation, speaks with Isabelle Allen, Global Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG.
They explore the major forces reshaping retail globally, including:
• AI adoption in retail• Consumer behavior shifts• The impact of GLP-1 medications on shopping and food consumption• Retail innovation across Asia-Pacific• Digital-native consumers• Data readiness and technology transformation• Wellness, longevity and the future of commerce
Isabelle shares why KPMG believes "the future of retail rises from the East" and explains what global retailers can learn from Asia's agility, speed of innovation and rapidly evolving consumer markets.
Whether you're a retail executive, brand leader, investor, technology strategist or consumer trends enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into where retail is heading next.
Featured Guest
Isabelle AllenGlobal Head of Consumer, Retail & LeisureKPMG
Event
NRF APAC 2026
Topics
Retail Innovation • AI in Retail • Consumer Trends • GLP-1 • Asia-Pacific Retail • Digital Transformation • Customer Experience • Retail Strategy

NRF 2026 APAC Agenda: The Retail Sessions to Watch

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 year’s show has strong momentum, including a larger expo footprint, strong regional attendance and growing interest from markets including China, the Philippines and Indonesia. He then breaks down key agenda moments featuring leaders and companies including Matt Shay, Isabelle Allen, Anish Melwani, Scott Price, Woolworths Group, RELEX Solutions, Moloco, Pacvue, AEON360, DFI Retail Group, FairPrice Group, CJ Olive Young, Shiseido Japan, Maxim’s Food Group, CAA, Kering, Shopify, Scanteak, Manochi, OnTheList, Nestlé Japan, SM Supermalls, Reliance Brands Limited and Authentic Brands Group.
Key themes in this episode:
Why NRF 2026 APAC is expanding in SingaporeThe biggest keynote and breakout sessions to watchHow AI is changing supply chain, stores, search and customer experienceWhy retail media is becoming a major platform for growthHow APAC retailers are approaching omnichannel differentlyWhy malls remain central to retail in Southeast AsiaWhat India, Japan, China and Southeast Asia reveal about retail’s next phaseHow content, talent and entertainment are becoming retail growth channels
Whether you are attending NRF APAC, following the agenda remotely, or tracking the future of retail in Asia Pacific, this episode gives you a clear roadmap of the conversations that matter.

UK Retail Shake-Up: Ocado, Lidl, M&S Safety & Brand Collabs and a big thank you to COACH UK

In this episode of Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simone discuss major shifts across UK and European retail. Topics include Ocado’s growing role as a grocery technology platform, Lidl overtaking Morrisons, M&S’s staff safety initiative with WalkSafe, and the role of store experience in building modern retail communities.
The episode also explores Coach’s Selfridges pop-up, Rituals’ House of Rituals in Amsterdam, retail theft, frontline worker protection, Little Greene’s collaboration with Hunter, and why brands are moving toward lifestyle-led partnerships and limited-edition collaborations.
Apple Podcasts Show Notes
This week’s Five Things Friday UK looks at the stories reshaping retail strategy, grocery, store operations and customer experience.
Alex opens with reflections from recent European retail travel, including Madrid, London, Paris, Milan and Amsterdam, plus a visit to the Coach pop-up at Selfridges. He highlights the importance of brand authenticity, customisation and cross-generational appeal, and thanks Charlotte Pasamar and Arjoon Bose — Chief Marketing Officer | VP Marketing | International Business.
The conversation then moves into the week’s five retail themes:
Ocado’s major tech partnershipAlex discusses why Ocado’s platform matters for grocery operations, delivery, store picking and operational efficiency.
Lidl overtakes MorrisonsThe episode looks at how Lidl’s rise changes the UK grocery landscape and why international retailers continue to watch the UK market closely.
Rituals and experiential retailAlex shares observations from the House of Rituals in Amsterdam, including coffee, brunch, shopping and Mind Oasis experiences.
M&S staff safety and retail theftSimone discusses M&S’s partnership with WalkSafe, including live journey tracking, SOS alerts and support for staff travelling early or late. The conversation expands into retail theft, JD Sports, body-worn cameras, security gates and the need to protect shop workers.
Little Greene x Hunter and brand collaborationsSimone highlights the limited-edition Little Greene and Hunter collaboration, using it as an example of brands aligning around lifestyle and customer identity rather than obvious product categories.
The episode closes with a wider discussion of limited runs, IP licensing, Marc Jacobs, LVMH and the growing consumer appetite for unique collaborations.Chapters
00:00 — Welcome to Five Things Friday UK00:30 — Coach Selfridges pop-up and brand experience01:04 — Charlotte Pasamar and Arjoon Bose at Coach02:54 — Ocado’s major tech partnership03:48 — Lidl overtakes Morrisons04:10 — Why global retailers watch UK grocery05:06 — Rituals and the House of Rituals experience07:16 — M&S launches staff safety initiative07:37 — WalkSafe and employee protection08:10 — JD Sports, retail theft and staff safety09:20 — Security, store entrances and safer retail environments10:50 — Little Greene x Hunter collaboration11:56 — Lifestyle-led brand partnerships12:34 — Marc Jacobs, LVMH and IP licensing13:20 — Wrap-up with Alex and Simone