Retail Refined podcast

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1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

Retail Refined

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Designed for retail leaders and retail lovers alike, the Retail Refined podcast, hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, is designed to explore the in-store technology of the future, challenge the industry’s preconceived notions, and sit down with retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.

23 episodes

Retail Refined

updated 4 years ago

Series home•Feed

23 episodes

#Careers #Society #Fashion and Beauty #Entrepreneur #Arts #Business #Marketing #MarketScale

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1
Addressing Retail’s Experience Challenges with Data 40:20

4 years ago40:20

40:20

As a Senior Manager on the Strategy and Insights for Retail and Consumer Goods team at Salesforce , Caila Schwartz’s goal is simple – help retailers gain a competitive edge via actionable data and insights. Schwartz joined Retail Refined for a conversation with host Melissa Gonzalez on how that goal takes shape in practice, diving into the ways Schwartz and her colleagues attempt to get retailers up to speed with the ever-shifting retail landscape.…

1
How to Prevent Your Retail Segment from Becoming the Next “Bookstore” 27:01

4 years ago27:01

27:01

As is the case in many other industries, independent wine and spirit retailers in a post-COVID world are seeing a drop in sales and revenue. The reason? The shifting demands of online shoppers has reduced their desire to discover new brands. Mike Provance , the CEO of 3×3 , works to change that. 3×3 is a marketing technology company dedicated to helping independent liquor retailers engage with and market to consumers. He joins Melissa Gonzalez to discuss how 3×3 leverages data to develop hyper-targeted, hyper-local marketing strategies for these independent retailers.…

1
Merging Experiential and Authenticity with Commerce 32:33

5 years ago32:33

32:33

On this episode of Retail Refined with host Melissa Gonzalez , Showfields CEO Tal Nathanel outlined how “the most interesting store in the world” is attempting to revolutionize retail. Showfields’ mission is to “create a better way for customers to discover, engage and show emerging brands and artists of tomorrow.” In practice , that means offering a reimagined customer experience driven by the brand’s commitment to curation, content, commerce, convenience and connection.…

1
The Democratization of Live Selling 24:49

5 years ago24:49

24:49

Live selling has a new look, and retailers are finding new opportunities to connect with audiences. While live selling came to prominence through TVs with players like QVC, today’s shopper desires an experiential retail experience from their smartphone. eCommerce and live selling expert Brandon Kruse , CEO of CommentSold , shared his insights and predictions for this type of shopping.…

1
How Can Physical Retail Support Ecommerce Distribution? 28:05

5 years ago28:05

28:05

Successful business leaders are always looking for the next way to cut costs, maximize profits, and run their company more efficiently. Brick-and-mortar retailers with a significant amount of ecommerce sales experience a huge amount of inefficiencies in their fulfillment and shipping processes. How can they utilize their existing infrastructure — their people, product, and stores — more efficiently? Is there a way to improve both the company’s logistics and the customer’s shopping experience at the same time?…

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Merging the Physical and Digital Worlds 25:20

5 years ago25:20

25:20

In a (bring your own device) retail world, the lines between the physical and digital worlds continue to merge thanks to the possibilities of computer vision. In this episode with guest Christian Floerkemeier, CTO and co-founder of Scandit, learn how Scandit is helping retailers automate end-to-end retail operations by moving routine processes and tasks onto mobile devices powered by high-performance barcode scanning software. From consumer self-scanning apps for self-checkout and Scan-and-Go shopping to augmented reality for access to real-time information, they are redefining retail one scan at a time via intelligent text and object recognition capturing customer imagination and reducing operational costs. Christian Floerkemeier: CTO, VP Product, and co-founder of Scandit As CTO and VP Product, Scandit co-founder Christian Floerkemeier is responsible for Scandit’s product strategy and roadmap and is the technical lead behind Scandit’s patented Barcode Scanner technology. https://www.scandit.com/ Before founding Scandit, Christian was the Associate Director of the Auto-ID Lab at MIT and a member of the MIT research team that developed the RFID technology which is today in use in major supply chains. Christian also co-founded Fosstrak, the leading open-source RFID software platform that implements the EPC Network specification. He was the technical program chair of the Internet of Things Conference in 2008 and IEEE RFID 2009 and general chair of IEEE RFID 2011. Christian received a PhD in Computer Science from ETH Zurich and a Bachelor and MEng degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cambridge. About Scandit Scandit enables businesses and consumers to interact with everyday objects by blending the physical and digital worlds using computer vision. Scandit technology is a unique machine learning platform combining leading-edge barcode scanning, text recognition (OCR), object recognition and augmented reality (AR) for use on any camera-equipped smart device, from smartphones to drones, wearables and robots. Many of the world’s most successful companies use Scandit as part of their digital transformation, including 7-Eleven, Alaska Airlines, Carrefour, Hermes, La Poste, Levi Strauss & Co, Sephora and Toyota. What Melissa Asked How does Scandit blend the physical and digital worlds using computer vision? Why did you start the company and how has your vision evolved since then? How do you see changing behaviors due to COVID accelerating adoption for in-store technology integration? How does Scandit take costs out of operational costs? How long does it take you to get a store up and running, and optimized? Are there a couple of retail use cases/success story examples you can share?…

