The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

What Makes Rituals Stores So Special?

Rituals’ Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.
About this episodeWe cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.
Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------🔗 References:
--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Cold open & hook00:00:58 Intro: Why Rituals designs for calm00:02:22 Global brand ambition beyond Europe00:03:01 “Slow shopping paradise”: lighting, pace, materials00:04:16 Evolution, not revolution: the two‑year roll‑back00:05:07 Every store matters: refits + system consistency00:05:19 Oxford Street flagship & Mind Oasis00:06:22 Standardize first, localize later00:06:43 Exporting ideas: Advent calendars & category traction00:09:02 Always in stores: continuous improvement culture00:09:48 Brand builders, not just retailers00:10:27 Sustainability by design00:11:10 Refits that reuse ~60% of furniture00:12:46 Keeping creativity alive at scale00:13:54 Supermarket lessons: pathing, hero placement00:15:04 China insights: shallow/wide layouts to invite entry00:16:20 Two‑second brand clarity00:17:30 Culture and ‘dinos’: why Rituals scales00:18:43 Oxford Street invite & close--------#TheRetailPodcast #Rituals #RetailDesign #ExperientialRetail #MindOasis #StoreDesign #Bcorp #Sustainability #GlobalRetail #SlowShopping

5 Retail Moves You Need to Know: Gap, Morrisons, AllSaints, DFS x Pinterest, Gen Beta

Five Things Friday — Gap’s London Comeback, Morrisons’ ESL Rollout, AllSaints Pop‑Ups, DFS x Pinterest, Gen BetaToday’s agenda: five moves reshaping UK retail—and what to do next.
NEWS FLASH LINE‑UP• Gap returns to London with three stores (Covent Garden, White City, Wembley) before Christmas.• Morrisons partners with VusionGroup to digitise pricing across all 497 supermarkets using ESLs.• AllSaints opens three UK pop‑ups (Bristol Cribbs Causeway now open; Battersea Power Station & Stratford next).• DFS teams with Pinterest on a gamified “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest” that turns inspiration into shoppable boards.• Fashion is already talking about “Gen Beta” (babies born from 2025) — signalling a culture‑first decade ahead.
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:
--------*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------🔗 References:
--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Cold open & welcome00:06 – It’s Five Things Friday (Friday, 24 October 2025)00:36 – Vibe check & banter00:58 – Host intro: Alex01:21 – Co‑host intro: Simon Hart (Need It Tonight)01:45 – Format + audience milestone02:29 – Story 1: Gap is back (3 London stores via Next)05:42 – Story 2: Morrisons x VusionGroup: 497 stores go digital (ESLs)07:00 – Story 3: AllSaints: three UK pop‑ups (Bristol, Battersea, Stratford)08:21 – Story 4: DFS x Pinterest “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest”10:03 – Story 5: Fashion starts planning for Gen Beta12:18 – Big idea: Retail at the Speed of Culture13:13 – Next week: in‑store men’s personal shopping activation16:12 – Wrap & sign‑off
--------•
https://www.next.co.uk/shop/brand-gap-0?p=1#0
• https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/corporate-news/morrisons-partners-with-vusiongroup-to-digitize-pricing-across-its-entire-supermarket-estate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://fashionunited.uk/news/retail/allsaints-plots-three-pop-up-store-openings-across-uk/2025101684429?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.allsaints.com/women.html
• https://es.pinterest.com/pin/560346378659689774/
• https://www.dfs.co.uk/inspiration/pinterest-whats-your-thing-quest?epik=dj0yJnU9eEM0eGtZN18yZC1NUnN2RldkdC1TNEtYUlB2YVR2bUkmcD0wJm49UTUteVZwR1NnYzN4WEZQSXRCR2xkdyZ0PUFBQUFBR2o1NGNV
• https://cadanews.org/1916/news/the-greatest-generation-to-gen-beta/
DISCLAIMERS• Facts current as of Friday, 24 October 2025. This show is independent commentary; no sponsorships were accepted.• Chapters are approximate and based on the live conversation.#Retail #Ecommerce #UKRetail #Gap #Morrisons #AllSaints #DFS #Pinterest #VusionGroup #GenBeta

How Eagle AI Delivers 7:1 ROI Through Personalization & Gamification — with Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder

