Talk Retail to Me

From the floor at NRF 2026, Dan Wittner sits down with Freddy Guard from Snowflake to unpack what retail leaders are really talking about this year. It’s not just about AI—it’s about making AI real. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, they cover: Recorded live at NRF 2026, this conversation cuts through the buzzwords and focuses on what matters for retail executives trying to move from experimentation to results.

From holograms and go-karts to voice tech and virtual reality, Day 2 at NRF 2026 offered no shortage of surprises—and even more insight into what truly matters in retail innovation. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, we bring together three perspectives—a consultant (Dan Wittner from The Parker Avery Group), a retailer (Ryan Holm from Helzberg), and a solution provider (Dustin Sundy from Zipline)—to share what truly stood out on the show floor. We talk about why “don’t lead with AI” became the smartest message at NRF, how retailers are using voice and transcription as a new demand signal, and which innovations felt more like “must-have” than “nice-to-have.” You’ll hear highlights including: If you want a fast, honest recap of what mattered most at NRF 2026 (and what you can safely ignore), this episode has you covered.

Episode Overview In this episode of Talk Retail To Me, Parker Avery’s chief revenue officer, Dan Wittner, and Blue Yonder's head of global retail strategy, Jim Hull, discuss the evolving landscape of retail, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, the importance of data quality, and the transformation of store models into fulfillment centers. They explore the challenges retailers face with labor and the need for dynamic data models to adapt to changing consumer demands. The conversation also highlights the upcoming NRF 2026 Big Show and the excitement surrounding innovations in the retail sector. Key Takeaways Episode Highlights meet Parker Avery at booth #2703 Related Content Blog Post: Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail Podcast: Retail’s Data Reckoning: Your First Move in Transformation Case Study: New Data-Driven Solution Strengthens Grocer’s Competitive Pricing Capabilities Insights: The Expert Guide to Data Governance in Retail

Episode Overview Retailers recognize the need to transform, but most are missing the crucial first step. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery’s Dan Wittner joins Snowflake’s Freddy Guard for a candid discussion about one of the most underestimated barriers to retail innovation: disconnected, messy, and misgoverned retail data. Whether it’s launching AI initiatives, reshaping supply chains, or reimagining omnichannel experiences, true retail transformation begins with a solid data foundation. But legacy systems, siloed functions, and a lack of clear governance continue to block progress, even for Fortune 500 retailers. Dan and Freddy break down why transformation fails without clean, connected data and outline how progressive retailers are finally getting it right. From AI-enabled data cleanup to demand planning and inventory visibility, they share actionable steps for retailers ready to transform and realize meaningful, sustainable business results. Featuring Dan Wittner – Chief Revenue Officer, The Parker Avery Group Freddy Guard – Industry Principal, Retail & Consumer Goods, Snowflake Key Takeaways enterprise-wide transformationdata cleanup and governanceTechnology alone doesn’t transform a businessstrategic roadmaps Episode Highlights case studybuild the right capabilities roadmap Related Content & Resources Video Replay on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j7GJLoeOEmM Parker Avery Retail Consulting Services https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Learn more about Snowflake http://www.snowflake.com/ Blog Post | Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail https://parkeravery.com/optimizing-data-readiness-for-ai-in-retail/ Talk Retail to Me Podcast | Winning with Data and Hyper-Localized Assortments https://parkeravery.com/winning-with-data-and-hyper-localized-assortments/ Insights | The Expert Guide to Data Governance in Retail https://parkeravery.com/data-governance-in-retail/ Case Study | New Strategy for Master Data Supports Core Merchandising Transformation https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/new-strategy-for-master-data-supports-core-merchandising-transformation/

