The Retail Podcast (Video Feed)

How Microsoft is Redefining Retail with Generative AI

How Microsoft is Redefining Retail with Generative AI: A Conversation with Keith Mercier
 
The pace of retail transformation has never been faster—and Microsoft is at the heart of it.
In this exclusive interview, Alex from The Retail Podcast sits down with Keith Mercier, Vice President of Worldwide Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft. They explore:
How generative AI and copilots are reshaping the frontline experience
The myth of data readiness—and how to get unstuck from pilot purgatory
Why conversational commerce is the next battleground
The power of real-time decision-making from petabytes of store data
Where Microsoft is showing up in retail around the globe
This is one of the most practical and visionary conversations you’ll hear about the future of retail. Whether you’re a CIO, CMO, or store operator—this is essential listening.
🔔 Subscribe for more real-world retail insight.

Retail Transformation in Asia-Pacific: Ryf Quail (NRF APAC) & Shopify’s Bold Moves, with The Retail Podcast

In this special “Five Things Friday: APAC Edition,” Alex from The Retail Podcast and Laura from Neat sit down with Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, to unpack the biggest trends shaping retail in Asia-Pacific ahead of NRF APAC in Singapore.🎙️ Topics covered:
 
Ryf’s top insights for APAC retail leaders
Digital transformation: AI, 5G, and cloud
Shopify Editions: Key updates, global e-commerce, new “Horizon” theme
The future of agencies and AI-driven retail
CEO Club at NRF APAC and leadership networking
 
 
⁠NRF APAC 2024⁠
⁠The Retail Podcast⁠
⁠Laura @ Neat⁠
 
Chapters:
 
00:01 – Welcome & introductions
01:00 – What’s ahead for NRF APAC
03:00 – Shopify’s latest moves: AI, global markets, and new themes
08:00 – The agency landscape: how AI is reshaping service
13:00 – Digital transformation trends in APAC: AI, 5G, and more
16:30 – Ryf Quail: Economic outlook, CEO Club, and what’s different in 2024
21:00 – Networking for retail leadership
22:00 – Closing thoughts
 
 
Useful Links:
 
⁠NRF APAC⁠
⁠Shopify Editions⁠
⁠The Retail Podcast⁠
 
Notable brands & technologies: Shopify, NRF, Grab, GoJek, FairPrice, LottePlus: The real impact of generative AI, what’s driving optimism in the region, and why Asia-Pacific is setting the pace for global retail.Don’t miss this candid conversation packed with actionable insights for retail executives, technology leaders, and anyone shaping the future of commerce.Connect:Follow and share for more expert interviews from the world’s top retail leaders.
If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Retail Podcast, leave a rating, and share with your network. For more interviews with retail’s top thinkers, visit ⁠theretailpodcast.com⁠.

Retail’s Next Frontier: Leadership, Agility & Digital Influence with Ben Miller of Shoptalk

In this powerhouse episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Ben Miller, VP of Content at Shoptalk, to unpack what’s really shaping the future of global retail.
From rising pressure on operational efficiency to the explosive growth of retail media and AI-powered discovery, this conversation goes deep into:
How leaders are navigating uncertainty
Why in-store tech investment is skyrocketing
The mindset shift retailers need to thrive
Key regional differences between the US and Europe
What’s next for grocery, CPG, and digital influence
As Shoptalk expands globally—with shows in the US, Europe, and now Abu Dhabi—Ben shares what he’s hearing from hundreds of retail leaders and why cultural adaptability and digital-first thinking are now non-negotiables.
 
📍 Recorded inside The Hive offices, just weeks before Shoptalk Europe 2025.
Shoptalk, retail leadership, grocery trends, digital transformation, Ben Miller, retail podcast, retail innovation, retail media, AI in retail, physical vs digital retail, eCommerce strategy, store tech, retail mindset, European retail, CPG insights, retail search behavior, inventory management, loyalty programs, global retail events, Shoptalk Europe, Retail Podcast with Alex
 
retailpodcast, shoptalkeurope, futureofretail, grocerytrends, digitalretail, retailleadership, retailinnovation, ecommerce2025, instoretech, aiinretail
 
Business
Retail & Shopping
Marketing
Technology
Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Innovation
Grocery
CPG
Digital Strategy
 
(June 1, 2025)
Stereo MP3
128kbps or higher
Loudness normalized to -16 LUFS
 

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.