Episodi

  • Hello and welcome to Winning Retail. This episode features an interview with Sandy Gilsenan, Senior Vice President of Retail at Warby Parker, and Kim Nemser, Chief Merchandising Officer and Head of Product Strategy at Warby Parker.

    On today’s episode, Kim and Sandy discuss revolutionizing and customizing the eyewear industry, using omnichannel tactics to create trust with customers, and Warby Parker’s journey to its 200th store.

    “It's here in our hometown in New York City, opening up our 200th store this weekend. And I think that these incredible experiences that we've been able to really provide for our customers by having these in-store interactions have been really, I think, incredibly memorable.

    Not just for our customers, but also for our store. The idea of seeing one of our customers leave so happily, having this holistic vision care offering offered to them in one of our locations to me is still an incredibly unique proposition, especially for our customers to see our frames live and in person.” - Sandy Gilsenan

    “A typical journey as the customer first meets our brand through a home try-on program, they get those five frames. Maybe they go online to see them, maybe they heart some, and then they go to a store. They come to the store informed about our brand. And I think one of the things that I always applaud, is our store associates are, best in class in terms of training, learning about customer experience.

    We really focus on that. So I think it's this idea, you know, the word omnichannel is probably a bit overused, but we sort of like to say we're gonna create as many channels as our customers dictate necessary for them to trust the brand and find the product that they love.” - Kim Nemser

    Show Notes

    (02:39) - Sandy’s journey to Warby Parker(03:57) - Kim’s journey to Warby Parker (06:57) - Warby Parker’s 200th store(14:27) - Buy a pair give a pair(19:54) - Seamless technology(29:52) - Getting to know Sandy and Kim

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    Links

    Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

    Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha – Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with David Walmsley, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Pandora. David has led multiple consumer businesses through their digital transformation and, in the process, scaled omnichannel growth.

    On today’s episode, David discusses using technology to customize the e-commerce experience, prioritizing bringing your whole company up to speed on digital transformation, and how these advancements are helping to reduce Pandora’s carbon footprint.

    “Our starting point, our point of departure, was always keeping our people safe, and then keeping our customers safe, and then thinking about how we could use technology to amplify our business in that very strange time that we all lived through, particularly in 2019. And we didn't just survive; we thrived through that time.” - David Walmsley

    Show Notes

    (02:01) David’s journey to Pandora (06:58) What is Program Pheonix?(10:06) Technology and culture change (19:17) Changes in the business model(25:54) Getting personal with David(30:52) David’s advice as CIO

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    Links

    Connect with David on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha – Transformant

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  • This episode features an interview with Tim Moerman, Sustainability & ESG Director at Anheuser-Busch InBev in Europe. Tim works to deliver sustainable value through global sustainability goals, entrepreneurship, and supply chain D&I.

    In today’s episode, Tim discusses meeting the consumer demand for sustainability, how he’s using technology for efficiency and transparency, and all that AB InBev is doing to support a future with more cheers.

    “What's going to be adamant is that we decarbonize faster than ever before in the next couple of years. So it's almost not the reduction that you will have between today and 2050, it's the whole volume of emissions that you will still have on the way to get there. That is gonna be very critical. And I think that's that kind of trickle-down in more, more people's minds.” - Tim Moerman

    Show Notes

    02:06 - Tim’s journey to AB InBev 08:25 - AB InBev’s mission to net zero carbon emissions by 204016:09 - Tim’s approach from a technology ecosystem standpoint25:26 - The goal to be more local, natural, and inclusive 37:38 - Tim’s advice

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    Links

    Connect with Tim on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tim on Twitter

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha – Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Moritz Klaemt, Vice President for Digital Marketing & eCommerce at Henkel. As a CPG brand specialist in Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care Division, Moritz helps to drive consumer value and alleviate pain points through digital transformation.

    On today’s episode, Moritz discusses Henkel’s digital community platform, “Ask Team Clean,” explains the difference between consumer centricity and consumer engagement, and touches on the future of AI.

