Shows
What Just HappenedChristine Russo with Verizon CTO James Hughes on the Infrastructure Powering Retail AIChristine Russo sits down with James Hughes, Retail CTO at Verizon Business, for an onsite conversation recorded at NRF 2026, unpacking how AI, network infrastructure, and immersive technologies are actually reshaping retail operations and in-store experiences.Hughes breaks down where AI delivers real productivity gains today, from helping store associates locate products faster to enabling immersive customer journeys like virtual try-ons and AI-powered shopping assistants. He explains why storytelling matters when selling AI internally, and why most retail innovation fails without the right connectivity layer underneath it.The conversation dives into 5G, fixed wireless access, and...
2026-01-2517 min
What Just HappenedChristine Russo with Greg Wilson of RELEX on Moving Retail AI From Insight to ActionWhat Just Happened went to NRF 2026 in New York City. Christine Russo sat down live at the RELEX booth with Greg Wilson, VP of Field Strategy at RELEX Solutions, to unpack how AI in retail is finally moving from experimentation to real world deployment.Wilson explains why RELEX has a structural advantage in the current AI moment. Long before large language models dominated the conversation, the company built deep infrastructure using advanced mathematics, optimization, and exception based decisioning to solve complex retail problems. That foundation now allows RELEX to deploy targeted AI agents that move seamlessly from...
2026-01-2011 min
What Just HappenedChristine Russo Talks Enterprise AI, Speed, and ROI With Nathalie Gaveau of Publicis SapientWhat Just Happened headed to CES 2026 in Las Vegas. and Christine Russo sat down live on-site with Nathalie Gaveau, Chief Client Officer at Publicis Sapient, to talk about what it really means to move from AI curiosity to AI deployment.Publicis Sapient sits in a unique position in the market, operating at the intersection of strategy, engineering, data, and design, and moving with a speed that is often missing in large enterprise organizations. Gaveau points to the firm’s DNA as an innovator, from helping create the earliest airline seat booking systems to building some of the fi...
2026-01-2018 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo and Jonathan Arena on AX: The Agentic Experience Defining 2026AX. Agentic Experience.This is the phrase I am taking into 2026, and it is where I open my final show of the year.Christine Russo sat down with Jonathan Arena, CEO of New Generation AI and trykeppler.ai. Jonathan explains the breakdown of what happens when agents arrive on your brand site. They are trying to read catalogs, understand product attributes and answer real shopper questions. And most websites are not ready for that level of traffic or that style of discovery. And let's not forget behind every agent is a human seeking information...
2025-12-1530 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo in conversation with Michaela Wessels, CEO and Co-Founder of Style ArcadeMichaela Wessels CEO and Co-Founder of Style Arcade joined Christine Russo to break down what is arguably one of the most persistent and costly gaps in fashion retail: the inability to forecast at the depth the industry actually needs. Wessels explained how most tools, including those that market themselves as AI based, stop at the category level and cannot address the real issue, which is the constant missed revenue tied to out of stocks by size and by store. Her team quantified forty one million dollars in lost revenue across ten brands in six months, all tied to invisible...
2025-11-2415 minWhat Just HappenedRethinking the Funnel: Christine Russo on the Non Linear Customer Journey and the New Rules of Marketing Strategy and RetentionChristine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, continues to explore brand marketing strategies that work in a retail everywhere world. Russo selected her guest Jenny Coates to discuss the non linear shape of the customer journey and how marketers can build clarity and connection in an environment defined by fragmented attention and unpredictable discovery.Throughout the conversation, Russo frames the modern customer path as a system without a single entry point. Consumers discover brands through social platforms, micro influencers, video, email, word of mouth and AI driven search, and often arrive through side doors rather...
2025-11-1412 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo sits down with Anja Sadock of TrusTrace to unpack supply chain truth, compliance, and what readiness really meansChristine Russo sits with Anja Sadock of TrusTrace. Anja traced the company’s origins back to an activist effort in India, where the founders witnessed firsthand the environmental toll of textile manufacturing on local farmland. That grassroots motivation grew into a global traceability platform designed to help brands see and prove what’s happening across their supply chains. Today, TrusTrace provides data and verification tools so companies can understand the social and environmental risks embedded in their sourcing—from forced labor to deforestation—and act on them with real evidence rather than assumptions. Anja described this as essential for accounta...
2025-10-3023 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo deep dives into Amazon’s Buy with Prime and Multi-Channel FulfillmentChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sits down with Kelsey Ayres, Director of Product Management at Amazon for Buy with Prime and Multi-Channel Fulfillment. Together they explore how Amazon is solving logistics issues and expanding the benefits of Buy with Prime. How? By offering brands the ability to use its powerful fulfillment network beyond the marketplace. Ayres explains how Buy with Prime builds shopper trust and boosts conversions through fast delivery, seamless returns, and easy integrations, while Multi-Channel Fulfillment helps businesses of all sizes streamline operations across platforms like TikTok, Temu, and Shopify. The conversation highlights real-world results...
2025-09-2611 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo on the Decoding the Future of Luxury with guest Jonathan Siboni, CEO of Luxury Insight, on Data, Desire, and DisruptionChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sits down with Jonathan Siboni, founder and CEO of Luxury Insight, often described as the “Bloomberg for luxury.” Together they explore the crossroads facing global luxury brands—ranging from shifting Chinese consumer behaviors and the rise of resale to the pressure of generational leadership changes at industry giants like LVMH, Kering, and Chanel. Siboni explains how data can serve as the new compass for maisons, balancing heritage with the need to decode emerging desires, and weighs in on Louis Vuitton’s bold entry into beauty. The conversation looks ahead at how pricing strategi...
2025-09-2626 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo Talks Frustration, Fixes, and the Future of Retail with Dave Anderson of ContentSquareChristine Russo, Chief Content Officer of What Just Happened, sits with Dave Anderson, Vice President of Product Marketing at ContentSquare.In this episode, Russo and Anderson explore the balance between automation and empathy in retail’s digital transformation. Anderson emphasizes that AI should not be the outcome, but a tool to enhance personalization and reduce customer frustration. Drawing from ContentSquare’s benchmark report, he notes that 40% of user experiences are marked by frustration—primarily due to errors, speed, and poor mobile optimization—yet simple fixes can drive major improvements in conversion.Anderson highlights how AI and expe...
2025-09-2410 minWhat Just HappenedBeyond Foot Traffic: Privacy, Perception, and the Power of Location DataChristine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, sits with Ethan Chernofsky of Placer.ai.Placer.ai was built with privacy at its core. From its 2018 launch, the company avoided collecting personally identifiable information (PII), instead focusing on anonymized, aggregate data. This approach aligned with GDPR and CCPA regulations, allowing Placer to demonstrate that location intelligence can be both privacy-centric and commercially valuable. While this choice meant leaving some revenue opportunities (like hyper-targeted advertising) on the table, it reinforced trust, credibility, and long-term sustainability.Two major misconceptions surfaced in the discussion:Data...
2025-09-2125 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo sits with Matt Marcotte, industry veteran, to unpack leadership and culture in retailOn this episode of What Just Happened, host Christine Russo sits down with retail veteran Matt Marcotte to unpack leadership, culture, and the very human side of running iconic brands.Russo keeps the conversation lively and sharp, cutting through corporate jargon with her signature edge:Employees as customers: Russo seizes on Marcotte’s idea of treating staff as your first customer and if brands skip over the people who deliver the experience, everything else is at risk to fall apart.Commission conundrum: Is there a tension retailers face balancing morale when paychecks are im...