As retailers gear up for the critical back-to-school and holiday seasons, new tariffs on Chinese imports—some as high as 145%—are causing significant disruptions in global supply chains. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery’s CEO, Clay Parnell, is joined by the firm’s Chief Consulting Officer, Amanda Astrologo, and industry thought leader Walt Holbrook to discuss the current chaos driven by tariffs and how retailers can respond effectively. While recent reports indicate a sharp decline in shipments from China and soaring freight costs, the true challenge runs deeper: retail organizations must move from reactive tactics to integrated, end-to-end strategic thinking. Key Takeaways 1. There’s no single fix—retailers need a coordinated, cross-functional response Amanda emphasizes the importance of aligning demand forecasting, pricing, allocation, and inventory strategies. “It’s not just about pulling inventory forward,” she notes. “Retailers need to be thinking holistically—how product flows, where it lands, and how pricing strategies evolve with consumer sentiment.” 2. Agility isn't just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Walt shares how flexible retailers are renegotiating with vendors and adapting plans in real-time. “We can’t rely on playbooks anymore,” he warns. “This is mission impossible without strong leadership and fast decision-making.” 3. Foundational capabilities matter now more than ever. The trio discusses how inadequate tools and reliance on manual planning are slowing down responses. Amanda highlights a renewed focus on core capabilities like merchandise financial planning and data visibility. “You can’t execute pricing strategies or pivot on inventory if your teams are stuck in Excel spreadsheets,” she says. 4. This isn't just another short-term disruption. Comparisons to COVID are valid, but this time, consumer demand hasn’t evaporated. “People want to shop,” Amanda notes. “But they don’t want to pay 145% more.” That distinction changes the game and requires nuanced planning, inventory, and pricing strategies to protect both margin and customer loyalty. 5. Culture and creativity are competitive advantages. Both guests emphasize the need for a cultural shift inside retail organizations. Store teams must be empowered, and merchants encouraged to explore new sourcing strategies, domestic partnerships, and flexible assortments. “This is also a moment of opportunity,” Walt reminds us. Final Thoughts This episode of Talk Retail to Me presents a candid, practical discussion on how retailers can move beyond reactive tactics and build long-term resilience. Whether it’s scenario planning, realigning supply chain operations, or investing in foundational tools, the message is clear: speed, creativity, and flexibility are no longer optional—they’re crucial for survival and future growth. Host and Guests Clay Parnell, CEO, The Parker Avery Group https://parkeravery.com/clay-parnell/ Amanda Astrologo, Chief Consulting Officer, The Parker Avery Group https://parkeravery.com/amanda-astrologo/ Walt Holbrook, YODA Retail Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltholbrook/ Related Content & Resources Video Replay on YouTube https://youtu.be/kalorQerjmk Blog Post | Supply Chain Resilience in the Face of Disruption https://parkeravery.com/supply-chain-resilience-in-the-face-of-disruption/ Blog Post | Rethinking Allocation and Replenishment to Drive Better Inventory Outcomes https://parkeravery.com/rethinking-allocation-and-replenishment-to-drive-better-inventory-outcomes/ Talk Retail to Me Podcast | Strategic Sourcing Considerations for a Disrupted Supply Chain https://parkeravery.com/strategic-sourcing-in-a-disrupted-supply-chain/ Parker Avery Retail Consulting Services https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/

In this episode of The Parker Avery Group's "Talk Retail to Me" podcast, retail experts Marty Anderson and Mike Johnson delve into how our firm collaborated with a major theme park retailer to untangle the complexities of managing over 300 unique stores. From hyper-localized assortments to razor-thin inventory margins, these consultants detail how data, analytics, and a clear roadmap contributed to balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency. Episode Highlights Resources https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/retail-inventory-management-assessment/https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/https://parkeravery.com/marty-anderson/https://parkeravery.com/mike-johnson/https://parkeravery.com/tricia-gustin/https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/