1
The Possibilities of Next Generation Technologies 28:56

5 years ago28:56

28:56

Computer vision and advanced algorithmic sensors have changed the possibilities of consumer facing technologies. From augmented reality to virtual reality, kinect technology to motion capture, host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Adaora Udoji, Director of Corporate Innovation of RLab about the latest trends that are evolving and how COVID is accelerating adoption and testing, as well as some of the exciting start-ups moving the needle. We are no longer in a world that can wait for long tail pilot testing and roll outs that take years, the consumer is changing rapidly. Adaora Udoji Bio Director of Corporate Innovation of RLab ADAORA currently heads a corporate innovation and venture program team at RLab , a New York City initiative focused on emerging technology like spatial computing- virtual reality, augmented reality, gesture, voice, neural networks. She is a media innovator; an award-winning storyteller with an expertise in emerging technology. She helps build new tech products, teams, and business model strategies. She’s also a media maker including creating new tech immersive formats like virtual reality and augmented reality, having written and directed experiences for the likes of Google Daydream VR, as well as the producer of documentaries and short films. Questions: 1. Let's break down 3D scanning as a creative tool and storytelling medium. 2. How does 3D capture work? 3. How is VR changing the way we build environments? 4. How have you seen adoption and use cases evolve in retail for AR? 5. How is creation accelerated/opportunities widened via 6. What are you most excited for in terms of innovations coming to fruition in 2021? RLAB: A partnership between New York City and its universities, RLab is the nation’s first city-funded center for research, education and entrepreneurship in virtual and augmented reality and related technologies. https://www.rlab.nyc/…

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How Do You Capture Customer Intent? 25:44

5 years ago25:44

25:44

A look into capturing customer intent and how brands and retailers will be positioned better than before post COVID. In this discussion, host Melissa Gonzalez dives into the possibilities of contactless data capture with Amanda Latifi, Co-Founder and CEO of Hafta Have. Technology has traditionally been cumbersome and heavily reliant on hardware but now solutions are becoming "lighter" weight and the value proposition to the customer, not just the retailer, is becoming clearer. Listen to how Hafta Have is helping illuminate insights around exactly what shoppers are browsing in-store and unlocking opportunities to continue the offline conversation just as retailers would if a shopper were to abandon their cart online, and learn how its becoming an effective sales and marketing tool. Amanda Latifi, Co-Founder of Hafta Have Named one of “5 Women at the Cusp of Fashion + Technology Innovation”, Amanda Latifi is the co-founder and CEO of Hafta Have, a platform that empowers brick & mortar stores to perform more like online. Amanda brings 15 years of experience in retail strategy and brand marketing for Fortune 500 brands: McDonald’s, SC Johnson Brands, MarsWrigley (Skittles, Combos, Milky Way). A brand strategist assigned to McDonald’s during the recession, Amanda was an integral member of the company’s ‘value team’ studying price-sensitivity thresholds across the U.S. Hafta Have helps retailers collect limited offline data on their customers browsing in-store with a personalized mobile messaging platform (patent-pending) leveraging data captured in-store to drive conversion, helping retailers recover in-store abandonment with the tactics of online. Contactless. No app, no hardware; all SMS . Discussion includes: - What it means to capture customer intent - What do you see as the biggest obstacle causing such a gap between being able to capture content online, but not in-store? - How have you seen COVID opening up opportunities to better capture customer intent? - When you can capture customer intent, what insights can a retailer or brand glean? - Share takeaways from Starbucks and Chili Beans case studies (what made each successful)? - How does Hafta Have serve as a tool for sales and marketing teams?…

