The Retail Podcast

Poundland's slide towards administration puts around 11,000 jobs and a value price anchor on the high street at risk, just as the BRC warns retail faces £41 billion in business taxes this year. In the US, Aritzia, Etsy and Walmart show where growth and price pressure are heading, while Migros moves to centralise Switzerland's largest retailer.

00:00 Good morning, this is Decoding Retail

00:04 Poundland on the brink of administration

00:32 BRC: £41bn business tax bill for retail

01:02 Aritzia plans up to 14 US stores a year

01:23 Etsy active buyers grow for first time in 2 years

01:53 Walmart's $35 holiday meal for 10

02:28 Migros plans a single group cooperative

03:05 Sign off

Sources:

- Talking Retail: Poundland on Brink of Administration; 11,000 Jobs at Risk https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/poundland-on-the-brink-of-administration-28-10-2026/

- British Retail Consortium: Budget 2026 Leaves Retail Facing £41bn Tax Burden, BRC Says https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/no-breathing-space-for-retail-as-budget-keeps-costs-climbing/

- Aritzia: Aritzia Plans Up to 14 US Stores a Year to Double Revenue in Five Years https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aritzia-presents-its-five-year-strategic-plan-302920259.html

- Etsy: Etsy Q3 Active Buyers Grow for First Time in Two Years https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001370637/000137063726000090/q326shareholderletter.htm

- Walmart: Walmart Sets $35 Holiday Meal Basket for 10 Across 26 Items https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/10/walmart-holiday-meal-basket

- Migros: Migros Plans Unified Group Cooperative to Streamline Operations; Member Vote Pending https://corporate.migros.ch/it/news/cooperativa-di-gruppo

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=theretailpodcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Luxury brands are pulling out of David Jones as the 100-year-old department store fights for relevance. Ryf Quail and Ngai Yuen Low, co-hosts of Five Things Friday APAC, explain what it means for luxury retail in Australia and Asia.

David Jones sales fell 8.7% to A$2bn in the year to June 2025, with a A$95.5m pre-tax loss, per accounts lodged with ASIC. The chain is down to 38 department stores, and reports now say it may close more than half. Also this week: Asian brands winning attention with mystery names, Hong Kong malls swapping fashion for sportswear and bags, and Rolex sitting alongside online giants among the top brands in the Brand Conviction Index, built on data from 70,000 consumers in 11 Asian markets. A useful read on where luxury goods shoppers are putting their trust, and what that means for every department store still counting on the top luxury brands.

00:00 Cold open

00:24 Five Things Friday, APAC edition

01:10 Asian brands win attention with mystery names

05:36 David Jones fights for relevance as luxury walks out

09:54 Hong Kong malls swap fashion for sportswear and bags

12:38 Rolex and online giants top APAC brand conviction

16:50 Alex hosts the Innovators Showcase stage at NRF

18:22 Wrap

Sources: The Nightly (ASIC-lodged accounts, 28 Apr 2026); Inside Retail, citing AFR (28 Oct 2026); Inside Retail Asia, 2026 Brand Conviction Index methodology (Sep 2026).

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=theretailpodcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Chris Browne, Retail Director at Jigsaw and 30 years at Ted Baker, on why Jigsaw opens stores while rivals close them. Fewer staff, less footfall, market towns, and the business rates fight with online giants.

Chris started with a paper round and built his career at Ted Baker London before moving to Jigsaw. His view of the UK high street is practical rather than nostalgic: trading is not tougher than in the 1970s, stores now work as showrooms and mini warehouses, and if a store is not delivering an experience, it is failing. He makes the case for moving some of the business rates burden onto the big online players, explains why Jigsaw earns customers rather than buying them, and says Gen Z found instant gratification in a shop.

Hosted by Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 Cold open

00:20 Introduction

00:56 From a paper round to 30 years running Ted Baker

03:04 Trading is not tougher now than in the 1970s

05:56 Stores can work with fewer staff and less footfall

08:42 Market towns keep growing as commuting fades

10:23 Jigsaw does not buy customers, it earns them

12:28 If a store is not experiential, it is failing

16:24 Move the rates burden onto the big online players

19:21 Gen Z found instant gratification in a shop

29:24 Wrap

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=theretailpodcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Aldi Thanksgiving for $39 feeds 10, Sam's Club goes bigger, and NRF expects 4.2% holiday growth. Jill Dvorak, SVP Content at NRF, on why value is winning the holiday season.