    --

    “Understand what is relevant for the consumer, and only then say, ‘okay, what role do I now play with my brands?’” -Moritz Klaemt

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:35) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(2:45) Moritz’s background(6:06) A primer on Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care division(9:54) Moritz’s approach to E-commerce(11:35) Introducing “Ask Team Clean”(16:49) Putting the consumer first, brand second(20:17) The relationship between consumer care and retailers(24:26) Data collaboration with retailers(27:22) The future of AI(29:23) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Moritz on LinkedIn

    Connect with Moritz on Twitter

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Scott Ziegler, EMEA Retail Director at Havaianas-Alpargatas. For 38 years, Scott has worked with some of the most iconic brands in the apparel world, from Foot Locker in the U.S. to now Havaianas in Europe, which sells over 200 million pairs of flip-flops each year.

    On today’s episode, Scott walks us through their Madrid flagship location, makes a case for RFID, and explains what LMX Theory is and how he uses it to build out his teams.

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    “One of the great joys that I have is going into stores in Europe - and that was one of the big surprises for me - is how enthusiastic the employees were for the product.” -Scott Ziegler

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:27) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(3:23) Scott’s background in retail and current role at Havaianas(4:54) The freedom of flip-flop culture(6:55) Transporting customers to the beach through store design, ambience, and passionate employees(9:52) Recent developments: click-and-collect, franchising, and digital windows(11:16) A walk through the Madrid flagship store(13:56) Using technology to improve inventory accuracy(15:34) The two-way trust exchange of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory(19:34) Allowing employees to do their job and bring solutions(21:58) Enhancing the customer experience(24:23) Lightning round(27:54) Scott’s parting advice

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Scott on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Jonathan Muir, Global Director of Retail Activation at adidas. Since joining the iconic sportswear company in September, Jonathan has helped to take adidas’s brand campaigns and bring them to life in stores.

    On today’s episode, Jonathan walks us through their Berlin flagship location, makes a case for app integration being retailers’ number one priority, and reveals why he thinks sneakers create such an emotional bond with customers.

    --

    “I would love to get to the point one day where we’re not really just looking at conversion as a purchase at the cash desk. It's more about did that person join your platform or not?” -Jonathan Muir

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:27) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(2:29) Jonathan’s journey across the globe(6:07) Making brand campaigns come to life in retail environments(7:36) A walk through adidas’s Berlin flagship store(11:14) Driving the experiential with “Green Lab”(12:50) A paradigm shift in the shopping experience(15:09) How adidas is using the digital to power the physical(17:18) Making app integration a focal point(20:06) How to build a value-added experience that benefits consumers(23:12) Jonathan’s key to driving acceptance and adoption(25:50) The emotional connection of sneakers(27:59) Lightning round(32:43) Jonathan’s elevator pitch on retail activation

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    Links

    Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Dean Frew and Johan Stenström, CTO & SVP of SML Group and Supply Chain Developer at Stadium, respectively. SML recently partnered with Stadium to provide their item-level RFID solutions, helping increase inventory accuracy at the Swedish sports retailer to 99.5%.

    On today’s episode, Dean and Johan discuss the origins of their partnership, the buy-in needed for digital transformation, and why the most successful retailers are the ones challenging their assumptions about inventory accuracy.

    --

    “Retailers who are challenging their assumptions about their inventory accuracy and their true in-store performance are the ones who are moving forward.” -Dean Frew & Johan Stenström

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:35) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(2:54) Johan’s background at Stadium(3:50) Dean’s background at SML Group(5:31) The evolution of RFID technology(8:24) Stadium enters the picture(14:22) Out-of-stock: a common use case(17:08) Optimizing other nodes in the supply chain(19:23) How RFID has benefited Stadium(21:14) Overcoming data obstacles(22:47) Why are some retailers still not using RFID?(29:50) Lightning round(35:04) Final advice

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Dean on LinkedIn

    Connect with Johan on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Simone Sweeney, Vice President Global Retail Development at The LEGO Group. Since 2015, Simone has helped develop, lead, and implement global retail programs for the nearly 90 year-old brand.

    On today’s episode, Simone discusses the concept of “retailtainment,” the challenges of opening 300 stores in over 40 countries over the last two years, and how technology plays both an inspirational and practical role.