1
The Modernization of Clienteling 27:57

5 years ago27:57

27:57

With the evolution of the store, it has now become table stakes to invest in a modernized POS system- one that can be in service of contactless payments, omni-channel retail and clienteling. Having seen demand by brands and retailers to take the step to modernize skyrocket, CEO and Founder Nitin Mangtani speaks to Melissa about how to create a modular system that truly empowers store associates and allows them to flex across channels to better serve customers. Hear why he alludes to the Nordstrom meets Apple experience as he paints the picture of his long term vision of the shopping experience. About Predict Spring PredictSpring is a leading Modern POS platform connecting the online and in-store customer experience and enables sales associates to engage with customers by offering highly personalized interactions and fast and efficient transactions. PredictSpring Content Management System (CMS), is a no-coding mobile commerce platform enables retailers to create a full on brand customized experiences. Designed exclusively for brands and retailers, its innovative technology powers Modern POS, native consumer mobile apps and store associate apps including Clienteling, Endless Aisle, and mPOS. More About the Guest Nitin Mangtani, CEO & Founder, PredictSpring A visionary and pioneer in the mobile commerce sector, Nitin Mangtani is the Founder & CEO of PredictSpring, an innovative mobile commerce platform. Prior to founding PredictSpring, Nitin led the Google Shopping merchant and search infrastructure team, scaling Google Shopping product to hundreds of thousands of retailers. Most recently, Nitin founded Google Retail Promotions to optimize mobile conversions. Prior to joining Google, Nitin was a founding member of data infrastructure group at BEA from 2001-2006. BEA was leader in application platform market and was acquired by Oracle for $8.5 billion. What Melissa Asked Why stores need to invest in their technology in replacing legacy POS’s. The main value of the sales associate in the ‘new retail normal’, the role of the consumer-sales associate and how the relationship is changing. Many shopper-associate relationships are purely digital now. Why associates need to adapt their behavior to create those strong relationships, especially if they lose the in-person element. Why clienteling is important and what will comprise a strong clienteling strategy, post-pandemic? What will retail experience will look like in a post-COVID-19 world. How can retailers maintain the high quality shopping experience their consumers have come to expect while following social distancing protocols? How can retailers and brands safely create a personalized experience for their consumers from afar?…

1
Creating a Future in which the World is a Store 24:54

5 years ago24:54

24:54

In this episode, Melissa speaks with founder Spencer Hewett on how the possibilities of RFID are involving with RADAR’s speed and accuracy around item-level analytics and autonomous checkout. With the goal of giving retailers insights to understand what is happening in their store locations at any given moment, they are helping their partners illuminate. what’s on the sales floor vs. in the stockroom in real-time, let alone find misplaced items in real-time. Here how they are taking insights another step deeper by layering on computer vision to their RFID platform and where the future lies. In Spencer purview, the future is where the world becomes a store and every object can become indexed and shoppable. Spencer Hewitt is the founder/inventor of RADAR, a fully-integrated hardware and software solution that is powered by RFID and enhanced by computer vision. Spencer was named one of entrepreneur Peter Thiel's "20 Under 20", is a Y Combinator Alum, and has invented/prototyped various technologies (mostly at hackathons) including intelligent advertising displays, wireless hospital hand-hygiene compliance systems, computer vision software for detecting heart rate (implemented on Google Glass), and a device for the visually impaired. To date, Spencer has filed patents for over 20 inventions on behalf of RADAR. Radar , a platform that combines radio frequency identification (RFID) with computer vision to help retailers automate inventory management and more, announced that it has raised $16 million in a round of funding from Ashton Kutcher’s Sound Ventures, NTT Docomo Ventures, Align Ventures, Beanstalk Ventures, Colle Capital, Founders Fund Pathfinder, and Novel TMT. Questions Asked: 1) Why did you found the company in 2013, what was your vision then? 2) How has your vision evolved? How have you seen the market progress in making RFID more accessible and integrated? 3) You say that your RFID technology is different from traditional RFID, as you build everything from the ground up using “proprietary signal processing methods and location algorithms” that improve the ability to identify an RFID tag in three dimensions - can you explain that to us? 4) Radar layers on computer vision with RFID - how has that make your approach different/more powerful? What insights can you glean? 5) What have been the biggest challenges around integration and how are you solving for that? 6) Any key customers/case studies you can highlight? Best successful examples? 7) What are some use cases not yet made possible that you see pursuing in your future? You have mentioned autonomous check out in the past...…

