Retail Media Breakfast Club Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/retail-media-breakfast-club 10 minutes of expert insights every weekday. Your morning ritual for staying ahead in retail media. © 2026 Kiri Masters ed69a368-a89d-5dcd-b4e0-be12282360c6 no c6a4b960-3508-11f0-981e-41aa39a0f494 Start Your Morning Smarter: Retail Media Breakfast Club Podcast en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:44:27 -0700 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:45:19 -0700 http://retailmediabreakfastclub.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/J0bRgjQ61oWdDFxQcwMwEg1OXex6LLolx9-YbLWsE7s/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hNDU3/ODBmMzkwODY0NDEx/ZGJhNDk2NDc0MWY4/NzcwMS5qcGc.jpg Retail Media Breakfast Club http://retailmediabreakfastclub.com episodic Kiri Masters 10 minutes of expert insights every weekday. Your morning ritual for staying ahead in retail media. 10 minutes of expert insights every weekday. retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth Kiri Masters kiriath13@gmail.com No No Brand Media vs Commerce Media: How Gildan Is Redefining Retail Media Strategy for Faster, Cheaper Growth Brand Media vs Commerce Media: How Gildan Is Redefining Retail Media Strategy for Faster, Cheaper Growth full bb34b2d8-f90e-478a-a711-8637ced0dc4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/06ed58da In this episode, I dive into a fascinating recent conversation featuring Gildan’s Jason O’Toole on The CPG Guys podcast and unpack a powerful idea that stopped me in my tracks: brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth. If you’ve ever struggled to justify upper-funnel spend or connect brand investment to real performance outcomes, this one’s for you.

I break down three key takeaways from the discussion, including how Gildan is structuring its teams to align brand and commerce, why traditional metrics like impressions are losing relevance, and what a high-impact Amazon campaign can teach us about speed, scale, and full-funnel execution. There’s a lot here that challenges conventional retail media thinking so let’s get into it!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why apparel is one of the most competitive and margin-pressured categories in retail
[01:12] – The idea that “brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth” and why it matters
[02:40] – How budget ownership shapes the role retail media plays inside organizations
[03:31] – Why impressions are a flawed metric and what to focus on instead
[05:13] – The two metrics that actually matter: branded search and incrementality
[06:30] – Inside Gildan’s Amazon homepage campaign and what made it so effective


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I dive into a fascinating recent conversation featuring Gildan’s Jason O’Toole on The CPG Guys podcast and unpack a powerful idea that stopped me in my tracks: brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth. If you’ve ever struggled to justify upper-funnel spend or connect brand investment to real performance outcomes, this one’s for you.

I break down three key takeaways from the discussion, including how Gildan is structuring its teams to align brand and commerce, why traditional metrics like impressions are losing relevance, and what a high-impact Amazon campaign can teach us about speed, scale, and full-funnel execution. There’s a lot here that challenges conventional retail media thinking so let’s get into it!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why apparel is one of the most competitive and margin-pressured categories in retail
[01:12] – The idea that “brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth” and why it matters
[02:40] – How budget ownership shapes the role retail media plays inside organizations
[03:31] – Why impressions are a flawed metric and what to focus on instead
[05:13] – The two metrics that actually matter: branded search and incrementality
[06:30] – Inside Gildan’s Amazon homepage campaign and what made it so effective


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 534 In this episode, I dive into a fascinating recent conversation featuring Gildan’s Jason O’Toole on The CPG Guys podcast and unpack a powerful idea that stopped me in my tracks: brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth. If you’ve ever struggled to justify upper-funnel spend or connect brand investment to real performance outcomes, this one’s for you.

I break down three key takeaways from the discussion, including how Gildan is structuring its teams to align brand and commerce, why traditional metrics like impressions are losing relevance, and what a high-impact Amazon campaign can teach us about speed, scale, and full-funnel execution. There’s a lot here that challenges conventional retail media thinking so let’s get into it!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why apparel is one of the most competitive and margin-pressured categories in retail
[01:12] – The idea that “brand media lowers the tax you pay on growth” and why it matters
[02:40] – How budget ownership shapes the role retail media plays inside organizations
[03:31] – Why impressions are a flawed metric and what to focus on instead
[05:13] – The two metrics that actually matter: branded search and incrementality
[06:30] – Inside Gildan’s Amazon homepage campaign and what made it so effective


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, brand vs commerce media, full funnel marketing retail, Amazon advertising case study, incrementality in advertising No Writing Into the Void: How I Built Authority in Retail Media (From Zero to 28K Followers) Writing Into the Void: How I Built Authority in Retail Media (From Zero to 28K Followers) full 9101f275-2881-4f7a-94bc-744f1a712741 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2bb09be1 Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of something I don’t talk about enough: what it really feels like to start over, even after years of experience. From launching a brand-new Instagram account @retailmediabreakfastclub with barely any followers, to reflecting on my early days writing “into the void,” I share the uncomfortable truth about building content, credibility, and confidence in public.

I also dig into the process that’s helped me generate ideas consistently, navigate mistakes, and find my voice in a fast-moving industry like retail media. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, wondered how to build your content muscle, or questioned whether your perspective is “enough,” this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - Starting from zero (again!): launching Instagram after building a LinkedIn audience 

[01:00] - Writing in obscurity: the early days of publishing with no audience 

[01:30] - My breakthrough moment: landing a paid contributor role at Forbes 

[03:00] - Why quantity drives creativity (and how I generate endless content ideas) 

[04:20] - The power of being wrong: how mistakes lead to better, richer content 

[06:45] - “The middle of the room”: finding your voice between expertise and curiosity 

[09:45] - Getting comfortable being bad at something new (and why it matters)


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of something I don’t talk about enough: what it really feels like to start over, even after years of experience. From launching a brand-new Instagram account @retailmediabreakfastclub with barely any followers, to reflecting on my early days writing “into the void,” I share the uncomfortable truth about building content, credibility, and confidence in public.

I also dig into the process that’s helped me generate ideas consistently, navigate mistakes, and find my voice in a fast-moving industry like retail media. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, wondered how to build your content muscle, or questioned whether your perspective is “enough,” this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - Starting from zero (again!): launching Instagram after building a LinkedIn audience 

[01:00] - Writing in obscurity: the early days of publishing with no audience 

[01:30] - My breakthrough moment: landing a paid contributor role at Forbes 

[03:00] - Why quantity drives creativity (and how I generate endless content ideas) 

[04:20] - The power of being wrong: how mistakes lead to better, richer content 

[06:45] - “The middle of the room”: finding your voice between expertise and curiosity 

[09:45] - Getting comfortable being bad at something new (and why it matters)


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 638 Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of something I don’t talk about enough: what it really feels like to start over, even after years of experience. From launching a brand-new Instagram account @retailmediabreakfastclub with barely any followers, to reflecting on my early days writing “into the void,” I share the uncomfortable truth about building content, credibility, and confidence in public.

I also dig into the process that’s helped me generate ideas consistently, navigate mistakes, and find my voice in a fast-moving industry like retail media. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, wondered how to build your content muscle, or questioned whether your perspective is “enough,” this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - Starting from zero (again!): launching Instagram after building a LinkedIn audience 

[01:00] - Writing in obscurity: the early days of publishing with no audience 

[01:30] - My breakthrough moment: landing a paid contributor role at Forbes 

[03:00] - Why quantity drives creativity (and how I generate endless content ideas) 

[04:20] - The power of being wrong: how mistakes lead to better, richer content 

[06:45] - “The middle of the room”: finding your voice between expertise and curiosity 

[09:45] - Getting comfortable being bad at something new (and why it matters)


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, content marketing for ecommerce, building personal brand linkedin, retail media trends 2026, imposter syndrome content creators No Why AI Grocery Shopping Isn’t Taking Over Yet (But Absolutely Will) Why AI Grocery Shopping Isn’t Taking Over Yet (But Absolutely Will) full d3d543f7-8213-4441-b452-8a039efe96dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/da32474e Not all shopping is created equal. And honestly, not all of it is fun.

Today I'm unpacking the tension between the idea of AI-powered shopping and the reality of how we actually shop today. While we love the experience of discovering products and making intentional choices, a huge portion of shopping — especially groceries — is repetitive, operational and tedious.

I explore where consumers are already signaling openness to AI assistance (hint: it’s not where you might think), and why the current tools still fall short of solving the real problem. From meal planning to managing the “messy middle” of grocery lists, I break down what’s missing, what’s coming, and why the future of agentic commerce may arrive faster than expected, once the technology finally catches up to demand.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My daily cooking ritual and why grocery shopping is the least enjoyable part
[01:15] – The difference between “fun” shopping and repetitive shopping missions
[01:37] – What consumer behavior data reveals about how we actually shop
[02:15] – Where consumers are already comfortable letting AI step in
[03:00] – A real-world example of DIY grocery automation
[04:30] – Why current retail tools fail to solve the “messy middle” of shopping
[06:00] – The trust gap in grocery delivery (yes, even bananas matter!)
[08:30] – The real barrier to AI shopping adoption: technology, not psychology
[10:00] – Consumer attitudes toward AI agents completing purchases
[11:00] – What needs to happen before agentic commerce goes mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> Not all shopping is created equal. And honestly, not all of it is fun.

Today I'm unpacking the tension between the idea of AI-powered shopping and the reality of how we actually shop today. While we love the experience of discovering products and making intentional choices, a huge portion of shopping — especially groceries — is repetitive, operational and tedious.

I explore where consumers are already signaling openness to AI assistance (hint: it’s not where you might think), and why the current tools still fall short of solving the real problem. From meal planning to managing the “messy middle” of grocery lists, I break down what’s missing, what’s coming, and why the future of agentic commerce may arrive faster than expected, once the technology finally catches up to demand.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My daily cooking ritual and why grocery shopping is the least enjoyable part
[01:15] – The difference between “fun” shopping and repetitive shopping missions
[01:37] – What consumer behavior data reveals about how we actually shop
[02:15] – Where consumers are already comfortable letting AI step in
[03:00] – A real-world example of DIY grocery automation
[04:30] – Why current retail tools fail to solve the “messy middle” of shopping
[06:00] – The trust gap in grocery delivery (yes, even bananas matter!)
[08:30] – The real barrier to AI shopping adoption: technology, not psychology
[10:00] – Consumer attitudes toward AI agents completing purchases
[11:00] – What needs to happen before agentic commerce goes mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 756 Not all shopping is created equal. And honestly, not all of it is fun.

Today I'm unpacking the tension between the idea of AI-powered shopping and the reality of how we actually shop today. While we love the experience of discovering products and making intentional choices, a huge portion of shopping — especially groceries — is repetitive, operational and tedious.

I explore where consumers are already signaling openness to AI assistance (hint: it’s not where you might think), and why the current tools still fall short of solving the real problem. From meal planning to managing the “messy middle” of grocery lists, I break down what’s missing, what’s coming, and why the future of agentic commerce may arrive faster than expected, once the technology finally catches up to demand.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My daily cooking ritual and why grocery shopping is the least enjoyable part
[01:15] – The difference between “fun” shopping and repetitive shopping missions
[01:37] – What consumer behavior data reveals about how we actually shop
[02:15] – Where consumers are already comfortable letting AI step in
[03:00] – A real-world example of DIY grocery automation
[04:30] – Why current retail tools fail to solve the “messy middle” of shopping
[06:00] – The trust gap in grocery delivery (yes, even bananas matter!)
[08:30] – The real barrier to AI shopping adoption: technology, not psychology
[10:00] – Consumer attitudes toward AI agents completing purchases
[11:00] – What needs to happen before agentic commerce goes mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> AI grocery shopping, agentic commerce, retail media trends 2026, grocery automation tools, future of eCommerce AI No Dark Search & AI Shopping: The Hidden Threat (and Opportunity) for Retail Media Dark Search & AI Shopping: The Hidden Threat (and Opportunity) for Retail Media full 73d9b34e-c1f9-459d-ab84-f41ac6296862 https://share.transistor.fm/s/662d498b Today I'm unpacking a fascinating shift happening right under our noses in retail media — what has been coined “dark search.” I explore how AI-driven discovery is quietly reshaping the way consumers find and buy products. The big question: is this trend actually helping retail media grow, or is it eroding the very signals it depends on?

I dive into two new pieces of research that seem to tell completely different stories: one suggesting AI is expanding the e-commerce pie, and the other arguing we’re flying blind when it comes to measuring its true impact. If you’re in retail, e-commerce, or media, this episode will challenge how you think about attribution, conversion, and the future of shopper behavior.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m cautious about extrapolating from my own shopping habits and how the Hawthorne Effect plays into consumer behavior
[00:45] – The “dark search” moment: how AI influenced my purchase before I ever hit a retailer’s site
[02:01] – Criteo’s report: AI-driven traffic converts 1.5x higher and lands directly on product pages
[03:45] – RefiBuy’s findings: up to 70% of AI-influenced traffic is invisible to analytics tools
[05:00] – The shocking conversion rates of “dark” AI traffic and what that means for retailers
[06:30] – Reconciling two opposing views: AI growth vs. measurement blind spots
[08:00] – Why this shift could be a structural threat to retail media economics

Links & Resources

]]> Today I'm unpacking a fascinating shift happening right under our noses in retail media — what has been coined “dark search.” I explore how AI-driven discovery is quietly reshaping the way consumers find and buy products. The big question: is this trend actually helping retail media grow, or is it eroding the very signals it depends on?

I dive into two new pieces of research that seem to tell completely different stories: one suggesting AI is expanding the e-commerce pie, and the other arguing we’re flying blind when it comes to measuring its true impact. If you’re in retail, e-commerce, or media, this episode will challenge how you think about attribution, conversion, and the future of shopper behavior.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m cautious about extrapolating from my own shopping habits and how the Hawthorne Effect plays into consumer behavior
[00:45] – The “dark search” moment: how AI influenced my purchase before I ever hit a retailer’s site
[02:01] – Criteo’s report: AI-driven traffic converts 1.5x higher and lands directly on product pages
[03:45] – RefiBuy’s findings: up to 70% of AI-influenced traffic is invisible to analytics tools
[05:00] – The shocking conversion rates of “dark” AI traffic and what that means for retailers
[06:30] – Reconciling two opposing views: AI growth vs. measurement blind spots
[08:00] – Why this shift could be a structural threat to retail media economics

Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 567 Today I'm unpacking a fascinating shift happening right under our noses in retail media — what has been coined “dark search.” I explore how AI-driven discovery is quietly reshaping the way consumers find and buy products. The big question: is this trend actually helping retail media grow, or is it eroding the very signals it depends on?

I dive into two new pieces of research that seem to tell completely different stories: one suggesting AI is expanding the e-commerce pie, and the other arguing we’re flying blind when it comes to measuring its true impact. If you’re in retail, e-commerce, or media, this episode will challenge how you think about attribution, conversion, and the future of shopper behavior.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m cautious about extrapolating from my own shopping habits and how the Hawthorne Effect plays into consumer behavior
[00:45] – The “dark search” moment: how AI influenced my purchase before I ever hit a retailer’s site
[02:01] – Criteo’s report: AI-driven traffic converts 1.5x higher and lands directly on product pages
[03:45] – RefiBuy’s findings: up to 70% of AI-influenced traffic is invisible to analytics tools
[05:00] – The shocking conversion rates of “dark” AI traffic and what that means for retailers
[06:30] – Reconciling two opposing views: AI growth vs. measurement blind spots
[08:00] – Why this shift could be a structural threat to retail media economics

Links & Resources

]]> dark search retail media, AI shopping behavior trends, retail media analytics challenges, AI ecommerce conversion rates, hidden traffic ecommerce No AI Advertising Is Happening NOW: What Retailers Must Know Before It’s Too Late AI Advertising Is Happening NOW: What Retailers Must Know Before It’s Too Late full f5ed8ad4-e77f-4c26-acde-258400870b8a https://share.transistor.fm/s/08b56674 The conventional wisdom says AI advertising is something for the future, but I’m not buying that. Today, I extrapolate on Debbie Ajo Williamson’s insights shared on a recent Retailgentic episode, and break down why AI ads are already here, moving fast, and reshaping how retail media works in real time. Debbie digs into what’s actually happening behind the scenes with ChatGPT’s ad rollout, and why this is far more than a simple experiment.

I also unpack what this means for retailers: from early adoption trends to the emerging tension between platforms and brands, and ultimately where this is all headed. Finally, I delve into the idea that ads may soon stop targeting humans altogether, and start influencing AI agents instead. If you’re in retail media, this is one of those “pay attention now or regret it later” moments.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] - Why ChatGPT’s ad rollout is not a test: it’s the beginning of a major shift 

[01:15] - How early ad formats are intentionally simple (and why that matters) 
[03:00] - The “18 years vs. 18 months” comparison between Amazon and OpenAI 

[05:00] - Retailers jump in early and the rise of the “frenemy” dynamic 

[06:30] - The next wave of AI ad formats and evolving user interfaces 

[08:00] - The future of ads targeting AI agents instead of humans


Links & Resources

]]> The conventional wisdom says AI advertising is something for the future, but I’m not buying that. Today, I extrapolate on Debbie Ajo Williamson’s insights shared on a recent Retailgentic episode, and break down why AI ads are already here, moving fast, and reshaping how retail media works in real time. Debbie digs into what’s actually happening behind the scenes with ChatGPT’s ad rollout, and why this is far more than a simple experiment.

I also unpack what this means for retailers: from early adoption trends to the emerging tension between platforms and brands, and ultimately where this is all headed. Finally, I delve into the idea that ads may soon stop targeting humans altogether, and start influencing AI agents instead. If you’re in retail media, this is one of those “pay attention now or regret it later” moments.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] - Why ChatGPT’s ad rollout is not a test: it’s the beginning of a major shift 

[01:15] - How early ad formats are intentionally simple (and why that matters) 
[03:00] - The “18 years vs. 18 months” comparison between Amazon and OpenAI 

[05:00] - Retailers jump in early and the rise of the “frenemy” dynamic 

[06:30] - The next wave of AI ad formats and evolving user interfaces 

[08:00] - The future of ads targeting AI agents instead of humans


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 641 The conventional wisdom says AI advertising is something for the future, but I’m not buying that. Today, I extrapolate on Debbie Ajo Williamson’s insights shared on a recent Retailgentic episode, and break down why AI ads are already here, moving fast, and reshaping how retail media works in real time. Debbie digs into what’s actually happening behind the scenes with ChatGPT’s ad rollout, and why this is far more than a simple experiment.

I also unpack what this means for retailers: from early adoption trends to the emerging tension between platforms and brands, and ultimately where this is all headed. Finally, I delve into the idea that ads may soon stop targeting humans altogether, and start influencing AI agents instead. If you’re in retail media, this is one of those “pay attention now or regret it later” moments.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] - Why ChatGPT’s ad rollout is not a test: it’s the beginning of a major shift 

[01:15] - How early ad formats are intentionally simple (and why that matters) 
[03:00] - The “18 years vs. 18 months” comparison between Amazon and OpenAI 

[05:00] - Retailers jump in early and the rise of the “frenemy” dynamic 

[06:30] - The next wave of AI ad formats and evolving user interfaces 

[08:00] - The future of ads targeting AI agents instead of humans


Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising trends, retail media AI strategy, ChatGPT ads retail, future of digital advertising AI, agentic commerce marketing No Agentic Commerce Isn’t the Threat You Think — Why Retailers Are Playing the Long Game Agentic Commerce Isn’t the Threat You Think — Why Retailers Are Playing the Long Game full 83557690-040f-4700-83ef-f1cab67d0c36 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bec74548 A few months ago, it felt like everyone in retail media was bracing for impact. Agentic commerce, zero-click search, and Gen AI were being treated as existential threats. But lately, I’ve noticed a shift. In this episode, I unpack what I’m hearing behind closed doors and on the ground at Shoptalk. The panic is cooling, and smarter, more strategic conversations are taking its place.

I dive into what this transition actually means for retailers right now. Are they behind? Are they ignoring the disruption? Or are they playing a longer, more deliberate game? From Costco’s methodical approach, to Target’s massive AI overhaul, I explore why the real challenge isn’t reacting quickly: it’s building the infrastructure to respond at all. If you want to understand where retail media is truly headed in an AI-driven world, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 2025 survey that revealed retail media’s biggest fears around Gen AI and zero-click search 

[00:45] – Why the mood is shifting from panic to practical strategy among retail leaders

[01:30] – Costco’s “order of operations” mindset and why patience may be a competitive advantage 

[03:00] – Why modular tech stacks and data layers are becoming critical for future AI integration 

[04:45] – Target’s bold move: rewriting 60% of its app to become AI-ready 

[07:00] – The shift toward focusing on onsite experience instead of chasing external AI trends


Links & Resources

]]> A few months ago, it felt like everyone in retail media was bracing for impact. Agentic commerce, zero-click search, and Gen AI were being treated as existential threats. But lately, I’ve noticed a shift. In this episode, I unpack what I’m hearing behind closed doors and on the ground at Shoptalk. The panic is cooling, and smarter, more strategic conversations are taking its place.

I dive into what this transition actually means for retailers right now. Are they behind? Are they ignoring the disruption? Or are they playing a longer, more deliberate game? From Costco’s methodical approach, to Target’s massive AI overhaul, I explore why the real challenge isn’t reacting quickly: it’s building the infrastructure to respond at all. If you want to understand where retail media is truly headed in an AI-driven world, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 2025 survey that revealed retail media’s biggest fears around Gen AI and zero-click search 

[00:45] – Why the mood is shifting from panic to practical strategy among retail leaders

[01:30] – Costco’s “order of operations” mindset and why patience may be a competitive advantage 

[03:00] – Why modular tech stacks and data layers are becoming critical for future AI integration 

[04:45] – Target’s bold move: rewriting 60% of its app to become AI-ready 

[07:00] – The shift toward focusing on onsite experience instead of chasing external AI trends


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 561 A few months ago, it felt like everyone in retail media was bracing for impact. Agentic commerce, zero-click search, and Gen AI were being treated as existential threats. But lately, I’ve noticed a shift. In this episode, I unpack what I’m hearing behind closed doors and on the ground at Shoptalk. The panic is cooling, and smarter, more strategic conversations are taking its place.

I dive into what this transition actually means for retailers right now. Are they behind? Are they ignoring the disruption? Or are they playing a longer, more deliberate game? From Costco’s methodical approach, to Target’s massive AI overhaul, I explore why the real challenge isn’t reacting quickly: it’s building the infrastructure to respond at all. If you want to understand where retail media is truly headed in an AI-driven world, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 2025 survey that revealed retail media’s biggest fears around Gen AI and zero-click search 

[00:45] – Why the mood is shifting from panic to practical strategy among retail leaders

[01:30] – Costco’s “order of operations” mindset and why patience may be a competitive advantage 

[03:00] – Why modular tech stacks and data layers are becoming critical for future AI integration 

[04:45] – Target’s bold move: rewriting 60% of its app to become AI-ready 

[07:00] – The shift toward focusing on onsite experience instead of chasing external AI trends


Links & Resources

]]> retail media trends 2026, agentic commerce strategy, AI in retail media networks, zero click search impact ecommerce, retail media data infrastructure No 83% of Retail Media Campaigns Are Misleading You (iROAS Exposed) 83% of Retail Media Campaigns Are Misleading You (iROAS Exposed) full c141784f-ee19-4428-bfce-4b56df2bf2a7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ec3bbee Today I’m revisiting my recent article for The Drum and digging into a piece of research that stopped me in my tracks. And honestly, it might change how you think about retail media measurement altogether. I walk through new findings showing that something as simple as methodological choices can dramatically swing incremental ROAS (iROAS), sometimes even flipping campaign results from positive to negative. If you’ve ever trusted a single performance number at face value, this conversation is going to challenge that assumption.

I also explore what’s really going on beneath the surface of iROAS, why transparency might matter more than standardization, and what both brands and retailers need to start doing differently. Plus, I share a perspective shift inspired by Brené Brown that reframes how we approach metrics, uncertainty, and decision-making in retail media. This one’s all about asking better questions: and getting closer to the truth behind the numbers.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why methodological choices can drastically impact iROAS results 

[01:17] – The shocking finding: same campaign, wildly different iROAS outcomes 

[02:23] – What “iROAS Demystified” reveals about hidden variability in measurement 

[03:00] – The four key variables that influence how iROAS is calculated 

[04:00] – Why better match quality can actually lead to lower iROAS estimates 

[05:15] – Should iROAS still be a headline KPI? Industry perspectives 

[08:19] – How mid-market brands can ask smarter questions about their reports


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m revisiting my recent article for The Drum and digging into a piece of research that stopped me in my tracks. And honestly, it might change how you think about retail media measurement altogether. I walk through new findings showing that something as simple as methodological choices can dramatically swing incremental ROAS (iROAS), sometimes even flipping campaign results from positive to negative. If you’ve ever trusted a single performance number at face value, this conversation is going to challenge that assumption.

I also explore what’s really going on beneath the surface of iROAS, why transparency might matter more than standardization, and what both brands and retailers need to start doing differently. Plus, I share a perspective shift inspired by Brené Brown that reframes how we approach metrics, uncertainty, and decision-making in retail media. This one’s all about asking better questions: and getting closer to the truth behind the numbers.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why methodological choices can drastically impact iROAS results 

[01:17] – The shocking finding: same campaign, wildly different iROAS outcomes 

[02:23] – What “iROAS Demystified” reveals about hidden variability in measurement 

[03:00] – The four key variables that influence how iROAS is calculated 

[04:00] – Why better match quality can actually lead to lower iROAS estimates 

[05:15] – Should iROAS still be a headline KPI? Industry perspectives 

[08:19] – How mid-market brands can ask smarter questions about their reports


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 660 Today I’m revisiting my recent article for The Drum and digging into a piece of research that stopped me in my tracks. And honestly, it might change how you think about retail media measurement altogether. I walk through new findings showing that something as simple as methodological choices can dramatically swing incremental ROAS (iROAS), sometimes even flipping campaign results from positive to negative. If you’ve ever trusted a single performance number at face value, this conversation is going to challenge that assumption.

I also explore what’s really going on beneath the surface of iROAS, why transparency might matter more than standardization, and what both brands and retailers need to start doing differently. Plus, I share a perspective shift inspired by Brené Brown that reframes how we approach metrics, uncertainty, and decision-making in retail media. This one’s all about asking better questions: and getting closer to the truth behind the numbers.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why methodological choices can drastically impact iROAS results 

[01:17] – The shocking finding: same campaign, wildly different iROAS outcomes 

[02:23] – What “iROAS Demystified” reveals about hidden variability in measurement 

[03:00] – The four key variables that influence how iROAS is calculated 

[04:00] – Why better match quality can actually lead to lower iROAS estimates 

[05:15] – Should iROAS still be a headline KPI? Industry perspectives 

[08:19] – How mid-market brands can ask smarter questions about their reports


Links & Resources

]]> retail media measurement, incremental ROAS explained, iROAS methodology, retail media analytics, ROAS vs iROAS No The Retail Media Fermi Paradox: Why Everyone Talks Growth… But Only Amazon & Walmart Win The Retail Media Fermi Paradox: Why Everyone Talks Growth… But Only Amazon & Walmart Win full 0c96820a-aaab-4bfe-9e90-f49375e88813 https://share.transistor.fm/s/00e9fd1d Recently an essay stopped me in my tracks. My friend Drew Cashmore (Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage) wrote a brilliant piece for his Retail Media Leapfrog Series newsletter that draws a surprising parallel between the famous Fermi Paradox and the current state of retail media. And with Drew's permission I'm sharing sections of his essay in today's podcast.

The piece delves into a big, uncomfortable question: if retail media is such a massive opportunity, why are so few retailers actually winning? I walk through Drew’s concept of the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” and unpack the structural challenges (what Drew calls “the great filters”) that are preventing most retailers from scaling. If you’ve ever wondered why the gap between Amazon/Walmart and everyone else keeps widening, this episode will get you thinking.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m featuring Drew Cashmore’s essay and why it’s a must-read 

[00:39] – The original Fermi Paradox explained and why it matters here 

[02:15] – Introducing the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” 

[03:00] – The shocking concentration: Amazon & Walmart dominate ~90% of spend 

[04:10] – Great Filter #1: The “tactic trap” and copying Amazon’s playbook 

[05:32] – Great Filter #2: The retail media “doom loop” and underinvestment 

[08:19] – Great Filters #3 & #4: Commoditization and fragmented tech stacks 

[09:30] – Quick preview: how retailers can break through these barriers


Links & Resources

]]> Recently an essay stopped me in my tracks. My friend Drew Cashmore (Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage) wrote a brilliant piece for his Retail Media Leapfrog Series newsletter that draws a surprising parallel between the famous Fermi Paradox and the current state of retail media. And with Drew's permission I'm sharing sections of his essay in today's podcast.

The piece delves into a big, uncomfortable question: if retail media is such a massive opportunity, why are so few retailers actually winning? I walk through Drew’s concept of the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” and unpack the structural challenges (what Drew calls “the great filters”) that are preventing most retailers from scaling. If you’ve ever wondered why the gap between Amazon/Walmart and everyone else keeps widening, this episode will get you thinking.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m featuring Drew Cashmore’s essay and why it’s a must-read 

[00:39] – The original Fermi Paradox explained and why it matters here 

[02:15] – Introducing the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” 

[03:00] – The shocking concentration: Amazon & Walmart dominate ~90% of spend 

[04:10] – Great Filter #1: The “tactic trap” and copying Amazon’s playbook 

[05:32] – Great Filter #2: The retail media “doom loop” and underinvestment 

[08:19] – Great Filters #3 & #4: Commoditization and fragmented tech stacks 

[09:30] – Quick preview: how retailers can break through these barriers


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 658 Recently an essay stopped me in my tracks. My friend Drew Cashmore (Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage) wrote a brilliant piece for his Retail Media Leapfrog Series newsletter that draws a surprising parallel between the famous Fermi Paradox and the current state of retail media. And with Drew's permission I'm sharing sections of his essay in today's podcast.

The piece delves into a big, uncomfortable question: if retail media is such a massive opportunity, why are so few retailers actually winning? I walk through Drew’s concept of the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” and unpack the structural challenges (what Drew calls “the great filters”) that are preventing most retailers from scaling. If you’ve ever wondered why the gap between Amazon/Walmart and everyone else keeps widening, this episode will get you thinking.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I’m featuring Drew Cashmore’s essay and why it’s a must-read 

[00:39] – The original Fermi Paradox explained and why it matters here 

[02:15] – Introducing the “Retail Media Fermi Paradox” 

[03:00] – The shocking concentration: Amazon & Walmart dominate ~90% of spend 

[04:10] – Great Filter #1: The “tactic trap” and copying Amazon’s playbook 

[05:32] – Great Filter #2: The retail media “doom loop” and underinvestment 

[08:19] – Great Filters #3 & #4: Commoditization and fragmented tech stacks 

[09:30] – Quick preview: how retailers can break through these barriers


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, Amazon vs Walmart advertising dominance, retail media networks growth challenges, retail media trends 2026, how retailers compete with Amazon ads No Retail Media Measurement Is Broken (Here’s What Brands Actually Want Instead) Retail Media Measurement Is Broken (Here’s What Brands Actually Want Instead) full a95f5ca5-85b0-44ca-8971-02e075ffa306 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bac2447 Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation from a recent episode of the Unlocking Retail Media podcast with Andrew Covato and host James Avery that reframed how I think about measurement in retail media networks. If you’ve ever wondered why brands keep getting frustrated — or why retail media struggles to prove its value — this conversation gets right to the heart of it.

I use snippets from the podcast to break down three major gaps that are holding retail media back, from misaligned measurement strategies to outdated data approaches. I also explore why the biggest ad platforms succeed where retail media often fails, what sophisticated advertisers are really asking for today, and how measurement needs to evolve to stay credible. If you're in retail media, brand marketing, or ad tech, this is an important primer on how to tackle measurement head on.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The recurring disconnect: why brands ask for data but get dashboards instead
[01:09] - Lesson #1: Why big ad platforms win by staying measurement agnostic
[04:00] - Lesson #2: Retail media is solving for the wrong measurement questions
[05:15] - The shift from user-level attribution to aggregated modeling & experimentation
[07:03] - Lesson #3: Why first-party lift is “grading your own homework”
[09:00] - The measurement maturity curve: from attribution to incrementality to MMM
[10:00] - The hidden problem: why most brands can’t actually evaluate the data they’re given


Links & Resources

]]> Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation from a recent episode of the Unlocking Retail Media podcast with Andrew Covato and host James Avery that reframed how I think about measurement in retail media networks. If you’ve ever wondered why brands keep getting frustrated — or why retail media struggles to prove its value — this conversation gets right to the heart of it.

I use snippets from the podcast to break down three major gaps that are holding retail media back, from misaligned measurement strategies to outdated data approaches. I also explore why the biggest ad platforms succeed where retail media often fails, what sophisticated advertisers are really asking for today, and how measurement needs to evolve to stay credible. If you're in retail media, brand marketing, or ad tech, this is an important primer on how to tackle measurement head on.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The recurring disconnect: why brands ask for data but get dashboards instead
[01:09] - Lesson #1: Why big ad platforms win by staying measurement agnostic
[04:00] - Lesson #2: Retail media is solving for the wrong measurement questions
[05:15] - The shift from user-level attribution to aggregated modeling & experimentation
[07:03] - Lesson #3: Why first-party lift is “grading your own homework”
[09:00] - The measurement maturity curve: from attribution to incrementality to MMM
[10:00] - The hidden problem: why most brands can’t actually evaluate the data they’re given


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 666 Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation from a recent episode of the Unlocking Retail Media podcast with Andrew Covato and host James Avery that reframed how I think about measurement in retail media networks. If you’ve ever wondered why brands keep getting frustrated — or why retail media struggles to prove its value — this conversation gets right to the heart of it.

I use snippets from the podcast to break down three major gaps that are holding retail media back, from misaligned measurement strategies to outdated data approaches. I also explore why the biggest ad platforms succeed where retail media often fails, what sophisticated advertisers are really asking for today, and how measurement needs to evolve to stay credible. If you're in retail media, brand marketing, or ad tech, this is an important primer on how to tackle measurement head on.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The recurring disconnect: why brands ask for data but get dashboards instead
[01:09] - Lesson #1: Why big ad platforms win by staying measurement agnostic
[04:00] - Lesson #2: Retail media is solving for the wrong measurement questions
[05:15] - The shift from user-level attribution to aggregated modeling & experimentation
[07:03] - Lesson #3: Why first-party lift is “grading your own homework”
[09:00] - The measurement maturity curve: from attribution to incrementality to MMM
[10:00] - The hidden problem: why most brands can’t actually evaluate the data they’re given


Links & Resources

]]> retail media measurement, incrementality testing marketing, media mix modeling explained, retail media networks strategy, advertising attribution vs incrementality No Why Retailer Magazines Are the Next Big Retail Media Channel (Post-AI Shopping Era) Why Retailer Magazines Are the Next Big Retail Media Channel (Post-AI Shopping Era) full 1007cc01-b31d-416c-8a0e-110afa33051b https://share.transistor.fm/s/148f9c7e Today I’m revisiting a recent article I penned for The Drum and digging into something that feels almost counterintuitive in a world obsessed with AI and automation: the resurgence of print magazines, catalogs, and direct mail as powerful retail media channels. I share why Gen Z and millennials are actively seeking out physical, tactile experiences, and how that shift is creating a surprising opportunity for retailers and brands to reconnect with shoppers in more meaningful, high-trust environments.

I also walk through real-world examples — from Costco to Amazon to retailers in Australia — who are already turning editorial content and print media into high-performing retail media assets. If you’ve been thinking about the future of retail media as purely digital, this episode might challenge that assumption. Because in an AI-driven shopping landscape, the most defensible advantage might just be sitting on your customer’s kitchen counter!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why Gen Z is rediscovering print, vinyl, and physical retail experiences
[01:02] – How AI-powered shopping is threatening traditional retail media margins
[01:37] – The overlooked opportunity in retailer magazines and print media
[02:03] – Costco Connection: scale, trust, and measurable purchase influence
[04:15] – Bunnings and building a retail media network around print content
[06:19] – Chemist Warehouse and turning content into a full media brand
[08:00] – The rise of programmatic direct mail and why it’s outperforming digital
[09:32] – Escaping the retail media “doom loop” with editorial strategies


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m revisiting a recent article I penned for The Drum and digging into something that feels almost counterintuitive in a world obsessed with AI and automation: the resurgence of print magazines, catalogs, and direct mail as powerful retail media channels. I share why Gen Z and millennials are actively seeking out physical, tactile experiences, and how that shift is creating a surprising opportunity for retailers and brands to reconnect with shoppers in more meaningful, high-trust environments.

I also walk through real-world examples — from Costco to Amazon to retailers in Australia — who are already turning editorial content and print media into high-performing retail media assets. If you’ve been thinking about the future of retail media as purely digital, this episode might challenge that assumption. Because in an AI-driven shopping landscape, the most defensible advantage might just be sitting on your customer’s kitchen counter!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why Gen Z is rediscovering print, vinyl, and physical retail experiences
[01:02] – How AI-powered shopping is threatening traditional retail media margins
[01:37] – The overlooked opportunity in retailer magazines and print media
[02:03] – Costco Connection: scale, trust, and measurable purchase influence
[04:15] – Bunnings and building a retail media network around print content
[06:19] – Chemist Warehouse and turning content into a full media brand
[08:00] – The rise of programmatic direct mail and why it’s outperforming digital
[09:32] – Escaping the retail media “doom loop” with editorial strategies


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 635 Today I’m revisiting a recent article I penned for The Drum and digging into something that feels almost counterintuitive in a world obsessed with AI and automation: the resurgence of print magazines, catalogs, and direct mail as powerful retail media channels. I share why Gen Z and millennials are actively seeking out physical, tactile experiences, and how that shift is creating a surprising opportunity for retailers and brands to reconnect with shoppers in more meaningful, high-trust environments.

I also walk through real-world examples — from Costco to Amazon to retailers in Australia — who are already turning editorial content and print media into high-performing retail media assets. If you’ve been thinking about the future of retail media as purely digital, this episode might challenge that assumption. Because in an AI-driven shopping landscape, the most defensible advantage might just be sitting on your customer’s kitchen counter!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why Gen Z is rediscovering print, vinyl, and physical retail experiences
[01:02] – How AI-powered shopping is threatening traditional retail media margins
[01:37] – The overlooked opportunity in retailer magazines and print media
[02:03] – Costco Connection: scale, trust, and measurable purchase influence
[04:15] – Bunnings and building a retail media network around print content
[06:19] – Chemist Warehouse and turning content into a full media brand
[08:00] – The rise of programmatic direct mail and why it’s outperforming digital
[09:32] – Escaping the retail media “doom loop” with editorial strategies


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks, print marketing retail, direct mail advertising retail, ecommerce advertising trends, retail media strategy No Why Retail Media Looks So Different in the US vs Europe (And Why You’re Comparing It Wrong) Why Retail Media Looks So Different in the US vs Europe (And Why You’re Comparing It Wrong) full d6b1ce0f-2727-4015-83ae-7610b0527732 https://share.transistor.fm/s/23b94820 Last year, I found myself navigating chaotic scooter traffic in Thailand, only to realize how dramatically things can change with just a little extra weight. And honestly, that experience became the perfect metaphor for something I see all the time in retail media: people trying to compare markets like the US and Europe as if they’re built the same… when they’re absolutely not.

Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation I had with Adam Smith from Iceland and Daniel Torres Dwyer on the FMCG Guys podcast. We dig into the real reasons why retail media has evolved so differently across regions: from geography and regulation to e-commerce penetration and legacy trade structures. If you’ve ever wondered whether the US is “behind” in-store retail media (or if those comparisons even make sense), this one will challenge how you think about the entire landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:36] – Why retail media comparisons across markets can break down 

[01:26] – Setting the stage: US vs UK retail media discussion with Adam Smith 

[02:00] – Adam on scale differences and the challenge of in-store digital rollout 

[03:07] – I break down the structural reasons the US market operates differently 

[04:07] – GDPR and why offsite retail media is more developed in the US 

[05:00] – The Robinson-Patman Act and its hidden impact on retail media budgets 

[06:10] – Industry debate: are we measuring the wrong things across markets? 

[09:30] – Why “US is behind in-store” is a misleading narrative 

[11:25] – Final takeaway: different markets, different paths, and what we can learn


Links & Resources

]]> Last year, I found myself navigating chaotic scooter traffic in Thailand, only to realize how dramatically things can change with just a little extra weight. And honestly, that experience became the perfect metaphor for something I see all the time in retail media: people trying to compare markets like the US and Europe as if they’re built the same… when they’re absolutely not.

Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation I had with Adam Smith from Iceland and Daniel Torres Dwyer on the FMCG Guys podcast. We dig into the real reasons why retail media has evolved so differently across regions: from geography and regulation to e-commerce penetration and legacy trade structures. If you’ve ever wondered whether the US is “behind” in-store retail media (or if those comparisons even make sense), this one will challenge how you think about the entire landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:36] – Why retail media comparisons across markets can break down 

[01:26] – Setting the stage: US vs UK retail media discussion with Adam Smith 

[02:00] – Adam on scale differences and the challenge of in-store digital rollout 

[03:07] – I break down the structural reasons the US market operates differently 

[04:07] – GDPR and why offsite retail media is more developed in the US 

[05:00] – The Robinson-Patman Act and its hidden impact on retail media budgets 

[06:10] – Industry debate: are we measuring the wrong things across markets? 

[09:30] – Why “US is behind in-store” is a misleading narrative 

[11:25] – Final takeaway: different markets, different paths, and what we can learn


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 741 Last year, I found myself navigating chaotic scooter traffic in Thailand, only to realize how dramatically things can change with just a little extra weight. And honestly, that experience became the perfect metaphor for something I see all the time in retail media: people trying to compare markets like the US and Europe as if they’re built the same… when they’re absolutely not.

Today I'm unpacking a fascinating conversation I had with Adam Smith from Iceland and Daniel Torres Dwyer on the FMCG Guys podcast. We dig into the real reasons why retail media has evolved so differently across regions: from geography and regulation to e-commerce penetration and legacy trade structures. If you’ve ever wondered whether the US is “behind” in-store retail media (or if those comparisons even make sense), this one will challenge how you think about the entire landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:36] – Why retail media comparisons across markets can break down 

[01:26] – Setting the stage: US vs UK retail media discussion with Adam Smith 

[02:00] – Adam on scale differences and the challenge of in-store digital rollout 

[03:07] – I break down the structural reasons the US market operates differently 

[04:07] – GDPR and why offsite retail media is more developed in the US 

[05:00] – The Robinson-Patman Act and its hidden impact on retail media budgets 

[06:10] – Industry debate: are we measuring the wrong things across markets? 

[09:30] – Why “US is behind in-store” is a misleading narrative 

[11:25] – Final takeaway: different markets, different paths, and what we can learn


Links & Resources

]]> retail media US vs Europe, in-store retail media trends, retail media networks explained, GDPR retail advertising impact, Amazon Walmart retail media dominance No AI Discovery Is Reshaping Retail: Shoptalk 2026 Insights AI Discovery Is Reshaping Retail: Shoptalk 2026 Insights full 47199aab-0083-42d4-9fbe-e17fcc835f1a https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e1123de At Shoptalk last week, I noticed something that really stuck with me; and it wasn’t happening on the main stage. The sessions that had an overflow of attendees sitting on the floor weren’t the big, flashy keynotes… they were the practical, roll-up-your-sleeves workshops. That tells you everything you need to know about where retail leaders are at right now. 

Today I’m breaking down what I heard in the “corridor track”. The real conversations happening between sessions. Why AI-powered discovery is becoming the new battleground, how brands are rethinking where their next dollar goes, and why change management — not technology — is the biggest thing slowing teams down. If you’re trying to figure out what actually matters heading into the next phase of retail media, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why the most in-demand sessions at Shoptalk weren’t on the main stage

[01:18] – Discovery becomes the new battleground in an AI-compressed digital shelf 

[02:45] – The rise of multi-layered product detail pages built for humans, SEO, and AI 

[04:00] – Why the “next best dollar” is now a full business decision, not just marketing 

[05:00] – Rethinking measurement: patience, strategy, and long-term growth 

[06:16] – The real bottleneck: how internal processes are slowing AI adoption 

[08:00] – The overlooked surge of social commerce and embedded shopping experiences


Links & Resources

]]> At Shoptalk last week, I noticed something that really stuck with me; and it wasn’t happening on the main stage. The sessions that had an overflow of attendees sitting on the floor weren’t the big, flashy keynotes… they were the practical, roll-up-your-sleeves workshops. That tells you everything you need to know about where retail leaders are at right now. 

Today I’m breaking down what I heard in the “corridor track”. The real conversations happening between sessions. Why AI-powered discovery is becoming the new battleground, how brands are rethinking where their next dollar goes, and why change management — not technology — is the biggest thing slowing teams down. If you’re trying to figure out what actually matters heading into the next phase of retail media, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why the most in-demand sessions at Shoptalk weren’t on the main stage

[01:18] – Discovery becomes the new battleground in an AI-compressed digital shelf 

[02:45] – The rise of multi-layered product detail pages built for humans, SEO, and AI 

[04:00] – Why the “next best dollar” is now a full business decision, not just marketing 

[05:00] – Rethinking measurement: patience, strategy, and long-term growth 

[06:16] – The real bottleneck: how internal processes are slowing AI adoption 

[08:00] – The overlooked surge of social commerce and embedded shopping experiences


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 528 At Shoptalk last week, I noticed something that really stuck with me; and it wasn’t happening on the main stage. The sessions that had an overflow of attendees sitting on the floor weren’t the big, flashy keynotes… they were the practical, roll-up-your-sleeves workshops. That tells you everything you need to know about where retail leaders are at right now. 

Today I’m breaking down what I heard in the “corridor track”. The real conversations happening between sessions. Why AI-powered discovery is becoming the new battleground, how brands are rethinking where their next dollar goes, and why change management — not technology — is the biggest thing slowing teams down. If you’re trying to figure out what actually matters heading into the next phase of retail media, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why the most in-demand sessions at Shoptalk weren’t on the main stage

[01:18] – Discovery becomes the new battleground in an AI-compressed digital shelf 

[02:45] – The rise of multi-layered product detail pages built for humans, SEO, and AI 

[04:00] – Why the “next best dollar” is now a full business decision, not just marketing 

[05:00] – Rethinking measurement: patience, strategy, and long-term growth 

[06:16] – The real bottleneck: how internal processes are slowing AI adoption 

[08:00] – The overlooked surge of social commerce and embedded shopping experiences


Links & Resources

]]> retail media trends 2026, AI product discovery ecommerce, Shoptalk insights retail, retail media measurement strategy, ecommerce AI optimization No Shoptalk 2026: AI, Agentic Commerce & Retail Media’s Next Power Shift Shoptalk 2026: AI, Agentic Commerce & Retail Media’s Next Power Shift full 3197f750-0914-4d09-8922-ccaa366b235e https://share.transistor.fm/s/9db9f5eb I’m coming to you live from Shoptalk 2026 in Las Vegas, and this ep is packed with rapid-fire insights straight from the show floor. I pulled together six of the smartest voices in retail media to break down what’s actually happening right now beyond the buzzwords. From agentic commerce debates to Meta’s push into in-store data, we’re unpacking the trends that could reshape how brands and retailers work together.

We dig into the following: Is AI really going to change how we shop? Why are retailers expanding into offsite media in a more controlled way? And what role does content, especially video, play in the next phase of commerce? If you want a pulse check on where retail media is heading in 2026, this is one you don't want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Live from Shoptalk: rapid-fire industry insights straight from the show floor

[01:00] – The agentic commerce debate: will consumers really hand shopping over to AI? 

[02:30] – Meta’s new in-store data play and the shift toward full-funnel performance metrics 

[04:45] – Retailers moving offsite: why controlled expansion is the new strategy 

[06:45] – Innovation overload: how commerce media is evolving across industries 

[07:15] – Why content, not hype, is the key to making agentic commerce actually work 

[08:45] – Retail media’s identity shift: from monetization channel to growth driver


Links & Resources

]]> I’m coming to you live from Shoptalk 2026 in Las Vegas, and this ep is packed with rapid-fire insights straight from the show floor. I pulled together six of the smartest voices in retail media to break down what’s actually happening right now beyond the buzzwords. From agentic commerce debates to Meta’s push into in-store data, we’re unpacking the trends that could reshape how brands and retailers work together.

We dig into the following: Is AI really going to change how we shop? Why are retailers expanding into offsite media in a more controlled way? And what role does content, especially video, play in the next phase of commerce? If you want a pulse check on where retail media is heading in 2026, this is one you don't want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Live from Shoptalk: rapid-fire industry insights straight from the show floor

[01:00] – The agentic commerce debate: will consumers really hand shopping over to AI? 

[02:30] – Meta’s new in-store data play and the shift toward full-funnel performance metrics 

[04:45] – Retailers moving offsite: why controlled expansion is the new strategy 

[06:45] – Innovation overload: how commerce media is evolving across industries 

[07:15] – Why content, not hype, is the key to making agentic commerce actually work 

[08:45] – Retail media’s identity shift: from monetization channel to growth driver


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 630 I’m coming to you live from Shoptalk 2026 in Las Vegas, and this ep is packed with rapid-fire insights straight from the show floor. I pulled together six of the smartest voices in retail media to break down what’s actually happening right now beyond the buzzwords. From agentic commerce debates to Meta’s push into in-store data, we’re unpacking the trends that could reshape how brands and retailers work together.

We dig into the following: Is AI really going to change how we shop? Why are retailers expanding into offsite media in a more controlled way? And what role does content, especially video, play in the next phase of commerce? If you want a pulse check on where retail media is heading in 2026, this is one you don't want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Live from Shoptalk: rapid-fire industry insights straight from the show floor

[01:00] – The agentic commerce debate: will consumers really hand shopping over to AI? 

[02:30] – Meta’s new in-store data play and the shift toward full-funnel performance metrics 

[04:45] – Retailers moving offsite: why controlled expansion is the new strategy 

[06:45] – Innovation overload: how commerce media is evolving across industries 

[07:15] – Why content, not hype, is the key to making agentic commerce actually work 

[08:45] – Retail media’s identity shift: from monetization channel to growth driver


Links & Resources

]]> retail media trends 2026, agentic commerce explained, Meta retail media strategy, ShopTalk Las Vegas insights, future of ecommerce advertising No Are AI Ads the Next Billion-Dollar Channel? How Retail Media Wins in the Age of LLMs [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 4 of 4] Are AI Ads the Next Billion-Dollar Channel? How Retail Media Wins in the Age of LLMs [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 4 of 4] full 2e08509e-a35d-4ac4-83aa-e51bf55dcd1b https://share.transistor.fm/s/482f09db In Part 4 of the Agentic Commerce Expert Series, we dive into one of the biggest emerging questions in retail media right now: what happens when ads enter AI experiences? With OpenAI and other LLM platforms beginning to experiment with advertising, there’s a lot of speculation (and skepticism) about how this will impact user trust, relevance, and ultimately, performance.

I’m once again joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and together we unpack what “agentic advertising” really means, why relevancy is about to go into overdrive, and how both retailers and brands can prepare without guessing where formats will land. We also explore how data, intent-based attributes, and orchestration will shape the winners in this next wave of commerce. If you’re wondering how to stay ahead as AI reshapes the ad landscape, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why AI platforms must monetize and what that means for ads in LLMs
[01:13] – How OpenAI is introducing ads without breaking user trust
[02:00] – “Relevancy on steroids” aka the future of AI-powered ad targeting
[03:30] – Why advertisers, not just platforms, own the responsibility for relevance
[05:37] – Practical steps retailers should take now to prepare for agentic commerce
[08:13] – What “orchestration layer” really means in modern retail media tech
[10:00] – Why brands aren’t powerless and how they can influence AI-driven discovery


Links & Resources

]]> In Part 4 of the Agentic Commerce Expert Series, we dive into one of the biggest emerging questions in retail media right now: what happens when ads enter AI experiences? With OpenAI and other LLM platforms beginning to experiment with advertising, there’s a lot of speculation (and skepticism) about how this will impact user trust, relevance, and ultimately, performance.

I’m once again joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and together we unpack what “agentic advertising” really means, why relevancy is about to go into overdrive, and how both retailers and brands can prepare without guessing where formats will land. We also explore how data, intent-based attributes, and orchestration will shape the winners in this next wave of commerce. If you’re wondering how to stay ahead as AI reshapes the ad landscape, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why AI platforms must monetize and what that means for ads in LLMs
[01:13] – How OpenAI is introducing ads without breaking user trust
[02:00] – “Relevancy on steroids” aka the future of AI-powered ad targeting
[03:30] – Why advertisers, not just platforms, own the responsibility for relevance
[05:37] – Practical steps retailers should take now to prepare for agentic commerce
[08:13] – What “orchestration layer” really means in modern retail media tech
[10:00] – Why brands aren’t powerless and how they can influence AI-driven discovery


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 881 In Part 4 of the Agentic Commerce Expert Series, we dive into one of the biggest emerging questions in retail media right now: what happens when ads enter AI experiences? With OpenAI and other LLM platforms beginning to experiment with advertising, there’s a lot of speculation (and skepticism) about how this will impact user trust, relevance, and ultimately, performance.

I’m once again joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and together we unpack what “agentic advertising” really means, why relevancy is about to go into overdrive, and how both retailers and brands can prepare without guessing where formats will land. We also explore how data, intent-based attributes, and orchestration will shape the winners in this next wave of commerce. If you’re wondering how to stay ahead as AI reshapes the ad landscape, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why AI platforms must monetize and what that means for ads in LLMs
[01:13] – How OpenAI is introducing ads without breaking user trust
[02:00] – “Relevancy on steroids” aka the future of AI-powered ad targeting
[03:30] – Why advertisers, not just platforms, own the responsibility for relevance
[05:37] – Practical steps retailers should take now to prepare for agentic commerce
[08:13] – What “orchestration layer” really means in modern retail media tech
[10:00] – Why brands aren’t powerless and how they can influence AI-driven discovery


Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising, retail media strategy, agentic commerce, LLM ads monetization, intent based attributes ecommerce No Costco Exposing Its Retail Media Tech Stack Might Change Everything Costco Exposing Its Retail Media Tech Stack Might Change Everything full 523517a2-3ec8-4ce8-baf3-a7a30276fba6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7a4ffd3 In August 2025 I broke down why so many retail media networks keep their ad tech stacks hidden. And to be honest, the reasons weren’t exactly flattering. But what happens when a major retailer does the exact opposite? In today's episode, I share highlights from my recent livestream with Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, and Jon Flugstad, Chief Business Officer at MetaRouter, and unpack a bold move from Costco that’s turning heads across the industry: full transparency.

We dive into what really happened when Costco revealed its entire tech stack, why that matters for brands and agencies, and whether transparency is actually influencing ad spend, or simply generating buzz. Plus, I explore what this could mean for the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks hide their tech stacks (and the 5 real reasons behind it)
[00:24] – Survey results: 88% of brands say tech transparency impacts spend
[00:30] – Costco reveals its full tech stack live on stage — why it shocked the industry
[01:44] – What “transparency” actually means to advertisers beyond just reporting
[02:43] – Costco’s philosophy: winning trust through honesty (even with imperfections)
[03:15] – How Costco uses its tech stack to justify capabilities and limitations
[04:04] – The strict data principles guiding Costco’s retail media strategy
[07:21] – Is transparency driving real ad dollars or just curiosity?


Links & Resources

]]> In August 2025 I broke down why so many retail media networks keep their ad tech stacks hidden. And to be honest, the reasons weren’t exactly flattering. But what happens when a major retailer does the exact opposite? In today's episode, I share highlights from my recent livestream with Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, and Jon Flugstad, Chief Business Officer at MetaRouter, and unpack a bold move from Costco that’s turning heads across the industry: full transparency.

We dive into what really happened when Costco revealed its entire tech stack, why that matters for brands and agencies, and whether transparency is actually influencing ad spend, or simply generating buzz. Plus, I explore what this could mean for the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks hide their tech stacks (and the 5 real reasons behind it)
[00:24] – Survey results: 88% of brands say tech transparency impacts spend
[00:30] – Costco reveals its full tech stack live on stage — why it shocked the industry
[01:44] – What “transparency” actually means to advertisers beyond just reporting
[02:43] – Costco’s philosophy: winning trust through honesty (even with imperfections)
[03:15] – How Costco uses its tech stack to justify capabilities and limitations
[04:04] – The strict data principles guiding Costco’s retail media strategy
[07:21] – Is transparency driving real ad dollars or just curiosity?


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 524 In August 2025 I broke down why so many retail media networks keep their ad tech stacks hidden. And to be honest, the reasons weren’t exactly flattering. But what happens when a major retailer does the exact opposite? In today's episode, I share highlights from my recent livestream with Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, and Jon Flugstad, Chief Business Officer at MetaRouter, and unpack a bold move from Costco that’s turning heads across the industry: full transparency.

We dive into what really happened when Costco revealed its entire tech stack, why that matters for brands and agencies, and whether transparency is actually influencing ad spend, or simply generating buzz. Plus, I explore what this could mean for the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks hide their tech stacks (and the 5 real reasons behind it)
[00:24] – Survey results: 88% of brands say tech transparency impacts spend
[00:30] – Costco reveals its full tech stack live on stage — why it shocked the industry
[01:44] – What “transparency” actually means to advertisers beyond just reporting
[02:43] – Costco’s philosophy: winning trust through honesty (even with imperfections)
[03:15] – How Costco uses its tech stack to justify capabilities and limitations
[04:04] – The strict data principles guiding Costco’s retail media strategy
[07:21] – Is transparency driving real ad dollars or just curiosity?


Links & Resources

]]> retail media transparency, Costco retail media strategy, ad tech stack retail media, retail media networks explained, digital advertising data transparency No Retail Media Has a PR Problem: CVS Media Exchange’s Bold Wake-Up Call Retail Media Has a PR Problem: CVS Media Exchange’s Bold Wake-Up Call full d4019aca-18a8-46a6-b326-4a61b3eb1581 https://share.transistor.fm/s/21bbd454 Today I’m digging into a refreshingly honest and frankly rare take from Parbinder Dhariwal, VP, General Manager at CVS Media Exchange (CMX). Instead of the usual hype around retail media growth, he’s calling out what the industry is getting wrong… and why that could slow everything down if we don’t fix it.

By analysing audio clips with Parbs on The CPG Guys, Beyond The Shelf, and Floor 9 (links to the full episodes below), I break down why retail media may have a credibility problem, from forced ad spend to murky measurement, and what needs to change if we want to unlock bigger brand budgets. I also explore why transparency, standardized metrics, and true closed-loop attribution are becoming non-negotiable, and how CMX is positioning itself to lead in that shift.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:21] – The bold claim: retail media has a PR problem (and why that matters)
[01:06] – Why proving ROI is critical to sustaining retail media growth
[01:31] – The transparency gap: modeling vs. real performance data
[02:15] – Rising skepticism from brands and the “money grab” perception
[03:07] – The real opportunity: unlocking national brand (CMO) budgets
[05:25] – Why transparency is a core pillar of CVS Media Exchange’s strategy
[07:00] – Slowing growth and the future: accountability as a competitive advantage


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m digging into a refreshingly honest and frankly rare take from Parbinder Dhariwal, VP, General Manager at CVS Media Exchange (CMX). Instead of the usual hype around retail media growth, he’s calling out what the industry is getting wrong… and why that could slow everything down if we don’t fix it.

By analysing audio clips with Parbs on The CPG Guys, Beyond The Shelf, and Floor 9 (links to the full episodes below), I break down why retail media may have a credibility problem, from forced ad spend to murky measurement, and what needs to change if we want to unlock bigger brand budgets. I also explore why transparency, standardized metrics, and true closed-loop attribution are becoming non-negotiable, and how CMX is positioning itself to lead in that shift.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:21] – The bold claim: retail media has a PR problem (and why that matters)
[01:06] – Why proving ROI is critical to sustaining retail media growth
[01:31] – The transparency gap: modeling vs. real performance data
[02:15] – Rising skepticism from brands and the “money grab” perception
[03:07] – The real opportunity: unlocking national brand (CMO) budgets
[05:25] – Why transparency is a core pillar of CVS Media Exchange’s strategy
[07:00] – Slowing growth and the future: accountability as a competitive advantage


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 475 Today I’m digging into a refreshingly honest and frankly rare take from Parbinder Dhariwal, VP, General Manager at CVS Media Exchange (CMX). Instead of the usual hype around retail media growth, he’s calling out what the industry is getting wrong… and why that could slow everything down if we don’t fix it.

By analysing audio clips with Parbs on The CPG Guys, Beyond The Shelf, and Floor 9 (links to the full episodes below), I break down why retail media may have a credibility problem, from forced ad spend to murky measurement, and what needs to change if we want to unlock bigger brand budgets. I also explore why transparency, standardized metrics, and true closed-loop attribution are becoming non-negotiable, and how CMX is positioning itself to lead in that shift.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:21] – The bold claim: retail media has a PR problem (and why that matters)
[01:06] – Why proving ROI is critical to sustaining retail media growth
[01:31] – The transparency gap: modeling vs. real performance data
[02:15] – Rising skepticism from brands and the “money grab” perception
[03:07] – The real opportunity: unlocking national brand (CMO) budgets
[05:25] – Why transparency is a core pillar of CVS Media Exchange’s strategy
[07:00] – Slowing growth and the future: accountability as a competitive advantage


Links & Resources

]]> retail media transparency, CVS media exchange strategy, retail media measurement challenges, retail media growth trends 2026, closed loop attribution retail media No Google’s New AI Patent Could Hijack Your Landing Pages (And Charge You for It) Google’s New AI Patent Could Hijack Your Landing Pages (And Charge You for It) full b5546043-8764-4462-8996-1e78b1bba2e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e832918 Today I’m breaking down a jaw-dropping development from Google that could fundamentally reshape how we think about paid traffic, brand control, and the role of landing pages in e-commerce. After reading a standout piece from Jo Lambadjieva's AI for Ecommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter (link to Jo's article below), I knew I had to share it with you. Because if this plays out, it changes everything.

I walk through Google’s newly granted patent that allows AI to replace your carefully crafted landing pages with its own personalized versions: built in real time and inserted directly into your paid ads. What does that mean for your brand, your attribution, and your ad spend? Are we heading toward a future where Google owns the entire commerce funnel? Let’s unpack the implications and what you should be doing now to stay ahead.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – Breaking down Google’s new patent and what it actually allows them to do
[02:00] – The shocking reality: you pay for the click, but Google controls the landing page
[03:07] – Why this impacts far more brands than just “bad” landing page experiences
[04:00] – Inside the AI engine: how Google dynamically builds personalized pages for users
[05:30] – The big risks: loss of brand control, murky attribution, and paying for someone else’s page
[07:16] – How this fits into Google’s broader AI commerce ecosystem (Gemini, AI Overviews, and more)
[09:30] – What e-commerce operators should do now to future-proof their business


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m breaking down a jaw-dropping development from Google that could fundamentally reshape how we think about paid traffic, brand control, and the role of landing pages in e-commerce. After reading a standout piece from Jo Lambadjieva's AI for Ecommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter (link to Jo's article below), I knew I had to share it with you. Because if this plays out, it changes everything.

I walk through Google’s newly granted patent that allows AI to replace your carefully crafted landing pages with its own personalized versions: built in real time and inserted directly into your paid ads. What does that mean for your brand, your attribution, and your ad spend? Are we heading toward a future where Google owns the entire commerce funnel? Let’s unpack the implications and what you should be doing now to stay ahead.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – Breaking down Google’s new patent and what it actually allows them to do
[02:00] – The shocking reality: you pay for the click, but Google controls the landing page
[03:07] – Why this impacts far more brands than just “bad” landing page experiences
[04:00] – Inside the AI engine: how Google dynamically builds personalized pages for users
[05:30] – The big risks: loss of brand control, murky attribution, and paying for someone else’s page
[07:16] – How this fits into Google’s broader AI commerce ecosystem (Gemini, AI Overviews, and more)
[09:30] – What e-commerce operators should do now to future-proof their business


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 617 Today I’m breaking down a jaw-dropping development from Google that could fundamentally reshape how we think about paid traffic, brand control, and the role of landing pages in e-commerce. After reading a standout piece from Jo Lambadjieva's AI for Ecommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter (link to Jo's article below), I knew I had to share it with you. Because if this plays out, it changes everything.

I walk through Google’s newly granted patent that allows AI to replace your carefully crafted landing pages with its own personalized versions: built in real time and inserted directly into your paid ads. What does that mean for your brand, your attribution, and your ad spend? Are we heading toward a future where Google owns the entire commerce funnel? Let’s unpack the implications and what you should be doing now to stay ahead.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – Breaking down Google’s new patent and what it actually allows them to do
[02:00] – The shocking reality: you pay for the click, but Google controls the landing page
[03:07] – Why this impacts far more brands than just “bad” landing page experiences
[04:00] – Inside the AI engine: how Google dynamically builds personalized pages for users
[05:30] – The big risks: loss of brand control, murky attribution, and paying for someone else’s page
[07:16] – How this fits into Google’s broader AI commerce ecosystem (Gemini, AI Overviews, and more)
[09:30] – What e-commerce operators should do now to future-proof their business


Links & Resources

]]> Google AI landing pages, retail media trends 2026, Google ads AI changes, ecommerce advertising strategy, performance max attribution issues No Why Ecommerce Signals Are Disappearing And What Retailers Must Do Next [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 3 of 4] Why Ecommerce Signals Are Disappearing And What Retailers Must Do Next [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 3 of 4] full a61bc4ec-ff5f-4e24-82c6-42d0d3fed0e7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ac6a8f3 Today I dig into a major shift happening in retail media: the signals we’ve relied on for years are starting to disappear. As discovery moves upstream into AI and LLM-driven experiences, the traditional browsing journey is shrinking, and with it, the data retailers depend on. So what does that mean for the future of retail media?

In Part 3 of this Agentic Commerce Expert Series I’m joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and we unpack why so many AI shopping assistants are falling short, what retailers are getting wrong in the race to adopt new tech, and how to design experiences that actually earn customer engagement. We also explore the growing importance of product truth, trust, and why both retailers and brands need to rethink how they show up in this new ecosystem.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why shrinking customer journeys mean shrinking retail media signals
[00:55] – The real reason AI shopping assistants are failing (even when the tech works)
[02:00] – Why having a clear strategy matters more than rushing to launch
[02:45] – The “eyes bigger than stomach” problem with overbuilt retail experiences
[03:30] – How retailers can use existing customer data instead of starting from scratch
[05:00] – The rising importance of product truth, trust, and accurate information
[06:30] – How poor customer experiences can hurt AI-driven discoverability and rankings
[07:45] – Why retailers must design moments that earn engagement


Links & Resources

]]> Today I dig into a major shift happening in retail media: the signals we’ve relied on for years are starting to disappear. As discovery moves upstream into AI and LLM-driven experiences, the traditional browsing journey is shrinking, and with it, the data retailers depend on. So what does that mean for the future of retail media?

In Part 3 of this Agentic Commerce Expert Series I’m joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and we unpack why so many AI shopping assistants are falling short, what retailers are getting wrong in the race to adopt new tech, and how to design experiences that actually earn customer engagement. We also explore the growing importance of product truth, trust, and why both retailers and brands need to rethink how they show up in this new ecosystem.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why shrinking customer journeys mean shrinking retail media signals
[00:55] – The real reason AI shopping assistants are failing (even when the tech works)
[02:00] – Why having a clear strategy matters more than rushing to launch
[02:45] – The “eyes bigger than stomach” problem with overbuilt retail experiences
[03:30] – How retailers can use existing customer data instead of starting from scratch
[05:00] – The rising importance of product truth, trust, and accurate information
[06:30] – How poor customer experiences can hurt AI-driven discoverability and rankings
[07:45] – Why retailers must design moments that earn engagement


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 505 Today I dig into a major shift happening in retail media: the signals we’ve relied on for years are starting to disappear. As discovery moves upstream into AI and LLM-driven experiences, the traditional browsing journey is shrinking, and with it, the data retailers depend on. So what does that mean for the future of retail media?

In Part 3 of this Agentic Commerce Expert Series I’m joined by Amelia Van Camp from Mirakl, and we unpack why so many AI shopping assistants are falling short, what retailers are getting wrong in the race to adopt new tech, and how to design experiences that actually earn customer engagement. We also explore the growing importance of product truth, trust, and why both retailers and brands need to rethink how they show up in this new ecosystem.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why shrinking customer journeys mean shrinking retail media signals
[00:55] – The real reason AI shopping assistants are failing (even when the tech works)
[02:00] – Why having a clear strategy matters more than rushing to launch
[02:45] – The “eyes bigger than stomach” problem with overbuilt retail experiences
[03:30] – How retailers can use existing customer data instead of starting from scratch
[05:00] – The rising importance of product truth, trust, and accurate information
[06:30] – How poor customer experiences can hurt AI-driven discoverability and rankings
[07:45] – Why retailers must design moments that earn engagement


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, ecommerce data signals, AI shopping assistants retail, agentic commerce trends, retail media future No OpenAI Killed Instant Checkout… But Agentic Shopping Isn’t Dead (What Retailers Need to Know Now) OpenAI Killed Instant Checkout… But Agentic Shopping Isn’t Dead (What Retailers Need to Know Now) full d81de25a-9f54-4066-8f68-2ccd23ec76ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/04122bdc OpenAI quietly pulled the plug on Instant Checkout inside ChatGPT and the internet immediately declared agentic commerce dead. But I think that conclusion misses the bigger picture. In this episode, a summary of my recent article for The Drum, I unpack why the failure of one implementation doesn’t mean the behavior itself is going away.

I share my own real-world experience making an agentic purchase through ChatGPT (spoiler: it didn’t exactly change my life), and then we explore why OpenAI’s checkout model struggled while similar AI-driven commerce experiences are already thriving elsewhere. From China’s fully integrated AI commerce ecosystems, to the emerging moves from Amazon and Google, I break down what’s actually happening beneath the headlines, and why retailers should still be paying very close attention.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I share my first fully agentic purchase through ChatGPT and why the experience didn’t make me come back for more.

[01:02] – OpenAI deprioritizes Instant Checkout and sends transactions back to retailer sites. What actually happened behind the scenes?

[02:15] – Why a failed checkout model doesn’t mean agentic commerce itself is dead.

[03:00] – Alibaba’s AI assistant proves agentic shopping can work: when one company controls the AI, marketplace, payments, and logistics.

[04:18] – The TikTok Shop lesson: new shopping behaviors succeed when commerce feels like a natural extension of apps people already love.

[05:07] – Why AI-driven discovery still threatens the $60B retail media industry (even without instant checkout).

[08:19] – The shopping journey is already being rewired by AI, but the real challenge is the final 10%


Links & Resources

]]> OpenAI quietly pulled the plug on Instant Checkout inside ChatGPT and the internet immediately declared agentic commerce dead. But I think that conclusion misses the bigger picture. In this episode, a summary of my recent article for The Drum, I unpack why the failure of one implementation doesn’t mean the behavior itself is going away.

I share my own real-world experience making an agentic purchase through ChatGPT (spoiler: it didn’t exactly change my life), and then we explore why OpenAI’s checkout model struggled while similar AI-driven commerce experiences are already thriving elsewhere. From China’s fully integrated AI commerce ecosystems, to the emerging moves from Amazon and Google, I break down what’s actually happening beneath the headlines, and why retailers should still be paying very close attention.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I share my first fully agentic purchase through ChatGPT and why the experience didn’t make me come back for more.

[01:02] – OpenAI deprioritizes Instant Checkout and sends transactions back to retailer sites. What actually happened behind the scenes?

[02:15] – Why a failed checkout model doesn’t mean agentic commerce itself is dead.

[03:00] – Alibaba’s AI assistant proves agentic shopping can work: when one company controls the AI, marketplace, payments, and logistics.

[04:18] – The TikTok Shop lesson: new shopping behaviors succeed when commerce feels like a natural extension of apps people already love.

[05:07] – Why AI-driven discovery still threatens the $60B retail media industry (even without instant checkout).

[08:19] – The shopping journey is already being rewired by AI, but the real challenge is the final 10%


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 662 OpenAI quietly pulled the plug on Instant Checkout inside ChatGPT and the internet immediately declared agentic commerce dead. But I think that conclusion misses the bigger picture. In this episode, a summary of my recent article for The Drum, I unpack why the failure of one implementation doesn’t mean the behavior itself is going away.

I share my own real-world experience making an agentic purchase through ChatGPT (spoiler: it didn’t exactly change my life), and then we explore why OpenAI’s checkout model struggled while similar AI-driven commerce experiences are already thriving elsewhere. From China’s fully integrated AI commerce ecosystems, to the emerging moves from Amazon and Google, I break down what’s actually happening beneath the headlines, and why retailers should still be paying very close attention.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I share my first fully agentic purchase through ChatGPT and why the experience didn’t make me come back for more.

[01:02] – OpenAI deprioritizes Instant Checkout and sends transactions back to retailer sites. What actually happened behind the scenes?

[02:15] – Why a failed checkout model doesn’t mean agentic commerce itself is dead.

[03:00] – Alibaba’s AI assistant proves agentic shopping can work: when one company controls the AI, marketplace, payments, and logistics.

[04:18] – The TikTok Shop lesson: new shopping behaviors succeed when commerce feels like a natural extension of apps people already love.

[05:07] – Why AI-driven discovery still threatens the $60B retail media industry (even without instant checkout).

[08:19] – The shopping journey is already being rewired by AI, but the real challenge is the final 10%


Links & Resources

]]> agentic commerce future, OpenAI instant checkout shutdown, AI shopping assistants retail strategy, Amazon Rufus AI shopping, future of AI ecommerce checkout No My RampUp Notes: Why Data Collaboration Is Winning Ad Budgets My RampUp Notes: Why Data Collaboration Is Winning Ad Budgets full 97befb26-c5b8-4dd4-abe0-d8d7e7e41466 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd952e9e Last week I shared some of the hallway chatter from the RampUp conference. And in this episode, I’m emptying the rest of my notebook. One theme kept surfacing everywhere I turned: data collaboration. It wasn’t just a buzzword on stage; it was the real factor determining which retail media networks are winning brand budgets, which ones are falling behind, and who gets invited back next year.

I walk through five of the most interesting insights — from how major CPG brands are scoring retail media networks against Google and Meta, to why platforms like DoorDash are climbing rapidly in media investment priority. I also unpack the growing push for self-service tools, the surprising complexity behind ad serving infrastructure, and what makes a customer event like RampUp genuinely impactful.

If you work in retail media, brand marketing, or commerce media strategy, these observations offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry is evolving right now (and where the next wave of investment is headed).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why data collaboration was the defining theme across sessions, panels, and hallway conversations at RampUp.

[00:43] – How major CPG brands are using structured scorecards and investment matrices to rank retail media networks.

[02:37] – Inside the panel I moderated: how DoorDash moved from a small test budget to a priority media channel for brands.

[05:45] – Why CPG brands are pushing retailers toward self-service media platforms and how data access is driving that demand.

[07:30] – The hidden operational complexity of retail media networks, including why some organizations run multiple ad servers.

[09:03] – What LiveRamp’s RampUp event gets right—and why it’s becoming a blueprint for industry customer events.