This episode dives into the mechanics of AI-powered personalization with Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder of Eagle AI (ex-Untie Nots). Eagle AI’s platform delivers scalable, signal-based personalization that predicts behaviour and nudges loyalty — generating 7:1+ ROI and unprecedented digital engagement.
Cédric and Alex discuss:• What personalization really means in 2025• How gamification boosts engagement without gimmicks• Why pragmatic AI often outperforms big “innovation” projects• How Eagle AI achieves 7:1–20:1 ROI with minimal friction• Why retailers must act now rather than wait for the next hype cycle
🔗 Guest: Eagle AI🎙️ Host: The Retail Podcast
Referenced topics:
Personalization in grocery and beauty retail
Predictive AI for offer relevance
SaaS integration for signal-based personalization
ROI optimization and customer lifetime value

Five Things USA: Walmart’s AI Leap, Ulta’s Curated Marketplace, Target’s Woolrich Revival, Levi’s Expansion & Amazon’s AI Teammate — with Jill Dvorak (NRF)

In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at NRF, decode the five major stories shaping the retail landscape—from Target’s nostalgic fashion comeback to Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI. A rapid-fire discussion of innovation, curation, and AI’s growing role in everyday retail.
Topics Covered:• Target x Woolrich collaboration• Ulta Beauty + Mirakl’s curated marketplace• Walmart + OpenAI partnership for AI-first shopping• Levi’s strong Q3 and store expansion• Amazon’s QuickSuite and AI “employee teammate”
Hosts:
Alex Rezvan, Founder & Host, The Retail Podcast
Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content, National Retail Federation
Referenced Articles:
Target x Woolrich: Target Press
Ulta Beauty Marketplace: Ulta Investor Relations
Walmart + OpenAI: Walmart Corporate News
Levi’s Store Expansion: Retail Dive
Amazon QuickSuite: Chain Store Age

From Influencers to Community Creators: Prada, Morrisons, Walmart, and Ted Baker’s Big Retail Moves | Five Things Friday

Simone Oloman joins Alex Rezvan to unpack how authenticity, community, and creativity are rewriting retail influence — from Prada’s cinematic London takeover to Morrisons’ 1-hour grocery promise.
It’s Friday — and retail never sleeps.
In this week’s episode of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Simone Oloman, co-founder of Need It For Tonight, explore five major shifts shaping the week in retail:
1️⃣ The new face of influence — Why real voices, not million-follower celebrities, are shaping consumer trust.2️⃣ Campus culture meets commerce — Hollister, the University of Texas, and how student-athletes are becoming micro-media brands.3️⃣ Prada Mode London — A two-day immersive cinema turns shopping into cultural theatre.4️⃣ Morrisons Now — The grocer joins the rapid delivery race with one-hour grocery fulfilment from 158 stores.5️⃣ Walmart x Mirakl & Ted Baker’s comeback — Marketplaces evolve and activewear returns to the high street.
This episode blends optimism with reality — from community-first creators to heritage brands reinventing relevance.
🔗 Further Reading:
Prada Mode London — Pradasphere
Morrisons Now Launch — Corporate Site
John Lewis x Russell & Bromley Partnership
Business of Fashion – College Influencers
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:The Retail Podcast / Five Things Friday🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@theretailpodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
--------🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp81QzAfbBdeKhLt4gApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-retail-podcast/id1461457532
--------*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------🔗 References:
--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 🎧 Welcome & 90,000 Views Celebration
01:20 💬 The Truth About Influencers
03:15 🎓 Campus Creators: Hollister & College AthletesHollister’s partnership with the University of Texas shows how brands are transforming students into trusted creators — not just audiences.
05:21 🎥 Prada Mode London: When Retail Becomes CinemaPrada turns King’s Cross Town Hall into a surreal, two-day film experience — a cultural reimagining of shopping as spectacle.
07:33 🛒 Morrisons Now: Grocery in One HourThe UK grocer races into rapid delivery with “Morrisons Now” — real-time tracking, local fulfilment, and 420-store expansion.
09:06 🌐 Walmart, Mirakl & John Lewis’ Marketplace ShiftRetail heavyweights evolve their online experiences: Walmart’s AI-powered marketplace and John Lewis’ “House of Brands” featuring Russell & Bromley.
10:47 👟 Ted Baker Returns — In ActivewearTed Baker launches its first-ever activewear line and prepares a high street comeback for 2026. From tailoring to training gear.
12:30 🔁 Closing Reflections: Quality, Circularity & CommunityAlex and Simone wrap with a reflection on where retail influence and lifestyle are heading next.
--------#TheRetailPodcast #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday, #RetailInnovation, #InfluencerMarketing, #PradaMode, #MorrisonsNow, #TedBaker, #JohnLewis, #RetailNews, #SimoneOloman, #AlexRezvan
 