2025-09-1250 min
Inspired Choices for Business Growth ~ Christine McIverDouble Down On You! – Guest Anthony RussoInspired Choices for Business Growth with Christine McIver What does it really mean to double down on you? In this episode, Christine McIver discusses with Anthony Russo — speaker, coach, and creator of the Double Down movement — to explore how setbacks, risks, and even the parts of our story we once tried to hide can become the greatest fuel for our growth. In this episode, they’ll dig into: How do you turn failure into fuel instead of fear? Why is your story the most powerful tool you already have? What happens when you stop being afraid of what got you here? A...
2025-08-2855 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo in Conversation with Sean Tucker: Lessons from Nike, Converse, and BeyondChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened sits with Sean Tucker, brand marketing expert, for a thoughtful conversation on what it truly takes to build enduring brands in today’s volatile media and cultural environment. Russo presses Tucker on his experience at Nike, Converse, and On, asking how a brand can remain authentic while also adapting to new consumer behaviors and shifting expectations. Tucker shares his perspective on why some companies cultivate lasting equity while others fall into the trap of short-term “day trading” for attention. Together, Russo and Tucker analyze recent high-profile campaigns, including the controversial use of celebr...
2025-08-1622 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo in Conversation with Astrid Wendlandt: Challenging Luxury’s Power Players and Protecting Journalism’s IntegrityChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sits Astrid Wendlandt, founder and editor of Miss Tweed, the independent luxury and fashion media brand.Wendlandt shares her motivation for launching Miss Tweed in 2020: to offer rigorous, independent investigative journalism in a fashion and luxury industry too often shaped by corporate advertising. Drawing on her decades-long career at Reuters, the Financial Times, and The New York Times, Wendlandt argues that traditional outlets are often constrained by the influence of luxury advertisers. Miss Tweed, by contrast, is funded through subscriptions and aims to deliver exclusive, uncompromising reporting every Sunday.
2025-08-0839 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo in Conversation with Michael Della Penna, InMarket CSO: Why Customer Data and Intent Power Modern MarketingChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sat with Michael Della Penna, Chief Strategy Officer at InMarket, to unpack the evolution of consumer behavior and what it means for modern marketers.Della Penna described how consumer intent has shifted from pandemic-driven convenience shopping to today’s fragmented, value-seeking behaviors driven by inflation and economic uncertainty. Consumers are more willing than ever to switch stores to chase savings even if they remain loyal to brands.He outlined InMarket’s approach to understanding these shifts using three core data streams: shopping list intent data from owned apps and...
2025-08-0714 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Retail Gets Wrong (and Right) with Melissa Minkow of CI&TOn this episode of What Just Happened, the host and creator Christine Russo welcomes Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T, to explore the intersection of consumer behavior, retail technology, and economic pressure. Minkow shares her unique lens on retail, combining front-line experience with corporate strategy and research, including her work on CI&T’s proprietary Connected Retail Report, which surveys U.S. consumers on their expectations and behaviors across shopping, tech, and discretionary spending.The conversation covers how consumers are adapting to rising costs by prioritizing necessities while selectively spending on experiences over pr...
2025-07-1615 minWhat Just HappenedChristine Russo interviews Rich Taylor, a China-based international trade executive, for an in-depth discussion on the real-time implications of tariffs, U.S.–China trade relations,In this episode of What Just Happened, Christine Russo interviews Rich Taylor, a China-based international trade executive, for an in-depth discussion on the real-time implications of tariffs, U.S.–China trade relations, and the complexities of the First Sale rule. From the outset, Russo sets a sharp and informed tone. Her questions reveal a deep understanding of the trade landscape and effectively push Taylor to clarify common misconceptions, challenge industry narratives, and illuminate behind-the-scenes dynamics.Taylor explains that while headlines suggest importers are “stocking up” to avoid tariffs, the reality is more nuanced. He emphas...
2025-07-0619 minWhat Just HappenedSitting down with Tim Ringel, CEO of Meet the People: Betting on the Independent AdvantageChristine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, interviews Tim Ringel, CEO of Meet the People, a full-funnel advertising agency collective challenging the traditional holding company model. Ringel explains that Meet the People was built to eliminate inefficiencies caused by siloed incentives in traditional ad conglomerates. Instead, his model gives agency leaders equity and aligns them around shared success and client results.We are seeing consolidation and maybe chaos in the ad industry. Russo sits with Ringel to unpack the uniqueness of a decentralized centralized format, especially against a backdrop that includes mergers creating single mega-agencies...
2025-06-1620 minWhat Just HappenedFrom Fragmentation to Scale: Regina Ye, CEO Topsort, on Retail Media 3.0Christine Russo sits down to interview Regina Ye, CEO and co-founder of Topsort, on What Just Happened:Regina Ye discussed how Topsort was founded by three engineers to democratize big tech ad infrastructure for retailers and brands. She drew from her own experience as a CPG brand frustrated by ad platforms like Amazon and Meta. Topsort aims to provide scalable, privacy-conscious, product-based ad solutions for retailers.She emphasized the company’s goal to make retail media technology modular and accessible, especially for the “have-nots” who are struggling to catch up in retail media. Even the “haves,”...
2025-06-1620 min
Everything Coworking389. From Side Service to Scalable Revenue: How Christine Tosi Built Spoke's Mail BusinessChristine Tosi didn't just open a coworking space—she invented one out of necessity. What started as a creative way to use extra space in a building she and her husband David bought for their first business has grown into a full-on coworking success story in Tucson, Arizona. Now, they're gearing up to open a second location—this time under a management agreement—with a pipeline full of mail clients, a waitlist for dedicated desks, and a family-run team that includes their college-aged daughter (and some pretty savvy Canva support from their son). In this episode, Christine shares...
2025-06-1048 minWhat Just HappenedJames Denman on Brand Loyalty, Social Channel Strategy, and the Power of the XY MethodChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sat down with James Denman, a brand strategy and marketing leader for luxury and fashion brands. Russo and Denman explored how brand marketing is evolving, emphasizing modern strategies that break rigid traditional models.Denman pointed to the need for brands to modernize their marketing approaches through a multi-channel, consistent strategy rather than relying heavily on outdated campaign-driven models. He highlighted Burberry’s success with its "always Burberry weather" campaign as an example of consistent creative experimentation and drip content across social channels. Denman stressed the importance of clarity, intentionality, and br...
2025-05-3023 minWhat Just HappenedMike Jacobs, MMA Board Member, on the challeges of Brand MarketingChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sits down with Mike Jacobs to discuss key shifts in marketing strategy and brand authenticity in today’s evolving landscape. In addition to these talking points, Russo offers a hard look and counterpoint analysis of Gary Vaynerchuk’s Possible presentation, blending sharp critique with balanced insight.Talking points:The Shift from Quantity to Quality and the Need for Authenticity: Russo critiques the oversimplification in modern marketing advice, particularly targeting Gary Vaynerchuk’s pivot from promoting high-volume content to emphasizing "quality." Jacob stresses that “quality” must be properly d...
2025-05-3016 minWhat Just HappenedMatt Merrilees, CEO North America at Global-e, on Navigating Global Tariffs and Borderless BrandsChristine Russo, creator of What Just Happened, sits with Matt Merrilees, CEO of Global-e, to explore how cross-border ecommerce is being reshaped by rising tariffs, regulatory shifts, and the demand for profitable international expansion. Merrilees outlines how Global-e helps brands navigate the complexities of global commerce while maintaining customer experience and profitability.Key Discussion Points:Tariffs and Profitability ModelingMerrilees explains how Global-e helps brands assess and manage the impact of changing tariff landscapes by running market-by-market profitability analyses before launching international sales. This helps brands avoid surprises and maintain margins while expanding globally.