1
The Evolution of Reserved Shopping 19:42

5 years ago19:42

19:42

Originally launched to support their brand-owned locations, 3Den is now expanding their offerings to become an operator of spaces. With a simple check-in process, hear how their technology is creating operational efficiency and reducing costs for companies while also enhancing consumer experiences. Living in a time of COVID and beyond, 3Den is opening up real time visibility into space capacity, traffic flows and democratizing appointment based retail experiences. About the Company: 3Den (pronounced Eden) is tech-powered aggregation of an airport lounge meets a work space meets sanctuary. Their first flagship gives you everything you need to zone in or out. Plenty of outlets to recharge your phone. Quiet zones, nap pods and generously stocked showers with towels and slippers to recharge yourself. Now they are taking their technology to the next level. About the Guest: Ben Silver is founder and CEO at 3DEN. A serial entrepreneur from the UK, Ben was previously a co-founder at ivee, a venture backed consumer electronics company creating the first wave of voice assistants. What Melissa Asked: 1) What was your vision when you created 3Den? 2) How has your long term vision evolved, how do you see 3Den has a hybrid of branded spaces, and a 3rd party operator? 3) What is approach to curating brands showcased in your spaces? 4) What incentives should a brand provide to entice app downloads? 5) Where do you see contactless tech and voice converging?…

1
Driving Organic Innovation 38:28

5 years ago38:28

38:28

The belief that necessity drives innovation has never been more prevalent than it is today. As the world is catapulted into new norms and expectations, we are seeing the baseline of ease and convenience being reset and converging with a heightened expectation of meaningful experiences. We are passing through the rubicon of digitization and brands, and retailers will be in a race to catch up. There will be a heightened need for an agile and nimble approach to retail. In this episode , join a dynamic conversation with Joe Jackman and Melissa Gonzalez addressing how today’s “workarounds” are driving organic innovation, what we can learn from it and how to create a muscle around listening, learning and adaption in a timely manner. About Joe Joe Jackman is the CEO of Jackman Reinvents , the world’s foremost reinvention company and author of The Reinventionist Mindset: Learning to love change and the human how of doing it brilliantly . Throughout his 30-plus-year career as strategist, creative director, marketer and Reinventionist, he has helped companies create the most powerful and relevant versions of their brands and businesses in record time. He is widely considered to be the leading expert on rapid reinvention. Questions Asked – You are often referred to as a Reinventionist. Can you share you methodology in how you approach reinvention? – What does it mean to have a human-centric approach? – You speak about change being a human endeavor not a commercial answer. How do brands balance that priority of putting humans first and knowing positive ROI will follow? – As you see the world transitioning today, we aren’t necessarily seeing a reinvention of technology, but rather adoption of what’s been in the marketplace. How do you see consumer adoption of technology driving reinvention of the store? What are you guiding brands and retailers to prioritize when it comes to future investments? – What kinds of companies do you think are best positioned when we evolve into our new norm and when doors are fully opened again? – We are living in a WFH environment and travel is limited. When life goes back to normal, what are the three must-do things/must-see places to visit in your hometown?…