Episode Overview In this dynamic roundtable, host Sam Iosevich monitors a panel of pricing experts as they discuss how to tackle the complexities of modern retail pricing. From inflation and AI to organizational alignment and price wars, this episode delivers sharp insights and practical guidance. Guests Robert McGuireJeffrey KittellEddy SalasDataWeave Key Takeaways Whether you're rethinking your pricing strategy or trying to avoid the next margin hit, this conversation offers a forward-looking playbook for today’s retail leaders. Related Content https://parkeravery.com/retail-pricing/https://parkeravery.com/price-optimization-margin-rate-vs-margin-dollars/https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/retailer-sees-strong-results-with-ai-driven-price-optimization-solution/https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/markdown-optimization-solution-vastly-improves-retailers-sell-through-and-margin/

In this episode, Tricia Gustin is joined by Sam Iosevich from Parker Avery and Dilip Popat from Novulis Consulting to discuss how AI-driven demand signals transform retail and CPG industries. The conversation explores the power of the Enterprise Intelligence Hypercube, an advanced platform that integrates data across all organizational functions to provide real-time, actionable insights. Sam and Dilip share how AI enables retailers to address inventory productivity, revenue variability, and margin pressure while emphasizing the importance of clean data for successful AI implementations. Key Takeaways: Tune in to learn how AI and data integration can elevate your retail operations and drive meaningful business outcomes! Enterprise Intelligence Case Studies: Enterprise-wide Planning Solution Drives Global Retailer’s Agility​ https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/enterprise-wide-planning-solution-drives-global-retailers-agility/ Markdown Optimization​ Solution Vastly Improves Retailer’s Sell-Through and Margin​ https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/markdown-optimization-solution-vastly-improves-retailers-sell-through-and-margin/ SKU-Level Forecasting Accuracy Drives Strategies for Precision and Growth https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/sku-level-forecasting-accuracy-drives-strategies-for-precision-and-growth/ Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss out on more insights from retail experts. Subscribe to Talk Retail to Me for more discussions on how AI and innovative technologies are revolutionizing the retail industry. Plus learn how Parker Avery’s retail experience and consulting expertise transform retail and consumer brand challenges into meaningful, sustainable improvements. Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-parker-avery-group/https://www.linkedin.com/company/novulis-consulting/ Contact Information: https://parkeravery.com/enterprise-intelligence/http://www.novulis.com/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, we dive into a transformation at one of America's largest family-owned luxury retailers. What started as a straightforward client project to clarify roles became a journey of rebuilding trust, transforming leadership behaviors, and healing a deeply fractured organization. Join Parker Avery CEO Robert Kaufman, Principal Kathi Toll, and host Tricia Gustin as the team unpacks how authentic leadership, structured processes, and a willingness to admit mistakes turn an organizational crisis into a story of redemption. Key Takeaways Client Background and Challenge A family-owned luxury retailer initially engaged The Parker Avery Group to help with what seemed to be a straightforward process improvement project in their product development area. However, within hours of arriving, the consultants discovered much deeper organizational issues: Project Evolution Outcomes The project highlighted the importance of clear communication, proper organizational change management, and authentic leadership during organizational changes. Learn more about Parker Avery's consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Read the case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/better-merchandising-processes-and-new-roles-drive-fine-jewelers-future/ Meet Robert Kaufman: https://parkeravery.com/robert-kaufman/ Meet Kathi Toll: https://parkeravery.com/kathi-toll/ Meet Tricia Gustin: https://parkeravery.com/tricia-gustin/ Listen to more Talk Retail To Me podcast episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/

In this episode of Parker Avery's "Talk Retail to Me" podcast, Clay Parnell (president and managing partner) and Marty Anderson (principal) discuss a recently completed project for a $7 billion jewelry retailer. The two retail experts share valuable insights from the project which entailed developing a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to address business and technology challenges resulting from significant growth and acquisitions. Read the case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/global-jewelers-new-retail-process-and-technology-roadmap-energize-growth/ Learn about Parker Avery's consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Start solving your most important merchandising challenges: https://parkeravery.com/contact-us/