    --

    “Everything that we do is our mission to inspire and develop the future builders of tomorrow." -Simone Sweeney

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:27) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(2:50) Simone’s journey in retail(6:22) Introducing the concept of “retailtainment”(11:58) The inspirational and practical role of technology in Lego stores(17:50) Diving into the experiential “Brick Lab” experience(21:08) The challenges of leading a global retail company(26:48) Creating a seamless offline and online shopper experience(30:26) What makes the Lego brand special?(32:36) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Simone on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Antonia Johnstone, CEO of Sign of the Times. For over 45 years, Sign of the Times has been London’s premier luxury resale store, which Antonia acquired in 2019.

    On today’s episode, Antonia discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, the complexities of her industry’s supply chain, and why fashion must reduce its environmental impact.

    --

    “100 billion apparel items are produced yearly and 60% of those will be discarded within one year. It’s quite a big issue, and I think fashion needs to lighten its footprint on the planet.” -Antonia Johnstone

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:27) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(3:28) Antonia’s journey as an entrepreneur(6:26) A day in the life(9:08) Resale as a sustainability initiative(10:39) The role technology has played at Sign of the Times(12:30) Using microscopic photo AI to authenticate merchandise(13:53) The complexities of the luxury resale supply chain(18:23) Why fashion must reduce its environmental impact(23:08) Biggest challenges and tracking the single SKU(25:13) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Antonia on LinkedIn

    Follow Sign of the Times on Instagram

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features a recap of NRF 2022: Retail's Big Show, which took place in New York City from January 16th-18th.

    On today’s episode, we hit the convention floor and hear from various companies about how they are tackling some of retail's most pressing matters, from staffing shortages to supply chain issues to leveraging massive amounts of data.

    --

    Show Notes

    (3:38) What were the big themes of this year's convention?(5:30) Zliide, the automated checkout company(7:38) Exotec, the warehouse automation company(10:24) Retail Robotics, the parcel locker company(14:42) Ulisse, the behavioral AI company(16:00) Heuritech, the image intelligence company(17:57) Dressipi, the fashion AI company(19:23) Nobal Technologies, the interactive mirror company(21:04) Scandit, the barcode scanning AR company(22:45) Tokinomo, the shelf advertising robot company(25:19) Yugabyte, the open-source, multi-cloud company(27:20) The future of retail technology(28:58) The advantage of being press at NRF(30:08) Why New York is the perfect location for NRF

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

  • This episode features an interview with Kellie Romack, Vice President of Associate and Customer Care Product Experience at Walmart U.S. Since joining the company in October of 2020, Kellie has been responsible for creating a frictionless associate and customer experience using innovative technology and streamlined ways of working.

    On today’s episode, Kellie gives us an inside look into Walmart’s associate-facing app, Me@Walmart, talks about the future of AR in stores, and shares why it’s better to be brave than perfect.

    --

    “We're servant leaders. We're working for those associates in the stores. We're working for those customers and making sure that we're solving the problems for them.” -Kellie Romack

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:36) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(3:22) Kellie’s background in hospitality and retail(7:24) A day in the life(8:25) Diving into the Me@Walmart app: its origins, how it works, and UX(18:16) The joy of working cross-functionally with teams(21:23) The challenges of servant leadership(22:52) How AR and VR are transforming Walmart stores(26:37) Scaling digital transformation at a Fortune 1 company(28:32) Championing DE&I at Walmart(32:11) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Kellie on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Jim Weinberg, Chief Merchandising Officer at DSW. As a turnaround and restructuring specialist, Jim has spent his career responding to shifting consumer behaviors, and now oversees merchandising and marketing strategies for the $3 billion shoe giant.

    On today’s episode, Jim discusses DSW’s transition into the athletic and athleisure space, changing store layouts, and how technology is transforming their business.