1
Capturing Mindshare via Digital Signage 20:34

5 years ago20:34

20:34

As the physical world becomes more digitally integrated, strategies around signage will become more comprehensive and sophisticated. Brands and retailers will need to uncover opportunities to interact in ways that not only feel safe but also educate, entertain and build customer loyalty. Digital signage is only the medium, experience is the crucial layer on top. From order queing via geofencing strategies to AI and personalization to voice activated messaging, learn how Raydiant CEO Bobby Marhamat and his team are helping position their clients to think outside the box and discover ways to bring their stores to life. About Bobby Bobby is the CEO of Raydiant, a digital signage provider that helps businesses turn their TVs into interactive signs that drive sales, improve the in-store experience, and reinforce brand messaging. Prior to joining Raydiant, Bobby served as the COO of Revel Systems where he worked on the front lines with over 25,000 brick and mortar restaurateurs and retailers. Bobby has held leadership positions including CEO, CRO, and VP of Sales at companies such as Highfive, Limos.com, EVO2, Verizon Wireless, LookSmart, ServerPlex Networks, and Sprint/Nextel. Bobby is also the author of “You got that P.H.d.?” a book written to give entrepreneurs a blueprint of what to focus on to quickly scale their business. When Bobby’s not spending his time thinking about the future of brick and mortar experiences, you can find him traveling, reading, hiking or tending to his colorful vegetable garden. About Raydiant Raydiant uses technology to help businesses bring their physical locations to life. Whether showcasing the steam off of a coffee in a menu, playing in-store music, or even displaying employee messaging, Raydiant ensures a brand’s messaging is consistent – all while offering the ability to tailor each screen to varying audiences and interactive content. What Melissa Asked 1. We are living in unprecedented times, times that are fueling consumer and retailer adoption of technology – putting Raydiant in an interesting position. In what ways have these changes impacted Raydiant. 2. What role do you see Raydiant playing in the growing adoption of order ahead and curbside order pick up? 3. What are the most common challenges you see for clients being able to streamline content distribution across locations and how does Raydiant help streamline that? 4. How do you work with your clients to help find creative ways to create unique ways to distribute content? 5. The digital signage market is set for significant growth over the next couple of years. What advancements in display technology are also likely to drive the market in your opinion? 6. The out-store location segment is expected to witness considerable growth through 2027 owing to growing adoption of digital signage in various outdoor applications, how are you foreseeing this trend evolving?…

1
The Evolution of Sampling 26:01

5 years ago26:01

26:01

In a post-COVID world, sampling will be a new experience. The evolution will be solved by the digitization of vending led by a curated consumer journey. In this episode , host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Marci Weisler , Chief Commerical Officer of Vengo Labs , a leading digital marketing and retail tech company connecting brands and consumers in the places they go by combining media, product sampling and retail. Learn how digital machines will go contactless and be a key tool for data collection from top of funnel to conversion for brands and retailers, as consumers are empowered to have a “remote controlled” shopping experience in the future. About Marci Marci Weisler is an accomplished executive and advisor with broad experience growing and managing digital businesses for both startups and brands, with a focus on strategy and execution, innovation and transformation. She’s currently Chief Commercial Officer of Vengo Labs, and prior she had her own consultancy with clients including Kellogg’s , Gilt and Entertainment Benefits Group as well as startups disrupting health, media, and mobile. Marci also founded SWSI Media (Smart Women. Smart Ideas), which powers women-founded and women-led businesses and co-executive produced Queen Boss , a series combining competition and mentorship for black women entrepreneurs that aired on BETher. About Vengo Labs Vengo is a leader in marketing and retail technology, at the intersection of unattended retail, digital out-of-home (DOOH) media, and attributable product sampling. Vengo continues to expand both its Core Network and In-Retail solutions and offer new solutions for brands, locations, and stores engaging with consumers. https://vengolabs.com/ What Melissa Asked 1. Marci, tell us about your role as Chief Commercial Officer at Vengo? 2. You are no stranger to digital strategies and innovation for brands, what are your thoughts on how those aspects will be even more intertwined into physical retail post COVD-19? 3. Sampling in particular will be a challenge in store, especially when it comes to things like beauty testers, how do you see Vengo helping the industry solve for this? 4. What kind of data do you capture and how do you help your clients contextualize that data and glean insights? 5. What have been some of your most successful activations and why? What are key elements for a successful formula? 6. With the world moving to a less touch reliant world, how do you see digital mini machines like yours evolve. You recently implemented contactless machines, how will it work? Upcoming Event Melissa will be hosting a webinar titled The New Consumer Behaviors That Will Reshape The Physical Store on June 9th. During the session, she will cover how stores will approach the reallocation of front-of-house and back-of-house employees to better serve new logistical needs and customer expectations. For more information or to register for the seminar, you can visit Retail Innovation Week.…

