Rituals’ Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.

About this episode

We cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.

Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/

💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.

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*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*

If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.

➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.

*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*

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📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/

📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com

--------

🔗 References:

--------

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Cold open & hook

00:00:58 Intro: Why Rituals designs for calm

00:02:22 Global brand ambition beyond Europe

00:03:01 “Slow shopping paradise”: lighting, pace, materials

00:04:16 Evolution, not revolution: the two‑year roll‑back

00:05:07 Every store matters: refits + system consistency

00:05:19 Oxford Street flagship & Mind Oasis

00:06:22 Standardize first, localize later

00:06:43 Exporting ideas: Advent calendars & category traction

00:09:02 Always in stores: continuous improvement culture

00:09:48 Brand builders, not just retailers

00:10:27 Sustainability by design

00:11:10 Refits that reuse ~60% of furniture

00:12:46 Keeping creativity alive at scale

00:13:54 Supermarket lessons: pathing, hero placement

00:15:04 China insights: shallow/wide layouts to invite entry

00:16:20 Two‑second brand clarity

00:17:30 Culture and ‘dinos’: why Rituals scales

00:18:43 Oxford Street invite & close

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#TheRetailPodcast #Rituals #RetailDesign #ExperientialRetail #MindOasis #StoreDesign #Bcorp #Sustainability #GlobalRetail #SlowShopping

Five Things Friday — Gap’s London Comeback, Morrisons’ ESL Rollout, AllSaints Pop‑Ups, DFS x Pinterest, Gen Beta

Today’s agenda: five moves reshaping UK retail—and what to do next.

NEWS FLASH LINE‑UP

• Gap returns to London with three stores (Covent Garden, White City, Wembley) before Christmas.

• Morrisons partners with VusionGroup to digitise pricing across all 497 supermarkets using ESLs.

• AllSaints opens three UK pop‑ups (Bristol Cribbs Causeway now open; Battersea Power Station & Stratford next).

• DFS teams with Pinterest on a gamified “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest” that turns inspiration into shoppable boards.

• Fashion is already talking about “Gen Beta” (babies born from 2025) — signalling a culture‑first decade ahead.

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/

💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*

If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.

➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.

*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*

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📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/

📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com

00:00 – Cold open & welcome

00:06 – It’s Five Things Friday (Friday, 24 October 2025)

00:36 – Vibe check & banter

00:58 – Host intro: Alex

01:21 – Co‑host intro: Simon Hart (Need It Tonight)

01:45 – Format + audience milestone

02:29 – Story 1: Gap is back (3 London stores via Next)

05:42 – Story 2: Morrisons x VusionGroup: 497 stores go digital (ESLs)

07:00 – Story 3: AllSaints: three UK pop‑ups (Bristol, Battersea, Stratford)

08:21 – Story 4: DFS x Pinterest “What’s Your Thing? Collage Quest”

10:03 – Story 5: Fashion starts planning for Gen Beta

12:18 – Big idea: Retail at the Speed of Culture

13:13 – Next week: in‑store men’s personal shopping activation

16:12 – Wrap & sign‑off

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https://www.next.co.uk/shop/brand-gap-0?p=1#0

• https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/corporate-news/morrisons-partners-with-vusiongroup-to-digitize-pricing-across-its-entire-supermarket-estate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• https://fashionunited.uk/news/retail/allsaints-plots-three-pop-up-store-openings-across-uk/2025101684429?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• https://www.allsaints.com/women.html

• https://es.pinterest.com/pin/560346378659689774/

• https://www.dfs.co.uk/inspiration/pinterest-whats-your-thing-quest?epik=dj0yJnU9eEM0eGtZN18yZC1NUnN2RldkdC1TNEtYUlB2YVR2bUkmcD0wJm49UTUteVZwR1NnYzN4WEZQSXRCR2xkdyZ0PUFBQUFBR2o1NGNV

• https://cadanews.org/1916/news/the-greatest-generation-to-gen-beta/

DISCLAIMERS

• Facts current as of Friday, 24 October 2025. This show is independent commentary; no sponsorships were accepted.

• Chapters are approximate and based on the live conversation.

#Retail #Ecommerce #UKRetail #Gap #Morrisons #AllSaints #DFS #Pinterest #VusionGroup #GenBeta

This episode dives into the mechanics of AI-powered personalization with Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder of Eagle AI (ex-Untie Nots). Eagle AI’s platform delivers scalable, signal-based personalization that predicts behaviour and nudges loyalty — generating 7:1+ ROI and unprecedented digital engagement.