    --

    “We’re not selling anything anyone needs. This is not a pharmaceutical situation. You’re creating an emotional connection with your consumers through marketing and product, and that’s the magic that happens.” -Jim Weinberg

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:37) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(4:55) Jim’s background and finding his niche as a turnaround and restructuring specialist(8:30) A history lesson: how massive changes lead to a “new next”(12:50) DSW’s transition into athletic and athleisure and the restructuring of their stores(18:18) Experiential retailing: new store concepts and a focus on storytelling(24:15) How technology is transforming DSW’s business from store to site to merchandising(29:18) The challenges of change management(32:48) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Krista Bourne, SVP of Consumer Sales and Operations at Verizon. As a change leader, Krista has worked her way up from mailroom employee to now incoming Chief Operating Officer at the company.

    On today’s episode, Krista discusses the holiday shopping season in the face of changing consumer behaviors, the immersive nature of technology in the 5G era, and Verizon’s “Call for Kindness” campaign.

    --

    “We've really met our customers where they expect to see the brand. But we continue to learn how to do that in a frictionless, seamless manner, because that's what consumers expect.” -Krista Bourne

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:29) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(3:42) Krista’s background and the power of feedback(7:35) Lessons from the holiday shopping season(10:03) Scaling a frictionless customer experience(12:02) Implementing the Touchless Retail strategy(13:36) Digital shopping quizzes, virtual stores, and more innovation in the 5G era(17:49) Encouraging decency with Verizon’s “Call for Kindness” campaign(20:24) Krista’s advice to those not being heard(23:11) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Krista on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Chris Rupp, EVP & Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Albertsons Companies. For over 20 years, Chris has successfully led and scaled strategic business units for companies like Sears, Amazon, and now Albertsons.

    On today’s episode, Chris discusses what it was like to run the first Amazon Prime day, the “build vs. buy” conundrum of picking technology, and partnering with places like DoorDash and Pinterest to meet customers wherever they might be thinking of dinner.

    --

    “You have to stay in touch with your customers’ needs. All the time. You can’t get complacent. And you certainly should be watching out for how new entries are serving customers in new ways, because they have a whole lot less to lose than big established companies.” -Chris Rupp

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:20) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation(2:56) Chris’s background across different companies and cultures(7:11) Creating the first Prime Day at Amazon(9:03) Albertsons and a focus on the overall customer journey(14:28) Grocery problems: hiring, picking technology, and an uncertain supply chain(24:07) Creating partnerships with DoorDash and Pinterest to combat last mile(28:20) Why digital transformations fail and the moment where all is lost(31:25) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Daryl Porter. Daryl recently transitioned from his post as Global Head of Retail Stores at Anheuser-Busch InBev to Senior Partner & Global Omni Operations Lead at Tomorrow Retail Consulting. With over 25 years of retail and leadership experience at Walmart Canada and Anheuser-Busch InBev, Daryl is an omni-channel practitioner with a passion for online grocery.

    On today’s episode, Daryl discusses the importance of rallying your team around a “just cause,” emerging technology and labor trends in the eGrocery space, and the distinction between mature retailers and immature retailers.

    --

    “Everybody’s focused on productivity, and I believe you can achieve it without pushing people to their breaking point. Humans and technology can work together and achieve amazing things.” -Daryl Porter

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:58) Daryl’s background as an Omnichannel practitioner(5:45) Rallying your team around the idea of a “just cause”(10:17) Taking a more humanistic approach to technology and worker optimization(12:31) What Daryl learned from working with Walmart and Anheuser-Busch InBev(15:49) Omnichannel and DTC store trends(20:02) A pain point for physical stores (20:50) Is on-demand labor a trend that will accelerate dramatically for retailers?(25:28) The maturity curve of automation and robot picking technology(29:11) The distinction between “mature retailers” and “immature retailers”(33:41) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Labs for Cartier North America. Since 2017, Andrew has worked to design and test new forms of retail experiences while exploring new frontiers outside the world of jewelry and luxury goods.

    On today’s episode, Andrew talks about the mission of the Cartier Lab, fostering relationships with artists outside a commercial environment, and the balance between heritage and innovation.