In this US edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Jill Dvorak, SVP Content at NRF, look at budget friendly meals on the Thanksgiving table, what NRF's forecast says about holiday shopping, why BJ's rewarded its hourly staff before the rush, and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show putting influencers on the runway.

00:00 Cold open

00:18 Five Things Friday, US edition

00:58 Victoria's Secret puts influencers on the runway

03:46 BJ's rewards hourly staff before the holiday rush

05:27 NRF expects holiday growth despite tight budgets

07:37 Aldi feeds ten for $39 this Thanksgiving

08:55 Sam's Club goes big on its Thanksgiving meal

14:06 Wrap

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Christmas in London starts in October as Selfridges unveils its Christmas in the City windows. Simone Oloman, Co-host of Five Things Friday UK, covers that plus Gap x Victoria Beckham and John Lewis x Rixo.

Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Simone also cover Sainsbury's extra £3 a week for Healthy Start families this winter, the 44-piece John Lewis x Rixo collection and what it says about UK fashion, and why Oatly and Lego are betting on immersive pop-ups in London. Then back to Selfridges on Oxford Street: does starting Christmas shopping early win the season, or just wear it out?

00:00 Cold open

00:17 Five Things Friday, UK edition

01:33 Sainsbury's backs Healthy Start families this winter

02:49 John Lewis courts a younger customer with Rixo

04:34 Gap and Victoria Beckham return for a second drop

06:05 Oatly and Lego bet on immersive pop-ups in London

09:57 Selfridges launches its Christmas in the City windows

12:54 Wrap

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Sainsbury's is winning back the weekly shop on price, while Walmart writes the rules for AI shopping agents that buy on a customer's behalf. Today's Decoding Retail also covers BRC confidence and shoplifting figures, Waitrose's first full-line supermarket in eight years, eBay's 1,000 job cuts and Target's $30 Thanksgiving meal.

00:00 Intro

00:06 Sainsbury's returns to volume growth

00:27 BRC: economy confidence falls to minus 40

00:52 Shoplifting falls 2% but police powers unused

01:14 Waitrose opens first full-line store in 8 years

01:41 Aldi and ABP launch Grounded in Goodness

02:05 Walmart sets terms for AI shopping agents

02:28 eBay cuts around 1,000 jobs

02:49 Target's $30 Thanksgiving meal for six

03:08 Brussels and Paris shops board up

03:27 India's quick commerce turns festive gift channel

Sources:

- Sainsbury's: Sainsbury's Reports First-Half Volume Growth on Price Investment and Nectar Prices https://corporate.sainsburys.co.uk/news/press-releases/interim-results-announcement-2026-27/

- British Retail Consortium: BRC: Economy Confidence Hits -40 as Spending Intent Rises to +15 Ahead of Budget https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/consumer-confidence-tumbles-ahead-of-budget/

- British Retail Consortium: Shoplifting Falls 2% to 519,516 but BRC Says New Police Powers Unused Six Months On https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/unleash-delayed-police-powers-to-fight-high-street-crime-retailers-urge/

- Waitrose: Waitrose Opens First Full-Line Supermarket in Eight Years; Five More Sites in Pipeline https://www.linkedin.com/posts/waitrose_waitrose-storeopening-cricklewood-activity-7519032939205017600-AsqQ

- Aldi UK: Aldi Launches 'Grounded in Goodness' Beef Scheme With ABP Supporting Around 1,000 UK Farms https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/business-news/aldi-launches-british-beef-scheme-with-abp-to-support-farmer-livelihoods/

- Walmart: Walmart Publishes Agent Terms and Profile Feature to Govern Third-Party AI Shopping https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/10/Making-It-Possible-for-Agents-to-Shop-on-Behalf-of-Customers

- Retail Dive: eBay Cuts 1,000 Jobs, 9% of Global Workforce, in Second Downsizing of 2026 https://www.retaildive.com/news/ebay-cuts-one-thousand-jobs-layoffs-downsizing/833668/

- Target: Target Sets $30 Thanksgiving Meal for Six With Turkey at 79 Cents a Pound https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2026/10/target-brings-more-value-and-delight-to-thanksgiving-with-a-$30-meal-for-six-and-fresh-takes-on-holi

- RetailDetail EU: Brussels and Paris Retailers Board Up Stores Before Fresh Weekend Unrest https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/general/retailers-in-brussels-and-paris-are-barricading-their-stores-out-of-fear-of-new-riots/

- ET Retail India: Quick Commerce Becomes India Festive Gift Channel; Brands Not Equally Stocked https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/quick-commerce-becomes-a-festive-gifting-channel-but-brands-are-not-equally-stocked-for-it/135131810

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Walmart has opened its platform to third-party AI shopping agents, which means retailers now sell to machines as well as people. Today's briefing also covers UK inflation rising to 3.5%, Sainsbury's pulling SmartShop from more than 800 Local stores, Primark's first store in Qatar and Ahold Delhaize's next CEO.