2025-05-1912 minWhat Just HappenedShawn Nelson, CEO of Lovesac sits with Christine Russo.Christine Russo, creator of What Just Happened, sits down with Shawn Nelson, CEO of Lovesac, to discuss his leadership philosophy, recent strategic hires, and the evolving dynamics of brand identity in retail.Shawn Nelson's Philosophy Toward Business: Nelson emphasizes a "Designed for Life" approach, focusing on sustainability, adaptability, and long-term customer relationships. He believes in creating products that are durable and modular, reducing waste and promoting conscious consumerism. In a break from typical retail cycles of 'Newness', Nelson emphasizes 'Sameness'. This is one of their trusted values and drives product development, strategy, marketing and more....
2025-05-1831 minWhat Just HappenedSteve Yalof President and CEO at Tanger on Experience, Expansion, and Evolution of Retail and Tanger's RoleChristine Russo, creator of What Just Happened, sits with Tanger CEO Steve Yalof. In this wide-ranging conversation, Russo and Yalof discuss Tanger’s accelerated back-to-school timeline, the company’s expansion into full-price, and the critical role of experience in modern retail. Yalof shares that community is a major contributor in all of their strategies. They discuss how knowing the customer, having a digital-physical service, and hands-on leadership approach are driving both traffic and long-term growth. The episode offers a candid look at how Tanger is evolving beyond outlets—and why Yalof believes retail is no longer just about real estate...
2025-05-1530 minWhat Just HappenedConsumer Behavior Is Anything but Predictable: Insights from Katie Thomas of Kearney Consumer InstituteIn this conversation, Christine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, sits with Katie Thomas from the Kearney Consumer Institute. Thomas enlightens a spin on current-day perspectives suggesting that businesses can shift away from rigid, category-based views of shoppers and age-based demographics; and instead focus on the full psychological and lifestyle context of consumers. She explains that uncertainty, lingering from the pandemic and ongoing economic challenges, has made consumers more sensitive, selective, and frustrated, leading to brand skepticism and new behaviors even boycotts. While data and need states can offer valuable insights, Katie warns that brands often underestimate...
2025-04-1819 minWhat Just HappenedDoubleDash, Designer Shoes, and a Door to Retail Media: DoorDash’s Big Reveal with Toby EspinosaChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, sits down with Toby Espinosa, Vice President of DoorDash Ads, to discuss the company’s evolution and its growing role in retail media. Espinosa, who has been with DoorDash for a decade, shares how the company expanded from a local restaurant delivery startup into a global, multi-category logistics platform serving 30 countries. Initially created to help small businesses grow through delivery logistics, DoorDash has since launched promotions, advertising tools, and partnerships to support both local entrepreneurs and large brands alike.Espinosa highlights DoorDash’s commitment to simplifying complex challenges for small busi...
2025-04-0314 minWhat Just HappenedA Provocative Look Inside Shein: Peter Pernot-Day on Reinventing Fashion at ScaleChristine Russo, host of the What Just Happenedpodcast, sits down with Peter Pernot-Day Head of Strategic and Corporate Affairs for North America and Europe for a wide-ranging discussion.Pernot-Day shares that Shein’s “secret sauce” lies in its ability to match supply precisely with demand—something made possible by their demand-driven model and relentless focus on the consumer. He explains that Shein isstructurally aligned to operate with speed and efficiency, with systems in place to test and scale products based on real-time data. This agility, pairedwith deep consumer insight, enables Shein to avoid overproduction and reduce waste. Pernot-Day also highligh...
2025-04-0217 minWhat Just Happened"Two-Way Doors & Retail Rebounds: A Conversation with Sucharita Kodali, VP Forrester ResearchIn this episode of What Just Happened, Christine Russo interviews Sucharita Kodali, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, to unpack the ever-evolving dynamics of digital transformation in retail. Kodali shares her perspective on how retailers should approach innovation with caution, emphasizing the importance of testing and two-way-door decisions—those you can reverse—especially in areas like generative AI and emerging tech. She advises brands not to blindly follow Amazon’s lead, but to embrace its spirit of calculated experimentation and long-term thinking.The conversation explores the cyclical nature of retail brand equity, using Target and Gap as cas...
2025-03-1918 minWhat Just HappenedEvan Armstrong of RILA.org on Retail Policy, Workforce Trends, and the Future of the IndustryChristine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, sits down with Evan Armstrong of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to discuss the organization's role in shaping retail policy. Evan explains that RILA represents the country’s largest and most innovative retailers, focusing on public policy, advocacy, and industry events. He highlights key legislative issues affecting the retail sector, including tariffs, trade policy, and workforce regulations, noting how RILA works proactively to support its members in navigating these challenges.The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of workforce policy, particularly in the wake of shifting government re...
2025-02-2717 minWhat Just HappenedHugh Forrest on How SXSW Continues to Evolve and What to Expect This YearChristine Russo, Host of What Just Happened, sits down with Hugh Forrest, President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest, to explore how SXSW is the ultimate gathering for creatives and also serves as a melting pot for innovators across industries. From music, film and multi-media, SXSW is where the world's leading brands, marketing, technology, and activations collide with groundbreaking advancements in AI and now, quantum computing. SXSW has solidified itself as a mecca for creative minds, where emerging trends are not just discussed but actively shaped, making it the go-to destination for those looking to stay ahead...
2025-02-2113 minWhat Just HappenedTim Fehr, COO of Happy Returns, a UPS Company discusses The Future of E-Commerce Returns: How Happy Returns and UPS Are Redefining Convenience and EfficiencyChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, has Tim Fehr from Happy Returns as her guest. Tim discusses the company's rapid growth and how its partnership with UPS has accelerated automation in the returns process. He explains how Happy Returns successfully integrated robotics into their facilities before the peak holiday season, reducing transit times and loss rates to record lows. The company has doubled its productivity through automation in 2024 and is now developing a new plan to further enhance efficiency in 2025. Fehr also highlights the importance of optimizing outbound transit times and leveraging cross-dock programs to reduce...
2025-02-1614 minWhat Just HappenedPoint of Synergistic, Synthesized Solutions with Dax Dasilva, CEO of LightspeedChristine Russo, host of What Just Happened, leads a thought-provoking conversation with Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed, about the evolution of point-of-sale (POS) systems into comprehensive business solutions. Russo sets the stage by emphasizing how a poor checkout experience can undermine an otherwise excellent store experience. She introduces the idea of rebranding POS highlighting its role in empowering associates to enhance customer interactions. Dasilva elaborates on Lightspeed’s evolution into a "light ERP" solution for medium-to-high complexity retailers, integrating inventory management, e-commerce, social channels, and analytics. Russo pitches alternative terms like "point of synergy" and "point of synthesis," which Da...
2025-02-0424 minWhat Just HappenedIs Newness Retail's Survival Secret?Join Russo, host of What Just Happened, as she delvesdeeply into the concept of newness in her conversation with Helen LambertKennedy, founder of Lambert Associates and The Style Pulse. The interview examines the role of newness driving business,department stores, and how newness manifests across different global markets,emphasizing its importance for customer loyalty and retail innovation. LambertKennedy discusses the delicate balance between risk and reward in adopting newbrands, noting how department stores and smaller retailers approach thechallenge differently. She also highlights The Style Pulse's use of technology,such as their AI avatar Julia, which enhances the...
