Shows
The Retail Razor ShowResale and Circular Fashion - ThredUp’s 2025 Holiday Shopping ReportS5E11 ThredUp’s Resale Revolution: Holiday Shopping & Gift Giving Trends with Alon RotemThe holidays are here and resale is at the center of this year’s shopping story! In this timely episode of The Retail Razor Show, Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Alon Rotem, Chief Strategy Officer at ThredUp, to unpack the company’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Report. From surprising insights on resale gift giving to how shoppers are embracing sustainable fashion and circular economy models, this conversation reveals why resale is becoming a mainstream holiday shopping strategy.We...
2025-11-101h 00
The Retail Razor: Data BladesBoost Retail Conversion: Gareth Johns on Data-Driven Strategies That Drive SalesS2:E1 Revolutionize Your Retail Strategy with Data-Driven Conversion Insights Season Two of The Retail Razor: Data Blades opens with a sharp focus on the retail metric that makes or breaks growth: conversion rates. Hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Gareth Johns, Chief Data Officer at TruRating, to reveal how real-time shopper feedback and data-driven insights are helping retailers unlock millions in revenue. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why conversion is the biggest untapped retail growth opportunity.The flaws in exit surveys, QR codes, and focus groups.How staff avai...
2025-11-0122 min
The Retail Razor ShowBONUS Sharpening Retail Strategies | AI, Customer Experience, Retail Media, and Employee ImpactBONUS - The Retail Razor: Data Blades Season 2 TrailerData Blades Returns: AI, CX, and Retail Media for Executive Leaders Welcome to a special cross-release of the Season 2 trailer for The Retail Razor: Data Blades—the podcast that slices through complex retail research to deliver sharp, actionable insights and retail strategies for executive leaders in the AI era. In Season 1, we cut through the clutter with data-backed insights to identify strategies for:Inflation’s uneven impact across age groups—where seniors felt the pinch more than younger shoppers.Shifting s...
2025-10-2903 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Why Great Leaders Embrace AI: April Sabral on Curiosity, Adaptability & TrustS2E1- How to Empower Your Leadership Skills with AIIn this Season 2 premiere of Blade to Greatness, hosts Ricardo Belmar & Casey Golden sit down with renowned leadership coach and author April Sabral to explore how AI is transforming leadership in retail. Far from replacing leaders, AI is exposing poor leadership behaviors while empowering those who lead with curiosity, adaptability, and transparency. April shares insights from her new book Positive Accountability for Teams and explains why the future isn’t AI vs. people — it’s AI plus people.What You’ll Learn in This...
2025-10-2813 min
The Retail Razor ShowBONUS Sharpen Your Leadership Blade | Insights for the AI EraBONUS - The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness Season 2 TrailerRetail Executive Leadership & Coaching Insights for the AI EraWelcome to a special cross-release of the Season 2 trailer for The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness — the podcast where retail leaders sharpen their edge. Hosted by Ricardo Belmar & Casey Golden, this series explores the essential skills & qualities every retail executive needs to lead boldly, stay sharp, & stay human in the AI era.In Season 1, we uncovered the fundamentals of great leadership:how intrinsic motivation and autonomy unlock innovationwhy positivity is fuel...
2025-10-2703 min
The Retail Razor ShowAI-Powered Store Teams: How Microsoft & SYNQ Are Transforming Retail FrontlinesS5E10 From Task Overload to Customer Focus: AI Solutions for Retail AssociatesRetailers are asking store associates to do more with less—shorter staffing, longer task lists, and higher customer expectations. In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore how AI is reshaping frontline retail teams from overwhelmed to empowered.Joining the conversation are:• Jeff Strasser, General Manager of AI Business Solutions for Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft• Nolan Wheeler, CEO & Founder of SYNQ Technologies
2025-10-2155 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesSharpening Retail Strategies | AI, Customer Experience, Retail Media, and Employee ImpactSeason 2 Trailer - Data Blades Returns: AI, CX, and Retail Media for Executive Leaders Welcome to Season 2 of The Retail Razor: Data Blades—the podcast that slices through complex retail research to deliver sharp, actionable insights and retail strategies for executive leaders in the AI era. In Season 1, we cut through the clutter with data-backed insights to identify strategies for:Inflation’s uneven impact across age groups—where seniors felt the pinch more than younger shoppers.Shifting shopping habits—like 74% of consumers using lists to control spending.The power of values in loyalty—with 77% of consumers say...
2025-10-1604 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Sharpen Your Leadership Blade | Insights for the AI EraS2 Trailer - Retail Executive Leadership & Coaching Insights for the AI EraWelcome to Season 2 of Blade to Greatness—the podcast where retail leaders sharpen their edge. Hosted by Ricardo Belmar & Casey Golden, this series explores the essential skills & qualities every retail executive needs to lead boldly, stay sharp, & stay human in the AI era.In Season 1, we uncovered the fundamentals of great leadership:how intrinsic motivation and autonomy unlock innovationwhy positivity is fuel, not fluffrethinking hiring, career development, & investing in peopleSeason 2 takes it further with new retail ex...
