What Just Happened?

Sports Retailing with Matt Powell

Sports Retailing with Matt Powell

On this latest episode of What Just Happened? with Christine Russo, industry veteran Matt Powell joins to discuss the shifting dynamics of the sports retail landscape and the evolving role of direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies. Powell, who spent over two decades studying the sports retail sector and recently founded Spur Wink River, brings a unique lens…

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Latest

Retail
The Rise and Rise of Retail Media Networks

Retail media networks (RMNs) are transforming the advertising landscape by enabling retailers to leverage their first-party data to directly connect with consumers. In a recent episode of What Just Happened on MarketScale, host Christine Russo spoke with Brian Gleason, CRO & President of Retail Media at Criteo, and Kristi Argyilan, VP of Retail Media at…

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2023
By Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Retail, Businesses Can Reach Better Ethical and Profit Achievements

The world is in an era where sustainability and responsible retail business practices are increasingly crucial. For the latest episode of “What Just Happened,” host Christine Russo further explored the hows and whys of this pressing issue by interviewing Cara Smyth, Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail at Accenture, and Chair…

Read More
2023
Some Shifts in the Retail Supply Chain are Temporary, While Other Changes are Here to Stay

The current landscape of the retail supply chain has been in turmoil in recent years, with unexpected and disruptive challenges like the Suez and Panama Canal incidents, alongside the ongoing digitization struggles. Now, this volatile environment turns up critical questions about the resilience and adaptability of supply chains given unanticipated disruptions. With the retail…

Read More
2023
Retail Innovation Takes Center Stage at Coach Under Giovanni Zaccariello’s Leadership

In an era where digitalization and sustainability are reshaping the retail landscape, Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of Global Visual Experience at Coach, offers a fresh perspective on retail innovation. With the post-pandemic world demanding more engaging and responsible brand experiences, Coach’s strategy stands out. A recent study by McKinsey highlights the increasing importance of digital…

Read More
2023
From Brick-and-Mortar to WEB3: The Future of Retail in a Digital-First World

In an era where retail is rapidly transforming, understanding the nuances of technology, strategy, and innovation has never been more critical. The retail industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the integration of digital and physical experiences, and the stakes are high. This backdrop sets the stage for a compelling discussion on the future of…

Read More
2023
Retail Legend, Arnie Cohen Discusses the Resurgence of Catalogs

In the latest episode of What Just Happened, host Christine Russo sits down with retail legend Arnie Cohen, CEO of J. Peterman Company, to discuss the surprising resurgence of catalogs in the digital age. Cohen delves into the tactile experience catalogs offer, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the integration of cart.com…

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Latest

AI in Physical Security
AI in Physical Security: Expert Success Stories Dispel Falsehoods
December 5, 2024

The fall of 2024 raises security concerns around events public and private. Increased foot traffic and high-profile events including an election make it harder to maintain a secure environment, especially in busy places like schools, universities, public gathering spaces/events, and healthcare facilities. Every day, security teams face the task of identifying and responding to threats…

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School safety
Integrating Tech and Physical Security: A School Safety Expert’s Take
December 5, 2024

In the latest episode of Innovation Obsessed, Matt Plantier of Oosto sits down with Wes Drake, former special operations expert and current COO of Omni-Response, to discuss the vital role of technology in modern security practices. With a background in the Department of Defense and over two decades of military experience, Wes brings a wealth…

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Prevent security incidents
From Campuses to Care Facilities: Are We Doing Enough to Prevent Security Incidents?
December 5, 2024

In settings ranging from university campuses to senior living facilities, the need for robust, adaptable security solutions to potentially prevent security incidents has never been more critical. In episode 5 of our Innovation Obsessed podcast, experts explored how integrating security measures across different sectors protects vulnerable populations and creates safer environments for all. The…

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Customer-obsessed growth
Customer-Obsessed Growth with Joshua Silver | Ep. 18 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd
December 5, 2024