00:00 Intro

00:07 UK inflation rises to 3.5%, BRC wants a budget cut

00:37 Bain: Christmas growth is mostly in price tags

00:55 Sainsbury's pulls SmartShop from 800+ Locals

01:11 Primark opens its first store in Qatar

01:34 Walmart opens up to third-party AI shopping agents

01:57 Target's 8,000 new holiday gifts and AI tool

02:12 Carrefour BuyBye autonomous stores reach 12

02:29 Ahold Delhaize confirms Thierry Garnier as CEO

Sources:

- British Retail Consortium: UK CPI Rises to 3.5%; BRC Calls for Cost-Cutting Budget https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/retailers-call-for-cost-cutting-budget-to-stem-rising-inflation/

- Bain & Company: Bain Forecasts 3.5% UK Christmas Sales Growth, Strongest in Four Years https://www.bain.com/insights/2026-european-holiday-shopping-outlook-infographic/

- Talking Retail: Sainsbury's Pulls SmartShop From 800-Plus Convenience Stores After Six Years https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/sainsburys-smartshop-service-removed-from-c-stores-21-10-2026/

- Primark: Primark Opens Qatar; 21 Countries and Six Middle East Stores Now https://www.linkedin.com/posts/primark-stores-ltd_21-countries-and-counting-today-we-officially-activity-7518695225884680192-VEki

- Walmart: Walmart Opens Commerce Platform to Third-Party AI Shopping Agents https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/10/Making-It-Possible-for-Agents-to-Shop-on-Behalf-of-Customers

- Target: Target Offers 8,000-Plus New Holiday Gifts, Most Under $20, With New AI Gifting Tool https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2026/10/target-makes-it-easier-for-guests-to-discover-stylish-holiday-gifts-they-can-t-wait-to-give

- Carrefour Belgium: Carrefour Opens Five More BuyBye Autonomous Stores, Reaching 12 Locations https://newsroom.carrefour.be/carrefour-belgique-franchit-le-cap-des-12-magasins-autonomes-buybye-avec-deux-ouvertures-a-lhopital-de-charleroi-et-3-ouvertures-a-lyon-en-collaboration-avec-carrefour-france

- Ahold Delhaize: Ahold Delhaize Confirms Garnier as CEO from 3 March 2027 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ahold-delhaize_ahold-delhaize-announces-start-date-for-future-activity-7518561340030889985-dCZE

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Debenhams Group CEO Dan Finleyexplains how the brand was rebuilt as Britain's online department store and whyits marketplace model is shaping the wider group.

Recorded at NRF Europe 2026 in Paris,this six-minute conversation with Alex Rezvan of The Retail Podcast and JillDvorak of NRF covers the value of the Debenhams name, AI in retail, and theplaybook for boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing and Karen Millen. Dan alsoexplains his ambition for Debenhams to be to retail what Spotify is to music.

Recorded in September 2026. Figuresand plans discussed reflect the interview at that time.

Chapters
00:00 Dan Finley at NRF Europe
00:39 Why save the Debenhams brand?
02:06 The online department store
03:04 Why Debenhams has no UK stores
03:37 Technology and AI in retail
05:18 Growing the marketplace
05:52 The playbook for the wider group

Follow The Retail Podcast forexecutive interviews and practical insight for retail leaders.

Website:https://www.theretailpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://www.theretailpodcast.com/newsletter

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January

I'll be hosting the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase across allthree days. Register and come say hello:
https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

ChatGPT virtual try on is live, and NRF SVP Content Jill Dvorak explains what it means for retailers. Plus Kroger's 3,000 job cuts, Tractor Supply, Ross and Prime Day pulling Halloween forward.

Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Jill Dvorak, SVP Content at NRF, on the five US retail stories that matter this week: what virtual try-on inside ChatGPT means for who owns the customer, Kroger's corporate restructuring (about 3,000 corporate roles), Tractor Supply's $15.5bn year, Ross opening 51 stores in September and October, and October Amazon Prime Day pulling Halloween spending forward.

00:00 Cold open

00:21 Five Things Friday, US edition

00:58 Prime Day pulls Halloween spending forward

03:15 Tractor Supply grows where rivals are thin

06:25 Kroger to cut 3,000 jobs over three years

08:29 Ross opens 50 stores and targets close to 3,000

12:33 ChatGPT virtual try-on goes live for shoppers

15:33 Wrap

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Simone Oloman, Co-host of Five Things Friday UK on The Retail Podcast, asks whether Stelios's easyShop marketplace can win shoppers from Amazon and Temu. Plus the TFG cyber attack, Gymshark's first celebrity and the collab boom.

Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Simone Oloman cover the five UK retail stories of the week for 16 October 2026: a golden quarter heading into Black Friday with shoppers who need a reason to spend, a cyber attack on the group behind Hobbs and Whistles and what it means for retail cybersecurity, easyShop.com launching in 21 European countries from the easyJet founder's easyGroup, Gymshark's first celebrity ambassador, and the collab boom at YPB, Ugg and Farm Rio.

00:00 Cold open

00:22 Five Things Friday, UK edition

01:00 Shoppers need a reason to spend this golden quarter

02:24 Cyber attack hits Hobbs and Whistles owner TFG

03:41 Stelios launches easyShop in 21 countries

05:01 Gymshark bets on a celebrity to reach new shoppers

06:21 Collabs: YPB, Ugg and Farm Rio chase new audiences

15:20 Wrap

Sources: easyGroup press release via PR Newswire, 13 October 2026 (easyShop.com in 21 countries); WWD, October 2026 (Adanola x Hailey Bieber capsule, 23 pieces); FashionNetwork UK, May 2025 (Farm Rio's third London store).

Newsletter: https://www.theretailpodcast.com/newsletter

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

LVMH results show luxury demand moving at different speeds inside one group, with fashion and leather goods down 5% while selective retailing grew 8%. Alongside that, Just Eat, Amazon, Ocado and Sainsbury's compete for shoppers' time and trust, Albertsons withdraws its outlook, and Flipkart narrows its losses ahead of a listing.

00:00 Intro

00:13 Just Eat: 'Stay Just Where You Are' campaign

00:54 Amazon brings back You Buy, We Donate

01:30 Ocado launches Simple Ingredients aisle

02:11 Sainsbury's SmartLists turn ideas into baskets

02:48 Albertsons withdraws outlook, sales down 0.8%

03:12 LVMH: fashion down 5%, selective retail up 8%

03:37 Flipkart revenue up 18%, losses narrow

Sources:

- Just Eat Takeaway.com: Just Eat Launches 'Stay Just Where You Are' Global Brand Platform Built on the Time Delivery Gives Back https://newsroom.justeattakeaway.com/en-GB/273370-just-eat-takeaway-com-says-stay-just-where-you-are-with-new-global-brand-platform/

- Amazon UK: Amazon Brings Back 'You Buy. We Donate' Until 9 November, Targeting 200,000 Donated Essentials https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/community/amazon-you-buy-we-donate

- Ocado Retail: Ocado Launches Simple Ingredients Aisle as 74% of UK Shoppers Prefer Recognisable Ingredients https://ocadoretail.com/media-centre/press-releases/ocado-launches-simple-ingredients-aisle-as-three-quarters-of-shoppers-seek-recognisable-ingredients/

- Sainsbury's: Sainsbury's Launches SmartLists, AI Shopping Lists Built From Typed Meal Ideas or a Photograph https://corporate.sainsburys.co.uk/news/press-releases/sainsbury-s-launches-smartlists-a-new-ai-powered-way-to-shop/

- Albertsons Companies (SEC filing): Albertsons Identical Sales Fall 0.8%; Fiscal 2026 Outlook Withdrawn Pending a Full Business Review https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1646972/000164697226000059/aciq226earningsrelease.htm

- LVMH: LVMH Third-Quarter Organic Growth 1%: Fashion and Leather Down 5%, Selective Retailing Up 8% https://www.lvmh.com/en/publications/continued-growth-in-the-third-quarter-of-2026