2025-10-1403 min
The Retail Razor ShowWe Are RetailROI Champions: Celebrating Retail’s Impact on Children in NeedS5E9 Retail's Best Kept Secret: Discover How RetailROI Transforms Children's FuturesIn this special replay episode of The Retail Razor Show, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of the Retail Orphan Initiative (RetailROI)—a nonprofit transforming lives of orphans and foster children through the power of the retail industry. With a fresh introduction for 2025, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden revisit a heartfelt conversation with Greg Buzek, President of RetailROI, Vicki Cantrell, board member and retail legend, and Jeff Roster, former Gartner & IHL analyst and top retail expert, as they share the or...
2025-09-301h 18
The Retail Razor ShowAmazon Prime Day Hidden Truths with Meghan BardenS5:E8 Prime Day Unveiled: Trends, Sales, and What Lies Ahead for RetailAmazon Prime Day 2025 may be over, but its ripple effects are just beginning. In this episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Meghan Barden, Director of Global Retail Media at Rithum, to unpack the surprising data and shopper behaviors that emerged — and what they mean for retail and ecommerce leaders heading into the holiday shopping season.You’ll discover:• 📊 Prime Day outcomes that matter — from sales spikes to category standou...
2025-08-2640 min
The Retail Razor ShowThe AI-First Future of Retail - Inside RetailClub with Krystina GustafsonS5:E7 Unplugged and Unscripted: Retail Club's AI-First Event Revolution w/ Krystina GustafsonWhat happens when you blend cutting-edge innovation, authentic community, and the brightest minds in retail? You get RetailClub—the AI-first retail event redefining how industry leaders connect, collaborate, and shape the future.In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Krystina Gustafson, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Retail Club and one of the visionary forces behind RetailClub. Krystina shares the inspiration behind this exclusive retail conference, how it...
2025-08-1342 min
The Retail Razor ShowHow SHEIN is Rewriting Retail’s Marketplace Rulebook, with George ChangS5:E6 SHEIN’s Marketplace Evolution - A Conversation with George Chang, GM & Head of SHEIN Marketplace🎙️What does modern marketplace success look like in the U.S? SHEIN is rewriting the rules — and George Chang, GM of SHEIN Marketplace and key member of the senior leadership team at SHEIN, is leading the charge with his energetic & visionary leadership style.In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden dive deep with George to uncover how SHEIN is building a curated, invitation-only marketplace designed for Gen Z and Millennial consumers. From fash...
2025-08-0640 min
The Retail Razor ShowInnovation & Sustainability Inside Naturepedic: A Conversation with Arin SchultzS5:E5 Leading with Values: How Naturepedic Builds a Better Brand, with Arin SchultzWhat does it take to lead growth at the forefront of a movement for safer, healthier sleep? In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, we sit down with Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic, a pioneering brand in certified organic mattresses and bedding. With over eleven years in the organic sleep industry, Arin shares how he’s helped Naturepedic expand its market share, launch innovative products, and build a trusted brand committed to health, sustainability, and safety. We talk...
2025-07-251h 01
The Retail Razor ShowRetail Women in Tech is Breaking Barriers with Shannon FlanaganS5:E4 Empowering Women in Retail Tech: A New Era of LeadershipIn Season Five, Episode Four of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden engage in a captivating conversation with Shannon Flanagan, a seasoned retail leader and founder of Retail Women in Tech (RWIT). Shannon shares her journey from folding jeans at 18 to leading billion-dollar business transformations and emphasizes the importance of embracing change and innovation in retail. The episode underscores the critical role of diversity and inclusion in driving the industry forward, touching on the challenges and opportunities for women i...
2025-07-031h 10
The Retail Razor ShowThe New Playbook for Digital Marketing with Chris CarlS5:E2 Influencers, Gen Z, & Beyond Social Commerce: Lessons from AliExpress with Chris CarlWelcome to the second episode of Season 5 of the Retail Razor Show! Join hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden as they dive into the fresh tactics and cutting-edge strategies that are driving the future of retail and e-commerce with Gen Z. In this episode, they are joined by Chris Carl, the US Head of Marketing for AliExpress (Alibaba Group), to discuss ‘the new playbook for digital marketing’ fresh from his insightful session on marketing to Gen Z at eTail West!
2025-04-2443 min
The Retail Razor ShowTransforming Retail Media into a Growth Engine with Drew CashmoreS5:E1 Unleashing Retail Media's Potential: A Conversation with Drew CashmoreWelcome to Season 5 of the Retail Razor Show! In our premiere episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden dive deep into retail media with special guest Drew Cashmore, Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage and a pioneer in the retail media space, with a background scaling Walmart Connect to a $2 billion business. Drew shares his insights on the evolution of retail media, the driving forces behind its rapid growth, and the challenges retailers face in scaling their media networks. Drew also discusses the importance of...