Customer-obsessed growth is proving to be the key differentiator for businesses aiming to thrive in competitive markets. A study by Deloitte found that customer-centric companies are 60% more profitable than those that aren’t. How do entrepreneurs balance relentless customer focus with scaling businesses and building effective teams? What does it take to maintain this…

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Latest 2022 - Past Episodes

FindMine
2022 - Past Episodes
FindMine: How Personalization Effects Brands
December 28, 2022

Over 89% of digital businesses are now investing in personalization marketing tactics. An individualized approach is said to hook the consumer, invite more interaction, and help boost sales. But investing in an individualized campaign is costly and it might not be all it’s made up to be. How should companies invest in their future…

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Achieving Transparency in the Startup Business Model

With the successes of businesses and companies like Facebook, Apple, and Uber, startups are more common than ever, as many niche markets with a startup business model have proven to be lucrative. But starting a new business idea and finding success within it doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, failure is more likely because getting…

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From Garment to 3D: How Digital Fashion Came into the Spotlight

Digital fashion is the latest rage in the fashion industry at the moment. According to The Digital Speaker, in recent years fashion houses have been working with gaming developers to produce fashion in 3D. This trend has been around for a while, but it really picked up steam during pandemic lockdowns, says Forbes. As…

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Conquering the eCommerce Return Avalanche

The rise in online ordering during the pandemic created an inevitable side effect: returns. Retail returns rose an average of 16.6% in 2021 versus 10.6% in 2020, according to the National Retail Federation and Appraise Retail. That equals $761 billion in returned merchandise, creating a dilemma for retailers and logistical concerns for shippers. Christine…

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linear and CTV
2022 - Past Episodes
Hitting Your Consumer Through Linear and CTV
December 8, 2022

Today’s technology provides many options for those wanting to reach audiences through TV. Linear TV is no longer the only option; CTV, or connected television, continues to spread as more and more consumers cut the cord of traditional linear options and move to internet streaming content. Estimates indicate the bulk of television viewership will…

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Brands Who Want to Understand Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is the talk of the digital world. Yet, as the metaverse, NFT trading, and Web3 grows, so too, does confusion on its purpose and uses. So much so, in fact, that a Harvard Business Review poll found nearly 70% of respondents did not know what “Web3” meant. So, how do brands build…

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What is Apteo, and how is Consumer Data Evolving?

Impacting the behavior of different shoppers requires different tactics based on individual preferences. Understanding how to harness the data you have about your consumers is key to customizing messages. In 2021, online shopping accounted for 14% of all sales, according to Smart Brief. Securing those sales requires multiple touchpoints that speak to shoppers. On this…

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Predicting Consumer Behavior to Make Retail Smarter

Retail has always been a gamble. What if it didn’t have to be a risk? Retailers are eager to understand consumer behavior and desires before committing to inventory. As expectations for environmentally conscious business practices, retailers are steering away from waste. First Insight helps businesses reach sustainability goals and accurately forecast consumer behavior. How exactly?…

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commerce
2022 - Past Episodes
The Future of Online Retail: E-commerce, I-commerce, and Overhead with Dedrick Boyd
November 23, 2022

Imagine a world of commerce where you can see what an item of clothing will actually look like on you without having to physically go into the store. It may seem crazy, but that very well could be in the future of online retail with the development of Web3, especially as retailers explore going…

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Service Bots: The New Solution to a Labor Shortage?

Every one of us has, at some point or another, experienced the dreaded “let me put you on hold” when attempting to speak to customer service. Well, that may no longer be an issue in the future, as video and voice AI shopping and service assistance for brands and enterprises are rolling out. With…

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Reducing Returns from Online Shopping with Augmented Reality

Almost any good or service can be provided online in today’s day and age. You can do just about anything, from browsing and ordering clothing online to ordering groceries on an app and having them delivered to your home. But when it comes to retail shopping for clothing items, how will you know if…

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What Just Happened: Improving the Purchase Journey Through AI

Different shoppers search for products in unique ways. It’s estimated that 87% of shoppers start their purchase journey with online searches. Personalization is an incredibly effective tool. But how can online retailers implement the language of the user throughout their product descriptions, search results, and website?   On this episode of What Just Happened?…