Links & Resources

]]> Last week I shared some of the hallway chatter from the RampUp conference. And in this episode, I’m emptying the rest of my notebook. One theme kept surfacing everywhere I turned: data collaboration. It wasn’t just a buzzword on stage; it was the real factor determining which retail media networks are winning brand budgets, which ones are falling behind, and who gets invited back next year.

I walk through five of the most interesting insights — from how major CPG brands are scoring retail media networks against Google and Meta, to why platforms like DoorDash are climbing rapidly in media investment priority. I also unpack the growing push for self-service tools, the surprising complexity behind ad serving infrastructure, and what makes a customer event like RampUp genuinely impactful.

If you work in retail media, brand marketing, or commerce media strategy, these observations offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry is evolving right now (and where the next wave of investment is headed).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why data collaboration was the defining theme across sessions, panels, and hallway conversations at RampUp.

[00:43] – How major CPG brands are using structured scorecards and investment matrices to rank retail media networks.

[02:37] – Inside the panel I moderated: how DoorDash moved from a small test budget to a priority media channel for brands.

[05:45] – Why CPG brands are pushing retailers toward self-service media platforms and how data access is driving that demand.

[07:30] – The hidden operational complexity of retail media networks, including why some organizations run multiple ad servers.

[09:03] – What LiveRamp’s RampUp event gets right—and why it’s becoming a blueprint for industry customer events.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 599 Last week I shared some of the hallway chatter from the RampUp conference. And in this episode, I’m emptying the rest of my notebook. One theme kept surfacing everywhere I turned: data collaboration. It wasn’t just a buzzword on stage; it was the real factor determining which retail media networks are winning brand budgets, which ones are falling behind, and who gets invited back next year.

I walk through five of the most interesting insights — from how major CPG brands are scoring retail media networks against Google and Meta, to why platforms like DoorDash are climbing rapidly in media investment priority. I also unpack the growing push for self-service tools, the surprising complexity behind ad serving infrastructure, and what makes a customer event like RampUp genuinely impactful.

If you work in retail media, brand marketing, or commerce media strategy, these observations offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry is evolving right now (and where the next wave of investment is headed).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:12] – Why data collaboration was the defining theme across sessions, panels, and hallway conversations at RampUp.

[00:43] – How major CPG brands are using structured scorecards and investment matrices to rank retail media networks.

[02:37] – Inside the panel I moderated: how DoorDash moved from a small test budget to a priority media channel for brands.

[05:45] – Why CPG brands are pushing retailers toward self-service media platforms and how data access is driving that demand.

[07:30] – The hidden operational complexity of retail media networks, including why some organizations run multiple ad servers.

[09:03] – What LiveRamp’s RampUp event gets right—and why it’s becoming a blueprint for industry customer events.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks strategy, retail media data collaboration, CPG retail media advertising, commerce media measurement, retail media conference insights No How Nestlé Decides Which Retail Media Networks Get Budget (And Why They Compare Them to Google & Meta) How Nestlé Decides Which Retail Media Networks Get Budget (And Why They Compare Them to Google & Meta) full 33bd501b-0465-4bdf-894c-427355c9640c https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7c231b5 Last week at the LiveRamp RampUp conference, I moderated a panel with DoorDash Ads’ Peter Giordano and Nestlé’s Nicole Lesinski. The conversation revealed something that a lot of retail media networks have been wondering about: how big CPG brands actually decide where their retail media dollars go.

In this episode, I break down Nicole’s candid explanation of how Nestlé ranks and evaluates retail media networks (using a structured grid that compares retailers not only to each other but also to giants like Google and Meta). I also unpack why measurement and incrementality are still major hurdles internally at even the largest brands, and how new testing approaches are helping teams make the case for more commerce media investment.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I recap a panel I moderated at LiveRamp’s RampUp conference with DoorDash Ads and Nestlé’s frozen division.

[01:05] – Nestlé’s “rank and stack” approach: how the company evaluates retail media networks using a capability and scale grid.

[01:32] – Why retail media networks are actually competing with Google and Meta for budget (not just other retailers).

[02:15] – The pressure inside large CPGs to justify every media dollar with clear sales attribution.

[03:09] – DoorDash’s “ghost ads” incrementality testing method and why it matters for internal credibility.

[04:48] – How DoorDash moved from “pennies” in Nestlé’s budget to becoming a leader in their retail media investment.


Links & Resources

]]> Last week at the LiveRamp RampUp conference, I moderated a panel with DoorDash Ads’ Peter Giordano and Nestlé’s Nicole Lesinski. The conversation revealed something that a lot of retail media networks have been wondering about: how big CPG brands actually decide where their retail media dollars go.

In this episode, I break down Nicole’s candid explanation of how Nestlé ranks and evaluates retail media networks (using a structured grid that compares retailers not only to each other but also to giants like Google and Meta). I also unpack why measurement and incrementality are still major hurdles internally at even the largest brands, and how new testing approaches are helping teams make the case for more commerce media investment.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I recap a panel I moderated at LiveRamp’s RampUp conference with DoorDash Ads and Nestlé’s frozen division.

[01:05] – Nestlé’s “rank and stack” approach: how the company evaluates retail media networks using a capability and scale grid.

[01:32] – Why retail media networks are actually competing with Google and Meta for budget (not just other retailers).

[02:15] – The pressure inside large CPGs to justify every media dollar with clear sales attribution.

[03:09] – DoorDash’s “ghost ads” incrementality testing method and why it matters for internal credibility.

[04:48] – How DoorDash moved from “pennies” in Nestlé’s budget to becoming a leader in their retail media investment.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 463 Last week at the LiveRamp RampUp conference, I moderated a panel with DoorDash Ads’ Peter Giordano and Nestlé’s Nicole Lesinski. The conversation revealed something that a lot of retail media networks have been wondering about: how big CPG brands actually decide where their retail media dollars go.

In this episode, I break down Nicole’s candid explanation of how Nestlé ranks and evaluates retail media networks (using a structured grid that compares retailers not only to each other but also to giants like Google and Meta). I also unpack why measurement and incrementality are still major hurdles internally at even the largest brands, and how new testing approaches are helping teams make the case for more commerce media investment.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I recap a panel I moderated at LiveRamp’s RampUp conference with DoorDash Ads and Nestlé’s frozen division.

[01:05] – Nestlé’s “rank and stack” approach: how the company evaluates retail media networks using a capability and scale grid.

[01:32] – Why retail media networks are actually competing with Google and Meta for budget (not just other retailers).

[02:15] – The pressure inside large CPGs to justify every media dollar with clear sales attribution.

[03:09] – DoorDash’s “ghost ads” incrementality testing method and why it matters for internal credibility.

[04:48] – How DoorDash moved from “pennies” in Nestlé’s budget to becoming a leader in their retail media investment.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media network strategy, nestle retail media investment, commerce media measurement incrementality, CPG retail media budget allocation, retail media vs google meta advertising No PDP the New Homepage? How AI Shopping Is Reshaping Retail Media & Ecommerce [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 2 of 4] PDP the New Homepage? How AI Shopping Is Reshaping Retail Media & Ecommerce [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 2 of 4] full 9ed8f945-7c36-4a5e-b689-40e4a9b63289 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fcfd030 In episode 2 of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), we explore how AI is quietly reshaping the way consumers shop online, and why that shift could fundamentally change the role of the product detail page (PDP). As more shoppers use LLMs like ChatGPT to research products before ever visiting a retailer’s site, they’re increasingly landing directly on a single product page with their decision already made. That means fewer browsing moments, fewer signals, and potentially big implications for retail media.

I’m joined once again by Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what this new “AI-shaped” shopping journey means for retailers and brands. We discuss why the PDP might effectively become the new homepage, how retailers can design better onsite experiences for these shortened journeys, and why tactics like sampling, loyalty programs, and smart product adjacencies could become more important than ever.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I introduce the idea that in an AI-driven shopping journey, the product detail page may effectively become the new homepage.

[01:00] – I share my own shopping experience researching a product in ChatGPT and going straight from research to a PDP and checkout.

[02:25] – Amelia explains why retailers should rethink PDPs as “mini homepages” when traffic comes from LLMs and AI assistants.

[03:06] – We discuss designing the ideal shopper journey when a customer lands directly on a product page.

[04:27] – I talk about opportunities like upsells, sampling, and post-purchase engagement without overloading the user experience.

[05:11] – Amelia explains how shorter journeys could disrupt traditional retail media signals and why experimentation is essential.

[06:40] – We explore why loyalty programs may be making a comeback in an AI-driven commerce environment.


Links & Resources

]]> In episode 2 of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), we explore how AI is quietly reshaping the way consumers shop online, and why that shift could fundamentally change the role of the product detail page (PDP). As more shoppers use LLMs like ChatGPT to research products before ever visiting a retailer’s site, they’re increasingly landing directly on a single product page with their decision already made. That means fewer browsing moments, fewer signals, and potentially big implications for retail media.

I’m joined once again by Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what this new “AI-shaped” shopping journey means for retailers and brands. We discuss why the PDP might effectively become the new homepage, how retailers can design better onsite experiences for these shortened journeys, and why tactics like sampling, loyalty programs, and smart product adjacencies could become more important than ever.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I introduce the idea that in an AI-driven shopping journey, the product detail page may effectively become the new homepage.

[01:00] – I share my own shopping experience researching a product in ChatGPT and going straight from research to a PDP and checkout.

[02:25] – Amelia explains why retailers should rethink PDPs as “mini homepages” when traffic comes from LLMs and AI assistants.

[03:06] – We discuss designing the ideal shopper journey when a customer lands directly on a product page.

[04:27] – I talk about opportunities like upsells, sampling, and post-purchase engagement without overloading the user experience.

[05:11] – Amelia explains how shorter journeys could disrupt traditional retail media signals and why experimentation is essential.

[06:40] – We explore why loyalty programs may be making a comeback in an AI-driven commerce environment.


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 484 In episode 2 of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), we explore how AI is quietly reshaping the way consumers shop online, and why that shift could fundamentally change the role of the product detail page (PDP). As more shoppers use LLMs like ChatGPT to research products before ever visiting a retailer’s site, they’re increasingly landing directly on a single product page with their decision already made. That means fewer browsing moments, fewer signals, and potentially big implications for retail media.

I’m joined once again by Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what this new “AI-shaped” shopping journey means for retailers and brands. We discuss why the PDP might effectively become the new homepage, how retailers can design better onsite experiences for these shortened journeys, and why tactics like sampling, loyalty programs, and smart product adjacencies could become more important than ever.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – I introduce the idea that in an AI-driven shopping journey, the product detail page may effectively become the new homepage.

[01:00] – I share my own shopping experience researching a product in ChatGPT and going straight from research to a PDP and checkout.

[02:25] – Amelia explains why retailers should rethink PDPs as “mini homepages” when traffic comes from LLMs and AI assistants.

[03:06] – We discuss designing the ideal shopper journey when a customer lands directly on a product page.

[04:27] – I talk about opportunities like upsells, sampling, and post-purchase engagement without overloading the user experience.

[05:11] – Amelia explains how shorter journeys could disrupt traditional retail media signals and why experimentation is essential.

[06:40] – We explore why loyalty programs may be making a comeback in an AI-driven commerce environment.


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping journey, product detail page ecommerce strategy, retail media future AI, agentic commerce retail strategy, PDP optimization ecommerce No Dirty Secrets of Retail Media: 5 Ethical Dilemmas Brands Need to Know Dirty Secrets of Retail Media: 5 Ethical Dilemmas Brands Need to Know full be55acad-0f23-49ce-a4c5-0a27ce7852c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47ab0db2 Today I'm recapping a recent article I published on The Drum and digging into some of the ethical dilemmas emerging inside the retail media industry. The conversation was sparked by a very public campaign from my former boss, Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia, challenging agencies to return media rebates to clients. If traditional media has ethical gray areas around incentives and transparency, what does the retail media version look like?

Retail media has built its reputation on transparency, performance measurement, and closed-loop attribution. But as the dollars grow and the ecosystem matures, new tensions are surfacing. I explore five ethical challenges: from brands funding their own competition to agency incentives, consulting projections, industry echo chambers, and the subtle influence of corporate hospitality. If retail media wants to maintain its reputation as the “cleaner” alternative to traditional advertising, these are the questions the industry needs to confront.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – What are the ethical dilemmas in retail media?

[01:33] – How private label products benefit from retail media systems funded by national brands.

[03:15] – How retail media deals and perks can quietly tilt the playing field toward larger agencies and brands.

[06:36] – Consultants selling the retail media dream: when hockey-stick projections collide with operational reality.

[08:30] – Industry events with retailers, consultants, and vendors, but too few brand voices.

[09:00] – Corporate hospitality and influence: from cabanas at Cannes, to the broader question of where investment should really go.


Links & Resources

]]> Today I'm recapping a recent article I published on The Drum and digging into some of the ethical dilemmas emerging inside the retail media industry. The conversation was sparked by a very public campaign from my former boss, Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia, challenging agencies to return media rebates to clients. If traditional media has ethical gray areas around incentives and transparency, what does the retail media version look like?

Retail media has built its reputation on transparency, performance measurement, and closed-loop attribution. But as the dollars grow and the ecosystem matures, new tensions are surfacing. I explore five ethical challenges: from brands funding their own competition to agency incentives, consulting projections, industry echo chambers, and the subtle influence of corporate hospitality. If retail media wants to maintain its reputation as the “cleaner” alternative to traditional advertising, these are the questions the industry needs to confront.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – What are the ethical dilemmas in retail media?

[01:33] – How private label products benefit from retail media systems funded by national brands.

[03:15] – How retail media deals and perks can quietly tilt the playing field toward larger agencies and brands.

[06:36] – Consultants selling the retail media dream: when hockey-stick projections collide with operational reality.

[08:30] – Industry events with retailers, consultants, and vendors, but too few brand voices.

[09:00] – Corporate hospitality and influence: from cabanas at Cannes, to the broader question of where investment should really go.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 611 Today I'm recapping a recent article I published on The Drum and digging into some of the ethical dilemmas emerging inside the retail media industry. The conversation was sparked by a very public campaign from my former boss, Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia, challenging agencies to return media rebates to clients. If traditional media has ethical gray areas around incentives and transparency, what does the retail media version look like?

Retail media has built its reputation on transparency, performance measurement, and closed-loop attribution. But as the dollars grow and the ecosystem matures, new tensions are surfacing. I explore five ethical challenges: from brands funding their own competition to agency incentives, consulting projections, industry echo chambers, and the subtle influence of corporate hospitality. If retail media wants to maintain its reputation as the “cleaner” alternative to traditional advertising, these are the questions the industry needs to confront.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – What are the ethical dilemmas in retail media?

[01:33] – How private label products benefit from retail media systems funded by national brands.

[03:15] – How retail media deals and perks can quietly tilt the playing field toward larger agencies and brands.

[06:36] – Consultants selling the retail media dream: when hockey-stick projections collide with operational reality.

[08:30] – Industry events with retailers, consultants, and vendors, but too few brand voices.

[09:00] – Corporate hospitality and influence: from cabanas at Cannes, to the broader question of where investment should really go.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media ethics, retail media transparency issues, retail media private label competition, retail media agency incentives rebates, retail media industry challenges No AI, Retail Media & First-Party Data: What Everyone Is Really Saying After RampUp 2026 AI, Retail Media & First-Party Data: What Everyone Is Really Saying After RampUp 2026 full c40a4336-b94e-4796-a32c-47523d7f7ed2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f5945d4 I just got back from LiveRamp’s RampUp conference, one of the most interesting gatherings in commerce media right now. If you work in retail media, data collaboration, or advertising measurement, this event has become a must-watch moment for where the industry is heading. In 2026, the big theme running through the conference halls was offsite retail media and the role of first-party data. But the real insights came from the hallway conversations.

I grabbed a few industry peers and asked them for their honest takeaways from RampUp. We talked about the AI inflection point everyone is feeling, the uncertainty around agentic AI, the real pace of disruption in retail media, and why data might still be the industry’s biggest missed opportunity. If you want a quick pulse check on how leaders across the ecosystem are thinking about what’s next, this episode gives you exactly that.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My overview of RampUp 2026 and why first-party data and offsite retail media dominated the conversation.

[01:00] – Ian Simpson (Sensor Tower) shares why the industry feels like it’s at a strange AI inflection point, with excitement, uncertainty, and plenty of unanswered questions.

[02:15] – The vibe shift from two years ago: instead of scrambling to solve the cookie-less future, many companies now feel like they’re “holding their breath” waiting to see what happens next.

[02:45] – Sean Crawford (SMG North America) weighs in on agentic AI and why it’s unlikely to disrupt retail media or shopping behavior overnight.

[04:00] – Nicole Lesinski (Nestlé USA) talks about collaborating with partners like DoorDash and how brands are using data clean rooms to turn insights into action.

[07:00] – Praveen Menon explains how AI could eventually transform media planning, making it possible to test and execute strategies in minutes instead of days.


Links & Resources

]]> I just got back from LiveRamp’s RampUp conference, one of the most interesting gatherings in commerce media right now. If you work in retail media, data collaboration, or advertising measurement, this event has become a must-watch moment for where the industry is heading. In 2026, the big theme running through the conference halls was offsite retail media and the role of first-party data. But the real insights came from the hallway conversations.

I grabbed a few industry peers and asked them for their honest takeaways from RampUp. We talked about the AI inflection point everyone is feeling, the uncertainty around agentic AI, the real pace of disruption in retail media, and why data might still be the industry’s biggest missed opportunity. If you want a quick pulse check on how leaders across the ecosystem are thinking about what’s next, this episode gives you exactly that.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My overview of RampUp 2026 and why first-party data and offsite retail media dominated the conversation.

[01:00] – Ian Simpson (Sensor Tower) shares why the industry feels like it’s at a strange AI inflection point, with excitement, uncertainty, and plenty of unanswered questions.

[02:15] – The vibe shift from two years ago: instead of scrambling to solve the cookie-less future, many companies now feel like they’re “holding their breath” waiting to see what happens next.

[02:45] – Sean Crawford (SMG North America) weighs in on agentic AI and why it’s unlikely to disrupt retail media or shopping behavior overnight.

[04:00] – Nicole Lesinski (Nestlé USA) talks about collaborating with partners like DoorDash and how brands are using data clean rooms to turn insights into action.

[07:00] – Praveen Menon explains how AI could eventually transform media planning, making it possible to test and execute strategies in minutes instead of days.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 545 I just got back from LiveRamp’s RampUp conference, one of the most interesting gatherings in commerce media right now. If you work in retail media, data collaboration, or advertising measurement, this event has become a must-watch moment for where the industry is heading. In 2026, the big theme running through the conference halls was offsite retail media and the role of first-party data. But the real insights came from the hallway conversations.

I grabbed a few industry peers and asked them for their honest takeaways from RampUp. We talked about the AI inflection point everyone is feeling, the uncertainty around agentic AI, the real pace of disruption in retail media, and why data might still be the industry’s biggest missed opportunity. If you want a quick pulse check on how leaders across the ecosystem are thinking about what’s next, this episode gives you exactly that.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My overview of RampUp 2026 and why first-party data and offsite retail media dominated the conversation.

[01:00] – Ian Simpson (Sensor Tower) shares why the industry feels like it’s at a strange AI inflection point, with excitement, uncertainty, and plenty of unanswered questions.

[02:15] – The vibe shift from two years ago: instead of scrambling to solve the cookie-less future, many companies now feel like they’re “holding their breath” waiting to see what happens next.

[02:45] – Sean Crawford (SMG North America) weighs in on agentic AI and why it’s unlikely to disrupt retail media or shopping behavior overnight.

[04:00] – Nicole Lesinski (Nestlé USA) talks about collaborating with partners like DoorDash and how brands are using data clean rooms to turn insights into action.

[07:00] – Praveen Menon explains how AI could eventually transform media planning, making it possible to test and execute strategies in minutes instead of days.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media trends 2026, LiveRamp RampUp conference insights, AI in retail media networks, first party data advertising strategy, commerce media industry trends No Why Retail Media Can’t Unlock Brand Budgets (Until Brands Fix This One Thing) Why Retail Media Can’t Unlock Brand Budgets (Until Brands Fix This One Thing) full 9be2d5c5-f733-425a-a586-486842321ac1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4fa0256 Retail media networks want brand dollars — that part isn’t new. But what is new (and honestly, under-discussed) is the uncomfortable reality that many brands are structurally incapable of spending those dollars through retail media… even when they want to.

In this episode of Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live with Jordan Witmer of Salt XC. We unpack what really happens when retail media networks go after brand marketing budgets. And why the biggest barrier isn’t capability or demand: it’s internal budget ownership, misaligned KPIs, and wildly different definitions of “credible reporting.” 

If you’ve ever wondered why retail media feels like a slam dunk in one meeting and a total mismatch in another, this conversation will connect the dots!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – What actually happens when retail media networks come calling for brand budgets?
[01:03] – The single strongest predictor of how a brand will evaluate retail media: who owns the budget.
[01:47] – The friction between sales teams and brand media teams, and why “streaming that goes everywhere” creates tension.
[02:23] – The infamous brief: “Build awareness and drive sales.” Why vague objectives lead to what Jordan calls “franking campaigns.”
[04:45] – What “credible reporting” really means, and why that definition completely changes depending on who you're talking to.
[06:45] – How platforms like Meta cemented themselves in brand budgets, and what retail media networks can learn from their approach.


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks want brand dollars — that part isn’t new. But what is new (and honestly, under-discussed) is the uncomfortable reality that many brands are structurally incapable of spending those dollars through retail media… even when they want to.

In this episode of Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live with Jordan Witmer of Salt XC. We unpack what really happens when retail media networks go after brand marketing budgets. And why the biggest barrier isn’t capability or demand: it’s internal budget ownership, misaligned KPIs, and wildly different definitions of “credible reporting.” 

If you’ve ever wondered why retail media feels like a slam dunk in one meeting and a total mismatch in another, this conversation will connect the dots!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – What actually happens when retail media networks come calling for brand budgets?
[01:03] – The single strongest predictor of how a brand will evaluate retail media: who owns the budget.
[01:47] – The friction between sales teams and brand media teams, and why “streaming that goes everywhere” creates tension.
[02:23] – The infamous brief: “Build awareness and drive sales.” Why vague objectives lead to what Jordan calls “franking campaigns.”
[04:45] – What “credible reporting” really means, and why that definition completely changes depending on who you're talking to.
[06:45] – How platforms like Meta cemented themselves in brand budgets, and what retail media networks can learn from their approach.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 587 Retail media networks want brand dollars — that part isn’t new. But what is new (and honestly, under-discussed) is the uncomfortable reality that many brands are structurally incapable of spending those dollars through retail media… even when they want to.

In this episode of Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live with Jordan Witmer of Salt XC. We unpack what really happens when retail media networks go after brand marketing budgets. And why the biggest barrier isn’t capability or demand: it’s internal budget ownership, misaligned KPIs, and wildly different definitions of “credible reporting.” 

If you’ve ever wondered why retail media feels like a slam dunk in one meeting and a total mismatch in another, this conversation will connect the dots!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – What actually happens when retail media networks come calling for brand budgets?
[01:03] – The single strongest predictor of how a brand will evaluate retail media: who owns the budget.
[01:47] – The friction between sales teams and brand media teams, and why “streaming that goes everywhere” creates tension.
[02:23] – The infamous brief: “Build awareness and drive sales.” Why vague objectives lead to what Jordan calls “franking campaigns.”
[04:45] – What “credible reporting” really means, and why that definition completely changes depending on who you're talking to.
[06:45] – How platforms like Meta cemented themselves in brand budgets, and what retail media networks can learn from their approach.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media brand budgets, retail media measurement challenges, retail media vs brand marketing, retail media reporting credibility, commerce media strategy No AI Shopping Is Here: How LLMs Are Rewriting Retail Discovery [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 1 of 4] AI Shopping Is Here: How LLMs Are Rewriting Retail Discovery [Agentic Commerce Expert Series Part 1 of 4] full d6012120-accf-44b7-954d-91b792805bc5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/525a8f79 LLMs aren’t just answering questions anymore: they’re becoming the very first step of the shopping journey. In the kickoff episode of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), I sit down with Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what’s really happening as product discovery moves upstream into AI assistants.

We get into what consumers are actually doing inside LLMs today, why 'discovery' now looks completely different from traditional search, and what retailers should prioritize before launching their own shiny AI shopping assistants. If AI agents are scraping your product pages and deciding what to recommend, the real question is: do they trust your data? This episode breaks down how ranking, trust, intent-based attributes, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are reshaping the rules of retail.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why LLMs are becoming the first step of shopping, and what that means for retailers
[00:45] – Amelia’s role as Head of Agentic Commerce and how Mirakl is approaching AI-first commerce
[02:45] – The data behind AI-assisted shopping (including in-store usage)
[05:09] – What makes LLM-based discovery fundamentally different from traditional advertising and search
[06:45] – What AI agents actually look for on your product pages (and why trust is everything)
[08:59] – Intent-based attributes, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and how to optimize for AI-driven ranking
[10:45] – Why retail sites won’t die despite the fact that decision-making has officially moved upstream


Links & Resources

]]> LLMs aren’t just answering questions anymore: they’re becoming the very first step of the shopping journey. In the kickoff episode of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), I sit down with Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what’s really happening as product discovery moves upstream into AI assistants.

We get into what consumers are actually doing inside LLMs today, why 'discovery' now looks completely different from traditional search, and what retailers should prioritize before launching their own shiny AI shopping assistants. If AI agents are scraping your product pages and deciding what to recommend, the real question is: do they trust your data? This episode breaks down how ranking, trust, intent-based attributes, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are reshaping the rules of retail.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why LLMs are becoming the first step of shopping, and what that means for retailers
[00:45] – Amelia’s role as Head of Agentic Commerce and how Mirakl is approaching AI-first commerce
[02:45] – The data behind AI-assisted shopping (including in-store usage)
[05:09] – What makes LLM-based discovery fundamentally different from traditional advertising and search
[06:45] – What AI agents actually look for on your product pages (and why trust is everything)
[08:59] – Intent-based attributes, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and how to optimize for AI-driven ranking
[10:45] – Why retail sites won’t die despite the fact that decision-making has officially moved upstream


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 685 LLMs aren’t just answering questions anymore: they’re becoming the very first step of the shopping journey. In the kickoff episode of this four-part Agentic Commerce Expert Series (sponsored by Mirakl Ads), I sit down with Amelia Van Camp, Head of Agentic Commerce at Mirakl, to unpack what’s really happening as product discovery moves upstream into AI assistants.

We get into what consumers are actually doing inside LLMs today, why 'discovery' now looks completely different from traditional search, and what retailers should prioritize before launching their own shiny AI shopping assistants. If AI agents are scraping your product pages and deciding what to recommend, the real question is: do they trust your data? This episode breaks down how ranking, trust, intent-based attributes, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are reshaping the rules of retail.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why LLMs are becoming the first step of shopping, and what that means for retailers
[00:45] – Amelia’s role as Head of Agentic Commerce and how Mirakl is approaching AI-first commerce
[02:45] – The data behind AI-assisted shopping (including in-store usage)
[05:09] – What makes LLM-based discovery fundamentally different from traditional advertising and search
[06:45] – What AI agents actually look for on your product pages (and why trust is everything)
[08:59] – Intent-based attributes, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and how to optimize for AI-driven ranking
[10:45] – Why retail sites won’t die despite the fact that decision-making has officially moved upstream


Links & Resources

]]> retail media AI strategy, generative engine optimization GEO, agentic commerce retail, AI shopping assistants ecommerce, LLM product discovery retail No US vs EU Retail Media: The 5 Structural Barriers Reshaping In-Store Advertising US vs EU Retail Media: The 5 Structural Barriers Reshaping In-Store Advertising full 0fc6161e-d74b-4ad8-8756-9f556cb6dfbe https://share.transistor.fm/s/599d6252 I wasn’t expecting a transatlantic debate when I published a piece about Sam's Club’s in-store retail media success. But what followed was a lively pushback from European retail media leaders who argued that in-store has been operating at scale in their markets for years. That sparked a much bigger question: Are US retail media networks behind in physical formats, or are these markets fundamentally different?

This episode is a summary of my recent article for The Drum, in which I break down the critical structural and organizational differences between US and EU retail media operations. From regulation and budget flows, to ecommerce penetration and store density, I unpack why both sides are right, and why understanding these nuances matters if you want to build a smarter retail media strategy in 2026 and beyond.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The unexpected controversy after I published my piece on Sam’s Club’s in-store retail media performance.

[01:08] – Why in-store represents just 3.3% of US retail media spend (excluding Amazon), and how that compares to Europe.

[02:30] – The five hard structural barriers shaping US vs EU retail media.

[02:54] – The impact of the Robinson-Patman Act on trade budgets vs retail media budgets in the US.

[05:49] – How GDPR and stricter European privacy laws influence data monetization and offsite audience extension.

[06:45] – Store density, geography, and why in-store screen economics look very different in Europe versus suburban America.


Links & Resources

]]> I wasn’t expecting a transatlantic debate when I published a piece about Sam's Club’s in-store retail media success. But what followed was a lively pushback from European retail media leaders who argued that in-store has been operating at scale in their markets for years. That sparked a much bigger question: Are US retail media networks behind in physical formats, or are these markets fundamentally different?

This episode is a summary of my recent article for The Drum, in which I break down the critical structural and organizational differences between US and EU retail media operations. From regulation and budget flows, to ecommerce penetration and store density, I unpack why both sides are right, and why understanding these nuances matters if you want to build a smarter retail media strategy in 2026 and beyond.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The unexpected controversy after I published my piece on Sam’s Club’s in-store retail media performance.

[01:08] – Why in-store represents just 3.3% of US retail media spend (excluding Amazon), and how that compares to Europe.

[02:30] – The five hard structural barriers shaping US vs EU retail media.

[02:54] – The impact of the Robinson-Patman Act on trade budgets vs retail media budgets in the US.

[05:49] – How GDPR and stricter European privacy laws influence data monetization and offsite audience extension.

[06:45] – Store density, geography, and why in-store screen economics look very different in Europe versus suburban America.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 514 I wasn’t expecting a transatlantic debate when I published a piece about Sam's Club’s in-store retail media success. But what followed was a lively pushback from European retail media leaders who argued that in-store has been operating at scale in their markets for years. That sparked a much bigger question: Are US retail media networks behind in physical formats, or are these markets fundamentally different?

This episode is a summary of my recent article for The Drum, in which I break down the critical structural and organizational differences between US and EU retail media operations. From regulation and budget flows, to ecommerce penetration and store density, I unpack why both sides are right, and why understanding these nuances matters if you want to build a smarter retail media strategy in 2026 and beyond.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The unexpected controversy after I published my piece on Sam’s Club’s in-store retail media performance.

[01:08] – Why in-store represents just 3.3% of US retail media spend (excluding Amazon), and how that compares to Europe.

[02:30] – The five hard structural barriers shaping US vs EU retail media.

[02:54] – The impact of the Robinson-Patman Act on trade budgets vs retail media budgets in the US.

[05:49] – How GDPR and stricter European privacy laws influence data monetization and offsite audience extension.

[06:45] – Store density, geography, and why in-store screen economics look very different in Europe versus suburban America.


Links & Resources

]]> US vs EU retail media differences, in-store retail media Europe vs America, Robinson-Patman Act retail media impact, GDPR retail media advertising, retail media network structural barriers No Retail Media 3.0: Why AI & Agentic Commerce Could Spark the Golden Era of Advertising Retail Media 3.0: Why AI & Agentic Commerce Could Spark the Golden Era of Advertising full bc90cddc-5e52-4062-a761-d8ae6aa5e33d https://share.transistor.fm/s/40c90396 Tom I’m sharing highlights from a conversation I had on the Retailgentic podcast with Scot Wingo, one of the sharpest thinkers tracking agentic commerce and how AI is reshaping the shopping journey. I’ve spent plenty of time talking about the threats AI-enabled shopping poses to retail media — compressed journeys, fewer page views, shrinking onsite inventory — but in this conversation, we go deeper. What happens next?

We unpack what Retail Media 3.0 could actually look like. From collaborative bidding between brands and retailers, to new AI-driven ad surfaces inside tools like Gemini and Rufus, to the promise (and risks) of contextual targeting inside LLMs: this could be the moment retail media stops feeling like margin extraction and starts becoming a true win-win. If brands and retailers are willing to rethink the model, this may just be the best era of retail media yet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why agentic commerce is reshaping everything we thought we knew about the shopping journey.

[01:08] – Are AI shopping agents just customer support tools, or are they about to fundamentally change product discovery and accelerate shoppers straight to PDPs?

[02:15] – The uncomfortable truth: some retail media budgets feel like margin extraction. What has to change to create real brand–retailer alignment?

[04:49] – Collaborative bidding explained: how brands like Maytag and retailers like Lowe’s can jointly fund ads, and why this model could become even more important in AI environments.

[06:08] – The ad tech enabling collaborative retail media (including Symbiosys and Ampd) and what’s happening behind the scenes operationally.

[08:15] – Contextual targeting vs. “creepy” behavioral targeting: why I’m hoping AI models learn to target the query (rather than the shopper) and what that means for Retail Media 3.0.


Links & Resources

]]> Tom I’m sharing highlights from a conversation I had on the Retailgentic podcast with Scot Wingo, one of the sharpest thinkers tracking agentic commerce and how AI is reshaping the shopping journey. I’ve spent plenty of time talking about the threats AI-enabled shopping poses to retail media — compressed journeys, fewer page views, shrinking onsite inventory — but in this conversation, we go deeper. What happens next?

We unpack what Retail Media 3.0 could actually look like. From collaborative bidding between brands and retailers, to new AI-driven ad surfaces inside tools like Gemini and Rufus, to the promise (and risks) of contextual targeting inside LLMs: this could be the moment retail media stops feeling like margin extraction and starts becoming a true win-win. If brands and retailers are willing to rethink the model, this may just be the best era of retail media yet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why agentic commerce is reshaping everything we thought we knew about the shopping journey.

[01:08] – Are AI shopping agents just customer support tools, or are they about to fundamentally change product discovery and accelerate shoppers straight to PDPs?

[02:15] – The uncomfortable truth: some retail media budgets feel like margin extraction. What has to change to create real brand–retailer alignment?

[04:49] – Collaborative bidding explained: how brands like Maytag and retailers like Lowe’s can jointly fund ads, and why this model could become even more important in AI environments.

[06:08] – The ad tech enabling collaborative retail media (including Symbiosys and Ampd) and what’s happening behind the scenes operationally.

[08:15] – Contextual targeting vs. “creepy” behavioral targeting: why I’m hoping AI models learn to target the query (rather than the shopper) and what that means for Retail Media 3.0.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 694 Tom I’m sharing highlights from a conversation I had on the Retailgentic podcast with Scot Wingo, one of the sharpest thinkers tracking agentic commerce and how AI is reshaping the shopping journey. I’ve spent plenty of time talking about the threats AI-enabled shopping poses to retail media — compressed journeys, fewer page views, shrinking onsite inventory — but in this conversation, we go deeper. What happens next?

We unpack what Retail Media 3.0 could actually look like. From collaborative bidding between brands and retailers, to new AI-driven ad surfaces inside tools like Gemini and Rufus, to the promise (and risks) of contextual targeting inside LLMs: this could be the moment retail media stops feeling like margin extraction and starts becoming a true win-win. If brands and retailers are willing to rethink the model, this may just be the best era of retail media yet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why agentic commerce is reshaping everything we thought we knew about the shopping journey.

[01:08] – Are AI shopping agents just customer support tools, or are they about to fundamentally change product discovery and accelerate shoppers straight to PDPs?

[02:15] – The uncomfortable truth: some retail media budgets feel like margin extraction. What has to change to create real brand–retailer alignment?

[04:49] – Collaborative bidding explained: how brands like Maytag and retailers like Lowe’s can jointly fund ads, and why this model could become even more important in AI environments.

[06:08] – The ad tech enabling collaborative retail media (including Symbiosys and Ampd) and what’s happening behind the scenes operationally.

[08:15] – Contextual targeting vs. “creepy” behavioral targeting: why I’m hoping AI models learn to target the query (rather than the shopper) and what that means for Retail Media 3.0.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media 3.0, agentic commerce AI shopping, collaborative bidding retail media, contextual targeting AI ads, retail media networks future No ROAS Refuses to Die: The Retail Media Measurement Problem No One Wants to Fix ROAS Refuses to Die: The Retail Media Measurement Problem No One Wants to Fix full 5e8a2766-3560-44b7-9844-a75fa999818d https://share.transistor.fm/s/706bf98b Every parent has drawn a line in the sand and declared war on screen time… until 5:00 PM hits and the iPad comes flying in to remedy a meltdown so you can make dinner. That’s exactly what’s happening with ROAS in retail media. We all agree it’s flawed. We all agree it’s incomplete. And yet, we keep going back on our word and using it as a gold standard.

In this episode, I unpack new research from adtech publication ADOTAT that puts hard numbers behind what many of us already feel: brands don’t trust retail media measurement, but budgets continue to climb anyway. I break down the incentive structures keeping ROAS alive, the uncomfortable truth about incrementality testing, and what top-performing brands are doing differently to escape the trap. 

If you’ve ever questioned whether your retail media measurement is actually telling you the truth, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why ROAS is like screen time for parents: we say we’ll cut back… but we don’t.
[01:00] – Media buyers are frustrated with RMN measurement — so why are budgets still growing?
[02:10] – The collective action problem keeping ROAS firmly in place.
[03:15] – Why CFOs love ROAS (and why incrementality struggles to compete).
[05:30] – In defense of ROAS: when it’s 'good enough' and why incrementality doesn’t always pan out.
[07:10] – What will actually kill ROAS? The brands building their own measurement operating systems.


Links & Resources

]]> Every parent has drawn a line in the sand and declared war on screen time… until 5:00 PM hits and the iPad comes flying in to remedy a meltdown so you can make dinner. That’s exactly what’s happening with ROAS in retail media. We all agree it’s flawed. We all agree it’s incomplete. And yet, we keep going back on our word and using it as a gold standard.

In this episode, I unpack new research from adtech publication ADOTAT that puts hard numbers behind what many of us already feel: brands don’t trust retail media measurement, but budgets continue to climb anyway. I break down the incentive structures keeping ROAS alive, the uncomfortable truth about incrementality testing, and what top-performing brands are doing differently to escape the trap. 

If you’ve ever questioned whether your retail media measurement is actually telling you the truth, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why ROAS is like screen time for parents: we say we’ll cut back… but we don’t.
[01:00] – Media buyers are frustrated with RMN measurement — so why are budgets still growing?
[02:10] – The collective action problem keeping ROAS firmly in place.
[03:15] – Why CFOs love ROAS (and why incrementality struggles to compete).
[05:30] – In defense of ROAS: when it’s 'good enough' and why incrementality doesn’t always pan out.
[07:10] – What will actually kill ROAS? The brands building their own measurement operating systems.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 522 Every parent has drawn a line in the sand and declared war on screen time… until 5:00 PM hits and the iPad comes flying in to remedy a meltdown so you can make dinner. That’s exactly what’s happening with ROAS in retail media. We all agree it’s flawed. We all agree it’s incomplete. And yet, we keep going back on our word and using it as a gold standard.

In this episode, I unpack new research from adtech publication ADOTAT that puts hard numbers behind what many of us already feel: brands don’t trust retail media measurement, but budgets continue to climb anyway. I break down the incentive structures keeping ROAS alive, the uncomfortable truth about incrementality testing, and what top-performing brands are doing differently to escape the trap. 

If you’ve ever questioned whether your retail media measurement is actually telling you the truth, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why ROAS is like screen time for parents: we say we’ll cut back… but we don’t.
[01:00] – Media buyers are frustrated with RMN measurement — so why are budgets still growing?
[02:10] – The collective action problem keeping ROAS firmly in place.
[03:15] – Why CFOs love ROAS (and why incrementality struggles to compete).
[05:30] – In defense of ROAS: when it’s 'good enough' and why incrementality doesn’t always pan out.
[07:10] – What will actually kill ROAS? The brands building their own measurement operating systems.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media measurement, ROAS vs incrementality, retail media network advertising, retail media ROI analysis, retail media strategy 2026 No AI Won’t Kill Advertising: The Bull Case AI Won’t Kill Advertising: The Bull Case full 4201d57e-2201-4dee-93a1-036cd13b8cf3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a19dfe39 Last week, a viral report predicting an AI-driven economic collapse rattled financial markets. And honestly, I understand why it spread so fast. The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis paints a clean, compelling doom narrative: AI replaces white-collar workers, consumers disappear, and the economy collapses under its own automation. But I think that story is dangerously incomplete.

In this episode, I break down Eric Seufert’s powerful counter-argument outlined in his new podcast series, The Prosperous Society, which showcases the AI bull case for advertising and the digital economy. I share snippets from Part 1: The Primacy of Distribution and add commentary about why AI may be deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution, why advertising isn’t about creating demand but routing it, and what this means for retail media in a world of AI shopping agents. 

If you work in retail media, commerce media, ad tech, or digital advertising strategy, this is a POV you need to hear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The viral 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis report and why its AI doomer thesis spread so quickly

[01:00] – Introducing Eric Seufert and his AI bull case for the digital economy

[02:15] – Advertising as demand routing, not demand creation, and why this distinction matters

[04:00] – How targeting shifts the value distribution and drives profitable user economics

[08:02] – AI is deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution

[10:15] – In an agentic commerce world, someone still controls the catalog (and allocation equals advertising)


Links & Resources

]]> Last week, a viral report predicting an AI-driven economic collapse rattled financial markets. And honestly, I understand why it spread so fast. The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis paints a clean, compelling doom narrative: AI replaces white-collar workers, consumers disappear, and the economy collapses under its own automation. But I think that story is dangerously incomplete.

In this episode, I break down Eric Seufert’s powerful counter-argument outlined in his new podcast series, The Prosperous Society, which showcases the AI bull case for advertising and the digital economy. I share snippets from Part 1: The Primacy of Distribution and add commentary about why AI may be deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution, why advertising isn’t about creating demand but routing it, and what this means for retail media in a world of AI shopping agents. 

If you work in retail media, commerce media, ad tech, or digital advertising strategy, this is a POV you need to hear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The viral 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis report and why its AI doomer thesis spread so quickly

[01:00] – Introducing Eric Seufert and his AI bull case for the digital economy

[02:15] – Advertising as demand routing, not demand creation, and why this distinction matters

[04:00] – How targeting shifts the value distribution and drives profitable user economics

[08:02] – AI is deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution

[10:15] – In an agentic commerce world, someone still controls the catalog (and allocation equals advertising)


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 768 Last week, a viral report predicting an AI-driven economic collapse rattled financial markets. And honestly, I understand why it spread so fast. The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis paints a clean, compelling doom narrative: AI replaces white-collar workers, consumers disappear, and the economy collapses under its own automation. But I think that story is dangerously incomplete.

In this episode, I break down Eric Seufert’s powerful counter-argument outlined in his new podcast series, The Prosperous Society, which showcases the AI bull case for advertising and the digital economy. I share snippets from Part 1: The Primacy of Distribution and add commentary about why AI may be deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution, why advertising isn’t about creating demand but routing it, and what this means for retail media in a world of AI shopping agents. 

If you work in retail media, commerce media, ad tech, or digital advertising strategy, this is a POV you need to hear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The viral 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis report and why its AI doomer thesis spread so quickly

[01:00] – Introducing Eric Seufert and his AI bull case for the digital economy

[02:15] – Advertising as demand routing, not demand creation, and why this distinction matters

[04:00] – How targeting shifts the value distribution and drives profitable user economics

[08:02] – AI is deflationary for production but inflationary for distribution

[10:15] – In an agentic commerce world, someone still controls the catalog (and allocation equals advertising)


Links & Resources

]]> AI retail media strategy, AI agents and advertising, demand routing vs demand creation, generative AI digital advertising, future of retail media networks No Dark Search & Broken Retail Media Signals: How AI Shopping Is Reshaping the Future of Commerce Dark Search & Broken Retail Media Signals: How AI Shopping Is Reshaping the Future of Commerce full 6c10e283-9359-4aa3-9467-0aafa4d0da9a https://share.transistor.fm/s/82f095bb Every major disruption in retail follows the same pattern: a constraint gets removed, customers win, and the incumbent’s profit engine breaks. In this episode, I connect the dots between past retail revolutions and what’s unfolding right now with AI-enabled shopping. We’re watching browsing behavior disappear, signals degrade, and measurement stories get fuzzier — and that has major implications for retail media.

I unpack the rise of 'dark search' and 'dark intent,' share real-world examples (including one of my own recent purchase journeys), and break down four practical moves retailers and media buyers should be making today. This isn’t about declaring retail media dead. It’s about recognizing that the ground is shifting, and understanding what comes next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The pattern behind every major retail disruption, and why retail media’s profit engine may be next at risk.

[01:25] – How AI-enabled shopping changes the purchase journey (and what retailers lose when research happens inside LLMs).

[02:30] – Defining 'dark search' and 'dark intent' and why retailers may be blind to shopper decision-making.

[04:07] – Four strategic moves retailers and media buyers should make now, starting with going where inspiration begins.

[06:15] – Rethinking the product detail page for the LLM-driven shopper journey.

[07:27] – Why physical stores may be the most defensible asset in the retail media stack.


Links & Resources

]]> Every major disruption in retail follows the same pattern: a constraint gets removed, customers win, and the incumbent’s profit engine breaks. In this episode, I connect the dots between past retail revolutions and what’s unfolding right now with AI-enabled shopping. We’re watching browsing behavior disappear, signals degrade, and measurement stories get fuzzier — and that has major implications for retail media.

I unpack the rise of 'dark search' and 'dark intent,' share real-world examples (including one of my own recent purchase journeys), and break down four practical moves retailers and media buyers should be making today. This isn’t about declaring retail media dead. It’s about recognizing that the ground is shifting, and understanding what comes next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The pattern behind every major retail disruption, and why retail media’s profit engine may be next at risk.

[01:25] – How AI-enabled shopping changes the purchase journey (and what retailers lose when research happens inside LLMs).

[02:30] – Defining 'dark search' and 'dark intent' and why retailers may be blind to shopper decision-making.

[04:07] – Four strategic moves retailers and media buyers should make now, starting with going where inspiration begins.

[06:15] – Rethinking the product detail page for the LLM-driven shopper journey.

[07:27] – Why physical stores may be the most defensible asset in the retail media stack.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 518 Every major disruption in retail follows the same pattern: a constraint gets removed, customers win, and the incumbent’s profit engine breaks. In this episode, I connect the dots between past retail revolutions and what’s unfolding right now with AI-enabled shopping. We’re watching browsing behavior disappear, signals degrade, and measurement stories get fuzzier — and that has major implications for retail media.

I unpack the rise of 'dark search' and 'dark intent,' share real-world examples (including one of my own recent purchase journeys), and break down four practical moves retailers and media buyers should be making today. This isn’t about declaring retail media dead. It’s about recognizing that the ground is shifting, and understanding what comes next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The pattern behind every major retail disruption, and why retail media’s profit engine may be next at risk.

[01:25] – How AI-enabled shopping changes the purchase journey (and what retailers lose when research happens inside LLMs).

[02:30] – Defining 'dark search' and 'dark intent' and why retailers may be blind to shopper decision-making.

[04:07] – Four strategic moves retailers and media buyers should make now, starting with going where inspiration begins.

[06:15] – Rethinking the product detail page for the LLM-driven shopper journey.

[07:27] – Why physical stores may be the most defensible asset in the retail media stack.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media disruption, AI shopping behavior, dark search retail, LLM commerce impact, retail media strategy 2026 No Retail Media Standards Showdown: Why Brands Want Them (And Why Retailers Push Back) Retail Media Standards Showdown: Why Brands Want Them (And Why Retailers Push Back) full 640b02cc-7129-4dda-bc95-da5a78c203fa https://share.transistor.fm/s/7dcb6606 Today I’m diving into one of the biggest debates in retail media right now: brands are demanding standardization, and retailers are saying it’s not that simple. So… do they kind of have a point?

Using a bolognese sauce analogy (stay with me!), I unpack why every retail media network has its own 'recipe' for measurement, reporting, and ad offerings, and why that might not be entirely by accident. We’ll explore the real reasons behind the resistance to standardization, the tension around transparency and comparability, and what brands and retailers should actually be focusing on as retail media growth begins to cool. 

If measurement, incrementality, ROAS, and retail media investment strategy are on your mind, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks are like bolognese sauce: same dish, wildly different recipes.
[01:05] – How retailers built their tech stacks, and why many weren’t designed for modern retail media.
[02:15] – Brands are voting with their wallets: why most only invest in 6–8 RMNs despite the dozens that are available.
[03:15] – Why specialty retailers push back on standardization (and why Amazon and Walmart aren’t the right comparison).
[04:20] – The technical and economic realities holding retailers back from upgrading measurement systems.
[07:00] – Are brands part of the problem? Custom metrics, attribution windows, and internal misalignment.
[08:45] – What brand surveys really say about measurement, profitability, and standardization priorities.
[09:15] – The path forward: focusing on business outcomes over perfect comparability.


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m diving into one of the biggest debates in retail media right now: brands are demanding standardization, and retailers are saying it’s not that simple. So… do they kind of have a point?

Using a bolognese sauce analogy (stay with me!), I unpack why every retail media network has its own 'recipe' for measurement, reporting, and ad offerings, and why that might not be entirely by accident. We’ll explore the real reasons behind the resistance to standardization, the tension around transparency and comparability, and what brands and retailers should actually be focusing on as retail media growth begins to cool. 

If measurement, incrementality, ROAS, and retail media investment strategy are on your mind, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks are like bolognese sauce: same dish, wildly different recipes.
[01:05] – How retailers built their tech stacks, and why many weren’t designed for modern retail media.
[02:15] – Brands are voting with their wallets: why most only invest in 6–8 RMNs despite the dozens that are available.
[03:15] – Why specialty retailers push back on standardization (and why Amazon and Walmart aren’t the right comparison).
[04:20] – The technical and economic realities holding retailers back from upgrading measurement systems.
[07:00] – Are brands part of the problem? Custom metrics, attribution windows, and internal misalignment.
[08:45] – What brand surveys really say about measurement, profitability, and standardization priorities.
[09:15] – The path forward: focusing on business outcomes over perfect comparability.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 637 Today I’m diving into one of the biggest debates in retail media right now: brands are demanding standardization, and retailers are saying it’s not that simple. So… do they kind of have a point?

Using a bolognese sauce analogy (stay with me!), I unpack why every retail media network has its own 'recipe' for measurement, reporting, and ad offerings, and why that might not be entirely by accident. We’ll explore the real reasons behind the resistance to standardization, the tension around transparency and comparability, and what brands and retailers should actually be focusing on as retail media growth begins to cool. 

If measurement, incrementality, ROAS, and retail media investment strategy are on your mind, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why retail media networks are like bolognese sauce: same dish, wildly different recipes.
[01:05] – How retailers built their tech stacks, and why many weren’t designed for modern retail media.
[02:15] – Brands are voting with their wallets: why most only invest in 6–8 RMNs despite the dozens that are available.
[03:15] – Why specialty retailers push back on standardization (and why Amazon and Walmart aren’t the right comparison).
[04:20] – The technical and economic realities holding retailers back from upgrading measurement systems.
[07:00] – Are brands part of the problem? Custom metrics, attribution windows, and internal misalignment.
[08:45] – What brand surveys really say about measurement, profitability, and standardization priorities.
[09:15] – The path forward: focusing on business outcomes over perfect comparability.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media standardization, retail media measurement challenges, retail media network fragmentation, retail media incrementality testing, retail media transparency and reporting No AI Is Already Disrupting Retail Media Via 'Dark Search' Traffic AI Is Already Disrupting Retail Media Via 'Dark Search' Traffic full 79322926-99c5-4ece-937a-770c179e1fbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/19a45dc0 I’ve been ringing the bell about AI disrupting retail media for a while now. The pushback I keep hearing is, “Show me the traffic.” And yes, when you look at last-click data, less than 1% of retailer traffic is coming from ChatGPT. So… what’s the big deal?

I recently joined I joined Destaney Wishon on the Better Advertising Podcast to break down why that 1% number is deeply misleading, and why AI’s influence is already reshaping retail media in ways we simply aren’t measuring yet. In today's episode, a snippet from my conversation with Destaney, we unpack the 'dark search' phenomenon, contextual ad experiences inside LLMs, collaborative bidding models between brands and retailers, and why discovery — not checkout — is the real disruption. 

If you care about retail media data, audience targeting, and where ad dollars go next, this conversation is going to make you think differently!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 1% myth: Why AI traffic looks tiny and why we're looking at the wrong metric
[00:30] – “Dark Search” explained: How LLMs influence purchases without sending clicks
[01:30] – The optimistic view: What ads inside AI could look like (and why they don’t have to be disruptive)
[02:00] – Context is king: Why LLM relevance could outperform traditional retail media
[06:15] – Collaborative bidding between brands and retailers inside AI environments
[09:23] – The real disruption: AI shifting discovery away from retailer.com — and what that means for retail media data


Links & Resources

]]> I’ve been ringing the bell about AI disrupting retail media for a while now. The pushback I keep hearing is, “Show me the traffic.” And yes, when you look at last-click data, less than 1% of retailer traffic is coming from ChatGPT. So… what’s the big deal?

I recently joined I joined Destaney Wishon on the Better Advertising Podcast to break down why that 1% number is deeply misleading, and why AI’s influence is already reshaping retail media in ways we simply aren’t measuring yet. In today's episode, a snippet from my conversation with Destaney, we unpack the 'dark search' phenomenon, contextual ad experiences inside LLMs, collaborative bidding models between brands and retailers, and why discovery — not checkout — is the real disruption. 

If you care about retail media data, audience targeting, and where ad dollars go next, this conversation is going to make you think differently!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 1% myth: Why AI traffic looks tiny and why we're looking at the wrong metric
[00:30] – “Dark Search” explained: How LLMs influence purchases without sending clicks
[01:30] – The optimistic view: What ads inside AI could look like (and why they don’t have to be disruptive)
[02:00] – Context is king: Why LLM relevance could outperform traditional retail media
[06:15] – Collaborative bidding between brands and retailers inside AI environments
[09:23] – The real disruption: AI shifting discovery away from retailer.com — and what that means for retail media data


Links & Resources

]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 605 I’ve been ringing the bell about AI disrupting retail media for a while now. The pushback I keep hearing is, “Show me the traffic.” And yes, when you look at last-click data, less than 1% of retailer traffic is coming from ChatGPT. So… what’s the big deal?

I recently joined I joined Destaney Wishon on the Better Advertising Podcast to break down why that 1% number is deeply misleading, and why AI’s influence is already reshaping retail media in ways we simply aren’t measuring yet. In today's episode, a snippet from my conversation with Destaney, we unpack the 'dark search' phenomenon, contextual ad experiences inside LLMs, collaborative bidding models between brands and retailers, and why discovery — not checkout — is the real disruption. 

If you care about retail media data, audience targeting, and where ad dollars go next, this conversation is going to make you think differently!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 1% myth: Why AI traffic looks tiny and why we're looking at the wrong metric
[00:30] – “Dark Search” explained: How LLMs influence purchases without sending clicks
[01:30] – The optimistic view: What ads inside AI could look like (and why they don’t have to be disruptive)
[02:00] – Context is king: Why LLM relevance could outperform traditional retail media
[06:15] – Collaborative bidding between brands and retailers inside AI environments
[09:23] – The real disruption: AI shifting discovery away from retailer.com — and what that means for retail media data


Links & Resources

]]> retail media AI disruption, dark search retail, AI discovery shopping behavior, LLM advertising strategy, ChatGPT impact on ecommerce traffic No AI Is Stealing the Browse: How Retail Media Wins the Data War in the Age of ChatGPT AI Is Stealing the Browse: How Retail Media Wins the Data War in the Age of ChatGPT full dba04834-101d-458a-8d2e-3f77abe34f93 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3eed1733 A year ago, just 7% of website referrals to U.S. retailer sites came from ChatGPT. By October 2025, that number had more than doubled to 16%. And it’s not just ecommerce: nearly one in five shoppers used LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity while shopping in-store over Thanksgiving weekend last year. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift.

In this episode, an expansion on a recent piece I wrote for The Drum, I share a personal story about how AI completely reshaped my own purchase journey (yes, it involves a Shark hair tool and zero browsing on a retailer site!). Then I break down what this “cosmic reset” means for retail media networks. If AI is claiming the early shopping journey, how do commerce media players compete? I walk through four strategic moves retailers must make now to protect their data advantage, strengthen their media moat, and win in an AI-shaped shopping world.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – ChatGPT referrals to retailer sites double in a year, and 18% of shoppers use LLMs in-store.
[01:22] – My “hair rut” story: How AI replaced my browsing and narrowed my purchase to one SKU.
[02:51] – The real problem: Fewer signals, fewer surfaces, and less sponsored product exposure.
[04:23] – Strategy #1: Fueling the inspiration stage with offsite commerce media.
[07:15] – Strategy #2: Data collaboration and clean room partnerships across commerce networks.
[08:45] – Strategy #3 & #4: Product truth as a media lever, and why in-store is the most defensible arena.


Links & Resources

]]> A year ago, just 7% of website referrals to U.S. retailer sites came from ChatGPT. By October 2025, that number had more than doubled to 16%. And it’s not just ecommerce: nearly one in five shoppers used LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity while shopping in-store over Thanksgiving weekend last year. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift.

In this episode, an expansion on a recent piece I wrote for The Drum, I share a personal story about how AI completely reshaped my own purchase journey (yes, it involves a Shark hair tool and zero browsing on a retailer site!). Then I break down what this “cosmic reset” means for retail media networks. If AI is claiming the early shopping journey, how do commerce media players compete? I walk through four strategic moves retailers must make now to protect their data advantage, strengthen their media moat, and win in an AI-shaped shopping world.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – ChatGPT referrals to retailer sites double in a year, and 18% of shoppers use LLMs in-store.
[01:22] – My “hair rut” story: How AI replaced my browsing and narrowed my purchase to one SKU.
[02:51] – The real problem: Fewer signals, fewer surfaces, and less sponsored product exposure.
[04:23] – Strategy #1: Fueling the inspiration stage with offsite commerce media.
[07:15] – Strategy #2: Data collaboration and clean room partnerships across commerce networks.
[08:45] – Strategy #3 & #4: Product truth as a media lever, and why in-store is the most defensible arena.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 728 A year ago, just 7% of website referrals to U.S. retailer sites came from ChatGPT. By October 2025, that number had more than doubled to 16%. And it’s not just ecommerce: nearly one in five shoppers used LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity while shopping in-store over Thanksgiving weekend last year. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift.

In this episode, an expansion on a recent piece I wrote for The Drum, I share a personal story about how AI completely reshaped my own purchase journey (yes, it involves a Shark hair tool and zero browsing on a retailer site!). Then I break down what this “cosmic reset” means for retail media networks. If AI is claiming the early shopping journey, how do commerce media players compete? I walk through four strategic moves retailers must make now to protect their data advantage, strengthen their media moat, and win in an AI-shaped shopping world.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – ChatGPT referrals to retailer sites double in a year, and 18% of shoppers use LLMs in-store.
[01:22] – My “hair rut” story: How AI replaced my browsing and narrowed my purchase to one SKU.
[02:51] – The real problem: Fewer signals, fewer surfaces, and less sponsored product exposure.
[04:23] – Strategy #1: Fueling the inspiration stage with offsite commerce media.
[07:15] – Strategy #2: Data collaboration and clean room partnerships across commerce networks.
[08:45] – Strategy #3 & #4: Product truth as a media lever, and why in-store is the most defensible arena.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media AI strategy, ChatGPT shopping behavior, commerce media data advantage, AI impact on retail advertising, future of retail media networks No Why Top Brands Are Building Their Own Retail Media Operating Systems (And Winning in 2026) Why Top Brands Are Building Their Own Retail Media Operating Systems (And Winning in 2026) full 14c79079-8de5-4899-85d0-80136e81b377 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0100015 Here’s a riddle for you: what’s ugly, chaotic, color-coded, constantly changing but absolutely essential? If you guessed the family calendar, you’re correct. But I’m also talking about how brands are managing retail media in 2026.

Today I unpack why the best-performing brands have stopped waiting for retailers to hand them a clean, unified dashboard, and are instead building their own operating systems on top of retail media networks. Drawing on fresh data from the fifth annual Stratably × Skai State of Retail Media report, I break down the widening gap between brands that are designing systems versus those still juggling platforms. I discuss measurement, incrementality, closed-loop attribution, retail media DSPs, and why only 12% of brands have truly integrated media and commerce data. 

If you’re still logging into eight dashboards and hoping your spreadsheet holds, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 'family calendar' riddle and why it perfectly describes retail media management today

[01:15] – Inside the State of Retail Media report: 166 marketers, 40 interviews, and a growing systems gap

[02:12] – The big numbers: 77% want better cross-network measurement, 68% want operational efficiency, and 52% are shifting budgets to retail media DSPs

[03:16] – The 12% stat that should make you uncomfortable: integrating media spend with commerce data

[04:00] – Why retail media measurement standards exist (but infrastructure fragmentation is still the real blocker)

[06:30] – Retailers’ scaling problem, long-tail advertisers, and why brands are building self-serve control layers

[08:00] – My spicy take: stop asking “Which retail media network should I add next?” and start asking “What system am I building?”


Links & Resources

]]> Here’s a riddle for you: what’s ugly, chaotic, color-coded, constantly changing but absolutely essential? If you guessed the family calendar, you’re correct. But I’m also talking about how brands are managing retail media in 2026.

Today I unpack why the best-performing brands have stopped waiting for retailers to hand them a clean, unified dashboard, and are instead building their own operating systems on top of retail media networks. Drawing on fresh data from the fifth annual Stratably × Skai State of Retail Media report, I break down the widening gap between brands that are designing systems versus those still juggling platforms. I discuss measurement, incrementality, closed-loop attribution, retail media DSPs, and why only 12% of brands have truly integrated media and commerce data. 

If you’re still logging into eight dashboards and hoping your spreadsheet holds, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 'family calendar' riddle and why it perfectly describes retail media management today

[01:15] – Inside the State of Retail Media report: 166 marketers, 40 interviews, and a growing systems gap

[02:12] – The big numbers: 77% want better cross-network measurement, 68% want operational efficiency, and 52% are shifting budgets to retail media DSPs

[03:16] – The 12% stat that should make you uncomfortable: integrating media spend with commerce data

[04:00] – Why retail media measurement standards exist (but infrastructure fragmentation is still the real blocker)

[06:30] – Retailers’ scaling problem, long-tail advertisers, and why brands are building self-serve control layers

[08:00] – My spicy take: stop asking “Which retail media network should I add next?” and start asking “What system am I building?”


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 537 Here’s a riddle for you: what’s ugly, chaotic, color-coded, constantly changing but absolutely essential? If you guessed the family calendar, you’re correct. But I’m also talking about how brands are managing retail media in 2026.

Today I unpack why the best-performing brands have stopped waiting for retailers to hand them a clean, unified dashboard, and are instead building their own operating systems on top of retail media networks. Drawing on fresh data from the fifth annual Stratably × Skai State of Retail Media report, I break down the widening gap between brands that are designing systems versus those still juggling platforms. I discuss measurement, incrementality, closed-loop attribution, retail media DSPs, and why only 12% of brands have truly integrated media and commerce data. 

If you’re still logging into eight dashboards and hoping your spreadsheet holds, this one’s for you!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The 'family calendar' riddle and why it perfectly describes retail media management today

[01:15] – Inside the State of Retail Media report: 166 marketers, 40 interviews, and a growing systems gap

[02:12] – The big numbers: 77% want better cross-network measurement, 68% want operational efficiency, and 52% are shifting budgets to retail media DSPs

[03:16] – The 12% stat that should make you uncomfortable: integrating media spend with commerce data

[04:00] – Why retail media measurement standards exist (but infrastructure fragmentation is still the real blocker)

[06:30] – Retailers’ scaling problem, long-tail advertisers, and why brands are building self-serve control layers

[08:00] – My spicy take: stop asking “Which retail media network should I add next?” and start asking “What system am I building?”


Links & Resources

]]> retail media operating system, retail media measurement 2026, retail media DSP vs open web DSP, retail media incrementality testing, commerce media integration strategy No OpenAI Ads Inside ChatGPT: What It Means for Retail Media, Trust & the Future of AI Advertising OpenAI Ads Inside ChatGPT: What It Means for Retail Media, Trust & the Future of AI Advertising full 2d23b6a6-b8da-4665-a663-df4681cde70e https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bbc9b0d I really, really hoped that ads in AI wouldn’t suck. And now… we’re starting to find out.

In this episode, I break down what we’ve learned about how ads are actually showing up inside ChatGPT, following a recent interview with OpenAI’s advertising lead Asad Awan. I share instances where my earlier (admittedly optimistic) predictions were right, what genuinely surprised me, and my concerns, especially if you care about retail media, first-party data, and the future of shopper marketing.

Listen to learn about the architectural separation between ads and the model, contextual targeting vs. surveillance tracking, the “one good ad is enough” philosophy, and what happens when ad surfaces move upstream of the retailer. Most importantly: will AI ads avoid the retail media doom loop, or are we watching it form in real time?


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why my City Hall wedding perfectly explains how ads creep into trusted environments.
[01:01] – The OpenAI interview that reveals how ads work inside ChatGPT and why it matters.
[02:30] – The hard wall between the model and the ad layer (and why it's better than I expected).
[05:00] – “One good ad is enough” vs. the saturation playbook of traditional retail media.
[06:00] – The rise of algorithmic, agentic advertising, and why my Spidey sense is tingling.
[08:35] – The real threat to retail media: AI as a high-intent ad surface upstream of the retailer.
[10:30] – AI agents facilitating purchases behind the scenes, and what that means for first-party data.
[11:45] – The year-three test: will revenue pressure break the wall between ads and the model?


Links & Resources

]]> I really, really hoped that ads in AI wouldn’t suck. And now… we’re starting to find out.

In this episode, I break down what we’ve learned about how ads are actually showing up inside ChatGPT, following a recent interview with OpenAI’s advertising lead Asad Awan. I share instances where my earlier (admittedly optimistic) predictions were right, what genuinely surprised me, and my concerns, especially if you care about retail media, first-party data, and the future of shopper marketing.

Listen to learn about the architectural separation between ads and the model, contextual targeting vs. surveillance tracking, the “one good ad is enough” philosophy, and what happens when ad surfaces move upstream of the retailer. Most importantly: will AI ads avoid the retail media doom loop, or are we watching it form in real time?


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why my City Hall wedding perfectly explains how ads creep into trusted environments.
[01:01] – The OpenAI interview that reveals how ads work inside ChatGPT and why it matters.
[02:30] – The hard wall between the model and the ad layer (and why it's better than I expected).
[05:00] – “One good ad is enough” vs. the saturation playbook of traditional retail media.
[06:00] – The rise of algorithmic, agentic advertising, and why my Spidey sense is tingling.
[08:35] – The real threat to retail media: AI as a high-intent ad surface upstream of the retailer.
[10:30] – AI agents facilitating purchases behind the scenes, and what that means for first-party data.
[11:45] – The year-three test: will revenue pressure break the wall between ads and the model?


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 778 I really, really hoped that ads in AI wouldn’t suck. And now… we’re starting to find out.

In this episode, I break down what we’ve learned about how ads are actually showing up inside ChatGPT, following a recent interview with OpenAI’s advertising lead Asad Awan. I share instances where my earlier (admittedly optimistic) predictions were right, what genuinely surprised me, and my concerns, especially if you care about retail media, first-party data, and the future of shopper marketing.

Listen to learn about the architectural separation between ads and the model, contextual targeting vs. surveillance tracking, the “one good ad is enough” philosophy, and what happens when ad surfaces move upstream of the retailer. Most importantly: will AI ads avoid the retail media doom loop, or are we watching it form in real time?


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why my City Hall wedding perfectly explains how ads creep into trusted environments.
[01:01] – The OpenAI interview that reveals how ads work inside ChatGPT and why it matters.
[02:30] – The hard wall between the model and the ad layer (and why it's better than I expected).
[05:00] – “One good ad is enough” vs. the saturation playbook of traditional retail media.
[06:00] – The rise of algorithmic, agentic advertising, and why my Spidey sense is tingling.
[08:35] – The real threat to retail media: AI as a high-intent ad surface upstream of the retailer.
[10:30] – AI agents facilitating purchases behind the scenes, and what that means for first-party data.
[11:45] – The year-three test: will revenue pressure break the wall between ads and the model?


Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising strategy, ChatGPT ads explained, OpenAI retail media impact, agentic advertising model, future of retail media networks No In-Store Experiential Retail Media: The 3X Sales Lift Brands Can’t Agree on Who Should Fund In-Store Experiential Retail Media: The 3X Sales Lift Brands Can’t Agree on Who Should Fund full 72b1541e-25d0-46e2-a658-5706756fbb02 https://share.transistor.fm/s/581c4638 When in-store retail media is done right, it can deliver something digital ads simply can’t: a multisensory brand experience that drives immediate sales and long-term brand recall. In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live  with Jordan Witmer from the agency SALT, where we dug into what’s really possible with experiential in-store activations, and why so few brands are fully taking advantage of them.

Jordan brings a rare, well-rounded perspective, having spent years on the brand side before moving onto agency side leadership. We talk candidly about why in-store activations in the U.S. often fall flat, how brands are leaving value on the table, and the real reason these high-impact experiences struggle to get funded. If you’re a brand or retail media leader trying to balance short-term ROI with long-term brand building, this conversation is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why in-store experiential activations deliver value that sponsored products and display ads can’t

[01:00] The gap between what’s possible in-store and what’s actually happening in the U.S.

[02:30] How experiential activations drive both immediate POS lift and long-term brand recall

[03:15] Data that proves experiential marketing deepens brand connection and drives purchase

[04:00] Inside the Topo Chico Target activation that drove 3X same-store sales growth

[06:30] The real challenge: measuring ROAS and funding experiential retail media across siloed budgets


Links & Resources

]]> When in-store retail media is done right, it can deliver something digital ads simply can’t: a multisensory brand experience that drives immediate sales and long-term brand recall. In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live  with Jordan Witmer from the agency SALT, where we dug into what’s really possible with experiential in-store activations, and why so few brands are fully taking advantage of them.

Jordan brings a rare, well-rounded perspective, having spent years on the brand side before moving onto agency side leadership. We talk candidly about why in-store activations in the U.S. often fall flat, how brands are leaving value on the table, and the real reason these high-impact experiences struggle to get funded. If you’re a brand or retail media leader trying to balance short-term ROI with long-term brand building, this conversation is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why in-store experiential activations deliver value that sponsored products and display ads can’t

[01:00] The gap between what’s possible in-store and what’s actually happening in the U.S.

[02:30] How experiential activations drive both immediate POS lift and long-term brand recall

[03:15] Data that proves experiential marketing deepens brand connection and drives purchase

[04:00] Inside the Topo Chico Target activation that drove 3X same-store sales growth

[06:30] The real challenge: measuring ROAS and funding experiential retail media across siloed budgets


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 742 When in-store retail media is done right, it can deliver something digital ads simply can’t: a multisensory brand experience that drives immediate sales and long-term brand recall. In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live  with Jordan Witmer from the agency SALT, where we dug into what’s really possible with experiential in-store activations, and why so few brands are fully taking advantage of them.

Jordan brings a rare, well-rounded perspective, having spent years on the brand side before moving onto agency side leadership. We talk candidly about why in-store activations in the U.S. often fall flat, how brands are leaving value on the table, and the real reason these high-impact experiences struggle to get funded. If you’re a brand or retail media leader trying to balance short-term ROI with long-term brand building, this conversation is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why in-store experiential activations deliver value that sponsored products and display ads can’t

[01:00] The gap between what’s possible in-store and what’s actually happening in the U.S.

[02:30] How experiential activations drive both immediate POS lift and long-term brand recall

[03:15] Data that proves experiential marketing deepens brand connection and drives purchase

[04:00] Inside the Topo Chico Target activation that drove 3X same-store sales growth

[06:30] The real challenge: measuring ROAS and funding experiential retail media across siloed budgets


Links & Resources

]]> in-store experiential retail media, retail media measurement roi, experiential marketing in retail stores, retail media funding challenges, cpg in-store activations No Why OpenAI Ads Are a Wake-Up Call for Retail Media Networks (And What Happens Next) Why OpenAI Ads Are a Wake-Up Call for Retail Media Networks (And What Happens Next) full 70aa1896-21e8-4e73-be2d-f70ed0097178 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ed77ab5 A couple of weeks ago, OpenAI quietly made one of the most important announcements for the retail media industry, and I don’t think we’re fully reckoning with what it means yet. In this recap of my January 20 article for The Drum, I break down why OpenAI testing ads inside ChatGPT responses isn’t just an interesting experiment, but a signal that the foundations of retail media are already shifting.
 

Let me be clear: this isn’t a doomsday episode! Retail media isn’t dead, but it does need to evolve. I walk through why AI-enabled shopping is fundamentally different from past hype cycles, how consumer trust and behavior are changing faster than we expect, and where retail media networks are most exposed — and most defensible — as AI becomes an increasingly powerful commerce intermediary.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – OpenAI’s ad announcement and why a sponsored hot sauce recommendation matters more than it seems

[01:26] – Why AI-enabled shopping will succeed where the Metaverse and voice commerce failed

[02:00] – The real pain in today’s ecommerce experience and why consumers are primed for change

[03:24] – Trust, culture, and the rise of AI as a shopping companion (not just a tool)

[05:00] – How OpenAI ads threaten the 70-80% margins of onsite retail media

[09:45] – Why in-store retail media may be the most defensible channel in an AI-driven future


Links & Resources

]]> A couple of weeks ago, OpenAI quietly made one of the most important announcements for the retail media industry, and I don’t think we’re fully reckoning with what it means yet. In this recap of my January 20 article for The Drum, I break down why OpenAI testing ads inside ChatGPT responses isn’t just an interesting experiment, but a signal that the foundations of retail media are already shifting.
 

Let me be clear: this isn’t a doomsday episode! Retail media isn’t dead, but it does need to evolve. I walk through why AI-enabled shopping is fundamentally different from past hype cycles, how consumer trust and behavior are changing faster than we expect, and where retail media networks are most exposed — and most defensible — as AI becomes an increasingly powerful commerce intermediary.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – OpenAI’s ad announcement and why a sponsored hot sauce recommendation matters more than it seems

[01:26] – Why AI-enabled shopping will succeed where the Metaverse and voice commerce failed

[02:00] – The real pain in today’s ecommerce experience and why consumers are primed for change

[03:24] – Trust, culture, and the rise of AI as a shopping companion (not just a tool)

[05:00] – How OpenAI ads threaten the 70-80% margins of onsite retail media

[09:45] – Why in-store retail media may be the most defensible channel in an AI-driven future


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 700 A couple of weeks ago, OpenAI quietly made one of the most important announcements for the retail media industry, and I don’t think we’re fully reckoning with what it means yet. In this recap of my January 20 article for The Drum, I break down why OpenAI testing ads inside ChatGPT responses isn’t just an interesting experiment, but a signal that the foundations of retail media are already shifting.
 