- The Economic Times: Flipkart Internet Revenue Up 18% to Rs 1,45,880 Crore; Net Loss Narrows to Rs 8,468 Crore Ahead of IPO https://m.economictimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/flipkart-internets-sales-surge-18-losses-shrink-as-the-e-commerce-giant-eyes-a-public-listing/amp_articleshow/134962855.cms

Join me at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York this January. I'm the Host of the Innovation Stage at the Innovators Showcase, all three days. Register and come say hello: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/register?utm_source=Online%2BAdvertising&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=MK_BIGSHOW27

Shoppers are asking AI assistants what to buy, and those answers cite YouTube videos. Ben Jeffries, co-founder of Influencer.com, explains creator-first AEO, the sports-brand test, and why content now has to work for shoppers and for AI. With Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast.

Your next customer may never type your name into your own search bar.

Ben Jeffries, co-founder of Influencer.com, told me at YouTube Festival London that shoppers are taking their research to Gemini and ChatGPT. And when those tools answer, they lean on YouTube videos as a source.

So the creators who review, compare and demo products in your category are now helping decide whether you show up in the answer, and whether you rank above a competitor.

His team works with Profound to see which creators actually move a brand up those answers, then plans creator content around it. His example: a shopper asking for the best running shoe for a lap of Battersea Park.

For a retailer, that changes what a creator brief is for. It is no longer only reach. It is evidence that AI will read.

The test is simple and slightly uncomfortable: ask ChatGPT for the best product in your category this morning. Are you in the answer?

#RetailMarketing #AISearch #CreatorEconomy

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Amazon grocery storefronts for individual retailers are closing on Amazon.com, while US inflation reaches 3.7% and Adobe finds 49% of AI shopping assistant users have abandoned a purchase over conflicting product information. For retail leaders, today's briefing is about control: of the channel, of your product data, and of assets like Bluewater, where Landsec now holds 74%.

00:00 Intro

00:06 Landsec takes Bluewater stake to 74%

00:32 Adobe: 49% of AI shoppers abandon purchases

01:00 AliExpress launches free Elite membership

01:21 US inflation rises to 3.7%

01:43 Amazon closes retailer grocery storefronts

02:08 Albert Heijn recovers from cyberattack

Sources:

- Landsec: Landsec Raises Bluewater Stake to 74% in £95m Deal https://www.landsec.com/en/media-insights/press-releases/landsec-acquires-a-further-10-stake-in-bluewater

- Retail Times: Adobe: 49% of AI Shoppers Abandoned a Purchase Over Data Conflicts https://retailtimes.co.uk/nearly-half-of-ai-shoppers-say-they-abandoned-a-purchase-over-conflicting-product-details/

- Retail Times: AliExpress Launches Elite, a Free Loyalty Programme for High-Spend Shoppers https://retailtimes.co.uk/aliexpress-takes-on-rivals-with-elite-the-no-fee-loyalty-scheme-promising-even-greater-value-and-boosted-shipping-times/

- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: US September CPI Rises 0.6%; Annual Rate Reaches 3.7% https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_10142026.htm

- Grocery Dive: Amazon to Close Retailer-Specific Grocery Storefronts on Its Platform https://www.grocerydive.com/news/amazon-grocery-partners-individual-storefronts-closing/832902/

- RetailDetail EU: Albert Heijn Distribution Centres Back Online; Full IT Restoration to Take Up to a Week https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/food/albert-heijn-distribution-centers-back-in-operation-today/

Creators are the new beauty counter. That is how Charlotte Lock, Chief Customer Officer, Boots, describes where customers now discover products and find advice they trust.

Recorded at YouTube Festival London 2026, just after Charlotte came off the main stage, this conversation with Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, asks what that shift means for a retailer founded in 1849. Charlotte says Boots is piloting YouTube's Shopping affiliate programme, so a viewer can buy the Boots products a creator is using without leaving the video for a link in bio.

She also explains how Boots chooses the creators it works with (fit with the brand, not free product), why a brand with a long history has to pick the few things that make it different, and why Boots pairs long-term brand building with being easy to shop, on a phone or in store.

Chapters

0:00 Creators are the new beauty counter

2:18 Shopping straight from creator videos

3:06 How Boots chooses its creators

3:42 Purpose, Macmillan, and what to say

5:48 Brand building meets easy shopping

Part of our three-part series from YouTube Festival London 2026, with Sophie Neary, Managing Director, Retail & Consumer Goods, Google, and creator Jade Beason.