2025-01-2318 minWhat Just HappenedRetail: Year End 2024 with Top Retail Experts Michael Zakkour and Brandon RaelChristine Russo, the host and creator of What Just Happened, hosted Michael Zakkour and Brandon Rael for the retail industry year-end recap. The discussion highlighted many key initiatives and strategies like the evolution of video commerce, which has transitioned from a niche concept to a mainstream strategy, as evidenced by significant contributions to sales during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Zakkour emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive "v-commerce" strategy that integrates various forms of video content, while Rael discussed how consumer behavior has reshaped retail, with influencers and social platforms like TikTok driving engagement and conversions...
2024-12-1839 minWhat Just HappenedSitting Down with Hanro US President, Marianna Santanas
Christine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, engages in an insightful conversation with Mariana Sotinas, President of Hanro USA. The discussion explores the strategic considerations behind Hanro's distribution channels, their focus on quality and customer loyalty, and the importance of a feedback-driven approach to continuous improvement. Mariana shares insights on the brand's transition to Shopify, successful customer-centric initiatives like in-store events, and the launch of their winter capsule collection. They also delve into leveraging Hanro's heritage and luxury positioning to acquire new customers, expand into travel retail, and maintain a loyal, generational customer base. The...
2024-12-1010 minWhat Just HappenedCampus Stores with Brian Wright from the Vol Shop!
Christine Russo, the host and creator of What Just Happened, recently welcomed Brian Wright, Director of VolShop at the University of Tennessee, to discuss his approach to campus retail leadership. With a sprawling operation across 14 locations, VolShop handles everything from books and tech supplies to sports concessions and partnerships with renowned brands like Lululemon. To optimize customer experiences during peak demand, such as during product launches, Wright deployed innovative measures like the Wait while system. This system, inspired by pandemic-era shopping adaptations, required customers to reserve shopping slots, ensuring efficient service and inventory management.
2024-12-1014 minWhat Just HappenedPayPal Ads has Landed - Big Doesn't Describe it. Learn more.Christine Russo, founder and creator of What Just Happened, sits with Dr. Mark Grether, SVP and GM of PayPal Ads - a pivotal moment in PayPal's venture into advertising. Dr. Grether reflects on the rapid progress since joining PayPal six months ago, launching an advertising platform that leverages its vast network of 400 million active users and millions of merchants. This integration allows advertisers to capitalize on unparalleled transaction insights, optimizing ad effectiveness and consumer engagement. With over 225 billion transactions passing through PayPal's pipeline, Dr. Grether envisions this as a transformative opportunity in the e-commerce space. He emphasizes the differentiation...
2024-12-0414 minWhat Just HappenedThe Reign Off Price Retail - with Nancy MairThe podcast "What Just Happened" features an engaging conversation with Nancy Mair, an expert in the off-price retail industry. Mair emphasizes that the success of off-price retail stems from delivering top brands and surprising deals, creating a unique shopping experience that attracts a loyal customer base.
Mair discusses the evolution of the off-price model, focusing on how these businesses now attract significant interest from vendors due to timely payments, streamlined logistics, and strong partnerships. She outlines the complex processes behind inventory management, including acquiring closeouts, made-for-off-price goods, and private labels. These strategies enable off-price...
2024-11-1813 minWhat Just HappenedSports Retailing with the Legend Matt PowellIn this "What Just Happened" podcast episode,
Christine Russo hosts Matt Powell, an industry expert in sports retail. The
discussion covers e-commerce, physical retail, particularly multi-branded
stores for Sports Retail and that still plays a vital role in the sports retail
ecosystem.
Key Discussion Points:
-
“Malls are Not Dead – But there are Dead Malls” –
Powell
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Nike’s challenges
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Foot Locker’s probability of success
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Wholesale/DTC
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Branding and Product
The discussion covers brand integrity and the importance of
maintaining product quality. Matt points out...
2024-09-0712 minWhat Just HappenedCustomer Check Out Experience DEFINES the retail and brand experience.Christine Russo hosts "What Just Happened" and welcomes Eric Schoch from NCR Voyix, who oversees the retail business. Schoch emphasizes the importance of the checkout experience in stores, highlighting the role of point-of-sale (POS) systems in enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency. He discusses how data and insights derived from POS systems are crucial for retailers to make informed decisions regarding inventory, pricing, marketing, and overall store management.
Schock further elaborates on the "upgrade imperative" facing retailers, driven by the need for modernized store systems that can handle contemporary challenges such as inventory management...
2024-07-2421 minWhat Just HappenedGen AI Conundrum: HERE is one way to use it for your BusinessSit Down with Christine Russo as she hosts a key technology provider in the ever-evolving ways Gen AI will help retailers and brands.
Eric Best, CEO of SoundCommerce, explains the challenges of measuring order profitability due to dispersed data sources. In his experience with Richer Poorer, he found that while they could measure site traffic, conversion rates, and ad campaign performance, they struggled to answer basic questions about profitability after converting a shopper. This issue drove the creation of SoundCommerce to address the industry problem with a commercial product.
Eric describes the complexity of calculating...
2024-07-0215 minWhat Just HappenedGenerative AI and Search - What's Real and What Not to DoRusso sits down with Simon Langevin of Coveo and here are some hightlights
Introduction and Background: Simon Langevin, VP of product at Coveo, manages the e-commerce side of the business, which includes B2C and B2B search engine functions. The conversation covers the impact of generative AI on search and Coveo's approach to using large language models for content summarization and smart snippets.
Challenges in Search and AI: The interview discusses the conflict between algorithmic product recommendations and business concerns, emphasizing the need for balance. The future of AI is highlighted as becoming more...
2024-06-2310 minWhat Just HappenedThe Rise and Rise of Retail Media with Albertsons and CriteoIn a lively exchange, Christine Russo, host of What Just Happened, Kristi Argyilan SVP Retail Media Albertsons, and Brian Gleason CRO Criteo discuss the evolution and potential of retail media networks. Kristi, with a background in media strategy and experience at Target and Albertsons, highlights the transformative impact of recognizing the value of retailer-owned assets, particularly first-party data. She emphasizes the shift towards proving outcomes rather than just impressions. Brian, drawing from his diverse career spanning publishing, technology, and agencies, underscores key moments that illuminated the growing significance of retail media, such as the revelation of Amazon's ad revenue...
2024-03-2421 minWhat Just HappenedChristian Muche on Possible Miami 2024Possible Miami 2024
https://possibleevent.com/
In a dynamic exchange, Christian Muche, co-founder and CEO
of Beyond Ordinary Events and one of the architects behind the event Possible,
introduces his venture to host Christine Russo, host and creator of What Just
Happened. Launched in Miami, this event was designed to address the
contemporary challenges and agendas facing the marketing industry, a
multi-billion dollar realm poised for innovation and growth. Muche emphasizes
the importance of creating an event that merges technology, marketing, and
culture into an immersive experience, diverging from traditional conferences by
engaging thousands of industry...
2024-03-0818 minWhat Just HappenedJumpmind CEO Joe Corbin on Retail Point of Service and Improving the Associate ExperienceIn this insightful discussion with Joe Corbin, CEO and founder of Jumpmind, Christine Russo explores the evolution of retail technology and its impact on both customer experience (CX) and associate experience (AX). Corbin's extensive background in retail, including his time at Abercrombie & Fitch during its international expansion, informs Jumpmind's approach to addressing the complexities of modern retail operations. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the heyday of brick-and-mortar retail, Corbin emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct needs of large enterprise merchants with multinational deployments.
The conversation delves into the transformation of point-of-sale (POS...