2025-04-1053 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesRetail Insights Unveiled: Maximizing Store Team PotentialS1:E6 The Power of Knowledgeable Store Teams In the final episode to Season 1 of the Retail Razor: Data Blades, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden welcome Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating. Georgina discusses the significant impact well-informed store teams have on retail performance. Highlighting a global sporting goods retailer's success, Georgina reveals that 90% of shoppers acknowledged receiving multiple product options from staff, leading to a 27% increase in average shopper spend. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized customer interactions, cross-selling, upselling, and the tangible benefits of sales and product training. Insights are derived from TruRating’s inn...
2025-03-1310 min
The Retail Razor ShowSeason 5 Trailer - Retail Revolution: AI, Media, and Human ConnectionS5 Trailer - Retail's Next Chapter: AI and Media Meet HumanityJoin hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden in Season Five of The Retail Razor Show as they explore the intersection of AI, media, and human connection in retail. This season will examine the power of AI-powered personalization, retail media evolution, and the role of in-store associates in enhancing customer experiences. Key discussions will include how AI makes retailers more resilient, the impact of media on commerce, and the next wave of retail tech innovation. Tune in to understand how technology transforms shopping, selling...
2025-03-1203 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesShaping the Checkout Experience: The Power of Consumer PerceptionS1:E5 Revolutionizing the Checkout: How Choice Impacts Purchase Behavior In this episode of the Retail Razor Show: Data Blades, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden are joined by Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating, to explore the essential role of consumer choice during the checkout experience. Georgina shares insights gathered from over 14,000 customers across the US, UK, and Australia about their preferences for self-checkout versus manned cashiers. The discussion reveals that while convenience stores see a higher preference for self-checkout, segments like apparel still lean towards manned cashiers due to the nature of the shopping experience. Additionally, d...
2025-03-1010 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesFast Lanes and Price Checks: Navigating Self-CheckoutS1:E4 Speed, Convenience, and Choices: Self-Checkout Perspectives In this episode of Retail Razor: Data Blades, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden are joined by Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating, to explore consumer sentiments on self-checkout systems. TruRating, known for gathering real-time shopper feedback, reveals that speed and convenience are top priorities for 65% of shoppers using self-checkout. Together, the team examines how retailers can enhance this final stage of the shopping experience and the potential for in-store experimentation to improve customer satisfaction. The team also touches on the future of self-checkout, including the possibility of ads with r...
2025-03-0608 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesAligning with Values: Key Strategies for Retail SuccessS1:E3 Beyond Price: How Consumer Values Drive Retail Loyalty In this episode of Retail Razor Data Blades, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden chat with Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating, about critical consumer insights and the importance of aligning retail strategies with customer values. Georgina shares findings from TruRating's research at the point-of-sale, revealing that 77% of consumers are driven by retailer values over loyalty cards or discounts. The discussion highlights the importance of eco-friendly initiatives and tailored communication strategies to foster customer loyalty and convey values effectively. The discussion underscores the necessity for retailers to maintain t...
2025-03-0306 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesNavigating the Price Surge: Shifting Shopping HabitsS1:E2 Economic Waves: How Price Hikes Transform Shopping Trends Welcome to another Retail Razor: Data Blades episode, where we discuss how rising prices are affecting shopper behavior with Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating. Georgina shares data showing significant consumer insights: 63% of U.S. consumers are driving less due to high gas prices, 60% are cooking more at home, and 74% are using shopping lists—reflecting increased spending discipline. We also explore how retailers can turn these challenges into opportunities by enhancing customer experience and building loyalty. Hosted by Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden, tune in for valuable insights and...
2025-02-2707 min
The Retail Razor: Data BladesInflation's Uneven Impact Across Age GroupsS1:E1 Retail Intelligence: Understanding Inflation's Differing Impact Welcome to the Retail Razor Podcast Network's latest show, Data Blades! In this debut episode, we explore how inflation impacts different consumer demographics. Featuring Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating, we uncover insights derived from over 170,000 survey responses from the UK, North America, and Australia. Learn how rising costs affect seniors versus under-30s shoppers differently, and why a nuanced approach in retail strategies is essential. Join hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden as they discuss how retailers can tailor their messaging and strategies to stay competitive in these challenging e...
2025-02-2406 min
The Retail Razor ShowCutting Through the Clutter: Retail Razor's Season Four FinaleS4:E10 On the Razor's Edge: The Season Four Final CutIn the season four grand finale of the Retail Razor Show, guest host J.P. Kamel, managing director of RFID Sherpas, takes over to interview our regular hosts, Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden. This episode first reviews the top 10 retail predictions the team had for 2024, evaluating which ones hit the mark and which ones were a total miss! Then the discussion spans a range of topics from throughout Season 4 including the rise of retail media, the evolution from omni-channel to unified commerce, and th...
2025-01-311h 29
The Retail Razor ShowReimagining Department Stores: Nostalgia Meets InnovationS4:E9 Department Stores 2.0: Building Experiences for TomorrowIn this episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden bring back the original Retail Avengers team for a highly anticipated reunion. What discussion could bring the team back together again? The current struggles and future opportunity for department stores! Welcome back Jeff Roster, Shish Shridhar, and Brandon Rael to explore why these once-iconic shopping destinations have lost their appeal and what innovations can bring them back into relevance. Key themes include the use of AI, retail media, and enhancing the human connection in shopping. The team cove...