Cédric and Alex discuss:
• What personalization really means in 2025
• How gamification boosts engagement without gimmicks
• Why pragmatic AI often outperforms big “innovation” projects
• How Eagle AI achieves 7:1–20:1 ROI with minimal friction
• Why retailers must act now rather than wait for the next hype cycle

🔗 Guest: Eagle AI
🎙️ Host: The Retail Podcast

Referenced topics:

• Personalization in grocery and beauty retail

• Predictive AI for offer relevance

• SaaS integration for signal-based personalization

• ROI optimization and customer lifetime value

In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at NRF, decode the five major stories shaping the retail landscape—from Target’s nostalgic fashion comeback to Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI. A rapid-fire discussion of innovation, curation, and AI’s growing role in everyday retail.

Topics Covered:
• Target x Woolrich collaboration
• Ulta Beauty + Mirakl’s curated marketplace
• Walmart + OpenAI partnership for AI-first shopping
• Levi’s strong Q3 and store expansion
• Amazon’s QuickSuite and AI “employee teammate”

Hosts:

• Alex Rezvan, Founder & Host, The Retail Podcast

• Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content, National Retail Federation

Referenced Articles:

• Target x Woolrich: Target Press

• Ulta Beauty Marketplace: Ulta Investor Relations

• Walmart + OpenAI: Walmart Corporate News

• Levi’s Store Expansion: Retail Dive

• Amazon QuickSuite: Chain Store Age

Simone Oloman joins Alex Rezvan to unpack how authenticity, community, and creativity are rewriting retail influence — from Prada’s cinematic London takeover to Morrisons’ 1-hour grocery promise.

1️⃣ The new face of influence — Why real voices, not million-follower celebrities, are shaping consumer trust.

2️⃣ Campus culture meets commerce — Hollister, the University of Texas, and how student-athletes are becoming micro-media brands.

3️⃣ Prada Mode London — A two-day immersive cinema turns shopping into cultural theatre.

4️⃣ Morrisons Now — The grocer joins the rapid delivery race with one-hour grocery fulfilment from 158 stores.

5️⃣ Walmart x Mirakl & Ted Baker’s comeback — Marketplaces evolve and activewear returns to the high street.

🔗 Further Reading:

Prada Mode London — Pradasphere

Morrisons Now Launch — Corporate Site

John Lewis x Russell & Bromley Partnership

Business of Fashion – College Influencers

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

The Retail Podcast / Five Things Friday

🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@theretailpodcast

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/

💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

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🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp81QzAfbBdeKhLt4g

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-retail-podcast/id1461457532

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*Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*

If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.

➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.

*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*

--------

📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/

📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com

--------

🔗 References:

--------

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 🎧 Welcome & 90,000 Views Celebration

01:20 💬 The Truth About Influencers

03:15 🎓 Campus Creators: Hollister & College Athletes

05:21 🎥 Prada Mode London: When Retail Becomes Cinema

07:33 🛒 Morrisons Now: Grocery in One Hour

09:06 🌐 Walmart, Mirakl & John Lewis’ Marketplace Shift

10:47 👟 Ted Baker Returns — In Activewear

12:30 🔁 Closing Reflections: Quality, Circularity & Community

Alex and Simone wrap with a reflection on where retail influence and lifestyle are heading next.

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#TheRetailPodcast #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday, #RetailInnovation, #InfluencerMarketing, #PradaMode, #MorrisonsNow, #TedBaker, #JohnLewis, #RetailNews, #SimoneOloman, #AlexRezvan

Alex (The Retail Podcast) and Ryf Quail (Director, NRF APAC) break down this week’s APAC headlines: Galeries Lafayette launches in Mumbai (with Delhi next), a surge of Chinese F&B brands expands into Singapore, and Porsche reports a Q3 delivery dip led by China and North America amid intensifying EV competition. They also explore lululemon Singapore’s retail-meets-wellness studio concept and why experiential formats are resetting the playbook for premium retail in Asia.

Topics this week

• Galeries Lafayette → India: Mumbai flagship now open; Delhi next; 250+ brands under one roof via Aditya Birla partnership.

• Chinese F&B → Singapore: Luckin, Mixue, ChaPanda, Nong Geng Ji and more chase stable demand and regional visibility.

• Porsche Q3: Deliveries soften, led by China and North America; value-driven EV competition reshapes luxury auto demand.

• lululemon Singapore: Retail-meets-wellness format (yoga/Pilates studios inside the flagship) as an experience blueprint.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:18 Five Things Friday

01:23 Guest teaser

03:11 lululemon Singapore

05:34 Galeries Lafayette in India

07:25 Chinese F&B in Singapore

10:00 Porsche Q3

11:33 Wrap

Further reading

• Lululemon’s retail-meets-wellness concept in SE Asia: https://observatory.sg/lululemons-first-ever-retail-meets-wellness-concept-store-in-se-asia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Aditya Birla (partner): https://www.adityabirla.com/businesses/

• Galeries Lafayette (official): https://www.galerieslafayette.com/

• Reuters on Chinese F&B in Singapore: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-food-beverage-firms-flock-singapore-first-step-expansion-drive-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Porsche China: https://www.porsche.cn/china/en/

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/

💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

--------

*Welcome to the official channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.*

If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.

➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.

*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*

📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/

📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com

#TheRetailPodcast #Retail #APAC #Luxury #India #Singapore #China #NRF #FNB #Porsche #Ecommerce #ExperientialRetail

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai

💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/@theretailpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.

➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.

*Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.*

--------
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retail-podcast/

📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com

--------
Show Notes:

Guest: Ghadi Ali — Fashion & Retail Consultant; Jury Member at the Saudi Retail Forum; Top 50 Global Inspirational Women in Retail

What we cover:
• The KSA retail snapshot under Vision 2030  
• Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations and pharmacy execution  
• Trend #2: From price wars to experience-led retail  
• Trend #3: Data & AI powering decisions, inventory, and personalization  
• Serving older shoppers without forcing tech  
• No‑tech CX pillars: communication, transparency, easy returns  
• Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price sensitivity  
• Trend #5: Localization: “tradition meets tomorrow”

Quotes:
• “Offline or online, the goal is a seamless journey.” — Ghadi  
• “Personalization works when customers raise their hand.” — Alex  
• “Design for inclusion: not everyone wants to ‘go digital.’” — Ghadi

Credits:
Host: Alex  •  Guest: Ghadi Ali  

Disclaimer: Views are the guests’ and hosts’ own. 

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Five Things Friday x Saudi Retail

00:47 Meet Ghadi Ali: background, mission, recognition

01:51 KSA market snapshot & Vision 2030

02:33 Fastest growth: e‑commerce & Gen Z

02:55 Trend #1: Omnichannel expectations

03:51 Pharmacy example: one‑hour delivery

04:20 Omnichannel maturity vs challenges

05:36 Trend #2: Customer experience as differentiator

06:28 Store experiences that wow

08:03 Ramadan retail moments in‑store

09:12 Trend #3: Data & AI powering retail

09:54 Personalization: opt‑in matters

12:11 Serving older shoppers without tech

13:00 No‑tech CX: comms, transparency, returns

13:46 Shopping missions > silos

16:22 Trend #4: Sustainability—mindset vs price

17:20 Fast fashion tension & B‑Corp culture

18:55 Trend #5: Localization: tradition meets tomorrow

20:23 Closing & Riyadh visit shout‑out

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#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #SaudiArabia, #Vision2030, #Omnichannel, #CustomerExperience, #DataAnalytics, #AI, #Sustainability, #Localization, #FashionRetail, #GCC, #RetailPodcast, #FiveThingsFriday

🌐 Visit Retail News.AI, your premium destination for the most relevant, cutting-edge information in the retail sector: https://retailnews.ai/💬 Which of these trends do you think will shape the future of retail the most — and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!✅ Subscribe now and never miss a new episode of The Retail Podcast.   / @theretailpodcast  --------🎧 Listen to The Retail Podcast on your favorite platform:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FZsZp8...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...--------Welcome to the official YouTube channel of THE RETAIL PODCAST, the leading community for global retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers.If you are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry, looking for insights from major conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and EuroCIS, or aiming to connect your digital funnels to physical events with measurable ROI, this channel is designed for you.➡️ Hosted by Alex Rezvan and joined by some of the most respected voices in the sector, The Retail Podcast brings sharp, actionable insights from industry veterans with backgrounds at Microsoft and Verizon, where projects worth over $1.5 billion were directed. Our mission is to help retailers and businesses that sell to retailers anticipate change, embrace technology, and unlock new growth opportunities.Here you will discover exclusive interviews with executives and innovators, coverage of global retail conferences, analysis of technology and AI trends, in-depth explorations of fashion, grocery, luxury, and eCommerce, and thought leadership that keeps your strategy relevant all year long. As part of the RetailNews.AI ecosystem, this channel does more than report the news—it shapes the conversation on the future of retail.Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss the strategies, stories, and signals defining tomorrow’s retail.--------📲 Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with daily retail insights and industry updates.  / the-retail-podcast  📩 Contact us at: Sofia@theretailpodcast.com--------🔗 References: 5 Things Friday with Simone OlomanIn this episode, Simone and I dive into five standout stories reshaping retail, tech, and culture. We discuss:A bold breast cancer awareness campaignThe surge of video + live shopping in retailThe ongoing battle against shoplifting / shrinkOura’s luxury concept at HarrodsGrocery retail’s price war ahead of the holidaysLinks & Resources“FT article on live shopping / retail trends” — Financial TimesHarrods Technology & department link (for the concept / tech space)ASDA’s first ever charity TikTok shop newsLidl’s press release on slashing prices for customersASOS Live shopping / video commerce announcementAbout the HostsAlex — Retail thought leader, helping brands amplify their voice, especially on LinkedInSimone Oloman — Co-founder & CEO, Need for Tonight--------⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & welcome00:55 – Story #1: Breast cancer awareness campaign02:21 – Story #2: Live shopping inside apps03:31 – Story #3: Shoplifting / shrink prevention06:04 – Story #4: Oura’s concept space at Harrods07:49 – Story #5: Grocery pricing & recruitment moves09:46 – Wrap-up & closing--------#TheRetailPodcast #Retail, #ASOS, #Harrods, #Asda, #Lidl, #TikTokShop, #RetailInnovation, #LiveShopping, #RetailMedia, #CustomerExperience, #RetailPodcast, #SimoneOloman, #RetailNews, #Ecommerce, #DigitalTransformation, #SocialCommerce, #GroceryRetail, #LuxuryRetail, #RetailTrends

