Retail Corner: New Normal in Retail Technology & Business
A deeply informative podcast on New Normal in Retail Industry. We cover current retail landscape, best of breed products and retail business best practices. Tune in to listen to retail experts and community thinkers on retail industries current trajectory as well as future projections.
Episodes

Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Marketplace Dynamics: Inventory Strategies and Pricing Science. -Ryan Moser
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Join us for the latest episode of Retail Corner as we delve into a discussion with Ryan Moser, Senior Director of Inventory Strategy and Pricing Science at ThredUp. In this episode, Ryan shares valuable insights into maintaining optimal inventory levels, preventing both overstock and stockouts, pricing strategies for a vast product catalog, and tackling complex supply chain challenges.
About our guest, Ryan Moser:
Ryan Moser is a dynamic and innovative leader with a rich 15-year analytics and business intelligence career. With a solid background in machine learning and statistical analysis, he has propelled companies to new heights by implementing groundbreaking, data-driven solutions. From his work as Senior Director of inventory Strategy and Pricing Science at ThredUp, where he brought a unique approach to pricing millions of SKUs, to his impactful role in management consulting, where he carried out the first longitudinal study of special forces operations in Iraq, Ryan is renowned for his ability to marry technical expertise with strategic business acumen. His talent and dedication have improved operational efficiencies and profitability for these organizations and positioned him as a trusted figure in the field.
As an alumnus of prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and Georgia Institute of Technology, Ryan is a leader and a lifelong learner committed to staying at the forefront of his industry.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpmoser/
Company: https://www.thredup.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Join us for an exciting voyage into the world of retail transformation through the captivating Retail Corner podcast. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Avihai Shnabel, the co-founder & CRO of Onebeat, as our esteemed guest. Tune in to discover valuable insights into retail demand trends and the profound influence of consumer data analysis on enhancing retail sales.
About our Guest, Avihai Shnabel:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avihai-shnabel-88436378/
Company: https://1beat.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Cole Koumalats
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Embark on a transformative retail journey by tuning in to the Retail Corner podcast, where guests Jacob Levin and Andrew Duffy, co-founders of SparkPlug are set to unravel the untapped potential of retail employees as dynamic catalysts for product promotion.
About our guests, Andrew Duffy and Jacob Levin:
Andrew Duffy and Jake Levin met at Harvard University and are the co-founders of SparkPlug, a groundbreaking platform that addresses the complex issue of point-of-sale influence across various consumer product and retail sectors. Their combined studies in psychology, economics, and government have been instrumental in shaping their successful entrepreneurial journey.
Their initial venture, Sky & Wyatt, was an organic, whole-leaf tea company they built from the ground up. Relying on their understanding of consumer behavior, informed by their psychological studies, they scaled this unique CPG business by leveraging training and incentives for frontline associates at boutique spas, natural foods stores, and national grocery chains.
After selling Sky & Wyatt, Andrew and Jake sought to commercialize the sales incentive toolkit that drove their success in CPG, which led them to launch SparkPlug in 2020. SparkPlug's unique gamification platform now powers over 1,500 retailers and 500 brands, enabling them to unlock the influence of frontline sellers at the point of sale.
Andrew and Jake are recognized as emerging thought leaders at the intersection of consumer behavior and experiential retail. They have made substantial contributions to academic research in areas that intertwine psychology and economics, and frequently speak at conferences and trade events.
Linkedin:
Andrew Duffy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajwduffy/
Jacob Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levinjacob/
Website: https://sparkplug.app
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Beyond the Checkout: Personalization as the Retail Game Changer. -Tyler Renaghan
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Make sure you catch this installment of Retail Corner, featuring Tyler Renaghan, Vice President of Retail at Upside, as he highlights the significance of personalization in the retail industry. Tyler also provides expert advice to help retailers optimize their ad spending for maximum returns. You will listen to our guest host talking with Tyler on the following points:
What is ROAS (Return On Ad Spend), and why do retailers use it today? Pros and Cons.
Common pitfalls or mistakes retailers make when trying to improve their ROAS and how to avoid them?
How is personalization different from targeting and customer segmentation?