Let me be clear: this isn’t a doomsday episode! Retail media isn’t dead, but it does need to evolve. I walk through why AI-enabled shopping is fundamentally different from past hype cycles, how consumer trust and behavior are changing faster than we expect, and where retail media networks are most exposed — and most defensible — as AI becomes an increasingly powerful commerce intermediary.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – OpenAI’s ad announcement and why a sponsored hot sauce recommendation matters more than it seems

[01:26] – Why AI-enabled shopping will succeed where the Metaverse and voice commerce failed

[02:00] – The real pain in today’s ecommerce experience and why consumers are primed for change

[03:24] – Trust, culture, and the rise of AI as a shopping companion (not just a tool)

[05:00] – How OpenAI ads threaten the 70-80% margins of onsite retail media

[09:45] – Why in-store retail media may be the most defensible channel in an AI-driven future


Links & Resources

]]> OpenAI advertising retail media, AI shopping disruption, retail media networks future, ChatGPT sponsored ads, commerce media AI No Inside Amazon’s AI Shopping Funnel: Why Rufus Converts 3.5x Better Inside Amazon’s AI Shopping Funnel: Why Rufus Converts 3.5x Better full 0009775a-cf7a-4220-97f7-eed91ad81aa9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b88bb29f New data from Sensor Tower confirms what many of us suspected but couldn’t yet prove: AI-assisted shopping on Amazon has quietly crossed the threshold from experiment to default behavior. During the 2025 holiday season, Amazon’s AI assistant Rufus didn’t just influence shopping — it captured a disproportionate share of actual purchases. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down what the data really tells us, why Amazon’s headline claims may have undersold the impact, and how AI-assisted journeys are reshaping conversion dynamics.

I also unpack what this means for retailers and brands as AI becomes a primary decision aid. From late-funnel “rescue” moments, to early decider confidence boosts, the evidence suggests we’re not dealing with a single funnel anymore. And if AI assistants replace search as the dominant interface, the future of retail media may depend less on placement, and more on inclusion.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-assisted shopping is no longer a novelty and how Rufus captured 66% of purchases on Black Friday

[01:02] Andy Jassy’s $100B Rufus claim and why the industry struggled to validate it

[02:22] How Amazon positions Rufus against third-party AI shopping agents

[03:26] The strategic restraint that sets Rufus apart from other retailer AI experiments

[04:45] Sensor Tower’s “cart reconsideration” journey and a surprising 50% conversion rate

[08:21] What AI-assisted shopping means for the future of retail media monetization


Links & Resources

]]> New data from Sensor Tower confirms what many of us suspected but couldn’t yet prove: AI-assisted shopping on Amazon has quietly crossed the threshold from experiment to default behavior. During the 2025 holiday season, Amazon’s AI assistant Rufus didn’t just influence shopping — it captured a disproportionate share of actual purchases. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down what the data really tells us, why Amazon’s headline claims may have undersold the impact, and how AI-assisted journeys are reshaping conversion dynamics.

I also unpack what this means for retailers and brands as AI becomes a primary decision aid. From late-funnel “rescue” moments, to early decider confidence boosts, the evidence suggests we’re not dealing with a single funnel anymore. And if AI assistants replace search as the dominant interface, the future of retail media may depend less on placement, and more on inclusion.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-assisted shopping is no longer a novelty and how Rufus captured 66% of purchases on Black Friday

[01:02] Andy Jassy’s $100B Rufus claim and why the industry struggled to validate it

[02:22] How Amazon positions Rufus against third-party AI shopping agents

[03:26] The strategic restraint that sets Rufus apart from other retailer AI experiments

[04:45] Sensor Tower’s “cart reconsideration” journey and a surprising 50% conversion rate

[08:21] What AI-assisted shopping means for the future of retail media monetization


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 565 New data from Sensor Tower confirms what many of us suspected but couldn’t yet prove: AI-assisted shopping on Amazon has quietly crossed the threshold from experiment to default behavior. During the 2025 holiday season, Amazon’s AI assistant Rufus didn’t just influence shopping — it captured a disproportionate share of actual purchases. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down what the data really tells us, why Amazon’s headline claims may have undersold the impact, and how AI-assisted journeys are reshaping conversion dynamics.

I also unpack what this means for retailers and brands as AI becomes a primary decision aid. From late-funnel “rescue” moments, to early decider confidence boosts, the evidence suggests we’re not dealing with a single funnel anymore. And if AI assistants replace search as the dominant interface, the future of retail media may depend less on placement, and more on inclusion.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-assisted shopping is no longer a novelty and how Rufus captured 66% of purchases on Black Friday

[01:02] Andy Jassy’s $100B Rufus claim and why the industry struggled to validate it

[02:22] How Amazon positions Rufus against third-party AI shopping agents

[03:26] The strategic restraint that sets Rufus apart from other retailer AI experiments

[04:45] Sensor Tower’s “cart reconsideration” journey and a surprising 50% conversion rate

[08:21] What AI-assisted shopping means for the future of retail media monetization


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon Rufus AI shopping, AI assisted shopping Amazon, retail media AI strategy, Amazon conversion rate AI, Sensor Tower Amazon research No AI Is Quietly Rewriting Retail Media: What Happens When Shoppers Stop Searching? AI Is Quietly Rewriting Retail Media: What Happens When Shoppers Stop Searching? full e304fecc-e6b4-45af-bc66-8d087dae5e27 https://share.transistor.fm/s/afb338fa Sometimes I feel like the town crier waving a bell about AI and retail media, proclaiming "the end is nigh!", but there's a reason I keep humming the same tune. AI-enabled shopping isn’t a future problem. It’s already reshaping how consumers discover, research, and decide what to buy,  yet much of the retail media industry is still eerily quiet about it.

In this episode, I react to telling statements made by Sam Khoury, Chief Strategy Officer at Marketecture, who recently appeared on the ADSN podcast. What happens when shoppers move their intent upstream — away from retailer-owned surfaces and into LLMs like ChatGPT? If retail media was built on upper-funnel signals, what happens when those signals disappear? Sam shares insights that every retailer, brand, and retail media leader needs to be paying attention to right now.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI is the “silent concern” no one in retail media wants to talk about

[01:09] Sam Khoury on why hiding from AI-driven consumer behavior won’t work

[02:30] The data point retailers can’t ignore: AI referrals and in-store LLM usage are surging

[03:20] How AI tools are replacing Google as the starting point for research and discovery

[04:33] The real retail media risk: losing upper-funnel signals, surfaces, and measurement

[07:36] Why this shift may be bigger than mobile, and what early recognition enables


Links & Resources

]]> Sometimes I feel like the town crier waving a bell about AI and retail media, proclaiming "the end is nigh!", but there's a reason I keep humming the same tune. AI-enabled shopping isn’t a future problem. It’s already reshaping how consumers discover, research, and decide what to buy,  yet much of the retail media industry is still eerily quiet about it.

In this episode, I react to telling statements made by Sam Khoury, Chief Strategy Officer at Marketecture, who recently appeared on the ADSN podcast. What happens when shoppers move their intent upstream — away from retailer-owned surfaces and into LLMs like ChatGPT? If retail media was built on upper-funnel signals, what happens when those signals disappear? Sam shares insights that every retailer, brand, and retail media leader needs to be paying attention to right now.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI is the “silent concern” no one in retail media wants to talk about

[01:09] Sam Khoury on why hiding from AI-driven consumer behavior won’t work

[02:30] The data point retailers can’t ignore: AI referrals and in-store LLM usage are surging

[03:20] How AI tools are replacing Google as the starting point for research and discovery

[04:33] The real retail media risk: losing upper-funnel signals, surfaces, and measurement

[07:36] Why this shift may be bigger than mobile, and what early recognition enables


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 509 Sometimes I feel like the town crier waving a bell about AI and retail media, proclaiming "the end is nigh!", but there's a reason I keep humming the same tune. AI-enabled shopping isn’t a future problem. It’s already reshaping how consumers discover, research, and decide what to buy,  yet much of the retail media industry is still eerily quiet about it.

In this episode, I react to telling statements made by Sam Khoury, Chief Strategy Officer at Marketecture, who recently appeared on the ADSN podcast. What happens when shoppers move their intent upstream — away from retailer-owned surfaces and into LLMs like ChatGPT? If retail media was built on upper-funnel signals, what happens when those signals disappear? Sam shares insights that every retailer, brand, and retail media leader needs to be paying attention to right now.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI is the “silent concern” no one in retail media wants to talk about

[01:09] Sam Khoury on why hiding from AI-driven consumer behavior won’t work

[02:30] The data point retailers can’t ignore: AI referrals and in-store LLM usage are surging

[03:20] How AI tools are replacing Google as the starting point for research and discovery

[04:33] The real retail media risk: losing upper-funnel signals, surfaces, and measurement

[07:36] Why this shift may be bigger than mobile, and what early recognition enables


Links & Resources

]]> AI retail media, AI shopping behavior, retail media future, ChatGPT ecommerce impact, AI advertising trends No Why Retailers Must Start Advertising in LLMs Now (Retail Media Meets AI Ads) Why Retailers Must Start Advertising in LLMs Now (Retail Media Meets AI Ads) full 2e135825-132b-4d21-b10f-8f16352acfac https://share.transistor.fm/s/adc244d2 Today, I'm sharing a portion of a sharp and timely analysis from Deborah Aho Williamson, one of the most trusted voices in digital advertising and platform strategy, on why advertising inside AI-powered platforms is becoming unavoidable for certain industries. The piece is titled Should Your Industry Advertise in AI Media in 2026? from Deborah's wonderful newsletter The AI Ad Economy.

Deborah shines a light on ads inside LLMs becoming a front-burner priority, and why retailers are uniquely positioned to benefit from testing AI media now. From consumer AI usage data to search ad spend trends and lower-funnel alignment, what signals matter most, and where advertisers can realistically start experimenting today, this episode runs the run the gamut of important questions sweeping through retail media. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m sharing a guest post, and why this one matters so much
[01:07] Deborah Aho Williamson’s AI ad research and the industries that should act now
[02:47] The three factors that determine whether your industry is ready for AI media
[04:17] Why retail stands out: search ad spend, AI usage, and category readiness
[05:26] Key consumer behaviors: how shoppers use AI in retail purchase decisions
[07:15] The big takeaway, and why Microsoft Copilot is the easiest entry point for LLM ads


Links & Resources

]]> Today, I'm sharing a portion of a sharp and timely analysis from Deborah Aho Williamson, one of the most trusted voices in digital advertising and platform strategy, on why advertising inside AI-powered platforms is becoming unavoidable for certain industries. The piece is titled Should Your Industry Advertise in AI Media in 2026? from Deborah's wonderful newsletter The AI Ad Economy.

Deborah shines a light on ads inside LLMs becoming a front-burner priority, and why retailers are uniquely positioned to benefit from testing AI media now. From consumer AI usage data to search ad spend trends and lower-funnel alignment, what signals matter most, and where advertisers can realistically start experimenting today, this episode runs the run the gamut of important questions sweeping through retail media. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m sharing a guest post, and why this one matters so much
[01:07] Deborah Aho Williamson’s AI ad research and the industries that should act now
[02:47] The three factors that determine whether your industry is ready for AI media
[04:17] Why retail stands out: search ad spend, AI usage, and category readiness
[05:26] Key consumer behaviors: how shoppers use AI in retail purchase decisions
[07:15] The big takeaway, and why Microsoft Copilot is the easiest entry point for LLM ads


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 582 Today, I'm sharing a portion of a sharp and timely analysis from Deborah Aho Williamson, one of the most trusted voices in digital advertising and platform strategy, on why advertising inside AI-powered platforms is becoming unavoidable for certain industries. The piece is titled Should Your Industry Advertise in AI Media in 2026? from Deborah's wonderful newsletter The AI Ad Economy.

Deborah shines a light on ads inside LLMs becoming a front-burner priority, and why retailers are uniquely positioned to benefit from testing AI media now. From consumer AI usage data to search ad spend trends and lower-funnel alignment, what signals matter most, and where advertisers can realistically start experimenting today, this episode runs the run the gamut of important questions sweeping through retail media. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m sharing a guest post, and why this one matters so much
[01:07] Deborah Aho Williamson’s AI ad research and the industries that should act now
[02:47] The three factors that determine whether your industry is ready for AI media
[04:17] Why retail stands out: search ad spend, AI usage, and category readiness
[05:26] Key consumer behaviors: how shoppers use AI in retail purchase decisions
[07:15] The big takeaway, and why Microsoft Copilot is the easiest entry point for LLM ads


Links & Resources

]]> retail media ai advertising, llm advertising for retailers, ai ads in search and commerce, retail media trends 2026, chatgpt ads retail strategy No Retail Media’s Buffet Problem: Why Brands Are Losing Their Appetite (2026 Outlook) Retail Media’s Buffet Problem: Why Brands Are Losing Their Appetite (2026 Outlook) full 0642fea9-c0c8-45d1-98cb-1c478486c810 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7df62f38 I start this episode with a story from a breakfast buffet in Taipei that was so over-the-top indulgent it felt surreal. Sushi, dim sum, pastries worthy of Paris. But by day four? I suddenly became picky, critical, and began to calculate value. And in my opinion, this is the mode of retail media today.

In this episode I unpack how hedonic adaptation explains the shift we’re seeing in retail media investment heading into 2026. The early excitement is gone, budgets are tightening, and brands are asking harder questions about performance, transparency, and whether the premium is actually justified. Drawing on fresh data from the Path to Purchase Institute, I break down what’s changed, where skepticism is growing, and what both brands and retail media networks need to do next if they want to avoid getting stuck in the middle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – A luxury breakfast buffet in Taipei and the moment it became a metaphor for retail media

[01:08] – Hedonic adaptation and why retail media’s novelty has officially worn off

[02:16] – New 2026 data shows slowing budget growth and rising skepticism among brands

[03:30] – The Retail Media Doom Loop and how reallocating trade dollars hit its limit

[04:06] – The confidence gap: why more brands now see retail media as a money grab

[06:27] – Measurement, attribution, and the networks proving accountability is possible

[08:12] – The real takeaway for brands and RMNs as retail media enters its value era


Links & Resources

]]> I start this episode with a story from a breakfast buffet in Taipei that was so over-the-top indulgent it felt surreal. Sushi, dim sum, pastries worthy of Paris. But by day four? I suddenly became picky, critical, and began to calculate value. And in my opinion, this is the mode of retail media today.

In this episode I unpack how hedonic adaptation explains the shift we’re seeing in retail media investment heading into 2026. The early excitement is gone, budgets are tightening, and brands are asking harder questions about performance, transparency, and whether the premium is actually justified. Drawing on fresh data from the Path to Purchase Institute, I break down what’s changed, where skepticism is growing, and what both brands and retail media networks need to do next if they want to avoid getting stuck in the middle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – A luxury breakfast buffet in Taipei and the moment it became a metaphor for retail media

[01:08] – Hedonic adaptation and why retail media’s novelty has officially worn off

[02:16] – New 2026 data shows slowing budget growth and rising skepticism among brands

[03:30] – The Retail Media Doom Loop and how reallocating trade dollars hit its limit

[04:06] – The confidence gap: why more brands now see retail media as a money grab

[06:27] – Measurement, attribution, and the networks proving accountability is possible

[08:12] – The real takeaway for brands and RMNs as retail media enters its value era


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 536 I start this episode with a story from a breakfast buffet in Taipei that was so over-the-top indulgent it felt surreal. Sushi, dim sum, pastries worthy of Paris. But by day four? I suddenly became picky, critical, and began to calculate value. And in my opinion, this is the mode of retail media today.

In this episode I unpack how hedonic adaptation explains the shift we’re seeing in retail media investment heading into 2026. The early excitement is gone, budgets are tightening, and brands are asking harder questions about performance, transparency, and whether the premium is actually justified. Drawing on fresh data from the Path to Purchase Institute, I break down what’s changed, where skepticism is growing, and what both brands and retail media networks need to do next if they want to avoid getting stuck in the middle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – A luxury breakfast buffet in Taipei and the moment it became a metaphor for retail media

[01:08] – Hedonic adaptation and why retail media’s novelty has officially worn off

[02:16] – New 2026 data shows slowing budget growth and rising skepticism among brands

[03:30] – The Retail Media Doom Loop and how reallocating trade dollars hit its limit

[04:06] – The confidence gap: why more brands now see retail media as a money grab

[06:27] – Measurement, attribution, and the networks proving accountability is possible

[08:12] – The real takeaway for brands and RMNs as retail media enters its value era


Links & Resources

]]> retail media trends 2026, retail media measurement challenges, retail media doom loop, CPG retail media strategy, retail media network performance No Will Ads in ChatGPT Kill Trust or Create the Best Advertising Ever? A Retail Media Wake-Up Call Will Ads in ChatGPT Kill Trust or Create the Best Advertising Ever? A Retail Media Wake-Up Call full bd1d512a-f46f-405f-b012-4ba70d89fc22 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b52afdd The conventional wisdom says ads will ruin AI assistants i.e. the moment ChatGPT or Gemini turns commercial, trust disappears. But I’m not convinced.

Today I'm sharing part of a recent conversation I had with Mike Shields from Next in Media, where I argued that ads inside LLMs could actually be better than anything we’ve seen before.


But here’s the catch: if AI-powered ads really do work, they could create a serious, under-discussed problem for retail media. We dig into why LLMs may become the most context-rich ad platform ever, how that changes shopper intent data, and what it means for retailers who’ve been betting big on offsite media as their next growth engine.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m skeptical of the idea that ads will automatically erode trust in AI assistants

[01:10] What AI ads could look like, and why they won’t resemble traditional sponsored product units

[02:15] Multimodal, hyper-relevant ads: when advertising actually feels helpful

[03:15] The unique level of trust users place in LLMs (and why that matters for monetization)

[05:15] The uncomfortable question: what happens to offsite retail media if LLMs own the intent data?

[08:30] Why LLMs might build offsite ad businesses, and how that could undercut retailers


Links & Resources

]]> The conventional wisdom says ads will ruin AI assistants i.e. the moment ChatGPT or Gemini turns commercial, trust disappears. But I’m not convinced.

Today I'm sharing part of a recent conversation I had with Mike Shields from Next in Media, where I argued that ads inside LLMs could actually be better than anything we’ve seen before.


But here’s the catch: if AI-powered ads really do work, they could create a serious, under-discussed problem for retail media. We dig into why LLMs may become the most context-rich ad platform ever, how that changes shopper intent data, and what it means for retailers who’ve been betting big on offsite media as their next growth engine.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m skeptical of the idea that ads will automatically erode trust in AI assistants

[01:10] What AI ads could look like, and why they won’t resemble traditional sponsored product units

[02:15] Multimodal, hyper-relevant ads: when advertising actually feels helpful

[03:15] The unique level of trust users place in LLMs (and why that matters for monetization)

[05:15] The uncomfortable question: what happens to offsite retail media if LLMs own the intent data?

[08:30] Why LLMs might build offsite ad businesses, and how that could undercut retailers


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 620 The conventional wisdom says ads will ruin AI assistants i.e. the moment ChatGPT or Gemini turns commercial, trust disappears. But I’m not convinced.

Today I'm sharing part of a recent conversation I had with Mike Shields from Next in Media, where I argued that ads inside LLMs could actually be better than anything we’ve seen before.


But here’s the catch: if AI-powered ads really do work, they could create a serious, under-discussed problem for retail media. We dig into why LLMs may become the most context-rich ad platform ever, how that changes shopper intent data, and what it means for retailers who’ve been betting big on offsite media as their next growth engine.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why I’m skeptical of the idea that ads will automatically erode trust in AI assistants

[01:10] What AI ads could look like, and why they won’t resemble traditional sponsored product units

[02:15] Multimodal, hyper-relevant ads: when advertising actually feels helpful

[03:15] The unique level of trust users place in LLMs (and why that matters for monetization)

[05:15] The uncomfortable question: what happens to offsite retail media if LLMs own the intent data?

[08:30] Why LLMs might build offsite ad businesses, and how that could undercut retailers


Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising, ChatGPT ads, retail media strategy, offsite retail media, LLM monetization No Costco Breaks the Silence: Inside the Retail Media Tech Stack That Has The Industry Talking Costco Breaks the Silence: Inside the Retail Media Tech Stack That Has The Industry Talking full fcaa326f-7607-40d6-88aa-ef9546661650 https://share.transistor.fm/s/58aa5321 Today I’m breaking down why Costco’s decision to publicly reveal its retail media tech stack sent shockwaves through NRF, and why it matters so much for advertisers, merchants, and retail media leaders alike. Retail media is one of the highest-margin revenue streams retailers have, but what happens when the pursuit of ad dollars starts to undermine the core business?

In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I walk through the philosophy of Mark Williamson, head of Costco’s RMN, and why sales velocity, member experience, and merchandising discipline come before media profits. This episode isn’t about copying Costco’s vendor list — it’s about understanding how transparency, trust, and infrastructure can fundamentally reshape advertiser relationships and the future of retail media networks.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why my Costco article became one of The Drum’s most-read pieces, and what that says about retail media curiosity

[01:45] The NRF moment that caught everyone’s attention: Costco reveals its full retail media tech stack

[02:45] The danger of chasing high-margin ad revenue at the expense of merchandising outcomes

[03:31] Costco’s hierarchy explained: sales velocity, member experience, and renewals come first

[05:33] The four-layer retail media tech stack powering Costco’s strategy

[07:39] Why transparency builds advertiser trust, and what other retailers should really learn from Costco


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m breaking down why Costco’s decision to publicly reveal its retail media tech stack sent shockwaves through NRF, and why it matters so much for advertisers, merchants, and retail media leaders alike. Retail media is one of the highest-margin revenue streams retailers have, but what happens when the pursuit of ad dollars starts to undermine the core business?

In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I walk through the philosophy of Mark Williamson, head of Costco’s RMN, and why sales velocity, member experience, and merchandising discipline come before media profits. This episode isn’t about copying Costco’s vendor list — it’s about understanding how transparency, trust, and infrastructure can fundamentally reshape advertiser relationships and the future of retail media networks.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why my Costco article became one of The Drum’s most-read pieces, and what that says about retail media curiosity

[01:45] The NRF moment that caught everyone’s attention: Costco reveals its full retail media tech stack

[02:45] The danger of chasing high-margin ad revenue at the expense of merchandising outcomes

[03:31] Costco’s hierarchy explained: sales velocity, member experience, and renewals come first

[05:33] The four-layer retail media tech stack powering Costco’s strategy

[07:39] Why transparency builds advertiser trust, and what other retailers should really learn from Costco


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 586 Today I’m breaking down why Costco’s decision to publicly reveal its retail media tech stack sent shockwaves through NRF, and why it matters so much for advertisers, merchants, and retail media leaders alike. Retail media is one of the highest-margin revenue streams retailers have, but what happens when the pursuit of ad dollars starts to undermine the core business?

In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I walk through the philosophy of Mark Williamson, head of Costco’s RMN, and why sales velocity, member experience, and merchandising discipline come before media profits. This episode isn’t about copying Costco’s vendor list — it’s about understanding how transparency, trust, and infrastructure can fundamentally reshape advertiser relationships and the future of retail media networks.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why my Costco article became one of The Drum’s most-read pieces, and what that says about retail media curiosity

[01:45] The NRF moment that caught everyone’s attention: Costco reveals its full retail media tech stack

[02:45] The danger of chasing high-margin ad revenue at the expense of merchandising outcomes

[03:31] Costco’s hierarchy explained: sales velocity, member experience, and renewals come first

[05:33] The four-layer retail media tech stack powering Costco’s strategy

[07:39] Why transparency builds advertiser trust, and what other retailers should really learn from Costco


Links & Resources

]]> Costco retail media tech stack, retail media transparency, NRF retail media news, retail media network strategy, Costco advertising platform No Instacart Ads’ Third Act: Ali Miller on Building the Infrastructure Powering Retail Media’s Future Instacart Ads’ Third Act: Ali Miller on Building the Infrastructure Powering Retail Media’s Future full 1abb5980-e891-4b03-9a92-1c4e47420f76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/82f21b88 Instacart’s advertising business is officially in its third act, and it’s the most ambitious one yet. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down how Ali Miller, GM of Ads at Instacart, is thinking about the company’s evolution from sponsored products to something much bigger: becoming the infrastructure that powers an entire retail media ecosystem.

I walk through Instacart’s three-act playbook, why its early bets on incrementality and self-serve set it apart, and how platforms like Carrot Ads are quietly reshaping how brands and retailers think about scale, measurement, and simplicity. If you’re feeling the weight of a fragmented retail media landscape, this episode offers a clear lens into where things are heading, and why Instacart may be further ahead than many realize.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I see Instacart’s ads evolution as a three-act play

[01:56] – How Instacart prioritized incrementality when others focused on attribution

[02:38] – Act Two: expanding into display, video, and objective-based buying

[03:21] – Act Three begins: Carrot Ads and the infrastructure play

[04:04] – “Buy once, activate everywhere”: the brand value proposition

[05:28] – What retailers gain by tapping into Instacart’s national advertiser demand

[07:15] – Fragmentation, slowing growth, and why simplification is the next frontier


Links & Resources

]]> Instacart’s advertising business is officially in its third act, and it’s the most ambitious one yet. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down how Ali Miller, GM of Ads at Instacart, is thinking about the company’s evolution from sponsored products to something much bigger: becoming the infrastructure that powers an entire retail media ecosystem.

I walk through Instacart’s three-act playbook, why its early bets on incrementality and self-serve set it apart, and how platforms like Carrot Ads are quietly reshaping how brands and retailers think about scale, measurement, and simplicity. If you’re feeling the weight of a fragmented retail media landscape, this episode offers a clear lens into where things are heading, and why Instacart may be further ahead than many realize.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I see Instacart’s ads evolution as a three-act play

[01:56] – How Instacart prioritized incrementality when others focused on attribution

[02:38] – Act Two: expanding into display, video, and objective-based buying

[03:21] – Act Three begins: Carrot Ads and the infrastructure play

[04:04] – “Buy once, activate everywhere”: the brand value proposition

[05:28] – What retailers gain by tapping into Instacart’s national advertiser demand

[07:15] – Fragmentation, slowing growth, and why simplification is the next frontier


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 544 Instacart’s advertising business is officially in its third act, and it’s the most ambitious one yet. In this recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down how Ali Miller, GM of Ads at Instacart, is thinking about the company’s evolution from sponsored products to something much bigger: becoming the infrastructure that powers an entire retail media ecosystem.

I walk through Instacart’s three-act playbook, why its early bets on incrementality and self-serve set it apart, and how platforms like Carrot Ads are quietly reshaping how brands and retailers think about scale, measurement, and simplicity. If you’re feeling the weight of a fragmented retail media landscape, this episode offers a clear lens into where things are heading, and why Instacart may be further ahead than many realize.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Why I see Instacart’s ads evolution as a three-act play

[01:56] – How Instacart prioritized incrementality when others focused on attribution

[02:38] – Act Two: expanding into display, video, and objective-based buying

[03:21] – Act Three begins: Carrot Ads and the infrastructure play

[04:04] – “Buy once, activate everywhere”: the brand value proposition

[05:28] – What retailers gain by tapping into Instacart’s national advertiser demand

[07:15] – Fragmentation, slowing growth, and why simplification is the next frontier


Links & Resources

]]> Instacart Ads strategy, Ali Miller Instacart, retail media networks, Carrot Ads platform, retail media infrastructure No Challenger vs. Legacy Brands in Retail Media: When Sponsored Products Stop Working (and What to Do Next) Challenger vs. Legacy Brands in Retail Media: When Sponsored Products Stop Working (and What to Do Next) full 3ba8c37e-e590-41a2-8dca-aff510a1449c https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c900eef There’s a conversation that comes up constantly in retail media. Challenger brands look at big legacy CPGs and think, “If only we had that budget and analytics muscle, this would be easy.” Meanwhile, those same enterprise brands look at challengers and think, “If only we could move that fast.” In this episode, I unpack why both sides are right, and why they’re also missing the bigger picture.

I’m joined by Jordan Witmer, who has a client-side background but now leads retail media strategy at the agency SALT. We dig into why retail media strategy is not one-size-fits-all, why sponsored products can be the smartest dollar a challenger brand can spend, and how to recognize the tipping point when that math flips for large incumbents. If you’re trying to decide when to stay bottom-of-funnel versus when to shift into brand building, this conversation will help you understand your growth strategy more clearly.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “grass is greener” problem between challenger brands and legacy CPGs

[01:20] – Why retail media playbooks must change based on brand size and stage

[03:29] – Sponsored products as “easy money”, and why challengers shouldn’t apologize for it

[04:13] – The hidden advantage challengers have with flexible, high-ROI media budgets

[05:39] – When the value equation flips for large, everywhere-available brands

[07:29] – Defining the tipping point between harvesting demand and building demand


Links & Resources

]]> There’s a conversation that comes up constantly in retail media. Challenger brands look at big legacy CPGs and think, “If only we had that budget and analytics muscle, this would be easy.” Meanwhile, those same enterprise brands look at challengers and think, “If only we could move that fast.” In this episode, I unpack why both sides are right, and why they’re also missing the bigger picture.

I’m joined by Jordan Witmer, who has a client-side background but now leads retail media strategy at the agency SALT. We dig into why retail media strategy is not one-size-fits-all, why sponsored products can be the smartest dollar a challenger brand can spend, and how to recognize the tipping point when that math flips for large incumbents. If you’re trying to decide when to stay bottom-of-funnel versus when to shift into brand building, this conversation will help you understand your growth strategy more clearly.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “grass is greener” problem between challenger brands and legacy CPGs

[01:20] – Why retail media playbooks must change based on brand size and stage

[03:29] – Sponsored products as “easy money”, and why challengers shouldn’t apologize for it

[04:13] – The hidden advantage challengers have with flexible, high-ROI media budgets

[05:39] – When the value equation flips for large, everywhere-available brands

[07:29] – Defining the tipping point between harvesting demand and building demand


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 677 There’s a conversation that comes up constantly in retail media. Challenger brands look at big legacy CPGs and think, “If only we had that budget and analytics muscle, this would be easy.” Meanwhile, those same enterprise brands look at challengers and think, “If only we could move that fast.” In this episode, I unpack why both sides are right, and why they’re also missing the bigger picture.

I’m joined by Jordan Witmer, who has a client-side background but now leads retail media strategy at the agency SALT. We dig into why retail media strategy is not one-size-fits-all, why sponsored products can be the smartest dollar a challenger brand can spend, and how to recognize the tipping point when that math flips for large incumbents. If you’re trying to decide when to stay bottom-of-funnel versus when to shift into brand building, this conversation will help you understand your growth strategy more clearly.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “grass is greener” problem between challenger brands and legacy CPGs

[01:20] – Why retail media playbooks must change based on brand size and stage

[03:29] – Sponsored products as “easy money”, and why challengers shouldn’t apologize for it

[04:13] – The hidden advantage challengers have with flexible, high-ROI media budgets

[05:39] – When the value equation flips for large, everywhere-available brands

[07:29] – Defining the tipping point between harvesting demand and building demand


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, sponsored products amazon, challenger brands retail media, legacy cpg retail media, retail media tipping point No Is Amazon Falling Behind? AI Agents, Rufus, and the Future of Ecommerce Is Amazon Falling Behind? AI Agents, Rufus, and the Future of Ecommerce full 89d2a470-18ed-4a1c-96e9-a4f36712c27a https://share.transistor.fm/s/cb5c4bf8 Amazon built its empire by disrupting everyone else. But what happens when the disruptor starts looking… defensive. As Walmart, Target, Shopify, Wayfair, and others plug into Google’s universal commerce protocols, AI agents are suddenly able to compare and transact across retailers. Meanwhile, Amazon is still operating inside its walled garden — and that raises some big questions.

Today I bring you a snippet of a conversation I had on the Ecommerce Braintrust Podcast with Julie Spear and Jordan Ripley from Acadia. We dug into Amazon’s AI strategy, the backlash to its 'Buy for Me' agent, and what consumer behavior is telling us about where online shopping is really headed. Finally, I analyze comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and read between the lines on whether Amazon will ultimately have to play ball with third-party AI (and what it might cost them if they wait too long).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Amazon’s role reversal: from disruptor to defender in the age of AI commerce

[01:15] Rufus vs. universal AI agents — is “best in class” enough inside a walled garden?

[02:15] Backlash against Amazon’s “Buy for Me” agent and why small brands are pushing back

[04:28] The Salesforce stat that should worry Amazon: shoppers are already using LLMs in-store

[06:17] The future “handshake” between offsite AI agents and onsite retail experiences

[08:15] Andy Jassy’s comments on third-party AI and what he quietly concedes


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon built its empire by disrupting everyone else. But what happens when the disruptor starts looking… defensive. As Walmart, Target, Shopify, Wayfair, and others plug into Google’s universal commerce protocols, AI agents are suddenly able to compare and transact across retailers. Meanwhile, Amazon is still operating inside its walled garden — and that raises some big questions.

Today I bring you a snippet of a conversation I had on the Ecommerce Braintrust Podcast with Julie Spear and Jordan Ripley from Acadia. We dug into Amazon’s AI strategy, the backlash to its 'Buy for Me' agent, and what consumer behavior is telling us about where online shopping is really headed. Finally, I analyze comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and read between the lines on whether Amazon will ultimately have to play ball with third-party AI (and what it might cost them if they wait too long).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Amazon’s role reversal: from disruptor to defender in the age of AI commerce

[01:15] Rufus vs. universal AI agents — is “best in class” enough inside a walled garden?

[02:15] Backlash against Amazon’s “Buy for Me” agent and why small brands are pushing back

[04:28] The Salesforce stat that should worry Amazon: shoppers are already using LLMs in-store

[06:17] The future “handshake” between offsite AI agents and onsite retail experiences

[08:15] Andy Jassy’s comments on third-party AI and what he quietly concedes


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 639 Amazon built its empire by disrupting everyone else. But what happens when the disruptor starts looking… defensive. As Walmart, Target, Shopify, Wayfair, and others plug into Google’s universal commerce protocols, AI agents are suddenly able to compare and transact across retailers. Meanwhile, Amazon is still operating inside its walled garden — and that raises some big questions.

Today I bring you a snippet of a conversation I had on the Ecommerce Braintrust Podcast with Julie Spear and Jordan Ripley from Acadia. We dug into Amazon’s AI strategy, the backlash to its 'Buy for Me' agent, and what consumer behavior is telling us about where online shopping is really headed. Finally, I analyze comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and read between the lines on whether Amazon will ultimately have to play ball with third-party AI (and what it might cost them if they wait too long).


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Amazon’s role reversal: from disruptor to defender in the age of AI commerce

[01:15] Rufus vs. universal AI agents — is “best in class” enough inside a walled garden?

[02:15] Backlash against Amazon’s “Buy for Me” agent and why small brands are pushing back

[04:28] The Salesforce stat that should worry Amazon: shoppers are already using LLMs in-store

[06:17] The future “handshake” between offsite AI agents and onsite retail experiences

[08:15] Andy Jassy’s comments on third-party AI and what he quietly concedes


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon AI commerce, retail media AI agents, Rufus Amazon shopping assistant, universal commerce protocol Google, agentic commerce retail No 7 Ways to Break the Retail Media Doom Loop 7 Ways to Break the Retail Media Doom Loop full 2a701d8e-7325-4e1e-8272-56e7d88560b2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/953acb60 Today I dive into the 'retail media doom loop' and share seven actionable ways retailers can break free. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks stall after initial wins, or how AI agents and agentic commerce are shaking up the industry, this episode is for you. I highlight opportunities ranging from in-store experiences to long-tail marketplace activation, loyalty programs, and even cross-retailer collaboration.

Retail media doesn’t have to be trapped in a cycle of margin extraction. I share real-world examples from retailers like Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and innovative ad tech solution providers that are helping the industry rethink what’s possible.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Introducing the retail media doom loop and why most networks stall after early wins.

[02:06] – Double down on in-store and experiential media that AI agents can’t bypass.

[03:00] – Activate long-tail advertisers and marketplace sellers for real growth.

[04:30] – Stop trying to out-Amazon Amazon and leverage your unique strengths.

[06:09] – Transparency and access — make it easy for media buyers to invest.

[08:00] – Create ad formats that drive purchases and harness loyalty programs.

[09:41] – Explore cross-retailer collaboration to unlock scale and efficiency.


Links & Resources

]]> Today I dive into the 'retail media doom loop' and share seven actionable ways retailers can break free. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks stall after initial wins, or how AI agents and agentic commerce are shaking up the industry, this episode is for you. I highlight opportunities ranging from in-store experiences to long-tail marketplace activation, loyalty programs, and even cross-retailer collaboration.

Retail media doesn’t have to be trapped in a cycle of margin extraction. I share real-world examples from retailers like Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and innovative ad tech solution providers that are helping the industry rethink what’s possible.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Introducing the retail media doom loop and why most networks stall after early wins.

[02:06] – Double down on in-store and experiential media that AI agents can’t bypass.

[03:00] – Activate long-tail advertisers and marketplace sellers for real growth.

[04:30] – Stop trying to out-Amazon Amazon and leverage your unique strengths.

[06:09] – Transparency and access — make it easy for media buyers to invest.

[08:00] – Create ad formats that drive purchases and harness loyalty programs.

[09:41] – Explore cross-retailer collaboration to unlock scale and efficiency.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 697 Today I dive into the 'retail media doom loop' and share seven actionable ways retailers can break free. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks stall after initial wins, or how AI agents and agentic commerce are shaking up the industry, this episode is for you. I highlight opportunities ranging from in-store experiences to long-tail marketplace activation, loyalty programs, and even cross-retailer collaboration.

Retail media doesn’t have to be trapped in a cycle of margin extraction. I share real-world examples from retailers like Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and innovative ad tech solution providers that are helping the industry rethink what’s possible.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Introducing the retail media doom loop and why most networks stall after early wins.

[02:06] – Double down on in-store and experiential media that AI agents can’t bypass.

[03:00] – Activate long-tail advertisers and marketplace sellers for real growth.

[04:30] – Stop trying to out-Amazon Amazon and leverage your unique strengths.

[06:09] – Transparency and access — make it easy for media buyers to invest.

[08:00] – Create ad formats that drive purchases and harness loyalty programs.

[09:41] – Explore cross-retailer collaboration to unlock scale and efficiency.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategies, retail media network growth, breaking retail media doom loop, agentic commerce impact, retail media innovation No Retailers Are Finally Embracing AI Shopping Bots — Here’s What They Announced at NRF Retailers Are Finally Embracing AI Shopping Bots — Here’s What They Announced at NRF full 429f8424-c2ef-48b7-831c-e4cf99947bea https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6415aaa For the last decade, retailers have done everything they could to keep bots off their websites. But when I was at NRF earlier this month, I heard something very different from the biggest names in retail: bring on all the bots. In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down why that shift is happening now (and what it actually looks like in practice).

At NRF I found  a wide spectrum of approaches, from full-scale deployments to cautious experimentation, but also a surprising point of alignment. Listen to learn how six major retailers are thinking about AI shopping agents, what they’re building, and where they’re drawing the line when it comes to control, trust, and ownership of the customer relationship.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retailers who once banned bots are now actively welcoming AI shopping agents

[01:28] Kroger’s fully deployed AI assistants for meal planning, budgeting, and one-click shopping

[02:40] How Lowe’s is using Google’s Business Agent to let customers shop directly from search

[03:59] Ulta Beauty’s marketplace strategy as the foundation for future agentic commerce

[06:01] Home Depot’s problem-first approach, and why merchant of record still matters

[07:26] Wayfair and Urban Outfitters on conversational/multimodal shopping becoming mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> For the last decade, retailers have done everything they could to keep bots off their websites. But when I was at NRF earlier this month, I heard something very different from the biggest names in retail: bring on all the bots. In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down why that shift is happening now (and what it actually looks like in practice).

At NRF I found  a wide spectrum of approaches, from full-scale deployments to cautious experimentation, but also a surprising point of alignment. Listen to learn how six major retailers are thinking about AI shopping agents, what they’re building, and where they’re drawing the line when it comes to control, trust, and ownership of the customer relationship.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retailers who once banned bots are now actively welcoming AI shopping agents

[01:28] Kroger’s fully deployed AI assistants for meal planning, budgeting, and one-click shopping

[02:40] How Lowe’s is using Google’s Business Agent to let customers shop directly from search

[03:59] Ulta Beauty’s marketplace strategy as the foundation for future agentic commerce

[06:01] Home Depot’s problem-first approach, and why merchant of record still matters

[07:26] Wayfair and Urban Outfitters on conversational/multimodal shopping becoming mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 600 For the last decade, retailers have done everything they could to keep bots off their websites. But when I was at NRF earlier this month, I heard something very different from the biggest names in retail: bring on all the bots. In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum, I break down why that shift is happening now (and what it actually looks like in practice).

At NRF I found  a wide spectrum of approaches, from full-scale deployments to cautious experimentation, but also a surprising point of alignment. Listen to learn how six major retailers are thinking about AI shopping agents, what they’re building, and where they’re drawing the line when it comes to control, trust, and ownership of the customer relationship.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retailers who once banned bots are now actively welcoming AI shopping agents

[01:28] Kroger’s fully deployed AI assistants for meal planning, budgeting, and one-click shopping

[02:40] How Lowe’s is using Google’s Business Agent to let customers shop directly from search

[03:59] Ulta Beauty’s marketplace strategy as the foundation for future agentic commerce

[06:01] Home Depot’s problem-first approach, and why merchant of record still matters

[07:26] Wayfair and Urban Outfitters on conversational/multimodal shopping becoming mainstream


Links & Resources

]]> agentic commerce retail, ai shopping bots retailers, nrf retail trends 2026, retail ai shopping assistants, merchant of record ai commerce No Why the Future of Retail Media Isn’t Amazon or Walmart (It’s the Long Tail) Why the Future of Retail Media Isn’t Amazon or Walmart (It’s the Long Tail) full 24ef3f8c-b45f-4663-964e-ee28923a77bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/e4abbe98 The retail media conversation is dominated by a handful of giants. But today, I’m analyzing a recent episode of one of my favorite podcasts (Beyond The Shelf hosted Dave Feinelib), and making the case that we’re missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the long tail. If you’re a brand focused only on Amazon, Walmart, or Target, what happens to the shoppers you’re not reaching, especially in regional and mid-market grocery?

In this episode, I dig into insights shared on a recent episode of Beyond The Shelf from Dave Glaza of DIGITS, who has a rare dual perspective: helping brands activate retail media while also operating networks for regional grocers. Dave unpacks why regional grocery is one of the biggest remaining white spaces in retail media, the real reason brands cap the number of RMNs they’ll work with, and what might actually change as budgets tighten and growth gets harder to find.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retail media’s obsession with scale leaves regional shoppers behind

[01:09] Dave Glaza explains the “white space” opportunity in regional grocery

[02:23] The real infrastructure problem behind managing 10+ retail media networks

[03:08] Are brands walking away from half their buyers by ignoring regionals?

[04:19] Why being tech-agnostic matters in a fragmented retail ecosystem

[06:03] The shift from ROAS to “new-to-brand” and category growth metrics


Links & Resources

]]> The retail media conversation is dominated by a handful of giants. But today, I’m analyzing a recent episode of one of my favorite podcasts (Beyond The Shelf hosted Dave Feinelib), and making the case that we’re missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the long tail. If you’re a brand focused only on Amazon, Walmart, or Target, what happens to the shoppers you’re not reaching, especially in regional and mid-market grocery?

In this episode, I dig into insights shared on a recent episode of Beyond The Shelf from Dave Glaza of DIGITS, who has a rare dual perspective: helping brands activate retail media while also operating networks for regional grocers. Dave unpacks why regional grocery is one of the biggest remaining white spaces in retail media, the real reason brands cap the number of RMNs they’ll work with, and what might actually change as budgets tighten and growth gets harder to find.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retail media’s obsession with scale leaves regional shoppers behind

[01:09] Dave Glaza explains the “white space” opportunity in regional grocery

[02:23] The real infrastructure problem behind managing 10+ retail media networks

[03:08] Are brands walking away from half their buyers by ignoring regionals?

[04:19] Why being tech-agnostic matters in a fragmented retail ecosystem

[06:03] The shift from ROAS to “new-to-brand” and category growth metrics


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 500 The retail media conversation is dominated by a handful of giants. But today, I’m analyzing a recent episode of one of my favorite podcasts (Beyond The Shelf hosted Dave Feinelib), and making the case that we’re missing a massive opportunity by ignoring the long tail. If you’re a brand focused only on Amazon, Walmart, or Target, what happens to the shoppers you’re not reaching, especially in regional and mid-market grocery?

In this episode, I dig into insights shared on a recent episode of Beyond The Shelf from Dave Glaza of DIGITS, who has a rare dual perspective: helping brands activate retail media while also operating networks for regional grocers. Dave unpacks why regional grocery is one of the biggest remaining white spaces in retail media, the real reason brands cap the number of RMNs they’ll work with, and what might actually change as budgets tighten and growth gets harder to find.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why retail media’s obsession with scale leaves regional shoppers behind

[01:09] Dave Glaza explains the “white space” opportunity in regional grocery

[02:23] The real infrastructure problem behind managing 10+ retail media networks

[03:08] Are brands walking away from half their buyers by ignoring regionals?

[04:19] Why being tech-agnostic matters in a fragmented retail ecosystem

[06:03] The shift from ROAS to “new-to-brand” and category growth metrics


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks, regional grocery retail media, long tail retail media, retail media measurement, retail media strategy No AI Is Rewriting Retail Media: Why the Funnel Is Officially Dead AI Is Rewriting Retail Media: Why the Funnel Is Officially Dead full 5d79837c-692e-44d6-8da5-d0571702d583 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0832e9c2 In today’s episode I’m sharing a standout moment from a conversation I recorded back in December on Zalando's Inside Fashion Marketing podcast. It captures a shift I haven’t been able to stop thinking about: how AI-enabled commerce is fundamentally changing the shopping journey, and what that means for retail media as we know it.

If consumers are spending more time researching, comparing, and deciding with AI companions before they ever land on a retailer site, that has massive implications for sponsored products, display ads, and offsite retail media revenue. In this clip, I break down what’s changing, what surprised me most in 2025, and why the traditional funnel is basically over. If you care about the future of retail media, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-enabled commerce has been top of mind for me

[01:24] The rise of AI companions in the research phase of the shopping journey

[02:03] New AI-driven mid-funnel and purchase capabilities

[02:45] What AI-led research means for onsite and offsite retail media revenue

[04:36] My advice to brands navigating agentic commerce and retailer partnerships

[06:00] The surprising rise of black-box algorithmic bidding in retail media networks


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s episode I’m sharing a standout moment from a conversation I recorded back in December on Zalando's Inside Fashion Marketing podcast. It captures a shift I haven’t been able to stop thinking about: how AI-enabled commerce is fundamentally changing the shopping journey, and what that means for retail media as we know it.

If consumers are spending more time researching, comparing, and deciding with AI companions before they ever land on a retailer site, that has massive implications for sponsored products, display ads, and offsite retail media revenue. In this clip, I break down what’s changing, what surprised me most in 2025, and why the traditional funnel is basically over. If you care about the future of retail media, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-enabled commerce has been top of mind for me

[01:24] The rise of AI companions in the research phase of the shopping journey

[02:03] New AI-driven mid-funnel and purchase capabilities

[02:45] What AI-led research means for onsite and offsite retail media revenue

[04:36] My advice to brands navigating agentic commerce and retailer partnerships

[06:00] The surprising rise of black-box algorithmic bidding in retail media networks


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 583 In today’s episode I’m sharing a standout moment from a conversation I recorded back in December on Zalando's Inside Fashion Marketing podcast. It captures a shift I haven’t been able to stop thinking about: how AI-enabled commerce is fundamentally changing the shopping journey, and what that means for retail media as we know it.

If consumers are spending more time researching, comparing, and deciding with AI companions before they ever land on a retailer site, that has massive implications for sponsored products, display ads, and offsite retail media revenue. In this clip, I break down what’s changing, what surprised me most in 2025, and why the traditional funnel is basically over. If you care about the future of retail media, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why AI-enabled commerce has been top of mind for me

[01:24] The rise of AI companions in the research phase of the shopping journey

[02:03] New AI-driven mid-funnel and purchase capabilities

[02:45] What AI-led research means for onsite and offsite retail media revenue

[04:36] My advice to brands navigating agentic commerce and retailer partnerships

[06:00] The surprising rise of black-box algorithmic bidding in retail media networks


Links & Resources

]]> AI retail media, agentic commerce, AI shopping assistants, future of retail media, retail media trends 2026 No What Retail Media Leaders Really Say at Private NRF Dinners (In-Store Media, Tech Stacks & Shopper Behavior) What Retail Media Leaders Really Say at Private NRF Dinners (In-Store Media, Tech Stacks & Shopper Behavior) full f6ab42f0-bf20-4cdd-afde-3bf30ca017a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a414d8e Last week at NRF, I co-hosted an intimate, salon-style private dinner with the sponsor of this podcast, Mirakl Ads, bringing together senior leaders from major retailers. Away from the main stage and marketing hype, the conversation picked up where the conferences usually leave off — candid, practical, and deeply honest discussions about what’s actually working (and not working) in retail media right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing anonymized insights from that dinner, including why in-store retail media has a built-in paradox, how retailers are really thinking about building versus buying their retail media tech stacks, and how evolving shopper behavior is reshaping the in-store experience. No silver bullets here, but plenty of real-world perspective you won’t hear on an earnings call!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:48] Why the real value of NRF happens off-stage, and why private dinners matter more than keynotes

[01:30] The in-store media paradox: when shoppers themselves become the scalability problem

[02:58] Why placement matters more than impressions for in-store retail media

[03:30] Build vs. buy vs. partner: a “marry, kiss, or kill” moment for retail media tech stacks

[04:43] The “Uber model” of retail media tech: best-of-breed partnerships over monolithic platforms

[06:14] How mobile pre-shopping, social discovery, and AI are redefining the in-store customer journey


Links & Resources

]]> Last week at NRF, I co-hosted an intimate, salon-style private dinner with the sponsor of this podcast, Mirakl Ads, bringing together senior leaders from major retailers. Away from the main stage and marketing hype, the conversation picked up where the conferences usually leave off — candid, practical, and deeply honest discussions about what’s actually working (and not working) in retail media right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing anonymized insights from that dinner, including why in-store retail media has a built-in paradox, how retailers are really thinking about building versus buying their retail media tech stacks, and how evolving shopper behavior is reshaping the in-store experience. No silver bullets here, but plenty of real-world perspective you won’t hear on an earnings call!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:48] Why the real value of NRF happens off-stage, and why private dinners matter more than keynotes

[01:30] The in-store media paradox: when shoppers themselves become the scalability problem

[02:58] Why placement matters more than impressions for in-store retail media

[03:30] Build vs. buy vs. partner: a “marry, kiss, or kill” moment for retail media tech stacks

[04:43] The “Uber model” of retail media tech: best-of-breed partnerships over monolithic platforms

[06:14] How mobile pre-shopping, social discovery, and AI are redefining the in-store customer journey


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 498 Last week at NRF, I co-hosted an intimate, salon-style private dinner with the sponsor of this podcast, Mirakl Ads, bringing together senior leaders from major retailers. Away from the main stage and marketing hype, the conversation picked up where the conferences usually leave off — candid, practical, and deeply honest discussions about what’s actually working (and not working) in retail media right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing anonymized insights from that dinner, including why in-store retail media has a built-in paradox, how retailers are really thinking about building versus buying their retail media tech stacks, and how evolving shopper behavior is reshaping the in-store experience. No silver bullets here, but plenty of real-world perspective you won’t hear on an earnings call!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:48] Why the real value of NRF happens off-stage, and why private dinners matter more than keynotes

[01:30] The in-store media paradox: when shoppers themselves become the scalability problem

[02:58] Why placement matters more than impressions for in-store retail media

[03:30] Build vs. buy vs. partner: a “marry, kiss, or kill” moment for retail media tech stacks

[04:43] The “Uber model” of retail media tech: best-of-breed partnerships over monolithic platforms

[06:14] How mobile pre-shopping, social discovery, and AI are redefining the in-store customer journey


Links & Resources

]]> retail media NRF, in-store retail media strategy, retail media tech stack build vs buy, shopper behavior in-store AI, retail media private dinner insights No NRF 2026: Why Retail’s Future Belongs to the Experimenters (Not the Five-Year Planners) NRF 2026: Why Retail’s Future Belongs to the Experimenters (Not the Five-Year Planners) full 4972d935-7103-4109-9f1f-2b92eabe325b https://share.transistor.fm/s/a825a895 I spent the first few days of NRF right at the center of the retail universe and somehow still managed to feel behind. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what I saw, what I missed (including a genuinely historic announcement), and why that feeling of being left behind might actually be the most honest signal of where retail is heading in 2026.

From agentic commerce and AI-powered shopping, to candid perspectives from leaders at Home Depot, Wayfair, Dick’s, and beyond, this conversation is about letting go of false certainty. We’ll dig into why experimentation is beating confidence, why “wait and see” is riskier than it sounds, and what adaptability really looks like for retailers, brands, and the partners who support them this year.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My NRF opening session moment (and how I accidentally skipped a history-making announcement)

[00:45] – The introduction of Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and why it triggered real anxiety

[01:45] – Why even the most senior retail tech leaders admit they don’t know what’s coming next

[02:00] – Insights from Home Depot, Wayfair, and Dick’s on AI, experimentation, and uncertainty

[03:30] – Why 2026 is the year brash confidence dies and experimentation wins

[04:15] – Why “Strong opinions, loosely held” is a framework for how retailers should think about partnerships and tech

[05:17] – A personal note on burnout, creativity, and my fiction-reading habit


Links & Resources

]]> I spent the first few days of NRF right at the center of the retail universe and somehow still managed to feel behind. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what I saw, what I missed (including a genuinely historic announcement), and why that feeling of being left behind might actually be the most honest signal of where retail is heading in 2026.

From agentic commerce and AI-powered shopping, to candid perspectives from leaders at Home Depot, Wayfair, Dick’s, and beyond, this conversation is about letting go of false certainty. We’ll dig into why experimentation is beating confidence, why “wait and see” is riskier than it sounds, and what adaptability really looks like for retailers, brands, and the partners who support them this year.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My NRF opening session moment (and how I accidentally skipped a history-making announcement)

[00:45] – The introduction of Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and why it triggered real anxiety

[01:45] – Why even the most senior retail tech leaders admit they don’t know what’s coming next

[02:00] – Insights from Home Depot, Wayfair, and Dick’s on AI, experimentation, and uncertainty

[03:30] – Why 2026 is the year brash confidence dies and experimentation wins

[04:15] – Why “Strong opinions, loosely held” is a framework for how retailers should think about partnerships and tech

[05:17] – A personal note on burnout, creativity, and my fiction-reading habit


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 379 I spent the first few days of NRF right at the center of the retail universe and somehow still managed to feel behind. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what I saw, what I missed (including a genuinely historic announcement), and why that feeling of being left behind might actually be the most honest signal of where retail is heading in 2026.

From agentic commerce and AI-powered shopping, to candid perspectives from leaders at Home Depot, Wayfair, Dick’s, and beyond, this conversation is about letting go of false certainty. We’ll dig into why experimentation is beating confidence, why “wait and see” is riskier than it sounds, and what adaptability really looks like for retailers, brands, and the partners who support them this year.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – My NRF opening session moment (and how I accidentally skipped a history-making announcement)

[00:45] – The introduction of Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and why it triggered real anxiety

[01:45] – Why even the most senior retail tech leaders admit they don’t know what’s coming next

[02:00] – Insights from Home Depot, Wayfair, and Dick’s on AI, experimentation, and uncertainty

[03:30] – Why 2026 is the year brash confidence dies and experimentation wins

[04:15] – Why “Strong opinions, loosely held” is a framework for how retailers should think about partnerships and tech

[05:17] – A personal note on burnout, creativity, and my fiction-reading habit


Links & Resources

]]> NRF 2026 retail trends, agentic commerce retail, retail media experimentation, AI in retail 2026, Universal Commerce Protocol UCP No What I Learned Building Retail Media Breakfast Club in One Year (50,000 Downloads Later) What I Learned Building Retail Media Breakfast Club in One Year (50,000 Downloads Later) full b31b91de-b0ed-4e74-9b11-744f8d2ee509 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3b33912c This is the final episode of the year, and honestly, I can’t quite believe how far Retail Media Breakfast Club has come since launching back in January. From passing 50,000 downloads, to realizing just how many smart, thoughtful people are paying attention, this episode is a moment to pause, reflect, and share what I’ve learned along the way.

I unpack some very personal lessons from running a near-daily newsletter/podcast in an industry that’s still very much being invented in real time. From embracing beginner’s mindsets and navigating burnout, to understanding why drama drives engagement (and when it’s not worth it), this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to show up consistently.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on launching Retail Media Breakfast Club and hitting 50,000 downloads

[01:00] – What Vampire Weekend taught me about building a career in retail media

[02:25] – Why we’re all beginners in retail media (even the so-called experts)

[04:15] – My biggest blind spot: ad tech, and how I had to relearn the fundamentals

[06:45] – The reality of publishing content four days a week and managing burnout

[09:00] – Why “quantity is quality” and how consistency creates real momentum

[11:45] – Drama, debate, and drawing personal boundaries in public industry discourse


Links & Resources

  • My tech stack flow diagram - How an RMN's tech stack impacts your advertising results
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads in NYC. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match in NYC. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> This is the final episode of the year, and honestly, I can’t quite believe how far Retail Media Breakfast Club has come since launching back in January. From passing 50,000 downloads, to realizing just how many smart, thoughtful people are paying attention, this episode is a moment to pause, reflect, and share what I’ve learned along the way.

I unpack some very personal lessons from running a near-daily newsletter/podcast in an industry that’s still very much being invented in real time. From embracing beginner’s mindsets and navigating burnout, to understanding why drama drives engagement (and when it’s not worth it), this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to show up consistently.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on launching Retail Media Breakfast Club and hitting 50,000 downloads

[01:00] – What Vampire Weekend taught me about building a career in retail media

[02:25] – Why we’re all beginners in retail media (even the so-called experts)

[04:15] – My biggest blind spot: ad tech, and how I had to relearn the fundamentals

[06:45] – The reality of publishing content four days a week and managing burnout

[09:00] – Why “quantity is quality” and how consistency creates real momentum

[11:45] – Drama, debate, and drawing personal boundaries in public industry discourse


Links & Resources

  • My tech stack flow diagram - How an RMN's tech stack impacts your advertising results
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads in NYC. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match in NYC. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 788 This is the final episode of the year, and honestly, I can’t quite believe how far Retail Media Breakfast Club has come since launching back in January. From passing 50,000 downloads, to realizing just how many smart, thoughtful people are paying attention, this episode is a moment to pause, reflect, and share what I’ve learned along the way.

I unpack some very personal lessons from running a near-daily newsletter/podcast in an industry that’s still very much being invented in real time. From embracing beginner’s mindsets and navigating burnout, to understanding why drama drives engagement (and when it’s not worth it), this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to show up consistently.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on launching Retail Media Breakfast Club and hitting 50,000 downloads

[01:00] – What Vampire Weekend taught me about building a career in retail media

[02:25] – Why we’re all beginners in retail media (even the so-called experts)

[04:15] – My biggest blind spot: ad tech, and how I had to relearn the fundamentals

[06:45] – The reality of publishing content four days a week and managing burnout

[09:00] – Why “quantity is quality” and how consistency creates real momentum

[11:45] – Drama, debate, and drawing personal boundaries in public industry discourse


Links & Resources

  • My tech stack flow diagram - How an RMN's tech stack impacts your advertising results
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads in NYC. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match in NYC. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> retail media trends 2025, retail media podcast, retail media career insights, retail media content strategy, retail media thought leadership No My Retail Media Content Diet: How I Stay Ahead of Trends Without Burning Out My Retail Media Content Diet: How I Stay Ahead of Trends Without Burning Out full 31cd306c-a1d3-4c12-9d07-d42ff421a80a https://share.transistor.fm/s/74df320b I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’m asked about constantly: how I actually stay on top of the nonstop flow of retail media news, analysis, and thought leadership. I definitely don’t catch it all, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t either. But I have built a rhythm and a process that helps me make sense of this fast-moving space without completely frying my brain.

In today’s ep, I share the  tools, habits, and systems I use. From the podcast apps I separate for work vs. unwinding, to the newsletters and Substack ecosystem that function like “vegetables” in my content diet, to my favorite ways to capture and store insights so I can actually find them later. I also dive into why traditional trade media still matters, and how to make LinkedIn work for you, even with its currently maddening algorithm. If you’re looking to level up your own media diet in 2026, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why I still feel behind, even as a full-time content consumer/creator

[01:30] – The mega resource database I’ve pulled together for you

[02:15] – How I split my podcast listening between Apple Podcasts and Snipd

[03:30] – The Snipd → Notion workflow that saves my long-term memory

[04:50] – Why I chose beehiiv over Substack (and the network-effect dilemma)

[07:30] – The enduring value of traditional media and industry publications

[09:00] – My love–hate relationship with LinkedIn’s algorithm, and how to tame it


Links & Resources

  • Get the full list of my favorite publications, newsletters and podcasts here
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’m asked about constantly: how I actually stay on top of the nonstop flow of retail media news, analysis, and thought leadership. I definitely don’t catch it all, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t either. But I have built a rhythm and a process that helps me make sense of this fast-moving space without completely frying my brain.

In today’s ep, I share the  tools, habits, and systems I use. From the podcast apps I separate for work vs. unwinding, to the newsletters and Substack ecosystem that function like “vegetables” in my content diet, to my favorite ways to capture and store insights so I can actually find them later. I also dive into why traditional trade media still matters, and how to make LinkedIn work for you, even with its currently maddening algorithm. If you’re looking to level up your own media diet in 2026, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why I still feel behind, even as a full-time content consumer/creator

[01:30] – The mega resource database I’ve pulled together for you

[02:15] – How I split my podcast listening between Apple Podcasts and Snipd

[03:30] – The Snipd → Notion workflow that saves my long-term memory

[04:50] – Why I chose beehiiv over Substack (and the network-effect dilemma)

[07:30] – The enduring value of traditional media and industry publications

[09:00] – My love–hate relationship with LinkedIn’s algorithm, and how to tame it


Links & Resources

  • Get the full list of my favorite publications, newsletters and podcasts here
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 875 I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’m asked about constantly: how I actually stay on top of the nonstop flow of retail media news, analysis, and thought leadership. I definitely don’t catch it all, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t either. But I have built a rhythm and a process that helps me make sense of this fast-moving space without completely frying my brain.

In today’s ep, I share the  tools, habits, and systems I use. From the podcast apps I separate for work vs. unwinding, to the newsletters and Substack ecosystem that function like “vegetables” in my content diet, to my favorite ways to capture and store insights so I can actually find them later. I also dive into why traditional trade media still matters, and how to make LinkedIn work for you, even with its currently maddening algorithm. If you’re looking to level up your own media diet in 2026, this one’s for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why I still feel behind, even as a full-time content consumer/creator

[01:30] – The mega resource database I’ve pulled together for you

[02:15] – How I split my podcast listening between Apple Podcasts and Snipd

[03:30] – The Snipd → Notion workflow that saves my long-term memory

[04:50] – Why I chose beehiiv over Substack (and the network-effect dilemma)

[07:30] – The enduring value of traditional media and industry publications

[09:00] – My love–hate relationship with LinkedIn’s algorithm, and how to tame it


Links & Resources

  • Get the full list of my favorite publications, newsletters and podcasts here
  • Breakfast for Dinner with Retail Media Breakfast Club & Mirakl Ads. I am co-hosting a dinner for RMN leaders with the sponsor of this newsletter & Podcast, Mirakl Ads. Join me, Mirakl’s Chief AI officer Anne Baschet, and RMN leaders from Costco & CVS for Breakfast for Dinner on Saturday Jan 10, 2026. Senior leaders at RMNs may register their interest here.
  • Retail Media Therapy Celebrity Death Match. I’m doing another debate, this time going to head-to-head with my frenemies-slash-industry legends Colin Lewis, Sarah Marzano (EMARKETER), and Claire Wyatt (The Trade Desk). Hosted by Zitcha, QSIC and Grace & Co. Monday Jan 12 - arrive at 5 for a 5:30 kickoff. Register your interest
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> retail media trends, retail media strategy, content diet for marketers, Substack vs beehiiv newsletters, LinkedIn algorithm 2025 No Why Amazon Can’t Stop Agentic Commerce — And Why Other Retailers Must Lean In Why Amazon Can’t Stop Agentic Commerce — And Why Other Retailers Must Lean In full 7df0a264-ba49-4ddc-bc90-1ecc36310624 https://share.transistor.fm/s/14eac52b Agentic commerce continues to spark tension across the industry. Today, I’m diving straight into one of the biggest debates: whether Amazon’s refusal to embrace open agent interoperability means agentic shopping is doomed. This conversation was inspired by ad industry analyst Eric Seufert, whose skepticism about agentic commerce I genuinely value. But as I explain, there are several key assumptions baked into his argument I simply don’t buy.

I break down why Amazon’s structural advantages don’t automatically translate to veto power over agentic commerce, why grocery is the actual battleground to watch, why Walmart and other retailers hold more leverage than expected, and how interoperability economics make an agent-driven future increasingly inevitable. Most importantly, I share why retailers shouldn’t play a game of chicken with Amazon.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why Eric Seufert’s skepticism about agentic commerce is healthy.
[01:30] Breaking down Amazon’s structural advantages and the Rufus effect.
[03:36] The flaw in assuming agentic commerce requires Amazon’s participation.
[06:30] Why grocery — not general ecommerce — is the true agentic battleground.
[08:30] The signal that Amazon already sees lower-funnel risk ahead.
[10:46] Interoperability economics and why most retailers want agents to thrive.
[12:26] Why Amazon isn’t the only car in the agentic commerce “game of chicken.”


Links & Resources

]]> Agentic commerce continues to spark tension across the industry. Today, I’m diving straight into one of the biggest debates: whether Amazon’s refusal to embrace open agent interoperability means agentic shopping is doomed. This conversation was inspired by ad industry analyst Eric Seufert, whose skepticism about agentic commerce I genuinely value. But as I explain, there are several key assumptions baked into his argument I simply don’t buy.

I break down why Amazon’s structural advantages don’t automatically translate to veto power over agentic commerce, why grocery is the actual battleground to watch, why Walmart and other retailers hold more leverage than expected, and how interoperability economics make an agent-driven future increasingly inevitable. Most importantly, I share why retailers shouldn’t play a game of chicken with Amazon.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why Eric Seufert’s skepticism about agentic commerce is healthy.
[01:30] Breaking down Amazon’s structural advantages and the Rufus effect.
[03:36] The flaw in assuming agentic commerce requires Amazon’s participation.
[06:30] Why grocery — not general ecommerce — is the true agentic battleground.
[08:30] The signal that Amazon already sees lower-funnel risk ahead.
[10:46] Interoperability economics and why most retailers want agents to thrive.
[12:26] Why Amazon isn’t the only car in the agentic commerce “game of chicken.”


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 796 Agentic commerce continues to spark tension across the industry. Today, I’m diving straight into one of the biggest debates: whether Amazon’s refusal to embrace open agent interoperability means agentic shopping is doomed. This conversation was inspired by ad industry analyst Eric Seufert, whose skepticism about agentic commerce I genuinely value. But as I explain, there are several key assumptions baked into his argument I simply don’t buy.

I break down why Amazon’s structural advantages don’t automatically translate to veto power over agentic commerce, why grocery is the actual battleground to watch, why Walmart and other retailers hold more leverage than expected, and how interoperability economics make an agent-driven future increasingly inevitable. Most importantly, I share why retailers shouldn’t play a game of chicken with Amazon.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why Eric Seufert’s skepticism about agentic commerce is healthy.
[01:30] Breaking down Amazon’s structural advantages and the Rufus effect.
[03:36] The flaw in assuming agentic commerce requires Amazon’s participation.
[06:30] Why grocery — not general ecommerce — is the true agentic battleground.
[08:30] The signal that Amazon already sees lower-funnel risk ahead.
[10:46] Interoperability economics and why most retailers want agents to thrive.
[12:26] Why Amazon isn’t the only car in the agentic commerce “game of chicken.”


Links & Resources

]]> agentic commerce, Amazon Rufus analysis, retail media strategy, Walmart ecommerce growth, AI shopping agents No 5 Big Marketing Lessons Retail Media Must Steal From Venture Capital 5 Big Marketing Lessons Retail Media Must Steal From Venture Capital full 11bb2532-21ef-4870-9d47-19c27b928f1d https://share.transistor.fm/s/e00eb3a4 In this episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I reflect on a recent conversation from the a16z Podcast and the surprisingly relevant lessons that venture capital can teach retail media networks. Listening to Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Margit Wennmachers talk about how a16z deliberately broke VC’s long-standing “code of silence” reminded me so much of the paradoxes I saw back when I ran my Amazon agency. In short; everyone wanted transparency, but no one wanted to contribute to it.

Today I'm breaking down five powerful marketing lessons from the world of VC that retail media networks can apply right now to stand out and build real relationships with brands. From redefining who the true customer is, to creating genuinely useful content, to bundling value in ways that go far beyond ad inventory — these highlights completely reframed how I think about RMN differentiation. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why clients loved my agency's work but refused to give testimonials (and how this quandary mirrors retail media’s transparency problem)
[01:11] Lesson 1: Redefining who the real customer is (and why retailers struggle with B2B motions)
[03:04] Lesson 2: Creating content that actually serves brand advertisers instead of repeating the same three USPs
[05:39] Lesson 3: Building direct channels instead of relying on trade-press-only PR strategies
[07:36] Lesson 4: The “bundling” model inspired by Hollywood talent agencies (and its RMN equivalent)


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I reflect on a recent conversation from the a16z Podcast and the surprisingly relevant lessons that venture capital can teach retail media networks. Listening to Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Margit Wennmachers talk about how a16z deliberately broke VC’s long-standing “code of silence” reminded me so much of the paradoxes I saw back when I ran my Amazon agency. In short; everyone wanted transparency, but no one wanted to contribute to it.

Today I'm breaking down five powerful marketing lessons from the world of VC that retail media networks can apply right now to stand out and build real relationships with brands. From redefining who the true customer is, to creating genuinely useful content, to bundling value in ways that go far beyond ad inventory — these highlights completely reframed how I think about RMN differentiation. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why clients loved my agency's work but refused to give testimonials (and how this quandary mirrors retail media’s transparency problem)
[01:11] Lesson 1: Redefining who the real customer is (and why retailers struggle with B2B motions)
[03:04] Lesson 2: Creating content that actually serves brand advertisers instead of repeating the same three USPs
[05:39] Lesson 3: Building direct channels instead of relying on trade-press-only PR strategies
[07:36] Lesson 4: The “bundling” model inspired by Hollywood talent agencies (and its RMN equivalent)


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 599 In this episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I reflect on a recent conversation from the a16z Podcast and the surprisingly relevant lessons that venture capital can teach retail media networks. Listening to Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Margit Wennmachers talk about how a16z deliberately broke VC’s long-standing “code of silence” reminded me so much of the paradoxes I saw back when I ran my Amazon agency. In short; everyone wanted transparency, but no one wanted to contribute to it.

Today I'm breaking down five powerful marketing lessons from the world of VC that retail media networks can apply right now to stand out and build real relationships with brands. From redefining who the true customer is, to creating genuinely useful content, to bundling value in ways that go far beyond ad inventory — these highlights completely reframed how I think about RMN differentiation. 


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Why clients loved my agency's work but refused to give testimonials (and how this quandary mirrors retail media’s transparency problem)
[01:11] Lesson 1: Redefining who the real customer is (and why retailers struggle with B2B motions)
[03:04] Lesson 2: Creating content that actually serves brand advertisers instead of repeating the same three USPs
[05:39] Lesson 3: Building direct channels instead of relying on trade-press-only PR strategies
[07:36] Lesson 4: The “bundling” model inspired by Hollywood talent agencies (and its RMN equivalent)


Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, venture capital marketing lessons, a16z retail media insights, RMN marketing best practices, Kiri Masters podcast No Amazon’s Sea of Ads: Why 25+ Sponsored Products Per Page Still Works Amazon’s Sea of Ads: Why 25+ Sponsored Products Per Page Still Works full 2bf2b386-479b-48ff-b8b7-deccecf5a83f https://share.transistor.fm/s/545a01fe In this episode, I expand on my latest column in The Drum, where I unpack new data showing that Amazon now averages 25+ sponsored products per page load—far more than Walmart or Home Depot. Despite fears that ad overload would harm the customer experience, Amazon maintains near-universal ad coverage while keeping relevance high, even on complex long-tail searches. That level of performance is only possible because Amazon invested early in sophisticated ad tech capable of matching ads to intent across every type of query.

I also explore why Amazon’s high-density ad surface still works economically. By expanding formats and inventory, Amazon moderates CPC inflation while still driving huge revenue volumes—something most mid-tier retailers can’t replicate without upgrading their ad tech. For retailers, brands, and agencies, Amazon’s model is both a blueprint and a warning: dense ad monetization only works if relevance, user experience, and supply all scale together.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

00:00 – Amazon really is a sea of ads!
00:30 – How Amazon’s ad load compares to Walmart and Home Depot
01:35 – Why Amazon’s dense ad surface still works
02:45 – Long-tail queries and why most retailers fail to monetize them
04:00 – The “doom loop” for mid-tier retail media networks
05:10 – Amazon’s Unified Campaign Manager and keeping relevance high
06:45 – The economics of abundant inventory and moderated CPCs
08:15 – What Amazon’s ad saturation means for everyone else


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I expand on my latest column in The Drum, where I unpack new data showing that Amazon now averages 25+ sponsored products per page load—far more than Walmart or Home Depot. Despite fears that ad overload would harm the customer experience, Amazon maintains near-universal ad coverage while keeping relevance high, even on complex long-tail searches. That level of performance is only possible because Amazon invested early in sophisticated ad tech capable of matching ads to intent across every type of query.

I also explore why Amazon’s high-density ad surface still works economically. By expanding formats and inventory, Amazon moderates CPC inflation while still driving huge revenue volumes—something most mid-tier retailers can’t replicate without upgrading their ad tech. For retailers, brands, and agencies, Amazon’s model is both a blueprint and a warning: dense ad monetization only works if relevance, user experience, and supply all scale together.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

00:00 – Amazon really is a sea of ads!
00:30 – How Amazon’s ad load compares to Walmart and Home Depot
01:35 – Why Amazon’s dense ad surface still works
02:45 – Long-tail queries and why most retailers fail to monetize them
04:00 – The “doom loop” for mid-tier retail media networks
05:10 – Amazon’s Unified Campaign Manager and keeping relevance high
06:45 – The economics of abundant inventory and moderated CPCs
08:15 – What Amazon’s ad saturation means for everyone else


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 541 In this episode, I expand on my latest column in The Drum, where I unpack new data showing that Amazon now averages 25+ sponsored products per page load—far more than Walmart or Home Depot. Despite fears that ad overload would harm the customer experience, Amazon maintains near-universal ad coverage while keeping relevance high, even on complex long-tail searches. That level of performance is only possible because Amazon invested early in sophisticated ad tech capable of matching ads to intent across every type of query.