2024-12-311h 08
The Retail Razor ShowUnlocking Retail: AI, Ethics, and the Future of CommerceS4:E8 Navigating Responsible AI in Retail: Trust in a Digital WorldIn this episode of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden dive deep into the ethical implications of AI and commerce technology in the retail industry. They reflect on past discussions about AI innovations and the necessity of critical groundwork before deploying new technologies. They cover the balance between leveraging synthetic media for marketing and maintaining brand trust, highlighting examples like Levi's virtual AI models. The conversation touches on the potential of generative AI, virtual influencers, and the risk...
2024-12-1843 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!From Frontline to C-Suite: Effective Communication Strategies with Ron ThurstonS1:E9 Bridging the Gap: Communication from Floor to Corporate with. Ron ThurstonIn this episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden speak with Ron Thurston, co-founder of Ossy and author of 'Retail Pride'. Thurston shares his wisdom on essential skills for retail executives and discusses empathetic communication between corporate and store teams. He emphasizes the three pillars of success: empathy, curiosity, and focus. By understanding and addressing the concerns of frontline workers, retail leaders can build trust and foster a collaborative environment. Thurston also highlights the impact of the hiring process on employee satisfaction...
2024-12-0620 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!The Negativity Detox - Retail Leadership with April SabralS1:E8 Cutting Out Negativity - Insights from April SabralIn this episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden welcome April Sabral, founder of retailu.ca and author of 'The Positive Effect' and 'Incurable Positivity.' April shares her insights on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in retail leadership. She discusses how to deal with negative news and conversations, emphasizing the importance of not getting enrolled in negativity and instead fostering productive and positive discussions. April provides practical advice for retail leaders on how to inspire their teams and achieve success even in...
2024-12-0409 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Retail Leadership: Crafting a Positive and Productive Culture with April SabralS1:E7 Cultivating Excellence: Positive Culture in Retail Leadership with April SabralHosts Ricardo & Casey speak with April Sabral, founder of retailu.ca & author of 'The Positive Effect' & 'Incurable Positivity.' With three decades of experience leading retail brands, April shares valuable insights on the significance of fostering a positive workplace culture & its impact on productivity & employee retention. She discusses the essential skills leaders need to inspire their teams & stresses the importance of leadership in developing a thriving organizational environment. Learn practical tips on creating a positive culture that motivates employees & improves business outcomes!
2024-12-0207 min
The Retail Razor ShowConverting Customer Insights to Action Through Smart Fitting RoomsS4:E7 How Smart Fitting Rooms’ Data Insights Transform Store Operations & Shopper ConversionHosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden dive into the transformative potential of smart fitting rooms in the fashion and apparel industry. Joined by Matthew Cyr, founder and CEO of Crave Retail, the discussion explores how digital fitting rooms enhance customer experience, boost conversion rates, and provide invaluable analytics that can revolutionize store operations and merchandising strategies. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating technology with personalized service to create a seamless and satisfying shopping experience. Discover how retailers can leverage smart fitt...
2024-11-2755 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Cultivating Career Growth in Retail with Ron ThurstonS1:E6 Career Advancement Strategies in Retail: Insights from Ron ThurstonRicardo & Casey welcome Ron Thurston, co-founder of Ossy & author of 'Retail Pride,' to discuss fostering a career development culture within retail. Ron shares his experiences & insights on mentorship & career development - key to retaining retail employees. He discusses recent statistics on turnover & the significance of addressing scheduling, benefits, & staff shortages. By engaging field teams & creating a culture of feedback & recognition, Ron emphasizes the critical steps leaders can take to improve retention & drive success.Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://retailrazor.substack.com
2024-11-2213 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Unlocking Retail Leadership: Fostering Intrapreneurship with Jeffrey P. McNultyS1:E5 Empowering Retail Leaders Through Intrapreneurship - Insights from Jeffrey P. McNultyIn this fifth episode of the Retail Razor show 'Blade to Greatness,' hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden speak with Jeffrey P. McNulty, founder and CEO of New Retail Ethos.. Jeffrey shares insights from his 30 years of hands-on industry experience, discussing the essential skills every retail executive needs and emphasizing the significance of fostering an environment ofintrapreneurship. He introduces his GAP strategy (Growth, Autonomy, Purpose) as a blueprint for enhancing intrapreneurial culture within organizations. Key points include the importance of succession...
2024-11-2017 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Revolutionizing Retail Hiring: Insights from Ron ThurstonS1:E4 How to Hire the Right Person in Retail with Ron ThurstonJoin hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden on the fourth episode of the Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness. This episode features a discussion with retail industry expert Ron Thurston, co-founder of Ossy and author of 'Retail Pride.' Ron shares his insights on transforming retail hiring processes to better connect highly qualified and engaged candidates with retail brands. He discusses the need for a human-centric approach in hiring frontline retail workers, emphasizing the importance of emotional empathy, curiosity, and culture fit. Tune...