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Latest 2023

Cara Smyth on responsible retail
2023
By Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Retail, Businesses Can Reach Better Ethical and Profit Achievements
November 30, 2023

The world is in an era where sustainability and responsible retail business practices are increasingly crucial. For the latest episode of “What Just Happened,” host Christine Russo further explored the hows and whys of this pressing issue by interviewing Cara Smyth, Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail at Accenture, and Chair…

Read More
Some Shifts in the Retail Supply Chain are Temporary, While Other Changes are Here to Stay

The current landscape of the retail supply chain has been in turmoil in recent years, with unexpected and disruptive challenges like the Suez and Panama Canal incidents, alongside the ongoing digitization struggles. Now, this volatile environment turns up critical questions about the resilience and adaptability of supply chains given unanticipated disruptions. With the retail…

Read More
Retail Innovation Takes Center Stage at Coach Under Giovanni Zaccariello’s Leadership

In an era where digitalization and sustainability are reshaping the retail landscape, Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of Global Visual Experience at Coach, offers a fresh perspective on retail innovation. With the post-pandemic world demanding more engaging and responsible brand experiences, Coach’s strategy stands out. A recent study by McKinsey highlights the increasing importance of digital…

Read More
From Brick-and-Mortar to WEB3: The Future of Retail in a Digital-First World

In an era where retail is rapidly transforming, understanding the nuances of technology, strategy, and innovation has never been more critical. The retail industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the integration of digital and physical experiences, and the stakes are high. This backdrop sets the stage for a compelling discussion on the future of…

Read More
retail legend Arnie Cohen
2023
Retail Legend, Arnie Cohen Discusses the Resurgence of Catalogs
September 20, 2023

In the latest episode of What Just Happened, host Christine Russo sits down with retail legend Arnie Cohen, CEO of J. Peterman Company, to discuss the surprising resurgence of catalogs in the digital age. Cohen delves into the tactile experience catalogs offer, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the integration of cart.com…

Read More
Embracing AI-Driven Solutions to Combat Rising Retail Theft

Retail theft, an age-old issue for brick-and-mortar establishments, has hit a particularly troubling peak recently. With the uptick in both organized retail crime and opportunistic shoplifting, traditional methods of prevention like security cameras, RFID tags, and in-person surveillance are proving to be less effective. As such, the transition towards innovative AI-driven solutions like Veesion‘s…

Read More
Struggles and Future Prospects of Sustainability in Fashion

The fashion industry, often criticized for lacking sustainable practices, finds its common defense in the notion of retail therapy. However, a paradigm shift for sustainability in fashion is on the horizon as professionals within the industry retrain in sustainable fields like agroecology and biofabrication. By 2025, consumers might be empowered with the knowledge of…

Read More
The future of retail, empowering brands, and sustainability

What Just Happened host Christine Russo and her guest, Andy Ruben, Executive Chairman and Founder of Trove, discuss the future of retail, the impact of brands entering the secondary market, and the growing importance of sustainability in retail. Ruben believes the secondary market presents significant sustainability and brand loyalty opportunities, particularly for high-quality brands…

Read More
sustainability in retail
2023
Sustainability in Retail is More Than a Checkmark, it Must be a Core Tenant
June 28, 2023

As the conversation on climate moves from change to crisis, sustainability in retail is no longer a dream to obtain; it’s a necessity that industry leaders take meaningful action. The retail industry, a notorious contributor to global waste and pollution, is a primary player in these dialogues. Recent studies suggest that around 85% of…

Read More
Exploring Buying into Better with Deloitte’s Anthony Waelter

Consumers have multiple choices in spending their dollars, and today’s consumers invest in companies and brands that align with their values and needs. Buying into Better™ is more than a concept or a trend; it’s the way of the present in how consumers channel their purchasing behavior. Brands don’t get judged on their quality alone….