I also explore why Amazon’s high-density ad surface still works economically. By expanding formats and inventory, Amazon moderates CPC inflation while still driving huge revenue volumes—something most mid-tier retailers can’t replicate without upgrading their ad tech. For retailers, brands, and agencies, Amazon’s model is both a blueprint and a warning: dense ad monetization only works if relevance, user experience, and supply all scale together.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

00:00 – Amazon really is a sea of ads!
00:30 – How Amazon’s ad load compares to Walmart and Home Depot
01:35 – Why Amazon’s dense ad surface still works
02:45 – Long-tail queries and why most retailers fail to monetize them
04:00 – The “doom loop” for mid-tier retail media networks
05:10 – Amazon’s Unified Campaign Manager and keeping relevance high
06:45 – The economics of abundant inventory and moderated CPCs
08:15 – What Amazon’s ad saturation means for everyone else


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon ad saturation, retail media 2025, sponsored products Amazon, retail media strategy, Amazon Unified Campaign Manager No The Retail Media Civil War Is Ending: How “Fluid” Sponsored Products Are Reshaping Search The Retail Media Civil War Is Ending: How “Fluid” Sponsored Products Are Reshaping Search full c128f66c-176a-4859-8f2b-7573bdbec2ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/4612cabe In today’s episode, I dig into one of the biggest internal conflicts inside retail organizations—the clash between merchant teams and retail media teams. One side is incentivized to fill every available ad slot, the other is responsible for driving product sales, and shoppers are the ones caught in the crossfire. As Charlie Munger said, “Show me the incentive and I’ll show you the outcome,” and retail media is no exception.

I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-founder of Pentaleap, whose 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report exposes cracks in the old model of separating organic search from sponsored placements. We unpack why retailers are finally beginning to merge these two systems into a single, relevance-driven engine, and how this “fluid” approach could end the long-running merchant vs. media standoff once and for all.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

02:15 — The incentive problem: why merchant and media teams often work against each other
03:30 — Andreas explains why onsite search tech already solved relevance years ago
05:12 — The consequences of running two ranking engines that don’t communicate
05:56 — The Fifth Avenue analogy: how fixed ad slots waste precious digital real estate
07:00 — How dynamic, margin-based ranking blends organic + sponsored into one algorithm
09:13 — Macy’s and Home Depot shift from fixed to fluid sponsored product distribution
10:45 — A key question brands should ask every retailer about their algorithm setup


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s episode, I dig into one of the biggest internal conflicts inside retail organizations—the clash between merchant teams and retail media teams. One side is incentivized to fill every available ad slot, the other is responsible for driving product sales, and shoppers are the ones caught in the crossfire. As Charlie Munger said, “Show me the incentive and I’ll show you the outcome,” and retail media is no exception.

I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-founder of Pentaleap, whose 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report exposes cracks in the old model of separating organic search from sponsored placements. We unpack why retailers are finally beginning to merge these two systems into a single, relevance-driven engine, and how this “fluid” approach could end the long-running merchant vs. media standoff once and for all.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

02:15 — The incentive problem: why merchant and media teams often work against each other
03:30 — Andreas explains why onsite search tech already solved relevance years ago
05:12 — The consequences of running two ranking engines that don’t communicate
05:56 — The Fifth Avenue analogy: how fixed ad slots waste precious digital real estate
07:00 — How dynamic, margin-based ranking blends organic + sponsored into one algorithm
09:13 — Macy’s and Home Depot shift from fixed to fluid sponsored product distribution
10:45 — A key question brands should ask every retailer about their algorithm setup


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 703 In today’s episode, I dig into one of the biggest internal conflicts inside retail organizations—the clash between merchant teams and retail media teams. One side is incentivized to fill every available ad slot, the other is responsible for driving product sales, and shoppers are the ones caught in the crossfire. As Charlie Munger said, “Show me the incentive and I’ll show you the outcome,” and retail media is no exception.

I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-founder of Pentaleap, whose 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report exposes cracks in the old model of separating organic search from sponsored placements. We unpack why retailers are finally beginning to merge these two systems into a single, relevance-driven engine, and how this “fluid” approach could end the long-running merchant vs. media standoff once and for all.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

02:15 — The incentive problem: why merchant and media teams often work against each other
03:30 — Andreas explains why onsite search tech already solved relevance years ago
05:12 — The consequences of running two ranking engines that don’t communicate
05:56 — The Fifth Avenue analogy: how fixed ad slots waste precious digital real estate
07:00 — How dynamic, margin-based ranking blends organic + sponsored into one algorithm
09:13 — Macy’s and Home Depot shift from fixed to fluid sponsored product distribution
10:45 — A key question brands should ask every retailer about their algorithm setup


Links & Resources

]]> retail media optimization, sponsored products strategy, onsite search relevance, retail marketplace advertising, Pentaleap benchmark report No AI vs. Retail Media: The Platform Shift No One Is Ready For AI vs. Retail Media: The Platform Shift No One Is Ready For full 6c0113ee-0a3f-48bb-bc68-603e17d881ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/c5028444 In this 'Snips' episode, I unpack some of the most thought-provoking ideas from tech analyst Benedict Evans’ recent interview on The Knowledge Project, specifically his comparison of AI to the invention of the iPhone. Not electricity. Not the Industrial Revolution. The iPhone. And the second-order effects of that comparison are much more relevant than you might think for retail media and the future of commerce.

I explore what this platform shift means for retailers, retail media networks, and the shopping journey as we know it. From behavior resets to disappearing data moats, to the existential risk facing both onsite and offsite RMN revenue, I break down why AI-enabled shopping represents a genuine unbundling of the retail experience, and why the window to respond is rapidly closing.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – Why Benedict Evans compares AI not to electricity, but to the iPhone (and why that matters).
[01:37] – How early assumptions about mobile were completely wrong, and what that teaches us about today’s AI shift.
[03:06] – What retailers are getting wrong by treating AI like a “feature” instead of a platform transition.
[04:30] – Understanding the consumer behavior reset that threatens retail sites as the starting point for shopping.
[06:11] – Why onsite retail media revenue is vulnerable when LLMs intercept the shopping journey.
[10:20] – The shrinking window for retailers to build AI-native consumer habits before external agents capture them.


Links & Resources

]]> In this 'Snips' episode, I unpack some of the most thought-provoking ideas from tech analyst Benedict Evans’ recent interview on The Knowledge Project, specifically his comparison of AI to the invention of the iPhone. Not electricity. Not the Industrial Revolution. The iPhone. And the second-order effects of that comparison are much more relevant than you might think for retail media and the future of commerce.

I explore what this platform shift means for retailers, retail media networks, and the shopping journey as we know it. From behavior resets to disappearing data moats, to the existential risk facing both onsite and offsite RMN revenue, I break down why AI-enabled shopping represents a genuine unbundling of the retail experience, and why the window to respond is rapidly closing.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – Why Benedict Evans compares AI not to electricity, but to the iPhone (and why that matters).
[01:37] – How early assumptions about mobile were completely wrong, and what that teaches us about today’s AI shift.
[03:06] – What retailers are getting wrong by treating AI like a “feature” instead of a platform transition.
[04:30] – Understanding the consumer behavior reset that threatens retail sites as the starting point for shopping.
[06:11] – Why onsite retail media revenue is vulnerable when LLMs intercept the shopping journey.
[10:20] – The shrinking window for retailers to build AI-native consumer habits before external agents capture them.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 723 In this 'Snips' episode, I unpack some of the most thought-provoking ideas from tech analyst Benedict Evans’ recent interview on The Knowledge Project, specifically his comparison of AI to the invention of the iPhone. Not electricity. Not the Industrial Revolution. The iPhone. And the second-order effects of that comparison are much more relevant than you might think for retail media and the future of commerce.

I explore what this platform shift means for retailers, retail media networks, and the shopping journey as we know it. From behavior resets to disappearing data moats, to the existential risk facing both onsite and offsite RMN revenue, I break down why AI-enabled shopping represents a genuine unbundling of the retail experience, and why the window to respond is rapidly closing.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – Why Benedict Evans compares AI not to electricity, but to the iPhone (and why that matters).
[01:37] – How early assumptions about mobile were completely wrong, and what that teaches us about today’s AI shift.
[03:06] – What retailers are getting wrong by treating AI like a “feature” instead of a platform transition.
[04:30] – Understanding the consumer behavior reset that threatens retail sites as the starting point for shopping.
[06:11] – Why onsite retail media revenue is vulnerable when LLMs intercept the shopping journey.
[10:20] – The shrinking window for retailers to build AI-native consumer habits before external agents capture them.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media AI shift, Benedict Evans retail insights, AI shopping disruption, LLM commerce trends, retail media network future No Inside Costco’s Secretive Retail Media Strategy: What Mark Williamson Revealed Inside Costco’s Secretive Retail Media Strategy: What Mark Williamson Revealed full 616e06f6-fc44-47e4-b35b-d5c5d79aeac5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/230289c7 Costco has always been the effortlessly cool kid of the retail media world: unbothered by hype, quietly confident, and doing things entirely on its own terms. In this episode, I unpack what makes Costco’s retail media approach so different from the 80+ U.S. retail media networks vying for attention, and why their “member-first, margin-second” philosophy is more than just a tagline.

After digging through Mark Williamson (Retail Media AVP at Costco) interviews, I piece together a clearer picture of how Costco is building a retail media business that deeply aligns with its culture, elevates member value, and defies the standard playbook. I explore their unique team structure and ruthlessly disciplined data foundation, as well as the philosophical stance that guides every media decision they make.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:19] – Why Costco avoids the splashy retail media hype and plays the long game
[02:53] – Mark Williamson explains why “monetization” isn’t even in Costco’s vocabulary
[04:47] – The uncompromising member-first philosophy and how it blocks “free money”
[07:15] – How Costco’s Growth Management Team bridges merchants and media
[09:00] – Why retail media revenue is immediately reinvested into merchandising
[10:10] – The power of 100% member-identified transactions and deterministic data


Links & Resources

]]> Costco has always been the effortlessly cool kid of the retail media world: unbothered by hype, quietly confident, and doing things entirely on its own terms. In this episode, I unpack what makes Costco’s retail media approach so different from the 80+ U.S. retail media networks vying for attention, and why their “member-first, margin-second” philosophy is more than just a tagline.

After digging through Mark Williamson (Retail Media AVP at Costco) interviews, I piece together a clearer picture of how Costco is building a retail media business that deeply aligns with its culture, elevates member value, and defies the standard playbook. I explore their unique team structure and ruthlessly disciplined data foundation, as well as the philosophical stance that guides every media decision they make.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:19] – Why Costco avoids the splashy retail media hype and plays the long game
[02:53] – Mark Williamson explains why “monetization” isn’t even in Costco’s vocabulary
[04:47] – The uncompromising member-first philosophy and how it blocks “free money”
[07:15] – How Costco’s Growth Management Team bridges merchants and media
[09:00] – Why retail media revenue is immediately reinvested into merchandising
[10:10] – The power of 100% member-identified transactions and deterministic data


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 830 Costco has always been the effortlessly cool kid of the retail media world: unbothered by hype, quietly confident, and doing things entirely on its own terms. In this episode, I unpack what makes Costco’s retail media approach so different from the 80+ U.S. retail media networks vying for attention, and why their “member-first, margin-second” philosophy is more than just a tagline.

After digging through Mark Williamson (Retail Media AVP at Costco) interviews, I piece together a clearer picture of how Costco is building a retail media business that deeply aligns with its culture, elevates member value, and defies the standard playbook. I explore their unique team structure and ruthlessly disciplined data foundation, as well as the philosophical stance that guides every media decision they make.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:19] – Why Costco avoids the splashy retail media hype and plays the long game
[02:53] – Mark Williamson explains why “monetization” isn’t even in Costco’s vocabulary
[04:47] – The uncompromising member-first philosophy and how it blocks “free money”
[07:15] – How Costco’s Growth Management Team bridges merchants and media
[09:00] – Why retail media revenue is immediately reinvested into merchandising
[10:10] – The power of 100% member-identified transactions and deterministic data


Links & Resources

]]> Costco retail media, Mark Williamson interview, retail media networks analysis, Costco membership strategy, RMN data strategy No AI Shopping Hype? My Black Friday to Cyber Monday Halftime Breakdown AI Shopping Hype? My Black Friday to Cyber Monday Halftime Breakdown full 5f67933d-bef0-4df6-af55-67f7b01db16f https://share.transistor.fm/s/c97ff9ce In this halftime recap of Black Friday — Cyber Monday, I unpack the avalanche of headlines claiming that AI shopping has finally arrived. Everywhere you look, analysts are touting explosive growth — 805% spikes, billions in generative AI-influenced sales, and a surge in chatbot-assisted shopping sessions. But as I dig into the data, I’m asking a much more important question: Does any of this actually signal a shift in real shopper behavior? The picture is far more nuanced than the hype suggests.

I walk through what the numbers truly reveal, why AI referrals may be inflated by simple math, and what early usage patterns can — and cannot— tell us about consumer adoption. We also look at the timing mismatch of newly released AI shopping tools, why retailers themselves are blocking the very future they claim to want, and where genuine behavior change did happen this weekend. If you’re trying to understand what’s real and what’s noise in this year’s holiday results, this episode will help you read between the lines.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] The big headline stats: AI-driven traffic surges and billions in generative-AI-influenced Black Friday sales.

[01:45] Why the 805% AI referral growth may say more about user base expansion than shopper behavior.

[03:00] The real reason Rufus conversions appear higher, and why it’s likely better search, not agentic shopping.

[04:00] The rush-job rollout of AI shopping tools and why consumers had almost no time to learn them before the retail holidays.

[05:30] How retailers are blocking AI tools to save server costs (and the hidden downside for product visibility).

[07:00] What actually changed this weekend: mobile dominance, wallet adoption, margins holding, and AI-powered customer support surging.


Links & Resources

]]> In this halftime recap of Black Friday — Cyber Monday, I unpack the avalanche of headlines claiming that AI shopping has finally arrived. Everywhere you look, analysts are touting explosive growth — 805% spikes, billions in generative AI-influenced sales, and a surge in chatbot-assisted shopping sessions. But as I dig into the data, I’m asking a much more important question: Does any of this actually signal a shift in real shopper behavior? The picture is far more nuanced than the hype suggests.

I walk through what the numbers truly reveal, why AI referrals may be inflated by simple math, and what early usage patterns can — and cannot— tell us about consumer adoption. We also look at the timing mismatch of newly released AI shopping tools, why retailers themselves are blocking the very future they claim to want, and where genuine behavior change did happen this weekend. If you’re trying to understand what’s real and what’s noise in this year’s holiday results, this episode will help you read between the lines.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] The big headline stats: AI-driven traffic surges and billions in generative-AI-influenced Black Friday sales.

[01:45] Why the 805% AI referral growth may say more about user base expansion than shopper behavior.

[03:00] The real reason Rufus conversions appear higher, and why it’s likely better search, not agentic shopping.

[04:00] The rush-job rollout of AI shopping tools and why consumers had almost no time to learn them before the retail holidays.

[05:30] How retailers are blocking AI tools to save server costs (and the hidden downside for product visibility).

[07:00] What actually changed this weekend: mobile dominance, wallet adoption, margins holding, and AI-powered customer support surging.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 474 In this halftime recap of Black Friday — Cyber Monday, I unpack the avalanche of headlines claiming that AI shopping has finally arrived. Everywhere you look, analysts are touting explosive growth — 805% spikes, billions in generative AI-influenced sales, and a surge in chatbot-assisted shopping sessions. But as I dig into the data, I’m asking a much more important question: Does any of this actually signal a shift in real shopper behavior? The picture is far more nuanced than the hype suggests.

I walk through what the numbers truly reveal, why AI referrals may be inflated by simple math, and what early usage patterns can — and cannot— tell us about consumer adoption. We also look at the timing mismatch of newly released AI shopping tools, why retailers themselves are blocking the very future they claim to want, and where genuine behavior change did happen this weekend. If you’re trying to understand what’s real and what’s noise in this year’s holiday results, this episode will help you read between the lines.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] The big headline stats: AI-driven traffic surges and billions in generative-AI-influenced Black Friday sales.

[01:45] Why the 805% AI referral growth may say more about user base expansion than shopper behavior.

[03:00] The real reason Rufus conversions appear higher, and why it’s likely better search, not agentic shopping.

[04:00] The rush-job rollout of AI shopping tools and why consumers had almost no time to learn them before the retail holidays.

[05:30] How retailers are blocking AI tools to save server costs (and the hidden downside for product visibility).

[07:00] What actually changed this weekend: mobile dominance, wallet adoption, margins holding, and AI-powered customer support surging.


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping Black Friday, retail media analytics, generative AI ecommerce, Cyber Monday trends 2025, Amazon Rufus analysis No Why Retail Media’s Metrics Are Failing — And What Actually Drives Brand Growth Why Retail Media’s Metrics Are Failing — And What Actually Drives Brand Growth full 6671a591-54f1-4831-9ab1-845dd404c0b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/760ecff7 This week, I’m digging into a fiery debate that lit up LinkedIn — one that questions whether retail media is measuring the right things at all. After reading a thought-provoking post from Steve Gray, I found myself going down a rabbit hole of insights, rebuttals, and philosophical clashes about how brands actually grow—and what retail media should be optimizing for. Spoiler: the answers aren’t as simple as ROAS and impressions.

In this episode, I unpack the tension between Byron Sharp’s “How Brands Grow” principles and the reality of how budgets get allocated in retail media today. You’ll hear perspectives from industry leaders pushing back on performance-only thinking, calling for better context, better metrics, and a more nuanced understanding of the messy, chaotic shopper journey. If you’ve ever wondered why the theory sounds so elegant but the execution feels so broken, this one is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – The LinkedIn post from Steve Gray that kicked off this entire discussion
[01:16] – A quick primer on How Brands Grow and why penetration matters more than loyalty
[02:45] – Steve Gray’s call for new metrics and why retail media struggles to operationalize them
[04:51] – Jordan Witmer's argument for why impression-based models misread retail media
[06:13] – Yuni Baker-Saito's warning that marketers are over-relying on measurement at the expense of context
[07:46] – Anne Hallock's “chaos pendulum” and why the shopper journey no longer follows a clean funnel
[09:15] – Why brands still default to ROAS, and why retail media keeps selling it despite its limits


Links & Resources

]]> This week, I’m digging into a fiery debate that lit up LinkedIn — one that questions whether retail media is measuring the right things at all. After reading a thought-provoking post from Steve Gray, I found myself going down a rabbit hole of insights, rebuttals, and philosophical clashes about how brands actually grow—and what retail media should be optimizing for. Spoiler: the answers aren’t as simple as ROAS and impressions.

In this episode, I unpack the tension between Byron Sharp’s “How Brands Grow” principles and the reality of how budgets get allocated in retail media today. You’ll hear perspectives from industry leaders pushing back on performance-only thinking, calling for better context, better metrics, and a more nuanced understanding of the messy, chaotic shopper journey. If you’ve ever wondered why the theory sounds so elegant but the execution feels so broken, this one is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – The LinkedIn post from Steve Gray that kicked off this entire discussion
[01:16] – A quick primer on How Brands Grow and why penetration matters more than loyalty
[02:45] – Steve Gray’s call for new metrics and why retail media struggles to operationalize them
[04:51] – Jordan Witmer's argument for why impression-based models misread retail media
[06:13] – Yuni Baker-Saito's warning that marketers are over-relying on measurement at the expense of context
[07:46] – Anne Hallock's “chaos pendulum” and why the shopper journey no longer follows a clean funnel
[09:15] – Why brands still default to ROAS, and why retail media keeps selling it despite its limits


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 670 This week, I’m digging into a fiery debate that lit up LinkedIn — one that questions whether retail media is measuring the right things at all. After reading a thought-provoking post from Steve Gray, I found myself going down a rabbit hole of insights, rebuttals, and philosophical clashes about how brands actually grow—and what retail media should be optimizing for. Spoiler: the answers aren’t as simple as ROAS and impressions.

In this episode, I unpack the tension between Byron Sharp’s “How Brands Grow” principles and the reality of how budgets get allocated in retail media today. You’ll hear perspectives from industry leaders pushing back on performance-only thinking, calling for better context, better metrics, and a more nuanced understanding of the messy, chaotic shopper journey. If you’ve ever wondered why the theory sounds so elegant but the execution feels so broken, this one is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:22] – The LinkedIn post from Steve Gray that kicked off this entire discussion
[01:16] – A quick primer on How Brands Grow and why penetration matters more than loyalty
[02:45] – Steve Gray’s call for new metrics and why retail media struggles to operationalize them
[04:51] – Jordan Witmer's argument for why impression-based models misread retail media
[06:13] – Yuni Baker-Saito's warning that marketers are over-relying on measurement at the expense of context
[07:46] – Anne Hallock's “chaos pendulum” and why the shopper journey no longer follows a clean funnel
[09:15] – Why brands still default to ROAS, and why retail media keeps selling it despite its limits


Links & Resources

]]> retail media measurement, how brands grow Byron Sharp, retail media metrics debate, mental availability retail media, brand growth penetration No Why Long-Tail Advertisers Are Becoming Retail Media’s Biggest Growth Engine Why Long-Tail Advertisers Are Becoming Retail Media’s Biggest Growth Engine full a5fa840e-52ce-4579-a79b-ad1362abfe68 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/long-tail-advertisers-are-a-quiet-growth-engine-for-top-performing-rmns In today’s episode I dig into a surprising and quietly powerful engine of growth for retail media networks: long-tail advertisers. While major CPG brands continue to cap their RMN partnerships at around six networks, retailers are pouring investment into Amazon and Walmart-level capabilities, hoping to win those national budgets. But the ceiling isn’t moving… so where’s the growth coming from?

New data from Pentaleap's 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report shows exactly where the action is. Retailers who are activating their long-tail ecosystems — smaller brands and third-party sellers — are seeing significant increases in impressions, revenue, and advertiser participation. I break down the numbers, the retailers leading the charge, and why the ability to scale thousands of smaller advertisers may be the single biggest opportunity for RMNs going into 2026.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:40] – Why major CPG brands are capping their retail media network relationships

[02:00] – The operational challenges that limit RMN expansion for large advertisers

[03:00] – How long-tail advertisers are emerging as a critical growth driver for RMNs

[03:26] – Examples of retailers seeing momentum from activating smaller brands and sellers

[04:19] – The role of third-party marketplaces in expanding advertiser participation

[05:42] – Why RMNs need new infrastructure to effectively support thousands of long-tail advertisers


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s episode I dig into a surprising and quietly powerful engine of growth for retail media networks: long-tail advertisers. While major CPG brands continue to cap their RMN partnerships at around six networks, retailers are pouring investment into Amazon and Walmart-level capabilities, hoping to win those national budgets. But the ceiling isn’t moving… so where’s the growth coming from?

New data from Pentaleap's 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report shows exactly where the action is. Retailers who are activating their long-tail ecosystems — smaller brands and third-party sellers — are seeing significant increases in impressions, revenue, and advertiser participation. I break down the numbers, the retailers leading the charge, and why the ability to scale thousands of smaller advertisers may be the single biggest opportunity for RMNs going into 2026.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:40] – Why major CPG brands are capping their retail media network relationships

[02:00] – The operational challenges that limit RMN expansion for large advertisers

[03:00] – How long-tail advertisers are emerging as a critical growth driver for RMNs

[03:26] – Examples of retailers seeing momentum from activating smaller brands and sellers

[04:19] – The role of third-party marketplaces in expanding advertiser participation

[05:42] – Why RMNs need new infrastructure to effectively support thousands of long-tail advertisers


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 509 In today’s episode I dig into a surprising and quietly powerful engine of growth for retail media networks: long-tail advertisers. While major CPG brands continue to cap their RMN partnerships at around six networks, retailers are pouring investment into Amazon and Walmart-level capabilities, hoping to win those national budgets. But the ceiling isn’t moving… so where’s the growth coming from?

New data from Pentaleap's 2025 Sponsored Products Benchmark Report shows exactly where the action is. Retailers who are activating their long-tail ecosystems — smaller brands and third-party sellers — are seeing significant increases in impressions, revenue, and advertiser participation. I break down the numbers, the retailers leading the charge, and why the ability to scale thousands of smaller advertisers may be the single biggest opportunity for RMNs going into 2026.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:40] – Why major CPG brands are capping their retail media network relationships

[02:00] – The operational challenges that limit RMN expansion for large advertisers

[03:00] – How long-tail advertisers are emerging as a critical growth driver for RMNs

[03:26] – Examples of retailers seeing momentum from activating smaller brands and sellers

[04:19] – The role of third-party marketplaces in expanding advertiser participation

[05:42] – Why RMNs need new infrastructure to effectively support thousands of long-tail advertisers


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks, long-tail advertisers, CPG advertising strategy, marketplace advertising growth, Pentaleap report No How RMNs Can Finally Win Over Media Agencies How RMNs Can Finally Win Over Media Agencies full 9b829b89-e5b2-4d95-9a89-3bfb2584d8bb https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-can-rmns-tap-upper-funnel-brand-budgets In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest unlocks for retail media networks right now: earning the trust (and the budgets) of media agencies. As retail media growth slows and retailers look beyond performance budgets, everyone suddenly wants a slice of those top-of-funnel brand-building dollars. But as I unpack the insights from Viv Craske and Colin Lewis from the Retail Media Therapy podcast, tapping into those budgets isn’t as simple as showing up with a pitch deck full of demographic reach stats.

I dissect what agencies actually want from RMNs, why most networks get their approach completely backwards, and what it really takes to become the obvious solution when a brief comes through. From identifying gaps in media plans, eliminating data gatekeeping, and building real, long-term agency relationships, this episode lays out a three-step strategy every RMN should be thinking about.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:42] – Why tapping into brand budgets is suddenly top priority for RMNs
[01:53] – The agency perspective: what they really need from retail media networks
[02:59] – The difference between demographic reach and true agency value
[04:12] – Why data access rather than gatekeeping is the make-or-break factor
[06:37] – The three-step, 6–9 month roadmap for building agency relationships
[07:45] – The resource reality: why this can’t be a “side-of-desk” project
[09:15] – The big miss: why most RMNs will fail to win brand budgets next year


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest unlocks for retail media networks right now: earning the trust (and the budgets) of media agencies. As retail media growth slows and retailers look beyond performance budgets, everyone suddenly wants a slice of those top-of-funnel brand-building dollars. But as I unpack the insights from Viv Craske and Colin Lewis from the Retail Media Therapy podcast, tapping into those budgets isn’t as simple as showing up with a pitch deck full of demographic reach stats.

I dissect what agencies actually want from RMNs, why most networks get their approach completely backwards, and what it really takes to become the obvious solution when a brief comes through. From identifying gaps in media plans, eliminating data gatekeeping, and building real, long-term agency relationships, this episode lays out a three-step strategy every RMN should be thinking about.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:42] – Why tapping into brand budgets is suddenly top priority for RMNs
[01:53] – The agency perspective: what they really need from retail media networks
[02:59] – The difference between demographic reach and true agency value
[04:12] – Why data access rather than gatekeeping is the make-or-break factor
[06:37] – The three-step, 6–9 month roadmap for building agency relationships
[07:45] – The resource reality: why this can’t be a “side-of-desk” project
[09:15] – The big miss: why most RMNs will fail to win brand budgets next year


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 601 In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest unlocks for retail media networks right now: earning the trust (and the budgets) of media agencies. As retail media growth slows and retailers look beyond performance budgets, everyone suddenly wants a slice of those top-of-funnel brand-building dollars. But as I unpack the insights from Viv Craske and Colin Lewis from the Retail Media Therapy podcast, tapping into those budgets isn’t as simple as showing up with a pitch deck full of demographic reach stats.

I dissect what agencies actually want from RMNs, why most networks get their approach completely backwards, and what it really takes to become the obvious solution when a brief comes through. From identifying gaps in media plans, eliminating data gatekeeping, and building real, long-term agency relationships, this episode lays out a three-step strategy every RMN should be thinking about.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:42] – Why tapping into brand budgets is suddenly top priority for RMNs
[01:53] – The agency perspective: what they really need from retail media networks
[02:59] – The difference between demographic reach and true agency value
[04:12] – Why data access rather than gatekeeping is the make-or-break factor
[06:37] – The three-step, 6–9 month roadmap for building agency relationships
[07:45] – The resource reality: why this can’t be a “side-of-desk” project
[09:15] – The big miss: why most RMNs will fail to win brand budgets next year


Links & Resources

]]> retail media agencies, RMN strategy 2026, brand budget retail media, agency data activation, retail media networks No AI-Fueled Shopping for The Holidays AI-Fueled Shopping for The Holidays full b00e61e8-bbb5-4386-93c4-bb7bc162fae6 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ai-for-the-holidays This week, I’m breaking down a fascinating shift I’ve been watching closely: the moment AI-enabled commerce finally tips from novelty to norm, just in time for the holiday shopping rush. After a near-disaster of traveling without my wallet (which somehow wasn’t a disaster at all), I couldn’t help but notice how quickly behavior changes when technology quietly becomes infrastructure. And based on fresh Salesforce data, AI is hitting that same inflection point in retail.

In this episode, I dig into what’s different this year, why AI shopping tools are suddenly actually useful, and how shoppers are blending personalized AI agents with retailer-owned chat experiences. Plus, I share some surprising insights about Gen Z’s in-store resurgence, and why the most AI-proof part of retail media might just be happening in the physical aisle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “forgot my wallet” travel moment and how quickly new behaviors become normal
[01:06] – Why this holiday season marks AI’s first real commerce stress test
[02:24] – The most meaningful new AI shopping tools consumers didn’t have last year
[03:52] – Are shoppers using retailer chatbots, or bringing their own LLM sidekick?
[06:29] – Salesforce data: retailers with AI chatbots are seeing 7× higher growth
[07:28] – The gap between retailer chatbots and personal AI assistants
[08:22] – Gen Z’s unexpected return to in-store shopping (with AI in hand)
[10:12] – What I’m watching as $73B in projected AI-influenced sales plays out this week


Links & Resources

]]> This week, I’m breaking down a fascinating shift I’ve been watching closely: the moment AI-enabled commerce finally tips from novelty to norm, just in time for the holiday shopping rush. After a near-disaster of traveling without my wallet (which somehow wasn’t a disaster at all), I couldn’t help but notice how quickly behavior changes when technology quietly becomes infrastructure. And based on fresh Salesforce data, AI is hitting that same inflection point in retail.

In this episode, I dig into what’s different this year, why AI shopping tools are suddenly actually useful, and how shoppers are blending personalized AI agents with retailer-owned chat experiences. Plus, I share some surprising insights about Gen Z’s in-store resurgence, and why the most AI-proof part of retail media might just be happening in the physical aisle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “forgot my wallet” travel moment and how quickly new behaviors become normal
[01:06] – Why this holiday season marks AI’s first real commerce stress test
[02:24] – The most meaningful new AI shopping tools consumers didn’t have last year
[03:52] – Are shoppers using retailer chatbots, or bringing their own LLM sidekick?
[06:29] – Salesforce data: retailers with AI chatbots are seeing 7× higher growth
[07:28] – The gap between retailer chatbots and personal AI assistants
[08:22] – Gen Z’s unexpected return to in-store shopping (with AI in hand)
[10:12] – What I’m watching as $73B in projected AI-influenced sales plays out this week


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 649 This week, I’m breaking down a fascinating shift I’ve been watching closely: the moment AI-enabled commerce finally tips from novelty to norm, just in time for the holiday shopping rush. After a near-disaster of traveling without my wallet (which somehow wasn’t a disaster at all), I couldn’t help but notice how quickly behavior changes when technology quietly becomes infrastructure. And based on fresh Salesforce data, AI is hitting that same inflection point in retail.

In this episode, I dig into what’s different this year, why AI shopping tools are suddenly actually useful, and how shoppers are blending personalized AI agents with retailer-owned chat experiences. Plus, I share some surprising insights about Gen Z’s in-store resurgence, and why the most AI-proof part of retail media might just be happening in the physical aisle.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – The “forgot my wallet” travel moment and how quickly new behaviors become normal
[01:06] – Why this holiday season marks AI’s first real commerce stress test
[02:24] – The most meaningful new AI shopping tools consumers didn’t have last year
[03:52] – Are shoppers using retailer chatbots, or bringing their own LLM sidekick?
[06:29] – Salesforce data: retailers with AI chatbots are seeing 7× higher growth
[07:28] – The gap between retailer chatbots and personal AI assistants
[08:22] – Gen Z’s unexpected return to in-store shopping (with AI in hand)
[10:12] – What I’m watching as $73B in projected AI-influenced sales plays out this week


Links & Resources

]]> AI holiday shopping 2025, retail media trends, AI shopping tools, Salesforce retail insights, Gen Z shopping behavior No Will Ads Ruin AI? Why Agentic Advertising Might Save the Internet Will Ads Ruin AI? Why Agentic Advertising Might Save the Internet full 03af877f-2401-4529-8b8a-739925f62bb2 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/maybe-ads-in-ai-dont-have-to-suck In this episode I’m digging into a question I’ve been thinking about for months: If ads inevitably show up inside AI interfaces… do they actually have to suck? With billions invested into AI infrastructure and only modest subscription revenue to offset it, advertising is the most likely economic engine powering the next wave of AI platforms. But I’m not convinced it has to lead us down the same messy, cluttered path that search and marketplaces took.

Drawing from an op-ed I recently wrote for The Drum, I explore why AI ads spark so much anxiety, how agentic advertising offers a fundamentally different model from surveillance-era targeting, and what all of this means for retailers, advertisers, and the future of trust online. This is a nuanced conversation about economics, ethics, innovation, and why this moment might actually give us a chance to rebuild advertising on better foundations.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why subscription revenue alone can’t support the massive cost of AI infrastructure
[01:23] – How AI is intercepting retail search behavior before shoppers ever reach a retailer’s site
[03:04] – The trust problem: what we fear when ads enter our most intimate digital spaces
[05:17] – The real economics of the internet and why advertising keeps it freely accessible
[07:00] – What “agentic advertising” actually is, and how it flips the traditional targeting model
[09:31] – Why conversational advertising could be more relevant (and less creepy) than legacy ad formats
[10:20] – The high-stakes implications for retail media when AI captures intent upstream


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode I’m digging into a question I’ve been thinking about for months: If ads inevitably show up inside AI interfaces… do they actually have to suck? With billions invested into AI infrastructure and only modest subscription revenue to offset it, advertising is the most likely economic engine powering the next wave of AI platforms. But I’m not convinced it has to lead us down the same messy, cluttered path that search and marketplaces took.

Drawing from an op-ed I recently wrote for The Drum, I explore why AI ads spark so much anxiety, how agentic advertising offers a fundamentally different model from surveillance-era targeting, and what all of this means for retailers, advertisers, and the future of trust online. This is a nuanced conversation about economics, ethics, innovation, and why this moment might actually give us a chance to rebuild advertising on better foundations.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why subscription revenue alone can’t support the massive cost of AI infrastructure
[01:23] – How AI is intercepting retail search behavior before shoppers ever reach a retailer’s site
[03:04] – The trust problem: what we fear when ads enter our most intimate digital spaces
[05:17] – The real economics of the internet and why advertising keeps it freely accessible
[07:00] – What “agentic advertising” actually is, and how it flips the traditional targeting model
[09:31] – Why conversational advertising could be more relevant (and less creepy) than legacy ad formats
[10:20] – The high-stakes implications for retail media when AI captures intent upstream


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 659 In this episode I’m digging into a question I’ve been thinking about for months: If ads inevitably show up inside AI interfaces… do they actually have to suck? With billions invested into AI infrastructure and only modest subscription revenue to offset it, advertising is the most likely economic engine powering the next wave of AI platforms. But I’m not convinced it has to lead us down the same messy, cluttered path that search and marketplaces took.

Drawing from an op-ed I recently wrote for The Drum, I explore why AI ads spark so much anxiety, how agentic advertising offers a fundamentally different model from surveillance-era targeting, and what all of this means for retailers, advertisers, and the future of trust online. This is a nuanced conversation about economics, ethics, innovation, and why this moment might actually give us a chance to rebuild advertising on better foundations.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:15] – Why subscription revenue alone can’t support the massive cost of AI infrastructure
[01:23] – How AI is intercepting retail search behavior before shoppers ever reach a retailer’s site
[03:04] – The trust problem: what we fear when ads enter our most intimate digital spaces
[05:17] – The real economics of the internet and why advertising keeps it freely accessible
[07:00] – What “agentic advertising” actually is, and how it flips the traditional targeting model
[09:31] – Why conversational advertising could be more relevant (and less creepy) than legacy ad formats
[10:20] – The high-stakes implications for retail media when AI captures intent upstream


Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising future, agentic advertising explained, retail media disruption, conversational ads in AI, Kiri Masters retail media No Get on the Damn Stage: Why 2026 Is Your Year to Step Into the Spotlight Get on the Damn Stage: Why 2026 Is Your Year to Step Into the Spotlight full 33c05123-4fa5-4f8b-945e-58cec24502aa https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/get-on-the-damn-stage In this reprise episode, I’m bringing back one of the most timely conversations we can have as we gear up for 2026 conference season: getting on the damn stage. After so many of you resonated with my encouragement to apply for the damn award despite imposter syndrome, it felt like the perfect moment to revisit this message. Because the truth is no one cares about your future as much as you do, and if you’re waiting for permission to step forward, you’ll be waiting forever.

Whether you’re on the brand side navigating approvals, or on the solution-provider side navigating sponsorships, there are concrete strategies you can use to share your point of view, elevate your career, strengthen your partnerships, and make events infinitely more rewarding. I’m also revisiting insightful community comments from LinkedIn that expand the conversation in really meaningful ways. Let’s get you on that stage in 2026!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] Why I’m bringing back this episode and how it connects to imposter syndrome.

[02:30] How brand-side leaders benefit personally and help their organizations by speaking publicly.

[03:45] The “Speaker” effect: how having that badge transforms your experience at events.

[05:30] How to navigate internal approvals, stick to your expertise, and decide when to go off-script responsibly.

[07:30] Why solution providers often have to “pay to play”, and why it can still be totally worth it.

[09:10] The power of original research as your ticket to the stage.

[09:55] Community insights on panels, real tactical content, and balancing restrictions with value.


Links & Resources

]]> In this reprise episode, I’m bringing back one of the most timely conversations we can have as we gear up for 2026 conference season: getting on the damn stage. After so many of you resonated with my encouragement to apply for the damn award despite imposter syndrome, it felt like the perfect moment to revisit this message. Because the truth is no one cares about your future as much as you do, and if you’re waiting for permission to step forward, you’ll be waiting forever.

Whether you’re on the brand side navigating approvals, or on the solution-provider side navigating sponsorships, there are concrete strategies you can use to share your point of view, elevate your career, strengthen your partnerships, and make events infinitely more rewarding. I’m also revisiting insightful community comments from LinkedIn that expand the conversation in really meaningful ways. Let’s get you on that stage in 2026!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] Why I’m bringing back this episode and how it connects to imposter syndrome.

[02:30] How brand-side leaders benefit personally and help their organizations by speaking publicly.

[03:45] The “Speaker” effect: how having that badge transforms your experience at events.

[05:30] How to navigate internal approvals, stick to your expertise, and decide when to go off-script responsibly.

[07:30] Why solution providers often have to “pay to play”, and why it can still be totally worth it.

[09:10] The power of original research as your ticket to the stage.

[09:55] Community insights on panels, real tactical content, and balancing restrictions with value.


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 692 In this reprise episode, I’m bringing back one of the most timely conversations we can have as we gear up for 2026 conference season: getting on the damn stage. After so many of you resonated with my encouragement to apply for the damn award despite imposter syndrome, it felt like the perfect moment to revisit this message. Because the truth is no one cares about your future as much as you do, and if you’re waiting for permission to step forward, you’ll be waiting forever.

Whether you’re on the brand side navigating approvals, or on the solution-provider side navigating sponsorships, there are concrete strategies you can use to share your point of view, elevate your career, strengthen your partnerships, and make events infinitely more rewarding. I’m also revisiting insightful community comments from LinkedIn that expand the conversation in really meaningful ways. Let’s get you on that stage in 2026!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] Why I’m bringing back this episode and how it connects to imposter syndrome.

[02:30] How brand-side leaders benefit personally and help their organizations by speaking publicly.

[03:45] The “Speaker” effect: how having that badge transforms your experience at events.

[05:30] How to navigate internal approvals, stick to your expertise, and decide when to go off-script responsibly.

[07:30] Why solution providers often have to “pay to play”, and why it can still be totally worth it.

[09:10] The power of original research as your ticket to the stage.

[09:55] Community insights on panels, real tactical content, and balancing restrictions with value.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media speaking tips, brand-side conference strategy, solution provider marketing, public speaking for marketers, how to get on stage retail media No Inside Mars’s Retail Media Investment Matrix — Why Only the Top 6 Retail Media Networks Win Inside Mars’s Retail Media Investment Matrix — Why Only the Top 6 Retail Media Networks Win full 85af3d59-f7ea-47e0-b4f9-69d555c68e75 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/inside-marss-retail-media-investment-matrix Last week at the Path to Purchase Institute LIVE conference, I heard something that most retail media networks probably don’t want to hear out loud: Mars has built a structured, data-driven investment matrix that decides exactly who gets budget and who doesn’t. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what Mars revealed, why scorecards are becoming standard across major CPGs, and the uncomfortable truth hiding underneath all this new structure.

I dig into why even networks that “score well” may not see increased spend, the operational ceiling that keeps most brands locked into 5–6 RMN relationships, and the growing divide between top-tier retail media networks and everyone else. If you’re a retailer, a media buyer, or working inside an emerging RMN, this conversation will give you real insight into how budgets are actually allocated, and why the bar keeps getting harder to clear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Mars introduces its formal retail media investment matrix and scorecard approach.
[00:30] Mars evaluates RMNs on two dimensions: capabilities and commercial growth.
[01:29] ANA guidance urges brands to adopt structured scorecards for RMN evaluation.
[02:30] A senior retail media buyer explains why meeting capability requirements doesn’t guarantee spend.
[05:22] The four main reasons brands cap their RMN relationships begin with platform fragmentation.
[08:57] What mid-tier RMNs must do to break into the top six (drive displacement or offer superior capabilities)


Links & Resources

]]> Last week at the Path to Purchase Institute LIVE conference, I heard something that most retail media networks probably don’t want to hear out loud: Mars has built a structured, data-driven investment matrix that decides exactly who gets budget and who doesn’t. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what Mars revealed, why scorecards are becoming standard across major CPGs, and the uncomfortable truth hiding underneath all this new structure.

I dig into why even networks that “score well” may not see increased spend, the operational ceiling that keeps most brands locked into 5–6 RMN relationships, and the growing divide between top-tier retail media networks and everyone else. If you’re a retailer, a media buyer, or working inside an emerging RMN, this conversation will give you real insight into how budgets are actually allocated, and why the bar keeps getting harder to clear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Mars introduces its formal retail media investment matrix and scorecard approach.
[00:30] Mars evaluates RMNs on two dimensions: capabilities and commercial growth.
[01:29] ANA guidance urges brands to adopt structured scorecards for RMN evaluation.
[02:30] A senior retail media buyer explains why meeting capability requirements doesn’t guarantee spend.
[05:22] The four main reasons brands cap their RMN relationships begin with platform fragmentation.
[08:57] What mid-tier RMNs must do to break into the top six (drive displacement or offer superior capabilities)


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 623 Last week at the Path to Purchase Institute LIVE conference, I heard something that most retail media networks probably don’t want to hear out loud: Mars has built a structured, data-driven investment matrix that decides exactly who gets budget and who doesn’t. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what Mars revealed, why scorecards are becoming standard across major CPGs, and the uncomfortable truth hiding underneath all this new structure.

I dig into why even networks that “score well” may not see increased spend, the operational ceiling that keeps most brands locked into 5–6 RMN relationships, and the growing divide between top-tier retail media networks and everyone else. If you’re a retailer, a media buyer, or working inside an emerging RMN, this conversation will give you real insight into how budgets are actually allocated, and why the bar keeps getting harder to clear.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] Mars introduces its formal retail media investment matrix and scorecard approach.
[00:30] Mars evaluates RMNs on two dimensions: capabilities and commercial growth.
[01:29] ANA guidance urges brands to adopt structured scorecards for RMN evaluation.
[02:30] A senior retail media buyer explains why meeting capability requirements doesn’t guarantee spend.
[05:22] The four main reasons brands cap their RMN relationships begin with platform fragmentation.
[08:57] What mid-tier RMNs must do to break into the top six (drive displacement or offer superior capabilities)


Links & Resources

]]> retail media scorecards, Mars retail media strategy, CPG retail media budgeting, retail media network evaluation, RMN capabilities matrix No AI Shopping Agents vs. Retailers: Who Owns Discovery Now? AI Shopping Agents vs. Retailers: Who Owns Discovery Now? full 2ecc80b4-5477-4f8b-a048-7b91508486e8 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/have-retailers-lost-discovery-to-ai-for-good In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the conversations that has been rattling around in my head for a while now. While listening to the Unpacking the Digital Shelf podcast with my friends Lauren Livak Gilbert, and Peter Crosby, I found myself nodding as their guest Natalija Pavic from Kibo Commerce unpacked the rise of agentic AI and AI shopping agents. She articulated (brilliantly, I might add) something that’s been quietly needling me: we’re not just adding AI to commerce… we’re watching the entire discovery layer slip out of retailers’ hands.

With my commentary, I explore what happens when consumers stop interacting with retailer websites and instead funnel their shopping journeys through conversational LLMs. From the loss of the “pane of glass”, to the real technical foundations retailers need (hint: your keyword search may actually be a liability), I break down why this shift matters, and what retailers must reconsider if they want to remain relevant. No doom and gloom here — but definitely a call to honest introspection and bold innovation.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:30] – Why agentic AI isn’t just a feature — it’s actually replacing the interface layer
[01:15] – The “pane of glass” retailers optimized for decades may soon have a new owner
[02:24] – How agentic AI shifts the value of personalization engines
[03:09] – Why retailer control over discovery is evaporating
[04:15] – The need for retailers to rethink their unique value proposition
[06:19] – Natalia breaks down the technical reality: synonym search vs. vector search
[08:15] – Why launching shopper agents without vector search is “lipstick on a pig”
[09:15] – Natalia’s broader advice: innovate early, experiment often
[09:44] – My closing thoughts on curiosity, experimentation, and the shifting discovery layer


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the conversations that has been rattling around in my head for a while now. While listening to the Unpacking the Digital Shelf podcast with my friends Lauren Livak Gilbert, and Peter Crosby, I found myself nodding as their guest Natalija Pavic from Kibo Commerce unpacked the rise of agentic AI and AI shopping agents. She articulated (brilliantly, I might add) something that’s been quietly needling me: we’re not just adding AI to commerce… we’re watching the entire discovery layer slip out of retailers’ hands.

With my commentary, I explore what happens when consumers stop interacting with retailer websites and instead funnel their shopping journeys through conversational LLMs. From the loss of the “pane of glass”, to the real technical foundations retailers need (hint: your keyword search may actually be a liability), I break down why this shift matters, and what retailers must reconsider if they want to remain relevant. No doom and gloom here — but definitely a call to honest introspection and bold innovation.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:30] – Why agentic AI isn’t just a feature — it’s actually replacing the interface layer
[01:15] – The “pane of glass” retailers optimized for decades may soon have a new owner
[02:24] – How agentic AI shifts the value of personalization engines
[03:09] – Why retailer control over discovery is evaporating
[04:15] – The need for retailers to rethink their unique value proposition
[06:19] – Natalia breaks down the technical reality: synonym search vs. vector search
[08:15] – Why launching shopper agents without vector search is “lipstick on a pig”
[09:15] – Natalia’s broader advice: innovate early, experiment often
[09:44] – My closing thoughts on curiosity, experimentation, and the shifting discovery layer


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 606 In today’s 'Snips' episode, I’m diving into one of the conversations that has been rattling around in my head for a while now. While listening to the Unpacking the Digital Shelf podcast with my friends Lauren Livak Gilbert, and Peter Crosby, I found myself nodding as their guest Natalija Pavic from Kibo Commerce unpacked the rise of agentic AI and AI shopping agents. She articulated (brilliantly, I might add) something that’s been quietly needling me: we’re not just adding AI to commerce… we’re watching the entire discovery layer slip out of retailers’ hands.

With my commentary, I explore what happens when consumers stop interacting with retailer websites and instead funnel their shopping journeys through conversational LLMs. From the loss of the “pane of glass”, to the real technical foundations retailers need (hint: your keyword search may actually be a liability), I break down why this shift matters, and what retailers must reconsider if they want to remain relevant. No doom and gloom here — but definitely a call to honest introspection and bold innovation.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:30] – Why agentic AI isn’t just a feature — it’s actually replacing the interface layer
[01:15] – The “pane of glass” retailers optimized for decades may soon have a new owner
[02:24] – How agentic AI shifts the value of personalization engines
[03:09] – Why retailer control over discovery is evaporating
[04:15] – The need for retailers to rethink their unique value proposition
[06:19] – Natalia breaks down the technical reality: synonym search vs. vector search
[08:15] – Why launching shopper agents without vector search is “lipstick on a pig”
[09:15] – Natalia’s broader advice: innovate early, experiment often
[09:44] – My closing thoughts on curiosity, experimentation, and the shifting discovery layer


Links & Resources

]]> agentic AI retail, AI shopping agents, retail media trends, ecommerce personalization, digital shelf strategy No Unfiltered Thoughts From Amazon Unboxed 2025 Unfiltered Thoughts From Amazon Unboxed 2025 full 32c1998f-1cdb-4f4e-bc91-5cdaee02c170 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/unfiltered-thoughts-from-unboxed What is Unboxed, really? This week, I was in Nashville for Amazon’s signature advertising event — a showcase where the tech giant reveals its latest innovations in retail media, automation, and ad tech. After taking it all in (and chatting with a few familiar faces from the industry), I’m breaking down the key announcements, the unspoken messages, and what they mean for advertisers and partners moving forward.

In this episode, I unpack my biggest takeaways from Unboxed 2025. From Amazon’s relentless reinvention of its ad business to the curious silence around Rufus, and how new “agent” tools could both empower and threaten the partner ecosystem. If you’re navigating Amazon’s retail media landscape, this recap will give you the insights and context you need to understand where the company’s heading next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:01:36] - How Amazon keeps evolving its advertising tools, making them simpler, smarter, and more accessible to advertisers of all sizes.

[00:02:42] - Why brands like Advantice Health say Amazon’s ad console outpaces competitors by simplifying data visualization and actionability.

[00:04:10] - A look at Amazon’s “paranoid” culture of continuous innovation, and why that mindset fuels their dominance in retail media.

[00:04:15] - Amazon takes aim at The Trade Desk with lower DSP fees, while still protecting its own walled garden.

[00:06:06] - Why Amazon’s much-hyped AI assistant Rufus went unmentioned during Unboxed, and what that silence might signal about its real-world performance.

[00:08:45] - The return (and rebranding) of agencies and tech vendors as “partners”, and how Amazon’s new AI tools could reshape that dynamic.

[00:12:14] - Reflections on Amazon’s fine line between democratizing ad tools and competing with its own partners.


Links & Resources

]]> What is Unboxed, really? This week, I was in Nashville for Amazon’s signature advertising event — a showcase where the tech giant reveals its latest innovations in retail media, automation, and ad tech. After taking it all in (and chatting with a few familiar faces from the industry), I’m breaking down the key announcements, the unspoken messages, and what they mean for advertisers and partners moving forward.

In this episode, I unpack my biggest takeaways from Unboxed 2025. From Amazon’s relentless reinvention of its ad business to the curious silence around Rufus, and how new “agent” tools could both empower and threaten the partner ecosystem. If you’re navigating Amazon’s retail media landscape, this recap will give you the insights and context you need to understand where the company’s heading next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:01:36] - How Amazon keeps evolving its advertising tools, making them simpler, smarter, and more accessible to advertisers of all sizes.

[00:02:42] - Why brands like Advantice Health say Amazon’s ad console outpaces competitors by simplifying data visualization and actionability.

[00:04:10] - A look at Amazon’s “paranoid” culture of continuous innovation, and why that mindset fuels their dominance in retail media.

[00:04:15] - Amazon takes aim at The Trade Desk with lower DSP fees, while still protecting its own walled garden.

[00:06:06] - Why Amazon’s much-hyped AI assistant Rufus went unmentioned during Unboxed, and what that silence might signal about its real-world performance.

[00:08:45] - The return (and rebranding) of agencies and tech vendors as “partners”, and how Amazon’s new AI tools could reshape that dynamic.

[00:12:14] - Reflections on Amazon’s fine line between democratizing ad tools and competing with its own partners.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 832 What is Unboxed, really? This week, I was in Nashville for Amazon’s signature advertising event — a showcase where the tech giant reveals its latest innovations in retail media, automation, and ad tech. After taking it all in (and chatting with a few familiar faces from the industry), I’m breaking down the key announcements, the unspoken messages, and what they mean for advertisers and partners moving forward.

In this episode, I unpack my biggest takeaways from Unboxed 2025. From Amazon’s relentless reinvention of its ad business to the curious silence around Rufus, and how new “agent” tools could both empower and threaten the partner ecosystem. If you’re navigating Amazon’s retail media landscape, this recap will give you the insights and context you need to understand where the company’s heading next.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:01:36] - How Amazon keeps evolving its advertising tools, making them simpler, smarter, and more accessible to advertisers of all sizes.

[00:02:42] - Why brands like Advantice Health say Amazon’s ad console outpaces competitors by simplifying data visualization and actionability.

[00:04:10] - A look at Amazon’s “paranoid” culture of continuous innovation, and why that mindset fuels their dominance in retail media.

[00:04:15] - Amazon takes aim at The Trade Desk with lower DSP fees, while still protecting its own walled garden.

[00:06:06] - Why Amazon’s much-hyped AI assistant Rufus went unmentioned during Unboxed, and what that silence might signal about its real-world performance.

[00:08:45] - The return (and rebranding) of agencies and tech vendors as “partners”, and how Amazon’s new AI tools could reshape that dynamic.

[00:12:14] - Reflections on Amazon’s fine line between democratizing ad tools and competing with its own partners.


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon Unboxed 2025, Amazon advertising trends, retail media innovation, Amazon DSP updates, Amazon partner ecosystem No Developments in RTB (Real-Time Bidding) for Retail Media Developments in RTB (Real-Time Bidding) for Retail Media full 4c02bf8c-4327-499f-84ad-e32832744c56 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/3-new-developments-in-rtb-real-time-bidding-for-retail-media In this episode, I share snippets of my recent livestream with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-Founder of Pentaleap, to unpack one of the most debated topics in retail media today — Real-Time Bidding (RTB). Once dismissed as a messy, low-quality relic of early programmatic advertising, RTB is now being reimagined as the key to unlocking retail media’s next phase of scalable growth.

Note: I encountered unfortunate technical difficulties during my livestream with Andreas, resulting in choppy video and audio. I've done my best to use palatable snippets in this podcast, but regardless the audio quality is not perfect, please accept my apologies.

Andreas shares why he believes RTB will soon connect fragmented retail media ecosystems, make it easier for brands to access budgets at scale, and even open the door to programmatic innovation in the B2B sector. We cover everything from onsite vs. offsite ad opportunities to how retailers can tap into new revenue streams while maintaining control over their inventory.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00:00] – Introducing the debate: Why RTB still carries baggage in retail media

[00:01:00] – How real-time bidding connects platforms like Google and The Trade Desk directly to retailer inventory

[00:02:00] – Andreas’s bold prediction for how much retail media could eventually run through RTB

[00:03:40] – Exploring whether RTB can expand beyond onsite ads to offsite display and video

[00:05:00] – How retailer-led ad networks are evolving with RTB at their core

[00:07:45] – The surprising role RTB could play in B2B commerce and professional buyer targeting

[00:10:00] – Segmenting audiences and optimizing bids for professional vs. consumer shoppers

[00:11:00] – Wrapping up: Why RTB might finally be ready to scale responsibly in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I share snippets of my recent livestream with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-Founder of Pentaleap, to unpack one of the most debated topics in retail media today — Real-Time Bidding (RTB). Once dismissed as a messy, low-quality relic of early programmatic advertising, RTB is now being reimagined as the key to unlocking retail media’s next phase of scalable growth.

Note: I encountered unfortunate technical difficulties during my livestream with Andreas, resulting in choppy video and audio. I've done my best to use palatable snippets in this podcast, but regardless the audio quality is not perfect, please accept my apologies.

Andreas shares why he believes RTB will soon connect fragmented retail media ecosystems, make it easier for brands to access budgets at scale, and even open the door to programmatic innovation in the B2B sector. We cover everything from onsite vs. offsite ad opportunities to how retailers can tap into new revenue streams while maintaining control over their inventory.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00:00] – Introducing the debate: Why RTB still carries baggage in retail media

[00:01:00] – How real-time bidding connects platforms like Google and The Trade Desk directly to retailer inventory

[00:02:00] – Andreas’s bold prediction for how much retail media could eventually run through RTB

[00:03:40] – Exploring whether RTB can expand beyond onsite ads to offsite display and video

[00:05:00] – How retailer-led ad networks are evolving with RTB at their core

[00:07:45] – The surprising role RTB could play in B2B commerce and professional buyer targeting

[00:10:00] – Segmenting audiences and optimizing bids for professional vs. consumer shoppers

[00:11:00] – Wrapping up: Why RTB might finally be ready to scale responsibly in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 695 In this episode, I share snippets of my recent livestream with Andreas Reiffen, CEO and co-Founder of Pentaleap, to unpack one of the most debated topics in retail media today — Real-Time Bidding (RTB). Once dismissed as a messy, low-quality relic of early programmatic advertising, RTB is now being reimagined as the key to unlocking retail media’s next phase of scalable growth.

Note: I encountered unfortunate technical difficulties during my livestream with Andreas, resulting in choppy video and audio. I've done my best to use palatable snippets in this podcast, but regardless the audio quality is not perfect, please accept my apologies.

Andreas shares why he believes RTB will soon connect fragmented retail media ecosystems, make it easier for brands to access budgets at scale, and even open the door to programmatic innovation in the B2B sector. We cover everything from onsite vs. offsite ad opportunities to how retailers can tap into new revenue streams while maintaining control over their inventory.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00:00] – Introducing the debate: Why RTB still carries baggage in retail media

[00:01:00] – How real-time bidding connects platforms like Google and The Trade Desk directly to retailer inventory

[00:02:00] – Andreas’s bold prediction for how much retail media could eventually run through RTB

[00:03:40] – Exploring whether RTB can expand beyond onsite ads to offsite display and video

[00:05:00] – How retailer-led ad networks are evolving with RTB at their core

[00:07:45] – The surprising role RTB could play in B2B commerce and professional buyer targeting

[00:10:00] – Segmenting audiences and optimizing bids for professional vs. consumer shoppers

[00:11:00] – Wrapping up: Why RTB might finally be ready to scale responsibly in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Real-time bidding in retail media, Retail media programmatic advertising, RTB for B2B commerce, Retail ad networks, Retail media scalability No Amazon Unboxed 2025 - Fresh Off The Press Announcements from Nashville Amazon Unboxed 2025 - Fresh Off The Press Announcements from Nashville full df4848b9-9585-4d07-8fae-ef3f39efffb0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/amazon-unboxed-2025-key-announcements-takeaways-for-brand-advertisers I’m coming to you fresh from Amazon’s Unboxed event in Nashville, where Amazon dropped a wave of updates that show just how far their advertising ambitions are reaching. Beyond retail, beyond search, and even beyond reality itself!

In this episode, I unpack the biggest product launches and innovations revealed at the event including AI-powered campaign tools, creative automation for Prime Video, and Amazon’s intriguing new “Crystal Box” transparency positioning. I also share my early reactions and what these changes could mean for advertisers, agencies, and third-party software providers.

If you want to stay ahead of what’s next in Amazon Ads — from AI-native analytics to the future of full-funnel campaigns — this recap will bring you right inside the action at Unboxed.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Remembering the early days of Amazon Ads and reflecting on how far the platform has come.
[01:11] – Unified Campaign Manager – merging DSP and Sponsored Ads into one seamless platform for cross-format buying and measurement.
[02:30] – Ads Agent – Amazon’s new AI-powered campaign assistant that allows natural language queries, leveling the playing field for advertisers of all sizes.
[04:17] – Creative Agent – generative AI tools for display, audio, and video ads, with outputs now good enough for Prime Video inventory.
[07:30] – “Crystal Box” positioning – Amazon’s transparent alternative to the “black box” automation approach from Meta and Google.
[09:13] – Preview of full-funnel optimization campaigns coming in 2026, closing the loop between awareness and performance.
[10:00] – AI-native analytics – conversational data exploration within Amazon Marketing Cloud, no SQL skills required.
[10:45] – Final thoughts and teaser for my full column in The Drum on Amazon’s “Crystal Box” approach.


Links & Resources

]]> I’m coming to you fresh from Amazon’s Unboxed event in Nashville, where Amazon dropped a wave of updates that show just how far their advertising ambitions are reaching. Beyond retail, beyond search, and even beyond reality itself!

In this episode, I unpack the biggest product launches and innovations revealed at the event including AI-powered campaign tools, creative automation for Prime Video, and Amazon’s intriguing new “Crystal Box” transparency positioning. I also share my early reactions and what these changes could mean for advertisers, agencies, and third-party software providers.

If you want to stay ahead of what’s next in Amazon Ads — from AI-native analytics to the future of full-funnel campaigns — this recap will bring you right inside the action at Unboxed.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Remembering the early days of Amazon Ads and reflecting on how far the platform has come.
[01:11] – Unified Campaign Manager – merging DSP and Sponsored Ads into one seamless platform for cross-format buying and measurement.
[02:30] – Ads Agent – Amazon’s new AI-powered campaign assistant that allows natural language queries, leveling the playing field for advertisers of all sizes.
[04:17] – Creative Agent – generative AI tools for display, audio, and video ads, with outputs now good enough for Prime Video inventory.
[07:30] – “Crystal Box” positioning – Amazon’s transparent alternative to the “black box” automation approach from Meta and Google.
[09:13] – Preview of full-funnel optimization campaigns coming in 2026, closing the loop between awareness and performance.
[10:00] – AI-native analytics – conversational data exploration within Amazon Marketing Cloud, no SQL skills required.
[10:45] – Final thoughts and teaser for my full column in The Drum on Amazon’s “Crystal Box” approach.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 677 I’m coming to you fresh from Amazon’s Unboxed event in Nashville, where Amazon dropped a wave of updates that show just how far their advertising ambitions are reaching. Beyond retail, beyond search, and even beyond reality itself!

In this episode, I unpack the biggest product launches and innovations revealed at the event including AI-powered campaign tools, creative automation for Prime Video, and Amazon’s intriguing new “Crystal Box” transparency positioning. I also share my early reactions and what these changes could mean for advertisers, agencies, and third-party software providers.

If you want to stay ahead of what’s next in Amazon Ads — from AI-native analytics to the future of full-funnel campaigns — this recap will bring you right inside the action at Unboxed.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Remembering the early days of Amazon Ads and reflecting on how far the platform has come.
[01:11] – Unified Campaign Manager – merging DSP and Sponsored Ads into one seamless platform for cross-format buying and measurement.
[02:30] – Ads Agent – Amazon’s new AI-powered campaign assistant that allows natural language queries, leveling the playing field for advertisers of all sizes.
[04:17] – Creative Agent – generative AI tools for display, audio, and video ads, with outputs now good enough for Prime Video inventory.
[07:30] – “Crystal Box” positioning – Amazon’s transparent alternative to the “black box” automation approach from Meta and Google.
[09:13] – Preview of full-funnel optimization campaigns coming in 2026, closing the loop between awareness and performance.
[10:00] – AI-native analytics – conversational data exploration within Amazon Marketing Cloud, no SQL skills required.
[10:45] – Final thoughts and teaser for my full column in The Drum on Amazon’s “Crystal Box” approach.


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon Unboxed 2025, Amazon Ads updates, AI in Amazon Advertising, Amazon Crystal Box transparency, Unified Campaign Manager Amazon No "Late By Design" - Molly Hjelm from Ace Hardware's RedVest Media Shares her Retail Media Gameplan "Late By Design" - Molly Hjelm from Ace Hardware's RedVest Media Shares her Retail Media Gameplan full fd5d5965-f9f6-45ae-8974-61792c036a40 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ace-hardwares-redvest-media-notes-from-my-interview-with-molly-hjelm I first met Molly Hjelm, Head of Retail Media at Ace Hardware, during a panel at the RMN Ascendant Event in Silicon Valley, and right away I was struck by her candor and data-driven mindset. In this episode, I share the highlights from our conversation that didn’t make it into my full profile piece for The Drum.

We dive into how Ace Hardware has intentionally taken its time entering retail media, what it means to integrate retail media into a merchant’s P&L, and how Molly’s pragmatic approach to data, partnerships, and culture is helping Ace build Red Vest Media the right way. From leveraging Epsilon as a transparent tech partner, to bringing print back into in-store media, Molly’s perspective challenges a lot of industry assumptions, and offers a refreshing blueprint for sustainable growth in retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – The #1 theme: retail media should show up in the merchant’s P&L (not as a tax, but as a tool to hit business KPIs).

[02:07] – How data storytelling and reporting shifted internal conversations from “you’re cluttering my site with ads” to “let’s solve this problem together.”

[02:45] – Why Ace Hardware went all-in with Epsilon as a full-stack tech partner (and why transparency and simplicity matter to advertisers).

[04:39] – Red Vest Media’s unconventional start with print-based in-store media, and how independent Ace operators are already innovating locally.

[06:03] – Molly opens up about the toxic dynamic of unrealistic growth projections, and why breathing room to set your own targets is game-changing.

[07:12] – Wrapping up with Molly’s guiding principle: retail media should be a precision tool, not a revenue tax


Links & Resources

]]> I first met Molly Hjelm, Head of Retail Media at Ace Hardware, during a panel at the RMN Ascendant Event in Silicon Valley, and right away I was struck by her candor and data-driven mindset. In this episode, I share the highlights from our conversation that didn’t make it into my full profile piece for The Drum.

We dive into how Ace Hardware has intentionally taken its time entering retail media, what it means to integrate retail media into a merchant’s P&L, and how Molly’s pragmatic approach to data, partnerships, and culture is helping Ace build Red Vest Media the right way. From leveraging Epsilon as a transparent tech partner, to bringing print back into in-store media, Molly’s perspective challenges a lot of industry assumptions, and offers a refreshing blueprint for sustainable growth in retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – The #1 theme: retail media should show up in the merchant’s P&L (not as a tax, but as a tool to hit business KPIs).

[02:07] – How data storytelling and reporting shifted internal conversations from “you’re cluttering my site with ads” to “let’s solve this problem together.”

[02:45] – Why Ace Hardware went all-in with Epsilon as a full-stack tech partner (and why transparency and simplicity matter to advertisers).

[04:39] – Red Vest Media’s unconventional start with print-based in-store media, and how independent Ace operators are already innovating locally.

[06:03] – Molly opens up about the toxic dynamic of unrealistic growth projections, and why breathing room to set your own targets is game-changing.

[07:12] – Wrapping up with Molly’s guiding principle: retail media should be a precision tool, not a revenue tax


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 480 I first met Molly Hjelm, Head of Retail Media at Ace Hardware, during a panel at the RMN Ascendant Event in Silicon Valley, and right away I was struck by her candor and data-driven mindset. In this episode, I share the highlights from our conversation that didn’t make it into my full profile piece for The Drum.

We dive into how Ace Hardware has intentionally taken its time entering retail media, what it means to integrate retail media into a merchant’s P&L, and how Molly’s pragmatic approach to data, partnerships, and culture is helping Ace build Red Vest Media the right way. From leveraging Epsilon as a transparent tech partner, to bringing print back into in-store media, Molly’s perspective challenges a lot of industry assumptions, and offers a refreshing blueprint for sustainable growth in retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:01] – The #1 theme: retail media should show up in the merchant’s P&L (not as a tax, but as a tool to hit business KPIs).

[02:07] – How data storytelling and reporting shifted internal conversations from “you’re cluttering my site with ads” to “let’s solve this problem together.”

[02:45] – Why Ace Hardware went all-in with Epsilon as a full-stack tech partner (and why transparency and simplicity matter to advertisers).

[04:39] – Red Vest Media’s unconventional start with print-based in-store media, and how independent Ace operators are already innovating locally.

[06:03] – Molly opens up about the toxic dynamic of unrealistic growth projections, and why breathing room to set your own targets is game-changing.

[07:12] – Wrapping up with Molly’s guiding principle: retail media should be a precision tool, not a revenue tax


Links & Resources

]]> Molly Hjelm Ace Hardware, Red Vest Media, Retail media strategy, Epsilon retail media platform, In-store retail media trends No What CPG Brands Actually Control with Agentic Commerce Optimization (ACO) What CPG Brands Actually Control with Agentic Commerce Optimization (ACO) full e3f09da9-0d99-4d33-9243-980b167347f0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/why-geo-isnt-enough-what-cpg-brands-actually-control-in-agentic-commerce A lot of brands are focused on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) right now — making sure their products surface when consumers ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude for recommendations. That’s a great first step. But as I explain in this episode, the next frontier isn’t just about being found — it’s about being bought.

We’re entering an era where AI agents won’t just recommend products, they’ll actually complete transactions on behalf of consumers. And that’s where Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) comes in. I walk through how ACO differs from GEO, what consumer brands need to know to prepare for agent-driven commerce, and what’s in your control (versus what’s in your retail partner’s hands).

If you’re a CPG brand selling primarily through retailers, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the nine-step ACO framework from Retailgentic and share actionable advice for how brands can start these crucial conversations with their retail partners today.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The rise of generative engine optimization (GEO) and why it’s only half the story
[01:34] - Introducing Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) aka preparing for AI agents that buy on behalf of consumers
[02:12] - GEO vs. ACO: discovery versus transaction
[03:15] - Why CPG brands need retailers to open their sites to agent crawlability
[05:00] - The nine-step ACO framework — what’s in your control and what isn’t
[06:00] - Expanded attributes and contextual data: helping AI agents understand how and why products are used
[07:30] - Tracking product cards and digital shelf analytics for AI-driven search
[09:00] - How to collaborate with retailer partners to ensure your products are agent-ready
[09:56] - Where to learn more: Retailgentic ACO framework and other resources


Links & Resources

]]> A lot of brands are focused on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) right now — making sure their products surface when consumers ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude for recommendations. That’s a great first step. But as I explain in this episode, the next frontier isn’t just about being found — it’s about being bought.

We’re entering an era where AI agents won’t just recommend products, they’ll actually complete transactions on behalf of consumers. And that’s where Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) comes in. I walk through how ACO differs from GEO, what consumer brands need to know to prepare for agent-driven commerce, and what’s in your control (versus what’s in your retail partner’s hands).

If you’re a CPG brand selling primarily through retailers, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the nine-step ACO framework from Retailgentic and share actionable advice for how brands can start these crucial conversations with their retail partners today.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The rise of generative engine optimization (GEO) and why it’s only half the story
[01:34] - Introducing Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) aka preparing for AI agents that buy on behalf of consumers
[02:12] - GEO vs. ACO: discovery versus transaction
[03:15] - Why CPG brands need retailers to open their sites to agent crawlability
[05:00] - The nine-step ACO framework — what’s in your control and what isn’t
[06:00] - Expanded attributes and contextual data: helping AI agents understand how and why products are used
[07:30] - Tracking product cards and digital shelf analytics for AI-driven search
[09:00] - How to collaborate with retailer partners to ensure your products are agent-ready
[09:56] - Where to learn more: Retailgentic ACO framework and other resources


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 621 A lot of brands are focused on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) right now — making sure their products surface when consumers ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude for recommendations. That’s a great first step. But as I explain in this episode, the next frontier isn’t just about being found — it’s about being bought.

We’re entering an era where AI agents won’t just recommend products, they’ll actually complete transactions on behalf of consumers. And that’s where Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) comes in. I walk through how ACO differs from GEO, what consumer brands need to know to prepare for agent-driven commerce, and what’s in your control (versus what’s in your retail partner’s hands).

If you’re a CPG brand selling primarily through retailers, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the nine-step ACO framework from Retailgentic and share actionable advice for how brands can start these crucial conversations with their retail partners today.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] - The rise of generative engine optimization (GEO) and why it’s only half the story
[01:34] - Introducing Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO) aka preparing for AI agents that buy on behalf of consumers
[02:12] - GEO vs. ACO: discovery versus transaction
[03:15] - Why CPG brands need retailers to open their sites to agent crawlability
[05:00] - The nine-step ACO framework — what’s in your control and what isn’t
[06:00] - Expanded attributes and contextual data: helping AI agents understand how and why products are used
[07:30] - Tracking product cards and digital shelf analytics for AI-driven search
[09:00] - How to collaborate with retailer partners to ensure your products are agent-ready
[09:56] - Where to learn more: Retailgentic ACO framework and other resources


Links & Resources

]]> Agent Commerce Optimization (ACO), AI shopping agents, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), CPG brand ecommerce strategy, Retailgentic ACO No AI Search to Disrupt Discovery for Retailers — Here's 3 Companies Thinking Outside The Box AI Search to Disrupt Discovery for Retailers — Here's 3 Companies Thinking Outside The Box full 1ca20e71-3c60-47a6-99bb-7a72c7224870 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/three-companies-monetizing-moments-the-mosrmns-ignore In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest questions facing retail media leaders today: how can retailers and brands adapt as AI-driven shopping agents and zero-click discovery start reshaping how consumers buy? With sponsored search revenue under pressure and growth slowing across the industry, it’s time to look at creative alternatives to the traditional onsite, offsite, and in-store ad models.

I spotlight three fascinating companies that are doing just that: Rokt, Swish, and Nift. Each of them is monetizing overlooked customer moments in fresh, high-impact ways, from post-purchase offers to AI-driven gifting experiences. These companies are turning everyday customer touchpoints into new opportunities for engagement, brand discovery, and long-term loyalty — proof that innovation still thrives even as the industry shifts beneath our feet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Retail media’s new threat: how AI shopping agents and zero-click search are changing ad revenue dynamics.
[02:16] – Why 200+ retail media networks are all fighting for just 16% of ad dollars, and why differentiation is key.
[02:45] – Company #1: Rokt – Turning post-purchase moments into premium ad inventory.
[05:00] – Company #2: Swish – Treating the product itself as media through full-size sample placements in online grocery orders.
[06:45] – Company #3: Nift – “Gifting as acquisition” by using AI to match consumers with brand gifts after key customer actions.
[07:54] – Why these innovations could be more “AI-proof” than traditional retail media strategies.
[08:45] – My closing thoughts on the importance of thinking beyond ad slots to build meaningful brand-retailer partnerships.


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest questions facing retail media leaders today: how can retailers and brands adapt as AI-driven shopping agents and zero-click discovery start reshaping how consumers buy? With sponsored search revenue under pressure and growth slowing across the industry, it’s time to look at creative alternatives to the traditional onsite, offsite, and in-store ad models.

I spotlight three fascinating companies that are doing just that: Rokt, Swish, and Nift. Each of them is monetizing overlooked customer moments in fresh, high-impact ways, from post-purchase offers to AI-driven gifting experiences. These companies are turning everyday customer touchpoints into new opportunities for engagement, brand discovery, and long-term loyalty — proof that innovation still thrives even as the industry shifts beneath our feet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Retail media’s new threat: how AI shopping agents and zero-click search are changing ad revenue dynamics.
[02:16] – Why 200+ retail media networks are all fighting for just 16% of ad dollars, and why differentiation is key.
[02:45] – Company #1: Rokt – Turning post-purchase moments into premium ad inventory.
[05:00] – Company #2: Swish – Treating the product itself as media through full-size sample placements in online grocery orders.
[06:45] – Company #3: Nift – “Gifting as acquisition” by using AI to match consumers with brand gifts after key customer actions.
[07:54] – Why these innovations could be more “AI-proof” than traditional retail media strategies.
[08:45] – My closing thoughts on the importance of thinking beyond ad slots to build meaningful brand-retailer partnerships.