2024-11-1810 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!April Sabral Reveals the Secret to Retail Leadership: A Positive MindsetS1:E3 The Power of a Positive Mindset in Retail Leadership with April SabralIn this episode of Retail Razor's 'Blade to Greatness,' hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden speak with April Sabral, founder of retailu.ca and author of 'The Positive Effect' and 'Incurable Positivity.' April shares her insights on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the retail industry. Highlighting her extensive experience with top brands and her transition to leadership coaching, she discusses how positivity can transform customer and employee experiences and drive business success. April emphasizes actionable strategies...
2024-11-1507 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Empowering Retail Leadership: The Importance of Employee Autonomy with Jeffrey P. McNultyS1:E2 The Power of Employee Autonomy in Retail with Jeffrey P McNultyIn this episode of 'Blade to Greatness,' hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden sit down with Jeffrey P. McNulty, founder and CEO of New Retail Ethos. Drawing from his 30 years of experience in the retail industry and as a retail research analyst, McNulty shares the critical importance of providing employee autonomy. Key insights include the benefits of employee autonomy in fostering innovative ideas and impacting organizational success, illustrated through examples from top companies like Google and Lockheed Martin. McNulty also offers...
2024-11-1310 min
The Retail Razor: Blade to Greatness!Mastering Intrinsic Motivation in Retail: Insights from Jeffrey P. McNultyS1:E1 The Ultimate Guide to Intrinsic Motivation in Retail Leadership with Jeffrey P. McNultyWelcome to our new Retail Razor podcast series - Blade to Greatness! Each episode we hear from a retail industry leader who shares their sharp insights and cuts of wisdom on how to excel and grow as a retail leader by mastering essential “must have” skills and qualities. In this episode, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore the critical skill of tapping into employee intrinsic motivation with Jeffrey P. McNulty, founder of New Retail Ethos and a seasoned retail exec...
2024-11-1109 min
The Retail Razor ShowGenerative AI in Retail: Challenges and Opportunities for Retail CEOs with Peter CohanS4:E6 Unlocking Generative AI for the Retail C-Suite with Peter CohanIn this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore the transformative potential of generative AI in retail, featuring insights from Peter Cohan, an associate professor, strategy consultant, startup investor, book author, columnist and AI expert. The discussion covers AI's evolution compared to the dot-com era, the influence of large tech companies, and the substantial growth opportunities AI presents for retailers. Key topics include the contrast between the relay vs. rugby approaches to AI transformation, the crucial r...
2024-10-2259 min
The Retail Razor ShowUnlocking Retail Media 3.0: Measurement and InnovationS4:E5 Unlocking Retail Media: Measurement, Innovation, and Customer EngagementIn this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore the evolving landscape of retail media with expert insights from Andrew Lipsman, analyst and founder of Media, Ads + Commerce, and James Bauer, CEO and founder of Venvee. They discuss the progression of retail media 1.0 with online ads to retail media 2.0 - in-store media, highlighting key metrics like closed-loop attribution and incrementality. The conversation moves into innovative technologies such as spatial AI, the importance of first-party data, and privacy concerns. They...
2024-09-1145 min
The Retail Razor ShowBeyond Omnichannel: Michael Zakkour on Immersive CommerceS4:E4 Retail Transformers: Michael ZakkourIn this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden are joined by special guest Michael Zakkour, founder of 5 New Digital and author of two Amazon #1 bestselling books, to discuss the transformative power of unified and immersive commerce in the retail industry. Michael, a thought leader and practitioner in digital commerce with 25 years of experience as a CEO, CMO, and Founder, shares his extensive expertise on retail strategies, AI, the evolution of e-commerce, and the impact of video as a foundational tool for immersive comm...
2024-08-1459 min
The Retail Razor ShowFuture of Retail Recruitment: An Interview with OSSY Founder Ron ThurstonS4:E3 Revolutionizing Retail Hiring: A Conversation with Ron ThurstonIn this episode of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden welcome back Ron Thurston, founder of OSSY, and author of 'Retail Pride’, to discuss the company's innovative approach to transforming the retail hiring process. Focusing on the integration of AI and the human touch, Ron shares insights into how OSSY is addressing common retail recruitment challenges, such as speed to hire, candidate experience, and the importance of clear career paths. The discussion highlights the broader implications for the retail industry and t...
2024-06-2848 min
The Retail Razor ShowThe Future of Commerce is Unified Commerce, with Giri Agarwal of IncisivS4:E2 The Evolution from Omnichannel to Unified Commerce with Giri AgarwalIn this episode of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden discuss the shift from omnichannel to unified commerce in the retail industry. Special guest Giri Agarwal, Chief Strategy Officer at Incisiv, joins to share insights on how unified commerce is transforming customer experiences and driving revenue growth. They explore the concept of unified commerce, the integration of AI, and the challenges retailers face in adopting this approach. Key highlights include the importance of customer identification, empowering frontline staff, and...