What Role does personalization play in improving performance metrics? Any best practices?
What are emerging trends and technologies in the ad space that can help retailers achieve better performance metrics?
How can Marketing and Finance stakeholders shift their strategy to measure their efforts more effectively?
About our guest, Tyler Renaghan:
Tyler is a business development leader with over 15 years of experience in identifying new segment opportunities, developing high-performing sales teams, and elevating company profiles with target markets. As Vice President of Grocery, he is responsible for developing the go-to-market strategies that drive merchant adoption and continued growth through our retail partners on the Upside platform. Prior to joining Upside, held critical leadership roles at Instacart and Groupon.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaghan/
Website: https://www.upside.com
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Cole Koumalats
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Retail 2.0: AI-Driven Consumer Behavior and the Future of Shopping. -Umesh Sripad
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Don't miss out on this episode of Retail Corner, where Umesh Sripad, Chief Product Officer at PureRED, reveals priceless insights into how the integration of AI and cutting-edge technologies is reshaping consumer behavior, paving the way for a bright and promising future in the retail industry. You will listen to our host talking with Umesh on the following points:
Would you mind shedding some light on your professional background and the valuable experiences you've had while collaborating with renowned companies such as IKEA?
How have you observed consumer behavior change in the retail industry in recent years?
In your opinion, what key factors drive the changing consumer behavior in the retail industry? How do you see technology, particularly AI, playing a role in this shift?
Could you share any successful strategies or initiatives that retailers have implemented to adapt to changing consumer behavior? How has technology, such as AI, been utilized in these strategies?
How do you envision the future of retail with the continued integration of AI and other advanced technologies? What are some potential opportunities and challenges that retailers might face? - How do you think the role of physical stores will evolve with the rise of AI and e-commerce?
Can you share any examples of retailers successfully leveraging AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants to enhance customer service and engagement?
About our guest, Umesh Sripad:
Umesh Sripad is a C-level executive, high-energy agile leader, dynamic business strategist, and growth driver with a passion for digital technologies, product innovation, data & insights, and creating compelling consumer brand experiences. He is passionate about leading and shaping teams and individuals to achieve personal and commercial success to surpass business ambitions. He has pioneered multiple successes in transforming business models across various industries – Retail, e-commerce, Media, Advertising tech, and Consumer tech.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umeshsripad/
Website: https://www.umeshsripad.com/ | https://www.purered.net/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
The D2C Frontier: Strategies and Challenges in Crafting a Robust Brand. - Amy Alabaster
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Tune in to this episode of Retail Corner as Amy Alabaster, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at UPPAbaby, shares invaluable insights. Drawing from the D2C playbook, she delves into the world of winning strategies and the challenges involved in crafting a victorious brand. You will listen to our host talking with Amy on the following points:
Could you give the audience some insights into your background, roles, and responsibilities as the Senior Vice President of Global Sales at UPPAbaby?
Considering the changing retail landscape and disruptive trends, how do you define what makes a brand successful in today's market?
Can you discuss the shift from a wholesale-focused distribution model to incorporating direct-to-consumer channels for your brand? What were the key factors that influenced this decision?
What role does advocacy play in building a brand, and how do you approach creating non-advertising-driven brand awareness and loyalty?
Could you explain the difference between grassroots initiatives and paid advertising in terms of brand promotion? Which approach do you find more impactful, and why?
What are the key challenges and opportunities in the current brand management landscape, and how do you stay ahead of the curve in such a dynamic industry?
How important is mentorship in your life? Has there been a specific individual who has greatly influenced you? What advice would you offer to someone who is embarking on their career journey?
About our guest, Amy Alabaster:
Amy Alabaster, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for UPPAbaby, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the luxury lifestyle and retail goods space. A graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Business with a concentration in sales and marketing, Amy has focused her career path on her ultimate passion: building brands with purpose and leading teams through vision. Prior to joining UPPAbaby, Amy held executive roles at fast-growing consumer brands such as Shinola, an American lifestyle brand known for its watches and leather goods, and ViewPoint, a full-service sales and marketing division for many prestigious designer collections.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-alabaster/
Website: https://uppababy.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Streamlining Supply Chain: RFID’s Role in Retail Logistics. - Julie Vargas
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Listen to Julie Vargas, VP/General Manager of Avery Dennison, in this episode of Retail Corner on how RFID is transforming retail operations and enhancing customer experiences. You will listen to our host talking with Julie on the following points:
Could you give the audience some insights into your background, roles, and responsibilities as the Vice President and General Manager of Identification Solutions at Avery Dennison?