Retail intelligence, every week: theretailpodcast.com/newsletter

#RetailMarketing #CreatorMarketing #YouTubeShopping

YouTube is no longer just where shoppers see your brand. It is where they decide to buy it.

On the red carpet at YouTube Festival London 2026, Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, talks to Sophie Neary, Managing Director, Retail & Consumer Goods, Google. Where a retailer should start on YouTube, why brand and creator content belong in one plan, how shoppable video now reaches the living room TV and the high street, and why your videos now feed AI search.

Chapters

0:00 Where shoppers now decide to buy

0:58 Where to start: your channel plus creators

2:05 Connected TV and the high street

2:59 From inspiration to purchase

3:25 AI search: models read your videos

In this episode

- Three strands of a YouTube content strategy: your own brand channel, user-generated content and creator content

- Your brand is the what, your creators are the how and the why. You need both.

- Every surface on YouTube is now shoppable, including connected TV

- YouTube reaches 49 million UK adults every month (YouTube press release, September 2026)

- Large language models read your videos, transcripts and comments

Part of our three-part series from YouTube Festival London 2026, with creator Jade Beason and Charlotte Lock, Chief Customer Officer, Boots.

Retail intelligence, e

The Ahold Delhaize outage has left websites and apps down since Sunday and Dutch stores showing last week's shelf prices, a reminder that pricing now depends on central IT. Kroger is cutting 3,000 corporate jobs, UK shoppers are holding back before the budget, and Shein, Temu and AliExpress are losing ground in Germany.

00:00 Intro

00:08 BRC: UK retail sales subdued in September

00:36 CBRE: £400m on London luxury flagships

01:01 Aldi puts £19.5m into Scotland in 2027

01:14 Kroger to cut 3,000 corporate jobs

01:30 Ross Stores completes 115 new stores

01:46 Ahold Delhaize IT outage since Sunday

02:19 Shein, Temu, AliExpress German sales fall 35.5%

02:42 Kaufland marketplace launches in Spain

Sources:

- British Retail Consortium: BRC: September Retail Sales Subdued as Households Hold Back Ahead of Budget https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/sluggish-sales-as-shoppers-look-for-budget-boost/

- Retail Times: CBRE: Luxury Brands Invest Estimated £400m in London Flagship Fit-outs Since 2025 https://retailtimes.co.uk/london-holds-unrivalled-global-position-for-flagship-retail-finds-cbre-report/

- Retail Times: Aldi Allocates £19.5m to Scotland in 2027 as Part of £900m UK Investment Programme https://retailtimes.co.uk/scotland-set-to-benefit-from-aldis-900m-investment/

- Grocery Dive: Kroger Plans 3,000 Corporate Job Cuts Over Three Years https://www.grocerydive.com/news/kroger-corporate-layoffs-3000-employees/832811/

- Retail Dive: Ross Stores Completes 115-Store FY2026 Plan; Opens First Massachusetts Sites https://www.retaildive.com/news/ross-opens-51-new-stores/832721/

- RetailDetail EU: Ahold Delhaize IT Outage Takes Websites and Apps Offline Since Sunday https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/food/major-cyber-incident-at-ahold-delhaize-albert-heijn-etos-and-gall-gall-brought-to-a-standstill/

- bevh (German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Association): Shein, Temu and AliExpress German Sales Fall 35.5% in Q3; Share Drops to 3.1% https://bevh.org/detail/nach-abschaffung-der-zollfreigrenze-asiatische-plattformen-verlieren-deutlich-marktanteile

- Kaufland: Kaufland Online Marketplace Launches in Spain; Nine European Countries Now Active https://unternehmen.kaufland.de/presse/newsroom/2026/oktober/ab-sofort-in-neun-laendern-kaufland-waechst-mit-launch-in-spanien-zum-groessten-marktplatz-netzwerk-aus-europa

Jill Dvorak, SVP Content at NRF, on Prime Day, Walmart's $300m bulky-item hub and the Nike sales decline in China. Is early discounting growing holiday demand or just moving it?

Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Jill Dvorak, SVP Content at NRF, cover the week's five US retail stories: the Amazon vs Walmart holiday race, Target's plan for more than 30 new stores in 2026, Mattel taking its toy brands into water parks, and Nike's Greater China revenue falling 22% reported (26% currency-neutral) in Q1 FY27.

