What’s happening with retail automation in 2025? Investment in supply chain technology appears to be flattening out as retailers shift focus from large new projects to optimizing existing infrastructure.

Anne and Chris sit down with Kim Baudry from Dematic to explore what this means for AI in logistics, warehouse automation, and the future of retail distribution.

⏳ Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction & welcome to Kim Baudry

1:03 - The current state of automation investment in retail

3:00 - Why supply chain automation is slowing down in 2025

5:45 - How economic uncertainty & interest rates impact investment

7:33 - Where retailers are focusing automation budgets now

10:05 - The role of AI & machine learning in warehouse optimization

12:50 - How digital twins help simulate supply chain changes

15:17 - Retailers "sweating their assets" & maximizing existing infrastructure

18:00 - The impact of tariffs & global trade shifts on supply chain strategies

22:05 - The future of supply chain efficiency & retail distribution

25:30 - Final thoughts

#supplychain #warehouseautomation #retailtrends #retailinnovation

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Join Chris and Anne as they interview Simbe Robotics CEO Brad Bogolea for an in-depth discussion about how retail robotics are revolutionizing store operations. Learn how Simbe's Tally robot reduces out-of-stocks by 60%, improves inventory accuracy, why both store associates and customers are embracing the use of robotics, and discover why 2025 could be the year retail robotics go mainstream!

Key Moments Include:

• 1:51 - Origins of Simbe and the development of Tally
• 4:24 - How retailers utilize robotics data
• 8:13 - Real-world implementation examples
• 15:18 - Impact on store associates and operations
• 21:42 - Best practices for robotics deployment
• 26:31 - Customer reactions to in-store robots
• 30:35 - Future of retail robotics
• 34:40 - Discussion of shelf management challenges

#retailtrends #retailtechnology #retailinnovation #retailoperations #inventorymanagement #robotics

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In this episode of the Omni Talk Retail Spotlight Series Podcast, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga dive into the world of private brands with special guests Brandon Warren and Bethany Davis of the Barcode Group.

Discover why private brands are crucial to retail growth, who’s winning the private label game, and how retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target are adapting their strategies. Brandon and Bethany also share actionable advice for manufacturers and retailers looking to elevate their private label programs.

Key moments to look for:

• [00:00] Intro and overview of the Barcode Group
• [05:21] Why private brands are booming in retail
• [13:42] Comparing Costco, Walmart, and Target private label strategies
• [24:30] Challenges for manufacturers in adapting to private label growth
• [34:45] Winners, sleepers, and areas for improvement in private brands
• [39:55] Actionable advice for retailers and manufacturers

Don’t miss this insightful conversation full of expert takes and innovative ideas!

#privatelabel #retailstrategy #target #walmart #costco

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In this episode, Chris and Anne sit down with Pam Simon, EVP and Conference Chair of Manifest , to discuss the must-attend event for global supply chain and logistics professionals. Learn about the exciting lineup of startups, investors, shippers, and innovative technologies that will take center stage at the Venetian in Las Vegas, February 10-12, 2025. Pam also highlights new initiatives like the mentorship program and why planning ahead ensures maximum ROI from attending.

Key Moments:

• 0:01 – Intro to Manifest Vegas: What sets it apart as the premier global supply chain event.
• 2:00 – Startups and Investors: How Manifest connects innovators with funding.
• 5:00 – Shippers in Focus: Case studies from Mattel, Microsoft, Alibaba, and more.
• 8:00 – Day 1 Highlights: Maritime Symposium, Intermodal Workshop, and Cold Chain Forum.
• 14:00 – Mentorship Program: A new initiative to support women and fresh talent in logistics.
• 16:30 – Why Plan Ahead: Tips to maximize your Manifest Vegas experience.

To register for Manifest, visit: ManifestVegas.com/SaveWithOmniTalk

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#ManifestVegas #supplychaininnovation #logistics #startups #investors #mentorship #networking #coldchain #sustainability #technologytrends

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In this Omni Talk Retail podcast episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, to discuss how RFID technology is transforming retail.

Key topics covered include:

0:08 – Opening: Discussing RFID’s impact on retail and the recent H&M store experience.

0:28 – Introducing Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, and his background in retail and technology.

1:15 – Troy’s preparation for the podcast, background in Omnichannel and retail tech, and transition to GreyOrange.

4:29 – Overview of GreyOrange: From supply chain automation to advanced in-store AI applications.

5:52 – How supply chain automation and AI intersect in retail innovation.

7:47 – gStore and AI in action: Real-world examples of automation in fulfillment and in-store operations.

8:45 – Moving from handheld to overhead RFID and the value of real-time inventory tracking.

9:42 – The benefits of RFID: Real-time inventory visibility, replenishment from the backroom, and increased conversion rates.

10:50 – How overhead RFID technology enables constant cycle counts, improving inventory accuracy.

12:29 – Enhanced customer experience: How RFID powers smart mirrors and interactive fitting rooms.