Read More
EY-Shopify Global Alliance with Warren Tomlin

On this episode of the What Just Happened? podcast, host Christine Russo speaks with Warren Tomlin, Managing Partner at EY, on the new alliance his company just made with Shopify. It might seem strange for a company like EY to team with Shopify, but Warren makes a case for it. “It’s not about how it…

Read More
The Future of Cryptocurrency in Digital World of Rising AI

The growth of cryptocurrency is a sign of how digitalization is the norm, even as it sees its own transformation. But the popularity of cryptocurrency is why its growth rate is slated to jump with a CAGR of 12.5 percent between now and 2030. However, market watchers can expect to see some shifts as changes…

Read More
Other What Just Happened?
Embracing AI-Driven Solutions to Combat Rising Retail Theft
August 14, 2023

Retail theft, an age-old issue for brick-and-mortar establishments, has hit a particularly troubling peak recently. With the uptick in both organized retail crime and opportunistic shoplifting, traditional methods of prevention like security cameras, RFID tags, and in-person surveillance are proving to be less effective. As such, the transition towards innovative AI-driven solutions like Veesion‘s…

Read More
Struggles and Future Prospects of Sustainability in Fashion
August 9, 2023

The fashion industry, often criticized for lacking sustainable practices, finds its common defense in the notion of retail therapy. However, a paradigm shift for sustainability in fashion is on the horizon as professionals within the industry retrain in sustainable fields like agroecology and biofabrication. By 2025, consumers might be empowered with the knowledge of…

Read More
The future of retail, empowering brands, and sustainability
August 4, 2023

What Just Happened host Christine Russo and her guest, Andy Ruben, Executive Chairman and Founder of Trove, discuss the future of retail, the impact of brands entering the secondary market, and the growing importance of sustainability in retail. Ruben believes the secondary market presents significant sustainability and brand loyalty opportunities, particularly for high-quality brands…

Read More
Sustainability in Retail is More Than a Checkmark, it Must be a Core Tenant
June 28, 2023

As the conversation on climate moves from change to crisis, sustainability in retail is no longer a dream to obtain; it’s a necessity that industry leaders take meaningful action. The retail industry, a notorious contributor to global waste and pollution, is a primary player in these dialogues. Recent studies suggest that around 85% of…

Read More
Exploring Buying into Better with Deloitte’s Anthony Waelter
June 6, 2023

Consumers have multiple choices in spending their dollars, and today’s consumers invest in companies and brands that align with their values and needs. Buying into Better™ is more than a concept or a trend; it’s the way of the present in how consumers channel their purchasing behavior. Brands don’t get judged on their quality alone….

Read More
EY-Shopify Global Alliance with Warren Tomlin
May 23, 2023

On this episode of the What Just Happened? podcast, host Christine Russo speaks with Warren Tomlin, Managing Partner at EY, on the new alliance his company just made with Shopify. It might seem strange for a company like EY to team with Shopify, but Warren makes a case for it. “It’s not about how it…

Read More
The Future of Cryptocurrency in Digital World of Rising AI
May 9, 2023

The growth of cryptocurrency is a sign of how digitalization is the norm, even as it sees its own transformation. But the popularity of cryptocurrency is why its growth rate is slated to jump with a CAGR of 12.5 percent between now and 2030. However, market watchers can expect to see some shifts as changes…

Read More
Why Cryptocurrency’s Security Concerns are Increasing Calls for Self-Regulation?
April 25, 2023

With the collapse of the FTX exchange and one of its founders, the concerns surrounding the regulation of cryptocurrency have overtaken talks about its security. Currently, cryptocurrency is “regulated,” but the lack of uniformity in its regulation has left much to be desired about its safety, particularly for consumers. But self-regulation may be a solution…

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Ushering in a New Way of Networking for The Next Generation
April 11, 2023

What does the next generation of B2B want? What does it need? Many believe it’s the metaverse. In 2022, more than 75% of U.S. marketers invested in metaverse-related activities. Top retail brands like Gucci and Lego saw the benefits of investing in the metaverse and leaped. 2023 tells a potentially different story. In its 2023…

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