AI, upskilling, and the future of intelligent supply chains — live from NRF Europe.
At NRF Europe, Jill Dvorak sits down with Best Buy’s Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark Irvin, and Alex Rezvan from The Retail Podcast to explore how artificial intelligence, personalization, and collaborative learning are redefining the global supply chain.

Mark reveals how Best Buy is upskilling teams for the AI era, partnering across industries to innovate faster, and reshaping the customer experience through predictive logistics and real-time personalization. From agent-based shopping to inventory positioning, this conversation uncovers what’s next for retail’s operational backbone.
Best Buy, Mark Irvin, Alex Rezvan, Jill Dvorak, NRF Europe, retail innovation, AI in supply chain, logistics, retail technology, predictive analytics, supply chain transformation, personalization, retail media, customer experience, NRF Big Show

Episode Notes:

• Recorded live at NRF Europe 2025

• Hosted by Jill Dvorak (NRF) with Alex Rezvan (The Retail Podcast)

• Guest: Mark Irvin, EVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Best Buy

• Topics: Upskilling, AI readiness, personalization, future of fulfillment

#RetailPodcast #NRFEurope #BestBuy #AIinRetail #SupplyChainInnovation #RetailNewsAI #RetailLeadership

Retail is moving faster than ever—AI, private labels, and the holiday promo wave are reshaping how we shop. In this episode, Alex and Joe go live across YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch to unpack the week’s biggest stories:

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: First live broadcast
00:40 – Shopify unlocks ChatGPT checkout for 1M merchants
01:23 – Etsy stock jumps, what it means for marketplaces
02:27 – Prime Big Deals + Target & Walmart promotions shift holiday timing
04:13 – Golden Quarter forecast: flat but resilient
05:14 – Pop Mart brings Labubu to Times Square (2026)
06:12 – Walmart bans synthetic dyes + 30 additives across private label
07:55 – Amazon launches new “Amazon Grocery” brand under $5
09:14 – Amazon’s retail experiments: Go stores, Fresh, and convenience bets
10:36 – Closing thoughts: consumer demand, private label, and adapting to pressure

🔗 References & Sources

• Buy in ChatGPT

• Amazon Prime Big Deals Days

• Target Circle Week

• Walmart Early Deals

• Pop Mart Times Square

• Walmart Removes Synthetic Dyes

Shopify ChatGPT checkout, Amazon grocery private label, Walmart synthetic dyes ban, Pop Mart Labubu Times Square, holiday shopping 2025, retail trends, Black Friday forecast, eCommerce AI, Golden Quarter retail

#RetailNews #Shopify #ChatGPT #Amazon #Walmart #HolidayShopping #RetailTrends

Five Things Friday UK Edition with Simone Oloman & Alex.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro cold open

00:17 Roll credits & setup

00:54 Boots fragrance-only boutique (Broadgate)

01:52 Boots’ beauty play & premium push

03:13 Hand-off

03:26 Designers at Debenhams returns (Kim Cattrall, Ashish)

05:09 High street needs a little “zhuzh”

06:00 Festive trading season set-up (Prime Day → Christmas)

06:46 Søstrene Grene: UK standout performance

08:00 NikeSKIMS: culture × performance

09:45 Brown is back (palette chat)

10:22 Laura Ashley: Lakeside flagship returns

11:08 Wrap: grocery vs. luxury

11:51 Sign-off

REFERENCES

Søstrene Grene results & UK expansion:

This week’s five:

1) Boots’ first fragrance-only boutique at Broadgate, London (opens 23 Oct 2025).