2024-05-2845 min
The Retail Razor ShowTop 10 Predictions for Retail in 2024 with Ben Miller, ShopTalkS4:E1 – Top 10 Predictions for Retail in 2024 with Ben Miller, ShopTalkIn this episode of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden kick off season 4 by discussing their top 10 predictions for the retail industry in 2024. Amid personal anecdotes and a tribute to Ricardo's late father, the episode dives deep into the future of retail alongside guest Ben Miller, VP of Original Content and Strategy at Shoptalk & Groceryshop. Key predictions include the Temu-fication of retail, the evolution of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) and their impact on digitizing physical stores, the integration with stream...
2024-03-1952 min
The Retail Razor ShowSeason 4 Trailer - Unlocking Retail with AI, Humans, and MediaIn Season Four of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore the theme of Unlocking Retail with the Integration of AI, Humans, and Media. This involves discussing how artificial intelligence, human interaction, and innovative retail media are transforming the industry. Topics will include optimizing inventory, pricing, merchandising for online and offline channels with AI, enhancing customer service, connecting brands with consumers through engaging content, creating strong communities and increasing loyalty. The show will also discuss human centered design and the crafting of memorable retail experiences. Moreover, two of its mini-series from last season, Blade to G...
2024-02-1205 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E19 – The Razor’s Edge – Season 3 Recap and Predictions Check-InIn the season three finale of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden provide a detailed recap of their journey throughout the season, discussing their top ten predictions for 2023 and evaluating their accuracy – did they nail it or miss the mark? The hosts touch upon diverse topics including private label domination, the evolution of retail media networks, investment in returns management, and the growth of store automation, among others. They also highlight a few memorable moments and important insights from their guests throughout the season. The episode concludes with a lively discussion on their expectations for re...
2024-02-0538 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E18 – Focusing on Customer Experience with Retail Transformer – Nadina Guglielmetti, Chief Customer Officer, The Vitamin ShoppeAs we approach the end of Season 3 of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden engage in a rich dialogue with The Vitamin Shoppe’s Chief Customer Officer, Nadina Guglielmetti. They explore how customer behavior insights guide business decisions, the interplay between acquiring new customers and nurturing existing ones, and the evolution of customer experience amidst changing health trends. Nadina also details the role of The Vitamin Shoppe’s in-store health enthusiasts in enhancing customer engagement and trust, and their careful approach towards leveraging AI and 'headless commerce' platforms to enhance efficiency and personalization. In this final Re...
2023-12-3150 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E17 – #NRFforBeginners with Andrew Laudato, Taylor’s VersionIn this episode of Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden talk about preparing for NRF 2024, celebrate being a finalist in the Vendors in Partnership gala for The Retail Voice Award, and bring the latest episode of Blade to Greatness, all in under an hour!They host a special “Taylor’s Version” replay of a prior interview with Andy Laudato, COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, sharing his comprehensive guide for maximizing your attendance at the NRF Big Show. Andy returns to the show for a new discussion of his anticipation for the combined...
2023-12-1354 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E16 – I Am A RetailROI Champion, Taylor’s VersionIn this episode of the Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden discuss their partnership with Retail ROI. The episode is dedicated to how the retail industry can make a difference in the lives of children in need around the world. Highlights of the episode include discussions with Greg Buzek, president of IHL Group and Vicki Cantrell, CEO of Vendors in Partnership, detailing the history of RetailROI, a unique charity supported by the retail industry. Together they discuss different initiatives that have been undertaken by Retail ROI, including providing technology resources to children in Liberia during the Ebola...
2023-12-051h 11
The Retail Razor ShowS3E15 – The Intersection of Data & AI with Retail Transformer – Mir Ali of Kraft HeinzJoin hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden in Episode 15 of the Retail Razor Show, as they dive deep into the world of data and AI within the retail sector. This episode features our latest Retail Transformer, Mir Ali, head of digital engineering at The Kraft Heinz Company. They discuss Kraft Heinz's journey developing a robust data foundation, the influence of AI tools, and strategies for integrating these within the business. Also highlighted is the importance of interconnecting insights from various channels of data. Together they critically discuss examples of practical issues faced by Kraft Heinz in their digital transformation jou...
2023-11-3049 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E14 - Unwrapping 2023 Holiday Season Trends with Roshan Jhunja & Andrew LipsmanWondering how retail businesses are strategizing to enhance the role of physical stores for a more festive shopping journey this holiday season? What sales impact will Gen Z and millennials have this season? To find out, we asked two of our favorite commerce experts to share their insights and help us unwrap this holiday season’s mysteries! Roshan Jhunja, head of retail at Square, and Andrew Lipsman, principal analyst for retail & ecommerce at Insider Intelligence join hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden for an enlightening analysis of the 2023 holiday shopping season!We explore the unpredi...
2023-11-2249 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E13 Unpacking The Magic of RFID with JP KamelHosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore the diverse applications and benefits of RFID technology in the retail landscape, unlocking the potential for innovation from supply chain to in-store operations. Special guest John Pierre Kamel, managing director of RFID Sherpas, demonstrates how RFID excels in offering inventory visibility and accuracy to drive significant performance increases in retail business operations and sales.We also bring you the latest episode in our "Blade to Greatness" mini-series. In this segment, we invite a retail industry leader to offer one skill or trait that all retail executives need to...