1
Why Your Brand Should Live Stream 24:01

5 years ago24:01

24:01

With ShopShops , viewers can watch hosts, from experienced salespeople to fashion or beauty influencers, via a QVC -style live stream as they display clothes and accessories for up to several hours. In this episode of Retail Refined , Melissa learns how ShopShops is democratizing access to both brands and influencers and allowing them to bring offline shopping online. Founder Liyia Wu shares what makes a live stream event successful and a few unexpected lessons, such as coordinating the sale of a $14,500 Birkin bag and how shoppers themselves have influenced each others purchases. Questions Melissa Asked How have you seen adoption evolve around live streaming (on both the consumer side and the brand/retailer side)? What has been your formula for success with converting content to sales? What have been some expected outcomes/learning you can share? Where do you see the marketing evolving with “try-on” via live stream? As you evolve to a more open platform technology, what new release and integrations do you see in the future? About the Company ShopShops , headquartered in NY, LA and Beijing, is a platform that connects brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States with consumers around the world. Stores host live streamed events with hosts who sell to viewers in real time. Upcoming Event Melissa will be hosting a webinar titled The New Consumer Behaviors That Will Reshape The Physical Store on June 9th. During the session, she will cover how stores will approach the reallocation of front-of-house and back-of-house employees to better serve new logistical needs and customer expectations. For more information or to register for the seminar, you can visit Retail Innovation Week.…

Retail Refined

1
The Future of Data Driven Store Design 22:30

5 years ago22:30

22:30

In this podcast, Melissa Gonzalez discusses the evolution of store design through data collection and statistical analytics with George Shaw , founder of Pathr . Via computer vision and AI, George discusses how Pathr is able to capture actionable insights to inform operations teams, LP and marketing teams alike to illuminate shopper groups, customers and staff interactions and throughput opportunities at check-out. Social distancing will guide new store layouts, but science will help inform optimization and ways to increase flow without sacrificing safety. Bio: George Shaw is the Pathr Founder and CEO. A consummate industry veteran working at the intersection of data and engineering, Shaw is a true innovator in the fields of spatial analytics, Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technology solutions. Prior to founding Pathr, a disruptive new pioneer in the Spatial Intelligence space, Shaw held senior positions at RetailNext , Intel , Second Spectrum , Target , and many other leading edge brands—working in the capacities of Principal Engineer, Principal Data Strategist, Vice President of Research and Development, Technical Fellow and Scientific Advisor. He serves as an advisor to multiple start-up and emerging technology entities, and has worked as a senior lecturer and educator. He additionally holds multiple U.S. patents for his inventive work in the areas of retail analytics methodology, customer movement and path analysis. Shaw graduated from Boston University , and holds a Master of Science degree from MIT . 1) Tell us a bit about your customers and your data collection process 2) How do you set up a brand/retailer, what are the necessary steps? 3) How do you analyze data and what were some key learnings of recent? Proof points, maybe a recent case study. 4) How do you see the store layout evolving post COVID19 and how will your data help retailers achieve needed changes? 5) How do you see the role of the store associate evolving? 6) How do you see the adoption of technology in-store evolving? What will help adoption? (Ie pricing, IT infrascture, etc) 7) Fun question I ask everyone, we can’t travel right now but soon we will be able to . What are the 3 must things to do/visit in your home city when we are all able travel again.…

Retail Refined

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How Retailers Will Readdress In-Store Engagement 30:56

5 years ago30:56

30:56

In this episode, Melissa is joined by Trevor Sumner , CEO and founder of Perch , a leader in interactive product engagement marketing retail displays. From beauty to CPG to grocery, learn how in-store digital experiences can illuminate insights such as identifying top sellers, product merchandising opportunities and increasing ROI through story animation and education. Hear first hand case study data around recent learnings on how to capture first party product feedback data real time, increase email capture and enhance personalization possibilities. More About Trevor Sumner Trevor Sumner is the CEO of Perch , the leader in interactive product engagement marketing retail displays that can detect when a shopper touches or picks up a product and then respond with product-specific digital experiences that consistently drive 30-130% sales lift. Perch has won numerous Clio, Digi Edison and retail design awards and was named one of the 15 tech companies to watch in 2018 by Forbes. Trevor has been a founder, investor, advisor and operator for cutting-edge technology companies with multiple successful exits and is a regular contributor to business and technology publications such as Inc , Forbes , TechCrunch and Mashable . Trevor is a native New Yorker, an avid fisherman (he caught a 600 lb Black Marlin), an amateur chef and an adventure scuba diver who has dived on every continent including Antarctica. This Week’s Questions 1. Who are some of your customers/can focus on what verticles you serve (ie: Beauty, etc) 2. How does Perch empower brands to “bring media” to the in-store experience? 3. What does it take for a brand to on-board with Perch? 4. What are some learnings over the past 12 months? (ie: Perch customers spend 83% more, return products less… and why?). 5. How do you see brands and retailers evolving how they “show up” in the new norm, how does experiential evolve? 6. What is Perch doing to evolve in the future, especially with touch and making interactions feel safer? 7. How do you see the state of things accelerating technology implementations (we know consumer adoption is up)? How can the ecosystem (tech providers like Perch, brands, IT teams) better work together to make implementations more attainable? 8. I always end with a fun question- focused on where you are from or where you live- While we aren’t traveling right now, we will again, what are the 3 must visit/must to-do things you would recommend to those visiting?…