2) Designers at Debenhams returns (AW25) with Ashish; Kim Cattrall fronts the campaign.

3) Søstrene Grene posts record results; UK is the standout growth driver.

4) NikeSKIMS launches as a new women’s brand: performance credibility meets culture.

5) Laura Ashley returns to bricks & mortar: 10,000 sq ft flagship at Lakeside.

References:

Disclosure: Opinions are ours. Not investment advice.

#Retail #UKRetail #FiveThingsFriday #Boots #NikeSKIMS #LauraAshley

This week on Five Things Friday, Alex and Simon unpack the retail stories shaping headlines and boardrooms:

Shein sparks backlash with a London pop-up designed for independents

Amazon Fresh shutters physical grocery stores—pivoting tech into airports and e-commerce

UK retail sales decline for the twelfth month straight, according to the CBI

Starbucks retrenches: closing UK stores while doubling down on experience-led formats

Primark trials in-store clothing repair, raising questions on sustainability vs. greenwashing

H&M Group shutters stores worldwide, while Arket opens on London’s King’s Road

Burberry turns heads at London Fashion Week with its Burberry Portraits campaign on TikTok & Instagram

The retail landscape is contracting, experimenting, and redefining luxury for the next chapter.

⏱️ Chapters:0:00 –

Intro & Riyadh luxury preview

2:49 – Shein’s controversial London pop-up

4:31 – Amazon Fresh pulls the plug on cashierless stores

6:02 – CBI data shows UK retail sales decline 12 months straight

7:09 – Starbucks closures & experiential pivot

9:04 – Primark launches clothing repair pop-up

11:07 – H&M store closures vs. Arket expansion

12:45 – Burberry Portraits TikTok & London Fashion Week comeback

15:30 – Closing thoughts & community shout-out

Referenced sources:Amazon Fresh updateCBI September 2025 surveyStarbucks EMEA updateTikTok – @omo.orojeTikTok – Burberry PortraitsInstagram – Burberry Portraits Reelhttps://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/retail/amazon-uk-online-grocery-delivery-amazon-fresh https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/retail-sales-fall-for-twelfth-month-in-a-row-cbi-distributive-trades-survey-september-2025/ https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2025/emea-update-focused-on-getting-back-to-starbucks/ https://www.tiktok.com/@omo.oroje/video/7323298506976939296 https://www.tiktok.com/@burberry/video/7534720871588498710?q=burberry%20portraits&t=1758882300201 https://www.instagram.com/burberry/reel/DO8zvqmiMRD/

Welcome to Five Things Friday APAC Edition (yes, on a Monday this time!). In this episode, we unpack the big signals shaping retail and consumer markets across the region and beyond.

Here’s what we cover:

1. Shanghai Fashion Week SS26 – momentum, buying power, and why global buyers are watching China again.

2. India’s luxury beauty boom – $800M today, $4B by 2035, and why retailers are planting seeds now.

3. Recession Glam – consumers trading down but still splurging smartly in beauty and fashion.

4. Retail realignment – how APAC and Europe may be drawing closer in strategy and trade.

5. Australia’s retail optimism – Deloitte’s 2025 holiday report shows green shoots of growth.

🔗 References and further reading:

• Vogue Business on Shanghai Fashion Week

• Reuters on India’s luxury beauty surge

• Deloitte Holiday Retail Report 2025

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly retail intelligence direct from the global frontlines.

#Retail #APAC #FiveThingsFriday #LuxuryRetail #Beauty #ShanghaiFashionWeek #India #Australia #Podcast

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Connie Kwok, Vice President of Quick Commerce at Glovo, to unpack the future of on-demand retail.

From groceries and electronics to medicine and AirPods, Glovo has become one of Europe’s most dynamic marketplaces—operating in 23 countries and redefining convenience beyond speed.

Connie shares her perspective on:

• What “quick commerce” really means for today’s customer

• Why speed alone is no longer enough—accuracy and convenience matter too

• Localisation across 23 countries: assortment, pricing, and regulation

• Operational levers like batching, membership fees, advertising, and dark stores

• The cultural contrasts between Asia, Europe, and social commerce in China

• Why delight and discovery—not just transactions—will define the next era of retail

Whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, or logistics, this conversation offers a masterclass in how global platforms adapt to local behaviours while scaling sustainably.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:20 – What is Quick Commerce?