2024-02-2525 minWhat Just HappenedCEO of Retail by Mona, Brandon Singer, talks about NYC Retail and Restaurant Real Estate SceneIn this conversation between Christine Russo and Brandon Singer, CEO and founder of Retail by Mona, Singer discusses the inception of his company during the pandemic and its unique positioning in the real estate market, particularly in New York City. He highlights the resurgence of retail activity in the city, particularly among luxury brands, and delves into the trend of luxury brands purchasing their real estate rather than leasing, as a long-term investment strategy. The discussion also touches on the evolution of neighborhoods like Meatpacking District, driven by factors such as tourism, office presence (notably Google's), and the appeal...
2024-02-1316 minWhat Just HappenedPano Anthos, Founder and Managing Director on Venture CapitalIn this episode of "What Just Happened," Christine Russo interviews Pano Anthos, the Founder and Managing Director of XRC Ventures. Pano emphasizes the consumer-centric approach of their venture, highlighting their focus on startups at the intersection of consumer behavior and technological advancements. With a team of 12, they support around 140 startups across three funds, prioritizing innovations that directly impact consumers rather than enterprise-focused solutions.
Pano discusses the current state of venture capital, noting the apprehension among VCs due to concerns about inflated valuations and market volatility. He emphasizes the importance of unique solutions addressing significant...
2024-02-1023 min
The Ashlee and Jessicast100. Schizophrenic Review ft. Christine of @chasezdailyThis week we are continuing our deep dive of Schizophrenic, but this time I am welcomed by JC Chasez Historian Christine of @chasezdaily to break down the album track-by-track. I begin the episode with a special expression of gratitude to all of you for listening for the past 100 episodes, then Christine & I have some general JC/*NSYNC discussion, and finally we discuss every song on this varied and vibrant album.
PATREON Subscribers get bonus episodes, videos, commentaries AND get all public episodes a week early, ad-free, and extended. Join our community at Patreon.com...
2023-12-312h 07What Just HappenedCara Smyth from Accenture on ESG, Repsonsible Retail and moreChristine Russo hosts Cara Smyth, Global Senior Managing
Director ESG, Responsible Retail at Accenture, on "What Just
Happened."
The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of
sustainability terminology, such as ESG, corporate social responsibility, and
sustainability itself. Cara highlights the risk of drifting away from
profitability and stresses the importance of chasing waste out of the system to
enhance efficiency and profitability. They also discuss the challenges and
opportunities for businesses, especially in the retail sector, to align with
changing regulatory landscapes and effectively engage with suppliers to drive
positive change.
Cara addresses t...
2023-11-2637 minWhat Just HappenedNY State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton speaks about her Bill regarding Organized Retail CrimeIn this podcast episode, Christine Russo welcomes New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who has been voted the 2023 Staten Island Power 100. Senator Scarcella-Spanton's bill is aimed at making assaults on retail workers a Class D felony. This is for all retail workers; however, at the heart of it, is the small business.
The Senator shares the inspiration behind the bill, recounting an incident during her campaign where a deli worker was assaulted during a robbery. She collaborated with a group called C.A.P.S. (Collective Action to Protect Our Stores) to address the increasing concern of...
2023-11-2115 minWhat Just HappenedFad, Trend or Strategey with David Marcotte and James TenserIn this episode of "Fad, Trend and Strategy on What Just Happened," Christine Russo hosts David Marcotte from Kantar Consulting and James Tenser from VSN Media to discuss various trends and strategies in the retail and supply chain industry.
The conversation begins with a focus on the challenges in the supply chain, particularly the impact of weakened demand. David Marcotte highlights the ongoing chaos in the supply chain, attributing it to unexpected disruptions like the Panama Canal issues. He emphasizes the return of challenges similar to those faced two years ago, with disruptions in rail, seaports, and...
2023-11-1714 minWhat Just HappenedDeep Dive with Coach's Giovanni ZaccarielloIn this conversation between Christine Russo and Giovanni Zaccariello, Giovanni discusses the Coach's approach to physical experiences and emphasizes the importance of localization, adapting formats for different regions, and using modularity to design for longevity. Giovanni provides examples, such as the Tabby pop-ups and the Coach Play stores, where experimentation and testing of new ideas occur.
Giovanni elaborates on the Coach Play stores' purpose as testing grounds for new concepts, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and localized experiences and highlights the success of Coach Play stores in terms of increased traffic and extended customer stay.
2023-11-1421 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Just Happened: Fad, Trend or Strategy with Andy Lautado and Chris SilverIn this discussion, Christine Russo hosts Andy Lautato, COO of The Vitamin Shop, and Chris Silver, a Customer Technology Executive, to explore various topics within the retail industry. Both Andy and Chris bring valuable insights from their extensive experience, emphasizing the significance of understanding the retail environment and the challenges faced by employees in stores. They underscore the idea that success in the retail sector hinges on empathizing with the team, listening to their experiences, and recognizing the integral role of the people within the organization.
One central theme that emerges is the importance...
2023-11-0826 minWhat Just HappenedHow do Walmart and Meta help small business?In this conversation between Christine Russo and Barbara Thau, Editorial Director at Co. by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Barbara discusses her publication's unique approach to journalism and their focus on small businesses. Co. by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an independent publication, separate from the Chamber itself, and it emphasizes providing insights and support to small businesses. Barbara highlights their recent achievement of hosting the first America's top small business gala, with thousands of applicants, regional finalists, and one winner. She also mentions a panel discussion with Meta and Walmart on how large businesses are...
2023-11-0511 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Just Happened: Simeon Siegel, BMO Capital MarketsIn this conversation between Christine Russo and Simeon Siegel, they discuss various aspects of the retail industry, particularly its presence in the stock market. Siegel emphasizes the importance of agreement between retailers and consumers regarding service and value.Siegel also delves into the concept of gross margin as a measure of a brand's health and value, contrasting it with revenue. He discusses the challenges of publicly traded retail companies, which are heavily influenced by consumer spending, and highlights the need for a balance between short-term and long-term financial strategies.Furthermore, the conversation touches on distribution strategies, with Siegel...
2023-10-1420 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Just Happened: Fad, Trend or Strategy in RetailChristine Russo hosts a podcast, "What Just Happened," discussing the distinctions between fads, trends, and strategies in retail, with guests Brandon Real and Michael Zakkor. A fad is seen as observational, something seemingly worth following due to its popularity. Trends are analytical, requiring consideration on their integration and potential impact on operations. Strategies are integrations that have tangible results and drive innovation in retailing practices. A significant focus is placed on how these concepts influence retail innovations, with discussions on the operationalization of these innovations and their actual impact on retail businesses, emphasizing the importance of tangible results. The...
2023-10-0119 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Just Happened with Benoit Koenig of VeesionIn this conversation on "What Just Happened," Christine Russo welcomes Benoit Koenig from Veesion, a company using AI to combat retail theft. Benoit discusses the urgent need to address the rising issue of retail shrinkage due to factors like inflation and increasing theft. He highlights the limitations of traditional security measures like security agents, cameras, and RFID tags, emphasizing that these methods haven't effectively curbed shrinkage. He distinguishes between shrinkage and organized retail crime, noting that Vision's AI technology focuses on gesture analysis using deep learning, specifically targeting shoplifting behaviors. Benoit explains that the technology can detect suspicious gestures...
2023-08-2818 minWhat Just HappenedWhat Just Happened with Andy Ruben of Trove on Resale and ReturnsIn this conversation, Christine Russo interviews Andy Rubin, the executive chairman and founder of Trove, discussing the growth of the resale market and its impact on brands. Trove is a pioneering player in the resale space, helping brands create and manage their resale programs. Andy Rubin highlights that the resale market is gaining momentum, with more brands recognizing the value of retaining control over their secondary market and sustainability efforts.