Retail Refined

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The Future of Eradicating Fit Risk 30:52

5 years ago30:52

30:52

In this episode, we speak with Haniff Brown , Founder of Fit:Match to discuss how AI is helping consumers get exactly what they want. Much like netflix powers a recommendation engine for content, Fit:Match can scan a person in 3 minutes and use that data to find and suggest the brands and retailers that carry items that have the ideal fit for a person’s body type. Bio: Haniff Brown considers himself to be a passionate entrepreneur helping to solve real, everyday consumer pain points. Prior to FIT:MATCH , Haniff spent almost a decade in the retail and consumer investment industry. He worked at Freeman Spogli , a consumer based private equity firm in New York, where he helped to analyze new investments and help existing portfolio companies scale their businesses. Haniff also spent three years as an investment banking analyst in the consumer and retail group at Credit Suisse . He received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Psychology from Williams College in 2009. Questions asked: – How does Fit:Match help brands and retailers eradicate “fit risk” and how do you see that need accelerating in the new norm? – Walk us through the customer experience and how you collect data? – Early learnings on consumer sentiment and reception of the Fit:Match experience – How do you on board a brand? What are the steps/requirements? – How do you see your technology evolving? Will at-home scans be possible? Do you envision Fit:Match fully powering dressing rooms for brand and retail partners? – Fun question I am asking all guests, since we can’t travel these days (but we will again) what are your top 3 must visit/ must do’s in Florida?…

Retail Refined

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A New Look at the Checkout Experience 24:54

5 years ago24:54

24:54

In this episode we discuss how FutureProof is helping propel the industry forward when it comes to the acceleration of contactless and mobile payments in grocery, fashion and beyond. No longer a generational conversation, we are seeing an emergence of the DIY consumer and we speak about how that is shaping adoption. And the automated checkout experience is not only powering efficiency and convenience but it’s enabling deeper levels of personalization as they are able to layer in product recommendations, track location navigation. The star is still the store, and technology is powering the hybridization of offline and online convergence. Di Di Chan is the President and Co-Founder of FutureProof Retail , a New York-based company with the mission of bringing frictionless shopping technologies into physical retail stores. FutureProof leads in providing simple, quality, and customizable Mobile Checkout and Mobile Order Ahead solutions for retailers. Di Di is a global entrepreneur who is passionate about technology, education, and sustainability. Her experience and network in over 15 different countries directly shape FutureProof Retail’s global vision, bringing their solutions to three continents and five different types of retail to date. She holds an M.A. in Economics from New York University and a B.A. in Global Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles . What Melissa Asked – What are is FutureProof doing to help propel the industry forward when it comes to contactless payments? Recently your company has offered your services at NO cost to retailers: – Who are some of your customers today? (ie: Fairway and some stats you can share) – You started with a focus on grocery, why? – What sector do you see following in terms of adoption? (Fashion…) – Pre- COVID 19 , we saw brick and mortar conviction with retailers like Amazon and Alibaba entering physical retail, how do you see that evolving? – Based on your data, what do you see as far as generational adoption of tech/ you have stated that “age isn’t the differentiator”? – When we are able to leave our homes again, what are the 3 top things you see yourself doing first in NYC?…

Retail Refined

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A New Look at the Last Mile 27:42

