Winning Retail

Hello and welcome to Winning Retail. This episode features an interview with Sandy Gilsenan, Senior Vice President of Retail at Warby Parker, and Kim Nemser, Chief Merchandising Officer and Head of Product Strategy at Warby Parker. On today’s episode, Kim and Sandy discuss revolutionizing and customizing the eyewear industry, using omnichannel tactics to create trust with customers, and Warby Parker’s journey to its 200th store. — “It's here in our hometown in New York City, opening up our 200th store this weekend. And I think that these incredible experiences that we've been able to really provide for our customers by having these in-store interactions have been really, I think, incredibly memorable. Not just for our customers, but also for our store. The idea of seeing one of our customers leave so happily, having this holistic vision care offering offered to them in one of our locations to me is still an incredibly unique proposition, especially for our customers to see our frames live and in person.” - Sandy Gilsenan “A typical journey as the customer first meets our brand through a home try-on program, they get those five frames. Maybe they go online to see them, maybe they heart some, and then they go to a store. They come to the store informed about our brand. And I think one of the things that I always applaud, is our store associates are, best in class in terms of training, learning about customer experience. We really focus on that. So I think it's this idea, you know, the word omnichannel is probably a bit overused, but we sort of like to say we're gonna create as many channels as our customers dictate necessary for them to trust the brand and find the product that they love.” - Kim Nemser — Show Notes — Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. — Links Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha – Transformant

This episode features an interview with David Walmsley, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Pandora. David has led multiple consumer businesses through their digital transformation and, in the process, scaled omnichannel growth. On today’s episode, David discusses using technology to customize the e-commerce experience, prioritizing bringing your whole company up to speed on digital transformation, and how these advancements are helping to reduce Pandora’s carbon footprint. — “Our starting point, our point of departure, was always keeping our people safe, and then keeping our customers safe, and then thinking about how we could use technology to amplify our business in that very strange time that we all lived through, particularly in 2019. And we didn't just survive; we thrived through that time.” - David Walmsley — Show Notes — Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. — Links Connect with David on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha – Transformant

This episode features an interview with Tim Moerman, Sustainability & ESG Director at Anheuser-Busch InBev in Europe. Tim works to deliver sustainable value through global sustainability goals, entrepreneurship, and supply chain D&I. In today’s episode, Tim discusses meeting the consumer demand for sustainability, how he’s using technology for efficiency and transparency, and all that AB InBev is doing to support a future with more cheers. — “What's going to be adamant is that we decarbonize faster than ever before in the next couple of years. So it's almost not the reduction that you will have between today and 2050, it's the whole volume of emissions that you will still have on the way to get there. That is gonna be very critical. And I think that's that kind of trickle-down in more, more people's minds.” - Tim Moerman — Show Notes — Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. — Links Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Connect with Tim on Twitter Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha – Transformant