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 538 In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest questions facing retail media leaders today: how can retailers and brands adapt as AI-driven shopping agents and zero-click discovery start reshaping how consumers buy? With sponsored search revenue under pressure and growth slowing across the industry, it’s time to look at creative alternatives to the traditional onsite, offsite, and in-store ad models.

I spotlight three fascinating companies that are doing just that: Rokt, Swish, and Nift. Each of them is monetizing overlooked customer moments in fresh, high-impact ways, from post-purchase offers to AI-driven gifting experiences. These companies are turning everyday customer touchpoints into new opportunities for engagement, brand discovery, and long-term loyalty — proof that innovation still thrives even as the industry shifts beneath our feet.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Retail media’s new threat: how AI shopping agents and zero-click search are changing ad revenue dynamics.
[02:16] – Why 200+ retail media networks are all fighting for just 16% of ad dollars, and why differentiation is key.
[02:45] – Company #1: Rokt – Turning post-purchase moments into premium ad inventory.
[05:00] – Company #2: Swish – Treating the product itself as media through full-size sample placements in online grocery orders.
[06:45] – Company #3: Nift – “Gifting as acquisition” by using AI to match consumers with brand gifts after key customer actions.
[07:54] – Why these innovations could be more “AI-proof” than traditional retail media strategies.
[08:45] – My closing thoughts on the importance of thinking beyond ad slots to build meaningful brand-retailer partnerships.


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media innovation, AI in retail marketing, Post-purchase monetization, CPG brand strategy, Retail media network trends No Apply For The Damn Award & Conquer Your FOPO (Fear Of Other People's Opinions) Apply For The Damn Award & Conquer Your FOPO (Fear Of Other People's Opinions) full f16228d1-4f8d-42bb-b63e-82f3ce75c263 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2dd00a94 How many times have you not hit publish, not applied, or not shared your achievements because of fear of what others might think? In this episode, I’m diving into the concept of Tall Poppy Syndrome - a cultural tendency to cut down those who stand out - and how it feeds into FOPO, the fear of other people’s opinions.

After being named one of the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Top Retail Voices, I found myself wrestling with the same insecurities so many of us face: “Will people think I’m full of myself if I share this?” This episode is a candid, honest look at why it’s so hard to own our success, and why we need to do it anyway. Whether it’s hitting publish on your next blog post, launching your podcast, or applying for that award, I’m here to remind you: apply for the damn award!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on imposter syndrome after being named a National Retail Federation 2026 Top Retail Voice.

[01:00] – Introducing Tall Poppy Syndrome and how it affects ambitious professionals.

[02:15] – Understanding FOPO: the fear of other people’s opinions.

[03:05] – Why applying for awards feels uncomfortable—and how to reframe it.

[04:30] – My five practical steps for getting past FOPO and putting yourself out there:

[06:00] – Access my Notion database of retail media industry awards to help plan your 2026 goals.

[06:30] – Closing reflections and what’s coming next on the podcast.


Links & Resources

  • Check out the full list of 2026 Retail Voices by NRF honorees
  • I have compiled a living database of awards relevant to the retail media industry, with dates, rules, and how to apply. You can access it here.
    The database is open-source: if you work for a company that hosts industry awards which are relevant for people & companies in the retail media & ecommerce space, please feel free to add your award (or update any out-of-date info I have here!)
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> How many times have you not hit publish, not applied, or not shared your achievements because of fear of what others might think? In this episode, I’m diving into the concept of Tall Poppy Syndrome - a cultural tendency to cut down those who stand out - and how it feeds into FOPO, the fear of other people’s opinions.

After being named one of the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Top Retail Voices, I found myself wrestling with the same insecurities so many of us face: “Will people think I’m full of myself if I share this?” This episode is a candid, honest look at why it’s so hard to own our success, and why we need to do it anyway. Whether it’s hitting publish on your next blog post, launching your podcast, or applying for that award, I’m here to remind you: apply for the damn award!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on imposter syndrome after being named a National Retail Federation 2026 Top Retail Voice.

[01:00] – Introducing Tall Poppy Syndrome and how it affects ambitious professionals.

[02:15] – Understanding FOPO: the fear of other people’s opinions.

[03:05] – Why applying for awards feels uncomfortable—and how to reframe it.

[04:30] – My five practical steps for getting past FOPO and putting yourself out there:

[06:00] – Access my Notion database of retail media industry awards to help plan your 2026 goals.

[06:30] – Closing reflections and what’s coming next on the podcast.


Links & Resources

  • Check out the full list of 2026 Retail Voices by NRF honorees
  • I have compiled a living database of awards relevant to the retail media industry, with dates, rules, and how to apply. You can access it here.
    The database is open-source: if you work for a company that hosts industry awards which are relevant for people & companies in the retail media & ecommerce space, please feel free to add your award (or update any out-of-date info I have here!)
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 397 How many times have you not hit publish, not applied, or not shared your achievements because of fear of what others might think? In this episode, I’m diving into the concept of Tall Poppy Syndrome - a cultural tendency to cut down those who stand out - and how it feeds into FOPO, the fear of other people’s opinions.

After being named one of the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Top Retail Voices, I found myself wrestling with the same insecurities so many of us face: “Will people think I’m full of myself if I share this?” This episode is a candid, honest look at why it’s so hard to own our success, and why we need to do it anyway. Whether it’s hitting publish on your next blog post, launching your podcast, or applying for that award, I’m here to remind you: apply for the damn award!


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[00:00] – Reflecting on imposter syndrome after being named a National Retail Federation 2026 Top Retail Voice.

[01:00] – Introducing Tall Poppy Syndrome and how it affects ambitious professionals.

[02:15] – Understanding FOPO: the fear of other people’s opinions.

[03:05] – Why applying for awards feels uncomfortable—and how to reframe it.

[04:30] – My five practical steps for getting past FOPO and putting yourself out there:

[06:00] – Access my Notion database of retail media industry awards to help plan your 2026 goals.

[06:30] – Closing reflections and what’s coming next on the podcast.


Links & Resources

  • Check out the full list of 2026 Retail Voices by NRF honorees
  • I have compiled a living database of awards relevant to the retail media industry, with dates, rules, and how to apply. You can access it here.
    The database is open-source: if you work for a company that hosts industry awards which are relevant for people & companies in the retail media & ecommerce space, please feel free to add your award (or update any out-of-date info I have here!)
  • Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
  • Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
]]> Retail media industry awards, Overcoming imposter syndrome, Tall Poppy Syndrome, Career visibility and recognition, Fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO) No What is a 'CommerceGPT'? ['Snips' from Cocktails & Commerce] What is a 'CommerceGPT'? ['Snips' from Cocktails & Commerce] full aadf314b-cb49-4a5c-bddf-9e0eddddb968 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/commerce-gpts-explained-and-why-retail-media-professionals-need-to-pay-attention In this 'Snips' episode, I’m adding commentary to clips of one of my favorite ecommerce podcasts: Cocktails & Commerce with Brian Walker and Bill Friend. These two industry veterans bring on some of the sharpest minds in digital commerce, and in this snippet, they’re joined by John Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Cimulate, a generative AI company focused on commerce platforms.

If you’ve been seeing the term 'CommerceGPT' floating around and wondering what it actually means (like I was), this is the perfect primer. John breaks down the idea behind CommerceGPTs: what they are, how they might transform the way brands connect with customers, and why they could soon become the “brains” behind future retail experiences. We also hear fascinating insights into the rise of “answer engines” like ChatGPT and Perplexity, how they’ll change product discoverability, and what brands can do right now to stay visible in this new era of AI-driven commerce.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] – John Andrews explains the concept of a CommerceGPT and how it represents a new layer in the commerce technology stack.
[02:15] – What it means for a model to truly “understand” customer behavior and use that knowledge to enhance shopping experiences.
[03:00] – Imagining a focused AI model that knows everything about a product category or retailer (and uses it to drive smarter engagement).
[05:00] – The rise of answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and what that means for product discoverability.
[06:15] – How brands can position themselves to be seen by these AI systems, and why visibility will require new kinds of data accessibility.
[08:05] – The future of “agent-to-agent commerce” — where AIs talk directly to each other to fulfill transactions.
[09:30] – Brian Walker’s perspective on consumer trust, behavioral change, and how long it may take for AI-powered commerce to go mainstream.
[11:15] – My takeaway: perfection isn’t the goal. Brands that experiment now will be best positioned for what’s next.


Links & Resources

]]> In this 'Snips' episode, I’m adding commentary to clips of one of my favorite ecommerce podcasts: Cocktails & Commerce with Brian Walker and Bill Friend. These two industry veterans bring on some of the sharpest minds in digital commerce, and in this snippet, they’re joined by John Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Cimulate, a generative AI company focused on commerce platforms.

If you’ve been seeing the term 'CommerceGPT' floating around and wondering what it actually means (like I was), this is the perfect primer. John breaks down the idea behind CommerceGPTs: what they are, how they might transform the way brands connect with customers, and why they could soon become the “brains” behind future retail experiences. We also hear fascinating insights into the rise of “answer engines” like ChatGPT and Perplexity, how they’ll change product discoverability, and what brands can do right now to stay visible in this new era of AI-driven commerce.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] – John Andrews explains the concept of a CommerceGPT and how it represents a new layer in the commerce technology stack.
[02:15] – What it means for a model to truly “understand” customer behavior and use that knowledge to enhance shopping experiences.
[03:00] – Imagining a focused AI model that knows everything about a product category or retailer (and uses it to drive smarter engagement).
[05:00] – The rise of answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and what that means for product discoverability.
[06:15] – How brands can position themselves to be seen by these AI systems, and why visibility will require new kinds of data accessibility.
[08:05] – The future of “agent-to-agent commerce” — where AIs talk directly to each other to fulfill transactions.
[09:30] – Brian Walker’s perspective on consumer trust, behavioral change, and how long it may take for AI-powered commerce to go mainstream.
[11:15] – My takeaway: perfection isn’t the goal. Brands that experiment now will be best positioned for what’s next.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 697 In this 'Snips' episode, I’m adding commentary to clips of one of my favorite ecommerce podcasts: Cocktails & Commerce with Brian Walker and Bill Friend. These two industry veterans bring on some of the sharpest minds in digital commerce, and in this snippet, they’re joined by John Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Cimulate, a generative AI company focused on commerce platforms.

If you’ve been seeing the term 'CommerceGPT' floating around and wondering what it actually means (like I was), this is the perfect primer. John breaks down the idea behind CommerceGPTs: what they are, how they might transform the way brands connect with customers, and why they could soon become the “brains” behind future retail experiences. We also hear fascinating insights into the rise of “answer engines” like ChatGPT and Perplexity, how they’ll change product discoverability, and what brands can do right now to stay visible in this new era of AI-driven commerce.


This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads


Timeline

[01:00] – John Andrews explains the concept of a CommerceGPT and how it represents a new layer in the commerce technology stack.
[02:15] – What it means for a model to truly “understand” customer behavior and use that knowledge to enhance shopping experiences.
[03:00] – Imagining a focused AI model that knows everything about a product category or retailer (and uses it to drive smarter engagement).
[05:00] – The rise of answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and what that means for product discoverability.
[06:15] – How brands can position themselves to be seen by these AI systems, and why visibility will require new kinds of data accessibility.
[08:05] – The future of “agent-to-agent commerce” — where AIs talk directly to each other to fulfill transactions.
[09:30] – Brian Walker’s perspective on consumer trust, behavioral change, and how long it may take for AI-powered commerce to go mainstream.
[11:15] – My takeaway: perfection isn’t the goal. Brands that experiment now will be best positioned for what’s next.


Links & Resources

]]> CommerceGPT explained, AI in retail and eCommerce, Generative AI for brands, Answer engines and product discoverability, Future of AI-powered shopping No Breakdown of How Sam's Club Cracked the Code on In-Store Retail Media Breakdown of How Sam's Club Cracked the Code on In-Store Retail Media full 87479fd4-3620-4ea9-b198-94294f383ab4 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/sams-club-cracked-the-code-on-in-store-retail-media-heres-how-they-did-it Despite the buzz surrounding in-store retail media, most retailers are still struggling to move beyond the pilot phase. But Sam’s Club? They’ve done it, and done it well. After touring one of their clubs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with Harvey Ma, Head of Sam’s Club’s Member Access Platform, I witnessed firsthand how they’ve turned what’s typically a complex, fragmented endeavor into a well-oiled, data-driven ecosystem.

In this episode, I break down exactly how Sam’s Club is scaling its in-store retail media efforts, uniting their teams, and rethinking the shopper experience. From tech-powered measurement to their innovative “Retail Experience Network,” Sam’s Club is setting a new benchmark for what in-store retail media can achieve. If you’ve been curious about how physical retail can deliver digital-level insights and measurable sales impact then this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:12] – Why most in-store retail media programs get stuck in pilot purgatory.

[02:20] – The massive infrastructure and organizational hurdles that make scaling so tough.

[02:43] – Sam’s Club’s early investment and the simple principle guiding their approach: advertising exists to sell more things.

[03:07] – Introducing the “Retail Experience Network” and how it redefines in-store activations.

[04:00] – Behind-the-scenes of Sam’s Club’s IndyCar sponsorship and what made it a success.

[05:11] – How everyday tech like floor scrubbers and Scan & Go contribute to measurement and personalization.

[07:00] – Rethinking Joint Business Planning (JBP): how Sam’s Club integrates media and merchandising conversations.

[08:22] – A reality check on in-store media spend projections and why Sam’s Club’s model stands out.


Links & Resources

]]> Despite the buzz surrounding in-store retail media, most retailers are still struggling to move beyond the pilot phase. But Sam’s Club? They’ve done it, and done it well. After touring one of their clubs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with Harvey Ma, Head of Sam’s Club’s Member Access Platform, I witnessed firsthand how they’ve turned what’s typically a complex, fragmented endeavor into a well-oiled, data-driven ecosystem.

In this episode, I break down exactly how Sam’s Club is scaling its in-store retail media efforts, uniting their teams, and rethinking the shopper experience. From tech-powered measurement to their innovative “Retail Experience Network,” Sam’s Club is setting a new benchmark for what in-store retail media can achieve. If you’ve been curious about how physical retail can deliver digital-level insights and measurable sales impact then this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:12] – Why most in-store retail media programs get stuck in pilot purgatory.

[02:20] – The massive infrastructure and organizational hurdles that make scaling so tough.

[02:43] – Sam’s Club’s early investment and the simple principle guiding their approach: advertising exists to sell more things.

[03:07] – Introducing the “Retail Experience Network” and how it redefines in-store activations.

[04:00] – Behind-the-scenes of Sam’s Club’s IndyCar sponsorship and what made it a success.

[05:11] – How everyday tech like floor scrubbers and Scan & Go contribute to measurement and personalization.

[07:00] – Rethinking Joint Business Planning (JBP): how Sam’s Club integrates media and merchandising conversations.

[08:22] – A reality check on in-store media spend projections and why Sam’s Club’s model stands out.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 608 Despite the buzz surrounding in-store retail media, most retailers are still struggling to move beyond the pilot phase. But Sam’s Club? They’ve done it, and done it well. After touring one of their clubs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with Harvey Ma, Head of Sam’s Club’s Member Access Platform, I witnessed firsthand how they’ve turned what’s typically a complex, fragmented endeavor into a well-oiled, data-driven ecosystem.

In this episode, I break down exactly how Sam’s Club is scaling its in-store retail media efforts, uniting their teams, and rethinking the shopper experience. From tech-powered measurement to their innovative “Retail Experience Network,” Sam’s Club is setting a new benchmark for what in-store retail media can achieve. If you’ve been curious about how physical retail can deliver digital-level insights and measurable sales impact then this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:12] – Why most in-store retail media programs get stuck in pilot purgatory.

[02:20] – The massive infrastructure and organizational hurdles that make scaling so tough.

[02:43] – Sam’s Club’s early investment and the simple principle guiding their approach: advertising exists to sell more things.

[03:07] – Introducing the “Retail Experience Network” and how it redefines in-store activations.

[04:00] – Behind-the-scenes of Sam’s Club’s IndyCar sponsorship and what made it a success.

[05:11] – How everyday tech like floor scrubbers and Scan & Go contribute to measurement and personalization.

[07:00] – Rethinking Joint Business Planning (JBP): how Sam’s Club integrates media and merchandising conversations.

[08:22] – A reality check on in-store media spend projections and why Sam’s Club’s model stands out.


Links & Resources

]]> In-store retail media, Sam’s Club retail innovation, Retail media networks, Shopper marketing strategy, Omnichannel advertising No How Retailers Can Evolve To Compete With Agentic Shopping ['Snips' from Commerce Media Matters & Mind the Model] How Retailers Can Evolve To Compete With Agentic Shopping ['Snips' from Commerce Media Matters & Mind the Model] full 91f3290a-4ccd-49b6-ab7b-c3e363fa7556 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/two-advantages-retailers-hold-in-an-ai-enabled-shopping-future-sn I’m a total podcast junkie, and today I’m bringing you another episode in my 'Snips' series, where I share bite-sized highlights from fascinating conversations and add my personal commentary. This one’s a crossover between Commerce Media Matters and Mind the Model, a newer podcast that’s quickly made its way into my regular rotation (find both shows under 'Links & Resources' below).

The snips I’m sharing today tackle a fascinating and urgent question for our industry: What happens to a retailer’s data advantage when AI platforms like ChatGPT start processing transactions? Spoiler alert: the answer might not be as bleak as you think.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:07] – Who owns transaction data in an AI-driven world?

[03:28] – Retailers gaining new data signals

[04:15] – Losing exclusivity vs. gaining context

[06:38] – Content as a competitive advantage

[09:01] – Owning content, audience, and data

[09:45] – Not all doom and gloom


Links & Resources

]]> I’m a total podcast junkie, and today I’m bringing you another episode in my 'Snips' series, where I share bite-sized highlights from fascinating conversations and add my personal commentary. This one’s a crossover between Commerce Media Matters and Mind the Model, a newer podcast that’s quickly made its way into my regular rotation (find both shows under 'Links & Resources' below).

The snips I’m sharing today tackle a fascinating and urgent question for our industry: What happens to a retailer’s data advantage when AI platforms like ChatGPT start processing transactions? Spoiler alert: the answer might not be as bleak as you think.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:07] – Who owns transaction data in an AI-driven world?

[03:28] – Retailers gaining new data signals

[04:15] – Losing exclusivity vs. gaining context

[06:38] – Content as a competitive advantage

[09:01] – Owning content, audience, and data

[09:45] – Not all doom and gloom


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 606 I’m a total podcast junkie, and today I’m bringing you another episode in my 'Snips' series, where I share bite-sized highlights from fascinating conversations and add my personal commentary. This one’s a crossover between Commerce Media Matters and Mind the Model, a newer podcast that’s quickly made its way into my regular rotation (find both shows under 'Links & Resources' below).

The snips I’m sharing today tackle a fascinating and urgent question for our industry: What happens to a retailer’s data advantage when AI platforms like ChatGPT start processing transactions? Spoiler alert: the answer might not be as bleak as you think.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:07] – Who owns transaction data in an AI-driven world?

[03:28] – Retailers gaining new data signals

[04:15] – Losing exclusivity vs. gaining context

[06:38] – Content as a competitive advantage

[09:01] – Owning content, audience, and data

[09:45] – Not all doom and gloom


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, AI in eCommerce, First-party data strategy, Commerce media trends, Content marketing for retailers No The Secret Hopes & Dreams of RMN Leaders [New Research Preview] The Secret Hopes & Dreams of RMN Leaders [New Research Preview] full ce95d2ac-90a1-4750-812c-6cc77d9f2c03 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-secret-hopes-dreams-of-rmn-leaders Last week, I got a first look at groundbreaking new research from EMARKETER and Bain that flips the retail media conversation on its head. Instead of surveying brands and media buyers, this study goes straight to the source, the leaders of Retail Media Networks (RMNs), to uncover their honest perspectives on what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, I unpack some of my personal highlights from the preview webinar. From the surprising honesty RMN leaders are showing about their measurement challenges, to their quiet anxiety about the impact of agentic AI on the retail media landscape. Simply put; we’re entering what I like to call the “awkward teenage years” of retail media. Plus, I draw a parallel between retail media’s growing pains and the iconic babyccino!


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – A first look at new Bain & EMARKETER research that shifts the lens to RMN leaders.
[01:00] – What the humble babyccino can teach us about growing up (and retail media’s maturing phase).
[02:30] – Public confidence vs. private reality: the top challenges RMN leaders admit to behind the scenes.
[03:00] – Measurement and attribution: why nearly half of RMNs say it’s their biggest hurdle.
[03:30] – The “Retail Media Doom Loop” and how tech and talent gaps are keeping networks stuck.
[05:00] – Agentic AI and GenAI search: the top disruptive forces worrying retail leaders.
[06:00] – Bain’s Stephen Mewborn hints at new partnership models.
[06:30] – Retail media growing up, facing scrutiny, and learning to move beyond trade dollars.


Links & Resources

]]> Last week, I got a first look at groundbreaking new research from EMARKETER and Bain that flips the retail media conversation on its head. Instead of surveying brands and media buyers, this study goes straight to the source, the leaders of Retail Media Networks (RMNs), to uncover their honest perspectives on what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, I unpack some of my personal highlights from the preview webinar. From the surprising honesty RMN leaders are showing about their measurement challenges, to their quiet anxiety about the impact of agentic AI on the retail media landscape. Simply put; we’re entering what I like to call the “awkward teenage years” of retail media. Plus, I draw a parallel between retail media’s growing pains and the iconic babyccino!


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – A first look at new Bain & EMARKETER research that shifts the lens to RMN leaders.
[01:00] – What the humble babyccino can teach us about growing up (and retail media’s maturing phase).
[02:30] – Public confidence vs. private reality: the top challenges RMN leaders admit to behind the scenes.
[03:00] – Measurement and attribution: why nearly half of RMNs say it’s their biggest hurdle.
[03:30] – The “Retail Media Doom Loop” and how tech and talent gaps are keeping networks stuck.
[05:00] – Agentic AI and GenAI search: the top disruptive forces worrying retail leaders.
[06:00] – Bain’s Stephen Mewborn hints at new partnership models.
[06:30] – Retail media growing up, facing scrutiny, and learning to move beyond trade dollars.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 431 Last week, I got a first look at groundbreaking new research from EMARKETER and Bain that flips the retail media conversation on its head. Instead of surveying brands and media buyers, this study goes straight to the source, the leaders of Retail Media Networks (RMNs), to uncover their honest perspectives on what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, I unpack some of my personal highlights from the preview webinar. From the surprising honesty RMN leaders are showing about their measurement challenges, to their quiet anxiety about the impact of agentic AI on the retail media landscape. Simply put; we’re entering what I like to call the “awkward teenage years” of retail media. Plus, I draw a parallel between retail media’s growing pains and the iconic babyccino!


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – A first look at new Bain & EMARKETER research that shifts the lens to RMN leaders.
[01:00] – What the humble babyccino can teach us about growing up (and retail media’s maturing phase).
[02:30] – Public confidence vs. private reality: the top challenges RMN leaders admit to behind the scenes.
[03:00] – Measurement and attribution: why nearly half of RMNs say it’s their biggest hurdle.
[03:30] – The “Retail Media Doom Loop” and how tech and talent gaps are keeping networks stuck.
[05:00] – Agentic AI and GenAI search: the top disruptive forces worrying retail leaders.
[06:00] – Bain’s Stephen Mewborn hints at new partnership models.
[06:30] – Retail media growing up, facing scrutiny, and learning to move beyond trade dollars.


Links & Resources

]]> Retail Media Networks, eMarketer Bain Research, Agentic AI in Retail Media, Retail Media Measurement Challenges, Retail Media Industry Insights No Multi-Retailer Networks [Livestream Highlight] Multi-Retailer Networks [Livestream Highlight] full daf21747-e4ff-4bfb-a898-6afec85a28ee https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/some-retailers-want-to-power-other-retailers-ad-businesses-will-it-work In my recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, co-founder and CEO of adtech company Pentaleap, we dove into one of the most intriguing shifts happening in retail media right now: the rise of multi-retailer ad networks. This isn’t just about another layer of technology, it’s about simplifying one of the biggest pain points for brands and media buyers: the crushing complexity of managing ad spend across dozens of disconnected retailer systems.

We explored how these syndicated and programmatic retail media models are reshaping the landscape. From Amazon’s new retail ad service with Macy’s, to Instacart’s Carrot Ads and Best Buy’s ambitions to become a true ad network. Andreas and I discussed the historical irony of retail media returning to its ad network roots (just with more sophisticated tech and better use of first-party retail data).

If you’ve been wondering where retail media is heading next, this conversation is a must-listen.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - The problem with fragmented retail media and the promise of multi-retailer networks
[1:20] - Revisiting pre-Amazon ad network models and why they might be making a comeback
[2:15] - Andreas on how programmatic buying could transform retail media
[4:40] - Why even large CPGs hesitate to expand across multiple RMNs
[6:45] - Amazon’s partnership with Macy’s and the emergence of three network models
[7:23] - Instacart’s Carrot Ads and other players joining the race
[8:35] - The irony of Amazon fixing the fragmentation problem it helped create
[10:15] - How programmatic networks and direct retail relationships will likely coexist


Links & Resources

]]> In my recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, co-founder and CEO of adtech company Pentaleap, we dove into one of the most intriguing shifts happening in retail media right now: the rise of multi-retailer ad networks. This isn’t just about another layer of technology, it’s about simplifying one of the biggest pain points for brands and media buyers: the crushing complexity of managing ad spend across dozens of disconnected retailer systems.

We explored how these syndicated and programmatic retail media models are reshaping the landscape. From Amazon’s new retail ad service with Macy’s, to Instacart’s Carrot Ads and Best Buy’s ambitions to become a true ad network. Andreas and I discussed the historical irony of retail media returning to its ad network roots (just with more sophisticated tech and better use of first-party retail data).

If you’ve been wondering where retail media is heading next, this conversation is a must-listen.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - The problem with fragmented retail media and the promise of multi-retailer networks
[1:20] - Revisiting pre-Amazon ad network models and why they might be making a comeback
[2:15] - Andreas on how programmatic buying could transform retail media
[4:40] - Why even large CPGs hesitate to expand across multiple RMNs
[6:45] - Amazon’s partnership with Macy’s and the emergence of three network models
[7:23] - Instacart’s Carrot Ads and other players joining the race
[8:35] - The irony of Amazon fixing the fragmentation problem it helped create
[10:15] - How programmatic networks and direct retail relationships will likely coexist


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 667 In my recent LinkedIn Live with Andreas Reiffen, co-founder and CEO of adtech company Pentaleap, we dove into one of the most intriguing shifts happening in retail media right now: the rise of multi-retailer ad networks. This isn’t just about another layer of technology, it’s about simplifying one of the biggest pain points for brands and media buyers: the crushing complexity of managing ad spend across dozens of disconnected retailer systems.

We explored how these syndicated and programmatic retail media models are reshaping the landscape. From Amazon’s new retail ad service with Macy’s, to Instacart’s Carrot Ads and Best Buy’s ambitions to become a true ad network. Andreas and I discussed the historical irony of retail media returning to its ad network roots (just with more sophisticated tech and better use of first-party retail data).

If you’ve been wondering where retail media is heading next, this conversation is a must-listen.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - The problem with fragmented retail media and the promise of multi-retailer networks
[1:20] - Revisiting pre-Amazon ad network models and why they might be making a comeback
[2:15] - Andreas on how programmatic buying could transform retail media
[4:40] - Why even large CPGs hesitate to expand across multiple RMNs
[6:45] - Amazon’s partnership with Macy’s and the emergence of three network models
[7:23] - Instacart’s Carrot Ads and other players joining the race
[8:35] - The irony of Amazon fixing the fragmentation problem it helped create
[10:15] - How programmatic networks and direct retail relationships will likely coexist


Links & Resources

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Underrated Retail Media Metrics That Fly Under The Radar [Panel Episode] Underrated Retail Media Metrics That Fly Under The Radar [Panel Episode] full ff0ee4c7-eb49-453b-96f4-bb1b197cd0f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/22bd01ea We all know the usual suspects — ROAS, impressions, clicks — but what if the real indicators of retail media success are hiding in plain sight? In this episode, I ask four leading brand-side retail media experts a simple but revealing question: What’s the metric you’re obsessed with that everyone else seems to ignore?

You’ll hear why one leader swapped vanity metrics for incrementality and household penetration. Another reveals an underrated email metric that shows exactly what’s resonating with customers. We’ll also explore how branded search volume can be a crystal ball for future growth, and why new-to-brand might just be your most important indicator of scalable success.

If you’re ready to move beyond the same old KPIs and start measuring what really matters, this episode will broaden your perspective about retail media performance.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] – Why the most important retail media metrics might not be the ones you’re tracking
[1:00] – The power of “Revenue Per Recipient” in email campaigns
[2:00] – Turning influencers into brand ambassadors through “Posts Per Influencer”
[2:39] – Why branded search volume is a powerful leading indicator of brand strength
[4:25] – Why “New-to-Brand” reveals true growth, not just recycled buyers
[5:30] – Measuring incrementality, household penetration, and long-term brand salience


Links & Resources

]]> We all know the usual suspects — ROAS, impressions, clicks — but what if the real indicators of retail media success are hiding in plain sight? In this episode, I ask four leading brand-side retail media experts a simple but revealing question: What’s the metric you’re obsessed with that everyone else seems to ignore?

You’ll hear why one leader swapped vanity metrics for incrementality and household penetration. Another reveals an underrated email metric that shows exactly what’s resonating with customers. We’ll also explore how branded search volume can be a crystal ball for future growth, and why new-to-brand might just be your most important indicator of scalable success.

If you’re ready to move beyond the same old KPIs and start measuring what really matters, this episode will broaden your perspective about retail media performance.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] – Why the most important retail media metrics might not be the ones you’re tracking
[1:00] – The power of “Revenue Per Recipient” in email campaigns
[2:00] – Turning influencers into brand ambassadors through “Posts Per Influencer”
[2:39] – Why branded search volume is a powerful leading indicator of brand strength
[4:25] – Why “New-to-Brand” reveals true growth, not just recycled buyers
[5:30] – Measuring incrementality, household penetration, and long-term brand salience


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 410 We all know the usual suspects — ROAS, impressions, clicks — but what if the real indicators of retail media success are hiding in plain sight? In this episode, I ask four leading brand-side retail media experts a simple but revealing question: What’s the metric you’re obsessed with that everyone else seems to ignore?

You’ll hear why one leader swapped vanity metrics for incrementality and household penetration. Another reveals an underrated email metric that shows exactly what’s resonating with customers. We’ll also explore how branded search volume can be a crystal ball for future growth, and why new-to-brand might just be your most important indicator of scalable success.

If you’re ready to move beyond the same old KPIs and start measuring what really matters, this episode will broaden your perspective about retail media performance.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] – Why the most important retail media metrics might not be the ones you’re tracking
[1:00] – The power of “Revenue Per Recipient” in email campaigns
[2:00] – Turning influencers into brand ambassadors through “Posts Per Influencer”
[2:39] – Why branded search volume is a powerful leading indicator of brand strength
[4:25] – Why “New-to-Brand” reveals true growth, not just recycled buyers
[5:30] – Measuring incrementality, household penetration, and long-term brand salience


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media metrics, E-commerce performance measurement, New-to-brand metric, Branded search volume, Email marketing analytics No Brian Monahan Is Going Big With Albertsons Media Collective ['Snips' from The Snarketing Podcast] Brian Monahan Is Going Big With Albertsons Media Collective ['Snips' from The Snarketing Podcast] full 1ef0a522-e85d-44b2-9749-df8c505462fa https://share.transistor.fm/s/535fcb46 A few weeks ago, I sat down with Brian Monahan of Albertsons Media Collective, for a profile in The Drum. And let me tell you, Brian isn’t your typical corporate executive. He’s unfiltered, entrepreneurial, and not afraid to say what everyone else in retail media is only thinking.

In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into some of the biggest insights from Brian’s recent appearance on The Snarketing Podcast, where he expanded on themes from our original conversation. Find links to my profile in The Drum and the full Snarketing episode under 'Links & Resources' below.

I explore Brian's bold takes on where retail media really stands, why alignment between advertisers and retailers matters more than ever, and how Albertsons is experimenting with ideas that most leaders wouldn’t dare to pitch in their first 60 days. If you think you know what retail media looks like, Brian might just convince you to think again.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:12] - Brian’s bold claim: Retail media is the only medium where buyers and sellers share the same goal.
[2:00] - Beyond ads: How gamified scavenger hunts and shoppable recipes could redefine in-store engagement.
[3:26] - The big money challenge: Why most retail media networks are still living off trade and shopper budgets.
[4:30] - The “do or die” moment: How retailers can tap into national brand dollars by integrating workflow and data.
[6:00] - Rethinking brand equity: What retailers like Safeway and Acme can teach us about customer loyalty and trust.
[7:27] - A bold experiment: Albertsons’ “BOGO for retail media” program that proves alignment with advertisers.
[8:30] - Looking ahead: Why Brian Monahan is just getting started.


Links & Resources

]]> A few weeks ago, I sat down with Brian Monahan of Albertsons Media Collective, for a profile in The Drum. And let me tell you, Brian isn’t your typical corporate executive. He’s unfiltered, entrepreneurial, and not afraid to say what everyone else in retail media is only thinking.

In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into some of the biggest insights from Brian’s recent appearance on The Snarketing Podcast, where he expanded on themes from our original conversation. Find links to my profile in The Drum and the full Snarketing episode under 'Links & Resources' below.

I explore Brian's bold takes on where retail media really stands, why alignment between advertisers and retailers matters more than ever, and how Albertsons is experimenting with ideas that most leaders wouldn’t dare to pitch in their first 60 days. If you think you know what retail media looks like, Brian might just convince you to think again.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:12] - Brian’s bold claim: Retail media is the only medium where buyers and sellers share the same goal.
[2:00] - Beyond ads: How gamified scavenger hunts and shoppable recipes could redefine in-store engagement.
[3:26] - The big money challenge: Why most retail media networks are still living off trade and shopper budgets.
[4:30] - The “do or die” moment: How retailers can tap into national brand dollars by integrating workflow and data.
[6:00] - Rethinking brand equity: What retailers like Safeway and Acme can teach us about customer loyalty and trust.
[7:27] - A bold experiment: Albertsons’ “BOGO for retail media” program that proves alignment with advertisers.
[8:30] - Looking ahead: Why Brian Monahan is just getting started.


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 525 A few weeks ago, I sat down with Brian Monahan of Albertsons Media Collective, for a profile in The Drum. And let me tell you, Brian isn’t your typical corporate executive. He’s unfiltered, entrepreneurial, and not afraid to say what everyone else in retail media is only thinking.

In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into some of the biggest insights from Brian’s recent appearance on The Snarketing Podcast, where he expanded on themes from our original conversation. Find links to my profile in The Drum and the full Snarketing episode under 'Links & Resources' below.

I explore Brian's bold takes on where retail media really stands, why alignment between advertisers and retailers matters more than ever, and how Albertsons is experimenting with ideas that most leaders wouldn’t dare to pitch in their first 60 days. If you think you know what retail media looks like, Brian might just convince you to think again.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:12] - Brian’s bold claim: Retail media is the only medium where buyers and sellers share the same goal.
[2:00] - Beyond ads: How gamified scavenger hunts and shoppable recipes could redefine in-store engagement.
[3:26] - The big money challenge: Why most retail media networks are still living off trade and shopper budgets.
[4:30] - The “do or die” moment: How retailers can tap into national brand dollars by integrating workflow and data.
[6:00] - Rethinking brand equity: What retailers like Safeway and Acme can teach us about customer loyalty and trust.
[7:27] - A bold experiment: Albertsons’ “BOGO for retail media” program that proves alignment with advertisers.
[8:30] - Looking ahead: Why Brian Monahan is just getting started.


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Albertsons Media Collective, Brian Monahan interview, Retail marketing innovation, Brand and retailer alignment No Is ChatGPT's Instant Checkout 'Really' Agentic? And Does It Actually Matter? Is ChatGPT's Instant Checkout 'Really' Agentic? And Does It Actually Matter? full d3766c00-8222-422b-ae2c-25a636c16b42 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/while-we-debate-whats-really-agentic-retail-medias-foundation-is-already-shifting The retail world is buzzing over OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout. But here’s the big question: is it truly agentic commerce, or just another slick integration? 


In this episode, I break down the debate between definition purists and pragmatists, unpack what 'agentic' really means in the context of AI-assisted shopping, and explore why this conversation might be missing the real story.


While the industry argues over semantics, I share why the ground beneath retail media’s most profitable foundation (its data) may already be shifting. From Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI, to new research showing that 78% of consumers have used AI for shopping in the past three months, the future of retail media is evolving fast. The real disruption might not come from autonomy definitions but from who owns the transaction data.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline


[0:12] – The new retail debate: what 'agentic commerce' really means and why everyone’s arguing about it.

[1:28] – Mastercard’s definition of agentic commerce and why some analysts say ChatGPT’s checkout doesn’t qualify.

[2:32] – The pragmatists’ view: seeing agentic commerce as a continuum of autonomy, not a binary state.

[3:00] – Why the Instant Checkout still matters, and how it’s quietly reshaping data ownership between AI platforms and retailers.

[4:30] – A refresher on the three pillars of retail media revenue: onsite, offsite, and in-store.

[6:57] – Why offsite retail media might be the first domino to fall in an agentic commerce world.

[8:19] – The Amazon vs. Barnes & Noble story from 1997 and what it teaches us about getting stuck in semantic debates.

[9:15] – What retailers need to start doing now to prepare for AI intermediaries owning transaction data.

[10:00] – Instant checkout may not be 'truly agentic,' but it’s already changing retail media forever.


Links & Resources

]]> The retail world is buzzing over OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout. But here’s the big question: is it truly agentic commerce, or just another slick integration? 


In this episode, I break down the debate between definition purists and pragmatists, unpack what 'agentic' really means in the context of AI-assisted shopping, and explore why this conversation might be missing the real story.


While the industry argues over semantics, I share why the ground beneath retail media’s most profitable foundation (its data) may already be shifting. From Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI, to new research showing that 78% of consumers have used AI for shopping in the past three months, the future of retail media is evolving fast. The real disruption might not come from autonomy definitions but from who owns the transaction data.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline


[0:12] – The new retail debate: what 'agentic commerce' really means and why everyone’s arguing about it.

[1:28] – Mastercard’s definition of agentic commerce and why some analysts say ChatGPT’s checkout doesn’t qualify.

[2:32] – The pragmatists’ view: seeing agentic commerce as a continuum of autonomy, not a binary state.

[3:00] – Why the Instant Checkout still matters, and how it’s quietly reshaping data ownership between AI platforms and retailers.

[4:30] – A refresher on the three pillars of retail media revenue: onsite, offsite, and in-store.

[6:57] – Why offsite retail media might be the first domino to fall in an agentic commerce world.

[8:19] – The Amazon vs. Barnes & Noble story from 1997 and what it teaches us about getting stuck in semantic debates.

[9:15] – What retailers need to start doing now to prepare for AI intermediaries owning transaction data.

[10:00] – Instant checkout may not be 'truly agentic,' but it’s already changing retail media forever.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 615 The retail world is buzzing over OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout. But here’s the big question: is it truly agentic commerce, or just another slick integration? 


In this episode, I break down the debate between definition purists and pragmatists, unpack what 'agentic' really means in the context of AI-assisted shopping, and explore why this conversation might be missing the real story.


While the industry argues over semantics, I share why the ground beneath retail media’s most profitable foundation (its data) may already be shifting. From Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI, to new research showing that 78% of consumers have used AI for shopping in the past three months, the future of retail media is evolving fast. The real disruption might not come from autonomy definitions but from who owns the transaction data.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline


[0:12] – The new retail debate: what 'agentic commerce' really means and why everyone’s arguing about it.

[1:28] – Mastercard’s definition of agentic commerce and why some analysts say ChatGPT’s checkout doesn’t qualify.

[2:32] – The pragmatists’ view: seeing agentic commerce as a continuum of autonomy, not a binary state.

[3:00] – Why the Instant Checkout still matters, and how it’s quietly reshaping data ownership between AI platforms and retailers.

[4:30] – A refresher on the three pillars of retail media revenue: onsite, offsite, and in-store.

[6:57] – Why offsite retail media might be the first domino to fall in an agentic commerce world.

[8:19] – The Amazon vs. Barnes & Noble story from 1997 and what it teaches us about getting stuck in semantic debates.

[9:15] – What retailers need to start doing now to prepare for AI intermediaries owning transaction data.

[10:00] – Instant checkout may not be 'truly agentic,' but it’s already changing retail media forever.


Links & Resources

]]> Agentic commerce, AI in retail media, ChatGPT instant checkout, AI-assisted shopping, Retail data ownership No Will LLMS Monetize With Ads or Marketplaces? [Retailgentic Crossover] Will LLMS Monetize With Ads or Marketplaces? [Retailgentic Crossover] full 1af11549-060d-4678-8c6d-e34bc9f39fef https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/what-will-make-llms-more-money-ads-or-marketplaces Today I’m doing something a little different! Instead of my usual trends and insights, I’m sharing a clip from my recent guest appearance on Scot Wingo’s podcast, Retailgentech. Scott flipped the script and let me ask him about his career journey, his perspective on where retail is headed, and one of the biggest questions in e-commerce right now: How will large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make their money in the future?

Will they follow the traditional ad-based route we’ve seen from Google and Facebook? Or will they build marketplaces and take a cut from transactions, as we’re starting to see with new initiatives from Walmart, Instacart, and DoorDash?

In this conversation, we dive into how AI-driven commerce could reshape loyalty, customer ownership, and what it means to be a “merchant of record” in the next era of retail. Find the link to the full Retailgentic podcast below under 'Links & Resources'.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Will LLMs make money through ads, or through marketplaces?
[1:30] – Scot breaks down ChatGPT’s “checkout” model and why he views it as a marketplace, not an affiliate system.
[2:50] – How Google’s AI agent checkout experience compares and what that means for merchants.
[3:00] – The retailer concern: will AI intermediaries cause commoditization?
[4:00] – Why Scott believes this new wave of AI players won’t repeat the mistakes of Facebook–Google–Amazon.
[6:00] – What it means for retailers to be the “merchant of record” and how that unlocks loyalty opportunities.
[7:30] – The comeback of loyalty programs and non-price differentiators in retail.
[8:30] – How omnichannel experiences and brand identity will help retailers stay relevant in the AI-driven marketplace era.
[9:00] – Wrapping up: why the fundamentals of loyalty, differentiation, and customer connection still matter more than ever.


Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m doing something a little different! Instead of my usual trends and insights, I’m sharing a clip from my recent guest appearance on Scot Wingo’s podcast, Retailgentech. Scott flipped the script and let me ask him about his career journey, his perspective on where retail is headed, and one of the biggest questions in e-commerce right now: How will large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make their money in the future?

Will they follow the traditional ad-based route we’ve seen from Google and Facebook? Or will they build marketplaces and take a cut from transactions, as we’re starting to see with new initiatives from Walmart, Instacart, and DoorDash?

In this conversation, we dive into how AI-driven commerce could reshape loyalty, customer ownership, and what it means to be a “merchant of record” in the next era of retail. Find the link to the full Retailgentic podcast below under 'Links & Resources'.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Will LLMs make money through ads, or through marketplaces?
[1:30] – Scot breaks down ChatGPT’s “checkout” model and why he views it as a marketplace, not an affiliate system.
[2:50] – How Google’s AI agent checkout experience compares and what that means for merchants.
[3:00] – The retailer concern: will AI intermediaries cause commoditization?
[4:00] – Why Scott believes this new wave of AI players won’t repeat the mistakes of Facebook–Google–Amazon.
[6:00] – What it means for retailers to be the “merchant of record” and how that unlocks loyalty opportunities.
[7:30] – The comeback of loyalty programs and non-price differentiators in retail.
[8:30] – How omnichannel experiences and brand identity will help retailers stay relevant in the AI-driven marketplace era.
[9:00] – Wrapping up: why the fundamentals of loyalty, differentiation, and customer connection still matter more than ever.


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 579 Today I’m doing something a little different! Instead of my usual trends and insights, I’m sharing a clip from my recent guest appearance on Scot Wingo’s podcast, Retailgentech. Scott flipped the script and let me ask him about his career journey, his perspective on where retail is headed, and one of the biggest questions in e-commerce right now: How will large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make their money in the future?

Will they follow the traditional ad-based route we’ve seen from Google and Facebook? Or will they build marketplaces and take a cut from transactions, as we’re starting to see with new initiatives from Walmart, Instacart, and DoorDash?

In this conversation, we dive into how AI-driven commerce could reshape loyalty, customer ownership, and what it means to be a “merchant of record” in the next era of retail. Find the link to the full Retailgentic podcast below under 'Links & Resources'.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Will LLMs make money through ads, or through marketplaces?
[1:30] – Scot breaks down ChatGPT’s “checkout” model and why he views it as a marketplace, not an affiliate system.
[2:50] – How Google’s AI agent checkout experience compares and what that means for merchants.
[3:00] – The retailer concern: will AI intermediaries cause commoditization?
[4:00] – Why Scott believes this new wave of AI players won’t repeat the mistakes of Facebook–Google–Amazon.
[6:00] – What it means for retailers to be the “merchant of record” and how that unlocks loyalty opportunities.
[7:30] – The comeback of loyalty programs and non-price differentiators in retail.
[8:30] – How omnichannel experiences and brand identity will help retailers stay relevant in the AI-driven marketplace era.
[9:00] – Wrapping up: why the fundamentals of loyalty, differentiation, and customer connection still matter more than ever.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Agentic Shopping Looks Crazy. So Did Self-Service Supermarkets. Agentic Shopping Looks Crazy. So Did Self-Service Supermarkets. full 220c0310-9991-45a0-8970-82d2fe1d053f https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/agentic-shopping-might-seem-crazy-so-did-self-service-supermarkets In this episode, I start with a trip back to 1916, when Clarence Saunders launched the first self-service supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, and everyone thought it was a ridiculous idea. Customers serving themselves? Paying cash instead of running a tab? Madness. Yet, it reshaped retail forever.

I use that story as a lens to explore today’s 'crazy-sounding' innovation: agentic shopping (AI agents shopping on our behalf). Drawing from retail analyst Andrew Lipsman’s critiques, I unpack why skepticism toward new retail tech is healthy, but can also blind us to early versions of world-changing ideas. From Webvan to Amazon to TikTok, I show how many 'failed' technologies weren’t wrong — they were just early.

Then, I dig into what needs to align for AI-driven shopping to go mainstream: better tech, real consumer pain points, frictionless distribution, sustainable economics, and cultural trust. 

Will agentic shopping become the next self-service revolution, or just another voice commerce flop? Let’s find out.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – The wild story of Clarence Saunders and how Piggly Wiggly reinvented grocery shopping.
[02:05] – The lesson: the future doesn’t arrive by request, it’s created by those who rethink inefficiencies.
[02:32] – Introducing today’s topic: why agentic shopping feels 'too weird' and why that’s familiar.
[03:13] – Andrew Lipsman’s skeptical take: retail tech hype cycles and a graveyard of failed innovations.
[04:17] – Why some 'failures' (like Webvan) were just early, not wrong — lessons from timing and execution.
[05:12] – Amazon’s early struggles: when buying books online seemed absurd until it wasn’t.
[07:24] – The TikTok lesson: from lip-syncing app to global phenomenon, how tech evolves beyond its first use case.
[08:14] – My firsthand experiment: buying a lavender candle through ChatGPT’s instant checkout (clunky but promising!).
[09:00] – What needs to align for agentic commerce to succeed: technology, pain, distribution, economics, and trust.
[12:33] – Back to Piggly Wiggly: irrational innovations often look crazy, until they become inevitable.
[13:28] – Final takeaway: better to prepare for possibility than assume limits based on early imperfections.

Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I start with a trip back to 1916, when Clarence Saunders launched the first self-service supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, and everyone thought it was a ridiculous idea. Customers serving themselves? Paying cash instead of running a tab? Madness. Yet, it reshaped retail forever.

I use that story as a lens to explore today’s 'crazy-sounding' innovation: agentic shopping (AI agents shopping on our behalf). Drawing from retail analyst Andrew Lipsman’s critiques, I unpack why skepticism toward new retail tech is healthy, but can also blind us to early versions of world-changing ideas. From Webvan to Amazon to TikTok, I show how many 'failed' technologies weren’t wrong — they were just early.

Then, I dig into what needs to align for AI-driven shopping to go mainstream: better tech, real consumer pain points, frictionless distribution, sustainable economics, and cultural trust. 

Will agentic shopping become the next self-service revolution, or just another voice commerce flop? Let’s find out.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – The wild story of Clarence Saunders and how Piggly Wiggly reinvented grocery shopping.
[02:05] – The lesson: the future doesn’t arrive by request, it’s created by those who rethink inefficiencies.
[02:32] – Introducing today’s topic: why agentic shopping feels 'too weird' and why that’s familiar.
[03:13] – Andrew Lipsman’s skeptical take: retail tech hype cycles and a graveyard of failed innovations.
[04:17] – Why some 'failures' (like Webvan) were just early, not wrong — lessons from timing and execution.
[05:12] – Amazon’s early struggles: when buying books online seemed absurd until it wasn’t.
[07:24] – The TikTok lesson: from lip-syncing app to global phenomenon, how tech evolves beyond its first use case.
[08:14] – My firsthand experiment: buying a lavender candle through ChatGPT’s instant checkout (clunky but promising!).
[09:00] – What needs to align for agentic commerce to succeed: technology, pain, distribution, economics, and trust.
[12:33] – Back to Piggly Wiggly: irrational innovations often look crazy, until they become inevitable.
[13:28] – Final takeaway: better to prepare for possibility than assume limits based on early imperfections.

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 827 In this episode, I start with a trip back to 1916, when Clarence Saunders launched the first self-service supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, and everyone thought it was a ridiculous idea. Customers serving themselves? Paying cash instead of running a tab? Madness. Yet, it reshaped retail forever.

I use that story as a lens to explore today’s 'crazy-sounding' innovation: agentic shopping (AI agents shopping on our behalf). Drawing from retail analyst Andrew Lipsman’s critiques, I unpack why skepticism toward new retail tech is healthy, but can also blind us to early versions of world-changing ideas. From Webvan to Amazon to TikTok, I show how many 'failed' technologies weren’t wrong — they were just early.

Then, I dig into what needs to align for AI-driven shopping to go mainstream: better tech, real consumer pain points, frictionless distribution, sustainable economics, and cultural trust. 

Will agentic shopping become the next self-service revolution, or just another voice commerce flop? Let’s find out.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – The wild story of Clarence Saunders and how Piggly Wiggly reinvented grocery shopping.
[02:05] – The lesson: the future doesn’t arrive by request, it’s created by those who rethink inefficiencies.
[02:32] – Introducing today’s topic: why agentic shopping feels 'too weird' and why that’s familiar.
[03:13] – Andrew Lipsman’s skeptical take: retail tech hype cycles and a graveyard of failed innovations.
[04:17] – Why some 'failures' (like Webvan) were just early, not wrong — lessons from timing and execution.
[05:12] – Amazon’s early struggles: when buying books online seemed absurd until it wasn’t.
[07:24] – The TikTok lesson: from lip-syncing app to global phenomenon, how tech evolves beyond its first use case.
[08:14] – My firsthand experiment: buying a lavender candle through ChatGPT’s instant checkout (clunky but promising!).
[09:00] – What needs to align for agentic commerce to succeed: technology, pain, distribution, economics, and trust.
[12:33] – Back to Piggly Wiggly: irrational innovations often look crazy, until they become inevitable.
[13:28] – Final takeaway: better to prepare for possibility than assume limits based on early imperfections.

Links & Resources

]]> agentic shopping, AI commerce innovation, future of retail technology, self-service supermarkets history, eCommerce automation No Dollar General’s Austin Leonard Is Bullish On 'Last Mile' Opportunity Dollar General’s Austin Leonard Is Bullish On 'Last Mile' Opportunity full d78a23f2-ea3f-4248-8182-1b34c914e24c https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b12b952 When you think about retail media, you probably picture shoppers scrolling through Instacart or Walmart’s app. But what about the millions of Americans living far from big-box stores? That’s exactly where Dollar General sees its biggest opportunity. And Austin Leonard, just three months into leading the Dollar General Media Network (DGMN), is on a mission to redefine what 'the last mile' really means.

In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum (find the article link below under 'Links & Resources') I unpack how Dollar General is building the last mile of ecommerce for the last mile of America. I talk about how DGMN is leveraging 90 million shopper profiles, why rural customers are far more digitally engaged than the industry gives them credit for, and how data, delivery partnerships, and rigorous measurement standards are shaping a new kind of retail media network. Whether you’re a media buyer, retailer, or strategist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what’s possible outside urban markets.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: why Dollar General’s rural reach presents a massive untapped advertising opportunity.
[01:08] – Austin Leonard’s background across Epsilon, Walmart, and eBay, and how that dual retailer–advertiser experience informs his DGMN strategy.
[01:45] – The surprising data on DoorDash and Uber partnerships driving incremental customer acquisition.
[02:15] – Changing perceptions: how Dollar General’s delivery offerings are attracting new audiences who once saw it as “just a dollar store.”
[02:45] – Busting myths about rural shoppers’ digital habits, and why ad industry bias plays a role.
[04:00] – Inside DGMN’s data infrastructure: building 90 million shopper profiles despite high cash transactions.
[04:38] – A new standard for measurement: DGMN’s test-and-control methodology and push for transparency in retail media.
[05:45] – Austin’s vision for the future: collaboration, standardization, and building the most innovative, shopper-centric retail media network in America.

Links & Resources

]]> When you think about retail media, you probably picture shoppers scrolling through Instacart or Walmart’s app. But what about the millions of Americans living far from big-box stores? That’s exactly where Dollar General sees its biggest opportunity. And Austin Leonard, just three months into leading the Dollar General Media Network (DGMN), is on a mission to redefine what 'the last mile' really means.

In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum (find the article link below under 'Links & Resources') I unpack how Dollar General is building the last mile of ecommerce for the last mile of America. I talk about how DGMN is leveraging 90 million shopper profiles, why rural customers are far more digitally engaged than the industry gives them credit for, and how data, delivery partnerships, and rigorous measurement standards are shaping a new kind of retail media network. Whether you’re a media buyer, retailer, or strategist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what’s possible outside urban markets.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: why Dollar General’s rural reach presents a massive untapped advertising opportunity.
[01:08] – Austin Leonard’s background across Epsilon, Walmart, and eBay, and how that dual retailer–advertiser experience informs his DGMN strategy.
[01:45] – The surprising data on DoorDash and Uber partnerships driving incremental customer acquisition.
[02:15] – Changing perceptions: how Dollar General’s delivery offerings are attracting new audiences who once saw it as “just a dollar store.”
[02:45] – Busting myths about rural shoppers’ digital habits, and why ad industry bias plays a role.
[04:00] – Inside DGMN’s data infrastructure: building 90 million shopper profiles despite high cash transactions.
[04:38] – A new standard for measurement: DGMN’s test-and-control methodology and push for transparency in retail media.
[05:45] – Austin’s vision for the future: collaboration, standardization, and building the most innovative, shopper-centric retail media network in America.

Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 429 When you think about retail media, you probably picture shoppers scrolling through Instacart or Walmart’s app. But what about the millions of Americans living far from big-box stores? That’s exactly where Dollar General sees its biggest opportunity. And Austin Leonard, just three months into leading the Dollar General Media Network (DGMN), is on a mission to redefine what 'the last mile' really means.

In this episode, a recap of my recent article for The Drum (find the article link below under 'Links & Resources') I unpack how Dollar General is building the last mile of ecommerce for the last mile of America. I talk about how DGMN is leveraging 90 million shopper profiles, why rural customers are far more digitally engaged than the industry gives them credit for, and how data, delivery partnerships, and rigorous measurement standards are shaping a new kind of retail media network. Whether you’re a media buyer, retailer, or strategist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what’s possible outside urban markets.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: why Dollar General’s rural reach presents a massive untapped advertising opportunity.
[01:08] – Austin Leonard’s background across Epsilon, Walmart, and eBay, and how that dual retailer–advertiser experience informs his DGMN strategy.
[01:45] – The surprising data on DoorDash and Uber partnerships driving incremental customer acquisition.
[02:15] – Changing perceptions: how Dollar General’s delivery offerings are attracting new audiences who once saw it as “just a dollar store.”
[02:45] – Busting myths about rural shoppers’ digital habits, and why ad industry bias plays a role.
[04:00] – Inside DGMN’s data infrastructure: building 90 million shopper profiles despite high cash transactions.
[04:38] – A new standard for measurement: DGMN’s test-and-control methodology and push for transparency in retail media.
[05:45] – Austin’s vision for the future: collaboration, standardization, and building the most innovative, shopper-centric retail media network in America.

Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Dollar General Media Network (DGMN), Rural e-commerce marketing, Retail media measurement standards, Austin Leonard Dollar General interview No I Got Prime Deals. Or Did I? Why Consumer Distrust Is AI Shopping's Real Opening I Got Prime Deals. Or Did I? Why Consumer Distrust Is AI Shopping's Real Opening full e06e23d6-c6a6-457d-bef3-51403e593eb6 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/i-got-prime-deals-or-did-i-why-consumer-distrust-is-ai-shoppings-real-opening Last week, I fell into the hype of Amazon’s Big Deal Days. And as the boxes arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t shake one uncomfortable thought: "did I actually get a deal?" In this episode, I unpack why online shopping feels less like convenience and more like detective work these days.

From inflated list prices and contradictory product info, to fake reviews and ad overload, I explore the five major ways consumer trust has eroded in ecommerce, and why that’s opening the door for AI shopping agents to step in. Are tools like ChatGPT and Amazon’s Rufus the solution, or are we just trading one layer of trust for another? Tune in as I break down what’s really happening behind the checkout button and what the future of trustworthy shopping might look like.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Asking the uncomfortable question: did I actually get a deal?
[01:00] – Why shopper satisfaction with Amazon’s Prime events is slipping
[02:00] – The five big reasons trust has eroded in eCommerce
[02:30] – Opaque pricing and the lawsuit accusing Amazon of fake discounts
[03:00] – Inconsistent product information and hidden shopping costs
[04:00] – Manipulated reviews and ad overload on retailer websites
[05:00] – How AI shopping tools can handle the “detective work” for consumers
[06:00] – The debate: Are AI shopping agents overhyped or essential?
[07:00] – My frustrating hunt for the perfect winter boots and why trust matters
[08:15] – How AI agents like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Rufus can rebuild confidence
[09:00] – Amazon vs. Walmart: two very different approaches to AI-assisted shopping
[09:30] – Why AI shopping isn’t a gimmick — it’s a response to real consumer pain


Links & Resources

]]> Last week, I fell into the hype of Amazon’s Big Deal Days. And as the boxes arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t shake one uncomfortable thought: "did I actually get a deal?" In this episode, I unpack why online shopping feels less like convenience and more like detective work these days.

From inflated list prices and contradictory product info, to fake reviews and ad overload, I explore the five major ways consumer trust has eroded in ecommerce, and why that’s opening the door for AI shopping agents to step in. Are tools like ChatGPT and Amazon’s Rufus the solution, or are we just trading one layer of trust for another? Tune in as I break down what’s really happening behind the checkout button and what the future of trustworthy shopping might look like.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Asking the uncomfortable question: did I actually get a deal?
[01:00] – Why shopper satisfaction with Amazon’s Prime events is slipping
[02:00] – The five big reasons trust has eroded in eCommerce
[02:30] – Opaque pricing and the lawsuit accusing Amazon of fake discounts
[03:00] – Inconsistent product information and hidden shopping costs
[04:00] – Manipulated reviews and ad overload on retailer websites
[05:00] – How AI shopping tools can handle the “detective work” for consumers
[06:00] – The debate: Are AI shopping agents overhyped or essential?
[07:00] – My frustrating hunt for the perfect winter boots and why trust matters
[08:15] – How AI agents like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Rufus can rebuild confidence
[09:00] – Amazon vs. Walmart: two very different approaches to AI-assisted shopping
[09:30] – Why AI shopping isn’t a gimmick — it’s a response to real consumer pain


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 587 Last week, I fell into the hype of Amazon’s Big Deal Days. And as the boxes arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t shake one uncomfortable thought: "did I actually get a deal?" In this episode, I unpack why online shopping feels less like convenience and more like detective work these days.

From inflated list prices and contradictory product info, to fake reviews and ad overload, I explore the five major ways consumer trust has eroded in ecommerce, and why that’s opening the door for AI shopping agents to step in. Are tools like ChatGPT and Amazon’s Rufus the solution, or are we just trading one layer of trust for another? Tune in as I break down what’s really happening behind the checkout button and what the future of trustworthy shopping might look like.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Asking the uncomfortable question: did I actually get a deal?
[01:00] – Why shopper satisfaction with Amazon’s Prime events is slipping
[02:00] – The five big reasons trust has eroded in eCommerce
[02:30] – Opaque pricing and the lawsuit accusing Amazon of fake discounts
[03:00] – Inconsistent product information and hidden shopping costs
[04:00] – Manipulated reviews and ad overload on retailer websites
[05:00] – How AI shopping tools can handle the “detective work” for consumers
[06:00] – The debate: Are AI shopping agents overhyped or essential?
[07:00] – My frustrating hunt for the perfect winter boots and why trust matters
[08:15] – How AI agents like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Rufus can rebuild confidence
[09:00] – Amazon vs. Walmart: two very different approaches to AI-assisted shopping
[09:30] – Why AI shopping isn’t a gimmick — it’s a response to real consumer pain


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping assistants, eCommerce consumer trust, Amazon Prime Day deals, online price transparency, retail AI tools No The Fairy Godmother Of Retail Media, Cara Pratt, And Her Agenda At Circana The Fairy Godmother Of Retail Media, Cara Pratt, And Her Agenda At Circana full b3a5b147-1cbc-4440-bcc4-6595ddb1e412 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/fairy-godmother-of-retail-media-cara-pratt-new-agenda-circana In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges facing retail media today: measurement. Retailers may be racing to launch flashy new ad formats and in-store screens, but brands are asking for something far more fundamental — proof that their advertising dollars are working. Enter Cara Pratt, the new President of Global Retail and Media at Circana, who after just 90 days into her role is setting an ambitious agenda to restore trust and bring much-needed consistency to this $60 billion industry.

Cara brings a unique perspective, having previously built Kroger’s retail media network from the inside. Now, with Circana’s acquisitions of Nielsen’s MMM business and NC Solutions, she’s championing a more transparent, faster, and accessible approach to measurement. From bridging the divide between trade and media to introducing real-time optimization through Circana’s Liquid Mix platform, Cara is making the case for why retail media needs a neutral arbiter to guide its future.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:25] – Introducing Cara Pratt and her new role at Circana
[01:00] – The retail media measurement crisis and why it matters
[02:00] – Circana’s acquisitions and what they mean for comprehensive measurement
[03:30] – Democratizing measurement with Liquid Mix for smaller brands
[05:00] – Bridging the divide between merchant and media teams
[06:00] – Real-time optimization and why speed changes everything
[07:30] – How Circana is positioned to solve retail media’s trust deficit


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges facing retail media today: measurement. Retailers may be racing to launch flashy new ad formats and in-store screens, but brands are asking for something far more fundamental — proof that their advertising dollars are working. Enter Cara Pratt, the new President of Global Retail and Media at Circana, who after just 90 days into her role is setting an ambitious agenda to restore trust and bring much-needed consistency to this $60 billion industry.

Cara brings a unique perspective, having previously built Kroger’s retail media network from the inside. Now, with Circana’s acquisitions of Nielsen’s MMM business and NC Solutions, she’s championing a more transparent, faster, and accessible approach to measurement. From bridging the divide between trade and media to introducing real-time optimization through Circana’s Liquid Mix platform, Cara is making the case for why retail media needs a neutral arbiter to guide its future.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:25] – Introducing Cara Pratt and her new role at Circana
[01:00] – The retail media measurement crisis and why it matters
[02:00] – Circana’s acquisitions and what they mean for comprehensive measurement
[03:30] – Democratizing measurement with Liquid Mix for smaller brands
[05:00] – Bridging the divide between merchant and media teams
[06:00] – Real-time optimization and why speed changes everything
[07:30] – How Circana is positioned to solve retail media’s trust deficit


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 495 In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges facing retail media today: measurement. Retailers may be racing to launch flashy new ad formats and in-store screens, but brands are asking for something far more fundamental — proof that their advertising dollars are working. Enter Cara Pratt, the new President of Global Retail and Media at Circana, who after just 90 days into her role is setting an ambitious agenda to restore trust and bring much-needed consistency to this $60 billion industry.

Cara brings a unique perspective, having previously built Kroger’s retail media network from the inside. Now, with Circana’s acquisitions of Nielsen’s MMM business and NC Solutions, she’s championing a more transparent, faster, and accessible approach to measurement. From bridging the divide between trade and media to introducing real-time optimization through Circana’s Liquid Mix platform, Cara is making the case for why retail media needs a neutral arbiter to guide its future.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:25] – Introducing Cara Pratt and her new role at Circana
[01:00] – The retail media measurement crisis and why it matters
[02:00] – Circana’s acquisitions and what they mean for comprehensive measurement
[03:30] – Democratizing measurement with Liquid Mix for smaller brands
[05:00] – Bridging the divide between merchant and media teams
[06:00] – Real-time optimization and why speed changes everything
[07:30] – How Circana is positioned to solve retail media’s trust deficit


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media measurement, Cara Pratt Circana, Retail media transparency, Marketing mix modeling retail, Liquid Mix platform Circana No Retail Media's Measurement Problem Isn't Technical — It's Political Retail Media's Measurement Problem Isn't Technical — It's Political full f50a32df-9255-41a9-846b-5f442411da32 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/retail-medias-measurement-problem-its-not-just-the-retailers In this episode, I break down some of the key insights from my recent op-ed for WARC on the state of retail media measurement standards. While there’s been progress with guidelines from the IAB and MRC, real adoption is still patchy, and the reasons why might surprise you.

I explore why brands and retailers alike are struggling to align on measurement, the paradox of custom reporting requests, and why success will only come when the cost of fragmentation outweighs the comfort of the status quo. You’ll also hear what retail leaders at Albertsons, Dollar General, and Home Depot are saying about incrementality, identity resolution, and what “good” measurement actually looks like.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retail media practitioner, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, this episode will give you a sharper lens on what’s really blocking standardization — and where the industry needs to head next.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:52] - The paradox of brands demanding standardization while asking for custom metrics
[02:18] - Why both brands and retailers share responsibility for slow adoption of standards
[03:22] - Industry perspectives on incrementality and methodological consistency
[04:47] - Why leading retail media networks resist 'dumbing down' to meet benchmarks
[06:00] - Moving beyond ROAS: redefining success with Return on Marketing Objective (ROMO)
[07:48] - The tech and identity infrastructure problem undermining measurement
[09:15] - Why relationships with governing bodies like IAB and MRC matter for credibility
[10:50] - My take on when standardization will actually happen

Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I break down some of the key insights from my recent op-ed for WARC on the state of retail media measurement standards. While there’s been progress with guidelines from the IAB and MRC, real adoption is still patchy, and the reasons why might surprise you.

I explore why brands and retailers alike are struggling to align on measurement, the paradox of custom reporting requests, and why success will only come when the cost of fragmentation outweighs the comfort of the status quo. You’ll also hear what retail leaders at Albertsons, Dollar General, and Home Depot are saying about incrementality, identity resolution, and what “good” measurement actually looks like.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retail media practitioner, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, this episode will give you a sharper lens on what’s really blocking standardization — and where the industry needs to head next.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:52] - The paradox of brands demanding standardization while asking for custom metrics
[02:18] - Why both brands and retailers share responsibility for slow adoption of standards
[03:22] - Industry perspectives on incrementality and methodological consistency
[04:47] - Why leading retail media networks resist 'dumbing down' to meet benchmarks
[06:00] - Moving beyond ROAS: redefining success with Return on Marketing Objective (ROMO)
[07:48] - The tech and identity infrastructure problem undermining measurement
[09:15] - Why relationships with governing bodies like IAB and MRC matter for credibility
[10:50] - My take on when standardization will actually happen

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 686 In this episode, I break down some of the key insights from my recent op-ed for WARC on the state of retail media measurement standards. While there’s been progress with guidelines from the IAB and MRC, real adoption is still patchy, and the reasons why might surprise you.

I explore why brands and retailers alike are struggling to align on measurement, the paradox of custom reporting requests, and why success will only come when the cost of fragmentation outweighs the comfort of the status quo. You’ll also hear what retail leaders at Albertsons, Dollar General, and Home Depot are saying about incrementality, identity resolution, and what “good” measurement actually looks like.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retail media practitioner, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, this episode will give you a sharper lens on what’s really blocking standardization — and where the industry needs to head next.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:52] - The paradox of brands demanding standardization while asking for custom metrics
[02:18] - Why both brands and retailers share responsibility for slow adoption of standards
[03:22] - Industry perspectives on incrementality and methodological consistency
[04:47] - Why leading retail media networks resist 'dumbing down' to meet benchmarks
[06:00] - Moving beyond ROAS: redefining success with Return on Marketing Objective (ROMO)
[07:48] - The tech and identity infrastructure problem undermining measurement
[09:15] - Why relationships with governing bodies like IAB and MRC matter for credibility
[10:50] - My take on when standardization will actually happen

Links & Resources

]]> Retail media measurement, Retail media standards, Incrementality testing, ROAS vs ROMO, Retail media networks No Trade vs. Retail Media: Who's Really Eating Whom? ['Snips' from Particular Audience & The Middlemen] Trade vs. Retail Media: Who's Really Eating Whom? ['Snips' from Particular Audience & The Middlemen] full ef6387d8-56bb-4a24-92f8-c6b0ec64cfc0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/trade-vs-retail-media-whos-really-eating-whom In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into one of the biggest debates shaking up the commerce world: is retail media eating trade marketing, or is it the other way around? To unpack this, I analyse commentary from two industry leaders who see the collision from very different vantage points. 

James Taylor of Particular Audience makes a strong case that trade dollars are shifting into transparent, measurable retail media channels. Meanwhile, Troy Townsend of Zitcha argues the opposite: trade marketing isn’t being devoured, it’s simply evolving, and in fact, might end up absorbing retail media under its existing merchant structures. I have included links to the full episodes featuring James on the Particular Audience YouTube channel, and Troy on The Middlemen podcast under 'Links & Resources' below.

Through their perspectives, I explore what this convergence really means for retailers, brands, and the people managing those ever-blurring budgets. Whatever team you're currently on, I believe this interplay reveals how the smartest players are building unified systems that bridge the two worlds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: the tug-of-war between trade and retail media.

[01:00] – James Taylor explains how supplier dollars are migrating into retail media, backed by Forrester data.

[02:30] – Why transparency, attribution, and incrementality are pulling budgets away from traditional trade deals.

[04:02] – Transition to Troy Townsend’s take: trade marketing isn’t dying, it’s modernizing.

[05:15] – The 'shelf wobbler' story: why unifying physical and digital inventory matters more than ever.

[07:45] – The internal friction between merchandising and retail media teams, and why organizational design is key.

[08:30] – Troy’s prediction: long-term, merchant teams will own retail media.

[09:00] – My closing thoughts: convergence, not competition, is where the future lies.


Links & Resources

]]> In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into one of the biggest debates shaking up the commerce world: is retail media eating trade marketing, or is it the other way around? To unpack this, I analyse commentary from two industry leaders who see the collision from very different vantage points. 

James Taylor of Particular Audience makes a strong case that trade dollars are shifting into transparent, measurable retail media channels. Meanwhile, Troy Townsend of Zitcha argues the opposite: trade marketing isn’t being devoured, it’s simply evolving, and in fact, might end up absorbing retail media under its existing merchant structures. I have included links to the full episodes featuring James on the Particular Audience YouTube channel, and Troy on The Middlemen podcast under 'Links & Resources' below.

Through their perspectives, I explore what this convergence really means for retailers, brands, and the people managing those ever-blurring budgets. Whatever team you're currently on, I believe this interplay reveals how the smartest players are building unified systems that bridge the two worlds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: the tug-of-war between trade and retail media.

[01:00] – James Taylor explains how supplier dollars are migrating into retail media, backed by Forrester data.

[02:30] – Why transparency, attribution, and incrementality are pulling budgets away from traditional trade deals.

[04:02] – Transition to Troy Townsend’s take: trade marketing isn’t dying, it’s modernizing.

[05:15] – The 'shelf wobbler' story: why unifying physical and digital inventory matters more than ever.

[07:45] – The internal friction between merchandising and retail media teams, and why organizational design is key.

[08:30] – Troy’s prediction: long-term, merchant teams will own retail media.

[09:00] – My closing thoughts: convergence, not competition, is where the future lies.


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 588 In this 'Snips' episode, I dive into one of the biggest debates shaking up the commerce world: is retail media eating trade marketing, or is it the other way around? To unpack this, I analyse commentary from two industry leaders who see the collision from very different vantage points. 

James Taylor of Particular Audience makes a strong case that trade dollars are shifting into transparent, measurable retail media channels. Meanwhile, Troy Townsend of Zitcha argues the opposite: trade marketing isn’t being devoured, it’s simply evolving, and in fact, might end up absorbing retail media under its existing merchant structures. I have included links to the full episodes featuring James on the Particular Audience YouTube channel, and Troy on The Middlemen podcast under 'Links & Resources' below.

Through their perspectives, I explore what this convergence really means for retailers, brands, and the people managing those ever-blurring budgets. Whatever team you're currently on, I believe this interplay reveals how the smartest players are building unified systems that bridge the two worlds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] – Setting the stage: the tug-of-war between trade and retail media.

[01:00] – James Taylor explains how supplier dollars are migrating into retail media, backed by Forrester data.

[02:30] – Why transparency, attribution, and incrementality are pulling budgets away from traditional trade deals.

[04:02] – Transition to Troy Townsend’s take: trade marketing isn’t dying, it’s modernizing.

[05:15] – The 'shelf wobbler' story: why unifying physical and digital inventory matters more than ever.

[07:45] – The internal friction between merchandising and retail media teams, and why organizational design is key.

[08:30] – Troy’s prediction: long-term, merchant teams will own retail media.

[09:00] – My closing thoughts: convergence, not competition, is where the future lies.


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks, trade marketing vs retail media, retail media strategy, commerce media trends, supplier marketing budgets No AI Makes Shopping Easier, But Shoppers Still Check Receipts AI Makes Shopping Easier, But Shoppers Still Check Receipts full d6f20263-bb79-4dae-b96e-f0e6afec83fe https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ai-makes-shopping-easier-but-shoppers-still-check-the-receipts When AI enters the shopping cart, does it really change how we buy or just how we think we buy? In this episode, I dig into new research from the IAB’s Connected Commerce Summit that reveals the gap between what shoppers say they’ll do versus what they actually do when AI tools guide their purchases.