01:03 – Defining customer convenience beyond speed

02:40 – Why Europe converges on 30-minute delivery vs. India’s 15

05:14 – Localising operations across 23 countries

07:05 – Partner model vs. dark stores

10:00 – Key categories: groceries, electronics, medicine, alcohol

12:45 – Awareness challenges beyond food delivery

14:33 – Fashion and returns dilemma

15:58 – Marketplace vs. delivery-only

17:12 – Technology and operational efficiency at scale

18:30 – New gifting experience in Glovo

19:54 – What Europe can (and can’t) learn from China’s social commerce

23:40 – Discovery and delight vs. pure transactions in retail

24:00 – Closing thanks

🔗 Explore Glovo: https://glovoapp.com

London Fashion Week’s smartest activations, Tala’s next store move, circularity brought to life, Apple’s youth brief, and why brands are making TV.

Episode Summary
It’s Five Things Friday, UK Edition. Alex and co-host Simone Oloman break down five stories shaping retail and culture this week:

1. British Vogue’s concept café during London Fashion Week and why mindfulness-led micro-experiences restore relevance;

2. Tala doubling down on stores with Westfield London, and how IRL activations fuel discovery and social reach;

3. DYLON’s LFW pop-up turning care, repair, and personalisation into circular habit-building;

4. Apple’s youth brief: nostalgia aesthetics, wired headphones, one-purpose devices—and why a Dua Lipa campaign signals the tone;

5. The rise of brand-made TV: scripted, story-first series that beat ad fatigue and build long-form loyalty.

Episode Notes / Show Notes (with references)

• Tala coming soon to Westfield London: https://www.westfield.com/en/united-kingdom/london/retailers/tala-coming-soon/83612

• LFW-style cultural reference (Instagram Post): https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxpxazuIwT/

• DYLON UK & Ireland (activation/circular care): https://www.instagram.com/dylon_uki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

• Vera Bradley (brand reference): https://verabradley.com/

• Brand TV / longer-form trend (example reel): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjGDS9EXTx/?__d=1%2F

Episode Type: Full
Season/Ep: (set as needed)
Author: The Retail Podcast
Copyright: © The Retail Podcast / Alex Rezvan
Content Advisory: Clean

London Fashion Week’s smartest activations, Tala’s next store move, circularity brought to life, Apple’s youth brief, and why brands are making TV.

Episode Summary
It’s Five Things Friday — UK Edition. Alex and co-host Simone Oloman break down five stories shaping retail and culture this week:

1. British Vogue’s concept café during London Fashion Week and why mindfulness-led micro-experiences restore relevance;

2. Tala doubling down on stores with Westfield London, and how IRL activations fuel discovery and social reach;

3. DYLON’s LFW pop-up turning care, repair, and personalisation into circular habit-building;

4. Apple’s youth brief: nostalgia aesthetics, wired headphones, one-purpose devices—and why a Dua Lipa campaign signals the tone;

5. The rise of brand-made TV: scripted, story-first series that beat ad fatigue and build long-form loyalty.

Episode Notes / Show Notes (with references)

• Tala coming soon to Westfield London: https://www.westfield.com/en/united-kingdom/london/retailers/tala-coming-soon/83612

• LFW-style cultural reference (Instagram Post): https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxpxazuIwT/

• DYLON UK & Ireland (activation/circular care): https://www.instagram.com/dylon_uki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

• Vera Bradley (brand reference): https://verabradley.com/

• Brand TV / longer-form trend (example reel): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjGDS9EXTx/?__d=1%2F

Keywords
Retail UK, London Fashion Week, NRF Europe, Tala, Westfield London, DYLON, circular fashion, brand TV, Apple iPhone, Dua Lipa, Gen Z, retail media, in-store experience

Episode Type: Full
Season/Ep: (set as needed)
Author: The Retail Podcast
Copyright: © The Retail Podcast / Alex Rezvan
Content Advisory: Clean

In this special episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex Rezvan sits down with Jill Dvorak (SVP Content, NRF) and Ryf Quail (Managing Director, NRF APAC) for a behind-the-scenes look at NRF Europe’s inaugural show in Paris.

From global connectivity to the future of retail leadership, the conversation spans:

• Why Europe needed its own NRF “Big Show”

• The pace of retail innovation and technology adoption

• Retail as a people and emotional business

• What’s ahead for NRF New York and NRF Asia-Pacific

• How regional shows are reshaping global retail growth

Retailers from more than 40 countries gathered in Paris, and this episode captures the energy, insights, and optimism driving the industry forward.

👉 Subscribe for more global retail insights

Five Things Friday (UK) with the incredible Simone Oloman —

• Adaptive fashion at Asda

• JLP’s H1 turnaround plan

• AI trolleys at Morrisons

• Barbour × FARM Rio

• Oxford Street car‑free day

This week we break down five UK retail stories shaping the Golden Quarter: George at Asda’s 28‑piece adaptive clothing line (inspired by the late Nicky Newman), John Lewis Partnership’s H1 results and investment push, Instacart’s Caper smart trolleys landing at Morrisons, Barbour’s joyful collab with FARM Rio, and Oxford Street going traffic‑free on Sunday 21 September (12–8).

