.jpg)
The World Retail Podcast is here. For the first time ever, World Retail Congress has taken it’s world class content beyond the stage to give you year round insight from retail leaders across the globe.
Series Four is now here!
We are delighted to be joined by our partners, Deloitte as we explore the changing behaviours and trends of consumers with a variety of guests. In these unique interviews, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the worlds' top retailers are thinking about consumers to create better, more personalised experiences, drive sales and improve loyalty. Listen now!
LISTEN NOW ON:
SERIES FOUR
Consumers: The Shifting View of Data & AI to Enhance the Customer Experience
Join this episode of the World Retail Podcast as we explore the evolving landscape of luxury retail with Alicia Samuel, SVP of Information Technology at Holt Renfrew. In this episode, Consumers: The Shifting View of Data & AI to Enhance the Customer Experience, we dive into how Holt Renfrew is leveraging data and AI to transform the luxury customer experience alongside Jennifer Lee, Vice-Chair and Partner, Deloitte. Discover how Alicia is balancing the art and science of luxury retail, implementing foundational technologies, and navigating change management to enhance personalization and efficiency. This insightful conversation, produced in partnership with Deloitte, offers a glimpse into the future of retail innovation and customer-centric strategies. Tune in to understand how Holt Renfrew is redefining luxury for a modern, discerning clientele.
Consumers: From Aging Boomers to Gen Alpha: Navigating Social Shifts and Consumer Trends
In this episode of the World Retail Podcast, Niamh Stone, Programme Director for the World Retail Congress steps in for our usual host to explore the fascinating world of consumer trends and societal shifts. This episode, part of our special series with Deloitte, offers a comprehensive look at the forces driving retail's future. Join as we delve into the evolving landscape of retail, from the aging Boomers to the emerging Gen Alpha, and how these diverse generations are reshaping consumer behaviour. In a unique and wide-ranging interview with Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis and Oliver Vernon Harcourt, Partner at Deloitte, we discuss the impact of technology, societal changes, and key life events on consumer choices. Discover how retailers are adapting to trends like the rise of online shopping, the influence of TikTok, and the growing focus on health and wellness.
Consumers: The Future of Retail Media
In this episode of the World Retail Podcast, Ian McGarrigle, founder and chair of the World Retail Congress, delves into the evolving landscape of retail with Sioerd Holleman, SVP of Strategy, Data, and IT at Albert Heijn. Joined by Adgil Hop from Deloitte, they explore the shopping behaviours of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who surprisingly frequent physical stores despite the digital age. They also discuss the rise of private labels, the importance of sustainability, and the responsibility of retailers to lead in health and environmental initiatives. Tune in to gain insights into how these trends are shaping the future of retail.
Consumers: The Power of Agentic AI: What Comes Next?
In this episode of the World Retail Podcast, Niamh Stone, Programme Director for World Retail Congress, steps in for our usual host to explore the transformative power of agentic AI in retail. Joined by experts Gillian Simpson and Heidi O'Leary from Deloitte and Kulvinder Hari from Salesforce, the group delves into how AI is reshaping customer and employee experiences. While the technology is still in its experimental phase, its potential is undeniable. Hear how agentic AI can streamline operations, enhance customer interactions, and offer innovative growth opportunities. From optimizing mundane tasks to redefining digital storefronts, agentic AI is set to revolutionize the retail landscape. Tune in to discover how retailers can harness this technology to drive efficiency and enrich consumer experiences.
JUST CATCHING UP?
Series One of World Retail Podcast sponsored by AlixPartners brings together the highest level retailers and industry experts that you would generally only hear from at the Congress. These special guests joined us for interviews to share their experiences and insights into todays challenging retail industry - and how to "Disrupt or Be Disrupted".
Series Two explores how the world's most innovative and exciting brands including American Eagle, AKA Brands and Mattel are creating new experiences for customers, attracting new consumer groups to the brand and delivering a superb customer experience in our "Spotlight on Consumers".
Series Three takes on the fast-moving and innovative landscape of AI. Brought to you in partnership with AlixPartners, our guests explore how new applications of AI are changing the retail industry from developing more personalised customer experiences to how leadership must adapt with the changing wave of technology in "AI: Hype vs. Reality"
LISTEN NOW ON:
SERIES THREE
AI: Hype vs Reality - Disruption to retail business models with Alibaba.com
Join me, Ian McGarrigle, on the World Retail Podcast as we delve into AI: Hype vs Reality - Disruption to retail business models with Alibaba.com.
In this episode, I engage with Michelle Lau, Managing Director of France for Alibaba.com, and Matt Clark, Partner and Managing Director at Alix Partners, to explore how AI is transforming retail.
Discover how Alibaba.com leverages AI to enhance B2B e-commerce, streamline operations, and drive growth, particularly for SMEs. We discuss Alibaba International's innovative AI search engine, Accio, and its impact on global trade. Gain insights into AI's role in optimising supply chains and creating new business opportunities in retail. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on AI's real-world applications and future potential in retail.
AI: Hype vs Reality - Leadership and change management in the new world with Falabella
Join me, Ian McGarrigle, on the World Retail Podcast as I sit down with Enrique Ostalé, Chairman of Falabella and Catherine Brien, Partner and Managing Director at AlixPartners, to explore the realities of AI in retail.
As part four of our series on AI: Hype vs Reality, we delve into Falabella's innovative use of AI across its diverse ecosystem, spanning financial services and retail. Enrique shares insights from his extensive experience, including lessons from his time at Walmart, on navigating digital disruption and fostering a culture of innovation. We discuss the balance between centralisation and decentralisation in change management and how AI is reshaping customer experiences and profitability. Tune in to uncover how Falabella is leveraging AI to drive transformation in Latin America's retail landscape.