You’ll hear insights from my recent panel discussion with Adam Heimlich (CEO of Chalice AI), Amie Owen (Chief Commerce Officer at IPG Mediabrands), and Nicholas Ward (President of Koddi) as we unpack how AI is reshaping discovery, decision-making, and targeting in retail. From the fun of browsing beauty products to the tediousness of restocking household essentials, we explore where AI fits in, and where it still falls short.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retailer, or curious consumer, this episode will challenge how you think about AI’s role in the shopping journey, and what it takes to stay competitive as buyer behavior keeps evolving faster than your last campaign plan.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - A storage unit disaster and the truth about what people say they want vs. what they actually do
[1:30] - Introducing the IAB’s new “real shopping mission” AI study: 450 shoppers tracked in real time
[2:36] - Will AI replace the traditional shopping journey? Panelists weigh in
[3:45] - Fragmentation and walled gardens: are we entering the best or worst era of ad targeting?
[5:20] - The Amazon effect and the risk of AI innovation being concentrated within a few big players
[6:07] - Implementation headaches: what happens when your kid’s Alexa searches hijack your shopping feed
[7:21] - What mid-tier brands can do to stay visible when AI narrows choices to just a few options
[8:27] - The gap between consumer intent and reality: 95% of shoppers still double-check AI’s advice
[9:22] - What to stop doing in the next 90 days: lessons from the panelists
[10:33] - Why success now depends on showing up where shoppers actually are, not where they say they’ll be

Links & Resources

]]> When AI enters the shopping cart, does it really change how we buy or just how we think we buy? In this episode, I dig into new research from the IAB’s Connected Commerce Summit that reveals the gap between what shoppers say they’ll do versus what they actually do when AI tools guide their purchases.

You’ll hear insights from my recent panel discussion with Adam Heimlich (CEO of Chalice AI), Amie Owen (Chief Commerce Officer at IPG Mediabrands), and Nicholas Ward (President of Koddi) as we unpack how AI is reshaping discovery, decision-making, and targeting in retail. From the fun of browsing beauty products to the tediousness of restocking household essentials, we explore where AI fits in, and where it still falls short.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retailer, or curious consumer, this episode will challenge how you think about AI’s role in the shopping journey, and what it takes to stay competitive as buyer behavior keeps evolving faster than your last campaign plan.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - A storage unit disaster and the truth about what people say they want vs. what they actually do
[1:30] - Introducing the IAB’s new “real shopping mission” AI study: 450 shoppers tracked in real time
[2:36] - Will AI replace the traditional shopping journey? Panelists weigh in
[3:45] - Fragmentation and walled gardens: are we entering the best or worst era of ad targeting?
[5:20] - The Amazon effect and the risk of AI innovation being concentrated within a few big players
[6:07] - Implementation headaches: what happens when your kid’s Alexa searches hijack your shopping feed
[7:21] - What mid-tier brands can do to stay visible when AI narrows choices to just a few options
[8:27] - The gap between consumer intent and reality: 95% of shoppers still double-check AI’s advice
[9:22] - What to stop doing in the next 90 days: lessons from the panelists
[10:33] - Why success now depends on showing up where shoppers actually are, not where they say they’ll be

Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 646 When AI enters the shopping cart, does it really change how we buy or just how we think we buy? In this episode, I dig into new research from the IAB’s Connected Commerce Summit that reveals the gap between what shoppers say they’ll do versus what they actually do when AI tools guide their purchases.

You’ll hear insights from my recent panel discussion with Adam Heimlich (CEO of Chalice AI), Amie Owen (Chief Commerce Officer at IPG Mediabrands), and Nicholas Ward (President of Koddi) as we unpack how AI is reshaping discovery, decision-making, and targeting in retail. From the fun of browsing beauty products to the tediousness of restocking household essentials, we explore where AI fits in, and where it still falls short.

Whether you’re a brand marketer, retailer, or curious consumer, this episode will challenge how you think about AI’s role in the shopping journey, and what it takes to stay competitive as buyer behavior keeps evolving faster than your last campaign plan.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - A storage unit disaster and the truth about what people say they want vs. what they actually do
[1:30] - Introducing the IAB’s new “real shopping mission” AI study: 450 shoppers tracked in real time
[2:36] - Will AI replace the traditional shopping journey? Panelists weigh in
[3:45] - Fragmentation and walled gardens: are we entering the best or worst era of ad targeting?
[5:20] - The Amazon effect and the risk of AI innovation being concentrated within a few big players
[6:07] - Implementation headaches: what happens when your kid’s Alexa searches hijack your shopping feed
[7:21] - What mid-tier brands can do to stay visible when AI narrows choices to just a few options
[8:27] - The gap between consumer intent and reality: 95% of shoppers still double-check AI’s advice
[9:22] - What to stop doing in the next 90 days: lessons from the panelists
[10:33] - Why success now depends on showing up where shoppers actually are, not where they say they’ll be

Links & Resources

]]> AI in retail, consumer shopping behavior, AI shopping assistants, retail media trends 2025, digital commerce strategy No In what ways are using AI today that you weren't a year ago? [Panel] In what ways are using AI today that you weren't a year ago? [Panel] full 23f61f70-13e5-4409-b8a5-eca9f259b58d https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-brand-leaders-are-using-ai-today-that-they-werent-a-year-ago A year ago, many retail media teams were still questioning whether AI was just hype. Fast forward to today, and it’s become an indispensable part of day-to-day operations. In this episode, I asked brand leaders how their use of AI has evolved over the past year. Their answers reveal just how quickly experimentation has turned into real-world impact.

From rewriting product listings and optimizing PDPs, to managing inboxes, surfacing keyword opportunities, brainstorming new ideas, and even creating brand-aligned GPTs — these leaders are proving that AI isn’t replacing the human touch, but amplifying it. If you’ve ever wondered how top brands are actually putting AI to work right now, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:42] - Neha Malik on using AI to refresh PDP content across major retailers
[02:22] - Kelsey Knight shares how her team uses Fixer AI for inbox management and a custom GPT for brand-aligned creativity
[05:20] - Chris Lowrey explains how AI helps surface new keyword opportunities and rebalance retail media spend
[06:39] - Jyoti Malik describes how AI is now fully integrated into Belkin’s content creation process
[07:52] - Wrapping up: AI as an essential tool that augments human judgment and scales creative execution


Links & Resources

]]> A year ago, many retail media teams were still questioning whether AI was just hype. Fast forward to today, and it’s become an indispensable part of day-to-day operations. In this episode, I asked brand leaders how their use of AI has evolved over the past year. Their answers reveal just how quickly experimentation has turned into real-world impact.

From rewriting product listings and optimizing PDPs, to managing inboxes, surfacing keyword opportunities, brainstorming new ideas, and even creating brand-aligned GPTs — these leaders are proving that AI isn’t replacing the human touch, but amplifying it. If you’ve ever wondered how top brands are actually putting AI to work right now, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:42] - Neha Malik on using AI to refresh PDP content across major retailers
[02:22] - Kelsey Knight shares how her team uses Fixer AI for inbox management and a custom GPT for brand-aligned creativity
[05:20] - Chris Lowrey explains how AI helps surface new keyword opportunities and rebalance retail media spend
[06:39] - Jyoti Malik describes how AI is now fully integrated into Belkin’s content creation process
[07:52] - Wrapping up: AI as an essential tool that augments human judgment and scales creative execution


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 497 A year ago, many retail media teams were still questioning whether AI was just hype. Fast forward to today, and it’s become an indispensable part of day-to-day operations. In this episode, I asked brand leaders how their use of AI has evolved over the past year. Their answers reveal just how quickly experimentation has turned into real-world impact.

From rewriting product listings and optimizing PDPs, to managing inboxes, surfacing keyword opportunities, brainstorming new ideas, and even creating brand-aligned GPTs — these leaders are proving that AI isn’t replacing the human touch, but amplifying it. If you’ve ever wondered how top brands are actually putting AI to work right now, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:42] - Neha Malik on using AI to refresh PDP content across major retailers
[02:22] - Kelsey Knight shares how her team uses Fixer AI for inbox management and a custom GPT for brand-aligned creativity
[05:20] - Chris Lowrey explains how AI helps surface new keyword opportunities and rebalance retail media spend
[06:39] - Jyoti Malik describes how AI is now fully integrated into Belkin’s content creation process
[07:52] - Wrapping up: AI as an essential tool that augments human judgment and scales creative execution


Links & Resources

]]> AI in retail media, AI for eCommerce marketing, AI-powered content creation, AI tools for brands, Retail media strategy with AI No Best Buy's Ad Platform Play: 'We Got Next' Best Buy's Ad Platform Play: 'We Got Next' full 07c743b5-02c4-4fa5-ab8f-22f68cfdbba1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1715533a In this episode, a reproduction of my September 16 article on The Drum, I break down Best Buy’s bold move into the retail media space with its first advertising showcase 'We Got Next'. This streaming event marked a pivotal step for the electronics retailer, not just in unveiling in-store ad packages and sports partnerships, but in signaling a much bigger vision for the future of retail media.

I share insights from my conversations with Lisa Valentino, President of Best Buy Ads, about Best Buy’s ambition to become an open platform where other retailers can plug in for data collaboration and audience extension (an approach that stands in stark contrast to today’s walled garden model). I unpack what this shift could mean for advertisers, brands, and retailers navigating an increasingly fragmented retail media landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:24] - What Best Buy revealed at 'We Got Next' and why it matters
[01:09] - Breaking away from walled gardens: Best Buy’s open platform vision
[02:15] - How Best Buy could solve one of retail’s biggest challenges
[03:19] - The 'frenemy' dilemma for retailers choosing partnerships
[06:23] - Real-world collaboration examples with CNET and Microsoft
[07:30] - Balancing industry standards with experimental innovation
[08:12] - Best Buy’s DSP integrations and what they unlock for advertisers
[09:15] - Could Best Buy reshape retail media into a more collaborative ecosystem?


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, a reproduction of my September 16 article on The Drum, I break down Best Buy’s bold move into the retail media space with its first advertising showcase 'We Got Next'. This streaming event marked a pivotal step for the electronics retailer, not just in unveiling in-store ad packages and sports partnerships, but in signaling a much bigger vision for the future of retail media.

I share insights from my conversations with Lisa Valentino, President of Best Buy Ads, about Best Buy’s ambition to become an open platform where other retailers can plug in for data collaboration and audience extension (an approach that stands in stark contrast to today’s walled garden model). I unpack what this shift could mean for advertisers, brands, and retailers navigating an increasingly fragmented retail media landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:24] - What Best Buy revealed at 'We Got Next' and why it matters
[01:09] - Breaking away from walled gardens: Best Buy’s open platform vision
[02:15] - How Best Buy could solve one of retail’s biggest challenges
[03:19] - The 'frenemy' dilemma for retailers choosing partnerships
[06:23] - Real-world collaboration examples with CNET and Microsoft
[07:30] - Balancing industry standards with experimental innovation
[08:12] - Best Buy’s DSP integrations and what they unlock for advertisers
[09:15] - Could Best Buy reshape retail media into a more collaborative ecosystem?


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 618 In this episode, a reproduction of my September 16 article on The Drum, I break down Best Buy’s bold move into the retail media space with its first advertising showcase 'We Got Next'. This streaming event marked a pivotal step for the electronics retailer, not just in unveiling in-store ad packages and sports partnerships, but in signaling a much bigger vision for the future of retail media.

I share insights from my conversations with Lisa Valentino, President of Best Buy Ads, about Best Buy’s ambition to become an open platform where other retailers can plug in for data collaboration and audience extension (an approach that stands in stark contrast to today’s walled garden model). I unpack what this shift could mean for advertisers, brands, and retailers navigating an increasingly fragmented retail media landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:24] - What Best Buy revealed at 'We Got Next' and why it matters
[01:09] - Breaking away from walled gardens: Best Buy’s open platform vision
[02:15] - How Best Buy could solve one of retail’s biggest challenges
[03:19] - The 'frenemy' dilemma for retailers choosing partnerships
[06:23] - Real-world collaboration examples with CNET and Microsoft
[07:30] - Balancing industry standards with experimental innovation
[08:12] - Best Buy’s DSP integrations and what they unlock for advertisers
[09:15] - Could Best Buy reshape retail media into a more collaborative ecosystem?


Links & Resources

]]> Best Buy retail media, We Got Next advertising showcase, open retail media platform, retail media network strategy, DSP integrations in retail media No AI Shopping Hits 75% Adoption ['Snips' from Retailgentic] AI Shopping Hits 75% Adoption ['Snips' from Retailgentic] full 66525476-9545-4b7b-98ab-52167ead3f70 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ai-shopping-hits-75-adoption In this 'Snips' format, I provide commentary to highlights from a recent episode of the Retailgentech podcast, where host Scott Wingo spoke with Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategies & Insights at CI&T. Melissa shared snippets of brand new survey data revealing that a whopping 75% of consumers are now using AI tools at some point in their shopping journey, a huge milestone that’s shaping the future of commerce. I've linked to full Retailgentic episode with Melissa below under 'Links & Resources', be sure to check it out.

This episode explores consumer trust in generative AI versus ads, why Amazon’s ad saturation might not be the real problem, and Melissa’s framework for understanding the different types of AI shopping agents. If you want to know how AI is truly reshaping retail, and what that means for both brands and consumers, you won’t want to miss this one.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:37] - Introducing today’s Snip: AI adoption and consumer behavior in retail
[1:12] - Melissa Minkow reveals fresh survey data showing 75% AI usage in online shopping
[2:34] - Consumer fears about AI bias, sponsored search, and trust erosion
[4:21] - My contrarian take: Amazon ads still work and why relevance matters more than volume
[7:11] - Research on AI agents avoiding sponsored products and why that may not last
[9:23] - Melissa’s framework for understanding the three types of AI shopping agents
[10:45] - What high adoption rates mean for future consumer behavior and retail strategies


Links & Resources

]]> In this 'Snips' format, I provide commentary to highlights from a recent episode of the Retailgentech podcast, where host Scott Wingo spoke with Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategies & Insights at CI&T. Melissa shared snippets of brand new survey data revealing that a whopping 75% of consumers are now using AI tools at some point in their shopping journey, a huge milestone that’s shaping the future of commerce. I've linked to full Retailgentic episode with Melissa below under 'Links & Resources', be sure to check it out.

This episode explores consumer trust in generative AI versus ads, why Amazon’s ad saturation might not be the real problem, and Melissa’s framework for understanding the different types of AI shopping agents. If you want to know how AI is truly reshaping retail, and what that means for both brands and consumers, you won’t want to miss this one.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:37] - Introducing today’s Snip: AI adoption and consumer behavior in retail
[1:12] - Melissa Minkow reveals fresh survey data showing 75% AI usage in online shopping
[2:34] - Consumer fears about AI bias, sponsored search, and trust erosion
[4:21] - My contrarian take: Amazon ads still work and why relevance matters more than volume
[7:11] - Research on AI agents avoiding sponsored products and why that may not last
[9:23] - Melissa’s framework for understanding the three types of AI shopping agents
[10:45] - What high adoption rates mean for future consumer behavior and retail strategies


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 714 In this 'Snips' format, I provide commentary to highlights from a recent episode of the Retailgentech podcast, where host Scott Wingo spoke with Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategies & Insights at CI&T. Melissa shared snippets of brand new survey data revealing that a whopping 75% of consumers are now using AI tools at some point in their shopping journey, a huge milestone that’s shaping the future of commerce. I've linked to full Retailgentic episode with Melissa below under 'Links & Resources', be sure to check it out.

This episode explores consumer trust in generative AI versus ads, why Amazon’s ad saturation might not be the real problem, and Melissa’s framework for understanding the different types of AI shopping agents. If you want to know how AI is truly reshaping retail, and what that means for both brands and consumers, you won’t want to miss this one.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:37] - Introducing today’s Snip: AI adoption and consumer behavior in retail
[1:12] - Melissa Minkow reveals fresh survey data showing 75% AI usage in online shopping
[2:34] - Consumer fears about AI bias, sponsored search, and trust erosion
[4:21] - My contrarian take: Amazon ads still work and why relevance matters more than volume
[7:11] - Research on AI agents avoiding sponsored products and why that may not last
[9:23] - Melissa’s framework for understanding the three types of AI shopping agents
[10:45] - What high adoption rates mean for future consumer behavior and retail strategies


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping adoption, Generative AI in retail, Retail media trends, Amazon advertising insights, AI shopping agents No The Lazy Girl's Guide to Social Commerce The Lazy Girl's Guide to Social Commerce full 63a28f1f-039b-4500-a8bd-a3697c0dc225 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-lazy-girls-guide-to-social-commerce Domino’s might have been ahead of its time when it launched 'Anywhere' ordering back in 2015, but today, social commerce is taking convenience to the next level. In this episode, I dive into the world of social commerce, the seamless integration of shopping directly within social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and why it’s reshaping how brands and retailers connect with customers.

From TikTok Shop’s explosive growth to retailers like Carrefour testing the waters, I break down what’s working, what’s not, and what every brand should know before jumping in. Think of this as your 80/20 guide: just enough to understand the big picture without getting lost in the weeds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Domino’s early experiment in social commerce and the philosophy of “empowering laziness”
[01:15] - What social commerce really is (and what it isn’t)
[02:00] - The numbers behind this fast-growing trend and where the money is going
[02:39] - Why TikTok Shop leads the pack and how brands like Tarte Cosmetics are thriving
[04:00] - Big retailers like Carrefour entering the game, and why it matters
[06:07] - The operational headaches and trust issues brands are facing behind the scenes
[07:55] - Lessons from Instagram’s native checkout and why data ownership still matters
[09:00] - Categories that win (and lose) in social commerce
[10:29] - Final takeaways: the future of effortless shopping for consumers vs. complexity for brands


Links & Resources

]]> Domino’s might have been ahead of its time when it launched 'Anywhere' ordering back in 2015, but today, social commerce is taking convenience to the next level. In this episode, I dive into the world of social commerce, the seamless integration of shopping directly within social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and why it’s reshaping how brands and retailers connect with customers.

From TikTok Shop’s explosive growth to retailers like Carrefour testing the waters, I break down what’s working, what’s not, and what every brand should know before jumping in. Think of this as your 80/20 guide: just enough to understand the big picture without getting lost in the weeds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Domino’s early experiment in social commerce and the philosophy of “empowering laziness”
[01:15] - What social commerce really is (and what it isn’t)
[02:00] - The numbers behind this fast-growing trend and where the money is going
[02:39] - Why TikTok Shop leads the pack and how brands like Tarte Cosmetics are thriving
[04:00] - Big retailers like Carrefour entering the game, and why it matters
[06:07] - The operational headaches and trust issues brands are facing behind the scenes
[07:55] - Lessons from Instagram’s native checkout and why data ownership still matters
[09:00] - Categories that win (and lose) in social commerce
[10:29] - Final takeaways: the future of effortless shopping for consumers vs. complexity for brands


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 681 Domino’s might have been ahead of its time when it launched 'Anywhere' ordering back in 2015, but today, social commerce is taking convenience to the next level. In this episode, I dive into the world of social commerce, the seamless integration of shopping directly within social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and why it’s reshaping how brands and retailers connect with customers.

From TikTok Shop’s explosive growth to retailers like Carrefour testing the waters, I break down what’s working, what’s not, and what every brand should know before jumping in. Think of this as your 80/20 guide: just enough to understand the big picture without getting lost in the weeds.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Domino’s early experiment in social commerce and the philosophy of “empowering laziness”
[01:15] - What social commerce really is (and what it isn’t)
[02:00] - The numbers behind this fast-growing trend and where the money is going
[02:39] - Why TikTok Shop leads the pack and how brands like Tarte Cosmetics are thriving
[04:00] - Big retailers like Carrefour entering the game, and why it matters
[06:07] - The operational headaches and trust issues brands are facing behind the scenes
[07:55] - Lessons from Instagram’s native checkout and why data ownership still matters
[09:00] - Categories that win (and lose) in social commerce
[10:29] - Final takeaways: the future of effortless shopping for consumers vs. complexity for brands


Links & Resources

]]> Social commerce trends 2025, TikTok Shop strategy, Gen Z shopping behavior, Retail media execution, E-commerce marketing insights No Why 'Omnichannel' Misses the Point [New Research From The Digital Shelf Institute] Why 'Omnichannel' Misses the Point [New Research From The Digital Shelf Institute] full e01238c3-b09a-46d2-9a3f-3603cf13f9d8 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/why-omnichannel-misses-the-point We’ve all heard the buzzword 'omnichannel' tossed around, but what if it’s the wrong way to think about digital commerce? In this episode, I dive into fresh research from the Digital Shelf Institute and share my take on why focusing on channels misses the bigger picture: the consumer journey.

From digitally influenced sales, to the rise of insurgent brands and even Unilever’s bold experiment in creator-driven marketing, I’ll walk you through the insights that are reshaping how brands need to think about growth, organizational design, and the future of commerce. Whether you’re at a scrappy startup or a global powerhouse: success comes from building organizations that think digitally first.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:19] - Why 'omnichannel' puts the focus on the wrong thing
[01:36] - The rise of digitally influenced sales and Walmart’s 68% growth stat
[03:24] - Why silos between sales and marketing no longer work
[05:01] - The quiet advantage small brands hold over big CPGs
[07:15] - Unilever’s bold shift to creator-led marketing
[09:18] - Shared goals and KPIs as a driver of cross-functional success
[10:26] - The bigger question: how to design organizations that think digitally first


Links & Resources

]]> We’ve all heard the buzzword 'omnichannel' tossed around, but what if it’s the wrong way to think about digital commerce? In this episode, I dive into fresh research from the Digital Shelf Institute and share my take on why focusing on channels misses the bigger picture: the consumer journey.

From digitally influenced sales, to the rise of insurgent brands and even Unilever’s bold experiment in creator-driven marketing, I’ll walk you through the insights that are reshaping how brands need to think about growth, organizational design, and the future of commerce. Whether you’re at a scrappy startup or a global powerhouse: success comes from building organizations that think digitally first.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:19] - Why 'omnichannel' puts the focus on the wrong thing
[01:36] - The rise of digitally influenced sales and Walmart’s 68% growth stat
[03:24] - Why silos between sales and marketing no longer work
[05:01] - The quiet advantage small brands hold over big CPGs
[07:15] - Unilever’s bold shift to creator-led marketing
[09:18] - Shared goals and KPIs as a driver of cross-functional success
[10:26] - The bigger question: how to design organizations that think digitally first


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 642 We’ve all heard the buzzword 'omnichannel' tossed around, but what if it’s the wrong way to think about digital commerce? In this episode, I dive into fresh research from the Digital Shelf Institute and share my take on why focusing on channels misses the bigger picture: the consumer journey.

From digitally influenced sales, to the rise of insurgent brands and even Unilever’s bold experiment in creator-driven marketing, I’ll walk you through the insights that are reshaping how brands need to think about growth, organizational design, and the future of commerce. Whether you’re at a scrappy startup or a global powerhouse: success comes from building organizations that think digitally first.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:19] - Why 'omnichannel' puts the focus on the wrong thing
[01:36] - The rise of digitally influenced sales and Walmart’s 68% growth stat
[03:24] - Why silos between sales and marketing no longer work
[05:01] - The quiet advantage small brands hold over big CPGs
[07:15] - Unilever’s bold shift to creator-led marketing
[09:18] - Shared goals and KPIs as a driver of cross-functional success
[10:26] - The bigger question: how to design organizations that think digitally first


Links & Resources

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Managing a Multi-Retailer RMN Stack (Part 3 of 3) Managing a Multi-Retailer RMN Stack (Part 3 of 3) full 9b212177-7170-4129-919b-b9d013ee4e2f https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c2937ca Over the past two weeks, I’ve been sitting down with Cody Tusberg, EVP of Connected Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in retail media. We started by exploring the inner workings of retailer organizations and how brands can navigate those dynamics. Then we talked about data normalization and how to make sense of multiple performance signals across platforms.

In this third and final episode in our series, Cody and I tackle one of the trickiest questions facing brands today: how do you manage a multi-retailer RMN stack effectively? From connecting media investment to sales, to reframing attribution, to holding retailers accountable for performance, we dig into the frameworks and strategies that can help brands succeed in an increasingly converged retail world.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Is it realistic to connect retail media investment back to total sales across multiple retailers?
[2:26] – Why perfect attribution isn’t the goal and what brands should focus on instead.
[3:28] – Thinking beyond ROAS: cost of acquisition, lifetime value, and internal modeling.
[4:12] – Best practices for comparing performance data across retailers.
[5:35] – Orchestrating trade spend, shopper marketing, and retail media to work together.
[6:32] – Why a hub-and-spoke model helps brands scale retail media execution.
[7:27] – How some brands are holding retailers accountable for performance.
[8:36] – Looking ahead: why the lines between trade, shopper, and retail media will continue to blur.


Links & Resources

]]> Over the past two weeks, I’ve been sitting down with Cody Tusberg, EVP of Connected Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in retail media. We started by exploring the inner workings of retailer organizations and how brands can navigate those dynamics. Then we talked about data normalization and how to make sense of multiple performance signals across platforms.

In this third and final episode in our series, Cody and I tackle one of the trickiest questions facing brands today: how do you manage a multi-retailer RMN stack effectively? From connecting media investment to sales, to reframing attribution, to holding retailers accountable for performance, we dig into the frameworks and strategies that can help brands succeed in an increasingly converged retail world.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Is it realistic to connect retail media investment back to total sales across multiple retailers?
[2:26] – Why perfect attribution isn’t the goal and what brands should focus on instead.
[3:28] – Thinking beyond ROAS: cost of acquisition, lifetime value, and internal modeling.
[4:12] – Best practices for comparing performance data across retailers.
[5:35] – Orchestrating trade spend, shopper marketing, and retail media to work together.
[6:32] – Why a hub-and-spoke model helps brands scale retail media execution.
[7:27] – How some brands are holding retailers accountable for performance.
[8:36] – Looking ahead: why the lines between trade, shopper, and retail media will continue to blur.


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 614 Over the past two weeks, I’ve been sitting down with Cody Tusberg, EVP of Connected Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in retail media. We started by exploring the inner workings of retailer organizations and how brands can navigate those dynamics. Then we talked about data normalization and how to make sense of multiple performance signals across platforms.

In this third and final episode in our series, Cody and I tackle one of the trickiest questions facing brands today: how do you manage a multi-retailer RMN stack effectively? From connecting media investment to sales, to reframing attribution, to holding retailers accountable for performance, we dig into the frameworks and strategies that can help brands succeed in an increasingly converged retail world.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:01] – Is it realistic to connect retail media investment back to total sales across multiple retailers?
[2:26] – Why perfect attribution isn’t the goal and what brands should focus on instead.
[3:28] – Thinking beyond ROAS: cost of acquisition, lifetime value, and internal modeling.
[4:12] – Best practices for comparing performance data across retailers.
[5:35] – Orchestrating trade spend, shopper marketing, and retail media to work together.
[6:32] – Why a hub-and-spoke model helps brands scale retail media execution.
[7:27] – How some brands are holding retailers accountable for performance.
[8:36] – Looking ahead: why the lines between trade, shopper, and retail media will continue to blur.


Links & Resources

]]> multi-retailer retail media networks, retail media attribution strategies, CPG retail media best practices, trade spend and shopper marketing integration, retail media measurement and accountability No Underrated Advice For Choosing A Retail Media Agency Partner [Panel] Underrated Advice For Choosing A Retail Media Agency Partner [Panel] full 0e35e7a9-2a3e-4982-998b-3038c1d664e9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d193045 Choosing the right retail media agency can be a make or break decision, but most brands are asking the wrong questions. In this episode, I called on several seasoned brand leaders who’ve been through the agency selection process to get their insights.

We spoke about the often-overlooked factors that truly matter when choosing an agency partner: finding the right people (not just credentials), spotting agencies that adapt to your workflows, avoiding the trap of big-name prestige, and making sure the pitch team you meet is actually the team you’ll work with. Whether you’re evaluating agencies right now or know you’ll need to soon, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and make a smarter decision.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - AJ Patel on why validating agency references is more important than polished case studies
[02:19] - Ben Galvin explains why adaptability to your tech stack can make or break a partnership
[04:31] - Darren Silverman warns against being dazzled by big-name agencies that aren’t the right fit
[05:19] - Ash McMullen highlights the importance of knowing who you’ll actually be working with
[06:12] - Jyoti Malik shares how immersive, scenario-based conversations reveal true agency fit


Links & Resources

]]> Choosing the right retail media agency can be a make or break decision, but most brands are asking the wrong questions. In this episode, I called on several seasoned brand leaders who’ve been through the agency selection process to get their insights.

We spoke about the often-overlooked factors that truly matter when choosing an agency partner: finding the right people (not just credentials), spotting agencies that adapt to your workflows, avoiding the trap of big-name prestige, and making sure the pitch team you meet is actually the team you’ll work with. Whether you’re evaluating agencies right now or know you’ll need to soon, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and make a smarter decision.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - AJ Patel on why validating agency references is more important than polished case studies
[02:19] - Ben Galvin explains why adaptability to your tech stack can make or break a partnership
[04:31] - Darren Silverman warns against being dazzled by big-name agencies that aren’t the right fit
[05:19] - Ash McMullen highlights the importance of knowing who you’ll actually be working with
[06:12] - Jyoti Malik shares how immersive, scenario-based conversations reveal true agency fit


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 436 Choosing the right retail media agency can be a make or break decision, but most brands are asking the wrong questions. In this episode, I called on several seasoned brand leaders who’ve been through the agency selection process to get their insights.

We spoke about the often-overlooked factors that truly matter when choosing an agency partner: finding the right people (not just credentials), spotting agencies that adapt to your workflows, avoiding the trap of big-name prestige, and making sure the pitch team you meet is actually the team you’ll work with. Whether you’re evaluating agencies right now or know you’ll need to soon, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and make a smarter decision.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - AJ Patel on why validating agency references is more important than polished case studies
[02:19] - Ben Galvin explains why adaptability to your tech stack can make or break a partnership
[04:31] - Darren Silverman warns against being dazzled by big-name agencies that aren’t the right fit
[05:19] - Ash McMullen highlights the importance of knowing who you’ll actually be working with
[06:12] - Jyoti Malik shares how immersive, scenario-based conversations reveal true agency fit


Links & Resources

]]> retail media agency, choosing an agency partner, ecommerce marketing strategy, brand and agency partnerships, retail media best practices No Building Retail Media Federations: Foundations and Barriers (Part 3) Building Retail Media Federations: Foundations and Barriers (Part 3) full e541313d-b139-418b-bff5-ee6b96c8fea0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/what-it-actually-takes-to-build-a-retail-media-federation Retail media federations sound like a no-brainer: retailers pooling their audiences and inventory to attract bigger ad dollars while keeping their unique value intact. But in reality, making federations work requires solving some thorny technical, governance, and cultural challenges.

In this episode (part three of my retail media alliances series), I dive into what it really takes to build a successful retail media federation. From data clean rooms and identity spines to governance frameworks and cultural hurdles, I explore both the infrastructure and the mindset shifts required to make collaboration work. I’ll also share examples from industry leaders and discuss why some retailers remain skeptical, even as advertisers push for scale and simplicity.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:00] - Breaking down the technical foundation: data clean rooms and identity resolution

[2:15] - How Snowflake and Bridge are powering privacy-safe audience activation

[3:45] - A fictional example: targeting health-focused millennial moms with cats

[5:00] - Governance challenges: who owns the data and what can be done with it

[6:30] - Why retailers resist losing control of first-party data

[8:00] - Balancing advertiser demands for scale vs. retailer protection of assets

[9:30] - Why brands need simplicity, not added complexity, from federations

[10:45] - Amazon’s play with Macy’s and retailer skepticism around “letting the fox in the henhouse”

[12:15] - The biggest barrier? Retailers’ cultural instinct to hoard data


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media federations sound like a no-brainer: retailers pooling their audiences and inventory to attract bigger ad dollars while keeping their unique value intact. But in reality, making federations work requires solving some thorny technical, governance, and cultural challenges.

In this episode (part three of my retail media alliances series), I dive into what it really takes to build a successful retail media federation. From data clean rooms and identity spines to governance frameworks and cultural hurdles, I explore both the infrastructure and the mindset shifts required to make collaboration work. I’ll also share examples from industry leaders and discuss why some retailers remain skeptical, even as advertisers push for scale and simplicity.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:00] - Breaking down the technical foundation: data clean rooms and identity resolution

[2:15] - How Snowflake and Bridge are powering privacy-safe audience activation

[3:45] - A fictional example: targeting health-focused millennial moms with cats

[5:00] - Governance challenges: who owns the data and what can be done with it

[6:30] - Why retailers resist losing control of first-party data

[8:00] - Balancing advertiser demands for scale vs. retailer protection of assets

[9:30] - Why brands need simplicity, not added complexity, from federations

[10:45] - Amazon’s play with Macy’s and retailer skepticism around “letting the fox in the henhouse”

[12:15] - The biggest barrier? Retailers’ cultural instinct to hoard data


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 780 Retail media federations sound like a no-brainer: retailers pooling their audiences and inventory to attract bigger ad dollars while keeping their unique value intact. But in reality, making federations work requires solving some thorny technical, governance, and cultural challenges.

In this episode (part three of my retail media alliances series), I dive into what it really takes to build a successful retail media federation. From data clean rooms and identity spines to governance frameworks and cultural hurdles, I explore both the infrastructure and the mindset shifts required to make collaboration work. I’ll also share examples from industry leaders and discuss why some retailers remain skeptical, even as advertisers push for scale and simplicity.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:00] - Breaking down the technical foundation: data clean rooms and identity resolution

[2:15] - How Snowflake and Bridge are powering privacy-safe audience activation

[3:45] - A fictional example: targeting health-focused millennial moms with cats

[5:00] - Governance challenges: who owns the data and what can be done with it

[6:30] - Why retailers resist losing control of first-party data

[8:00] - Balancing advertiser demands for scale vs. retailer protection of assets

[9:30] - Why brands need simplicity, not added complexity, from federations

[10:45] - Amazon’s play with Macy’s and retailer skepticism around “letting the fox in the henhouse”

[12:15] - The biggest barrier? Retailers’ cultural instinct to hoard data


Links & Resources

]]> Retail Media Federations, Data Clean Rooms, Identity Resolution in Retail Media, Retail Media Governance, Retail Media Networks Collaboration No Meet The First Retail Media Federations & Consortiums (Part 2) Meet The First Retail Media Federations & Consortiums (Part 2) full ff5df092-8768-4f61-a0f4-638e5e3c4cbe https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/meet-the-first-retail-media-federations-consortiums Last week’s big announcement from Best Buy caught my attention. Not just because of its splashy branding moves with gaming and sports, but because it hinted at a more collaborative model for retail media. Could this be the beginning of federations and consortiums reshaping the retail media landscape?

In this episode, I dive into part two of my series on retail media alliances. From Europe’s pioneering Valiuz alliance, to Rippl's breakthrough partnership with Hy-Vee here in the U.S., I explore the real-world models that are already proving federations can work. I also break down why consolidation may be the lifeline smaller networks need, and the critical challenge of measurement standardization that could make (or break) these collaborations.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:36] - Lisa Valentino’s vision for Best Buy as a network beyond retail
[02:22] - Why fragmentation makes the current retail media model unsustainable 
[02:52] - Valiuz in Europe: a federation covering 80% of French households
[03:15] - Rippl’s U.S. breakthrough with Hy-Vee’s RedMedia
[04:00] - Regional consortiums empowering smaller grocers
[05:11] - Why scale matters: the challenge for long-tail RMNs
[07:09] - The measurement problem: why standardization is both the biggest hurdle and the biggest opportunity

Links & Resources

]]> Last week’s big announcement from Best Buy caught my attention. Not just because of its splashy branding moves with gaming and sports, but because it hinted at a more collaborative model for retail media. Could this be the beginning of federations and consortiums reshaping the retail media landscape?

In this episode, I dive into part two of my series on retail media alliances. From Europe’s pioneering Valiuz alliance, to Rippl's breakthrough partnership with Hy-Vee here in the U.S., I explore the real-world models that are already proving federations can work. I also break down why consolidation may be the lifeline smaller networks need, and the critical challenge of measurement standardization that could make (or break) these collaborations.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:36] - Lisa Valentino’s vision for Best Buy as a network beyond retail
[02:22] - Why fragmentation makes the current retail media model unsustainable 
[02:52] - Valiuz in Europe: a federation covering 80% of French households
[03:15] - Rippl’s U.S. breakthrough with Hy-Vee’s RedMedia
[04:00] - Regional consortiums empowering smaller grocers
[05:11] - Why scale matters: the challenge for long-tail RMNs
[07:09] - The measurement problem: why standardization is both the biggest hurdle and the biggest opportunity

Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 607 Last week’s big announcement from Best Buy caught my attention. Not just because of its splashy branding moves with gaming and sports, but because it hinted at a more collaborative model for retail media. Could this be the beginning of federations and consortiums reshaping the retail media landscape?

In this episode, I dive into part two of my series on retail media alliances. From Europe’s pioneering Valiuz alliance, to Rippl's breakthrough partnership with Hy-Vee here in the U.S., I explore the real-world models that are already proving federations can work. I also break down why consolidation may be the lifeline smaller networks need, and the critical challenge of measurement standardization that could make (or break) these collaborations.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:36] - Lisa Valentino’s vision for Best Buy as a network beyond retail
[02:22] - Why fragmentation makes the current retail media model unsustainable 
[02:52] - Valiuz in Europe: a federation covering 80% of French households
[03:15] - Rippl’s U.S. breakthrough with Hy-Vee’s RedMedia
[04:00] - Regional consortiums empowering smaller grocers
[05:11] - Why scale matters: the challenge for long-tail RMNs
[07:09] - The measurement problem: why standardization is both the biggest hurdle and the biggest opportunity

Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Retail media federations, Retail media consortiums, Best Buy Ads, Measurement standardization in retail media No Growth Beyond Amazon: Tapping Into Retail Media's Broader Opportunities (Part 2 of 3) Growth Beyond Amazon: Tapping Into Retail Media's Broader Opportunities (Part 2 of 3) full 245bf2f0-6173-4c18-9954-40df01b2f3ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/42c33f02 Amazon may dominate the retail media landscape, but is your brand missing growth opportunities by focusing too narrowly? In the second installment of this 3-part series, I’m joined once again by Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to explore what it really takes to win in retail media beyond Amazon.

We dive into why shoppers’ habits demand a broader channel strategy, how to evaluate which retail media networks (RMNs) deserve your investment, and what smaller or emerging networks can offer that the big players can’t. You’ll also hear insights on overcoming operational complexity, proving ROI without clean attribution, and how to turn retail media into a true growth lever within joint business planning.

Whether you’re a brand leader trying to expand your retail footprint, or simply want to understand how the landscape is evolving, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the opportunities that lie outside of Amazon’s shadow.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:35] - Why brands should look beyond Amazon and Walmart in retail media
[1:10] - Shopper behavior data that reveals untapped opportunities
[2:12] - How to evaluate which retail media networks deserve investment
[3:01] - The operational challenges of expanding to new retailers
[4:00] - Measurement, ROI, and dealing with fragmented attribution
[5:15] - Advice for smaller brands with limited resources
[6:10] - Bringing retail media into joint business planning conversations
[7:17] - Shifting from “stick” penalties to “carrot” incentives in retail media spend


Links & Resources

]]> Amazon may dominate the retail media landscape, but is your brand missing growth opportunities by focusing too narrowly? In the second installment of this 3-part series, I’m joined once again by Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to explore what it really takes to win in retail media beyond Amazon.

We dive into why shoppers’ habits demand a broader channel strategy, how to evaluate which retail media networks (RMNs) deserve your investment, and what smaller or emerging networks can offer that the big players can’t. You’ll also hear insights on overcoming operational complexity, proving ROI without clean attribution, and how to turn retail media into a true growth lever within joint business planning.

Whether you’re a brand leader trying to expand your retail footprint, or simply want to understand how the landscape is evolving, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the opportunities that lie outside of Amazon’s shadow.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:35] - Why brands should look beyond Amazon and Walmart in retail media
[1:10] - Shopper behavior data that reveals untapped opportunities
[2:12] - How to evaluate which retail media networks deserve investment
[3:01] - The operational challenges of expanding to new retailers
[4:00] - Measurement, ROI, and dealing with fragmented attribution
[5:15] - Advice for smaller brands with limited resources
[6:10] - Bringing retail media into joint business planning conversations
[7:17] - Shifting from “stick” penalties to “carrot” incentives in retail media spend


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 505 Amazon may dominate the retail media landscape, but is your brand missing growth opportunities by focusing too narrowly? In the second installment of this 3-part series, I’m joined once again by Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to explore what it really takes to win in retail media beyond Amazon.

We dive into why shoppers’ habits demand a broader channel strategy, how to evaluate which retail media networks (RMNs) deserve your investment, and what smaller or emerging networks can offer that the big players can’t. You’ll also hear insights on overcoming operational complexity, proving ROI without clean attribution, and how to turn retail media into a true growth lever within joint business planning.

Whether you’re a brand leader trying to expand your retail footprint, or simply want to understand how the landscape is evolving, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the opportunities that lie outside of Amazon’s shadow.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:35] - Why brands should look beyond Amazon and Walmart in retail media
[1:10] - Shopper behavior data that reveals untapped opportunities
[2:12] - How to evaluate which retail media networks deserve investment
[3:01] - The operational challenges of expanding to new retailers
[4:00] - Measurement, ROI, and dealing with fragmented attribution
[5:15] - Advice for smaller brands with limited resources
[6:10] - Bringing retail media into joint business planning conversations
[7:17] - Shifting from “stick” penalties to “carrot” incentives in retail media spend


Links & Resources

]]> retail media networks, Amazon advertising alternatives, multi-retailer RMN strategy, retail media measurement, brand growth beyond Amazon No ROAS Isn’t Enough — The Buyer’s Checklist for Retail Media ROAS Isn’t Enough — The Buyer’s Checklist for Retail Media full f66e8205-aa4d-4a30-abea-dbd20117ff82 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c4231a8 Too often, retail media performance gets boiled down to a single number: ROAS. But is that really enough to guide smart investment decisions? In this episode, I share another highlight from the Retail Media Tech Jam livestream with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer from The Middlemen podcast. Together, we unpack why relying solely on ROAS can be misleading, and what metrics and insights media buyers should be demanding instead.

You’ll hear us explore the buyer’s checklist for retail media success, from securing log files to evaluating PDP quality scores, and why brands themselves now need to think more like publishers. We also dig into marketplace dynamics, the evolving role of creative optimization, and whether retail media could ever move toward performance-based pricing models.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting the stage: why ROAS isn’t enough
[01:19] - Asking the right questions: site lists, log files, and media plans
[02:37] - Understanding retail media as a marketplace
[03:15] - PDP quality scores and their growing influence
[05:20] - Comparing networks through efficiency, not just ROAS
[06:18] - Why creative optimization matters more than ever
[08:04] - Audience question: will retail media move to CPA models?


Links & Resources

]]> Too often, retail media performance gets boiled down to a single number: ROAS. But is that really enough to guide smart investment decisions? In this episode, I share another highlight from the Retail Media Tech Jam livestream with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer from The Middlemen podcast. Together, we unpack why relying solely on ROAS can be misleading, and what metrics and insights media buyers should be demanding instead.

You’ll hear us explore the buyer’s checklist for retail media success, from securing log files to evaluating PDP quality scores, and why brands themselves now need to think more like publishers. We also dig into marketplace dynamics, the evolving role of creative optimization, and whether retail media could ever move toward performance-based pricing models.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting the stage: why ROAS isn’t enough
[01:19] - Asking the right questions: site lists, log files, and media plans
[02:37] - Understanding retail media as a marketplace
[03:15] - PDP quality scores and their growing influence
[05:20] - Comparing networks through efficiency, not just ROAS
[06:18] - Why creative optimization matters more than ever
[08:04] - Audience question: will retail media move to CPA models?


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 594 Too often, retail media performance gets boiled down to a single number: ROAS. But is that really enough to guide smart investment decisions? In this episode, I share another highlight from the Retail Media Tech Jam livestream with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer from The Middlemen podcast. Together, we unpack why relying solely on ROAS can be misleading, and what metrics and insights media buyers should be demanding instead.

You’ll hear us explore the buyer’s checklist for retail media success, from securing log files to evaluating PDP quality scores, and why brands themselves now need to think more like publishers. We also dig into marketplace dynamics, the evolving role of creative optimization, and whether retail media could ever move toward performance-based pricing models.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting the stage: why ROAS isn’t enough
[01:19] - Asking the right questions: site lists, log files, and media plans
[02:37] - Understanding retail media as a marketplace
[03:15] - PDP quality scores and their growing influence
[05:20] - Comparing networks through efficiency, not just ROAS
[06:18] - Why creative optimization matters more than ever
[08:04] - Audience question: will retail media move to CPA models?


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Return on ad spend (ROAS), PDP quality scores, Retail media buyer’s guide, Retail media strategy No The Retail Media Doom Loop The Retail Media Doom Loop full e945cec3-0712-4aff-b57c-9d2eefd9fb7b https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-retail-media-doom-loop/ Retail media has exploded in recent years, but is it already falling into a dangerous cycle? In this episode, I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live I hosted with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer  from The Middlemen podcast. We dove into why retailers are so secretive about their tech stacks, what that means for brand-side buyers, and whether this lack of transparency is slowing growth across the entire industry.

You’ll hear us explore the “retail media doom loop,” how initial revenue gains mask deeper challenges, and why media buyers are begging for clarity. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening behind the curtain of retail media networks (or why it matters for your brand) this conversation will connect the dots in a way that  might change how you think about the future of retail media advertising.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:18] - Why retailers keep their tech stacks so secretive
[02:00] - Breaking down the “retail media doom loop” and stalled growth
[03:15] - Where true incremental opportunities still exist
[04:28] - Are brands applying enough pressure on retailers to evolve?
[06:07] - Survey results: what 67 brand-side media buyers had to say
[07:30] - What buyers really want from retail media tech providers
[09:15] - Transparency vs. reality: what media buyers say vs. what they do


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media has exploded in recent years, but is it already falling into a dangerous cycle? In this episode, I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live I hosted with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer  from The Middlemen podcast. We dove into why retailers are so secretive about their tech stacks, what that means for brand-side buyers, and whether this lack of transparency is slowing growth across the entire industry.

You’ll hear us explore the “retail media doom loop,” how initial revenue gains mask deeper challenges, and why media buyers are begging for clarity. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening behind the curtain of retail media networks (or why it matters for your brand) this conversation will connect the dots in a way that  might change how you think about the future of retail media advertising.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:18] - Why retailers keep their tech stacks so secretive
[02:00] - Breaking down the “retail media doom loop” and stalled growth
[03:15] - Where true incremental opportunities still exist
[04:28] - Are brands applying enough pressure on retailers to evolve?
[06:07] - Survey results: what 67 brand-side media buyers had to say
[07:30] - What buyers really want from retail media tech providers
[09:15] - Transparency vs. reality: what media buyers say vs. what they do


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 601 Retail media has exploded in recent years, but is it already falling into a dangerous cycle? In this episode, I share highlights from a recent LinkedIn Live I hosted with Tom Limongello and Scott Messer  from The Middlemen podcast. We dove into why retailers are so secretive about their tech stacks, what that means for brand-side buyers, and whether this lack of transparency is slowing growth across the entire industry.

You’ll hear us explore the “retail media doom loop,” how initial revenue gains mask deeper challenges, and why media buyers are begging for clarity. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening behind the curtain of retail media networks (or why it matters for your brand) this conversation will connect the dots in a way that  might change how you think about the future of retail media advertising.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:18] - Why retailers keep their tech stacks so secretive
[02:00] - Breaking down the “retail media doom loop” and stalled growth
[03:15] - Where true incremental opportunities still exist
[04:28] - Are brands applying enough pressure on retailers to evolve?
[06:07] - Survey results: what 67 brand-side media buyers had to say
[07:30] - What buyers really want from retail media tech providers
[09:15] - Transparency vs. reality: what media buyers say vs. what they do


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Ad tech transparency, Brand-side media buyers, Retail media growth challenges, Retail media strategy No AI Agent Shopping & Existential Threats To Retail Media AI Agent Shopping & Existential Threats To Retail Media full f7602a0b-043a-437e-951b-533e48202fa0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-3-ways-agentic-commerce-could-destroy-retail-media/ Could AI shopping agents fundamentally disrupt retail media as we know it? In this episode, I share highlights from my recent appearance on the Commerce Media Matters podcast with Nick Morgan and Paul Blackburn. We explored how the rise of AI-driven shopping experiences might shift consumer behavior away from retailer websites and apps. And what that could mean for retailers, brands, and the value of first-party data.

We dig into big questions: will sponsored product placements lose their relevance if AI agents take over the purchase journey? How will retailers protect their margins when third-party agents aggregate transaction data? And could AI agents actually become the best 'customers' a retailer could ask for? This conversation is part cautionary tale, part roadmap for adapting to one of the most important shifts on the horizon for commerce media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting up the big question: could AI agent shopping disrupt retail media?
[01:23] - The theory: how AI threatens both onsite and offsite monetization models
[03:28] - Why trade marketing remains resilient despite digital disruption
[05:29] - The challenge of data aggregation across multiple retailers
[06:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: two different approaches to AI agents
[08:00] - Advice for retailers: treat AI agents like VIP customers


Links & Resources

]]> Could AI shopping agents fundamentally disrupt retail media as we know it? In this episode, I share highlights from my recent appearance on the Commerce Media Matters podcast with Nick Morgan and Paul Blackburn. We explored how the rise of AI-driven shopping experiences might shift consumer behavior away from retailer websites and apps. And what that could mean for retailers, brands, and the value of first-party data.

We dig into big questions: will sponsored product placements lose their relevance if AI agents take over the purchase journey? How will retailers protect their margins when third-party agents aggregate transaction data? And could AI agents actually become the best 'customers' a retailer could ask for? This conversation is part cautionary tale, part roadmap for adapting to one of the most important shifts on the horizon for commerce media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting up the big question: could AI agent shopping disrupt retail media?
[01:23] - The theory: how AI threatens both onsite and offsite monetization models
[03:28] - Why trade marketing remains resilient despite digital disruption
[05:29] - The challenge of data aggregation across multiple retailers
[06:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: two different approaches to AI agents
[08:00] - Advice for retailers: treat AI agents like VIP customers


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 544 Could AI shopping agents fundamentally disrupt retail media as we know it? In this episode, I share highlights from my recent appearance on the Commerce Media Matters podcast with Nick Morgan and Paul Blackburn. We explored how the rise of AI-driven shopping experiences might shift consumer behavior away from retailer websites and apps. And what that could mean for retailers, brands, and the value of first-party data.

We dig into big questions: will sponsored product placements lose their relevance if AI agents take over the purchase journey? How will retailers protect their margins when third-party agents aggregate transaction data? And could AI agents actually become the best 'customers' a retailer could ask for? This conversation is part cautionary tale, part roadmap for adapting to one of the most important shifts on the horizon for commerce media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - Setting up the big question: could AI agent shopping disrupt retail media?
[01:23] - The theory: how AI threatens both onsite and offsite monetization models
[03:28] - Why trade marketing remains resilient despite digital disruption
[05:29] - The challenge of data aggregation across multiple retailers
[06:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: two different approaches to AI agents
[08:00] - Advice for retailers: treat AI agents like VIP customers


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping agents, Retail media disruption, First-party data strategy, Retail media networks, Commerce media future No Brands are from Mars, Retailers are from Venus: Getting Inside the Head of Retailers (Part 1 of 3) Brands are from Mars, Retailers are from Venus: Getting Inside the Head of Retailers (Part 1 of 3) full e643e275-8614-4522-a1ad-58b4bce5aa0f https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/brands-are-from-mars-retailers-are-from-venus-why-internal-politics-matter-more-than-you-think/ As a brand, working with retailers can often feel like navigating two completely different worlds. Retailers operate as complex ecosystems where merchants, trade marketing, and retail media teams each have their own goals and agendas. In Episode 1 of this three part series, I’m joined by expert Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to unpack these dynamics and help brands better understand how to align with retailers.

We dive into why merchants often call the shots, how silos between retail media and trade marketing create challenges, and the common mistakes brands make when they don’t account for a retailer’s internal politics. You’ll also hear how brands can get proactive, build trust, and set themselves up for success when negotiating budgets and planning retail media investments.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:17] – The role of merchants in retail media and why sales remain their top priority

[02:43] – How divided org structures impact brands and their budgets

[04:36] – The big mistakes brands make when they overlook retailer politics

[05:39] – Why brands should be “nosy” about where their dollars go

[06:20] – How Acosta Group bridges the gap between trade and retail media

[07:36] – The challenge of annual retailer planning cycles vs. real-time retail media optimization

[09:05] – How brand-side silos mirror retailer silos and what that means for alignment


Links & Resources

]]> As a brand, working with retailers can often feel like navigating two completely different worlds. Retailers operate as complex ecosystems where merchants, trade marketing, and retail media teams each have their own goals and agendas. In Episode 1 of this three part series, I’m joined by expert Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to unpack these dynamics and help brands better understand how to align with retailers.

We dive into why merchants often call the shots, how silos between retail media and trade marketing create challenges, and the common mistakes brands make when they don’t account for a retailer’s internal politics. You’ll also hear how brands can get proactive, build trust, and set themselves up for success when negotiating budgets and planning retail media investments.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:17] – The role of merchants in retail media and why sales remain their top priority

[02:43] – How divided org structures impact brands and their budgets

[04:36] – The big mistakes brands make when they overlook retailer politics

[05:39] – Why brands should be “nosy” about where their dollars go

[06:20] – How Acosta Group bridges the gap between trade and retail media

[07:36] – The challenge of annual retailer planning cycles vs. real-time retail media optimization

[09:05] – How brand-side silos mirror retailer silos and what that means for alignment


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 590 As a brand, working with retailers can often feel like navigating two completely different worlds. Retailers operate as complex ecosystems where merchants, trade marketing, and retail media teams each have their own goals and agendas. In Episode 1 of this three part series, I’m joined by expert Cody Tusberg, EVP of Digital Commerce and Retail Media Services at Acosta Group, to unpack these dynamics and help brands better understand how to align with retailers.

We dive into why merchants often call the shots, how silos between retail media and trade marketing create challenges, and the common mistakes brands make when they don’t account for a retailer’s internal politics. You’ll also hear how brands can get proactive, build trust, and set themselves up for success when negotiating budgets and planning retail media investments.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[01:17] – The role of merchants in retail media and why sales remain their top priority

[02:43] – How divided org structures impact brands and their budgets

[04:36] – The big mistakes brands make when they overlook retailer politics

[05:39] – Why brands should be “nosy” about where their dollars go

[06:20] – How Acosta Group bridges the gap between trade and retail media

[07:36] – The challenge of annual retailer planning cycles vs. real-time retail media optimization

[09:05] – How brand-side silos mirror retailer silos and what that means for alignment


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, acosta group, cody Tusberg Brand and retailer collaboration, Trade marketing strategies, Retailer merchant priorities, Retail media planning, CPG retail partnerships, Retail media budget allocation No 9 Ways Retailers & Brands Can Make Loyalty Programs Attractive... To AI Agents 9 Ways Retailers & Brands Can Make Loyalty Programs Attractive... To AI Agents full e2c15751-9948-4aa6-8208-d828d6bc957a https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/9-ways-to-make-your-loyalty-program-simply-irresistible-to-ai-agents In this episode, I dive into what loyalty really means in an era of agent-driven shopping. Recently, loyalty expert Stephanie Meltzer-Paul challenged my thesis on loyalty as the “last moat” for retailers, and today I’m unpacking her insights into what retailers and brands must do if they want to stay relevant. Spoiler: standing still won’t cut it!

I explore why loyalty programs must evolve into machine-readable preference engines, what that means for both retailers and brands, and how to turn these shifts into opportunities for deeper customer connections and new revenue streams. From making data agent-friendly to expanding beyond discounts and forging powerful partnerships, I’ll walk through the playbook that could define the future of loyalty.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:28] - Why loyalty programs must evolve to survive the agentic era
[01:28] - Making loyalty data agent-friendly so AI can actually use it
[02:03] - Moving beyond discounts and coupons to experiences and access
[02:24] - How integrating loyalty with retail media creates new value
[03:10] - The power of brand partnerships and co-branded rewards
[04:10] - Reducing friction in redemption to make loyalty truly useful
[05:24] - Why brands must build their own loyalty hooks, not just rely on retailers
[06:07] - A smart DTC loyalty program example
[07:00] - Negotiating dual loyalty credits inside retailer ecosystems


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I dive into what loyalty really means in an era of agent-driven shopping. Recently, loyalty expert Stephanie Meltzer-Paul challenged my thesis on loyalty as the “last moat” for retailers, and today I’m unpacking her insights into what retailers and brands must do if they want to stay relevant. Spoiler: standing still won’t cut it!

I explore why loyalty programs must evolve into machine-readable preference engines, what that means for both retailers and brands, and how to turn these shifts into opportunities for deeper customer connections and new revenue streams. From making data agent-friendly to expanding beyond discounts and forging powerful partnerships, I’ll walk through the playbook that could define the future of loyalty.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:28] - Why loyalty programs must evolve to survive the agentic era
[01:28] - Making loyalty data agent-friendly so AI can actually use it
[02:03] - Moving beyond discounts and coupons to experiences and access
[02:24] - How integrating loyalty with retail media creates new value
[03:10] - The power of brand partnerships and co-branded rewards
[04:10] - Reducing friction in redemption to make loyalty truly useful
[05:24] - Why brands must build their own loyalty hooks, not just rely on retailers
[06:07] - A smart DTC loyalty program example
[07:00] - Negotiating dual loyalty credits inside retailer ecosystems


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 478 In this episode, I dive into what loyalty really means in an era of agent-driven shopping. Recently, loyalty expert Stephanie Meltzer-Paul challenged my thesis on loyalty as the “last moat” for retailers, and today I’m unpacking her insights into what retailers and brands must do if they want to stay relevant. Spoiler: standing still won’t cut it!

I explore why loyalty programs must evolve into machine-readable preference engines, what that means for both retailers and brands, and how to turn these shifts into opportunities for deeper customer connections and new revenue streams. From making data agent-friendly to expanding beyond discounts and forging powerful partnerships, I’ll walk through the playbook that could define the future of loyalty.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:28] - Why loyalty programs must evolve to survive the agentic era
[01:28] - Making loyalty data agent-friendly so AI can actually use it
[02:03] - Moving beyond discounts and coupons to experiences and access
[02:24] - How integrating loyalty with retail media creates new value
[03:10] - The power of brand partnerships and co-branded rewards
[04:10] - Reducing friction in redemption to make loyalty truly useful
[05:24] - Why brands must build their own loyalty hooks, not just rely on retailers
[06:07] - A smart DTC loyalty program example
[07:00] - Negotiating dual loyalty credits inside retailer ecosystems


Links & Resources

]]> Agentic shopping, AI shopping agents, Retail loyalty programs, Customer loyalty strategies, Retail media networks, Brand partnerships in retail, Future of retail loyalty No Your AI Agent Just Got Hacked Your AI Agent Just Got Hacked full 281896a9-20f3-404c-9047-7e1b0e1fee10 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/your-ai-agent-just-got-hacked Today I take you inside a chilling scenario that started with a simple eBay hack and led me to a much bigger question: what happens when AI agents start shopping for us with full autonomy? As commerce shifts into the age of agentic AI, entirely new fraud frontiers are emerging. And the risks are far greater than anything we’ve faced before.

In this episode I break down why our traditional defenses are crumbling, what kinds of vulnerabilities agent-driven transactions open up, and how companies are racing to build new trust systems. From biometric iris scans to digital agent passports, I explore the massive stakes as we approach a future where trillions of dollars in transactions could be handled by autonomous AI.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - The story begins with my hijacked eBay account and the unsettling realization it sparked.
[01:28] - The nightmare scenario: fraudsters compromising AI agents instead of accounts.
[02:18] - Why retailers must verify not just people, but the agents acting on their behalf.
[03:00] - How deepfakes and AI-powered fraud are rendering old defenses obsolete.
[05:12] - The cutting-edge solutions being developed.
[06:51] - PayPal’s bold projection: 25% of all e-commerce agent-driven by 2030.
[07:30] - Why new trust systems (not just blocking) are essential for the future of commerce.


Links & Resources

]]> Today I take you inside a chilling scenario that started with a simple eBay hack and led me to a much bigger question: what happens when AI agents start shopping for us with full autonomy? As commerce shifts into the age of agentic AI, entirely new fraud frontiers are emerging. And the risks are far greater than anything we’ve faced before.

In this episode I break down why our traditional defenses are crumbling, what kinds of vulnerabilities agent-driven transactions open up, and how companies are racing to build new trust systems. From biometric iris scans to digital agent passports, I explore the massive stakes as we approach a future where trillions of dollars in transactions could be handled by autonomous AI.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - The story begins with my hijacked eBay account and the unsettling realization it sparked.
[01:28] - The nightmare scenario: fraudsters compromising AI agents instead of accounts.
[02:18] - Why retailers must verify not just people, but the agents acting on their behalf.
[03:00] - How deepfakes and AI-powered fraud are rendering old defenses obsolete.
[05:12] - The cutting-edge solutions being developed.
[06:51] - PayPal’s bold projection: 25% of all e-commerce agent-driven by 2030.
[07:30] - Why new trust systems (not just blocking) are essential for the future of commerce.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 460 Today I take you inside a chilling scenario that started with a simple eBay hack and led me to a much bigger question: what happens when AI agents start shopping for us with full autonomy? As commerce shifts into the age of agentic AI, entirely new fraud frontiers are emerging. And the risks are far greater than anything we’ve faced before.

In this episode I break down why our traditional defenses are crumbling, what kinds of vulnerabilities agent-driven transactions open up, and how companies are racing to build new trust systems. From biometric iris scans to digital agent passports, I explore the massive stakes as we approach a future where trillions of dollars in transactions could be handled by autonomous AI.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:00] - The story begins with my hijacked eBay account and the unsettling realization it sparked.
[01:28] - The nightmare scenario: fraudsters compromising AI agents instead of accounts.
[02:18] - Why retailers must verify not just people, but the agents acting on their behalf.
[03:00] - How deepfakes and AI-powered fraud are rendering old defenses obsolete.
[05:12] - The cutting-edge solutions being developed.
[06:51] - PayPal’s bold projection: 25% of all e-commerce agent-driven by 2030.
[07:30] - Why new trust systems (not just blocking) are essential for the future of commerce.


Links & Resources

]]> AI commerce fraud, agent-driven shopping, autonomous AI transactions, digital identity verification, e-commerce security threats, AI fraud prevention, agentic commerce vulnerabilities No Sam's Club Races To Win Retail Media Network Share Through Experiences Sam's Club Races To Win Retail Media Network Share Through Experiences full 8677713c-5cd4-419a-a96b-f67154648f4a https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/sams-club-bets-big-on-experiential-retail-media/ In this episode, I take you inside one of the most innovative retail media activations I’ve seen yet: Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” and their bold sponsorship at the IndyCar season finale. Instead of focusing solely on digital shelf space like most retail media networks, Sam’s Club is leaning into live experiences—concerts, county fairs, racing events—and turning them into opportunities for real-time sales, membership growth, and unforgettable brand engagement.

I’ll break down how Sam’s Club is flipping the traditional sponsorship model on its head by orchestrating multi-brand activations under its own umbrella. From live demos that actually sell products on the spot to data-powered membership sign-ups that tie every moment back to performance marketing, this episode explores why Sam’s Club may be redefining the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - Experiencing Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” event in Tennessee
[1:00] - How Sam’s Club brought retail media to the IndyCar finale in Nashville
[1:46] - The unique “retailer as orchestrator” sponsorship model
[2:37] - Creating purchasable moments through live demos and product showcases
[3:28] - Why experiential engagement goes beyond impressions to drive conversions
[4:45] - Membership acquisition tied to retail media activations
[5:15] - Closed-loop measurement and connecting experiences to actual purchases
[5:42] - Scaling big: Sam’s Club’s ambition to 5x events by 2026


Links & Resources

]]> In this episode, I take you inside one of the most innovative retail media activations I’ve seen yet: Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” and their bold sponsorship at the IndyCar season finale. Instead of focusing solely on digital shelf space like most retail media networks, Sam’s Club is leaning into live experiences—concerts, county fairs, racing events—and turning them into opportunities for real-time sales, membership growth, and unforgettable brand engagement.

I’ll break down how Sam’s Club is flipping the traditional sponsorship model on its head by orchestrating multi-brand activations under its own umbrella. From live demos that actually sell products on the spot to data-powered membership sign-ups that tie every moment back to performance marketing, this episode explores why Sam’s Club may be redefining the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - Experiencing Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” event in Tennessee
[1:00] - How Sam’s Club brought retail media to the IndyCar finale in Nashville
[1:46] - The unique “retailer as orchestrator” sponsorship model
[2:37] - Creating purchasable moments through live demos and product showcases
[3:28] - Why experiential engagement goes beyond impressions to drive conversions
[4:45] - Membership acquisition tied to retail media activations
[5:15] - Closed-loop measurement and connecting experiences to actual purchases
[5:42] - Scaling big: Sam’s Club’s ambition to 5x events by 2026


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 462 In this episode, I take you inside one of the most innovative retail media activations I’ve seen yet: Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” and their bold sponsorship at the IndyCar season finale. Instead of focusing solely on digital shelf space like most retail media networks, Sam’s Club is leaning into live experiences—concerts, county fairs, racing events—and turning them into opportunities for real-time sales, membership growth, and unforgettable brand engagement.

I’ll break down how Sam’s Club is flipping the traditional sponsorship model on its head by orchestrating multi-brand activations under its own umbrella. From live demos that actually sell products on the spot to data-powered membership sign-ups that tie every moment back to performance marketing, this episode explores why Sam’s Club may be redefining the future of retail media.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:15] - Experiencing Sam’s Club’s “Race to the Club” event in Tennessee
[1:00] - How Sam’s Club brought retail media to the IndyCar finale in Nashville
[1:46] - The unique “retailer as orchestrator” sponsorship model
[2:37] - Creating purchasable moments through live demos and product showcases
[3:28] - Why experiential engagement goes beyond impressions to drive conversions
[4:45] - Membership acquisition tied to retail media activations
[5:15] - Closed-loop measurement and connecting experiences to actual purchases
[5:42] - Scaling big: Sam’s Club’s ambition to 5x events by 2026


Links & Resources

]]> Sam’s Club retail media, Retail Media Network (RMN), Experiential marketing in retail, Retail media activations, Shopper engagement strategies, sam's club MAP No Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Retail Conferences [Panel Episode] Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Retail Conferences [Panel Episode] full f4a6ef1d-3b78-4880-b04e-87c9aa68326c https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-retail-conferences Conferences are expensive: flights, hotels, and registration fees all add up fast. But the brands who see real ROI from industry events know that the biggest wins don’t happen in the keynote sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing strategies from four brand leaders who’ve figured out how to turn those hefty investments into long-term partnerships, insights, and business growth.

You’ll hear why skipping networking events is the biggest mistake you can make, how workshops create deeper and more lasting connections, and why the expo floor is your crystal ball into what’s coming next. Whether you’re trying to justify that next budget request or preparing to head out to your next big conference, this episode will help you walk in with a plan and walk out with results.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:00] - Why networking events are worth the energy, even when you’re exhausted
[1:38] - How the expo floor accelerates partnerships and software evaluations
[2:18] - Making the most of selective, high-value conferences
[4:23] - Why workshops build stronger relationships than cocktail hours
[5:35] - Three guiding principles to maximize your conference experience
[6:17] - Using the expo floor to spot what’s next in the industry


Links & Resources

]]> Conferences are expensive: flights, hotels, and registration fees all add up fast. But the brands who see real ROI from industry events know that the biggest wins don’t happen in the keynote sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing strategies from four brand leaders who’ve figured out how to turn those hefty investments into long-term partnerships, insights, and business growth.

You’ll hear why skipping networking events is the biggest mistake you can make, how workshops create deeper and more lasting connections, and why the expo floor is your crystal ball into what’s coming next. Whether you’re trying to justify that next budget request or preparing to head out to your next big conference, this episode will help you walk in with a plan and walk out with results.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:00] - Why networking events are worth the energy, even when you’re exhausted
[1:38] - How the expo floor accelerates partnerships and software evaluations
[2:18] - Making the most of selective, high-value conferences
[4:23] - Why workshops build stronger relationships than cocktail hours
[5:35] - Three guiding principles to maximize your conference experience
[6:17] - Using the expo floor to spot what’s next in the industry


Links & Resources

]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 390 Conferences are expensive: flights, hotels, and registration fees all add up fast. But the brands who see real ROI from industry events know that the biggest wins don’t happen in the keynote sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing strategies from four brand leaders who’ve figured out how to turn those hefty investments into long-term partnerships, insights, and business growth.

You’ll hear why skipping networking events is the biggest mistake you can make, how workshops create deeper and more lasting connections, and why the expo floor is your crystal ball into what’s coming next. Whether you’re trying to justify that next budget request or preparing to head out to your next big conference, this episode will help you walk in with a plan and walk out with results.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:00] - Why networking events are worth the energy, even when you’re exhausted
[1:38] - How the expo floor accelerates partnerships and software evaluations
[2:18] - Making the most of selective, high-value conferences
[4:23] - Why workshops build stronger relationships than cocktail hours
[5:35] - Three guiding principles to maximize your conference experience
[6:17] - Using the expo floor to spot what’s next in the industry


Links & Resources

]]> conference ROI strategies, networking tips for conferences, how to maximize trade show value, expo floor best practices, industry conference networking, workshop networking benefits, conference planning tips for brands No Big Agencies & Retail Media: A Slightly Unhinged Relationship Big Agencies & Retail Media: A Slightly Unhinged Relationship full eac27e23-df1c-4891-9b23-ec8d79c12bfa https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/what-big-agencies-believe-about-retail-media Retail media may be the hottest topic in advertising right now, but how do big agencies really feel about it? In this episode, I unpack new Infillion research that reveals the complicated love-hate relationship agencies have with retail media. On the surface, agencies are excited about its potential. But dig deeper and you’ll find a story of frustration, structural challenges, and competing priorities.

I break down the numbers from a survey of senior media buyers at large agencies, explore why retail media is still treated as a promotional channel, and highlight the formats and tactics that are winning attention. You’ll hear where agencies are bullish, what’s holding them back, and what it will take for retail media to evolve into a true full-funnel solution.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:54] - What agencies love about retail media 
[02:19] - The ROAS trap: how short-term thinking limits long-term brand impact
[03:31] - Connected TV as retail media’s brightest spot
[04:26] - Why in-store formats aren’t winning big budgets (yet)
[05:35] - The measurement problem: what agencies really want fixed
[06:26] - High costs, inflexible budgets and steep activation fees
[07:34] - Internal silos: how brand and agency politics hold back adoption
[08:45] - Final takeaways: what separates winners from laggards in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media may be the hottest topic in advertising right now, but how do big agencies really feel about it? In this episode, I unpack new Infillion research that reveals the complicated love-hate relationship agencies have with retail media. On the surface, agencies are excited about its potential. But dig deeper and you’ll find a story of frustration, structural challenges, and competing priorities.

I break down the numbers from a survey of senior media buyers at large agencies, explore why retail media is still treated as a promotional channel, and highlight the formats and tactics that are winning attention. You’ll hear where agencies are bullish, what’s holding them back, and what it will take for retail media to evolve into a true full-funnel solution.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:54] - What agencies love about retail media 
[02:19] - The ROAS trap: how short-term thinking limits long-term brand impact
[03:31] - Connected TV as retail media’s brightest spot
[04:26] - Why in-store formats aren’t winning big budgets (yet)
[05:35] - The measurement problem: what agencies really want fixed
[06:26] - High costs, inflexible budgets and steep activation fees
[07:34] - Internal silos: how brand and agency politics hold back adoption
[08:45] - Final takeaways: what separates winners from laggards in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 578 Retail media may be the hottest topic in advertising right now, but how do big agencies really feel about it? In this episode, I unpack new Infillion research that reveals the complicated love-hate relationship agencies have with retail media. On the surface, agencies are excited about its potential. But dig deeper and you’ll find a story of frustration, structural challenges, and competing priorities.

I break down the numbers from a survey of senior media buyers at large agencies, explore why retail media is still treated as a promotional channel, and highlight the formats and tactics that are winning attention. You’ll hear where agencies are bullish, what’s holding them back, and what it will take for retail media to evolve into a true full-funnel solution.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:54] - What agencies love about retail media 
[02:19] - The ROAS trap: how short-term thinking limits long-term brand impact
[03:31] - Connected TV as retail media’s brightest spot
[04:26] - Why in-store formats aren’t winning big budgets (yet)
[05:35] - The measurement problem: what agencies really want fixed
[06:26] - High costs, inflexible budgets and steep activation fees
[07:34] - Internal silos: how brand and agency politics hold back adoption
[08:45] - Final takeaways: what separates winners from laggards in retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media strategy, Agency perspectives on retail media, Connected TV advertising (CTV), Retail media measurement challenges, Full-funnel retail media, In-store retail media formats, Retail media network investment No Loyalty Programs To Give Retailers An Edge In AI Shopping Future? Loyalty Programs To Give Retailers An Edge In AI Shopping Future? full d4c497bc-5842-4712-857b-a4cb4d25a4b2 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-loyalty-programs-give-retailers-the-edge-in-an-ai-shopping-future The world of shopping is changing fast and loyalty programs are right at the center of it. In this episode, I share expert insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, a veteran loyalty expert and the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter, and dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way brands connect with customers.

I also explore how loyalty programs are evolving from simple point systems into personalized, data-driven experiences, how AI-powered recommendations change the customer journey, what role data privacy plays in consumer trust, and what businesses should focus on if they want to create loyalty programs that actually work in today’s AI-driven marketplace. Whether you’re a retail marketer, or simply curious about the future of shopping, this episode will give you fresh insights into what’s next.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] I open with the stat that the average U.S. consumer belongs to 17 loyalty programs and posit that AI agents could finally make them a real moat for retailers. 

[1:00] I share insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter. 

[1:40] How AI could turn program overload into an advantage, helping consumers maximize value and pushing retailers to design agent-friendly programs. 

[3:03] Today’s search results show price only (no points, tiers, or shipping thresholds) which is a big opportunity for loyalty-aware agents

[4:15] The earn vs. burn distinction: agents can optimize earning, but redemption is complex, keeping retailers’ direct relationship valuable

[7:02] Loyalty isn’t just points: experiential perks (access, lounges, returns, samples) create durable preference even when agents optimize purely for price. 

[8:08] The risk of “disloyalty benefits” and how agents might game win-backs


Links & Resources

]]> The world of shopping is changing fast and loyalty programs are right at the center of it. In this episode, I share expert insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, a veteran loyalty expert and the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter, and dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way brands connect with customers.

I also explore how loyalty programs are evolving from simple point systems into personalized, data-driven experiences, how AI-powered recommendations change the customer journey, what role data privacy plays in consumer trust, and what businesses should focus on if they want to create loyalty programs that actually work in today’s AI-driven marketplace. Whether you’re a retail marketer, or simply curious about the future of shopping, this episode will give you fresh insights into what’s next.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] I open with the stat that the average U.S. consumer belongs to 17 loyalty programs and posit that AI agents could finally make them a real moat for retailers. 