15:06 – Introduction to gStore and how it serves as an operational platform for retailers.

16:16 – RFID as an entry point for retail digital transformation, and how gStore integrates various in-store tasks.

18:59 – Why some retailers are investing in RFID and digital transformation now, especially with omnichannel demands.

20:58 – Use cases in merchandising: Compliance checks, inventory tracking, and heat mapping with G Store.

22:19 – How RFID technology supports product location in stores and enhances in-store experience.

24:03 – Scaling gStore: Considerations for store-to-store variations in RFID technology implementation.

27:13 – Challenges with scaling RFID and the importance of piloting across different store formats.

In this Omni Talk Retail podcast episode, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga talk with Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, to discuss how RFID technology is transforming retail.

Key topics covered include:

0:08 – Opening: Discussing RFID’s impact on retail and the recent H&M store experience.

0:28 – Introducing Troy Siwek, GM and Partner at GreyOrange, and his background in retail and technology.

1:15 – Troy’s preparation for the podcast, background in Omnichannel and retail tech, and transition to GreyOrange.

4:29 – Overview of GreyOrange: From supply chain automation to advanced in-store AI applications.

5:52 – How supply chain automation and AI intersect in retail innovation.

7:47 – gStore and AI in action: Real-world examples of automation in fulfillment and in-store operations.

8:45 – Moving from handheld to overhead RFID and the value of real-time inventory tracking.

9:42 – The benefits of RFID: Real-time inventory visibility, replenishment from the backroom, and increased conversion rates.

10:50 – How overhead RFID technology enables constant cycle counts, improving inventory accuracy.

12:29 – Enhanced customer experience: How RFID powers smart mirrors and interactive fitting rooms.

15:06 – Introduction to gStore and how it serves as an operational platform for retailers.

16:16 – RFID as an entry point for retail digital transformation, and how gStore integrates various in-store tasks.

18:59 – Why some retailers are investing in RFID and digital transformation now, especially with omnichannel demands.

20:58 – Use cases in merchandising: Compliance checks, inventory tracking, and heat mapping with G Store.

22:19 – How RFID technology supports product location in stores and enhances in-store experience.

24:03 – Scaling gStore: Considerations for store-to-store variations in RFID technology implementation.

27:13 – Challenges with scaling RFID and the importance of piloting across different store formats.

Get ready for the holiday rush with this special Omni Talk Retail Spotlight episode!

Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Natalija Pavic, the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Salesforce Commerce Cloud and host of the Commerce Cloud Innovations podcast, and Melissa Dallmeyer, the Global Leader of Enterprise & Mid-market Partnerships at Avalara, to discuss how retailers can best prepare for the busy holiday season.

From the benefits of composable and headless commerce to the critical importance of tax compliance, our guests break down the tools and strategies retailers need to ensure a smooth, profitable holiday season. Whether it’s optimizing site speed, managing customer personalization, or avoiding costly mistakes during peak shopping times, this episode is packed with insights to help your business succeed.

Key moments from the interview include:

• [0:08] – Introduction
• [1:04] – Kicking off the holiday retail prep conversation: What retailers should expect?
• [5:04] – Natalija explains headless vs. composable commerce and why it’s essential for holiday preparation.
• [10:06] – Melissa covers the importance of tax compliance and seamless integrations for retail success.
• [13:12] – How composable architectures help retailers react quickly to unexpected crises during the holiday season.
• [17:00] – Real-world examples of costly mistakes retailers make and how to avoid them.
• [24:50] – Final advice on testing systems, ensuring fast checkouts, and keeping operations running smoothly during peak times.
• [31:03] – Wrapping up: Last-minute tips for holiday retail success and how to connect with today’s guests.

Tune in to learn how to prepare for a successful holiday season and get ahead of potential crises before they happen!

#ecommerce #taxcompliance #tax #retail

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Join us for our insightful conversation with Morgan Seybert, Chief Business Officer and Head of Retail at Tredence, as we explore the cutting-edge dynamics of AI-driven data analytics in retail, and, most importantly, how retailers can actually make money from them.

Key moments:

[0:54] Introduction to Tredence and Morgan Seybert's background

[4:01] The importance of "Last Mile" adoption in analytics

[9:41] Tredence's unique approach to retail data analytics

[16:32] Strategies for pricing and promotions in the current economic climate

[20:54] The rise of retail media networks and their impact on the industry

[27:20] Future innovations in retail data and analytics

[31:06] Real-world examples of AI applications in retail

[34:59] Advice for retailers looking to leverage data analytics

Morgan shares valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities in implementing AI-driven solutions, from enterprise data platforms to generative AI applications.

Whether you're a retail executive or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of retail. Don't miss out on Morgan's key tips for success amid this data-driven retail revolution!

#RetailAnalytics #AIinRetail #DataDrivenRetail #RetailInnovation #PersonalizedRetail #RetailMediaNetworks

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