The Retail Podcast

Hosted by The Retail Podcast

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

234

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Real conversations with the people running global retail. AI in retail, ecommerce strategy, store operations, retail media, and the future of commerce — without the jargon. Hosted by Alex Rezvan (NRF Retail Voices 2026, founder of RetailNews.ai). Guests include retail CEOs, CDOs, founders, and operators from the world's leading grocery, fashion, luxury, and technology brands. Three formats: World Retail Signals (global retail intelligence), Five Things Friday UK, and in-depth expert interviews. Official partner of NRF Europe and World Retail Congress. 210+ episodes.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202616 min

From ERP to CRM: Toru Koyama on Transforming Japanese Retail

Recorded live at NRF APAC 2026, this episode features Toru Koyama, Executive Officer & Head of IT and Digital Promotion Group at H2O Retailing Corp., and Executive Officer & GM of Digital Innovation Division at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. In this conversation, Toru shares H2O Retailing’s transformation journey — from backend IT and ERP foundations to CRM, unified commerce, retail media, customer data platforms and AI-powered customer communication.The central idea is the “communication retailer”: a retailer that does not simply sell products in-store, but builds trusted, permission-based relationships with customers across stores, e-commerce, data, service and AI-enabled interactions.Guest BioToru Koyama is Executive Officer & Head of IT and Digital Promotion Group at H2O Retailing Corp. and Executive Officer & GM of Digital Innovation Division at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. His background includes roles at IBM Japan, Pfizer and PwC, and he previously served as President & Representative Director of Isetan Mitsukoshi System Solutions, where he led structural reforms. He assumed his current H2O Retailing roles in April 2021 and has been associated with the company’s group-wide digital transformation.

June 16, 20269 min

I Was Ranked #1 in Retail — But This Matters More

I was ranked number one on the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list this week.I am proud of it.But this episode is not really about who is number one. It is about what the retail industry should be measuring in the first place.No ranking system is perfect. No algorithm can fully measure judgement, generosity, lived experience, commercial impact, or trust. But visible work matters: content, speaking, publishing, interviews, and contribution that is out in the open.For too long, recognition in retail has often depended on access, visibility, historic relationships, and who gets invited into the room. Those things have value, but they cannot be the only measure.Thought leadership should not be a lifetime achievement award. It should be evidence of what someone is contributing now.Are they listening to customers?Are they sharing useful insight?Are they helping people make better decisions?Are they putting ideas into the market?Are they giving more than they take?This episode also recognises the people who rarely get enough credit: vendors, partners, event teams, technology builders, exhibitors, supporters, and the people helping move the retail ecosystem forward every day.The Retail Podcast now reaches almost 2,000 listeners a week globally — with no paid audience, no bought followers, and no shortcut. Just people choosing to listen.So the question is:In 2026, what should the retail industry actually recognise as thought leadership?Links:Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Retail 2026 list: https://www.thinkers360.com/top-50-global-thought-leaders-and-influencers-on-retail-2026/Connect on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast

June 10, 20262 min

WooCommerce at Shoptalk Europe: Scaling Open-Source Ecommerce

WooCommerce is live at Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, and the team is bringing open-source ecommerce conversations, enterprise growth strategy, and a local Barcelona touch to the show floor.In this episode, we cover WooCommerce’s presence at Booth B30, where attendees can meet the Woo team, speak with developers and specialists, and explore how open-source ecommerce can support online store growth. The conversation also points to platform features, enterprise ecommerce capabilities, and practical discussions around scaling digital commerce businesses.The episode also highlights WooCommerce’s exclusive local swag: premium candles from Santaló Candles, a Barcelona-based merchant. Plus, WooCommerce is co-hosting a Rooftop Reset & Happy Hour with Avalara, Mollie, and PayPal, giving attendees another way to connect during Shoptalk Europe.Key themes in this episode:Open-source ecommerceWooCommerce for scaling online storesEnterprise ecommerce capabilitiesShoptalk Europe BarcelonaWooCommerce Booth B30Ecommerce platform featuresMerchant growth strategiesRetail and ecommerce networkingFeatured context:Visit WooCommerce at Booth B30 during Shoptalk Europe to meet the team, ask about the platform, and learn more about their event activities.