[1:00] I share insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter. 

[1:40] How AI could turn program overload into an advantage, helping consumers maximize value and pushing retailers to design agent-friendly programs. 

[3:03] Today’s search results show price only (no points, tiers, or shipping thresholds) which is a big opportunity for loyalty-aware agents

[4:15] The earn vs. burn distinction: agents can optimize earning, but redemption is complex, keeping retailers’ direct relationship valuable

[7:02] Loyalty isn’t just points: experiential perks (access, lounges, returns, samples) create durable preference even when agents optimize purely for price. 

[8:08] The risk of “disloyalty benefits” and how agents might game win-backs


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 656 The world of shopping is changing fast and loyalty programs are right at the center of it. In this episode, I share expert insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, a veteran loyalty expert and the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter, and dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way brands connect with customers.

I also explore how loyalty programs are evolving from simple point systems into personalized, data-driven experiences, how AI-powered recommendations change the customer journey, what role data privacy plays in consumer trust, and what businesses should focus on if they want to create loyalty programs that actually work in today’s AI-driven marketplace. Whether you’re a retail marketer, or simply curious about the future of shopping, this episode will give you fresh insights into what’s next.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] I open with the stat that the average U.S. consumer belongs to 17 loyalty programs and posit that AI agents could finally make them a real moat for retailers. 

[1:00] I share insights from Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, the brains behind the So Many Points newsletter. 

[1:40] How AI could turn program overload into an advantage, helping consumers maximize value and pushing retailers to design agent-friendly programs. 

[3:03] Today’s search results show price only (no points, tiers, or shipping thresholds) which is a big opportunity for loyalty-aware agents

[4:15] The earn vs. burn distinction: agents can optimize earning, but redemption is complex, keeping retailers’ direct relationship valuable

[7:02] Loyalty isn’t just points: experiential perks (access, lounges, returns, samples) create durable preference even when agents optimize purely for price. 

[8:08] The risk of “disloyalty benefits” and how agents might game win-backs


Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping era, future of loyalty programs, AI in retail marketing, personalized customer loyalty, loyalty program trends 2025, AI-powered consumer experience, agentic shopping and rewards No AI Agents Hate Ads Today — But Will That Last? AI Agents Hate Ads Today — But Will That Last? full 3612473a-858a-4af2-9b88-20da3a5feadd https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/yes-ai-agents-hate-ads-today-but-will-that-last Last week I shared some surprising new research: AI shopping agents are actively penalizing sponsored products, reducing the likelihood of them being selected by 8–14%. That sounds like a big red flag for retail media, right? But in today’s episode, I make the case that this 'ad penalty' is temporary, and far from the end of sponsored products.

We dig into why today’s AI models have inherited our own human ad skepticism, why that bias won’t last, and how the retail media ecosystem could adapt. From real-time basket bidding between retailers, to collaborative incentives from brands, to new revenue models around product content and reviews, I explore the paths forward that could actually make agentic commerce even more valuable for retailers, brands, and consumers alike.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:15] – The surprising stat: AI agents penalize sponsored products by up to 14%
[01:00] – Why AI’s distrust of ads has been inherited from humans
[02:30] – Why ad avoidance won’t last (agents that miss good deals will frustrate users)
[02:58] – Scot Wingo’s vision for real-time retail bidding, and how brands could amplify offers
[05:00] – How AI could create a 'clean' monetization model without eroding consumer trust
[07:00] – Beyond ads: revenue opportunities in product content optimization and reviews
[09:50] – The big takeaway: don’t ditch sponsored products yet

Links & Resources

]]> Last week I shared some surprising new research: AI shopping agents are actively penalizing sponsored products, reducing the likelihood of them being selected by 8–14%. That sounds like a big red flag for retail media, right? But in today’s episode, I make the case that this 'ad penalty' is temporary, and far from the end of sponsored products.

We dig into why today’s AI models have inherited our own human ad skepticism, why that bias won’t last, and how the retail media ecosystem could adapt. From real-time basket bidding between retailers, to collaborative incentives from brands, to new revenue models around product content and reviews, I explore the paths forward that could actually make agentic commerce even more valuable for retailers, brands, and consumers alike.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:15] – The surprising stat: AI agents penalize sponsored products by up to 14%
[01:00] – Why AI’s distrust of ads has been inherited from humans
[02:30] – Why ad avoidance won’t last (agents that miss good deals will frustrate users)
[02:58] – Scot Wingo’s vision for real-time retail bidding, and how brands could amplify offers
[05:00] – How AI could create a 'clean' monetization model without eroding consumer trust
[07:00] – Beyond ads: revenue opportunities in product content optimization and reviews
[09:50] – The big takeaway: don’t ditch sponsored products yet

Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 619 Last week I shared some surprising new research: AI shopping agents are actively penalizing sponsored products, reducing the likelihood of them being selected by 8–14%. That sounds like a big red flag for retail media, right? But in today’s episode, I make the case that this 'ad penalty' is temporary, and far from the end of sponsored products.

We dig into why today’s AI models have inherited our own human ad skepticism, why that bias won’t last, and how the retail media ecosystem could adapt. From real-time basket bidding between retailers, to collaborative incentives from brands, to new revenue models around product content and reviews, I explore the paths forward that could actually make agentic commerce even more valuable for retailers, brands, and consumers alike.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:15] – The surprising stat: AI agents penalize sponsored products by up to 14%
[01:00] – Why AI’s distrust of ads has been inherited from humans
[02:30] – Why ad avoidance won’t last (agents that miss good deals will frustrate users)
[02:58] – Scot Wingo’s vision for real-time retail bidding, and how brands could amplify offers
[05:00] – How AI could create a 'clean' monetization model without eroding consumer trust
[07:00] – Beyond ads: revenue opportunities in product content optimization and reviews
[09:50] – The big takeaway: don’t ditch sponsored products yet

Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping agents, agentic commerce, retail media strategy, sponsored product ads, ecommerce monetization, real-time retail bidding, AI in online shopping No Are retail media specialists involved in product development? [Panel Episode] Are retail media specialists involved in product development? [Panel Episode] full fd7b50e7-f78b-4f57-b12f-de74bd99bc1f https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5b2a4b9 Here’s a question that might sting a little: when your company launches a new product, are you finding out about it at the same time as everyone else? Or maybe you’re just getting a last-minute “Hey, can you build a forecast?” before it hits the market?

In this episode, I dive into the role e-commerce and retail media teams should play in shaping product development, and why it matters more than ever. You’ll hear from leaders across CPG, nutrition, toys, and retail media who share how they’re using marketplace insights, social listening, and sales data to influence packaging, pricing, and product decisions. Some are still fighting for a seat at the table, while others are showing just how powerful data-driven collaboration can be.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your customer insights could change what gets developed next, this conversation will spark ideas and give you some arguments to bring to your next leadership meeting.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - Alicia Ponzani on being brought in too late to influence product innovation

[02:09] - Brie Keating explains why e-commerce leaders hold the keys to future product design

[02:54] - Jamie Roller shares how Dr. Squatch integrates marketplace insights directly into product vetting

[04:23] - Neha Malik on using social listening to guide smarter product and packaging decisions

[05:18] - Kelsey Knight describes how Slumberkins combines creative vision with forecasting and data

[06:26] - Chris Lowrey highlights how search insights led to a packaging redesign that boosted sales

Links & Resources

]]> Here’s a question that might sting a little: when your company launches a new product, are you finding out about it at the same time as everyone else? Or maybe you’re just getting a last-minute “Hey, can you build a forecast?” before it hits the market?

In this episode, I dive into the role e-commerce and retail media teams should play in shaping product development, and why it matters more than ever. You’ll hear from leaders across CPG, nutrition, toys, and retail media who share how they’re using marketplace insights, social listening, and sales data to influence packaging, pricing, and product decisions. Some are still fighting for a seat at the table, while others are showing just how powerful data-driven collaboration can be.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your customer insights could change what gets developed next, this conversation will spark ideas and give you some arguments to bring to your next leadership meeting.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - Alicia Ponzani on being brought in too late to influence product innovation

[02:09] - Brie Keating explains why e-commerce leaders hold the keys to future product design

[02:54] - Jamie Roller shares how Dr. Squatch integrates marketplace insights directly into product vetting

[04:23] - Neha Malik on using social listening to guide smarter product and packaging decisions

[05:18] - Kelsey Knight describes how Slumberkins combines creative vision with forecasting and data

[06:26] - Chris Lowrey highlights how search insights led to a packaging redesign that boosted sales

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 445 Here’s a question that might sting a little: when your company launches a new product, are you finding out about it at the same time as everyone else? Or maybe you’re just getting a last-minute “Hey, can you build a forecast?” before it hits the market?

In this episode, I dive into the role e-commerce and retail media teams should play in shaping product development, and why it matters more than ever. You’ll hear from leaders across CPG, nutrition, toys, and retail media who share how they’re using marketplace insights, social listening, and sales data to influence packaging, pricing, and product decisions. Some are still fighting for a seat at the table, while others are showing just how powerful data-driven collaboration can be.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your customer insights could change what gets developed next, this conversation will spark ideas and give you some arguments to bring to your next leadership meeting.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:58] - Alicia Ponzani on being brought in too late to influence product innovation

[02:09] - Brie Keating explains why e-commerce leaders hold the keys to future product design

[02:54] - Jamie Roller shares how Dr. Squatch integrates marketplace insights directly into product vetting

[04:23] - Neha Malik on using social listening to guide smarter product and packaging decisions

[05:18] - Kelsey Knight describes how Slumberkins combines creative vision with forecasting and data

[06:26] - Chris Lowrey highlights how search insights led to a packaging redesign that boosted sales

Links & Resources

]]> e-commerce product development, retail media strategy, marketplace insights, CPG innovation, social listening for brands, data-driven product design, packaging optimization No What Is Your AI Agent Buying? [New Columbia & Yale Research] What Is Your AI Agent Buying? [New Columbia & Yale Research] full b3c0538e-a3e7-46e2-b243-e78375fb2577 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/what-is-your-ai-agent-buying-new-research Imagine sending three different people to buy you a pair of slippers and each person comes back with wildly different products. Now replace those people with AI agents like Claude, GPT, and Gemini. What slippers would they choose?

In this episode, I dive into groundbreaking new research from Columbia and Yale that reveals how AI agents shop when left to their own devices. The findings are eye-opening for brands, retailers, and anyone curious about the future of AI-driven commerce. From the surprising role of reviews, how AIs treat sponsored products, to the risks of market concentration, this study shines a light on what’s coming next for online shopping.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:01:04] - The unique sandbox study design that reveals how AI models actually shop
[00:02:10] - Why product reviews are more valuable than ever in an AI-first shopping world
[00:03:28] - The surprising discovery regarding sponsored products
[00:04:45] - Market concentration risk: why AI tends to favor established brands
[00:06:40] - Mixed results on human-created product pages vs. AI-generated content
[00:08:30] - The limits of current research and what’s next with TikTok Shop, AI-to-AI shopping, and voice commerce
[00:10:15] - Why the real winners will be those focused on authentic product quality and customer satisfaction

Links & Resources

]]> Imagine sending three different people to buy you a pair of slippers and each person comes back with wildly different products. Now replace those people with AI agents like Claude, GPT, and Gemini. What slippers would they choose?

In this episode, I dive into groundbreaking new research from Columbia and Yale that reveals how AI agents shop when left to their own devices. The findings are eye-opening for brands, retailers, and anyone curious about the future of AI-driven commerce. From the surprising role of reviews, how AIs treat sponsored products, to the risks of market concentration, this study shines a light on what’s coming next for online shopping.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:01:04] - The unique sandbox study design that reveals how AI models actually shop
[00:02:10] - Why product reviews are more valuable than ever in an AI-first shopping world
[00:03:28] - The surprising discovery regarding sponsored products
[00:04:45] - Market concentration risk: why AI tends to favor established brands
[00:06:40] - Mixed results on human-created product pages vs. AI-generated content
[00:08:30] - The limits of current research and what’s next with TikTok Shop, AI-to-AI shopping, and voice commerce
[00:10:15] - Why the real winners will be those focused on authentic product quality and customer satisfaction

Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 626 Imagine sending three different people to buy you a pair of slippers and each person comes back with wildly different products. Now replace those people with AI agents like Claude, GPT, and Gemini. What slippers would they choose?

In this episode, I dive into groundbreaking new research from Columbia and Yale that reveals how AI agents shop when left to their own devices. The findings are eye-opening for brands, retailers, and anyone curious about the future of AI-driven commerce. From the surprising role of reviews, how AIs treat sponsored products, to the risks of market concentration, this study shines a light on what’s coming next for online shopping.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[00:01:04] - The unique sandbox study design that reveals how AI models actually shop
[00:02:10] - Why product reviews are more valuable than ever in an AI-first shopping world
[00:03:28] - The surprising discovery regarding sponsored products
[00:04:45] - Market concentration risk: why AI tends to favor established brands
[00:06:40] - Mixed results on human-created product pages vs. AI-generated content
[00:08:30] - The limits of current research and what’s next with TikTok Shop, AI-to-AI shopping, and voice commerce
[00:10:15] - Why the real winners will be those focused on authentic product quality and customer satisfaction

Links & Resources

]]> AI shopping agents, AI in e-commerce, future of online shopping, AI retail research, AI and product reviews, sponsored product ads AI, AI commerce trends No Why RMNs Keep Their Tech Stacks Secret From The Very Brands They Want To Attract Why RMNs Keep Their Tech Stacks Secret From The Very Brands They Want To Attract full 1435fe96-e4a3-4a36-a2c0-733ba7f5bda3 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/why-rmns-keep-their-tech-stacks-secret/ In today’s episode, I dive into a surprising paradox in the retail media world. While nearly 9 out of 10 brands say a retailer’s tech stack influences how they allocate ad spend, most retailers are still treating their technology decisions like state secrets. From awkward RFP scenarios to brand-side frustrations, we explore why this secrecy exists and how it could be slowing the entire industry down.

I also unpack the results of a recent LinkedIn poll showing just how much brands and agencies care about transparency, share the four main reasons retailers keep things under wraps, and highlight one retailer that’s breaking the mold with refreshing openness. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks feel like a black box, and what needs to change, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:45] - A surprising RFP story that shows how secretive retailers can be.

[2:30] - Poll results: why 88% of brands say tech transparency matters.

[4:15] - The four main reasons retailers hide their tech stack.

[7:25] - How tech opacity stifles programmatic buying and scalability.

[8:30] - A closer look at Home Depot’s transparent approach with Orange Apron Media.

[10:04] - The hidden costs of secrecy: stagnation, budget migration, and trust deficits.

[11:40] - Why transparency is now a competitive necessity in retail media.


Links & Resources

]]> In today’s episode, I dive into a surprising paradox in the retail media world. While nearly 9 out of 10 brands say a retailer’s tech stack influences how they allocate ad spend, most retailers are still treating their technology decisions like state secrets. From awkward RFP scenarios to brand-side frustrations, we explore why this secrecy exists and how it could be slowing the entire industry down.

I also unpack the results of a recent LinkedIn poll showing just how much brands and agencies care about transparency, share the four main reasons retailers keep things under wraps, and highlight one retailer that’s breaking the mold with refreshing openness. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks feel like a black box, and what needs to change, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:45] - A surprising RFP story that shows how secretive retailers can be.

[2:30] - Poll results: why 88% of brands say tech transparency matters.

[4:15] - The four main reasons retailers hide their tech stack.

[7:25] - How tech opacity stifles programmatic buying and scalability.

[8:30] - A closer look at Home Depot’s transparent approach with Orange Apron Media.

[10:04] - The hidden costs of secrecy: stagnation, budget migration, and trust deficits.

[11:40] - Why transparency is now a competitive necessity in retail media.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 741 In today’s episode, I dive into a surprising paradox in the retail media world. While nearly 9 out of 10 brands say a retailer’s tech stack influences how they allocate ad spend, most retailers are still treating their technology decisions like state secrets. From awkward RFP scenarios to brand-side frustrations, we explore why this secrecy exists and how it could be slowing the entire industry down.

I also unpack the results of a recent LinkedIn poll showing just how much brands and agencies care about transparency, share the four main reasons retailers keep things under wraps, and highlight one retailer that’s breaking the mold with refreshing openness. If you’ve ever wondered why retail media networks feel like a black box, and what needs to change, this episode is for you.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:45] - A surprising RFP story that shows how secretive retailers can be.

[2:30] - Poll results: why 88% of brands say tech transparency matters.

[4:15] - The four main reasons retailers hide their tech stack.

[7:25] - How tech opacity stifles programmatic buying and scalability.

[8:30] - A closer look at Home Depot’s transparent approach with Orange Apron Media.

[10:04] - The hidden costs of secrecy: stagnation, budget migration, and trust deficits.

[11:40] - Why transparency is now a competitive necessity in retail media.


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media networks, Ad tech transparency, Retail media strategy, Retail media advertising, Retail media technology stack, Programmatic retail media, Brand and retailer partnerships No Rufus Remembers Me Rufus Remembers Me full a6845653-952a-455e-b82c-41ac9a5decd5 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/rufus-remembers-me/ I asked Amazon’s Rufus a simple question—and its answer was uncomfortably (and impressively) specific. In this episode, I unpack why that moment matters: Rufus appears to be building persistent memories about who we are as shoppers, shifting from a mere search tool into something that feels like a relationship.  


I break down how this differs from legacy “people who bought X also bought Y” personalization, why this could upend my prior stance on retailer chatbots, and what it means for both consumer brands and competing retailers. Think long‑term context, cross‑category intelligence, and what happens when your brand’s post‑purchase experience now influences future discoverability.    



Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] — The surprisingly accurate Rufus moment that sparked this episode.  
  • [0:32] — Why “memory” is more than a feature update—it’s a relationship shift.  
  • [1:01] — Four ways memory beats traditional personalization: triggers, follow‑ups, methods, and context duration.  
  • [2:38] — Rethinking retailer chatbots vs. integrating with personal AI agents (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude).  
  • [3:24] — Why most “me‑too” retail bots still fail—and the smarter bridge‑building play.  
  • [4:48] — Brand impact: switching costs rise; quality and “kept” rates become defensible moats.  
  • [5:50] — Retailer playbook: alliances, category depth, and in‑store data advantages.  


🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> I asked Amazon’s Rufus a simple question—and its answer was uncomfortably (and impressively) specific. In this episode, I unpack why that moment matters: Rufus appears to be building persistent memories about who we are as shoppers, shifting from a mere search tool into something that feels like a relationship.  


I break down how this differs from legacy “people who bought X also bought Y” personalization, why this could upend my prior stance on retailer chatbots, and what it means for both consumer brands and competing retailers. Think long‑term context, cross‑category intelligence, and what happens when your brand’s post‑purchase experience now influences future discoverability.    



Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] — The surprisingly accurate Rufus moment that sparked this episode.  
  • [0:32] — Why “memory” is more than a feature update—it’s a relationship shift.  
  • [1:01] — Four ways memory beats traditional personalization: triggers, follow‑ups, methods, and context duration.  
  • [2:38] — Rethinking retailer chatbots vs. integrating with personal AI agents (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude).  
  • [3:24] — Why most “me‑too” retail bots still fail—and the smarter bridge‑building play.  
  • [4:48] — Brand impact: switching costs rise; quality and “kept” rates become defensible moats.  
  • [5:50] — Retailer playbook: alliances, category depth, and in‑store data advantages.  


🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 482 I asked Amazon’s Rufus a simple question—and its answer was uncomfortably (and impressively) specific. In this episode, I unpack why that moment matters: Rufus appears to be building persistent memories about who we are as shoppers, shifting from a mere search tool into something that feels like a relationship.  


I break down how this differs from legacy “people who bought X also bought Y” personalization, why this could upend my prior stance on retailer chatbots, and what it means for both consumer brands and competing retailers. Think long‑term context, cross‑category intelligence, and what happens when your brand’s post‑purchase experience now influences future discoverability.    



Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] — The surprisingly accurate Rufus moment that sparked this episode.  
  • [0:32] — Why “memory” is more than a feature update—it’s a relationship shift.  
  • [1:01] — Four ways memory beats traditional personalization: triggers, follow‑ups, methods, and context duration.  
  • [2:38] — Rethinking retailer chatbots vs. integrating with personal AI agents (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude).  
  • [3:24] — Why most “me‑too” retail bots still fail—and the smarter bridge‑building play.  
  • [4:48] — Brand impact: switching costs rise; quality and “kept” rates become defensible moats.  
  • [5:50] — Retailer playbook: alliances, category depth, and in‑store data advantages.  


🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> AMAZON Rufus, Amazon AI, retail media, retail AI No Risky Retail Media Decisions That Paid Off [Panel] Risky Retail Media Decisions That Paid Off [Panel] full 5bff2904-09b2-4d52-ad7d-34c3fd9f3a59 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/4-brand-side-retail-media-leaders-share-risky-bets-that-paid-off/ In retail media, the biggest wins often come from bold, high-stakes decisions. In this episode, I sit down with a panel of industry leaders who share the risks they took that could have gone either way. From betting on unproven product colors, to pulling the plug on ads during peak hours, these stories will inspire you to rethink what it means to take a chance in retail media.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that big, scary idea is worth pursuing, this episode just might give you the courage to take the leap!

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:11] - Josh Clarkson on a strategy that garnered 750M impressions via the world’s largest box of chocolates.
[2:10] - Todd Weagant's gamble on a bold, exclusive headphone color that became an Amazon bestseller.
[3:57] - Neha Gupta Malik’s high-stakes “go dark” search strategy with Walmart and the lessons it revealed.
[5:18] - Why Connected TV (CTV) was a risky but rewarding investment for Mizkan America.
[6:40] - Chris Lowrey's leap from one hero keyword to a diversified retail media strategy.

Links & Resources

]]> In retail media, the biggest wins often come from bold, high-stakes decisions. In this episode, I sit down with a panel of industry leaders who share the risks they took that could have gone either way. From betting on unproven product colors, to pulling the plug on ads during peak hours, these stories will inspire you to rethink what it means to take a chance in retail media.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that big, scary idea is worth pursuing, this episode just might give you the courage to take the leap!

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:11] - Josh Clarkson on a strategy that garnered 750M impressions via the world’s largest box of chocolates.
[2:10] - Todd Weagant's gamble on a bold, exclusive headphone color that became an Amazon bestseller.
[3:57] - Neha Gupta Malik’s high-stakes “go dark” search strategy with Walmart and the lessons it revealed.
[5:18] - Why Connected TV (CTV) was a risky but rewarding investment for Mizkan America.
[6:40] - Chris Lowrey's leap from one hero keyword to a diversified retail media strategy.

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 483 In retail media, the biggest wins often come from bold, high-stakes decisions. In this episode, I sit down with a panel of industry leaders who share the risks they took that could have gone either way. From betting on unproven product colors, to pulling the plug on ads during peak hours, these stories will inspire you to rethink what it means to take a chance in retail media.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that big, scary idea is worth pursuing, this episode just might give you the courage to take the leap!

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[1:11] - Josh Clarkson on a strategy that garnered 750M impressions via the world’s largest box of chocolates.
[2:10] - Todd Weagant's gamble on a bold, exclusive headphone color that became an Amazon bestseller.
[3:57] - Neha Gupta Malik’s high-stakes “go dark” search strategy with Walmart and the lessons it revealed.
[5:18] - Why Connected TV (CTV) was a risky but rewarding investment for Mizkan America.
[6:40] - Chris Lowrey's leap from one hero keyword to a diversified retail media strategy.

Links & Resources

]]> retail media strategy, biggest risks in retail media, brand marketing experiments, digital commerce innovation, CTV advertising strategy, Amazon retail media success, retail media test and learn No How Alliances Could Solve Retail Media's Fragmentation Problem (Part 1) How Alliances Could Solve Retail Media's Fragmentation Problem (Part 1) full 8ad1d872-1127-4ae2-a546-2008d28bc15a https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-alliances-could-solve-retail-medias-fragmentation-problem-part-1 The retail media landscape is booming. But it’s also messy, fragmented, and heavily dominated by just a few players. In this episode, I unpack the challenges that brands face when navigating hundreds of retail media networks and explore whether alliances and federations might hold the key to leveling the playing field.

From eerie parallels with the early days of digital advertising to emerging federations like Rippl, I take a closer look at why cooperation may be the only path forward for smaller players who want to compete with giants like Amazon and Walmart. This is the first episode in a four-part series where I’ll peel back the layers of what it really takes to build sustainable, effective retail media alliances.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – How Google’s ad dominance offers a cautionary tale for today’s retail media chaos
[00:57] – Amazon’s commanding market share and the growth gap facing other RMNs
[02:00] – The “doom loop” of retail media networks: revenue vs. investment catch-22
[03:00] – Why brands are frustrated: lack of standardization and the walled garden problem
[04:36] – The case for federations: how alliances could reshape retail media
[05:05] – Rippl: a national consortium offering advertisers scale across regional grocers
[07:03] – Preview of the 4-part series exploring the mechanics, history, and future of RMN alliances

Links & Resources

]]> The retail media landscape is booming. But it’s also messy, fragmented, and heavily dominated by just a few players. In this episode, I unpack the challenges that brands face when navigating hundreds of retail media networks and explore whether alliances and federations might hold the key to leveling the playing field.

From eerie parallels with the early days of digital advertising to emerging federations like Rippl, I take a closer look at why cooperation may be the only path forward for smaller players who want to compete with giants like Amazon and Walmart. This is the first episode in a four-part series where I’ll peel back the layers of what it really takes to build sustainable, effective retail media alliances.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – How Google’s ad dominance offers a cautionary tale for today’s retail media chaos
[00:57] – Amazon’s commanding market share and the growth gap facing other RMNs
[02:00] – The “doom loop” of retail media networks: revenue vs. investment catch-22
[03:00] – Why brands are frustrated: lack of standardization and the walled garden problem
[04:36] – The case for federations: how alliances could reshape retail media
[05:05] – Rippl: a national consortium offering advertisers scale across regional grocers
[07:03] – Preview of the 4-part series exploring the mechanics, history, and future of RMN alliances

Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 503 The retail media landscape is booming. But it’s also messy, fragmented, and heavily dominated by just a few players. In this episode, I unpack the challenges that brands face when navigating hundreds of retail media networks and explore whether alliances and federations might hold the key to leveling the playing field.

From eerie parallels with the early days of digital advertising to emerging federations like Rippl, I take a closer look at why cooperation may be the only path forward for smaller players who want to compete with giants like Amazon and Walmart. This is the first episode in a four-part series where I’ll peel back the layers of what it really takes to build sustainable, effective retail media alliances.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – How Google’s ad dominance offers a cautionary tale for today’s retail media chaos
[00:57] – Amazon’s commanding market share and the growth gap facing other RMNs
[02:00] – The “doom loop” of retail media networks: revenue vs. investment catch-22
[03:00] – Why brands are frustrated: lack of standardization and the walled garden problem
[04:36] – The case for federations: how alliances could reshape retail media
[05:05] – Rippl: a national consortium offering advertisers scale across regional grocers
[07:03] – Preview of the 4-part series exploring the mechanics, history, and future of RMN alliances

Links & Resources

]]> Retail Media Networks (RMN), Retail Media Alliances, Retail Media Federation, Amazon Retail Media, Walmart Advertising, Retail Media Fragmentation, Rippl Cardlytics No Ads in AI Are Older Than You'd Think Ads in AI Are Older Than You'd Think full 597c7055-6900-438c-a7ef-2d031052a5a7 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ads-in-ai-are-older-than-you-think/ The world of advertising is changing faster than many expected and AI is leading the charge. In this episode, I dive into the rise of advertising inside large language models (LLMs) and explore whether eMarketer’s $25 billion projection for AI-driven search ads in the next five years is really as far-fetched as some think.

From Microsoft’s early experiments with sponsored links in Bing Chat, to Amazon’s push into AI-driven recommendations, to Perplexity’s twist on sponsored prompts, the landscape is already evolving in ways that could redefine how brands reach consumers. I also look at the global picture, including China’s AI commerce integration, and dig into why retail media as we know it could face an existential threat as consumers shift more of their research and buying decisions into AI-powered conversations.

We’ll also explore what smart retailers and brands must do to adapt: treating AI agents as VIP customers, rethinking loyalty programs, and preparing for a world where AI dynamically generates ads in real time based on context. This isn’t a distant future, it’s happening right now.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The $25 billion projection for AI search advertising and why it raised eyebrows.

[01:00] - How Microsoft, Amazon, and Perplexity are already monetizing conversational AI.

[03:00] - A look at China’s approach: super apps and commerce-first AI.

[04:00] - Why retail media may lose ground as shoppers shift to LLM-driven research.

[06:17] - Emerging ad formats: showroom ads and dynamic ad generation.

[07:30] - Why conversational ads are proving more effective than traditional search ads.

[08:00] - The playbook for retailers: making it easy for both humans and AI agents to shop.

Links & Resources

]]> The world of advertising is changing faster than many expected and AI is leading the charge. In this episode, I dive into the rise of advertising inside large language models (LLMs) and explore whether eMarketer’s $25 billion projection for AI-driven search ads in the next five years is really as far-fetched as some think.

From Microsoft’s early experiments with sponsored links in Bing Chat, to Amazon’s push into AI-driven recommendations, to Perplexity’s twist on sponsored prompts, the landscape is already evolving in ways that could redefine how brands reach consumers. I also look at the global picture, including China’s AI commerce integration, and dig into why retail media as we know it could face an existential threat as consumers shift more of their research and buying decisions into AI-powered conversations.

We’ll also explore what smart retailers and brands must do to adapt: treating AI agents as VIP customers, rethinking loyalty programs, and preparing for a world where AI dynamically generates ads in real time based on context. This isn’t a distant future, it’s happening right now.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The $25 billion projection for AI search advertising and why it raised eyebrows.

[01:00] - How Microsoft, Amazon, and Perplexity are already monetizing conversational AI.

[03:00] - A look at China’s approach: super apps and commerce-first AI.

[04:00] - Why retail media may lose ground as shoppers shift to LLM-driven research.

[06:17] - Emerging ad formats: showroom ads and dynamic ad generation.

[07:30] - Why conversational ads are proving more effective than traditional search ads.

[08:00] - The playbook for retailers: making it easy for both humans and AI agents to shop.

Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 544 The world of advertising is changing faster than many expected and AI is leading the charge. In this episode, I dive into the rise of advertising inside large language models (LLMs) and explore whether eMarketer’s $25 billion projection for AI-driven search ads in the next five years is really as far-fetched as some think.

From Microsoft’s early experiments with sponsored links in Bing Chat, to Amazon’s push into AI-driven recommendations, to Perplexity’s twist on sponsored prompts, the landscape is already evolving in ways that could redefine how brands reach consumers. I also look at the global picture, including China’s AI commerce integration, and dig into why retail media as we know it could face an existential threat as consumers shift more of their research and buying decisions into AI-powered conversations.

We’ll also explore what smart retailers and brands must do to adapt: treating AI agents as VIP customers, rethinking loyalty programs, and preparing for a world where AI dynamically generates ads in real time based on context. This isn’t a distant future, it’s happening right now.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The $25 billion projection for AI search advertising and why it raised eyebrows.

[01:00] - How Microsoft, Amazon, and Perplexity are already monetizing conversational AI.

[03:00] - A look at China’s approach: super apps and commerce-first AI.

[04:00] - Why retail media may lose ground as shoppers shift to LLM-driven research.

[06:17] - Emerging ad formats: showroom ads and dynamic ad generation.

[07:30] - Why conversational ads are proving more effective than traditional search ads.

[08:00] - The playbook for retailers: making it easy for both humans and AI agents to shop.

Links & Resources

]]> AI advertising trends, retail media evolution, LLM-powered commerce, conversational AI ads, future of search advertising, AI-driven shopping behavior, dynamic ad generation No Retailer AI Assistants: Are Shoppers Actually Using Them? Retailer AI Assistants: Are Shoppers Actually Using Them? full 58481f5d-ff1e-470e-80fa-206957aa058f https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/retailer-ai-assistants-are-shoppers-actually-using-them Did you know that while 70% of shoppers have experimented with AI tools to help them shop, fewer than 15% have actually used a retailer’s AI shopping assistant? In this episode, I unpack fresh shopper research from Acosta Group that reveals which retail AI tools are getting traction (and which are still invisible to most consumers).

We’ll dive into surprising adoption numbers for tools like Amazon’s Rufus, Walmart’s Sparky, and category-specific assistants like Kroger’s Chefbot and Ulta’s GLAMlab. I share what this data tells us about placement, awareness, and how retailers can make AI assistants an integrated part of the shopping experience rather than a hidden gimmick. Plus, I explore what all of this means for brands trying to win in the evolving AI-enabled shopping landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The surprising gap between general AI use and retailer AI assistant adoption
[01:00] - Usage stats for Amazon Rufus, Walmart Sparky, Kroger Chefbot, and Ulta GLAMlab
[02:45] - Why launch timing isn’t the key to AI assistant success
[03:30] - The “front door always wins” rule: why placement beats features
[05:00] - How reach and frequency shape awareness and adoption
[06:15] - Why category retailers should double down on specialization
[07:45] - Three takeaways retailers need to accept about AI assistant success
[08:45] - What brands must prepare for in the fragmented retail AI landscape

Links & Resources

]]> Did you know that while 70% of shoppers have experimented with AI tools to help them shop, fewer than 15% have actually used a retailer’s AI shopping assistant? In this episode, I unpack fresh shopper research from Acosta Group that reveals which retail AI tools are getting traction (and which are still invisible to most consumers).

We’ll dive into surprising adoption numbers for tools like Amazon’s Rufus, Walmart’s Sparky, and category-specific assistants like Kroger’s Chefbot and Ulta’s GLAMlab. I share what this data tells us about placement, awareness, and how retailers can make AI assistants an integrated part of the shopping experience rather than a hidden gimmick. Plus, I explore what all of this means for brands trying to win in the evolving AI-enabled shopping landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The surprising gap between general AI use and retailer AI assistant adoption
[01:00] - Usage stats for Amazon Rufus, Walmart Sparky, Kroger Chefbot, and Ulta GLAMlab
[02:45] - Why launch timing isn’t the key to AI assistant success
[03:30] - The “front door always wins” rule: why placement beats features
[05:00] - How reach and frequency shape awareness and adoption
[06:15] - Why category retailers should double down on specialization
[07:45] - Three takeaways retailers need to accept about AI assistant success
[08:45] - What brands must prepare for in the fragmented retail AI landscape

Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 541 Did you know that while 70% of shoppers have experimented with AI tools to help them shop, fewer than 15% have actually used a retailer’s AI shopping assistant? In this episode, I unpack fresh shopper research from Acosta Group that reveals which retail AI tools are getting traction (and which are still invisible to most consumers).

We’ll dive into surprising adoption numbers for tools like Amazon’s Rufus, Walmart’s Sparky, and category-specific assistants like Kroger’s Chefbot and Ulta’s GLAMlab. I share what this data tells us about placement, awareness, and how retailers can make AI assistants an integrated part of the shopping experience rather than a hidden gimmick. Plus, I explore what all of this means for brands trying to win in the evolving AI-enabled shopping landscape.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] - The surprising gap between general AI use and retailer AI assistant adoption
[01:00] - Usage stats for Amazon Rufus, Walmart Sparky, Kroger Chefbot, and Ulta GLAMlab
[02:45] - Why launch timing isn’t the key to AI assistant success
[03:30] - The “front door always wins” rule: why placement beats features
[05:00] - How reach and frequency shape awareness and adoption
[06:15] - Why category retailers should double down on specialization
[07:45] - Three takeaways retailers need to accept about AI assistant success
[08:45] - What brands must prepare for in the fragmented retail AI landscape

Links & Resources

]]> Retail AI assistants, AI shopping tools, Amazon Rufus AI, Walmart Sparky assistant, AI in retail industry, Consumer adoption of AI shopping, AI shopping trends 2025 No The Coming AI Marketplace Gold Rush The Coming AI Marketplace Gold Rush full 1b9dc690-ed82-4b66-b606-e0076a42ebf3 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ai-will-be-the-new-ecommerce-marketplace-goldrush Remember the Amazon FBA boom? When all you needed was an Alibaba find, a seller account and a dream? Between 2012 and 2020, thousands of entrepreneurs built entire businesses inside Amazon’s walls. And for a while, it was a gold rush. But like all gold rushes, the music eventually stopped. Costs went up, competition flooded in, and only a select few brands broke free.

Today, we’re standing at the edge of a similar moment — this time, powered by AI marketplaces. Imagine AI agents that don’t just recommend products, but handle the entire transaction right inside the conversation. The opportunity is huge… but the window will be even shorter. 

In this episode, I unpack the striking parallels between Amazon’s FBA era and the coming wave of AI-powered commerce, explore what AI-native brands might look like, and explain why the gold rush could be over in months, not years.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – Looking back at the Amazon FBA boom and how it created a new business model for entrepreneurial suburbanites.
[02:13] – The simplicity and early profitability of FBA for first movers.
[04:02] – The predictable shift from organic discovery to pay-to-play on Amazon.
[05:23] – How AI marketplaces could compress the same cycle into months.
[07:14] – The rise of AI-native brands and how small teams could scale to $100M+.
[09:15] – The risk of losing control over customer relationships in an AI-driven shopping world.
[10:12] – Why the AI marketplace gold rush will close much faster than Amazon’s.

Links & Resources

]]> Remember the Amazon FBA boom? When all you needed was an Alibaba find, a seller account and a dream? Between 2012 and 2020, thousands of entrepreneurs built entire businesses inside Amazon’s walls. And for a while, it was a gold rush. But like all gold rushes, the music eventually stopped. Costs went up, competition flooded in, and only a select few brands broke free.

Today, we’re standing at the edge of a similar moment — this time, powered by AI marketplaces. Imagine AI agents that don’t just recommend products, but handle the entire transaction right inside the conversation. The opportunity is huge… but the window will be even shorter. 

In this episode, I unpack the striking parallels between Amazon’s FBA era and the coming wave of AI-powered commerce, explore what AI-native brands might look like, and explain why the gold rush could be over in months, not years.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – Looking back at the Amazon FBA boom and how it created a new business model for entrepreneurial suburbanites.
[02:13] – The simplicity and early profitability of FBA for first movers.
[04:02] – The predictable shift from organic discovery to pay-to-play on Amazon.
[05:23] – How AI marketplaces could compress the same cycle into months.
[07:14] – The rise of AI-native brands and how small teams could scale to $100M+.
[09:15] – The risk of losing control over customer relationships in an AI-driven shopping world.
[10:12] – Why the AI marketplace gold rush will close much faster than Amazon’s.

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 686 Remember the Amazon FBA boom? When all you needed was an Alibaba find, a seller account and a dream? Between 2012 and 2020, thousands of entrepreneurs built entire businesses inside Amazon’s walls. And for a while, it was a gold rush. But like all gold rushes, the music eventually stopped. Costs went up, competition flooded in, and only a select few brands broke free.

Today, we’re standing at the edge of a similar moment — this time, powered by AI marketplaces. Imagine AI agents that don’t just recommend products, but handle the entire transaction right inside the conversation. The opportunity is huge… but the window will be even shorter. 

In this episode, I unpack the striking parallels between Amazon’s FBA era and the coming wave of AI-powered commerce, explore what AI-native brands might look like, and explain why the gold rush could be over in months, not years.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:00] – Looking back at the Amazon FBA boom and how it created a new business model for entrepreneurial suburbanites.
[02:13] – The simplicity and early profitability of FBA for first movers.
[04:02] – The predictable shift from organic discovery to pay-to-play on Amazon.
[05:23] – How AI marketplaces could compress the same cycle into months.
[07:14] – The rise of AI-native brands and how small teams could scale to $100M+.
[09:15] – The risk of losing control over customer relationships in an AI-driven shopping world.
[10:12] – Why the AI marketplace gold rush will close much faster than Amazon’s.

Links & Resources

]]> AI marketplaces, AI native brands, Amazon FBA, e-commerce gold rush, conversational commerce, shopping agents, retail technology trends No Criteo’s Frenemies Pile On Criteo’s Frenemies Pile On full 313633b8-f6ae-476d-baad-4ba341fed757 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/criteo-built-the-retail-media-playbook-now-rivals-are-using-it-against-them When your own tech partners start publicly celebrating your struggles, you know the game has changed. In this episode, I unpack the fascinating shake-up happening in retail media, sparked by Criteo’s recent challenges — from high-profile client losses to a wave of nimble competitors seizing their moment. 

What’s even more intriguing? Many of these challengers once relied on Criteo’s own infrastructure to get started.

We’ll dive into the irony of Criteo facing the very playbook it once used to disrupt the adtech giants of the past, the role of real-time bidding in eroding their moat, and the strategic crossroads they face today. Will they acquire their way back into the lead, or will a consolidation of challengers rewrite the rules entirely?

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:12] – Adweek article reveals Criteo’s client losses and competitive pressures
[0:51] – Competitors’ cheeky LinkedIn reactions and what they signal about the market
[2:00] – The irony: Criteo once played this disruptor role in adtech!
[3:18] – How real-time bidding is dismantling Criteo’s pricing power
[4:47] – The 'frenemy' effect: why partners are now becoming rivals
[6:05] – Two scenarios for how this standoff could end
[8:21] – The ticking clock: looming shifts toward AI-driven shopping

Links & Resources

]]> When your own tech partners start publicly celebrating your struggles, you know the game has changed. In this episode, I unpack the fascinating shake-up happening in retail media, sparked by Criteo’s recent challenges — from high-profile client losses to a wave of nimble competitors seizing their moment. 

What’s even more intriguing? Many of these challengers once relied on Criteo’s own infrastructure to get started.

We’ll dive into the irony of Criteo facing the very playbook it once used to disrupt the adtech giants of the past, the role of real-time bidding in eroding their moat, and the strategic crossroads they face today. Will they acquire their way back into the lead, or will a consolidation of challengers rewrite the rules entirely?

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:12] – Adweek article reveals Criteo’s client losses and competitive pressures
[0:51] – Competitors’ cheeky LinkedIn reactions and what they signal about the market
[2:00] – The irony: Criteo once played this disruptor role in adtech!
[3:18] – How real-time bidding is dismantling Criteo’s pricing power
[4:47] – The 'frenemy' effect: why partners are now becoming rivals
[6:05] – Two scenarios for how this standoff could end
[8:21] – The ticking clock: looming shifts toward AI-driven shopping

Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 565 When your own tech partners start publicly celebrating your struggles, you know the game has changed. In this episode, I unpack the fascinating shake-up happening in retail media, sparked by Criteo’s recent challenges — from high-profile client losses to a wave of nimble competitors seizing their moment. 

What’s even more intriguing? Many of these challengers once relied on Criteo’s own infrastructure to get started.

We’ll dive into the irony of Criteo facing the very playbook it once used to disrupt the adtech giants of the past, the role of real-time bidding in eroding their moat, and the strategic crossroads they face today. Will they acquire their way back into the lead, or will a consolidation of challengers rewrite the rules entirely?

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:12] – Adweek article reveals Criteo’s client losses and competitive pressures
[0:51] – Competitors’ cheeky LinkedIn reactions and what they signal about the market
[2:00] – The irony: Criteo once played this disruptor role in adtech!
[3:18] – How real-time bidding is dismantling Criteo’s pricing power
[4:47] – The 'frenemy' effect: why partners are now becoming rivals
[6:05] – Two scenarios for how this standoff could end
[8:21] – The ticking clock: looming shifts toward AI-driven shopping

Links & Resources

]]> Catherine Lundstrom, Adweek, criteo, Retail Media, Real-Time Bidding (RTB), E-commerce Advertising, Retail Media Competition, Digital Advertising Trends No A retail media metric that isn't shiny or new but one that you return to again and again A retail media metric that isn't shiny or new but one that you return to again and again full 94b218f1-097d-4757-85d8-0ad435c449f7 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/retail-media-metrics-that-actually-matter-3-leaders-on-their-go-to-kpis Let’s be real: retail media is full of shiny, headline-grabbing metrics that come and go with the latest trends. But in today, I’m digging into the metrics that brand leaders swear by day in and day out AKA the workhorses that drive real business decisions. I asked three brand-side leaders to share that one metric they come back to time and again, even when the industry is distracted by the 'next big thing'.

We’ll hear why TACoS is the daily go-to for navigating the quirks of Amazon vendor revenue, how market share keeps your brand grounded in a sea of competitive noise, and why new-to-brand is the holy grail for understanding true discovery. If you're ready to cut through the fluff and focus on what actually moves the needle, this one’s for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:28] – Luiz Antunes on why TACoS remains his north star for budget tracking, especially around events like Prime Day.
[3:04] – Danny Silverman explains how market share reveals the truth about performance in a turbulent category landscape.
[4:33] – Elizabeth Rivas shares how new-to-brand metrics fuel AlgaCal’s discovery-driven strategy and guide ad creative planning.
[5:30] – Exploring which ad formats are actually pulling in new customers using AMC insights.
[6:03] – Wrap-up and a reminder that these foundational metrics keep us anchored, no matter the trends.

Links & Resources

]]> Let’s be real: retail media is full of shiny, headline-grabbing metrics that come and go with the latest trends. But in today, I’m digging into the metrics that brand leaders swear by day in and day out AKA the workhorses that drive real business decisions. I asked three brand-side leaders to share that one metric they come back to time and again, even when the industry is distracted by the 'next big thing'.

We’ll hear why TACoS is the daily go-to for navigating the quirks of Amazon vendor revenue, how market share keeps your brand grounded in a sea of competitive noise, and why new-to-brand is the holy grail for understanding true discovery. If you're ready to cut through the fluff and focus on what actually moves the needle, this one’s for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:28] – Luiz Antunes on why TACoS remains his north star for budget tracking, especially around events like Prime Day.
[3:04] – Danny Silverman explains how market share reveals the truth about performance in a turbulent category landscape.
[4:33] – Elizabeth Rivas shares how new-to-brand metrics fuel AlgaCal’s discovery-driven strategy and guide ad creative planning.
[5:30] – Exploring which ad formats are actually pulling in new customers using AMC insights.
[6:03] – Wrap-up and a reminder that these foundational metrics keep us anchored, no matter the trends.

Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 383 Let’s be real: retail media is full of shiny, headline-grabbing metrics that come and go with the latest trends. But in today, I’m digging into the metrics that brand leaders swear by day in and day out AKA the workhorses that drive real business decisions. I asked three brand-side leaders to share that one metric they come back to time and again, even when the industry is distracted by the 'next big thing'.

We’ll hear why TACoS is the daily go-to for navigating the quirks of Amazon vendor revenue, how market share keeps your brand grounded in a sea of competitive noise, and why new-to-brand is the holy grail for understanding true discovery. If you're ready to cut through the fluff and focus on what actually moves the needle, this one’s for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[1:28] – Luiz Antunes on why TACoS remains his north star for budget tracking, especially around events like Prime Day.
[3:04] – Danny Silverman explains how market share reveals the truth about performance in a turbulent category landscape.
[4:33] – Elizabeth Rivas shares how new-to-brand metrics fuel AlgaCal’s discovery-driven strategy and guide ad creative planning.
[5:30] – Exploring which ad formats are actually pulling in new customers using AMC insights.
[6:03] – Wrap-up and a reminder that these foundational metrics keep us anchored, no matter the trends.

Links & Resources

]]> retail media metrics, TACoS, new-to-brand, market share metrics, amazon metrics No Agentic Shopping Poses An Existential Threat To Retail Media (Part 2) Agentic Shopping Poses An Existential Threat To Retail Media (Part 2) full 459416de-f83f-4702-9a56-0fab6d781656 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/agentic-shopping-poses-an-existential-threat-to-retail-media-part-2 In part two of my conversation with Scott Wingo, we dive deeper into how AI-powered agentic shopping could reshape - and potentially upend - the current retail media landscape. We explore what happens when AI becomes the primary interface for shopping leaving behind the traditional retailer website. Who stands to lose the most? Who has a shot at staying relevant?

We also question whether retail media's dominance is as secure as it seems, especially for players heavily invested in e-commerce and ad revenue. Scott and I touch on intriguing strategic differences between Amazon and Walmart’s AI integration philosophies, and how loyalty programs could become a retailer’s secret weapon in this evolving game. If you’ve been wondering where brands should place their bets in an AI-powered future, this is the episode for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:01:15] - Why we’re skeptical about a future without ads in generative AI
[00:02:45] - Will in-store trade budgets become the safest media investment?
[00:03:29] - Agentic shopping's potential market share by 2030 and what that really means
[00:04:10] - Which retailers are most vulnerable to losing their retail media advantage
[00:05:48] - Is Instacart in trouble? The challenges agents pose to their ad business
[00:06:53] - The untapped potential of loyalty programs in an AI-driven world
[00:08:15] - How retailers can still win with differentiation—speed, returns, and selection
[00:08:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: Two radically different approaches to AI agents


Links & Resources

]]> In part two of my conversation with Scott Wingo, we dive deeper into how AI-powered agentic shopping could reshape - and potentially upend - the current retail media landscape. We explore what happens when AI becomes the primary interface for shopping leaving behind the traditional retailer website. Who stands to lose the most? Who has a shot at staying relevant?

We also question whether retail media's dominance is as secure as it seems, especially for players heavily invested in e-commerce and ad revenue. Scott and I touch on intriguing strategic differences between Amazon and Walmart’s AI integration philosophies, and how loyalty programs could become a retailer’s secret weapon in this evolving game. If you’ve been wondering where brands should place their bets in an AI-powered future, this is the episode for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:01:15] - Why we’re skeptical about a future without ads in generative AI
[00:02:45] - Will in-store trade budgets become the safest media investment?
[00:03:29] - Agentic shopping's potential market share by 2030 and what that really means
[00:04:10] - Which retailers are most vulnerable to losing their retail media advantage
[00:05:48] - Is Instacart in trouble? The challenges agents pose to their ad business
[00:06:53] - The untapped potential of loyalty programs in an AI-driven world
[00:08:15] - How retailers can still win with differentiation—speed, returns, and selection
[00:08:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: Two radically different approaches to AI agents


Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 11 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 585 In part two of my conversation with Scott Wingo, we dive deeper into how AI-powered agentic shopping could reshape - and potentially upend - the current retail media landscape. We explore what happens when AI becomes the primary interface for shopping leaving behind the traditional retailer website. Who stands to lose the most? Who has a shot at staying relevant?

We also question whether retail media's dominance is as secure as it seems, especially for players heavily invested in e-commerce and ad revenue. Scott and I touch on intriguing strategic differences between Amazon and Walmart’s AI integration philosophies, and how loyalty programs could become a retailer’s secret weapon in this evolving game. If you’ve been wondering where brands should place their bets in an AI-powered future, this is the episode for you.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[00:01:15] - Why we’re skeptical about a future without ads in generative AI
[00:02:45] - Will in-store trade budgets become the safest media investment?
[00:03:29] - Agentic shopping's potential market share by 2030 and what that really means
[00:04:10] - Which retailers are most vulnerable to losing their retail media advantage
[00:05:48] - Is Instacart in trouble? The challenges agents pose to their ad business
[00:06:53] - The untapped potential of loyalty programs in an AI-driven world
[00:08:15] - How retailers can still win with differentiation—speed, returns, and selection
[00:08:45] - Walmart vs. Amazon: Two radically different approaches to AI agents


Links & Resources

]]> agentic ai, retail media, ai shopping agent, agentic ai advertising, agentic shopping, scot wingo, retailgentic No Agentic Shopping Poses An Existential Threat To Retail Media (Part 1) Agentic Shopping Poses An Existential Threat To Retail Media (Part 1) full b26e240a-7331-4071-870f-5f289951ab86 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/why-agentic-shopping-poses-an-existential-threat-to-retail-media-part-1 When I launched my Amazon agency Bobsled back in 2015, I heard plenty of dismissals: CEOs calling Amazon ads a fad, and prestige brands scoffing at their products sharing carts with toilet paper. Fast forward to today, and I’m seeing another inflection point, one that could rattle the very foundations of the $60 billion retail media ecosystem — agentic shopping.

In this episode, I share a snippet from my recent appearance on Retailgentech with Scot Wingo. We dive into why AI-powered shopping agents could disrupt retailer websites, ad margins, and data ownership models. We explore the economics of onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media, and what happens when shopper journeys bypass retail platforms altogether.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:15] – Reflecting on the early Amazon ad skeptics, and how history may repeat with AI.
[1:30] – What happens when consumers stop browsing retailer sites and start shopping with AI agents?
[2:19] – Breaking down the profit margins behind onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media.
[4:15] – The threat to offsite media when retailers lose visibility into consumer journeys.
[6:03] – Scot Wingo explains how agentic orders could work, minus the retailer's usual data visibility.
[8:28] – The biggest risk: when multiple parties have the same transaction data, the value of that data drops.
[9:13] – A teaser for Part 2 (dropping this Monday August 11) in which we discuss to how prepare for the agentic shopping future.

Links & Resources

]]> When I launched my Amazon agency Bobsled back in 2015, I heard plenty of dismissals: CEOs calling Amazon ads a fad, and prestige brands scoffing at their products sharing carts with toilet paper. Fast forward to today, and I’m seeing another inflection point, one that could rattle the very foundations of the $60 billion retail media ecosystem — agentic shopping.

In this episode, I share a snippet from my recent appearance on Retailgentech with Scot Wingo. We dive into why AI-powered shopping agents could disrupt retailer websites, ad margins, and data ownership models. We explore the economics of onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media, and what happens when shopper journeys bypass retail platforms altogether.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:15] – Reflecting on the early Amazon ad skeptics, and how history may repeat with AI.
[1:30] – What happens when consumers stop browsing retailer sites and start shopping with AI agents?
[2:19] – Breaking down the profit margins behind onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media.
[4:15] – The threat to offsite media when retailers lose visibility into consumer journeys.
[6:03] – Scot Wingo explains how agentic orders could work, minus the retailer's usual data visibility.
[8:28] – The biggest risk: when multiple parties have the same transaction data, the value of that data drops.
[9:13] – A teaser for Part 2 (dropping this Monday August 11) in which we discuss to how prepare for the agentic shopping future.

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 578 When I launched my Amazon agency Bobsled back in 2015, I heard plenty of dismissals: CEOs calling Amazon ads a fad, and prestige brands scoffing at their products sharing carts with toilet paper. Fast forward to today, and I’m seeing another inflection point, one that could rattle the very foundations of the $60 billion retail media ecosystem — agentic shopping.

In this episode, I share a snippet from my recent appearance on Retailgentech with Scot Wingo. We dive into why AI-powered shopping agents could disrupt retailer websites, ad margins, and data ownership models. We explore the economics of onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media, and what happens when shopper journeys bypass retail platforms altogether.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:15] – Reflecting on the early Amazon ad skeptics, and how history may repeat with AI.
[1:30] – What happens when consumers stop browsing retailer sites and start shopping with AI agents?
[2:19] – Breaking down the profit margins behind onsite, offsite, and in-store retail media.
[4:15] – The threat to offsite media when retailers lose visibility into consumer journeys.
[6:03] – Scot Wingo explains how agentic orders could work, minus the retailer's usual data visibility.
[8:28] – The biggest risk: when multiple parties have the same transaction data, the value of that data drops.
[9:13] – A teaser for Part 2 (dropping this Monday August 11) in which we discuss to how prepare for the agentic shopping future.

Links & Resources

]]> agentic ai, retail media, ai shopping agent, agentic ai advertising, agentic shopping No The best conversation you had with your Shopper Marketing team The best conversation you had with your Shopper Marketing team full b6582615-36c5-44dd-bb9e-596fa5c09e01 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/shopper-marketing-retail-media-goes-together-like-pb-j Retail media may be the shiny new thing, but the true magic happens when it blends with the wisdom of traditional shopper marketing. In this episode I sat down with four powerhouse brand leaders to uncover the best conversations they've had with their shopper marketing teams and the strategic breakthroughs that followed.

We dive into how scenario planning helped an emerging brand prep for viral success, how two teams built synergy by treating their tactics like a shared menu, and how a unified dashboard finally got everyone speaking the same customer-first language. From driving omnichannel alignment to internal education that breaks down silos, you’ll hear the real stories behind the collaboration it takes to make shopper marketing and retail media thrive together.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:29] - The key questions that kick off real collaboration between shopper marketing and retail media
[1:30] - Justin Bomberowitz on using “what if” scenario planning to prepare for supply chain curveballs
[2:30] - Nem Lazik on building a shared "menu" for aligning activations and retail media strategies
[4:23] - Simon Swan’s three-pillar framework for breaking silos and speaking a common business language
[7:02] - Ben Galvin on why omnichannel messaging must be seamless from billboard to shelf
[8:26] - The unseen power of shopper marketers as thought leaders who connect insights to sales impact


Links & Resources

]]> Retail media may be the shiny new thing, but the true magic happens when it blends with the wisdom of traditional shopper marketing. In this episode I sat down with four powerhouse brand leaders to uncover the best conversations they've had with their shopper marketing teams and the strategic breakthroughs that followed.

We dive into how scenario planning helped an emerging brand prep for viral success, how two teams built synergy by treating their tactics like a shared menu, and how a unified dashboard finally got everyone speaking the same customer-first language. From driving omnichannel alignment to internal education that breaks down silos, you’ll hear the real stories behind the collaboration it takes to make shopper marketing and retail media thrive together.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:29] - The key questions that kick off real collaboration between shopper marketing and retail media
[1:30] - Justin Bomberowitz on using “what if” scenario planning to prepare for supply chain curveballs
[2:30] - Nem Lazik on building a shared "menu" for aligning activations and retail media strategies
[4:23] - Simon Swan’s three-pillar framework for breaking silos and speaking a common business language
[7:02] - Ben Galvin on why omnichannel messaging must be seamless from billboard to shelf
[8:26] - The unseen power of shopper marketers as thought leaders who connect insights to sales impact


Links & Resources

]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 576 Retail media may be the shiny new thing, but the true magic happens when it blends with the wisdom of traditional shopper marketing. In this episode I sat down with four powerhouse brand leaders to uncover the best conversations they've had with their shopper marketing teams and the strategic breakthroughs that followed.

We dive into how scenario planning helped an emerging brand prep for viral success, how two teams built synergy by treating their tactics like a shared menu, and how a unified dashboard finally got everyone speaking the same customer-first language. From driving omnichannel alignment to internal education that breaks down silos, you’ll hear the real stories behind the collaboration it takes to make shopper marketing and retail media thrive together.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group

Timeline

[0:29] - The key questions that kick off real collaboration between shopper marketing and retail media
[1:30] - Justin Bomberowitz on using “what if” scenario planning to prepare for supply chain curveballs
[2:30] - Nem Lazik on building a shared "menu" for aligning activations and retail media strategies
[4:23] - Simon Swan’s three-pillar framework for breaking silos and speaking a common business language
[7:02] - Ben Galvin on why omnichannel messaging must be seamless from billboard to shelf
[8:26] - The unseen power of shopper marketers as thought leaders who connect insights to sales impact


Links & Resources

]]> shopper marketing, retail media, attribution in RMP, best practices for RMNs No Will the retail industry welcome the “commerce media” newcomers? Will the retail industry welcome the “commerce media” newcomers? full 1639c6dc-a56b-4e84-acfc-24637bd2a488 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/will-the-retail-industry-welcome-the-commerce-media-newcomers Today I’m tackling a big shift that’s got everyone buzzing in the world of retail media. The IAB has just redefined the landscape, moving us from “retail media” to the broader, bolder umbrella of “commerce media.” What does this really mean? Is it just a new name — or are there real implications for brands, budgets, and how we measure success?

In this episode, I break down the new IAB definition, share brand-side perspectives from leaders at Hanes, Monster Energy, and Advantis Health, and explore why commerce media could unlock bigger opportunities (and headaches) for marketers. And yes, I even ask the question: should I be rebranding this very podcast? Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - Launching the show as Retail Media Breakfast Club… but is it time for a name change?
[1:00] - Explaining the IAB’s new definition: what is commerce media really?
[2:08] - The six verticals under commerce media: from retail to travel, fintech, automotive, and beyond.
[3:25] - How budget sources might expand beyond trade to brand and performance dollars.
[4:23] - Why retail media still offers unmatched SKU-level attribution — and what other commerce media platforms lack.
[4:46] - Insights from Jason O'Toole at Hanes on reorganizing teams around connected commerce.
[5:30] - Ben Galvin from Monster Energy on testing non-retail platforms and the measurement challenge.
[6:36] - Ash McMullen from Advantis Health on first-party data’s rising importance for DTC brands.
[7:15] - My takeaway: beyond naming, brands are already thinking bigger — but pragmatism around ROI and data remains key.

Links & Resources

]]> Today I’m tackling a big shift that’s got everyone buzzing in the world of retail media. The IAB has just redefined the landscape, moving us from “retail media” to the broader, bolder umbrella of “commerce media.” What does this really mean? Is it just a new name — or are there real implications for brands, budgets, and how we measure success?

In this episode, I break down the new IAB definition, share brand-side perspectives from leaders at Hanes, Monster Energy, and Advantis Health, and explore why commerce media could unlock bigger opportunities (and headaches) for marketers. And yes, I even ask the question: should I be rebranding this very podcast? Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - Launching the show as Retail Media Breakfast Club… but is it time for a name change?
[1:00] - Explaining the IAB’s new definition: what is commerce media really?
[2:08] - The six verticals under commerce media: from retail to travel, fintech, automotive, and beyond.
[3:25] - How budget sources might expand beyond trade to brand and performance dollars.
[4:23] - Why retail media still offers unmatched SKU-level attribution — and what other commerce media platforms lack.
[4:46] - Insights from Jason O'Toole at Hanes on reorganizing teams around connected commerce.
[5:30] - Ben Galvin from Monster Energy on testing non-retail platforms and the measurement challenge.
[6:36] - Ash McMullen from Advantis Health on first-party data’s rising importance for DTC brands.
[7:15] - My takeaway: beyond naming, brands are already thinking bigger — but pragmatism around ROI and data remains key.

Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 485 Today I’m tackling a big shift that’s got everyone buzzing in the world of retail media. The IAB has just redefined the landscape, moving us from “retail media” to the broader, bolder umbrella of “commerce media.” What does this really mean? Is it just a new name — or are there real implications for brands, budgets, and how we measure success?

In this episode, I break down the new IAB definition, share brand-side perspectives from leaders at Hanes, Monster Energy, and Advantis Health, and explore why commerce media could unlock bigger opportunities (and headaches) for marketers. And yes, I even ask the question: should I be rebranding this very podcast? Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.

This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

[0:00] - Launching the show as Retail Media Breakfast Club… but is it time for a name change?
[1:00] - Explaining the IAB’s new definition: what is commerce media really?
[2:08] - The six verticals under commerce media: from retail to travel, fintech, automotive, and beyond.
[3:25] - How budget sources might expand beyond trade to brand and performance dollars.
[4:23] - Why retail media still offers unmatched SKU-level attribution — and what other commerce media platforms lack.
[4:46] - Insights from Jason O'Toole at Hanes on reorganizing teams around connected commerce.
[5:30] - Ben Galvin from Monster Energy on testing non-retail platforms and the measurement challenge.
[6:36] - Ash McMullen from Advantis Health on first-party data’s rising importance for DTC brands.
[7:15] - My takeaway: beyond naming, brands are already thinking bigger — but pragmatism around ROI and data remains key.

Links & Resources

]]> commerce media, retail media, retail media industry No Amazon Q2 Earnings: Best Of The Analyst Recaps Amazon Q2 Earnings: Best Of The Analyst Recaps full 65023567-2f94-44be-a24c-25b5c293c250 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/amazon-q2-earnings-2025/ Amazon just dropped its Q2 2025 earnings—and the numbers sparked plenty of hot takes across the retail world. In this episode I distill the smartest analyst commentary into three can’t‑miss story lines: the unstoppable growth of Amazon Ads, the surprising resilience of its core retail engine, and how the company’s AI push might reshape shopping (for better or for noisier). Stick around to hear why paid media is becoming a non‑negotiable toll booth, how regional fulfillment hubs are juicing margins, and what tariffs—and talk of tariffs—really mean for sellers.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

  • [0:00] Setting the stage – Q2 earnings “beat but disappoint,” and I flag the three themes we’ll follow.
  • [0:42] Advertising juggernaut – $15.7 B in ad revenue (+23 % YoY) and why Amazon made big ad commitments a prerequisite for Prime Day promos.
  • [1:45] Retail resilience – Amazon’s GMV grew 11 % while overall e‑commerce crawled at 7 %; I contrast that with Walmart’s e‑comm surge.
  • [3:15] Supply‑chain shake‑up – How the new regional hub‑and‑spoke network slashed cost‑to‑serve and sped up delivery nationwide.
  • [4:47] Tariff spin zone – CEO Andy Jassy says “no impact,” but sellers are juggling erratic POs and forward‑bought inventory.
  • [6:54] Power‑buying consumers – Shoppers grow thriftier, not quieter, pouncing on coupons and switching brands on price.
  • [8:42] AI & voice commerce – Alexa Plus and Rufus start flirting with ads; will consumers stick around if the bots start selling?

Links & Resources

]]> Amazon just dropped its Q2 2025 earnings—and the numbers sparked plenty of hot takes across the retail world. In this episode I distill the smartest analyst commentary into three can’t‑miss story lines: the unstoppable growth of Amazon Ads, the surprising resilience of its core retail engine, and how the company’s AI push might reshape shopping (for better or for noisier). Stick around to hear why paid media is becoming a non‑negotiable toll booth, how regional fulfillment hubs are juicing margins, and what tariffs—and talk of tariffs—really mean for sellers.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

  • [0:00] Setting the stage – Q2 earnings “beat but disappoint,” and I flag the three themes we’ll follow.
  • [0:42] Advertising juggernaut – $15.7 B in ad revenue (+23 % YoY) and why Amazon made big ad commitments a prerequisite for Prime Day promos.
  • [1:45] Retail resilience – Amazon’s GMV grew 11 % while overall e‑commerce crawled at 7 %; I contrast that with Walmart’s e‑comm surge.
  • [3:15] Supply‑chain shake‑up – How the new regional hub‑and‑spoke network slashed cost‑to‑serve and sped up delivery nationwide.
  • [4:47] Tariff spin zone – CEO Andy Jassy says “no impact,” but sellers are juggling erratic POs and forward‑bought inventory.
  • [6:54] Power‑buying consumers – Shoppers grow thriftier, not quieter, pouncing on coupons and switching brands on price.
  • [8:42] AI & voice commerce – Alexa Plus and Rufus start flirting with ads; will consumers stick around if the bots start selling?

Links & Resources

]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 662 Amazon just dropped its Q2 2025 earnings—and the numbers sparked plenty of hot takes across the retail world. In this episode I distill the smartest analyst commentary into three can’t‑miss story lines: the unstoppable growth of Amazon Ads, the surprising resilience of its core retail engine, and how the company’s AI push might reshape shopping (for better or for noisier). Stick around to hear why paid media is becoming a non‑negotiable toll booth, how regional fulfillment hubs are juicing margins, and what tariffs—and talk of tariffs—really mean for sellers.


This episode is sponsored by Connected Commerce at Acosta Group


Timeline

  • [0:00] Setting the stage – Q2 earnings “beat but disappoint,” and I flag the three themes we’ll follow.
  • [0:42] Advertising juggernaut – $15.7 B in ad revenue (+23 % YoY) and why Amazon made big ad commitments a prerequisite for Prime Day promos.
  • [1:45] Retail resilience – Amazon’s GMV grew 11 % while overall e‑commerce crawled at 7 %; I contrast that with Walmart’s e‑comm surge.
  • [3:15] Supply‑chain shake‑up – How the new regional hub‑and‑spoke network slashed cost‑to‑serve and sped up delivery nationwide.
  • [4:47] Tariff spin zone – CEO Andy Jassy says “no impact,” but sellers are juggling erratic POs and forward‑bought inventory.
  • [6:54] Power‑buying consumers – Shoppers grow thriftier, not quieter, pouncing on coupons and switching brands on price.
  • [8:42] AI & voice commerce – Alexa Plus and Rufus start flirting with ads; will consumers stick around if the bots start selling?

Links & Resources

]]> amazon q2 earnings report, amazon growth, tariffs, wall street No Walmart Reveals AI Roadmap That Points To A World Without Search Bars Walmart Reveals AI Roadmap That Points To A World Without Search Bars full cc44f186-89ab-4166-bd1a-2841a3e4e27c https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/walmart-reveals-ai-roadmap-sparky/ In this quick breakdown of my latest Forbes piece, I walk you through Walmart’s new four-part agentic AI roadmap—Sparky for shoppers, Marty for suppliers/advertisers, an Associate agent for store teams, and a Developer agent for internal builders. The headline? Walmart executives say Sparky’s multimodal interface will eventually make the classic search bar feel as ancient as the old Yahoo! directory days, fundamentally changing how we find and buy products 


I also unpack why Walmart’s open-ecosystem gamble starkly contrasts Amazon’s walled-garden push with Rufus and Alexa—and how that sets the stage for true agent-to-agent commerce, where your personal AI haggles with Walmart’s systems on your behalf 



Timeline of Highlights

  • [0:00] Bold forecast: search bars are “on borrowed time” as Sparky rolls out 
  • [2:00] From web directories ➜ search engines ➜ AI chat—history repeats itself 
  • [3:00] How Walmart’s hundreds of millions of weekly shoppers can shift mainstream behavior 
  • [4:00] Sparky vs. Amazon’s Rufus: late start, bigger leap, broader ambition 
  • [7:00] Looking ahead to agent-to-agent commerce and voice/vision interactions 
  • [10:00] Takeaways: 70 % of express orders in < 1 hr & why “AI shoppers don’t scroll” 


Links & Resources

]]> In this quick breakdown of my latest Forbes piece, I walk you through Walmart’s new four-part agentic AI roadmap—Sparky for shoppers, Marty for suppliers/advertisers, an Associate agent for store teams, and a Developer agent for internal builders. The headline? Walmart executives say Sparky’s multimodal interface will eventually make the classic search bar feel as ancient as the old Yahoo! directory days, fundamentally changing how we find and buy products 


I also unpack why Walmart’s open-ecosystem gamble starkly contrasts Amazon’s walled-garden push with Rufus and Alexa—and how that sets the stage for true agent-to-agent commerce, where your personal AI haggles with Walmart’s systems on your behalf 



Timeline of Highlights

  • [0:00] Bold forecast: search bars are “on borrowed time” as Sparky rolls out 
  • [2:00] From web directories ➜ search engines ➜ AI chat—history repeats itself 
  • [3:00] How Walmart’s hundreds of millions of weekly shoppers can shift mainstream behavior 
  • [4:00] Sparky vs. Amazon’s Rufus: late start, bigger leap, broader ambition 
  • [7:00] Looking ahead to agent-to-agent commerce and voice/vision interactions 
  • [10:00] Takeaways: 70 % of express orders in < 1 hr & why “AI shoppers don’t scroll” 


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 641 In this quick breakdown of my latest Forbes piece, I walk you through Walmart’s new four-part agentic AI roadmap—Sparky for shoppers, Marty for suppliers/advertisers, an Associate agent for store teams, and a Developer agent for internal builders. The headline? Walmart executives say Sparky’s multimodal interface will eventually make the classic search bar feel as ancient as the old Yahoo! directory days, fundamentally changing how we find and buy products 


I also unpack why Walmart’s open-ecosystem gamble starkly contrasts Amazon’s walled-garden push with Rufus and Alexa—and how that sets the stage for true agent-to-agent commerce, where your personal AI haggles with Walmart’s systems on your behalf 



Timeline of Highlights

  • [0:00] Bold forecast: search bars are “on borrowed time” as Sparky rolls out 
  • [2:00] From web directories ➜ search engines ➜ AI chat—history repeats itself 
  • [3:00] How Walmart’s hundreds of millions of weekly shoppers can shift mainstream behavior 
  • [4:00] Sparky vs. Amazon’s Rufus: late start, bigger leap, broader ambition 
  • [7:00] Looking ahead to agent-to-agent commerce and voice/vision interactions 
  • [10:00] Takeaways: 70 % of express orders in < 1 hr & why “AI shoppers don’t scroll” 


Links & Resources

]]> walmart, sparky, ai agent, amazon rufus No Launching In New Markets & Marketplaces: 3 Brands Share Top Tips Launching In New Markets & Marketplaces: 3 Brands Share Top Tips full 538a7306-9603-4eea-9bc8-aebd4e5cae60 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/launching-in-new-marketplaces-why-your-amazon-playbook-wont-work-according-to-3-brand-side-leaders/ every new retailer needs its own game plan—copy‑pasting your Amazon playbook is a budget trap. In just ten minutes, three seasoned ecommerce leaders—Justin Bomberowitz, Director of E‑Commerce at WILDE Brands; Nemanja Lazić, MBA, E‑commerce Channel Manager at Zevia; and Simon Swan, Director of Digital Marketing & Media at Karo Healthcare—share the hard‑won tactics that spared their budgets and boosted returns when they pushed beyond Amazon.

You’ll learn why instinctively bidding on your Amazon winners can torch ROAS on Instacart, how to use low‑stakes auto campaigns to build early relevancy, and why every launch should start by asking “What’s the business objective?” before a single keyword goes live. Whether you’re plotting your first non‑Amazon rollout or trying to rescue one that’s stalled, these bite‑size lessons will set you up to win.

Timeline

  • [0:00] New marketplace, new rules—why copy‑pasting your Amazon strategy is a budget trap.
  • [2:00] Justin Bomberowitz warns that high‑traffic Amazon keywords often flop on Instacart—adapt to audience and margin realities.
  • [3:00] Nemanja Lazić’s playbook: start with sponsored search and broad auto campaigns, then tighten into branded, competitor, and category terms.
  • [4:00] Simon Swan insists every launch anchor to a clear business objective and map tactics to the full path‑to‑purchase.


🔗 Links

]]> every new retailer needs its own game plan—copy‑pasting your Amazon playbook is a budget trap. In just ten minutes, three seasoned ecommerce leaders—Justin Bomberowitz, Director of E‑Commerce at WILDE Brands; Nemanja Lazić, MBA, E‑commerce Channel Manager at Zevia; and Simon Swan, Director of Digital Marketing & Media at Karo Healthcare—share the hard‑won tactics that spared their budgets and boosted returns when they pushed beyond Amazon.

You’ll learn why instinctively bidding on your Amazon winners can torch ROAS on Instacart, how to use low‑stakes auto campaigns to build early relevancy, and why every launch should start by asking “What’s the business objective?” before a single keyword goes live. Whether you’re plotting your first non‑Amazon rollout or trying to rescue one that’s stalled, these bite‑size lessons will set you up to win.

Timeline

  • [0:00] New marketplace, new rules—why copy‑pasting your Amazon strategy is a budget trap.
  • [2:00] Justin Bomberowitz warns that high‑traffic Amazon keywords often flop on Instacart—adapt to audience and margin realities.
  • [3:00] Nemanja Lazić’s playbook: start with sponsored search and broad auto campaigns, then tighten into branded, competitor, and category terms.
  • [4:00] Simon Swan insists every launch anchor to a clear business objective and map tactics to the full path‑to‑purchase.