Andy emphasizes the importance of brands being involved in the resale of their products, especially those known for high-quality craftsmanship. Brands like Patagonia and Lululemon have successfully...
2023-08-1320 min
What Just HappenedWhat Just Happened with Scot Case from NRFIn this interview, Christine Russo speaks with Scott Case, the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF). They discuss the progress and challenges of sustainability in the retail industry. Scott acknowledges that while there has been significant progress, it is not happening fast enough. He highlights a generational shift in executive leadership, with new leaders recognizing the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and embracing organizational change to address them.
The conversation delves into the complexity of sustainability challenges in retail, such as packaging, resource usage, oversupply, and materiality, among others. Scott...
2023-07-2213 min
The Antidote with Rocky RussoDr. Christine Bishara - Gut Brain Connection and Weight LossIt pains me to say that a lot of doctors are out there pushing pills and contributing to the massive disconnect we have with our personal health. Every now and then, however, I'll come across an MD that is truly making a difference and contributing to the revolution that needs to happen in our healthcare system. Dr. Christine Bishara is one of those revolutionists.A gut-brain specialist. Dr. Christine has built an incredible practice by teaching her patients why they remain stuck in their weight loss journey, why they crave certain foods, and how to remedy them...
2023-01-271h 13
The Antidote with Rocky RussoDr. Christine Bishara - Gut Brain Connection and Weight LossIt pains me to say that a lot of doctors are out there pushing pills and contributing to the massive disconnect we have with our personal health. Every now and then, however, I'll come across an MD that is truly making a difference and contributing to the revolution that needs to happen in our healthcare system. Dr. Christine Bishara is one of those revolutionists.A gut-brain specialist. Dr. Christine has built an incredible practice by teaching her patients why they remain stuck in their weight loss journey, why they crave certain foods, and how to remedy them. We...
2023-01-111h 13
What Just HappenedThe Fabricant - DIGITAL only Fashion House since 2018. First in market and creating the industry.Listen to Micky Larosse - Head of Content the Fabricant who oversees and creates the Fabricant brand narrative and storytelling and the philosophy. -The Fabricant spirit and attitude has always been to be a disruptor, but a disruptor with intention. - Their mission is always been at the forefront when they were founded in 2018, nothing like has existed and everything they stood for and still stand for was swimming against the tide of the traditional fashion industry. Just declaring that garments didn't need to be physical to exist four years ago when this conversation wasn't being had by anyone...
2022-12-2820 min
What Just HappenedDHL SVP Nabil Malouli Talks Logistics, Reverse Logistics and ReturnsCorporate Entrepreneur with passion for Innovation, Ecommerce, Supply chains & Emerging technologies!
Nabil leads the Global Ecommerce strategy & product development at DHL Supply Chain and also as VP DHL’s Customer Solutions & Innovation where he had the chance to lead the development of innovative logistics projects to support fortune 500 companies working and developing multiple growth initiative related to new technologies & trends such as: E-commerce, digitalization, big data, drones, autonomous vehicles, automation & robotics.
Nabil is specialized in the field of E-commerce & Logistics. Prior to his current position, he served as Director Latin America & Asia Pacific overseeing teams ac...
2022-12-1235 min
What Just HappenedTry Before You Buy - Could this unlock a ton of value for Ecomm?Listen to CEO Donny Ouyang talk about Blackcart - the Try Before You Buy Saas solution. Try Before You Buy is an effective tool in the toolbox of ecomm enablement technologies to drive AOV and drive down CAC. It also serves as a sustainability solution to reduce returns. Learn more here.
2022-12-1209 min
The D2Z PodcastBenefits of E-commerce and POS Integration: Bridging the Gap to Optimize UE from a Marketing and Operations perspective, with Christine Russo - 38Brandon talks with Christine Russo, Principal and Founder of Retail Creative & Consulting Agency, a Retail Technology B2B Communications Consultancy, Sales and Marketing agency. They talk about the challenges and opportunities of creating a tightly integrated shopping experience for customers, regardless of where they purchase, whether digitally through your website or mobile app, or at your physical location. An optimized UE across each of your company’s assets is accomplished by creating a seamless rather than disconnected online and in-store experience through eCommerce and POS integrations, which improves everything from real-time inventory, product know...
2022-11-2838 min
What Just HappenedB2B Marketing is Changing and Guest Paul Cash Founder of B2B Agency Rooster Punk is Leading the Charge.The struggle of B2B marketing to get respect, talent, awards is real but could it be old news?
With the first ever Cannes Lions Creative B2B Lions, supported by the B2B Institute, a LinkedIn Think Tank and strategic thought partner to Cannes Lions - B2B work is getting it's share of the spotlight and a seat at the table.
The mission? To change the tide of B2B marketing and nudge it closer to B2C marketing - not to duplicate it - but to be more creative, have more of a...
2022-10-0612 min
The Inventory Genius Podcast#94: Interview with Christine Russo Christine Russo works to educate and to help independent retailers digitize.
Listen in as she shares her story with Ciara and talks about maintaining a curious mindset.
Work with Ciara.
Podcast listeners get a special coupon for $100 OFF tuition for The Quickstart Money Makeover!
Get Free Weekly Tips and Trainings
Please send any business inquiries to hello@ciarastockeland.com.
Want to connect with Christine? Head to her site.
More About the Episode Sponsor:
Simple Pin Media - unlock...
2022-10-0427 minThe Inventory Genius Podcast#94: Interview with Christine Russo Christine Russo works to educate and to help independent retailers digitize.
Listen in as she shares her story with Ciara and talks about maintaining a curious mindset.
Work with Ciara.
Podcast listeners get a special coupon for $100 OFF tuition for The Quickstart Money Makeover!
Get Free Weekly Tips and Trainings
Please send any business inquiries to hello@ciarastockeland.com.
Want to connect with Christine? Head to her site.
More About the Episode Sponsor:
Simple Pin Media - unlock...
2022-10-0427 min
What Just HappenedSeeking Information about Web 3.0/Metaverse/NFTs? - Listen to Diego Borgo - an industry leader working with brands and tech companiesDiego Borgo takes us through what IS and IS NOT Metaverse and clarifies Culture and Community vs Commerce.
Diego works with the likes of Salesforce - listen in to hear why a huge company like Salesforce (and Deloitte and Accenture) is NOT sitting on the sidelines and waiting for this evolution to play out. The risk of missing out is too great.
Web 3.0 is a R/Evolution and understanding it is both complex and simple. Our minds are so wired (and mired) in commerce - it has been a struggle to see past that. This...
2022-09-2635 min
What Just HappenedPerch Interactive CEO Trevor Sumner talks Retail media networks: a phenomenal way to make money and In Store InteractivityBrick and mortar CAN provide brands data too. How? Trevor Sumner and I discuss Interactive In-store content, data and decisions.
And in a time when cookies is expected to go away - this could be a silver bullet it drive sales.
According to Sumner:
Ironically the only place NOT to get the digital content, you need to make a product decision. is in store where 85% of purchase decisions are made you realize so much on the messaging outside of the store, you're still limited with what message you have at the shelf. And y...
2022-09-1117 minWhat Just HappenedWinning Retailers, Brands and Manufacturers avoid costly product mistakes by using a company like First Insight.Ever wonder how brands and retailers (together with their manufacturing partners) make hit after hit. Wondering how brands achieve longevity in this ever-so-fickle time? Well, it's about making great product and making money from this great product.
How do you do this amidst needing creativity and innovation? Well, you ASK. Yup - work with a company that provides consumer feedback.