As a market expert, how have you seen sustainability initiatives shape the journey of businesses in recent years? - Frictionless retail has gained popularity in recent years. How can automation and inventory management contribute to a more sustainable approach in this context?
Consumer food waste and recalls are pressing issues. How can technologies like RFID be applied to address these challenges and reduce waste in the food industry?
Cost reduction is a common goal for businesses. How can implementing sustainability plans, particularly in tackling food waste, help retailers save money while also benefiting the environment?
Regarding the application of RFID technology, do you have an opinion on where items in the food supply chain should be tagged to maximize efficiency and traceability?
Looking ahead, what do you see as the next steps for RFID technology in the context of sustainability, and how should we navigate those developments in the coming years?
About our guest, Julie Vargas:
Julie Vargas leads the North American Identification Solutions team for the food and logistics sector at Avery Dennison, where RFID is building new capabilities for supply-chain traceability, inventory optimization, and convenience retail. Her team drives accelerated market adoption and integrated, scale US-based manufacturing for automation and identification solutions across food service, grocery, and supply chains.
Julie has spent the last decade at the intersection of digital and physical retail. As Director of Digital Solutions, she led brand and retail partnerships in on-product innovation and helped shape the vision for the “Internet of Clothing”. Julie has also partnered with apparel and footwear retailers and brands to implement innovative RFID strategies. Prior to joining Avery Dennison, Julie led product and business development for interactive RFID experiences in Latin America and was a senior analyst at Coach, where she helped launch the buy online/pickup in-store program.
Julie has shared her expertise at global events, including SXSW, the Economist Feeding the Future, Greenbiz VERGE, the GS1 Digital Convergence Forum, PI Apparel, RFID Journal, the Internet of Things Summit, and Summit Latin America. She holds a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julierodgersvargas/
Website: https://www.identificationsolutions.averydennison.com
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Cole Koumalats
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live

Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Exploring Consumer Minds: Unveiling Consumer Perceptions and Insights. - Justin Chen
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Listen to Justin Chen, co-founder of Pickfu, in this episode of Retail Corner on consumer perceptions. You will listen to our host talking with Justin on the following points:
Can you explain the process of incorporating consumer feedback to improve product selection and packaging designs? How do you gather and analyze this feedback, and what steps do you take to implement changes based on it?
How do you utilize competitive analysis to understand what shoppers want? Can you describe the steps you take to conduct a competitive analysis, and how you use the insights to develop and deliver products that meet customer preferences?
When it comes to optimizing product listings on platforms like Amazon, what strategies do you employ from top to bottom? How do you optimize product titles, descriptions, images, and A+ Content to maximize sales and session rates?
Can you share your approach to launching products on other e-commerce marketplaces like Walmart and eBay? How do you gather targeted consumer insights specific to these platforms, and how do you use those insights to ensure a successful launch?
In your experience, how have you managed to increase click-through rates (CTR) by 12% with just a single image change? Can you explain the process you followed and the factors you considered when selecting or modifying images to achieve such results?
Have you conducted any experiments that led to higher conversion rates? Can you share some examples and discuss how you structured and executed these experiments and the outcomes you achieved?
About our guest, Justin Chen:
Justin Chen is the co-founder of PickFu, a polling platform anyone can use to get fast, reliable feedback from real people. Justin built PickFu with co-founder and college classmate John Li to use in their first business venture. People and businesses worldwide now rely on PickFu to help them make better, data-driven decisions, faster. He has a BS in electrical engineering and computer science from UC Berkeley and an MS in engineering management from Santa Clara University. A firm believer in remote work, Justin braves Los Angeles traffic daily to shuttle his kids between school and activities.
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/justinchen
Website: https://www.pickfu.com
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live