5 years ago27:42

27:42

With new norms emerging such as a new equilibrium in supply and demand and emerging family priorities, we are seeing an increased adoption of technologies that reposition how consumers receive products and services. Last mile is focusing on hyper convenience with speed, ease and utility as the guiding light. Experiential tech won’t go away, but we will see brands and retailers lean more heavily into order management, distribution fulfillment and mobile payments. On this episode of Retail Refined , host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Mariya Zorotovich , Director of Strategy and Incubation in the Internet of Things Group at Intel and part of the Emerging Technology organization of the Retail, Banking, Hospitality, and Education verticals. In this discussion, Mariya and Melissa discuss not only the trends we are seeing but a 4-step playbook to approaching how to rethink consumer needs and expectations. Some of the main topics from the conversation include… The new consumer and new habits forming Increased adoption of tech across generations The new challenge/opportunity this poses for brands and retailers (contactless payments, curbside, etc.) Who is currently well positioned for this (i.e. Target) High level tips/steps for retailers and brands as they approach rethinking customer needs and expectations post-COVID-19 Guest Bio Mariya Zorotovich is Director of Strategy and Incubation in the Internet of Things Group at Intel and part of the Emerging Technology organization of the Retail, Banking, Hospitality, and Education verticals. She is responsible for the incubation of emerging technologies, including the Intel Experience Incubation Hub for experiential collaboration. Prior to joining Intel in 2018, she held leadership roles in both commercial cloud and cloud and AI engineering at Microsoft focused on digital transformation in Retail and Consumer Goods. She worked with retailers and brands to help them develop new strategies that improved profitable growth, scale, and customer satisfaction, leveraging AI and cloud technologies. Prior to Microsoft, Mariya spent two decades in retail leading strategies and initiatives across sales, operations, marketing, technology, and product management. Her last retailer was Nordstrom, where she has first-hand experience delivering digital capabilities such as checkout, order management, last-mile fulfillment, and services such as buy online pick in store across both physical and digital channels. She currently serves as Co-Chair and board member of GMDC’s Retail Tomorrow Advisory Council (RTAC), board member of Global Retail Marketing Association (GRMA) Partner Advisory Board, and Asian Upward Advisory Board.…

Retail Refined

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Rewriting the Playbook for Predicting Consumer Demand 30:18

5 years ago30:18

30:18

First Insight approaches retail with a forward looking view to consumers via predictive analytics. Through their extensive longitudinal data they are formulating insights around how consumers are being reconditioned. They are seeing a convergence of demographics and a shift to online happening as people shift to staples and stockpiling, but what does the future look like? This week on Retail Refined , learn how Greg Petro and his team are collecting data to access the future as companies will no longer be able to build models on historical data alone. What Melissa Asked Tell us how First Insight approaches its research? How are you seeing the approach to data shifting during COVID-19? Who are some of your customers/this can be verticals (ie: Brands, manufacturers, etc) What are the early trends that you are seeing and how do you think they will evolve? Follow up to trends, are you starting to see demographics converging in opinion creating more unity amongst generations and their approach to shopping? How does a brand or retailer approach demand/order planning for Q3/Q4? How are you personally prioritizing spend right now? More About Greg Petro With decades of experience in retail, economics and growing SaaS businesses, Greg has helped to build First Insight, a technology company transforming how retailers make product and pricing decisions, into the world’s leading platform for creating differentiated products. Greg has extensive knowledge in the retail and technology industry, having held previous roles at i2/JDA, Saks, Inc. and Macy’s. His expertise and dedication to the industry have been touted at events including the NRF Big Show and WWD CEO Summit and in publications such as Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC and the Financial Times where he’s discussed how retailers can navigate today’s disruptions. Recently Greg was recognized as one of NRF’s “25 Most Influential People in Retail” and as Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Melissa will be back every Tuesday with new episodes!…

Retail Refined

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The Shopping Experience and Future of Payment Integration 29:51

5 years ago29:51

29:51

The future of payments will be more fluid than ever in tomorrow’s “new norm.” Customers are engaging with brands across channels with fewer pauses and will expect that fluidity to continue in a seamless and frictionless way, from in-store to online. In this discussion, learn how Klarna is helping brands and retailers re-think strategies around the point of sale. David Sykes is the Head of U.S. for Klarna , one of Europe’s largest banks offering direct payments, pay after delivery options and installment plans in a one-click purchase experience for customers. Previously, Sykes was the Chief Operating Officer of QuadPay , another payment platform, as well as the International General Manager for Crown Resorts . Melissa will be back every Tuesday with new episodes!…

Retail Refined

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Introducing A New Retail Podcast 30:55

5 years ago30:55