World Retail Podcast - AlixPartners Series

Unlocking Volume Growth: Health & Beauty's Growth Formula

Health and beauty is a competitive environment. In this episode, led by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman, World Retail Congress and Lindy Firstenberg, Co-Lead, Beauty, Health, and Wellness Practice, AlixPartners, we examine how retailers can capitalize on evolving consumer behaviors, build loyalty through experience-led propositions, and harness data in order to create growth opportunities in this fast-moving world in a far-reaching and fascinating interview with Sharon Leite, CEO, The Vitamin Shoppe.

 

Unlocking Volume Growth: Growth in Grocery

In this episode, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman, World Retail Congress is joined by Matt Clark, Partner and Managing Director, AlixPartners and Rami Baitiéh, CEO, Morrisons for a wide ranging discussion on the future of grocery retailing. At a time when grocery retail faces unique pressures from margin squeeze to shifting consumer priorities, we unpack strategies for driving like-for-like growth in this essential category, including assortment optimization, pricing agility, and digital innovation that keeps customers loyal.

 

Unlocking Volume Growth: Be Ready for the Big Bets

Disruption creates opportunity. In this episode of the World Retail Podcast, Niamh Stone, Programme Director of World Retail Congress is joined by Paul Martin, Global Retail Growth Leader, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners and Regis Schultz, CEO, JD Group to dive into the role of M&A, partnerships, and restructuring in unlocking growth. Discover how retailers can move fast, make strategic bets, and use new models to scale in a market where consolidation is accelerating.

 

Unlocking Volume Growth: Fashion's Strategic Growth Reset

In this episode of the World Retail Podcast, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman of World Retail Congress sits down with Jaume Miquel Naudi, Chairman and CEO of Tendam, and Brian Schneider of AlixPartners, to explore the transformative strategies reshaping the fashion retail landscape. Discover how Tendam is poised for growth by embracing innovation and a fearless approach to market challenges. Join us for a compelling discussion on turning disruption into opportunity.

 

Unlocking Volume Growth: Fix the Fundamentals

Retail success starts with getting the basics right. In this episode, we explore why operational excellence—right product, right price, right place, right time—is non-negotiable in today’s market. Hear from experts on how to rebuild core trading capabilities, leverage data-driven decision-making, and create the headroom needed for growth. In this first episode of our new series on Unlocking Volume Growth, Ian McGarrigle, Chair, World Retail Congress, is joined by Sergio Bucher of Otto Group and Paul Martin, Global Retail Growth Leader, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners for a wide-ranging conversations on getting the basics right. Join us and listen now for an essential conversation on how to capture growth and fix the fundamentals.

 

AI: Hype vs Reality - The Future of Tech Investment (Bonus Ep)

In this bonus episode of the World Retail Podcast, join Ian McGarrigle as he dives into the rapidly evolving world of AI with industry experts Tim Roberts and Catherine Brien from AlixPartners, Mark Steele from Google Cloud, and Michael Gabay of Gain.

They explore the concept of agentic AI, a ground-breaking technology that enables AI to make autonomous decisions and actions. As AI continues to advance, this conversation examines the balance between innovation and security, and how retailers can harness this technology to drive value and meet rising consumer expectations. Join us for this highly insightful conversation on the future of tech investment in retail.

 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.