Chapters

00:00 Cold open

00:10 Welcome & volume note

01:37 Story 1 – George at Asda: adaptive clothing (inspired by Nicky Newman)

04:02 Story 2 – John Lewis Partnership H1 results & investment

07:03 Story 3 – Morrisons x Instacart: AI smart trolleys (Caper Carts)

09:03 Story 4 – Barbour x FARM Rio collaboration

11:49 Story 5 – Oxford Street traffic-free day (Sun 21 Sep, 12–8)

12:54 Week ahead & sign-off

Links & sources

Requested sources (credited)- Asda – Adaptive clothing range (press release): https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- John Lewis Partnership – Half‑Year Results 2025/26 (official PDF): https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/content/dam/cws/pdfs/Juniper/HYR2025/JLP-Half-Year-Results-2025-26.pdf- Instacart & Morrisons – AI shopping trolleys (press release): https://investors.instacart.com/news-releases/news-release-details/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-uk- Barbour × FARM Rio – collection page: https://farmrio.uk/collections/barbour-farm-rio?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22739867213&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7SWH-U6wP_HlnLlKJv7T42Go&gclid=CjwKCAjwiY_GBhBEEiwAFaghvkqYhKTWY4Pqn-CPlKL0aY-NSzPOwEIdwgYLrDhBUunQXqz1DXqEIRoC7jwQAvD_BwE- Nicky Newman – Instagram post referenced: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN7uPz1jf6-/Asda adaptive:- https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/09/asda-george-adaptive-clothing/John Lewis H1:- https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/britains-john-lewis-track-full-year-profit-growth-2025-09-11/- https://www.ft.com/content/23e3ed3e-1055-47b2-a967-2a994e61a6caMorrisons x Instacart:- https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-to-the-uk/- https://chainstoreage.com/morrisons-launch-first-uk-pilot-instacart-smart-cartsBarbour x FARM Rio:- https://www.barbour.com/us/farm-rio.htmlOxford Street 21 Sep:- https://www.london.gov.uk/media-centre/mayors-press-release/mayor-invites-londoners-to-experience-oxford-street-like-youve-never-seen-it-before-as-street-is-transformed-and-made-traffic-free-for-landmark-event- https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/oxford-street-traffic-free-eventWaitrose BCC & awards:- https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/news/waitrose/07042025/waitrose-becomes-first-supermarket-to-set-new-benchmark-for-better-chicken-welfare-standards- https://thegrocergoldawards.co.uk/live/en/page/winners-2025

HostsAlex — helps organisations that sell to the retail industry stay relevant with credible thought leadership.

Co‑host: Simone Oloman — co‑founder & CEO, Need It For Tonight (NIFT).

Support the show• Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify• Join the newsletter: RetailNews.AI

• Be a guest or partner: hello@theretailpodcast.comEditor’s note

We’ve re‑balanced the intro music to align with broadcast loudness targets (see notes below).

Disclosures

No paid placements in this episode. Affiliate links may appear in the description or on our

Kering pushes Valentino buyout to 2028, Armani’s will lays out a staged sale/IPO, Petit Bateau heads to Regent, and Valiuz × Infinity create a European retail media leader—plus Qijco adds repairs to the “Vinted of DIY.”

Kering defers the full Valentino acquisition to 2028 as debt pressure bites; Giorgio Armani’s will instructs heirs to sell a first stake and later a controlling tranche or pursue an IPO; Groupe Rocher selects Regent to acquire Petit Bateau; and a major alliance—Valiuz × Infinity Advertising—emerges to form a European retail media leader. We also spotlight Qijco, the Belgian “Vinted of DIY,” adding repair services to resale and rentals.

Stories & sources
• Kering–Valentino delay (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kering-delays-full-valentino-acquisition-2028-amid-debt-concerns-2025-09-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Armani’s will (Reuters): https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/giorgio-armanis-will-instructs-gradually-sell-fashion-brand-or-seek-ipo-document-2025-09-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Petit Bateau → Regent (FashionNetwork): https://www.fashionnetwork.com/news/Groupe-rocher-selects-regent-to-acquire-petit-bateau,1760833.html
• Retail Media alliance (Groupement Les Mousquetaires press release): https://www.mousquetaires.com/communique/valiuz-et-infinity-advertising-sunissent-pour-creer-le-leader-europeen-du-retail-media/

Additional context
• Qijco (“Vinted of DIY”) adds repairs to resale/rentals (FR coverage):
– eCommerceMag: https://www.ecommercemag.fr/Thematique/retail-1220/veille-internationale-2170/Breves/qijco-vinted-bricolage-etend-marketplace-service-reparation-outils-485086.htm
– Zepros Habitat: https://habitat.zepros.fr/actus/qijco-marketplace-brico-jardin-produits-occasion-location-desormais-prestations

Copyright & fair use
All linked articles are © their respective publishers and are referenced here for news reporting, commentary, and attribution. Please read the originals for full context.

