Rethink Retail

On this episode of “Building a Modern Food Brand,” host Christina Downey sits down with Matthew Newman, CCO at It’s Skinny, to talk about the hard choices founders must make early — and why focus, discipline, and a clear go-to-market strategy matter more than saying “yes” to everyone. Matthew shares: - Why startups must define where they want to live — and hold firm - How It’s Skinny reset its core strategy before scaling - The breakthrough behind their new low-carb, low-calorie rice innovation

Value isn’t just about low prices anymore. As shoppers become more intentional and economic pressures rise, retailers are shifting their strategies—from promotions and pricing to emotional connection and brand authenticity. We dive into how value is being redefined across the industry. Joined by experts Andrew Smith, Carol Spieckerman, Liza Amlani, and Andrea K. Leigh, we explore how retailers are aligning with evolving shopper priorities and what “value” really means today. Special thanks to Adobe and Icertis for making this episode possible!

What happens when technology meets true customer empathy? In this episode of Rethink Retail: Global Retail Leaders, host Alex Baker sits down with Uttam Kumar, Engineering Manager at American Eagle Outfitters, to discuss: - How engineers are becoming storytellers and changemakers in retail - The real role of AI — beyond recommendations, toward anticipation - Why successful digital transformation starts with people, not tech - Moving from waterfall to agile: lessons from 17+ years in retail systems - How hyper-personalization and data discipline define the next retail decade

EuroShop only happens once every three years — and every edition sets the pace for the future of global retail. In the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Alexis sits down with EuroShop Director Elke Moebius and EHI Senior VP Ulrich Spaan for an inside look at what’s new, what’s evolving, and what the world can expect from EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf — including its first-ever expansion to Dubai. If you’re shaping the next wave of store design, retail tech, or shopper experience, or planning your trip to one of Europe’s biggest retail events, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this Rethink Retail podcast episode live from Groceryshop, David Weinand (Incisiv) speaks with Elisa Lyew, founder of Elisa’s Love Bites, on transforming her passion for clean, better-for-you desserts into a fast-growing national brand. They explore: - How Elisa pivoted from a decade-long NYC bakery to a scalable CPG model - Why clean ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and refined-sugar-free sweets set the brand apart - The focus on a hero product — the chocolate-chip cookie — as the foundation for national expansion Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Join Timm Henderlight, Lead Strategy Consultant at Perficient, and Rick Olson, Consult Partner at Kyndryl, as they reveal how predictive analytics and AI are transforming holiday retail planning. Discover how retailers are: - Forecasting demand with greater accuracy - Optimizing inventory and assortments - Streamlining operations for peak season Whether you’re a retailer looking to gain a competitive edge or simply curious about how data drives holiday success, this episode offers practical insights to help you plan smarter and sell more. Special thanks to @Kyndryl for making this episode possible Listen Now

What happens when passion, purpose, and technology collide on water? In this Rethink Retail: Global Leaders episode, host Ninaad Acharya sits down with Bruce Smith, Founder & Chairman at Hydrow, the premium connected rowing experience redefining home fitness. They explore: - How daily movement can make the world a kinder place - What it takes to build three companies in one — hardware, software, and content - The challenge of scaling while keeping authentic community at the core - Why “the customer is the company” at Hydrow - How founder mindset and leadership evolve through growth - The next frontier: personalization, AI, and the end of cohorts Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Welcome to Omnichannel Reimagined: A new RETHINK Retail & VTEX Video Podcast Series giving senior retail leaders an insider’s edge on the trends, tech, and tactics shaping the future of B2C and B2B commerce, from seamless digital storefronts to AI-powered experiences. In Episode 1, Top Retail Expert Brendan Witcher sits down with Santiago Naranjo, CRO at VTEX, to explore how AI is reshaping the buyer journey, whether websites are becoming obsolete in an AI-first world, the risks of letting AI platforms control customer relationships and how enterprise brands can remain indispensable, even when shoppers never visit them directly.

How does a century-old luxury lingerie brand balance craftsmanship, connection, and cutting-edge technology? In this Rethink Retail episode, Cathy McCabe, CEO of Proximity, sits down with Marianna Satanas, President of Hanro USA, to explore how timeless values can drive modern transformation. They discuss: - Turning heritage and craftsmanship into a modern customer experience - How human connection still defines true clienteling in luxury - Why authenticity and personalization matter more than ever - Using AI to empower teams and give customers real choice - How sustainability, quality, and emotional value shape buying behavior today

The shelf era is over—and the rules of CPG growth are changing fast.