    --

    "Developing the human understanding with regard to any new service, any piece of furniture, any technology that will go into the boutique is paramount.” -Andrew Haarsager

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:45) Andrew’s background and the mission of the Cartier Innovation Lab(4:38) Examples of what they are working on right now(8:35) Cartier’s Liaison program: creating spaces between sales associates and artists (10:46) The human side of retail innovation(14:38) Why Andrew thinks Cartier opened its first innovation lab in Brooklyn rather than Paris(18:13) Balancing heritage and change at a nearly 200 year-old brand(23:05) The challenges of internal persuasion and education at Cartier(26:51) Finding the relevant context in technological trends(30:30) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Brian Coupland, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Staples US Retail. With 20+ years of experience leading enterprise innovation and transformation initiatives, Brian helps drive merchandising strategy and operations across the entire Staples U.S. retail network.

    On today’s episode, Brian discusses the importance of getting close to the customer, change management, and working with small businesses and makers through the Staples Connect “Breakthrough Project.”

    --

    “It’s not just about an idea or a trend or a hunch. It’s really about getting closer to the customer to understand what they’re saying, what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking. Today and also tomorrow.” -Brian Coupland

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:34) Brian's background: an obsession with the customer and taking risks(6:14) Introducing Staples Connect(8:14) The Breakthrough Project: new innovations, small businesses, and a second season(12:41) Bringing in and merchandising new products(14:42) Brian's favorite products from the initiative(18:55) The challenges of change management(23:55) Zeroing in on the customer’s needs(27:06) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Sucharita Kodali, Retail Analyst at Forrester Research. With an expansive career that features stops at Saks Fifth Avenue, Toys R Us, and the Walt Disney Company, Sucharita is an expert on eCommerce and the technology developments that affect online shopping.

    On today’s episode, Sucharita touches on everything from rogue distributors to the ESG movement to how retailers can avoid the boiling frog syndrome.

    --

    “The thing I think is really important about retail, CPGs, and brand manufacturers is that the world may be changing, but the technologies and cataclysmic changes to their worlds don't happen overnight.” -Sucharita Kodali

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:34) Taking a critical eye to retail assumptions(7:57) Separating the hype from the reality(10:51) How retailers can avoid the boiling frog syndrome(14:51) The rise of brand manufacturers(17:42) Brand independence in the era of rogue distributors(20:48) Getting unstuck from the 80s retail orthodoxy(25:11) Mindset changes, the ESG movement, and other disruptions(28:33) The long journey of digital transformation(31:37) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Sucharita on LinkedIn

    Follow Sucharita on Twitter

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • This episode features an interview with Jody Putnam, Chief Retail Officer at Mattress Firm. In this role, Putnam oversees all markets and 2,400 Mattress Firm locations, working to help their Sleep Experts talk with customers about improving their lives through better sleep.

    On today’s episode, Jody discusses leading a purpose-driven organization, the role of technology in today’s mattress-buying experience, and America’s sleep habits (spoiler: they’re not good).

    --

    “We improve the lives of people in America by helping them sleep better, whether they buy something from us or not.” -Jody Putnam

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:39) Jody’s backstory and his job training Sleep Experts(6:30) The role of technology in today’s mattress-buying experience(9:02) The rise of the smart mattress(11:16) The data on America’s sleep habits and how that affects product(13:09) Mattress Firm’s evolution into the wellness space with Sleep.com(16:58) The logistics of running a large retail operation(20:33) The mattress store of the future: self-guided tours, touch screens, and sonar(25:06) Lightning round

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

    Connect with Jody on LinkedIn

    Sleep.com

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

    Connect with Tony on Twitter

    Tony Saldanha - Transformant

  • On this special episode, Winning Retail travelled to the RetailNOW2021 Conference in Nashville, TN, where we spoke with conference attendees about the state of retail in 2021.

    Featuring insights from companies like Toshiba, Zebra Technologies, and Diebold Nixdorf, among others.

    --

    “Looking at the U.S. consumer, 40% have shifted to be more digital in the way that they shop, and 90% of those say that's how they plan to continue to purchase and engage brands." -Fredrik Carlegren, Toshiba

    --

    Show Notes

    (1:34) What are we seeing this year in terms of new devices and technologies that we didn't see in years prior?(10:14) With businesses and the world reopening, is there a technology that is more in demand right now?(14:41) What is the best thing you bought recently?

    --

    Sponsor

    This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

    --

    Links

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