First Insight works with 25% of the total retail industry providing the Voice of the Customer.
Highlights from the show are:
Retail is simple, right? ha! There are so...
2022-08-3023 min
What Just HappenedContent Amplification Engine Findmine CEO speaks frankly about Personalization, Marketing and how to amp up sales across the entire assortment.Wondering why your personalization software isn't driving sales and your CAC remains so high. It's because Personalization Software, alone, will not cut it.
Learn about Findmine with CEO Michelle Bacharach and what will help with your personalization software.
Findmine starts with: What does the brand believe? What is that differentiation?
What fine mine does is serve as a a Content Amplification Engine - amplifying the amount of editorial and inspirational content and scale out their editorial vision.
Findmine acts as the connective tissue between merchandising and marketing to delivery real-time content to...
2022-08-1817 min
What Just HappenedJoe McDonnell Global Head of Insight and Lifestyles at WGSN sits down to rehash our experiences at Cannes Lions and share notes.WGSN is one of the World's Leading Insights Organizations. I sat in on Joe McDonnell's presentation at Cannes Lions: The Rise of Virtual Influencers. He and I reconnected upon our return to rehash the stand-out moments, content of the event and his brilliant presentation. i couldn't get enough!
Download their WHITE PAPER Titled: Future Consumer 2024
After years of rapid industry, technological and social acceleration, 2024 ushers in an era of realignment. WGSN presents the new key consumer sentiments and profiles, and what must be done to win minds and market share.
F...
2022-07-2125 min
What Just HappenedConsidering Headless Commerce Well, It's Not For Every BusinessHeadless commerce gets lots of attention as a "must-do" but is that the whole story? Watch me dig into the discussion with Dedrick Boyd, CEO of www.techsparq.com. Boyd and his team are the go-to problems-solvers often brought in when there is trouble. According to Boyd, "We are brought in when they want to upgrade their platform or when they are on the old version of Demandware and they wanna move to the new Salesforce or storefront reference architecture for Salesforce. Or they have an older version of Magento and, , they didn't realize they actually needed a lot...
2022-07-1719 min
What Just HappenedSize and Fit Technology is a Critical Piece of the Retail Sustainability Puzzle3DLOOK is taking Fit Technology into the present and future. We've had fit technology in this industry, but we're talking about something new here, so let's learn from the what's happening and why it matters and why it's something brands and retailers should check out
Vadim Rogovskiy, CEO and Co-founder tells us that the technology "Can measure human body super, precisely, super quickly with just two images and believe and believe it or not. it's even more accurate than what you can expect from professional tailors."
2022-07-1114 min
What Just HappenedNext Generation Vending Machines using Top Tier TechnologyLivello is a technology company solving retailers labor problems, expanding revenue opportunities and has a vision is to bring fresh food to anyone anywhere.
https://www.livello.com/technologies?lang=en
2022-06-2612 min
What Just HappenedOnline to Offline Retail with OtailO CEOLearn with me as I sit down with Otailo CEO Ronit Mayer. OtailO calls itself: A smart and circular solution for online product returns management and resale, leveraging your existing retail ecosystem.
The OtailO Solution
OtailO enables a click-to-brick returns management solution with smart and optimal returns routing for retail brands.
Your shoppers can buy anywhere and return anywhere. OtailO technology transforms your brand’s existing brick-and-mortar network into return and resell centers. These stores process, inspect and resell returns locally.
Our mission is that everyone wins with OtailO
2022-06-2611 min
What Just HappenedThe Technology Behind Material Sustainability and Compliance.www.texbase.com is helping brands, retailers and, and and supply chain partners manage the data from materials, through testing into color. And of course, the compliance. Brands can automate their workflow in a way that allows them, to do a better job at at innovating bringing new materials and products to the marketplace. Texbase's ability to help clients manage their data goes across and any type of raw material, whether it's textiles or not, and any type of a finished product making sure that they have the tools that they need to manage the data and the certificates, the...
2022-06-1217 min
What Just HappenedRetail Technology is tackling the ugly business of Retail. In this episode, CEO of Treet.co Jake Disraeli and Save Your Wardrobe CEO, Hasna Kourda get into it.Treet is resale marketplace SAAS and Save Your Wardrobe uses digitization to optimize your existing wardrobe. Both keep apparel and other items OUT OF LANDFILLS.
2022-06-0630 min
What Just HappenedDo you speak with your thumbs? Didn’t think so. Then why do SAAS companies of “conversational’ commerce call texting conversational? Well, We Think That’s Weird.If your sales require education your customer that means you are in a high-value business. Selling tech products, jewelry, cars, travel? Then you know customers require a ton of information before committing. Yet, they can’t find or get specific information using search and discovery. Enter Vocinity for the win. Vocinity will help you provide that critical information to lead to a close. How?
Voice-command driven search with 100% accuracy and accretive knowledge during search to drive more and more accuracy providing oral, written and graphic results simultaneously for a more immersive experience.
Use an Ambasador to...
2022-05-2913 min
What Just HappenedCurious about the Metaverse for Retailers and Brands? I Got You - I conducted a virtual roundtable including leaders in digital twins, VC, and more.If you are curious like me, You’ll thank me later that I took this journey into the Metaverse Inner Circle (MIC) for you. While it wasn’t quite like Dante’s 7th ring of the Inferno, it was not a trip to the park either. What is the MIC, tell you in a minute.
Let’s back up. Who am I. I am Christine Russo, Industry Analyst in Retail Tech encompassing the digital and physical retail, the consumer industry, brands, real estate , urban development, logistics and more. If goods and services move, sell, are made, sold or house...
2022-05-2831 min
What Just HappenedLooking for the industry's best try-on AI - It's Russo I Got You - I sit down with Chief Growth Officer and President Wayne Liu of Perfect CorpWhat is Perfect Corp? The technology behind most leading beauty brands digital makeup try-on technology. They also cover skin diagnostics and other try-ons like jewelry and more. This is what you get when an engineer via NVDIA runs a retail tech SAAS company! Wondering what Wayne Liu has to say about Perfect Corp. - The industry-leading technology provider for True to Real try-on tech used by brands (like Nars, Ulta) and tech (like Google, Snap) - yeah, me too! I Got You. www.perfectcorp.com
2022-05-2824 min
What Just HappenedCEO of Lily.ai Purva GuptaThe is the first company that injects customer centric minute attribute back into the entire e-commerce value chain. And so you can keep the customer truly at the center. If you are in ecommerce it's your Go-To technology to amplify your current: - search - discovery - personalization - demand forecasting - allocation Purva Gupta www.Liliy.ai.
What Just Happened covers breakthrough technology solutions for all forms of commerce from airlines to bowling alleys and especially including direct to consumer ecommerce, brick and mortar and more.
2022-05-2819 min
What Just HappenedRetail Returns are Ruining the Planet. Learn about this tech solution to address returns.In this episode, listen to Christine Russo discuss Greenlist - the waitlist for returns - with Founder, Jess Owens. What is Greenlist?
Greenlist returns SKIP the trip back to the
store / warehouse / landfill
& are shipped DIRECTLY to a waiting customer.
Retailers increase revenue
Shoppers get new-with-tags (“NWT”) items at a discount
We all reduce the negative environmental impact of returns
2022-05-1308 min
What Just HappenedIntroducing "What Just Happened?" with Christine RussoGetting consumers to stay means providing quality product and quality rewards. Andrew Forman, CEO and Founder of Givz.com, a donation-driven marketing tool, sits down with host Christine Russo to discuss the story behind Givz and how his product is shaping the retail and ecommerce market.There are current trends in retail.Brands are moving away from discounts but need to find a way to continue driving salesConsumers are demanding purpose-driven activity specific to each individual shopperTo meet those trends, Forman said, “Givz sits at the nexus of those tw...