This episode features an interview with Moritz Klaemt, Vice President for Digital Marketing & eCommerce at Henkel. As a CPG brand specialist in Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care Division, Moritz helps to drive consumer value and alleviate pain points through digital transformation. On today’s episode, Moritz discusses Henkel’s digital community platform, “Ask Team Clean,” explains the difference between consumer centricity and consumer engagement, and touches on the future of AI. -- “Understand what is relevant for the consumer, and only then say, ‘okay, what role do I now play with my brands?’” -Moritz Klaemt -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Moritz on LinkedIn Connect with Moritz on Twitter Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Scott Ziegler, EMEA Retail Director at Havaianas-Alpargatas. For 38 years, Scott has worked with some of the most iconic brands in the apparel world, from Foot Locker in the U.S. to now Havaianas in Europe, which sells over 200 million pairs of flip-flops each year. On today’s episode, Scott walks us through their Madrid flagship location, makes a case for RFID, and explains what LMX Theory is and how he uses it to build out his teams. -- “One of the great joys that I have is going into stores in Europe - and that was one of the big surprises for me - is how enthusiastic the employees were for the product.” -Scott Ziegler -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Scott on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Jonathan Muir, Global Director of Retail Activation at adidas. Since joining the iconic sportswear company in September, Jonathan has helped to take adidas’s brand campaigns and bring them to life in stores. On today’s episode, Jonathan walks us through their Berlin flagship location, makes a case for app integration being retailers’ number one priority, and reveals why he thinks sneakers create such an emotional bond with customers. -- “I would love to get to the point one day where we’re not really just looking at conversion as a purchase at the cash desk. It's more about did that person join your platform or not?” -Jonathan Muir -- Show Notes Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. Links Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Dean Frew and Johan Stenström, CTO & SVP of SML Group and Supply Chain Developer at Stadium, respectively. SML recently partnered with Stadium to provide their item-level RFID solutions, helping increase inventory accuracy at the Swedish sports retailer to 99.5%. On today’s episode, Dean and Johan discuss the origins of their partnership, the buy-in needed for digital transformation, and why the most successful retailers are the ones challenging their assumptions about inventory accuracy. -- “Retailers who are challenging their assumptions about their inventory accuracy and their true in-store performance are the ones who are moving forward.” -Dean Frew & Johan Stenström -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Dean on LinkedIn Connect with Johan on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Simone Sweeney, Vice President Global Retail Development at The LEGO Group. Since 2015, Simone has helped develop, lead, and implement global retail programs for the nearly 90 year-old brand. On today’s episode, Simone discusses the concept of “retailtainment,” the challenges of opening 300 stores in over 40 countries over the last two years, and how technology plays both an inspirational and practical role. -- “Everything that we do is our mission to inspire and develop the future builders of tomorrow." -Simone Sweeney -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Simone on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Antonia Johnstone, CEO of Sign of the Times. For over 45 years, Sign of the Times has been London’s premier luxury resale store, which Antonia acquired in 2019. On today’s episode, Antonia discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, the complexities of her industry’s supply chain, and why fashion must reduce its environmental impact. -- “100 billion apparel items are produced yearly and 60% of those will be discarded within one year. It’s quite a big issue, and I think fashion needs to lighten its footprint on the planet.” -Antonia Johnstone -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Antonia on LinkedIn Follow Sign of the Times on Instagram Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features a recap of NRF 2022: Retail's Big Show, which took place in New York City from January 16th-18th. On today’s episode, we hit the convention floor and hear from various companies about how they are tackling some of retail's most pressing matters, from staffing shortages to supply chain issues to leveraging massive amounts of data. -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