June 10, 20268 min

Retail AI, Currys & Hasbro: What’s Changing in Retail

Retail AI is moving quickly — and this episode looks at what that means for retailers, ecommerce platforms, brands, and technology leaders.In this discussion, the hosts cover a range of retail and commerce stories, including Currys in the UK, European retail activity, Hasbro, TikTok influencers, Rep AI, Claude, Debenhams, and the wider shift toward AI-powered retail platforms. The episode also touches on funding activity, customer behaviour, platform launches, and how retail companies are responding to new technology.Key themes in this episode include:AI in retail and ecommerceCurrys and UK consumer electronicsHasbro and brand-led retail innovationTikTok influencers and commerce discoveryRep AI and retail technology fundingClaude and AI platform relevanceDebenhams and retail AI developmentsEuropean retail market signalsHow customer behaviour is changingThis episode is especially useful for retail leaders, ecommerce teams, founders, marketers, and anyone tracking how AI is reshaping commerce.Guest/context note: the transcript references Alex, Simon, and Christian, but the provided transcript does not include full names, roles, or bios.Subscribe for more conversations on retail technology, ecommerce, AI, marketplaces, and the future of digital commerce.00:00:00 — Episode Intro: Wednesday Retail News Roundup00:00:22 — Welcome and What’s Coming Up00:01:13 — Shop Talk and European Retail Signals00:01:31 — Live Coverage and Market Context00:01:50 — Currys and UK Electronics Retail00:02:23 — Nordic CEO Discussion and Growth Context00:03:01 — Retail Risk, Warning Signs and Monthly Updates00:04:20 — Hasbro Launch Discussion00:05:25 — Toy Companies, TikTok Influencers and Brand Strategy00:05:49 — Rep AI and Retail AI Funding00:06:09 — Claude and AI Platform Direction00:06:51 — Investor Interest and Retail AI Momentum00:07:22 — AI in Retail and Customer Behaviour00:07:36 — Debenhams and Platform Launches00:08:17 — Retail Data, AI Potential and Next Moves00:08:42 — Final Segment: Retail AI Follow-Up

June 9, 202614 min

Unauthorized Sellers Are Killing Retail Margins

Retail brand protection is no longer just about stopping counterfeit products. For many brands, the bigger issue is margin loss.In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex speaks with Megan Harman, founder of Thorn Crest, about how unauthorized sellers, copycat products, online price undercutting, broken case packs, and weak reseller agreements can damage retail profitability.Megan explains how a small online pricing issue can quickly become a wider retail problem. If an unauthorized seller undercuts a brand’s intended price online, the brand may lower its own price to win the sale. Retailers using dynamic pricing may then match that lower price, and buyers may ask for price protection. What starts as a marketplace issue can become a full-channel margin problem.The episode also explores why counterfeits are only one part of brand protection. Megan breaks down the different risks facing consumer electronics, apparel, CPG, beauty, and skincare brands, from stolen goods and mass liquidation to tampered packaging and social media copycats.Most importantly, Megan explains why seller takedowns are often only a temporary fix. The long-term solution is rebuilding the foundation: authorized reseller agreements, updated warranty language, stronger distribution contracts, and clearer criteria for who is allowed to represent the brand.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why brand protection is really margin protectionHow unauthorized sellers create a race to the bottomWhy online pricing problems can bleed into physical retailThe difference between counterfeits, dupes, and unauthorized sellersWhy consumer electronics, beauty, apparel, and CPG face different risksWhy litigation is not always the best first stepHow brands can use reseller agreements and warranty language to regain controlWhy protecting good retail partners matters as much as removing bad sellersGuest: Megan Harman, founder of Thorn CrestHost: Alex, The Retail PodcastConnect with Megan:LinkedIn: Megan HarmanEmail: Megan at Thorn CrestWebsite: https://www.thorncrest.com/brand-protectionSubscribe to The Retail Podcast for more conversations on retail strategy, e-commerce, marketplaces, brand protection, consumer brands, and the future of retail.

June 2, 202610 min

The Future of Retail in Asia: AI, GLP-1 & Consumer Trends with Isabelle Allen (KPMG)

The future of retail is being shaped by Asia.Recorded live at NRF APAC 2026, this conversation features Isabelle Allen, Global Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG, discussing the trends transforming retail worldwide.Topics include:✅ Why Asia is becoming a retail innovation powerhouse✅ How GLP-1 medications are changing consumer behavior✅ AI adoption challenges facing retailers✅ The growing wellness economy✅ Technology modernization and data readiness✅ What retailers must do to stay competitiveFrom AI to consumer spending shifts, this episode explores the forces that will define the next decade of retail.Guest:Isabelle Allen (KPMG)Host:Jill Dvorak (National Retail Federation)