 

APAC Luxury Pulse: Galeries Lafayette enters India, Chinese F&B hits Singapore, Porsche Q3 slows

Alex (The Retail Podcast) and Ryf Quail (Director, NRF APAC) break down this week’s APAC headlines: Galeries Lafayette launches in Mumbai (with Delhi next), a surge of Chinese F&B brands expands into Singapore, and Porsche reports a Q3 delivery dip led by China and North America amid intensifying EV competition. They also explore lululemon Singapore’s retail-meets-wellness studio concept and why experiential formats are resetting the playbook for premium retail in Asia.
Topics this week• Galeries Lafayette → India: Mumbai flagship now open; Delhi next; 250+ brands under one roof via Aditya Birla partnership.• Chinese F&B → Singapore: Luckin, Mixue, ChaPanda, Nong Geng Ji and more chase stable demand and regional visibility.• Porsche Q3: Deliveries soften, led by China and North America; value-driven EV competition reshapes luxury auto demand.• lululemon Singapore: Retail-meets-wellness format (yoga/Pilates studios inside the flagship) as an experience blueprint.
Chapters00:00 Intro
00:18 Five Things Friday
01:23 Guest teaser
03:11 lululemon Singapore05:34 Galeries Lafayette in India
07:25 Chinese F&B in Singapore
10:00 Porsche Q3
11:33 Wrap
Further reading• Lululemon’s retail-meets-wellness concept in SE Asia: https://observatory.sg/lululemons-first-ever-retail-meets-wellness-concept-store-in-se-asia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Aditya Birla (partner): https://www.adityabirla.com/businesses/• Galeries Lafayette (official): https://www.galerieslafayette.com/• Reuters on Chinese F&B in Singapore: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-food-beverage-firms-flock-singapore-first-step-expansion-drive-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Porsche China: https://www.porsche.cn/china/en/
 
🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
 
--------*Welcome to the official channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
#TheRetailPodcast #Retail #APAC #Luxury #India #Singapore #China #NRF #FNB #Porsche #Ecommerce #ExperientialRetail

Inside Saudi Retail in 2025: 5 Trends Shaping the Kingdom w/ Ghadi Ali

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
 
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
 
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.
➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
 
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
 
--------
Show Notes:
Guest: Ghadi Ali — Fashion & Retail Consultant; Jury Member at the Saudi Retail Forum; Top 50 Global Inspirational Women in Retail
What we cover:• The KSA retail snapshot under Vision 2030  • Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations and pharmacy execution  • Trend #2: From price wars to experience-led retail  • Trend #3: Data & AI powering decisions, inventory, and personalization  • Serving older shoppers without forcing tech  • No‑tech CX pillars: communication, transparency, easy returns  • Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price sensitivity  • Trend #5: Localization: “tradition meets tomorrow”
Quotes:• “Offline or online, the goal is a seamless journey.” — Ghadi  • “Personalization works when customers raise their hand.” — Alex  • “Design for inclusion: not everyone wants to ‘go digital.’” — Ghadi
Links:• Connect with Ghadi: <LinkedIn> | <Website>  • Five Things Friday (host): <Website> | <Newsletter> | <LinkedIn>  • Mentioned: Vision 2030 (KSA), Gymshark Regent Street, B‑Corp certification
Credits:Host: Alex  •  Guest: Ghadi Ali  
Disclaimer: Views are the guests’ and hosts’ own. 
--------⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro: Five Things Friday x Saudi Retail00:47 Meet Ghadi Ali: background, mission, recognition01:51 KSA market snapshot & Vision 203002:33 Fastest growth: e‑commerce & Gen Z02:55 Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations03:51 Pharmacy example: one‑hour delivery04:20 Omnichannel maturity vs challenges05:36 Trend #2: Customer experience as differentiator06:28 Store experiences that wow08:03 Ramadan retail moments in‑store09:12 Trend #3: Data & AI powering retail09:54 Personalization: opt‑in matters12:11 Serving older shoppers without tech13:00 No‑tech CX: comms, transparency, returns13:46 Shopping missions > silos16:22 Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price17:20 Fast fashion tension & B‑Corp culture18:55 Trend #5: Localization: tradition meets tomorrow20:23 Closing & Riyadh visit shout‑out
--------#TheRetailPodcast
#Retail, #SaudiArabia, #Vision2030, #Omnichannel, #CustomerExperience, #DataAnalytics, #AI, #Sustainability, #Localization, #FashionRetail, #GCC, #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday

ASOS Live Shopping, Harrods Tech, Asda’s Charity TikTok Shop, and Lidl’s Price Slash — With Simone Oloman

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/
💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.   / @theretailpodcast  
--------🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp8...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
--------Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.
Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.
--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.  / the-retail-podcast  
📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com
--------🔗 References: 5 Things Friday with Simone OlomanIn this episode, Simone and I dive into five standout stories reshaping retail, tech, and culture. We discuss:
A bold breast cancer awareness campaign
The surge of video + live shopping in retail
The ongoing battle against shoplifting / shrink
Oura’s luxury concept at Harrods
Grocery retail’s price war ahead of the holidays
Links & Resources
“FT article on live shopping / retail trends” — Financial Times
Harrods Technology & department link (for the concept / tech space)
ASDA’s first ever charity TikTok shop news
Lidl’s press release on slashing prices for customers
ASOS Live shopping / video commerce announcement
About the HostsAlex — Retail thought leader, helping brands amplify their voice, especially on LinkedInSimone Oloman — Co-founder & CEO, Need for Tonight
--------⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & welcome00:55 – Story #1: Breast cancer awareness campaign02:21 – Story #2: Live shopping inside apps03:31 – Story #3: Shoplifting / shrink prevention06:04 – Story #4: Oura’s concept space at Harrods07:49 – Story #5: Grocery pricing & recruitment moves09:46 – Wrap-up & closing
--------#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #ASOS, #Harrods, #Asda, #Lidl, #TikTokShop, #RetailInnovation, #LiveShopping, #RetailMedia, #CustomerExperience, #RetailPodcast, #SimoneOloman, #RetailNews, #Ecommerce, #DigitalTransformation, #SocialCommerce, #GroceryRetail, #LuxuryRetail, #RetailTrends

How Best Buy’s Supply Chain Chief Sees AI Transforming Retail — Mark Irvin with NRF’s Jill Dvorak & Alex Rezvan

AI, upskilling, and the future of intelligent supply chains — live from NRF Europe. At NRF Europe, Jill Dvorak sits down with Best Buy’s Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark Irvin, and Alex Rezvan from The Retail Podcast to explore how artificial intelligence, personalization, and collaborative learning are redefining the global supply chain.
Mark reveals how Best Buy is upskilling teams for the AI era, partnering across industries to innovate faster, and reshaping the customer experience through predictive logistics and real-time personalization. From agent-based shopping to inventory positioning, this conversation uncovers what’s next for retail’s operational backbone. Best Buy, Mark Irvin, Alex Rezvan, Jill Dvorak, NRF Europe, retail innovation, AI in supply chain, logistics, retail technology, predictive analytics, supply chain transformation, personalization, retail media, customer experience, NRF Big Show
Episode Notes:
Recorded live at NRF Europe 2025
Hosted by Jill Dvorak (NRF) with Alex Rezvan (The Retail Podcast)
Guest: Mark Irvin, EVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Best Buy
Topics: Upskilling, AI readiness, personalization, future of fulfillment
#RetailPodcast #NRFEurope #BestBuy #AIinRetail #SupplyChainInnovation #RetailNewsAI #RetailLeadership
 
 

Shopify + ChatGPT Checkout, Walmart’s Private Label Shake-Up & Amazon’s New Grocery Brand

Alex and Jill go live for the first time to break down this week’s top retail stories. Shopify launches checkout inside ChatGPT for its 1M merchants, Walmart removes synthetic dyes and 30 ingredients from private label foods, Amazon doubles down with a new “Amazon Grocery” brand under $5, and Pop Mart takes Labubu to Times Square in 2026.
We also look ahead to the Golden Quarter: early holiday promos from Amazon, Target, and Walmart, the impact on Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and why consumer demand looks flat but resilient.
Topics covered:
AI meets commerce: Shopify + ChatGPT
Walmart’s health-driven reformulation
Amazon’s private label expansion
Pop Mart’s Times Square flagship
Holiday season timing shifts
🔗 Sources linked in show notes.
🔗 References & Sources
Buy in ChatGPT
Amazon Prime Big Deals Days
Target Circle Week
Walmart Early Deals
Pop Mart Times Square
Walmart Removes Synthetic Dyes
Keywords for Apple Search OptimisationRetail trends 2025, Shopify ChatGPT checkout, Amazon grocery private label, Walmart food reformulation, holiday shopping forecast, Black Friday 2025, Pop Mart Labubu