This episode features an interview with Kellie Romack, Vice President of Associate and Customer Care Product Experience at Walmart U.S. Since joining the company in October of 2020, Kellie has been responsible for creating a frictionless associate and customer experience using innovative technology and streamlined ways of working. On today’s episode, Kellie gives us an inside look into Walmart’s associate-facing app, Me@Walmart, talks about the future of AR in stores, and shares why it’s better to be brave than perfect. -- “We're servant leaders. We're working for those associates in the stores. We're working for those customers and making sure that we're solving the problems for them.” -Kellie Romack -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Kellie on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Jim Weinberg, Chief Merchandising Officer at DSW. As a turnaround and restructuring specialist, Jim has spent his career responding to shifting consumer behaviors, and now oversees merchandising and marketing strategies for the $3 billion shoe giant. On today’s episode, Jim discusses DSW’s transition into the athletic and athleisure space, changing store layouts, and how technology is transforming their business. -- “We’re not selling anything anyone needs. This is not a pharmaceutical situation. You’re creating an emotional connection with your consumers through marketing and product, and that’s the magic that happens.” -Jim Weinberg -- Show Notes -- Sponsor Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery. -- Links Connect with Jim on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Krista Bourne, SVP of Consumer Sales and Operations at Verizon. As a change leader, Krista has worked her way up from mailroom employee to now incoming Chief Operating Officer at the company. On today’s episode, Krista discusses the holiday shopping season in the face of changing consumer behaviors, the immersive nature of technology in the 5G era, and Verizon’s “Call for Kindness” campaign. -- “We've really met our customers where they expect to see the brand. But we continue to learn how to do that in a frictionless, seamless manner, because that's what consumers expect.” -Krista Bourne -- Show Notes -- Sponsor Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery. -- Links Connect with Krista on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Chris Rupp, EVP & Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Albertsons Companies. For over 20 years, Chris has successfully led and scaled strategic business units for companies like Sears, Amazon, and now Albertsons. On today’s episode, Chris discusses what it was like to run the first Amazon Prime day, the “build vs. buy” conundrum of picking technology, and partnering with places like DoorDash and Pinterest to meet customers wherever they might be thinking of dinner. -- “You have to stay in touch with your customers’ needs. All the time. You can’t get complacent. And you certainly should be watching out for how new entries are serving customers in new ways, because they have a whole lot less to lose than big established companies.” -Chris Rupp -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Daryl Porter. Daryl recently transitioned from his post as Global Head of Retail Stores at Anheuser-Busch InBev to Senior Partner & Global Omni Operations Lead at Tomorrow Retail Consulting. With over 25 years of retail and leadership experience at Walmart Canada and Anheuser-Busch InBev, Daryl is an omni-channel practitioner with a passion for online grocery. On today’s episode, Daryl discusses the importance of rallying your team around a “just cause,” emerging technology and labor trends in the eGrocery space, and the distinction between mature retailers and immature retailers. -- “Everybody’s focused on productivity, and I believe you can achieve it without pushing people to their breaking point. Humans and technology can work together and achieve amazing things.” -Daryl Porter -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Labs for Cartier North America. Since 2017, Andrew has worked to design and test new forms of retail experiences while exploring new frontiers outside the world of jewelry and luxury goods. On today’s episode, Andrew talks about the mission of the Cartier Lab, fostering relationships with artists outside a commercial environment, and the balance between heritage and innovation. -- "Developing the human understanding with regard to any new service, any piece of furniture, any technology that will go into the boutique is paramount.” -Andrew Haarsager -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Brian Coupland, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Staples US Retail. With 20+ years of experience leading enterprise innovation and transformation initiatives, Brian helps drive merchandising strategy and operations across the entire Staples U.S. retail network. On today’s episode, Brian discusses the importance of getting close to the customer, change management, and working with small businesses and makers through the Staples Connect “Breakthrough Project.” -- “It’s not just about an idea or a trend or a hunch. It’s really about getting closer to the customer to understand what they’re saying, what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking. Today and also tomorrow.” -Brian Coupland -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Sucharita Kodali, Retail Analyst at Forrester Research. With an expansive career that features stops at Saks Fifth Avenue, Toys R Us, and the Walt Disney Company, Sucharita is an expert on eCommerce and the technology developments that affect online shopping. On today’s episode, Sucharita touches on everything from rogue distributors to the ESG movement to how retailers can avoid the boiling frog syndrome. -- “The thing I think is really important about retail, CPGs, and brand manufacturers is that the world may be changing, but the technologies and cataclysmic changes to their worlds don't happen overnight.” -Sucharita Kodali -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Sucharita on LinkedIn Follow Sucharita on Twitter Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

This episode features an interview with Jody Putnam, Chief Retail Officer at Mattress Firm. In this role, Putnam oversees all markets and 2,400 Mattress Firm locations, working to help their Sleep Experts talk with customers about improving their lives through better sleep. On today’s episode, Jody discusses leading a purpose-driven organization, the role of technology in today’s mattress-buying experience, and America’s sleep habits (spoiler: they’re not good). -- “We improve the lives of people in America by helping them sleep better, whether they buy something from us or not.” -Jody Putnam -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links Connect with Jody on LinkedIn Sleep.com Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant

On this special episode, Winning Retail travelled to the RetailNOW2021 Conference in Nashville, TN, where we spoke with conference attendees about the state of retail in 2021. Featuring insights from companies like Toshiba, Zebra Technologies, and Diebold Nixdorf, among others. -- “Looking at the U.S. consumer, 40% have shifted to be more digital in the way that they shop, and 90% of those say that's how they plan to continue to purchase and engage brands." -Fredrik Carlegren, Toshiba -- Show Notes -- Sponsor This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail. -- Links RetailNOW2021 Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Connect with Tony on Twitter Tony Saldanha - Transformant