May 29, 202622 min

NRF 2026 APAC Agenda: The Retail Sessions to Watch

Ryf Quail joins Alex to walk through the NRF 2026 APAC agenda just before the show opens in Singapore.This episode is a practical guide to the sessions, speakers and themes shaping this year’s event, from AI-powered supply chains and retail media to omnichannel, luxury, malls, content commerce, Japan-style transformation and the rise of APAC as a global retail growth engine.Ryf explains why this year’s show has strong momentum, including a larger expo footprint, strong regional attendance and growing interest from markets including China, the Philippines and Indonesia. He then breaks down key agenda moments featuring leaders and companies including Matt Shay, Isabelle Allen, Anish Melwani, Scott Price, Woolworths Group, RELEX Solutions, Moloco, Pacvue, AEON360, DFI Retail Group, FairPrice Group, CJ Olive Young, Shiseido Japan, Maxim’s Food Group, CAA, Kering, Shopify, Scanteak, Manochi, OnTheList, Nestlé Japan, SM Supermalls, Reliance Brands Limited and Authentic Brands Group.Key themes in this episode:Why NRF 2026 APAC is expanding in SingaporeThe biggest keynote and breakout sessions to watchHow AI is changing supply chain, stores, search and customer experienceWhy retail media is becoming a major platform for growthHow APAC retailers are approaching omnichannel differentlyWhy malls remain central to retail in Southeast AsiaWhat India, Japan, China and Southeast Asia reveal about retail’s next phaseHow content, talent and entertainment are becoming retail growth channelsWhether you are attending NRF APAC, following the agenda remotely, or tracking the future of retail in Asia Pacific, this episode gives you a clear roadmap of the conversations that matter.

May 29, 202613 min

UK Retail Shake-Up: Ocado, Lidl, M&S Safety & Brand Collabs and a big thank you to COACH UK

This week on Five Things Friday UK, Alex and Simone unpack the biggest retail stories shaping the UK and European market.The episode covers Ocado’s major tech partnership, Lidl overtaking Morrisons, and why the UK grocery market continues to be watched globally as a model for digital and physical retail. Alex also shares reflections from recent retail visits across Europe, including the Coach pop-up at Selfridges and the House of Rituals in Amsterdam.Simone brings two key stories: M&S’s staff safety initiative with WalkSafe, and the unexpected but strategic collaboration between Little Greene and Hunter. The conversation also explores retail theft, frontline worker protection, experiential retail, lifestyle-led collaborations, and the rise of IP licensing in fashion and retail.Featuring discussion around Coach, Selfridges, Ocado, Lidl, Morrisons, M&S, WalkSafe, JD Sports, Waitrose, Tesco, Rituals, Little Greene, Hunter, Marc Jacobs and LVMH.In this episode:Ocado’s role as a grocery technology platformLidl overtaking Morrisons in UK groceryM&S, WalkSafe and staff safetyRetail theft and frontline worker protectionRituals and the future of experiential retailLittle Greene x Hunter and lifestyle-led brand collaborationsMarc Jacobs, LVMH and IP licensingSubscribe to The Retail Podcast for weekly retail analysis, market shifts, store visits and brand strategy conversations.

May 26, 202612 min

Retail vs Netflix: Why Stores Are Fighting for Attention

Retail is no longer just competing for customer spend. It is competing for attention.In this episode of Podcast Sessions, Richard Fisher, Head of Store Design at Holland & Barrett, joins us live from the EuroShop floor to explore how physical retail is changing in the attention economy.Richard explains why retailers now compete with Netflix, Disney, sport, and other entertainment platforms for people’s time. He shares how Holland & Barrett is evolving its store experience, from grocery concessions with Tesco and Morrisons to flagship learnings from Chelmsford, Bluewater, Cardiff, and Oxford Street.The conversation also explores Holland & Barrett’s role as a health and wellness retailer, its mission to add quality years to life, and Richard’s distinctive “punk and showbiz” philosophy for store design: the balance between getting attention and creating a commercially successful retail environment.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in retail design, wellness retail, store strategy, customer attention, brand experience, and the future role of physical stores.https://info.itab.com/video-social/euroshop-2026In this episode, we cover:How Holland & Barrett is evolving its store design strategyWhy retail is competing with Netflix, Disney and sport for attentionThe importance of time and attention in modern retailHolland & Barrett’s grocery concessions with Tesco and MorrisonsHow store-within-store formats change the customer mindsetWhy Richard Fisher uses the phrase “punk and showbiz”What physical retail can learn from digital commerceHow stores may become part of the marketing journeyWhy brand consistency matters across every retail touchpointWhat the next phase of retail design could look likeGuest: Richard FisherRole: Head of Store Design, Holland & BarrettRecorded live from: EuroShop floorPodcast: Podcast Sessions

May 22, 202614 min

NRF APAC 2026: What Retail Leaders Need to Know Before Singapore

NRF APAC 2026 is shaping up to be a major moment for retail in Asia Pacific.In this episode, Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, joins Five Things Friday to preview the upcoming show in Singapore and explain why the event continues to grow across exhibitors, registrations, international attendance, and senior retail participation.Ryf discusses the expanding expo, major keynote speakers, APAC retail leadership, the CEO Club, and what retailers and exhibitors should do before arriving at the event.Topics include:NRF APAC 2026 show growthRetail leadership across Asia PacificKeynote speakers and global retail brandsFeatured organisations include NRF APAC, LVMH, FairPrice, Shiseido, Creative Artists Agency, Gill Capital, IKEA, Starbucks, 7-Eleven, H&M, Giorgio Armani, Sephora, Walmart, UPS and Coca-Cola.Listen now for a practical preview of NRF APAC 2026 and the retail conversations shaping commerce across Asia Pacific.