How does a Japanese brand turn 150-year-old silk into a global haircare phenomenon? Alex Baker sits down with Kodai Takahashi, co-founder & CEO of Silk the Rich, to explore: - Transforming heritage silk into affordable luxury haircare - Scaling from 4 bottles sold to 10,000+ stores worldwide - Blending premium product experience with eco-friendly innovation (silk-based plastics!) - Leveraging AI for customer support and community engagement - Adapting to cultural differences while maintaining brand consistency Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Self-checkout is hitting its inflection point in retail! From frictionless AI-powered produce scanning to better integration with loyalty and payment systems, the future of in-store shopping is all about speed, efficiency, and smart tech. Key takeaway: Success comes from getting the basics right, integrating technology, measuring the right KPIs, and aligning staff, not just chasing the “next shiny thing.” Check out the full insights from our Rethink Retail podcast with Host Trevor Sumner, Nino Hörttrich from Diebold Nixdorf and Amar Mokha from Incisiv.

In this special episode of Retailer Tech Tips from Groceryshop 2025, Theo Schweitz, CEO of Drive Wheel and Top Retail Expert, sits down with Rakesh Thaploo, Sr. Partner at Kyndryl, to explore the next era of grocery retail transformation. Together, they discuss how modern grocers are leveraging AI, analytics, and digital store technologies to reduce shrink, boost margins, and deliver richer customer experiences. From the evolution of in-store engagement to the rise of connected data ecosystems, this episode offers practical insights into how retailers can modernize operations while staying true to their consumers.

C-stores aren’t just convenience stops, they’re labs for bold new ideas. On the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Jessica Couch talks with: - Yvette Fossum from Ferrero about their newest c-store launches and how they test big ideas in small spaces - Isabella Chia from Wells Enterprises on how ice cream innovations in c-stores spark brand-wide strategies Fun, fast, and full of real-world insights, hear why brands are leaning on convenience stores to innovate

How do grocery leaders balance efficiency and customer experience in the age of automation? Recorded at Groceryshop, this RETHINK Retail podcast brings together:

Fiscal Compliance Isn’t a Hurdle. It’s Your Launchpad for Innovation Compliance is complex, but ignoring it is riskier. In the latest episode of Next‑Gen POS, host Scott Wueschinski talks with Darko Pavic, CEO of Fiscal Solutions, about how fiscalization can reshape modern retail. You’ll learn: - Why fiscalization is more than e-invoicing - How compliant POS systems enable livestream shopping, self-checkout, and omnichannel promotions - How AI tools like FiscalGPT simplify country-specific compliance #RetailTech #POSInnovation #FiscalCompliance #Omnichannel #DigitalRetail

How does a 200-year-old porcelain icon stay relevant in the digital age? Alex Baker interviews, Vista Alegre’s Chief Digital Officer, Carla Graça, shares how the brand is blending rich heritage with bold digital transformation by: - Building a strong digital presence and expanding globally - Driving innovation in factories and design while preserving craftsmanship - Using technology to empower people, not replace them - Creating seamless omnichannel customer experiences online and in-store From heritage storytelling to AI-driven tools, Vista Alegre proves that tradition and innovation can thrive together. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Extreme weather and unexpected disruptions can hit retailers hard, from spoilage and theft to costly downtime. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Andrew Smith (Top Retail Expert & Co-Founder, ThinkUncommon) sits down with Jeff Kenniston (Sr. Manager of Solutions Engineering, T-Mobile) to explore how retailers can prepare before disaster strikes.

Skinny Mixes isn’t just about syrups, it’s about creating everyday moments that are simply sweeter. Melissa Minkow sits down with Tim Snyder, CEO of Skinny Mixes, to explore how the brand grew from a cult favorite into a social-forward powerhouse with over 100 flavors and a community of raving fans. Highlights include: - Why listening is Skinny Mixes’ secret sauce for loyalty and engagement - How fans drive recipe sharing, product discovery, and viral trends like #WaterTok - The role of DTC, retail partnerships, and the brand’s own app in reaching consumers - Limited-time flavors like apple crisp and nostalgic soda collections that keep fans coming back

How are leading retailers and brands using AI to transform shopping? Nordstrom’s Brad Tucker, Mars’ Shashank Kadetotad, and HCLTech’s Debraj Bhattacharya join Rethink Retail to explore: - Smarter personalization and recommendations - Greater operational efficiency - Faster product innovation - AI’s role in sustainability and customer loyalty From generative to agentic AI, discover how companies are turning data into insight and creating the future of retail.