In this episode of the 'Talk Retail to Me' podcast by The Parker Avery Group, Tricia Gustin, senior director Carrie Habel, and senior manager Dustin Wright discuss a recent store operations improvement project. They detail their innovative approach, including a capsized train-the-trainer strategy and deep store collaboration, to identify inefficiencies such as laborious administrative tasks and ineffective training practices. The project resulted in significant labor savings, improved processes, and enhanced backroom organization, illustrating the value of cross-functional collaboration and retailer engagement. Start solving your most important store operations challenges: https://parkeravery.com/contact-us/ Learn about our retail consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Read the episode summary: https://parkeravery.com/behind-the-scenes-of-a-remarkable-store-operations-improvement-project/ Check out the case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/retailers-new-store-processes-and-training-boost-profit-and-efficiency/ Visit more Talk Retail to Me episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kaufman shares his insights about the changing role of the retail chief supply chain officer. Answering questions from a recent interview with media outlet, Modern Retail, Robert discusses how changes in consumer shopping behaviors, combined with global macroeconomic events and disturbances have added great complexity, challenges, and risks to the retail supply chain. These issues continue to prevent a reliable and consistent flow of goods for even the largest and most sophisticated retailers and have dramatically altered the chief supply chain officer’s role and impact on the company’s success. Robert outlines new characteristics the executive-level supply chain and operations roles must possess to be successful as he addresses questions such as: retail inventory planning Meet CEO Robert Kaufman: https://parkeravery.com/robert-kaufman/ Read the blog version: https://parkeravery.com/podcast-expert-qa-new-role-of-retails-chief-supply-chain-officer/ Read the article in Modern Retail: https://www.modernretail.co/operations/as-supply-chain-disruption-eases-apparel-brands-are-tapping-new-leaders-to-manage-operations/ Learn about Parker Avery’s supply chain consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consumer-goods-consulting/supply-chain-services/ Listen to more Talk Retail to Me podcasts: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/ Meet The Parker Avery Group: https://parkeravery.com/about-us/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Senior Director and omnichannel expert Rob Oglesby shares his insights into how big box retailers are handling the in-store fulfillment of omnichannel orders. Answering questions from a recent interview with media outlet Modern Retail, Rob outlines the implications, challenges, and risks, even as this capability becomes critical to many retailers’ success. Rob answers the following questions about in-store omnichannel fulfillment: Read Parker Avery's expert guide to omnichannel order management and fulfillment: https://parkeravery.com/omnichannel-order-management-and-fulfillment/ Meet Rob Oglesby: https://parkeravery.com/rob-oglesby/ Listen to more Talk Retail to Me podcasts: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/ Learn more about The Parker Avery Group: https://parkeravery.com/about-us/

Hosted by retail demand planning experts, Sam Iosevich, Marty Anderson, and Steve Gordon, Parker Avery's recent Talk Retail to Me Transformation Happy Hour covered integrated business planning as a key strategic focus area for leading retailers and consumer brands. The trio outlined key enablers around technology, business process, and organization that help companies unleash collaboration and efficiencies with integrated business planning to help realize meaningful business improvements. During this interactive happy hour, Sam, Marty, and Steve introduced Parker Avery's retail and CPG planning maturity model and answered participants' most pressing questions regarding integrated business planning. Show resources: The Expert Guide to Integrated Business PlanningRetail and CPG Planning Maturity ModelIntegrated Business Planning ResourcesTransform Your Retail Enterprise with Advanced AnalyticsHow to Overcome the AI Hype and Drive Retail CollaborationUnified Demand Signal Drives Global Retailer’s Enterprise AgilityIntegrated Merchandise Planning Design and Roadmap To learn how Parker Avery helps clients achieve better planning capabilities, please visit our Enterprise Intelligence page or contact us to set up a time to discuss your specific needs.