• 00:00 — Intro & NRF Europe week

• 01:15 — Qijco: the “Vinted of DIY” adds repairs (BE/FR)

• 05:48 — Kering–Valentino deal deferred to 2028 (Reuters)

• 06:31 — Petit Bateau: Groupe Rocher selects Regent (FashionNetwork)

• 09:32 — Armani’s will: staged sale or IPO path (Reuters)

• 11:13 — Retail Media: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising (press release)

• 13:54 — Wrap

• Episode type: Full

• Author/Artist: The Retail Podcast

• Language: English

• Luxury consolidation pressure: Kering’s delay and Armani’s succession terms point to valuation resets and capital discipline across European luxury in 2025–2029. Reuters+1

• Iconic brands under new ownership: Petit Bateau’s path with Regent mirrors the “heritage brand + global scale-up capital” pattern; execution will determine whether heritage becomes international growth or dilution. FashionNetwork+1

• Retail media scale: Valiuz × Infinity Advertising expands reach across 10,000+ stores in six countries, raising the bar on first‑party retail audience activation in Europe. Expect escalating competition with Carrefour and others. Groupement Mousquetaires

• Circular economy in DIY: Qijco’s repair layer on top of resale/rental strengthens utilization and lifetime value of tools—smart signal for home improvement ecosystems. ecommercemag.fr+1

APAC is running a different retail race: mobile-first commerce, one-hour delivery wars, tourism tailwinds in Korea, China fast-fashion push overseas, and a working model of AI-native grocery in Singapore. In this Five Things Friday APAC with Ryf Quail (NRF APAC) we break down what’s signal, what’s noise, and what operators should do next.

What you’ll learn
• Why APAC’s ecommerce growth remains mobile-led—and why Western playbooks don’t port cleanly
• China’s “instant retail” price war (Alibaba × Meituan × JD): unit-economics and regulatory risk
• Korea’s visa-free Chinese group travel: how to staff, assort, and promo for itineraries
• Localise formats: Yum China’s smaller, value-centric boxes and tighter delivery ops
• China’s Urban Revivo targets 200+ overseas stores—fast-fashion competition resets
• Inside FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Singapore): the most complete AI-assisted supermarket we’ve seen

Chapters
00:00 Intro & show update
01:00 APAC ecommerce: growth + mobile share
04:04 China’s 1-hour delivery price war
06:11 Korea tourism: visa-free Chinese group travel
08:09 Yum China: small formats, capital discipline
09:14 Urban Revivo: 200+ overseas stores
10:06 FairPrice “Store of Tomorrow” (Punggol, Singapore)
13:22 Wrap

References / image sources
GSMA Mobile Economy APAC: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GSMA_APAC_ME2025_WEB-1.pdf
Sensor Tower ecommerce apps (context): https://sensortower.com/blog/ecommerce-performance-in-shopping-season-2024
U.S. mobile share context: https://redstagfulfillment.com/what-percentage-of-ecommerce-sales-on-mobile-devices/
Reuters – China instant retail race: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinas-e-commerce-companies-are-getting-singed-by-price-war-2025-09-08/
Korea visa-free Chinese group tours (from 29 Sept): https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=278542
Yum China (formats/capital): https://ir.yumchina.com/ and https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/new-pizza-hut-concept-stores-china-help-frugal-diners-save-2024-09-06/
Urban Revivo global push: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chinese-zara-rival-urban-revivo-steps-up-global-push-with-new-stores-fashion-2025-09-03/
FairPrice × Google Cloud “Store of Tomorrow”:
https://www.googlecloudpresscorner.com/2025-08-27-FairPrice-Group%2C-Singapores-Largest-Retailer%2C-Deepens-AI-Collaboration-with-Google-Cloud%2C-Brings-New-Agentic-Applications-to-its-Store-of-Tomorrow-and-Workforce

Subscribe for weekly APAC signals. Comment: which of these five will you test in the next 30 days payments, instant delivery, tourism targeting, format shift, or AI grocery?

#APACRetail #Ecommerce #MCommerce #InstantDelivery #ChinaRetail #SouthKorea #YumChina #UrbanRevivo #FairPrice #AIinRetail