00:00 Cold open

00:19 Five Things Friday, US edition

00:57 Walmart puts $300m into a bulky-item fulfilment hub

02:14 Prime Day rivals race to pull holiday spend forward

04:42 Target opens 30 new stores ahead of holiday

05:34 Mattel moves its toy brands into water parks

07:21 Nike restructures again as China sales slide

09:11 Wrap

Sources: JobsOhio / REDI Cincinnati (28 Sep 2026); Target Corporate (5 Mar 2026); NIKE, Inc. Q1 FY27 results (Oct 2026).

Newsletter: https://theretailpodcast.com/newsletter

ChatGPT virtual try-on puts OpenAI between the shopper and the checkout, while UK footfall fell 2.9% in September and every format went down. Today's briefing also covers Ocado's clean-label aisle, Refresco's possible IPO above $10bn and Seven & i's plan to make Europe a growth pillar for 7-Eleven.

00:00 Intro

00:09 UK footfall falls 2.9% in September

00:48 Ocado launches Simple Ingredients aisle

01:05 Myprotein and Krispy Kreme shake at Boots

01:22 ICSC: US shoppers fear holiday gift costs

01:36 ChatGPT adds virtual try-on

01:51 KKR's Refresco weighs IPO above $10bn

02:07 Swedish online sales up 8% in Q2

02:19 Carrefour and Kruidvat sell crypto gift cards

02:33 Chinese retailers push overseas

02:51 Seven & i targets Europe for 7-Eleven

Sources:

- BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor: Budget must deliver for shoppers as footfall drops https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/budget-must-deliver-for-shoppers-as-footfall-drops/

- Grocery Gazette: Ocado Launches 'Simple Ingredients' Online Aisle for Clean-Label Shoppers https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2026/10/09/ocado-launches-simple-ingredients-online-aisle/

- Retail Times: Myprotein and Krispy Kreme Protein Milkshake Rolls Into 730 Boots Stores https://retailtimes.co.uk/myprotein-and-krispy-kreme-launch-protein-milkshake-rolling-out-across-730-boots-stores/

- ICSC: ICSC: Nearly Half of US Shoppers Fear Holiday Gift Budget Shortfall https://www.icsc.com/news-and-views/icsc-exchange/icscs-2026-holiday-intentions-survey-finds-consumers-prioritize-holiday-traditions-over-financial-pressures

- Retail Dive: ChatGPT Adds Virtual Try-On for Clothing and Accessories https://www.retaildive.com/news/virtual-try-on-launch-chatgpt/832244/

- ESM Magazine: KKR's Refresco Takes Bank Pitches for Potential IPO Above $10bn https://www.esmmagazine.com/packaging-design/refresco-plots-potential-ipo-at-10bn-plus-valuation-sources-say-323397

- PostNord: Swedish E-Commerce Grows 8% Year-on-Year in Q2, All Sectors Up https://news.cision.com/se/postnord-sverige/r/svensk-e-handel-pa-vag-mot-ny-rekordniva,c4398930

- RetailDetail EU: Carrefour and Kruidvat Add Cryptocurrency Gift Cards to Their Shelves https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/general/carrefour-and-kruidvat-are-offering-cryptocurrencies-on-their-shelves/

- Inside Retail Asia: Chinese Retailers Prioritise Store Quality Over Speed as Overseas Push Accelerates https://insideretail.asia/2026/10/12/why-are-chinese-retailers-looking-overseas-for-growth/

- Inside Retail Asia: Seven & i Sets Europe as 7-Eleven's Fourth Major Growth Pillar https://insideretail.asia/2026/10/12/7-eleven-owner-looks-to-europe-for-next-phase-of-global-growth/

Lidl adds 43 million visits, Frasers ups its Burberry bet and Boots changes hands. Simone Oloman, Co-host of Five Things Friday UK, explains what this week's moves mean for UK retail.

Alex Rezvan, Host of The Retail Podcast, and Simone Oloman cover five stories. Lidl GB grew sales 10.8% to £13bn. Frasers Group, the retailer Mike Ashley founded, lifted its Burberry position to 6.32% through sold put options. The Weston family's Wittington Investments is buying Boots for $8.9bn (£6.7bn), including debt. Currys is turning its social following into a shop. Gen M has opened a menopause pop-up in Kensington, backed by research finding that 87% of menopausal women feel overlooked by brands.