2023-11-1753 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E12 Harnessing the Power of Spatial Computing with Neil Redding | #GroceryshopLiveOur final recording, live and in-person, raw and uncut, from Groceryshop 2023 has our hosts, Ricardo Belmar and guest host Jeff Roster learning how to harness the power of spatial computing with returning guest, Neil Redding, Founder and CEO of Redding Futures! Part of our special cross-over event with This Week in Innovation podcast, Jeff and Ricardo sat down with Neil to understand how Auki Labs new product release is redefining retail operations via the benefits of spatial computing and augmented reality, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency for store teams. The trio discuss what the future looks like for spatial c...
2023-11-0354 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E11 State of Retail Media with Andrew Lipsman | #GroceryshopLiveOur latest recording, live and in-person, raw and uncut, from Groceryshop 2023 shines a light on one of the top trends from the show – Retail Media Networks! Part of our special cross-over event with guest host, Jeff Roster, host of This Week in Innovation podcast, Jeff and regular host Ricardo Belmar invited leading retail media analyst, Andrew Lipsman, principal analyst for retail & e-commerce at Insider Intelligence, to the mic. Together they analyze everything from Instacart’s IPO, which landed on Day 1 of Groceryshop, to defining what it takes to create a successful retail media network, to identifying how RMNs will expand bey...
2023-10-2450 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E10 Startup Trends with Shish Shridhar | #GroceryshopLiveWe continue our series of recordings live and in-person at Groceryshop 2023 this episode with a fascinating exploration of trends in the world of startups with Microsoft for Startups global retail lead, Shish Shridhar. Part of our special cross-over event with guest host, Jeff Roster, host of This Week in Innovation podcast, Jeff and regular host Ricardo Belmar sat down with Shish to discuss 3 trends at Groceryshop in the context of the startup community – Generative AI, meal planning, and automation. Plus, the trio take a look at what we should expect in the broader retail tech community over the next 6 months goi...
2023-10-1355 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E9 Groceryshop Recap with Krystina Gustafson & Ben Miller | #GroceryshopLiveDid you miss Groceryshop 2023? Or were you so busy there that you missed out on the best sessions and are left wondering what were the big, raw themes from the show? No worries – we teamed up once again with special guest host, Jeff Roster, host of This Week in Innovation podcast, to bring you the best live, in-person interviews from the Groceryshop podcast room! So, to bring you the final word on what really happened at this year’s conference, including all the hot topics and themes, we went straight to the source – the Groceryshop content team!...
2023-10-0138 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E8 Unlocking Retail – Part OneThis episode has our hosts, Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden, reflect on this season’s three themes and past episodes, focusing on the technology that will unlock business potential for retailers and enhance the shopping experience for consumers. Ricardo and Casey share their vision for a personalized virtual shopping experience, where we can preview products and interact with sales associates before visiting the store. Underpinning the many experiences they highlight – customer data platforms! Ricardo and Casey discuss how CDPs are critical to the future of retail and how this critical technology will help retailers and b...
2023-09-2233 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E7 What is the Future of Video Commerce?Our spotlight shines again on immersive commerce this episode! We are answering a critically important question for retailers - what is the future of video commerce? To answer this question and truly dive deep into the treasure trove of conversion that is video commerce we've invited Vincent Yang, co-founder and CEO of Firework to the show! Vincent guides us through understanding the true nature and capabilities of video commerce. It's a fascinating discussion where you'll come away with an incredible list of insights and best practices you can apply to your retail business! We start with livestreaming, move to shop...
2023-08-3056 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E6 Retail Transformers - Cynthia Hollen - mavi.ioWe return to our anywhere commerce theme for this season and shine a light on the future of in-car commerce! We’re answering a very important question - Will shopping on the go become the most important commerce channel for product discovery? We'll dig into what's new and what’s next for in-car product recommendation, BOPIS, and its impact on local search by meeting our latest Retail Transformer – Cynthia Hollen, CEO & co-founder of mavi.io! If you thought your mobile phone was all the mobile commerce you needed, you’ll think again after listening to this episode. Join us as we unco...
2023-08-1858 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E5 Retail Transformers – Ron Thurston - OssyToday as part of our Back to Basics of Retailing theme this season, we are once again focusing on people – the frontline workers in retail stores, and the process of hiring and retaining the best candidates. In this episode we answer two incredibly important questions– How do we change how we hire, connect, and match retail brands to retail workers, respectfully, transparently, and humanly? And can technology help? To answer these questions and more, we meet our latest Retail Transformer & fan favorite - Ron Thurston, author of Retail Pride, the Guide to Celebrating Your Accidental Career, Host of the Retail i...
2023-07-261h 03
The Retail Razor ShowS3E4 The Future of Delivery with ShiptIn this episode we answer an incredibly important question in retail – what is the future of local delivery services? Delivery has become a core convenience service for most consumers in recent years. How will retailers continue to offer these services in a cost-effective manner for both them and their customers? The market for these 3rd party providers has also changed. Can business models adapt or will we continue to see consolidation and market exits from providers such as quick commerce delivery services? We’ve invited Raj Kapoor, COO of Shipt to help us answer these questions, and more, about the futu...