AI: Hype vs Reality - Navigating Retail’s Digital Minefield: AI, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and the Oversight Dilemma with Hanesbrands Inc.
Join me, Ian McGarrigle, on the World Retail Podcast as we dive into the critical intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and retail.
In this episode, part of our AI: Hype vs Reality series, I sit down with Dr. John Apala, VP and Global Chief Information Security Officer for Hanesbrands Inc., and Megha Kalsi, Partner in AlixPartners’ cybersecurity practice. We explore the pressing issues of data security and regulation in the retail sector. Discover why retail remains a prime target for cybercrime and how AI can enhance cybersecurity while balancing business growth. We also discuss the fine line between personalization and privacy in AI-driven retail strategies. Tune in for expert insights on navigating these complex challenges.
LISTEN NOW
AI: Hype vs Reality - Profitability and Productivity with Ocado
Join me, Ian McGarrigle, on the World Retail Podcast as we dive into AI's transformative role in retail with Gabriel Straub, Chief Data Officer at Ocado.
In this episode, part of our series AI: Hype vs Reality, we explore Ocado's pioneering use of AI in online grocery. Discover how AI has been integral to Ocado's operations, from optimizing supply chains to enhancing customer experiences. Gabriel shares insights on balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency and the challenges of integrating AI into retail. This conversation, featuring Catherine Brien from AlixPartners, sheds light on the future of AI in retail and offers valuable lessons for retailers navigating this evolving landscape. Tune in to understand how Ocado's tech-driven approach is reshaping the way we shop.
LISTEN NOW
AI: Hype vs Reality - Revolutionising the Customer Experience Across all Touchpoints with Fnac Darty
Welcome back to another series of the World Retail Podcast! In series three, we are joined by AlixPartners to explore the impact and application of AI in retail.
In Episode 1, we sit down with Olivier Theulle, Chief Ecommerce and Digital Officer, Fnac Darty, and Olivier Abtan, Partner and Managing Director, AlixPartners, to uncover how AI is already reshaping every touchpoint of the customer journey — from smarter product searches to AI-driven customer care.
SERIES TWO
Spotlight on Consumers: AKA Brands on Attracting the Next Generation
In this new episode of the World Retail Podcast, Ciaran Long, CEO of AKA Brands joins us to talk about how the brands design and create for the next generation. From designing new physical concepts to making discovery easier than ever before, hear more about how the various businesses within AKA each deliver a unique and memorable experience to their customers.
LISTEN NOW
Spotlight on Consumers: Mattel on Expanding with New Channels
In this exclusive interview with Sanjay Luthra, EVP Managing Director EMEA & Global DTC at leading global toy company Mattel, World Retail Podcast dives into the ways in which the business is expanding to serve new customer groups through new channels and activations. Don't miss this exciting look at how Barbie and other Mattel toy products continue to inspire new consumers from across the globe.
Spotlight on Consumers: How American Eagle Understands Gen Z
In this special episode, the World Retail Podcast welcomes Craig Brommers, CMO, American Eagle to discuss what Gen Z desire from the brands they engage with, how brands can act in powerful and memorable ways, and what retailers must do to stay high performing.
LISTEN NOW
SERIES ONE
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How ThredUp is disrupting the fashion model
In this latest episode from World Retail Congress in our series: Disrupt or be Disrupted: the Six Trends Reshaping Retail, we talk to James Reinhart the Co-Founder and CEO of ThredUp the online resale platform for apparel about how his drive is to disrupt fashion and force the industry to embrace the circular economy.
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How Fabletics is staying fit for success
In this latest episode from World Retail Congress in our series: Disrupt or be Disrupted: the Six Trends Reshaping Retail, we talk to Ashley Kechter, Brand President and Michael Roth, VP of International at Fabletics who discuss how the brand has moved from a subscription model to incorporate omnichannel as it expands internationally.
LISTEN NOW
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How Zalando is navigating today's retail challenges
In this latest episode from World Retail Podcast in our series 'Disrupt or be Disrupted', we talk to Andreas Roedl, Zalando's VP Fashion Proposition. Roedl explains how an original disruptor has learnt to respond to a fast-moving disruptive marketplace to stay on top.
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Judith McKenna on how to navigate through today's challenges
In this latest episode of World Retail Podcast in our series 'Disrupt or be Disrupted: the Six Trends Reshaping Retail', we talk to Judith McKenna, Walmart's former President and CEO of International who shares her insights into how the world's biggest retailer faced waves of disruption and remained on top.
LISTEN NOW
Disrupt or Be Disrupted - WHP and the Rise of Multi-Brand Platform Business Models
In this latest episode from World Retail Congress in our series on Disrupt or Be Disrupted: the Six Trends Reshaping Retail, we talk to WHP Global, one of the giants of the fast-growing brand licensing sector. Hear how the group brings its financial and retail power to revive great retail brands such as Toys R Us, Bonobos, G Star Raw and Anne Klein and generate $7 billion in global sales.
Disrupt or Be Disrupted - Secrets to Success with SHEIN: Navigating the Now-economy
The first episode in the World Retail Congress series on Disrupt or be Disrupted: The Six Trends Reshaping Retail features SHEIN - one of the world's biggest retail disruptors and now established as one of the world's biggest fashion retailers. Hear how SHEIN applies its disruptive culture and leverages its powerful technology and digital expertise to operate a unique retail business model.