00:00 Cold open

00:19 Five Things Friday, UK edition

04:58 Frasers lifts Burberry option as luxury push grows

10:43 New owner plans to reinvest in Boots stores

12:38 Lidl adds 43 million visits as grocers consolidate

15:37 Currys turns its social following into a shop

16:35 Gen M opens a menopause pop-up in Kensington

20:11 Wrap

Get Five Things Friday every week: https://theretailpodcast.com/newsletter

Amazon layoffs hit around 1,000 corporate roles, most of them in its stores division, as Tesco's profits rise and Walmart puts its AI savings back into customer service. Today's briefing tells retail leaders that efficiency is the theme of the season, and the difference lies in where the savings go.

00:00 Intro

00:08 Tesco H1 profits rise, sales momentum weakens

00:31 Aldi names first 10 towns for 2027 stores

00:46 Amazon cuts around 1,000 corporate jobs

01:07 Freemans rebrands for women over 40

01:24 Amazon restructures retail stores division

01:33 Walmart reinvests AI savings in service

01:54 Walmart one-hour express pickup and ASL

02:08 Levi's Q3 propped by tariff refunds

02:25 Albertsons retail media leadership shakeup

02:39 Tesco online sales drive growth

02:55 Zalando opens 140,000 sq m French hub

03:17 Swiss retailers back e-commerce rule changes

03:34 7-Eleven pulls out of India

03:52 Rapidus US$15bn chip programme in Japan

04:13 Adore Beauty opens largest store yet

Sources:

- Retail Times: Tesco H1 Profits Rise; Consumer Spending Softens https://retailtimes.co.uk/tesco-enters-the-second-half-with-stronger-profits-and-weaker-sales-momentum-says-globaldata/

- Talking Retail: Aldi Names First 10 Locations in £900m UK Expansion https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/aldi-reveals-first-locations-for-new-stores-in-its-900m-expansion-08-10-2026/

- Retail Gazette: Amazon Cuts 1,000 Corporate Retail Jobs After Overhiring https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/10/amazon-cuts-retail-jobs-after-overhiring/

- Retail Times: Freemans Rebrands Around UK's £92bn 40-Plus Female Market https://retailtimes.co.uk/freemans-unveils-major-rebrand-with-renewed-focus-on-uks-92bn-40-female-market/

- Retail Dive: Amazon Cuts Hundreds From Retail Stores Division in Restructure https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-retail-stores-division-layoffs/832501/

- Retail Dive: Walmart AI Savings Reinvested in Customer Experience, U.S. CEO Says https://www.retaildive.com/news/ai-walmart-sparky-CX-investment/832327/

- Retail Dive: Walmart Launches 1-Hour Express Store Pickup and ASL Interpretation Ahead of Holidays https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-one-hour-express-store-pickup-asl-service-holiday/832464/

- Retail Dive: Levi's Q3 Profits Propped by Tariff Refunds as Direct-to-Consumer Sales Disappoint https://www.retaildive.com/news/levis-q3-wholesale-tariff-refunds-deliver/832468/

- Modern Retail: Retail Media Leadership Churn Persists as Albertsons Shakeup Puts Sector Under Spotlight https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/big-box-briefing-why-executive-turnover-has-been-a-consistent-theme-in-retail-media/?utm_campaign=modernretaildis&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=general-rss

- RetailDetail EU: Tesco Posts Strong H1 Results as Online Sales Drive Group Growth https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/food/online-is-a-key-growth-driver-for-tesco/

- RetailDetail EU: Zalando Opens 140,000 sq m Distribution Centre South of Paris https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/fashion/zalando-sets-up-shop-in-france-with-a-giant-distribution-center/

- ESM Magazine: Swiss Retail Federation Backs Tighter Rules for Foreign E-Commerce Platforms https://www.esmmagazine.com/retail/swiss-retailers-back-strict-rules-for-foreign-e-commerce-platforms-322697

- Inside Retail Australia: 7-Eleven Withdraws from India as Quick Commerce Undercuts the Format https://insideretail.com.au/business/squeezed-from-both-sides-why-7-eleven-could-not-make-india-work-202610

- Inside Retail Asia: Rapidus Pursues US$15 Billion Domestic Chip Programme in Japan https://insideretail.asia/2026/10/09/why-rapidus-chip-ambitions-matter-for-electronics-supply-chains/

- Inside Retail Australia: Adore Beauty Opens Largest Store Yet at Melbourne Central https://insideretail.com.au/stores/openings-closings/adore-beauty-opens-largest-flagship-yet-at-melbourne-central-202610