2022-04-2121 min
Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 131 Christine, Chapters 48-51 & Wrap-upIn this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, chapters 48-51 and the Epilogue.
Introduction (00:13)
This story ends in tragedy (01:47)
The LeBay resolution ? (09:06)
Dark Tower Thinnies (19:00) ← what!?
Yuck-King it Up (21:15)
Fun Stuff (23:05)
Reviews and wrap-up (28:22)
Final thoughts (31:37)
Other Worlds than These (33:20)
Outro (35:37)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information about the show, check us out at twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Other Worl...
2022-04-1037 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksBonus Episode 32 – “Christine” Movie (Patreon Clip)A new bonus episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came is live for all of our Patrons. What follows is a short excerpt of our discussion of the 1983 movie adaptation of Christine, directed by John Carpenter.
To get the whole episode and support our show, become a patron at patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Directed by John Carpenter and starring Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky, and Harry Dean Stanton.
2022-03-2301 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 130 Christine, Chapters 43-47In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, chapters 43-47.
Introduction (00:00)
Another narrative switch (01:34)
Dennis is a cypher (06:38)
Making connections (11:37)
Dark Tower Thinnies (19:19) WHA!? Look at the time!
Yuck-King It Up (24:10)
Fun Stuff (27:21)
Sia “Cheap Thrills”
Other Worlds Than These (34:46)
Jay: Euphoria on HBO Max
Sean: Summer of Soul on Hulu
Outro (40:37)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information about the s...
2022-03-1643 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 129 Christine, Chapters 35-42In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, chapters 35-42.
Introduction (00:13)
The Darnell character is cool (01:21)
Character motivations (08:18)
Dark Tower Thinnies (20:20)
Yuck-King It Up (23:12)
Thank you, Patrons! (24:54)
Fun Stuff (25:30)
Other Worlds Than These (30:44)
Outro (35:01)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information about the show, check us out at twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Other Worlds Than These topics:
Billions (TV se...
2022-03-0236 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 128 Christine, Chapters 20-34In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, chapters 20-34.
Introduction (00:00)
Change in narrative structure (01:42)
Christine is a hell of a drug (08:18)
Is it the car, LeBay, or both (16:25)
Dark Tower Thinnies (22:18)
Yuck-King it Up (22:40)
Fun Stuff (26:04)
Other Worlds Than These (36:04)
This Is How You Make a Movie
Taskmaster on YouTube
Outro (41:46)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information about the show, check us out at twoguystothedarktowercame.com. ...
2022-02-1643 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 127 Christine, Chapters 12-19In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, chapters 12-19.
Introduction (00:13)
Times (02:44)
High school is messed up (10:34)
Dark Tower Thinnies (20:25)
Yuck-King it Up (24:57)
Fun Stuff (28:13)
Other Worlds Than These (33:48)
Outro (38:50)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information about the show, check us out at twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Other Worlds Than These topics:
Station Eleven, HBO Max series adapted fr...
2022-02-0240 minTwo Guys to the Dark Tower Came: A Podcast about Stephen King and His BooksEp. 126 Christine, Prologue & Chapters 1-11In this episode of Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came, we explore Christine, the Prologue and chapters 1-11.
Introduction (00:00)
Publication history (02:24)
Worst to Best: Stephen King Cover Art
The creeping knowledge of death (09:10)
Christine and Arnie (19:28)
This is a rock and roll story (26:02)
Christine Playlist
Dark Tower Thinnies (34:13)
Yuck-King it Up (40:15)
Fun Stuff (43:30)
Other Worlds Than These (48:50)
Outro (53:23)
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review!
Support our show at Patreon.com/twoguysdarktower.
Buy merch at store.twoguystothedarktowercame.com.
Send your questions, comments, and ideas to twoguysdarktower@gmail.com. For more information a...
2022-01-1955 min
TranscendOvercoming Imposter Syndrome | Interview with Amy Pierre-RussoHello and welcome to Transcend with Jami Christine!
I just interviewed Amy Pierre-Russo of Excelsior Pro Coaching, our podcast covered impostor syndrome and limiting beliefs, and overcoming this to achieve your goals. We used the "hamster wheel" analogy a lot to describe how people are just caught up in the same thing day after day but aren't really getting anywhere. Amy is a professional and entrepreneurial coach who overcame her own impostor syndrome and limiting beliefs to start her company, and is helping others do the same. We talked about not comparing ourselves to other people's journeys, re...
2022-01-1844 min
Know Like Trust for Real EstateEp.17 - Do What You Love, Love What You Do with Joe RussoTalk about doing what you love and loving what you do! There is no better example of this than Joe Russo. Joe shares his story about building his maple syrup business. He was in 9th grade when he tapped his first maple tree. Joe takes us through his journey to becoming the largest manufacturer of maple syrup in the world. Follow Joe online! Thanks for listening! Please rate this podcast and leave us a review. Join the discussion with Betti & Christine on Instagram!
2021-12-3046 min
Spark PlugChristine RussoChristine Russo has a storied history in retail leadership, from her early positions at Deloitte, J.Crew, and Kenneth Cole to her leadership of brick and mortar expansion for Alice & Olivia. She’s also taught classes in global retail at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and served as a consultant in retail strategies for many companies. Today, Christine helps retailers solve major pain points, understand and use new technical solutions and digitize their brick and mortar locations.Thanks for listening to Spark Plug -- find all our episodes at Sparkplug.audioSpark Plug is brought to...
2021-08-2722 min
RETHINK RETAILRetail Rundown: SMBs and the Democratization of Commerce - With Sara Hicks and Christine RussoWelcome to the Retail Rundown, your go-to weekly podcast where RETHINK Retail teams up with industry experts to discuss the news and trends defining the world of retail.
In this episode, you'll hear from Mailchimp's Vice President of Retail, Sara Hicks, and Christine Russo, a RETHINK Retail advisor and the founder of the Retail Creative and Consulting Agency, as we discuss the evolution of retail over the last year and how the move to digital has led to the democratization of commerce.
You'll also hear about the work Mailchimp is doing to help small and medium-sized businesses get back on tr...
2021-05-3125 min
Why Not Ask? Negotiate for MoreEpisode #30 – Negotiating The Detours Of Entrepreneurship With Mitch RussoSuccessful entrepreneurs make entrepreneurship look easy but it’s almost never a straight line. Before you reach any measure of success, you may have to take a detour or three. Each time that happens, a negotiation ensues between your ears. How do you respond? Do you give up or do you pivot? Do you stagnate or do you innovate? Mitch Russo has had his share of detours before becoming the successful entrepreneur he is now. A powerhouse businessman who loves to help companies scale, Mitch drew his business savvy from years of using his resourcefulness to find possibilities and go...
2021-05-0441 min
Beyond Your Limits with Dr. Christine Jehu15. MH HERO CONVO: Bianca RussoKicking off Mental Health Awareness month with my friend, Bianca Russo (she/her) who shares her mental health story with us.Bianca on IG: @biancarussofitness @biancarusso.biz @dcpickleballclub Let’s Connect on Instagram! @therealdrjehuBecome a Beyond the Couch INSIDER: https://bit.ly/3ugDXZ1 Therapist Finder (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) Black & Latinx/Hispanic Communities (https://www.melaninandmentalhealth.com/)National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK | Text HOME to 741-741Trevor Project for LGBTQI+ 1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678-678
2021-05-0453 min