This episode of Parker Avery's Talk Retail to Me podcast focuses on business process transformation. Featuring two of our retail leaders, Clay Parnell and Deanna Emsley, we take a deep dive into what it means to transform business processes. We cover what areas are focus points for our clients, how Parker Avery helps retailers and consumer brands prioritize and navigate these process transformations, and what success looks like. Moderated by Senior Director, Tricia Gustin, Clay and Deanna discussed the following questions For more information about Parker Avery's business transformation and retail consulting services, please visit: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/https://parkeravery.com/retail-consumer-goods-consulting/business-transformation/

With technology moving at lightning speed, proper management of master data is critical to fully take advantage of new tech innovations. Yet, many retailers struggle with master data management and data governance. Hosted by Parker Avery retail consultants and master data experts, our June 29 Talk Retail to Me Transformation Happy Hour explored the most pressing master data challenges Parker Avery's clients and other retailers are facing. Our happy hour hosts provided a brief overview of master data challenges and the implications of not having a planful approach and data governance in place. Most of the happy hour was spent answering questions and having an open dialog with participants. Show resources: Data governance scope and definitions infographicData governance and master data management resourcesProject Planning: Four Considerations for Data ReadinessMake No Mistake: Avoiding Data Governance IssuesNew Strategy for Master Data Supports Core Merchandising TransformationRetailer’s Master Data Management Improvements Drive Omnichannel GrowthRetailer’s New PIM System Boosts Efficiency and Data Accuracy To learn how Parker Avery helps clients through transformations by ensuring a strategic approach to managing data, please see our consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/consulting-services/.

Back by popular demand! Due to so much interest in our earlier podcast discussion on Transformational Leadership, we hosted an online happy hour focused on the same topic so we could answer your questions in a live format. This fun, interactive event was hosted by Parker Avery OCM experts and retail veterans, Kathi Toll, Marty Anderson, and Carrie Habel who refocused the traditional paradigm of change management to a mindset that instills stronger elements of transformational leadership. Joining from three different states, three timezones, two airports, and one home office, Kathi, Carrie, and Marty discussed how retail leaders can assess and improve their ability to engage their teams to become ambassadors of meaningful transformative change. Materials and links discussed during the show: Change Management Resources (online)OCM and Transformational Leadership Resources (pdf)Change Management AssessmentThe Nordy Pod To learn how Parker Avery helps clients through transformations and navigate change, please see our change management services: https://parkeravery.com/change-management-services/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery consultants and retail veterans Marty Anderson, Deanna Emsley, and Mike Johnson take a deep dive into the world of retail hierarchies. Senior Director of Marketing, Tricia Gustin, hosts the discussion, during which the experts discuss: To learn more about Parker Avery's retail consulting services and our areas of expertise, please visit: https://parkeravery.com/consulting-services/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery consultants take a deep dive into allocation and replenishment. Coming off the heels of Shoptalk 2023, where so many people are still reaching for the shiny tech, we are focused on ensuring the basics of retail are securely and optimally in place so those customer-facing innovations work well and deliver a great customer experience. Allocation and replenishment is one area with its share of innovations like integration to AI-driven demand forecasting, but also brings lots of opportunities to increase internal and external efficiencies and result in better inventory management and visibility. Senior Director of Marketing, Tricia Gustin, hosts Parker Avery retail experts Nia McDonald, Mike Johnson, and Dave Seeley. All are senior managers with Parker Avery and have been deep in client work focused on allocation and replenishment. To learn more about Parker Avery's retail consulting services and our areas of expertise, please visit: https://parkeravery.com/consulting-services/

Organizational change management and retail experts Kathi Toll and Carrie Habel discuss transformational leadership and why this competency is critically important. They outline how it differs from change management and specific tactics retailers and brands must take to evolve their organizations and people into transformational leaders. https://parkeravery.com/kathi-toll/ https://parkeravery.com/carrie-habel/ To learn more about The Parker Avery Group and our range of consulting services for retailers and CPG companies, please visit https://parkeravery.com. For the video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/XibEpX3uuvc