2023-07-1249 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E3 Retail Transformers - Jeffrey P. McNulty - New Retail EthosWhat makes a great retail leader, especially during constrained times like retailers are experiencing this year? How do you develop executive retail leadership? How do these leaders shape the success of their entire organization? What qualities do they need to create that success? We’re speaking with Jeffrey P. McNulty, Founder and CEO of New Retail Ethos Consultancy, author of The Ultimate Retail Manual, and creator of The Ultimate Retail Course: Become a Retail RockStar to answer these questions and more! You’ll learn why Jeffrey, our latest Retail Transformer, is more than meets the eye! O...
2023-07-0552 min
The Retail Razor ShowS3E2 Retail Transformers - Neil Redding - Auki LabsHow will retailers embrace immersive commerce? Will it be via AR or VR or both? To answer this question, we meet our latest Retail Transformer – Neil Redding, head of product at Auki Labs. Plus, we welcome special guest host back to the show, Jeff Roster, host of This Week in Innovation podcast. Together we explore why AR and spatial computing may be the answer retailers are looking for to give digital assets a physical presence in the shopper journey. We also examine the impact of Apple’s new Vision Pro mixed reality headset and how this both legitimizes and forever c...
2023-06-161h 12
The Retail Razor ShowS3E1 What Can Be Done With Generative AI?What’s the buzz on everyone’s mind in retail right now? Yes, it’s Generative AI! Taking the industry by storm, but exactly what can you do with generative AI that’s so transformative for retailers and brands? We break it down in what’s likely the most grounded discussion you could hear today on this topic with two special guests: our Retail Avenger, Shish Shridhar, Global Retail Lead at Microsoft for Startups, and Michelle Bacharach, CEO of FindMine. We cover the use cases for today and tomorrow, plus we go deep on the caveats and risks you should know be...
2023-06-091h 07
The Retail Razor ShowThe Retail Razor Show - Season 3 TrailerReady or not, it’s Season 3 of the Retail Razor Show! Hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden are back to cut through the clutter to guide you through the most important trends in retail and retail technology. This season we’re bringing you more expert guests to explore 3 themes: Automation and AI, Immersive and Anywhere Commerce, and both of those against a backdrop of ‘back to basics’ retailing. Join us on the journey from store operations, to supply chain, to customer experience and back again – whether you’re a retailer, or a retail tech supplier, you’ll find something just for you t...
2023-05-1706 min
The Retail Razor ShowS2E13 The Razor's Edge - Season 2 FinaleWe’ve been on quite a wild ride this season with topics ranging from the metaverse, to retail media networks, to the future of ecommerce and DTC, plus our Retail Transformers, and including special interviews and recaps of three major industry events – Grocery Shop, NRF, and Shop Talk! But now we’ve reached The Razor’s Edge, our Season 2 finale, with special guest host Paul do Forno, Managing Director of the Commerce Practice at Deloitte Digital, turning the tables on our dynamic duo to walk through the season calling out all the highlights!In this episod...
2023-05-0556 min
The Retail Razor ShowS2E12d #ShoptalkLive – SPECIAL – TRI Friends Fireside ChatHave you heard plenty of Shoptalk event and trend recaps by now? Did any of those dig into why those trends matter and what they really mean for the retail industry? Sometimes you just need to put four Top Retail Influencers into one recording session and let them talk about what those trends make them feel about the industry to get to the heart of the matter. And maybe ‘heart’ is what it’s truly all about – because retail is a people business.It’s Part 4 of our #ShoptalkLive podcast cross-over series with This Week in Innovatio...
2023-04-2850 min
The Retail Razor ShowS2E12c #ShoptalkLive – SPECIAL – Digital Twins with Site BionicsHow can retailers perform A/B testing of merchandise layouts in their stores without cost and without burdening store teams? By using Digital Twins, that’s how! So how does a retailer build a digital twin of their stores? Meet startup Site Bionics and founder and CEO, Adam Blair. It’s Part 3 of our #ShoptalkLive podcast cross-over series with This Week in Innovation and special guest host Jeff Roster, recorded live and in-person at Shoptalk!In this episode, Jeff and regular host Ricardo Belmar sit down with Site Bionics CEO, Adam Blair, to learn how they ar...
2023-04-2125 min
The Retail Razor ShowS2E12b #ShoptalkLive – SPECIAL - In-Store Analytics with ShopperAIHow well do you know your in-store shopper versus your online shopper? If you’re like most retailers, you probably believe you know more about those online shoppers. But what if you had a full set of analytics on your in-store shoppers? What if you knew how shoppers react to a product they pick up off the shelf? Why they put it back instead of purchasing it? Meet ShopperAI, a startup that’s trying to change that perception by leveraging the existing video footage you have from loss prevention cameras to understand shopper intent and sentiment....
2023-04-1841 min