🔗 Links

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 348 every new retailer needs its own game plan—copy‑pasting your Amazon playbook is a budget trap. In just ten minutes, three seasoned ecommerce leaders—Justin Bomberowitz, Director of E‑Commerce at WILDE Brands; Nemanja Lazić, MBA, E‑commerce Channel Manager at Zevia; and Simon Swan, Director of Digital Marketing & Media at Karo Healthcare—share the hard‑won tactics that spared their budgets and boosted returns when they pushed beyond Amazon.

You’ll learn why instinctively bidding on your Amazon winners can torch ROAS on Instacart, how to use low‑stakes auto campaigns to build early relevancy, and why every launch should start by asking “What’s the business objective?” before a single keyword goes live. Whether you’re plotting your first non‑Amazon rollout or trying to rescue one that’s stalled, these bite‑size lessons will set you up to win.

Timeline

  • [0:00] New marketplace, new rules—why copy‑pasting your Amazon strategy is a budget trap.
  • [2:00] Justin Bomberowitz warns that high‑traffic Amazon keywords often flop on Instacart—adapt to audience and margin realities.
  • [3:00] Nemanja Lazić’s playbook: start with sponsored search and broad auto campaigns, then tighten into branded, competitor, and category terms.
  • [4:00] Simon Swan insists every launch anchor to a clear business objective and map tactics to the full path‑to‑purchase.


🔗 Links

]]> amazon, retail marketplace, ecommerce No Why Are Display Ads In Retail Media Still So Bad? Why Are Display Ads In Retail Media Still So Bad? full 341c3d75-4ecd-4b4d-bf25-2f731f173f9d https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/why-is-display-media-for-retailers-still-so-bad/ Display advertising in retail media is still in the dark ages. That’s because the tech and mechanisms it was built on were never designed for retailers in the first place.


In today’s ten-minute Retail Media Breakfast Club, I walk you through the real-world headache Macy’s faced when fragrance demand outstripped inventory while apparel inventory sat idle—and why fixed-price CPMs offered no way out. Drawing on Melanie Zimmerman’s recent Criteo essay, I unpack the disconnect between publisher-built display stacks and the unique commerce goals of retail media.


You’ll hear a lightning history of display advertising, learn how legacy tools like Google Ad Manager fall short for merchants, and explore the three pillars of a modern, retail-first display solution: dynamic auctions that reward relevance, full self-service controls for brands, and shoppable, retail-native formats that blend storytelling with performance. Grab your coffee and let’s get smarter together!

Timeline of Key Moments

  • [0:56] Fragrance famine vs. apparel surplus—how Macy’s learned the limits of fixed CPMs.
  • [2:10] A 30-year crash course on display advertising and why publisher tech dominates the stack.
  • [3:35] “It wasn’t built for retail”: Andreas Reiffen
  • [4:48] The retailer’s double bottom line—ad dollars and product sales (Costco & Macy’s lessons).
  • [6:05] Principle #1: Dynamic, retail-specific auctions that factor in product relevance.
  • [7:22] Principle #2: True self-service so brands can tweak pacing, placements, and bids on the fly.
  • [8:47] Principle #3: Retail-native formats like Sponsored Brand Video that marry brand lift with conversions.



🔗 Links


]]> Display advertising in retail media is still in the dark ages. That’s because the tech and mechanisms it was built on were never designed for retailers in the first place.


In today’s ten-minute Retail Media Breakfast Club, I walk you through the real-world headache Macy’s faced when fragrance demand outstripped inventory while apparel inventory sat idle—and why fixed-price CPMs offered no way out. Drawing on Melanie Zimmerman’s recent Criteo essay, I unpack the disconnect between publisher-built display stacks and the unique commerce goals of retail media.


You’ll hear a lightning history of display advertising, learn how legacy tools like Google Ad Manager fall short for merchants, and explore the three pillars of a modern, retail-first display solution: dynamic auctions that reward relevance, full self-service controls for brands, and shoppable, retail-native formats that blend storytelling with performance. Grab your coffee and let’s get smarter together!

Timeline of Key Moments

  • [0:56] Fragrance famine vs. apparel surplus—how Macy’s learned the limits of fixed CPMs.
  • [2:10] A 30-year crash course on display advertising and why publisher tech dominates the stack.
  • [3:35] “It wasn’t built for retail”: Andreas Reiffen
  • [4:48] The retailer’s double bottom line—ad dollars and product sales (Costco & Macy’s lessons).
  • [6:05] Principle #1: Dynamic, retail-specific auctions that factor in product relevance.
  • [7:22] Principle #2: True self-service so brands can tweak pacing, placements, and bids on the fly.
  • [8:47] Principle #3: Retail-native formats like Sponsored Brand Video that marry brand lift with conversions.



🔗 Links


]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 608 Display advertising in retail media is still in the dark ages. That’s because the tech and mechanisms it was built on were never designed for retailers in the first place.


In today’s ten-minute Retail Media Breakfast Club, I walk you through the real-world headache Macy’s faced when fragrance demand outstripped inventory while apparel inventory sat idle—and why fixed-price CPMs offered no way out. Drawing on Melanie Zimmerman’s recent Criteo essay, I unpack the disconnect between publisher-built display stacks and the unique commerce goals of retail media.


You’ll hear a lightning history of display advertising, learn how legacy tools like Google Ad Manager fall short for merchants, and explore the three pillars of a modern, retail-first display solution: dynamic auctions that reward relevance, full self-service controls for brands, and shoppable, retail-native formats that blend storytelling with performance. Grab your coffee and let’s get smarter together!

Timeline of Key Moments

  • [0:56] Fragrance famine vs. apparel surplus—how Macy’s learned the limits of fixed CPMs.
  • [2:10] A 30-year crash course on display advertising and why publisher tech dominates the stack.
  • [3:35] “It wasn’t built for retail”: Andreas Reiffen
  • [4:48] The retailer’s double bottom line—ad dollars and product sales (Costco & Macy’s lessons).
  • [6:05] Principle #1: Dynamic, retail-specific auctions that factor in product relevance.
  • [7:22] Principle #2: True self-service so brands can tweak pacing, placements, and bids on the fly.
  • [8:47] Principle #3: Retail-native formats like Sponsored Brand Video that marry brand lift with conversions.



🔗 Links


]]> criteo, retail media, melanie zimmerman, pentalep, No I'm back and I owe you an explanation I'm back and I owe you an explanation full 9c86a6da-b053-48a1-85db-6919cad9a2a4 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/im-back-2025/ Welcome Back to Season 2!


I'm kicking off Season 2 with a personal update and a few exciting announcements about what’s ahead for the Retail Media Breakfast Club. After an unexpected twist involving a Green Card win, a year of digital nomad life, and a less-than-glamorous welcome back to the States, I’m finally settled and ready to dive back into the world of retail media. But before we return to regularly scheduled programming, I’m reflecting on the lessons learned, the realities of remote life, and why community has never mattered more.


In this episode, I’m sharing our wild reentry story—from rat-infested storage units to the joys (and chaos) of rebuilding home life from scratch. Plus, I’ve got some exciting updates to share: a new sponsor, local meetups in Atlanta, and a call for brand-side panelists for upcoming shows. If you’re part of the retail media world, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.


Episode Timeline


[0:00] - Life update: winning the Green Card lottery and going nomad for a year

[1:00] - Parenting and remote work: a spreadsheet for world schooling and summer camps

[2:00] - The chaotic return home and a rat-infested storage nightmare

[3:00] - Reflecting on the grass-is-greener fallacy and longing for routine

[5:00] - The toll of loss and rebuilding life from scratch

[6:00] - The importance of community and what’s ahead for Retail Media Breakfast Club

[6:45] - Announcing the first podcast sponsor

[7:15] - Atlanta meetups are back—how to join

[7:45] - A call for brand-side panelists for upcoming themed discussions


Links & Resources



Connect with me on LinkedIn


]]> Welcome Back to Season 2!


I'm kicking off Season 2 with a personal update and a few exciting announcements about what’s ahead for the Retail Media Breakfast Club. After an unexpected twist involving a Green Card win, a year of digital nomad life, and a less-than-glamorous welcome back to the States, I’m finally settled and ready to dive back into the world of retail media. But before we return to regularly scheduled programming, I’m reflecting on the lessons learned, the realities of remote life, and why community has never mattered more.


In this episode, I’m sharing our wild reentry story—from rat-infested storage units to the joys (and chaos) of rebuilding home life from scratch. Plus, I’ve got some exciting updates to share: a new sponsor, local meetups in Atlanta, and a call for brand-side panelists for upcoming shows. If you’re part of the retail media world, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.


Episode Timeline


[0:00] - Life update: winning the Green Card lottery and going nomad for a year

[1:00] - Parenting and remote work: a spreadsheet for world schooling and summer camps

[2:00] - The chaotic return home and a rat-infested storage nightmare

[3:00] - Reflecting on the grass-is-greener fallacy and longing for routine

[5:00] - The toll of loss and rebuilding life from scratch

[6:00] - The importance of community and what’s ahead for Retail Media Breakfast Club

[6:45] - Announcing the first podcast sponsor

[7:15] - Atlanta meetups are back—how to join

[7:45] - A call for brand-side panelists for upcoming themed discussions


Links & Resources



Connect with me on LinkedIn


]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 466 Welcome Back to Season 2!


I'm kicking off Season 2 with a personal update and a few exciting announcements about what’s ahead for the Retail Media Breakfast Club. After an unexpected twist involving a Green Card win, a year of digital nomad life, and a less-than-glamorous welcome back to the States, I’m finally settled and ready to dive back into the world of retail media. But before we return to regularly scheduled programming, I’m reflecting on the lessons learned, the realities of remote life, and why community has never mattered more.


In this episode, I’m sharing our wild reentry story—from rat-infested storage units to the joys (and chaos) of rebuilding home life from scratch. Plus, I’ve got some exciting updates to share: a new sponsor, local meetups in Atlanta, and a call for brand-side panelists for upcoming shows. If you’re part of the retail media world, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.


Episode Timeline


[0:00] - Life update: winning the Green Card lottery and going nomad for a year

[1:00] - Parenting and remote work: a spreadsheet for world schooling and summer camps

[2:00] - The chaotic return home and a rat-infested storage nightmare

[3:00] - Reflecting on the grass-is-greener fallacy and longing for routine

[5:00] - The toll of loss and rebuilding life from scratch

[6:00] - The importance of community and what’s ahead for Retail Media Breakfast Club

[6:45] - Announcing the first podcast sponsor

[7:15] - Atlanta meetups are back—how to join

[7:45] - A call for brand-side panelists for upcoming themed discussions


Links & Resources



Connect with me on LinkedIn


]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Season Finale! Returning July 28 Season Finale! Returning July 28 full 05584f74-f18b-4b08-a6fb-686a68d3cbdb https://share.transistor.fm/s/92eef4f6 Cannes is over, and so is Season 1 of Retail Media Breakfast Club.

Thank you for joining me for this experiment I started in January. After pushing near-daily content for 5 months, I’m taking break for the summer. I’ll be in Europe with my fam for a few weeks before heading back to Atlanta in mid-July.

Here’s what to expect from RMBC in the second half of the year.

  • Season 2 kicks off on Monday July 28. Subscribe to the podcast, the email newsletter, or the LinkedIn newsletter and you’ll be notified when I’m back!
  • Connecting at Conferences & Events! Here's a database of events I’m speaking at and attending. Please reach out to me if you’ll be at these events.
  • Local Atlanta meetups. I used to frequently host casual, no-pitch lunches for ecomm folks in the ATL area, and I can’t wait to get back to that! Please let me know if you’re interested by filling out this form — whether you’re an ATL resident or frequent visitor — and I’ll create a separate mailing list to coordinate and announce these meetups.

Finally, thank you so much for joining me here. I know there’s a lot of podcasts and newsletters out there that you could be reading and listening to. Putting the best commentary out there for the most passionate people in retail is something I wake up really excited to do every day.

Have a great summer and see you on the other side.

🔗 Links

]]> Cannes is over, and so is Season 1 of Retail Media Breakfast Club.

Thank you for joining me for this experiment I started in January. After pushing near-daily content for 5 months, I’m taking break for the summer. I’ll be in Europe with my fam for a few weeks before heading back to Atlanta in mid-July.

Here’s what to expect from RMBC in the second half of the year.

  • Season 2 kicks off on Monday July 28. Subscribe to the podcast, the email newsletter, or the LinkedIn newsletter and you’ll be notified when I’m back!
  • Connecting at Conferences & Events! Here's a database of events I’m speaking at and attending. Please reach out to me if you’ll be at these events.
  • Local Atlanta meetups. I used to frequently host casual, no-pitch lunches for ecomm folks in the ATL area, and I can’t wait to get back to that! Please let me know if you’re interested by filling out this form — whether you’re an ATL resident or frequent visitor — and I’ll create a separate mailing list to coordinate and announce these meetups.

Finally, thank you so much for joining me here. I know there’s a lot of podcasts and newsletters out there that you could be reading and listening to. Putting the best commentary out there for the most passionate people in retail is something I wake up really excited to do every day.

Have a great summer and see you on the other side.

🔗 Links

]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 196 Cannes is over, and so is Season 1 of Retail Media Breakfast Club.

Thank you for joining me for this experiment I started in January. After pushing near-daily content for 5 months, I’m taking break for the summer. I’ll be in Europe with my fam for a few weeks before heading back to Atlanta in mid-July.

Here’s what to expect from RMBC in the second half of the year.

  • Season 2 kicks off on Monday July 28. Subscribe to the podcast, the email newsletter, or the LinkedIn newsletter and you’ll be notified when I’m back!
  • Connecting at Conferences & Events! Here's a database of events I’m speaking at and attending. Please reach out to me if you’ll be at these events.
  • Local Atlanta meetups. I used to frequently host casual, no-pitch lunches for ecomm folks in the ATL area, and I can’t wait to get back to that! Please let me know if you’re interested by filling out this form — whether you’re an ATL resident or frequent visitor — and I’ll create a separate mailing list to coordinate and announce these meetups.

Finally, thank you so much for joining me here. I know there’s a lot of podcasts and newsletters out there that you could be reading and listening to. Putting the best commentary out there for the most passionate people in retail is something I wake up really excited to do every day.

Have a great summer and see you on the other side.

🔗 Links

]]> Kiri masters, retail media No Cannes Confessional #4: RMNs Should Chase That Brand Marketing Budget Cannes Confessional #4: RMNs Should Chase That Brand Marketing Budget full bda5afbc-26a4-46b1-945d-cf491072a472 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1b2ac2a3 Day three at the Cannes Festival of Creativity brought some of the most insightful conversations yet! I sat down once again with Lauren Livak, Director at the Digital Shelf Institute, and Colin Lewis, an experienced retail media commentator, to unpack the day's highlights. From global retail media strategies to the role of ad tech and B2B innovation, this episode captures the evolving narrative of our industry in real time.

This conversation, originally recorded as part of Lauren's podcast Unpacking the Digital Shelf, dives into some of the most provocative insights we heard at the Miracle Cabana and beyond. If you're curious about what it takes to bridge the gap between media and marketing, how Amazon's leadership style is influencing retail innovation, or what "leaning into your uniqueness" means in the age of AI, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights:

[1:31] - Kicking off from the Mirakl Cabana with two standout research presentations, including BCG's perspective on scaling retail media globally

[2:07] - Why tapping into brand budgets is the real prize for retail media and the need for teams who can "speak brand"

[3:59] - The importance of cross-functional collaboration between retailers, brands, and tech providers

[5:02] - Colin's chat with Amazon Advertising's Steef de Wever and the growing necessity for marketers to understand ad tech

[5:56] - A deep dive into Nectar 360's new "Pollen" platform that could set the standard for end-to-end retail media integration

[7:00] - How Lowe's is leveraging marketplaces and retail media to grow their B2B segment

[8:00] - Reflecting on Andy Jassy's insight: "Speed is a leadership decision"

[9:43] - Celebrating the Women of Retail Media Collective and the power of leaning into what makes you different

[10:41] - Colin's memorable takeaway: discover what you "came from the factory with" and make it your superpower


Links & Resources:

]]> Day three at the Cannes Festival of Creativity brought some of the most insightful conversations yet! I sat down once again with Lauren Livak, Director at the Digital Shelf Institute, and Colin Lewis, an experienced retail media commentator, to unpack the day's highlights. From global retail media strategies to the role of ad tech and B2B innovation, this episode captures the evolving narrative of our industry in real time.

This conversation, originally recorded as part of Lauren's podcast Unpacking the Digital Shelf, dives into some of the most provocative insights we heard at the Miracle Cabana and beyond. If you're curious about what it takes to bridge the gap between media and marketing, how Amazon's leadership style is influencing retail innovation, or what "leaning into your uniqueness" means in the age of AI, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights:

[1:31] - Kicking off from the Mirakl Cabana with two standout research presentations, including BCG's perspective on scaling retail media globally

[2:07] - Why tapping into brand budgets is the real prize for retail media and the need for teams who can "speak brand"

[3:59] - The importance of cross-functional collaboration between retailers, brands, and tech providers

[5:02] - Colin's chat with Amazon Advertising's Steef de Wever and the growing necessity for marketers to understand ad tech

[5:56] - A deep dive into Nectar 360's new "Pollen" platform that could set the standard for end-to-end retail media integration

[7:00] - How Lowe's is leveraging marketplaces and retail media to grow their B2B segment

[8:00] - Reflecting on Andy Jassy's insight: "Speed is a leadership decision"

[9:43] - Celebrating the Women of Retail Media Collective and the power of leaning into what makes you different

[10:41] - Colin's memorable takeaway: discover what you "came from the factory with" and make it your superpower


Links & Resources:

]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 686 Day three at the Cannes Festival of Creativity brought some of the most insightful conversations yet! I sat down once again with Lauren Livak, Director at the Digital Shelf Institute, and Colin Lewis, an experienced retail media commentator, to unpack the day's highlights. From global retail media strategies to the role of ad tech and B2B innovation, this episode captures the evolving narrative of our industry in real time.

This conversation, originally recorded as part of Lauren's podcast Unpacking the Digital Shelf, dives into some of the most provocative insights we heard at the Miracle Cabana and beyond. If you're curious about what it takes to bridge the gap between media and marketing, how Amazon's leadership style is influencing retail innovation, or what "leaning into your uniqueness" means in the age of AI, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights:

[1:31] - Kicking off from the Mirakl Cabana with two standout research presentations, including BCG's perspective on scaling retail media globally

[2:07] - Why tapping into brand budgets is the real prize for retail media and the need for teams who can "speak brand"

[3:59] - The importance of cross-functional collaboration between retailers, brands, and tech providers

[5:02] - Colin's chat with Amazon Advertising's Steef de Wever and the growing necessity for marketers to understand ad tech

[5:56] - A deep dive into Nectar 360's new "Pollen" platform that could set the standard for end-to-end retail media integration

[7:00] - How Lowe's is leveraging marketplaces and retail media to grow their B2B segment

[8:00] - Reflecting on Andy Jassy's insight: "Speed is a leadership decision"

[9:43] - Celebrating the Women of Retail Media Collective and the power of leaning into what makes you different

[10:41] - Colin's memorable takeaway: discover what you "came from the factory with" and make it your superpower


Links & Resources:

]]> Colin Lewis, Lauren Livak, Cannes Lions 2025, Daniel Gospodinov No Cannes Confessional #3: The Funnel is Now a Tunnel Cannes Confessional #3: The Funnel is Now a Tunnel full 468d5bf9-23d9-4541-a96d-8d4e817e6f29 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d061179c Cannes Confessional 3

In today’s episode of Cannes Confessional, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Longo, GM of AI in Ads at Microsoft Advertising. Microsoft was actually the first to embed ads within the native chat experience of an LLM, which gives them a front-row seat to the evolving future of advertising in AI. 

Later, I dropped in on a compelling panel from the Women in Retail Media Collective event hosted by Criteo. Elisabeth Rommel of eBay delivered some powerful advice on leadership, navigating male-dominated executive teams, and knowing your own value. And to cap it all off, we hear a riveting snippet from Andy Jassy's acceptance speech as Cannes Media Person of the Year. He makes a persuasive case for speed and experimentation as cornerstones of innovation at scale. It's an energizing listen from start to finish.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Kicking off the conversation with Paul Longo of Microsoft Advertising.

[01:00] - How Microsoft refreshed ads in Copilot and why emotional intelligence matters.

[01:53] - Real performance metrics: 73% higher CTRs and 33% faster customer journeys.

[02:43] - The evolving consumer journey: from funnel to tunnel.

[03:00] - Elisabeth Rommel of eBay on breaking through the noise and leading with data.

[04:27] - Advice on career empowerment and staying curious when you don't have a seat at the table.

[06:00] - Mission of the Women in Retail Media Collective: gender equity in industry voices.

[06:39] - Andy Jassy on how Amazon maintains startup agility and embraces smart risk-taking.

[08:29] - Final reflections on speed, leadership, and keeping up with the pace of change.

Links & Resources:

If this episode inspired or intrigued you, please don’t forget to rate, follow, and share Cannes Confessional. I’ll be back tomorrow with more insights and commentary straight from the Croisette!

]]> Cannes Confessional 3

In today’s episode of Cannes Confessional, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Longo, GM of AI in Ads at Microsoft Advertising. Microsoft was actually the first to embed ads within the native chat experience of an LLM, which gives them a front-row seat to the evolving future of advertising in AI. 

Later, I dropped in on a compelling panel from the Women in Retail Media Collective event hosted by Criteo. Elisabeth Rommel of eBay delivered some powerful advice on leadership, navigating male-dominated executive teams, and knowing your own value. And to cap it all off, we hear a riveting snippet from Andy Jassy's acceptance speech as Cannes Media Person of the Year. He makes a persuasive case for speed and experimentation as cornerstones of innovation at scale. It's an energizing listen from start to finish.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Kicking off the conversation with Paul Longo of Microsoft Advertising.

[01:00] - How Microsoft refreshed ads in Copilot and why emotional intelligence matters.

[01:53] - Real performance metrics: 73% higher CTRs and 33% faster customer journeys.

[02:43] - The evolving consumer journey: from funnel to tunnel.

[03:00] - Elisabeth Rommel of eBay on breaking through the noise and leading with data.

[04:27] - Advice on career empowerment and staying curious when you don't have a seat at the table.

[06:00] - Mission of the Women in Retail Media Collective: gender equity in industry voices.

[06:39] - Andy Jassy on how Amazon maintains startup agility and embraces smart risk-taking.

[08:29] - Final reflections on speed, leadership, and keeping up with the pace of change.

Links & Resources:

If this episode inspired or intrigued you, please don’t forget to rate, follow, and share Cannes Confessional. I’ll be back tomorrow with more insights and commentary straight from the Croisette!

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:47:49 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 564 Cannes Confessional 3

In today’s episode of Cannes Confessional, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Longo, GM of AI in Ads at Microsoft Advertising. Microsoft was actually the first to embed ads within the native chat experience of an LLM, which gives them a front-row seat to the evolving future of advertising in AI. 

Later, I dropped in on a compelling panel from the Women in Retail Media Collective event hosted by Criteo. Elisabeth Rommel of eBay delivered some powerful advice on leadership, navigating male-dominated executive teams, and knowing your own value. And to cap it all off, we hear a riveting snippet from Andy Jassy's acceptance speech as Cannes Media Person of the Year. He makes a persuasive case for speed and experimentation as cornerstones of innovation at scale. It's an energizing listen from start to finish.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Kicking off the conversation with Paul Longo of Microsoft Advertising.

[01:00] - How Microsoft refreshed ads in Copilot and why emotional intelligence matters.

[01:53] - Real performance metrics: 73% higher CTRs and 33% faster customer journeys.

[02:43] - The evolving consumer journey: from funnel to tunnel.

[03:00] - Elisabeth Rommel of eBay on breaking through the noise and leading with data.

[04:27] - Advice on career empowerment and staying curious when you don't have a seat at the table.

[06:00] - Mission of the Women in Retail Media Collective: gender equity in industry voices.

[06:39] - Andy Jassy on how Amazon maintains startup agility and embraces smart risk-taking.

[08:29] - Final reflections on speed, leadership, and keeping up with the pace of change.

Links & Resources:

If this episode inspired or intrigued you, please don’t forget to rate, follow, and share Cannes Confessional. I’ll be back tomorrow with more insights and commentary straight from the Croisette!

]]> Cannes lions festival of creativity, microsoft, ai, advertising, retail media No Are You Sitting on a Retail Media Goldmine? Are You Sitting on a Retail Media Goldmine? full 4857ca86-cfc0-498e-b22e-398aa3f6ceeb https://share.transistor.fm/s/a615309f In this episode, I dive into some fresh insights straight from the Cannes Festival of Creativity, where I caught a fascinating research presentation at the Mirakl Cabana. Partnering with Forrester, Mirakl unveiled a report titled “Are You Sitting on a Retail Media Goldmine?”—and let me tell you, the findings are eye-opening. From cultural shifts in retail to tapping into the overlooked mid- and long-tail advertisers, we cover the evolving retail media landscape and what it really means for brands and marketplaces.


I also touch on my participation in the inaugural “celebrity death match” debate alongside Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipman—a spicy and engaging alternative to the usual panel talk. If you’re looking to understand where retail media dollars are headed and how retailers can unlock new growth, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.


⏱️ Episode Timeline


[0:05] - Behind the scenes at Cannes: from Miracle’s Cabana to the celebrity debate showdown

[1:11] - Introducing Forrester and Miracle’s joint research on retail media opportunities

[1:32] - Nikhil Lai explains where retail media funding is currently coming from

[2:18] - The challenge for retailers: moving beyond existing trade budgets

[3:00] - Why small advertisers and marketplaces are a goldmine for growth

[3:36] - Cultural and technical barriers that prevent tapping into mid- and long-tail advertisers

[5:00] - What retailers need: better tech, easier onboarding, and proving retail media value

[6:00] - Final takeaway: marketplaces are the key to unlocking long-tail advertiser potential

]]> In this episode, I dive into some fresh insights straight from the Cannes Festival of Creativity, where I caught a fascinating research presentation at the Mirakl Cabana. Partnering with Forrester, Mirakl unveiled a report titled “Are You Sitting on a Retail Media Goldmine?”—and let me tell you, the findings are eye-opening. From cultural shifts in retail to tapping into the overlooked mid- and long-tail advertisers, we cover the evolving retail media landscape and what it really means for brands and marketplaces.


I also touch on my participation in the inaugural “celebrity death match” debate alongside Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipman—a spicy and engaging alternative to the usual panel talk. If you’re looking to understand where retail media dollars are headed and how retailers can unlock new growth, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.


⏱️ Episode Timeline


[0:05] - Behind the scenes at Cannes: from Miracle’s Cabana to the celebrity debate showdown

[1:11] - Introducing Forrester and Miracle’s joint research on retail media opportunities

[1:32] - Nikhil Lai explains where retail media funding is currently coming from

[2:18] - The challenge for retailers: moving beyond existing trade budgets

[3:00] - Why small advertisers and marketplaces are a goldmine for growth

[3:36] - Cultural and technical barriers that prevent tapping into mid- and long-tail advertisers

[5:00] - What retailers need: better tech, easier onboarding, and proving retail media value

[6:00] - Final takeaway: marketplaces are the key to unlocking long-tail advertiser potential

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:20 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 372 In this episode, I dive into some fresh insights straight from the Cannes Festival of Creativity, where I caught a fascinating research presentation at the Mirakl Cabana. Partnering with Forrester, Mirakl unveiled a report titled “Are You Sitting on a Retail Media Goldmine?”—and let me tell you, the findings are eye-opening. From cultural shifts in retail to tapping into the overlooked mid- and long-tail advertisers, we cover the evolving retail media landscape and what it really means for brands and marketplaces.


I also touch on my participation in the inaugural “celebrity death match” debate alongside Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipman—a spicy and engaging alternative to the usual panel talk. If you’re looking to understand where retail media dollars are headed and how retailers can unlock new growth, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.


⏱️ Episode Timeline


[0:05] - Behind the scenes at Cannes: from Miracle’s Cabana to the celebrity debate showdown

[1:11] - Introducing Forrester and Miracle’s joint research on retail media opportunities

[1:32] - Nikhil Lai explains where retail media funding is currently coming from

[2:18] - The challenge for retailers: moving beyond existing trade budgets

[3:00] - Why small advertisers and marketplaces are a goldmine for growth

[3:36] - Cultural and technical barriers that prevent tapping into mid- and long-tail advertisers

[5:00] - What retailers need: better tech, easier onboarding, and proving retail media value

[6:00] - Final takeaway: marketplaces are the key to unlocking long-tail advertiser potential

]]> Forrester research, Nikhil Lai, Mirakl No Cannes Confessional #1 Cannes Confessional #1 full bd77b55b-c97c-4657-be5b-db0b6e3561d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/863ad77d I just landed in Cannes, and wow—talk about a tale of two coastlines! On one side, CMOs and creatives are tucked away in the Palais soaking up award glamour, while out on the Croisette the retail-media crowd is wheeling and dealing under beach umbrellas. That split sets the stage for a whirlwind first day where Amazon steals the creative spotlight, non-retail heavyweights crash the commerce-media party, and industry insiders debate whether trade budgets can keep up with retail media’s rocket-fuel growth. I even squeeze in a quick tease of my latest Forbes deep-dive on the DSP tug-of-war reshaping programmatic commerce.  


Stick around—by the end of this confessional you’ll have fresh intel on everything from Marriott’s flashy boardwalk activation to the “publishing apocalypse” one founder says is barreling straight for commerce media. Let’s dive in!



Timeline Highlights

  • [0:00]—Touchdown at Cannes & a candid curb-side chat with Lauren Leach and Colin Lewis about the Croisette-vs-Palais “church-and-state” divide.
  • [1:41]—Amazon CEO Andy Jassy crowned Cannes Lions Media Person of the Year—and why that’s a watershed moment for retail-driven creativity.
  • [3:00]—Marriott, Chase, United Airlines & more non-retail giants unveil luxe beach clubs to showcase their brand-new commerce-media networks.
  • [4:39]—MikMak’s Rachel Tipograph warns a “publishing-style apocalypse” could soon hit commerce media—brace yourselves!
  • [6:20]—Purdue’s Jodie Hallman calls retail media “way more effective” than legacy trade spend—sparking a lively budget debate.
  • [7:43]—Albertsons’ Ben Richardson explains how tighter merchant-media alignment helps smaller retailers punch above their weight.
  • [9:00]—I preview my Forbes article on why 96 % of buyers would shift dollars tomorrow if retailers opened up more DSP pipes.


Links & Resources

]]> I just landed in Cannes, and wow—talk about a tale of two coastlines! On one side, CMOs and creatives are tucked away in the Palais soaking up award glamour, while out on the Croisette the retail-media crowd is wheeling and dealing under beach umbrellas. That split sets the stage for a whirlwind first day where Amazon steals the creative spotlight, non-retail heavyweights crash the commerce-media party, and industry insiders debate whether trade budgets can keep up with retail media’s rocket-fuel growth. I even squeeze in a quick tease of my latest Forbes deep-dive on the DSP tug-of-war reshaping programmatic commerce.  


Stick around—by the end of this confessional you’ll have fresh intel on everything from Marriott’s flashy boardwalk activation to the “publishing apocalypse” one founder says is barreling straight for commerce media. Let’s dive in!



Timeline Highlights

  • [0:00]—Touchdown at Cannes & a candid curb-side chat with Lauren Leach and Colin Lewis about the Croisette-vs-Palais “church-and-state” divide.
  • [1:41]—Amazon CEO Andy Jassy crowned Cannes Lions Media Person of the Year—and why that’s a watershed moment for retail-driven creativity.
  • [3:00]—Marriott, Chase, United Airlines & more non-retail giants unveil luxe beach clubs to showcase their brand-new commerce-media networks.
  • [4:39]—MikMak’s Rachel Tipograph warns a “publishing-style apocalypse” could soon hit commerce media—brace yourselves!
  • [6:20]—Purdue’s Jodie Hallman calls retail media “way more effective” than legacy trade spend—sparking a lively budget debate.
  • [7:43]—Albertsons’ Ben Richardson explains how tighter merchant-media alignment helps smaller retailers punch above their weight.
  • [9:00]—I preview my Forbes article on why 96 % of buyers would shift dollars tomorrow if retailers opened up more DSP pipes.


Links & Resources

]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:20:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 584 I just landed in Cannes, and wow—talk about a tale of two coastlines! On one side, CMOs and creatives are tucked away in the Palais soaking up award glamour, while out on the Croisette the retail-media crowd is wheeling and dealing under beach umbrellas. That split sets the stage for a whirlwind first day where Amazon steals the creative spotlight, non-retail heavyweights crash the commerce-media party, and industry insiders debate whether trade budgets can keep up with retail media’s rocket-fuel growth. I even squeeze in a quick tease of my latest Forbes deep-dive on the DSP tug-of-war reshaping programmatic commerce.  


Stick around—by the end of this confessional you’ll have fresh intel on everything from Marriott’s flashy boardwalk activation to the “publishing apocalypse” one founder says is barreling straight for commerce media. Let’s dive in!



Timeline Highlights

  • [0:00]—Touchdown at Cannes & a candid curb-side chat with Lauren Leach and Colin Lewis about the Croisette-vs-Palais “church-and-state” divide.
  • [1:41]—Amazon CEO Andy Jassy crowned Cannes Lions Media Person of the Year—and why that’s a watershed moment for retail-driven creativity.
  • [3:00]—Marriott, Chase, United Airlines & more non-retail giants unveil luxe beach clubs to showcase their brand-new commerce-media networks.
  • [4:39]—MikMak’s Rachel Tipograph warns a “publishing-style apocalypse” could soon hit commerce media—brace yourselves!
  • [6:20]—Purdue’s Jodie Hallman calls retail media “way more effective” than legacy trade spend—sparking a lively budget debate.
  • [7:43]—Albertsons’ Ben Richardson explains how tighter merchant-media alignment helps smaller retailers punch above their weight.
  • [9:00]—I preview my Forbes article on why 96 % of buyers would shift dollars tomorrow if retailers opened up more DSP pipes.


Links & Resources

]]> cannes festival of creativity, cannes, retail media No What I’ve learned from 102 episodes over 5 months (and my future plans) What I’ve learned from 102 episodes over 5 months (and my future plans) full 1c7e37b8-630d-435c-afbc-8a74a75055f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/803e9101 After five months and over a hundred episodes, I take a moment to reflect on what this journey with the Retail Media Breakfast Club has taught me so far—and wow, it’s been a ride. In this episode, I share five key lessons from launching and sustaining this daily(ish) content experiment, and walk through the most popular (and surprising) episodes to date.


Whether you’re a long-time listener or just tuning in, this one’s a behind-the-scenes look at the wins, the pivots, and even a few honest flops. Plus, I make a special announcement about what’s coming next.



Episode Highlights


[0:00] - Launching the podcast and newsletter: why I started and who it’s for

[1:32] - Real talk: battling impostor syndrome and leaning into accessibility

[2:47] - The top three most downloaded episodes (and why they hit home)

[6:31] - Five big takeaways: from LinkedIn hacks to the power of podcast intimacy to video experiemnts

[11:00] - Podcast Announcement - what’s ahead

[12:14] - A heartfelt thank you—and a call for your ideas 



The top-downloaded content from Retail Media Breakfast Club so far this year:

  1. Is retail media actually kinda "mid"?
  2. Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media, Not Products (Part 1/3)
  3. How retailers 'Do' Sponsored Product ads: 4 takeaways for brands

Subscribe


 

]]> After five months and over a hundred episodes, I take a moment to reflect on what this journey with the Retail Media Breakfast Club has taught me so far—and wow, it’s been a ride. In this episode, I share five key lessons from launching and sustaining this daily(ish) content experiment, and walk through the most popular (and surprising) episodes to date.


Whether you’re a long-time listener or just tuning in, this one’s a behind-the-scenes look at the wins, the pivots, and even a few honest flops. Plus, I make a special announcement about what’s coming next.



Episode Highlights


[0:00] - Launching the podcast and newsletter: why I started and who it’s for

[1:32] - Real talk: battling impostor syndrome and leaning into accessibility

[2:47] - The top three most downloaded episodes (and why they hit home)

[6:31] - Five big takeaways: from LinkedIn hacks to the power of podcast intimacy to video experiemnts

[11:00] - Podcast Announcement - what’s ahead

[12:14] - A heartfelt thank you—and a call for your ideas 



The top-downloaded content from Retail Media Breakfast Club so far this year:

  1. Is retail media actually kinda "mid"?
  2. Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media, Not Products (Part 1/3)
  3. How retailers 'Do' Sponsored Product ads: 4 takeaways for brands

Subscribe


 

]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 752 After five months and over a hundred episodes, I take a moment to reflect on what this journey with the Retail Media Breakfast Club has taught me so far—and wow, it’s been a ride. In this episode, I share five key lessons from launching and sustaining this daily(ish) content experiment, and walk through the most popular (and surprising) episodes to date.


Whether you’re a long-time listener or just tuning in, this one’s a behind-the-scenes look at the wins, the pivots, and even a few honest flops. Plus, I make a special announcement about what’s coming next.



Episode Highlights


[0:00] - Launching the podcast and newsletter: why I started and who it’s for

[1:32] - Real talk: battling impostor syndrome and leaning into accessibility

[2:47] - The top three most downloaded episodes (and why they hit home)

[6:31] - Five big takeaways: from LinkedIn hacks to the power of podcast intimacy to video experiemnts

[11:00] - Podcast Announcement - what’s ahead

[12:14] - A heartfelt thank you—and a call for your ideas 



The top-downloaded content from Retail Media Breakfast Club so far this year:

  1. Is retail media actually kinda "mid"?
  2. Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media, Not Products (Part 1/3)
  3. How retailers 'Do' Sponsored Product ads: 4 takeaways for brands

Subscribe


 

]]> retail media breakfast club, the jason & Scot Show, Jason goldberg, No My highlights from the new 'Retailgentic' podcast My highlights from the new 'Retailgentic' podcast full d8d0e1b2-a7d1-4168-a1ce-3f4c7f0b1d39 https://share.transistor.fm/s/89f2d58f f you’ve noticed fewer Google searches and more ChatGPT queries lately, you’re not imagining things—AI is changing how we shop. In this episode, I share my top takeaways from the new Retailgentic podcast and newsletter by Scot Wingo. From the rapid emergence of AI agents in commerce to the existential questions facing retailers, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss.


We explore why it’s not too early to lean into agentic AI, how new checkout and payment rails could disrupt traditional e-commerce, and what it means for retail media networks when human traffic gets replaced by bots. Plus, I reflect on what the future might hold for retail websites—are they becoming obsolete, or evolving into something more powerful? Tune in as I break down what’s next in retail’s AI-powered evolution.


Episode Highlights


[0:35] - Why the first place we shop might soon be an AI agent, not a search engine or retailer site

[1:58] - Sctt Wingo’s perspective on riding the AI curve vs. being flattened by it

[3:10] - Are AI agents partners, channels, or parasites? Retailers must choose wisely

[5:55] - Agentic payments: will consumers really let AI shop for them?

[7:50] - The looming threat to retail media networks if bots replace human traffic

[10:00] - Will retail websites die or evolve into hyper-personalized shopping experiences?

Links & Resources

]]> f you’ve noticed fewer Google searches and more ChatGPT queries lately, you’re not imagining things—AI is changing how we shop. In this episode, I share my top takeaways from the new Retailgentic podcast and newsletter by Scot Wingo. From the rapid emergence of AI agents in commerce to the existential questions facing retailers, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss.


We explore why it’s not too early to lean into agentic AI, how new checkout and payment rails could disrupt traditional e-commerce, and what it means for retail media networks when human traffic gets replaced by bots. Plus, I reflect on what the future might hold for retail websites—are they becoming obsolete, or evolving into something more powerful? Tune in as I break down what’s next in retail’s AI-powered evolution.


Episode Highlights


[0:35] - Why the first place we shop might soon be an AI agent, not a search engine or retailer site

[1:58] - Sctt Wingo’s perspective on riding the AI curve vs. being flattened by it

[3:10] - Are AI agents partners, channels, or parasites? Retailers must choose wisely

[5:55] - Agentic payments: will consumers really let AI shop for them?

[7:50] - The looming threat to retail media networks if bots replace human traffic

[10:00] - Will retail websites die or evolve into hyper-personalized shopping experiences?

Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 700 f you’ve noticed fewer Google searches and more ChatGPT queries lately, you’re not imagining things—AI is changing how we shop. In this episode, I share my top takeaways from the new Retailgentic podcast and newsletter by Scot Wingo. From the rapid emergence of AI agents in commerce to the existential questions facing retailers, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss.


We explore why it’s not too early to lean into agentic AI, how new checkout and payment rails could disrupt traditional e-commerce, and what it means for retail media networks when human traffic gets replaced by bots. Plus, I reflect on what the future might hold for retail websites—are they becoming obsolete, or evolving into something more powerful? Tune in as I break down what’s next in retail’s AI-powered evolution.


Episode Highlights


[0:35] - Why the first place we shop might soon be an AI agent, not a search engine or retailer site

[1:58] - Sctt Wingo’s perspective on riding the AI curve vs. being flattened by it

[3:10] - Are AI agents partners, channels, or parasites? Retailers must choose wisely

[5:55] - Agentic payments: will consumers really let AI shop for them?

[7:50] - The looming threat to retail media networks if bots replace human traffic

[10:00] - Will retail websites die or evolve into hyper-personalized shopping experiences?

Links & Resources

]]> retailgentic, retail media, agentic shopping, ai in ecommerce No How These 4 Retail Media Leaders Are Using AI Right Now How These 4 Retail Media Leaders Are Using AI Right Now full bb2a5546-52fb-4fca-a93a-4015f94c3918 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-these-4-retail-media-leaders-are-using-ai-right-now/ In today's episode I dive into the real-world ways top retail brands are using AI—not just the flashy stuff you read about, but the practical tools that are truly moving the needle. From AI-driven share of search insights to tools that dissect customer reviews and even create product videos, these aren’t future ideas—they’re game-changing strategies already in play.


I spoke with four seasoned pros from the retail media space—Simon Swan, Elizabeth Rivas, Danny Silverman, and Luiz Antunes Filho—to hear how their teams are integrating AI into their daily workflows. Whether it’s optimizing product listings based on review insights, streamlining content creation, or letting AI manage ROAS targets, their stories reveal how AI is becoming a must-have tool in retail marketing. If you’re looking to get inspired and stay competitive, you’ll want to hit play on this one.


⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights


[1:20] - Simon Swan explains how “My Telescope” uses share of search data across platforms like Google, Amazon, and TikTok to optimize media strategies in real-time.

[3:07] - Elizabeth Rivas shares how AI is transforming customer review analysis and boosting conversion rates by up to 74%.

[5:40] - Danny Silverman breaks down his use of ChatGPT for content creation and SEO tools to boost organic performance.

[7:09] - Luiz Antunes Filho discusses AI-generated video content and campaign automation using tools like Pacvue inside Amazon’s PPC dashboard.

[8:14] - Luiz also highlights how setting target ROAS/CPA allows AI to fine-tune advertising results.


🔗 Links & Resources


Connect with today's guests

]]> In today's episode I dive into the real-world ways top retail brands are using AI—not just the flashy stuff you read about, but the practical tools that are truly moving the needle. From AI-driven share of search insights to tools that dissect customer reviews and even create product videos, these aren’t future ideas—they’re game-changing strategies already in play.


I spoke with four seasoned pros from the retail media space—Simon Swan, Elizabeth Rivas, Danny Silverman, and Luiz Antunes Filho—to hear how their teams are integrating AI into their daily workflows. Whether it’s optimizing product listings based on review insights, streamlining content creation, or letting AI manage ROAS targets, their stories reveal how AI is becoming a must-have tool in retail marketing. If you’re looking to get inspired and stay competitive, you’ll want to hit play on this one.


⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights


[1:20] - Simon Swan explains how “My Telescope” uses share of search data across platforms like Google, Amazon, and TikTok to optimize media strategies in real-time.

[3:07] - Elizabeth Rivas shares how AI is transforming customer review analysis and boosting conversion rates by up to 74%.

[5:40] - Danny Silverman breaks down his use of ChatGPT for content creation and SEO tools to boost organic performance.

[7:09] - Luiz Antunes Filho discusses AI-generated video content and campaign automation using tools like Pacvue inside Amazon’s PPC dashboard.

[8:14] - Luiz also highlights how setting target ROAS/CPA allows AI to fine-tune advertising results.


🔗 Links & Resources


Connect with today's guests

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 538 In today's episode I dive into the real-world ways top retail brands are using AI—not just the flashy stuff you read about, but the practical tools that are truly moving the needle. From AI-driven share of search insights to tools that dissect customer reviews and even create product videos, these aren’t future ideas—they’re game-changing strategies already in play.


I spoke with four seasoned pros from the retail media space—Simon Swan, Elizabeth Rivas, Danny Silverman, and Luiz Antunes Filho—to hear how their teams are integrating AI into their daily workflows. Whether it’s optimizing product listings based on review insights, streamlining content creation, or letting AI manage ROAS targets, their stories reveal how AI is becoming a must-have tool in retail marketing. If you’re looking to get inspired and stay competitive, you’ll want to hit play on this one.


⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights


[1:20] - Simon Swan explains how “My Telescope” uses share of search data across platforms like Google, Amazon, and TikTok to optimize media strategies in real-time.

[3:07] - Elizabeth Rivas shares how AI is transforming customer review analysis and boosting conversion rates by up to 74%.

[5:40] - Danny Silverman breaks down his use of ChatGPT for content creation and SEO tools to boost organic performance.

[7:09] - Luiz Antunes Filho discusses AI-generated video content and campaign automation using tools like Pacvue inside Amazon’s PPC dashboard.

[8:14] - Luiz also highlights how setting target ROAS/CPA allows AI to fine-tune advertising results.


🔗 Links & Resources


Connect with today's guests

]]> AI in retail media, detailpage.com, pacvue, my telescope, No Should We Really Care What Consumers Think About Retail Media Ads? Should We Really Care What Consumers Think About Retail Media Ads? full 5b2c4475-1407-492e-925c-d19d93b700e3 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ In this episode, I unpack some eye-opening contradictions in consumer behavior when it comes to retail media. Sure, surveys say a lot—67% of shoppers claim to notice retail ads, and many express preferences for personalization. But are those sentiments actually guiding their spending? Spoiler: not quite.


We explore why what people say often doesn’t match what they do, and why marketers need to be cautious about relying on sentiment alone. From shoppers getting annoyed by video ads they later find useful, to those wanting eco-friendly products they don’t end up buying, the data tells a more nuanced story. This is a candid dive into why performance metrics—not opinions—should be your North Star in retail media strategy.



⏱️ Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] 67% of shoppers say they notice retail media ads—what does that really mean?
  • [0:25] The big question: do consumer opinions about ads even matter?
  • [1:16] Shoppable video paradox—annoying, yet effective?
  • [2:01] Misunderstanding retail media: it’s more than just sponsored listings.
  • [3:00] Why offsite retail media is growing faster than onsite—and going unnoticed.
  • [4:00] Personalization contradictions: wanted but also feared.
  • [5:09] Marketers lean into performance, not perception, to guide budget decisions.
  • [6:48] Closed-loop measurement: retail media’s secret weapon.
  • [7:33] Why survey data can’t be your primary success metric.
  • [8:03] The eco-friendly brand paradox—what we say vs. what we buy.



🔗 Links & Resources


]]> In this episode, I unpack some eye-opening contradictions in consumer behavior when it comes to retail media. Sure, surveys say a lot—67% of shoppers claim to notice retail ads, and many express preferences for personalization. But are those sentiments actually guiding their spending? Spoiler: not quite.


We explore why what people say often doesn’t match what they do, and why marketers need to be cautious about relying on sentiment alone. From shoppers getting annoyed by video ads they later find useful, to those wanting eco-friendly products they don’t end up buying, the data tells a more nuanced story. This is a candid dive into why performance metrics—not opinions—should be your North Star in retail media strategy.



⏱️ Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] 67% of shoppers say they notice retail media ads—what does that really mean?
  • [0:25] The big question: do consumer opinions about ads even matter?
  • [1:16] Shoppable video paradox—annoying, yet effective?
  • [2:01] Misunderstanding retail media: it’s more than just sponsored listings.
  • [3:00] Why offsite retail media is growing faster than onsite—and going unnoticed.
  • [4:00] Personalization contradictions: wanted but also feared.
  • [5:09] Marketers lean into performance, not perception, to guide budget decisions.
  • [6:48] Closed-loop measurement: retail media’s secret weapon.
  • [7:33] Why survey data can’t be your primary success metric.
  • [8:03] The eco-friendly brand paradox—what we say vs. what we buy.



🔗 Links & Resources


]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 540 In this episode, I unpack some eye-opening contradictions in consumer behavior when it comes to retail media. Sure, surveys say a lot—67% of shoppers claim to notice retail ads, and many express preferences for personalization. But are those sentiments actually guiding their spending? Spoiler: not quite.


We explore why what people say often doesn’t match what they do, and why marketers need to be cautious about relying on sentiment alone. From shoppers getting annoyed by video ads they later find useful, to those wanting eco-friendly products they don’t end up buying, the data tells a more nuanced story. This is a candid dive into why performance metrics—not opinions—should be your North Star in retail media strategy.



⏱️ Timeline Summary

  • [0:00] 67% of shoppers say they notice retail media ads—what does that really mean?
  • [0:25] The big question: do consumer opinions about ads even matter?
  • [1:16] Shoppable video paradox—annoying, yet effective?
  • [2:01] Misunderstanding retail media: it’s more than just sponsored listings.
  • [3:00] Why offsite retail media is growing faster than onsite—and going unnoticed.
  • [4:00] Personalization contradictions: wanted but also feared.
  • [5:09] Marketers lean into performance, not perception, to guide budget decisions.
  • [6:48] Closed-loop measurement: retail media’s secret weapon.
  • [7:33] Why survey data can’t be your primary success metric.
  • [8:03] The eco-friendly brand paradox—what we say vs. what we buy.



🔗 Links & Resources


]]> retail media, capgemini, transunion, path to purchase institute, emarketer No How an RMN's tech stack impacts your advertising results How an RMN's tech stack impacts your advertising results full 459972ff-f280-4d21-a1cd-cfcd3c8a4cdb https://share.transistor.fm/s/a17eb200 In this episode, I dive deep into why the technology stack behind these networks isn’t just a backend concern—it’s the backbone of your campaign outcomes. From ad server speeds to reporting capabilities and everything in between, we’ll look at why brands and advertisers need to get curious (and even demanding) about the RMNs they partner with.


I’ll share how platforms like Amazon and Walmart dominate with vertically integrated stacks and what that means for the rest of the market. I also explore what retailers’ tech decisions mean for advertisers and offer some essential questions you should ask any RMN partner before signing on. If you’re trying to make smarter ad investments and maximize ROI in the evolving RMN space, this episode is for you.


Episode Highlights:


[0:27] - Key considerations when switching newsletter platforms and what they reveal about user and audience trade-offs

[1:07] - How RMNs have evolved from all-in-one solutions like Criteo to specialized, competitive ecosystems

[2:27] - Why advertisers now face a more complex but more customizable RMN landscape

[3:07] - A preview of 10 questions advertisers should ask RMN partners (see blog for full list!)

[4:01] - Why Amazon and Walmart’s seamless platforms are exceptions—and what to watch for with others

[5:00] - The real cost of slow ad servers and how it kills conversions

[6:00] - Workflow matters: why dashboards, APIs, and real-time data should be non-negotiables

[9:00] - Understanding inventory allocation: how it affects pricing and placement access


Links & Resources:


  • Read the full blog post with all 10 essential questions and my RMN ecosystem map
  • 💬 Mentioned: Alex Arnett from Dentsu Newstream Media
  • 💬 Mentioned: Melanie Babcock from Home Depot
]]> In this episode, I dive deep into why the technology stack behind these networks isn’t just a backend concern—it’s the backbone of your campaign outcomes. From ad server speeds to reporting capabilities and everything in between, we’ll look at why brands and advertisers need to get curious (and even demanding) about the RMNs they partner with.


I’ll share how platforms like Amazon and Walmart dominate with vertically integrated stacks and what that means for the rest of the market. I also explore what retailers’ tech decisions mean for advertisers and offer some essential questions you should ask any RMN partner before signing on. If you’re trying to make smarter ad investments and maximize ROI in the evolving RMN space, this episode is for you.


Episode Highlights:


[0:27] - Key considerations when switching newsletter platforms and what they reveal about user and audience trade-offs

[1:07] - How RMNs have evolved from all-in-one solutions like Criteo to specialized, competitive ecosystems

[2:27] - Why advertisers now face a more complex but more customizable RMN landscape

[3:07] - A preview of 10 questions advertisers should ask RMN partners (see blog for full list!)

[4:01] - Why Amazon and Walmart’s seamless platforms are exceptions—and what to watch for with others

[5:00] - The real cost of slow ad servers and how it kills conversions

[6:00] - Workflow matters: why dashboards, APIs, and real-time data should be non-negotiables

[9:00] - Understanding inventory allocation: how it affects pricing and placement access


Links & Resources:


  • Read the full blog post with all 10 essential questions and my RMN ecosystem map
  • 💬 Mentioned: Alex Arnett from Dentsu Newstream Media
  • 💬 Mentioned: Melanie Babcock from Home Depot
]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 622 In this episode, I dive deep into why the technology stack behind these networks isn’t just a backend concern—it’s the backbone of your campaign outcomes. From ad server speeds to reporting capabilities and everything in between, we’ll look at why brands and advertisers need to get curious (and even demanding) about the RMNs they partner with.


I’ll share how platforms like Amazon and Walmart dominate with vertically integrated stacks and what that means for the rest of the market. I also explore what retailers’ tech decisions mean for advertisers and offer some essential questions you should ask any RMN partner before signing on. If you’re trying to make smarter ad investments and maximize ROI in the evolving RMN space, this episode is for you.


Episode Highlights:


[0:27] - Key considerations when switching newsletter platforms and what they reveal about user and audience trade-offs

[1:07] - How RMNs have evolved from all-in-one solutions like Criteo to specialized, competitive ecosystems

[2:27] - Why advertisers now face a more complex but more customizable RMN landscape

[3:07] - A preview of 10 questions advertisers should ask RMN partners (see blog for full list!)

[4:01] - Why Amazon and Walmart’s seamless platforms are exceptions—and what to watch for with others

[5:00] - The real cost of slow ad servers and how it kills conversions

[6:00] - Workflow matters: why dashboards, APIs, and real-time data should be non-negotiables

[9:00] - Understanding inventory allocation: how it affects pricing and placement access


Links & Resources:


  • Read the full blog post with all 10 essential questions and my RMN ecosystem map
  • 💬 Mentioned: Alex Arnett from Dentsu Newstream Media
  • 💬 Mentioned: Melanie Babcock from Home Depot
]]> retail media, retail media tech, DSP, SSP, Ad server No Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion By 2029 Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion By 2029 full 373dfb11-7dcc-4f0d-9bf2-2400d367eae6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/05/31/why-ai-search-advertising-could-reach-25-billion-by-2029/ EMARKETER's bold projection—AI-powered search ads surging from $1B to over $25B by 2029—isn’t just hype. From structured product feeds in LLMs to Shopify’s latest catalog API, the foundations of conversational commerce are already reshaping the retail media landscape.


I unpack the key infrastructure shifts, consumer behavior trends, and strategic moves by giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Shopify. Plus, I dive into why attribution is about to get messier—and what that means for brands navigating AI search advertising. If you’re in media buying, eCommerce, or just curious about where digital ads are headed, this one’s for you.


Timeline Summary:

[0:26] - How live product feeds are being wired into AI systems

[1:09] - Shopify’s new catalog API and what it means for real-time shopping

[2:03] - The growth path from $1B to $25B in AI search ad spend

[3:01] - Adobe survey insights on how consumers are already using AI for shopping

[4:00] - Why Shopify metadata now acts as performance media

[5:00] - The different AI retail strategies: Walmart, Amazon, Shopify

[6:10] - The attribution headache: When chat starts the journey and merchant wallets close it

[8:00] - What brands need to do now to get ready for AI-driven search advertising

Links & further reading

]]> EMARKETER's bold projection—AI-powered search ads surging from $1B to over $25B by 2029—isn’t just hype. From structured product feeds in LLMs to Shopify’s latest catalog API, the foundations of conversational commerce are already reshaping the retail media landscape.


I unpack the key infrastructure shifts, consumer behavior trends, and strategic moves by giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Shopify. Plus, I dive into why attribution is about to get messier—and what that means for brands navigating AI search advertising. If you’re in media buying, eCommerce, or just curious about where digital ads are headed, this one’s for you.


Timeline Summary:

[0:26] - How live product feeds are being wired into AI systems

[1:09] - Shopify’s new catalog API and what it means for real-time shopping

[2:03] - The growth path from $1B to $25B in AI search ad spend

[3:01] - Adobe survey insights on how consumers are already using AI for shopping

[4:00] - Why Shopify metadata now acts as performance media

[5:00] - The different AI retail strategies: Walmart, Amazon, Shopify

[6:10] - The attribution headache: When chat starts the journey and merchant wallets close it

[8:00] - What brands need to do now to get ready for AI-driven search advertising

Links & further reading

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 569 EMARKETER's bold projection—AI-powered search ads surging from $1B to over $25B by 2029—isn’t just hype. From structured product feeds in LLMs to Shopify’s latest catalog API, the foundations of conversational commerce are already reshaping the retail media landscape.


I unpack the key infrastructure shifts, consumer behavior trends, and strategic moves by giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Shopify. Plus, I dive into why attribution is about to get messier—and what that means for brands navigating AI search advertising. If you’re in media buying, eCommerce, or just curious about where digital ads are headed, this one’s for you.


Timeline Summary:

[0:26] - How live product feeds are being wired into AI systems

[1:09] - Shopify’s new catalog API and what it means for real-time shopping

[2:03] - The growth path from $1B to $25B in AI search ad spend

[3:01] - Adobe survey insights on how consumers are already using AI for shopping

[4:00] - Why Shopify metadata now acts as performance media

[5:00] - The different AI retail strategies: Walmart, Amazon, Shopify

[6:10] - The attribution headache: When chat starts the journey and merchant wallets close it

[8:00] - What brands need to do now to get ready for AI-driven search advertising

Links & further reading

]]> emarketer, ai search ads, retail media, retailgentic No How These 4 Retail Media Leaders Make Conference Season Count How These 4 Retail Media Leaders Make Conference Season Count full 06c4e20a-95ac-4869-8816-e60be95dd6bd https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-these-4-retail-media-leaders-make-conference-season-count/ Conference season is here, and with it comes the ever-present question from leadership: “Why should we approve this expense?” In today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I tackle that head-on with advice and stories straight from the front lines of retail media. Whether you’re booking your first trip to Cannes or opening your first conference app, you’ll find actionable tips to make every handshake, session, and badge count.


You’ll hear from seasoned pros like Brian Dudzunski (ex KIND snacks), Bree Keening (Wilton), Louis Antunes Filho (Organika), and Danny Silverman (Silverstream Consulting) as they share their strategies for maximizing ROI, creating intentional networking goals, and discovering emerging tech before your competitors do. Let’s dive into how you can turn these hectic days into high-value wins.


Episode Highlights:

  • [0:39] - What to expect from Cannes and how to navigate your first conference with confidence.
  • [1:06] - Why bringing cross-functional partners to conferences can supercharge buy-in.
  • [2:19] - How one strategic list helped spark a lasting industry connection.
  • [3:39] - Lessons from the Prosper Show: spotting innovation and preparing for budget season.
  • [5:23] - Three essential tips for trade show success from scheduling to walking the expo floor.
  • [6:02] - Why conference floors are the best place to catch up with industry trends—and old friends.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
If you're heading to Cannes, sign up for the "celebrity death match: retail media edition" event, with me, Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipsman!


]]> Conference season is here, and with it comes the ever-present question from leadership: “Why should we approve this expense?” In today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I tackle that head-on with advice and stories straight from the front lines of retail media. Whether you’re booking your first trip to Cannes or opening your first conference app, you’ll find actionable tips to make every handshake, session, and badge count.


You’ll hear from seasoned pros like Brian Dudzunski (ex KIND snacks), Bree Keening (Wilton), Louis Antunes Filho (Organika), and Danny Silverman (Silverstream Consulting) as they share their strategies for maximizing ROI, creating intentional networking goals, and discovering emerging tech before your competitors do. Let’s dive into how you can turn these hectic days into high-value wins.


Episode Highlights:

  • [0:39] - What to expect from Cannes and how to navigate your first conference with confidence.
  • [1:06] - Why bringing cross-functional partners to conferences can supercharge buy-in.
  • [2:19] - How one strategic list helped spark a lasting industry connection.
  • [3:39] - Lessons from the Prosper Show: spotting innovation and preparing for budget season.
  • [5:23] - Three essential tips for trade show success from scheduling to walking the expo floor.
  • [6:02] - Why conference floors are the best place to catch up with industry trends—and old friends.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
If you're heading to Cannes, sign up for the "celebrity death match: retail media edition" event, with me, Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipsman!


]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 382 Conference season is here, and with it comes the ever-present question from leadership: “Why should we approve this expense?” In today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I tackle that head-on with advice and stories straight from the front lines of retail media. Whether you’re booking your first trip to Cannes or opening your first conference app, you’ll find actionable tips to make every handshake, session, and badge count.


You’ll hear from seasoned pros like Brian Dudzunski (ex KIND snacks), Bree Keening (Wilton), Louis Antunes Filho (Organika), and Danny Silverman (Silverstream Consulting) as they share their strategies for maximizing ROI, creating intentional networking goals, and discovering emerging tech before your competitors do. Let’s dive into how you can turn these hectic days into high-value wins.


Episode Highlights:

  • [0:39] - What to expect from Cannes and how to navigate your first conference with confidence.
  • [1:06] - Why bringing cross-functional partners to conferences can supercharge buy-in.
  • [2:19] - How one strategic list helped spark a lasting industry connection.
  • [3:39] - Lessons from the Prosper Show: spotting innovation and preparing for budget season.
  • [5:23] - Three essential tips for trade show success from scheduling to walking the expo floor.
  • [6:02] - Why conference floors are the best place to catch up with industry trends—and old friends.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
If you're heading to Cannes, sign up for the "celebrity death match: retail media edition" event, with me, Colin Lewis and Andrew Lipsman!


]]> conferences, retail media, shoptalk, amazon unboxed, cannes festival of creativity No Mary Meeker Is So Back: My Notes From Her 340-Page AI Futurecast Mary Meeker Is So Back: My Notes From Her 340-Page AI Futurecast full 1b889bcf-8250-420e-8b7a-4fc1e0b37e0e https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/mary-meeker-is-so-back-my-takeaways-fromfor-retailers-brands-agencies/ This episode, I dive into Mary Meeker’s long-awaited return to the tech trend spotlight with her massive 340-page AI report. If you’ve followed her legendary internet trend decks over the years, you know she doesn’t pull punches. Her newest insights confirm what many of us have sensed: AI is not just another tech wave—it’s the defining shift of our era. But what does that mean for those of us in retail, brand marketing, or the agency world?


In this episode, I share the key highlights from Meeker’s report that matter most to our world. From the evolution of clumsy chatbots into advanced AI agents to the reimagining of global logistics and the workforce itself, I unpack the practical implications you need to know. Whether you’re skeptical, overwhelmed, or already on board with AI, this is your cheat sheet for staying ahead.


Episode Timeline Highlights


[0:28] - First impressions of the 340-page AI report: no surprises, but plenty of validation.

[1:36] - The end of basic chatbots and the rise of AI agents—what this means for retailers.

[2:38] - The need for integration with AI agent ecosystems like Google’s Agent-to-Agent and MCP.

[4:02] - Global AI adoption has shattered speed records—how this shapes consumer expectations.

[5:00] - AI is remaking marketing: 75% of CMOs are already experimenting with generative tools.

[5:57] - AI revolutionizing supply chains: from autonomous trucks to dynamic inventory systems.

[6:41] - The new AI-centric workforce: senior leaders managing fleets of agents, not people.

[7:29] - The 32% still offline are coming online—with AI, not browsers. Global markets are changing fast.

[9:18] - A final quote that hits home: you don’t have to predict the AI winners—just don’t be the laggard.


Links & Resources

Mary Meeker's 340 page annual trends report: 'Artificial Intelligence'
Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion by 2029 – Forbes article
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> This episode, I dive into Mary Meeker’s long-awaited return to the tech trend spotlight with her massive 340-page AI report. If you’ve followed her legendary internet trend decks over the years, you know she doesn’t pull punches. Her newest insights confirm what many of us have sensed: AI is not just another tech wave—it’s the defining shift of our era. But what does that mean for those of us in retail, brand marketing, or the agency world?


In this episode, I share the key highlights from Meeker’s report that matter most to our world. From the evolution of clumsy chatbots into advanced AI agents to the reimagining of global logistics and the workforce itself, I unpack the practical implications you need to know. Whether you’re skeptical, overwhelmed, or already on board with AI, this is your cheat sheet for staying ahead.


Episode Timeline Highlights


[0:28] - First impressions of the 340-page AI report: no surprises, but plenty of validation.

[1:36] - The end of basic chatbots and the rise of AI agents—what this means for retailers.

[2:38] - The need for integration with AI agent ecosystems like Google’s Agent-to-Agent and MCP.

[4:02] - Global AI adoption has shattered speed records—how this shapes consumer expectations.

[5:00] - AI is remaking marketing: 75% of CMOs are already experimenting with generative tools.

[5:57] - AI revolutionizing supply chains: from autonomous trucks to dynamic inventory systems.

[6:41] - The new AI-centric workforce: senior leaders managing fleets of agents, not people.

[7:29] - The 32% still offline are coming online—with AI, not browsers. Global markets are changing fast.

[9:18] - A final quote that hits home: you don’t have to predict the AI winners—just don’t be the laggard.


Links & Resources

Mary Meeker's 340 page annual trends report: 'Artificial Intelligence'
Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion by 2029 – Forbes article
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:41:11 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 636 This episode, I dive into Mary Meeker’s long-awaited return to the tech trend spotlight with her massive 340-page AI report. If you’ve followed her legendary internet trend decks over the years, you know she doesn’t pull punches. Her newest insights confirm what many of us have sensed: AI is not just another tech wave—it’s the defining shift of our era. But what does that mean for those of us in retail, brand marketing, or the agency world?


In this episode, I share the key highlights from Meeker’s report that matter most to our world. From the evolution of clumsy chatbots into advanced AI agents to the reimagining of global logistics and the workforce itself, I unpack the practical implications you need to know. Whether you’re skeptical, overwhelmed, or already on board with AI, this is your cheat sheet for staying ahead.


Episode Timeline Highlights


[0:28] - First impressions of the 340-page AI report: no surprises, but plenty of validation.

[1:36] - The end of basic chatbots and the rise of AI agents—what this means for retailers.

[2:38] - The need for integration with AI agent ecosystems like Google’s Agent-to-Agent and MCP.

[4:02] - Global AI adoption has shattered speed records—how this shapes consumer expectations.

[5:00] - AI is remaking marketing: 75% of CMOs are already experimenting with generative tools.

[5:57] - AI revolutionizing supply chains: from autonomous trucks to dynamic inventory systems.

[6:41] - The new AI-centric workforce: senior leaders managing fleets of agents, not people.

[7:29] - The 32% still offline are coming online—with AI, not browsers. Global markets are changing fast.

[9:18] - A final quote that hits home: you don’t have to predict the AI winners—just don’t be the laggard.


Links & Resources

Mary Meeker's 340 page annual trends report: 'Artificial Intelligence'
Why AI Search Advertising Could Reach $25 Billion by 2029 – Forbes article
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Mary Meeker, retail media, AI, ai agents, ecommerce, No Meta Says ‘Just Trust Us’ With AI Ads, Will Amazon Follow Suit? Meta Says ‘Just Trust Us’ With AI Ads, Will Amazon Follow Suit? full f62664c7-5239-467b-b628-a88e2e2adce8 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/meta-says-just-trust-us-with-ai-ads-will-amazon-follow-suit/ In this episode, I dive deep into the future of advertising and tackle a burning question in the world of retail media: Will Amazon follow Meta’s path into fully autonomous, AI-driven “black box” advertising? With Meta and Google making bold moves toward automation that minimizes advertiser control, I unpack how Amazon is responding—and whether it’s headed down the same road.


We explore what Mark Zuckerberg’s “no creative, no targeting, no measurement” vision really means, how Google’s Performance Max campaigns are evolving, and what makes Amazon’s approach stand out. You’ll hear insights from industry experts and consultants who weigh in on whether Amazon’s transparency and control will hold up in an AI-dominated future. Whether you’re a brand leader, agency strategist, or retail media nerd, this one’s for you.



🔍 Episode Highlights


[1:00] - Mark Zuckerberg’s radical vision for the future of advertising

[2:00] - How Google’s Performance Max campaigns reflect early “black box” adoption

[3:13] - Is Amazon going to follow Meta and Google’s lead?

[4:08] - How Amazon’s GenAI tools are shaping a “copilot” model, not a “closed cockpit”

[5:37] - The unique challenges Amazon faces with data restrictions and product-based ad creatives

[7:24] - Why auto campaigns for Amazon Search could signal a shift toward greater automation

[8:33] - Why trust, transparency, and independent measurement are key differentiators for Amazon

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> In this episode, I dive deep into the future of advertising and tackle a burning question in the world of retail media: Will Amazon follow Meta’s path into fully autonomous, AI-driven “black box” advertising? With Meta and Google making bold moves toward automation that minimizes advertiser control, I unpack how Amazon is responding—and whether it’s headed down the same road.


We explore what Mark Zuckerberg’s “no creative, no targeting, no measurement” vision really means, how Google’s Performance Max campaigns are evolving, and what makes Amazon’s approach stand out. You’ll hear insights from industry experts and consultants who weigh in on whether Amazon’s transparency and control will hold up in an AI-dominated future. Whether you’re a brand leader, agency strategist, or retail media nerd, this one’s for you.



🔍 Episode Highlights


[1:00] - Mark Zuckerberg’s radical vision for the future of advertising

[2:00] - How Google’s Performance Max campaigns reflect early “black box” adoption

[3:13] - Is Amazon going to follow Meta and Google’s lead?

[4:08] - How Amazon’s GenAI tools are shaping a “copilot” model, not a “closed cockpit”

[5:37] - The unique challenges Amazon faces with data restrictions and product-based ad creatives

[7:24] - Why auto campaigns for Amazon Search could signal a shift toward greater automation

[8:33] - Why trust, transparency, and independent measurement are key differentiators for Amazon

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 593 In this episode, I dive deep into the future of advertising and tackle a burning question in the world of retail media: Will Amazon follow Meta’s path into fully autonomous, AI-driven “black box” advertising? With Meta and Google making bold moves toward automation that minimizes advertiser control, I unpack how Amazon is responding—and whether it’s headed down the same road.


We explore what Mark Zuckerberg’s “no creative, no targeting, no measurement” vision really means, how Google’s Performance Max campaigns are evolving, and what makes Amazon’s approach stand out. You’ll hear insights from industry experts and consultants who weigh in on whether Amazon’s transparency and control will hold up in an AI-dominated future. Whether you’re a brand leader, agency strategist, or retail media nerd, this one’s for you.



🔍 Episode Highlights


[1:00] - Mark Zuckerberg’s radical vision for the future of advertising

[2:00] - How Google’s Performance Max campaigns reflect early “black box” adoption

[3:13] - Is Amazon going to follow Meta and Google’s lead?

[4:08] - How Amazon’s GenAI tools are shaping a “copilot” model, not a “closed cockpit”

[5:37] - The unique challenges Amazon faces with data restrictions and product-based ad creatives

[7:24] - Why auto campaigns for Amazon Search could signal a shift toward greater automation

[8:33] - Why trust, transparency, and independent measurement are key differentiators for Amazon

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> retail media, amazon ads, zuckerberg No Where Does The Ecomm Team Really Belong? 3 Brand-Side Leaders Share Their Org Charts Where Does The Ecomm Team Really Belong? 3 Brand-Side Leaders Share Their Org Charts full 626e92a3-4c38-4fe0-95cd-8fcd0bbc9842 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/where-does-the-e-commerce-team-really-belong-3-brand-side-leaders-share-their-org-charts/ n today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m digging into a question that gets a lot of e-commerce pros fired up: where should your eComm team sit within the org chart? Sales? Marketing? Somewhere in between? I’ve brought in three powerhouse brand-side leaders to share how their companies are structured—and why.


From owning the P&L to forming tightly aligned omni teams, we explore different org setups that can either fuel success or slow you down. You’ll hear how Premier Nutrition, Wilton, and Organica Health Products each approach the placement and management of their Amazon and retail media teams. It’s a short but rich dive into strategy, accountability, and cross-functional alignment that might just inspire your next re-org.


Timeline Summary:


[0:00] - Kicking off with the big question: where should eComm live in your org?


[0:27] - Preview of insights from three brand leaders on structuring eComm teams.


[1:34] - Alicia Ponziani of Premier Nutrition shares how her Amazon and Omni teams are split—and why shopper marketing now reports into Omni.


[2:56] - Brea Keating of Wilton explains why controlling the full P&L is essential for profitability and avoiding interdepartmental tension.


[4:08] - Louise Antunes from Organika Health Products discusses why being housed under sales works best for their Amazon operations.


[5:00] - Wrapping up with a reminder to subscribe for your daily 10-minute dose of retail media insight.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> n today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m digging into a question that gets a lot of e-commerce pros fired up: where should your eComm team sit within the org chart? Sales? Marketing? Somewhere in between? I’ve brought in three powerhouse brand-side leaders to share how their companies are structured—and why.


From owning the P&L to forming tightly aligned omni teams, we explore different org setups that can either fuel success or slow you down. You’ll hear how Premier Nutrition, Wilton, and Organica Health Products each approach the placement and management of their Amazon and retail media teams. It’s a short but rich dive into strategy, accountability, and cross-functional alignment that might just inspire your next re-org.


Timeline Summary:


[0:00] - Kicking off with the big question: where should eComm live in your org?


[0:27] - Preview of insights from three brand leaders on structuring eComm teams.


[1:34] - Alicia Ponziani of Premier Nutrition shares how her Amazon and Omni teams are split—and why shopper marketing now reports into Omni.


[2:56] - Brea Keating of Wilton explains why controlling the full P&L is essential for profitability and avoiding interdepartmental tension.


[4:08] - Louise Antunes from Organika Health Products discusses why being housed under sales works best for their Amazon operations.


[5:00] - Wrapping up with a reminder to subscribe for your daily 10-minute dose of retail media insight.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 03:31:41 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 304 n today’s episode of the Retail Media Breakfast Club, I’m digging into a question that gets a lot of e-commerce pros fired up: where should your eComm team sit within the org chart? Sales? Marketing? Somewhere in between? I’ve brought in three powerhouse brand-side leaders to share how their companies are structured—and why.


From owning the P&L to forming tightly aligned omni teams, we explore different org setups that can either fuel success or slow you down. You’ll hear how Premier Nutrition, Wilton, and Organica Health Products each approach the placement and management of their Amazon and retail media teams. It’s a short but rich dive into strategy, accountability, and cross-functional alignment that might just inspire your next re-org.


Timeline Summary:


[0:00] - Kicking off with the big question: where should eComm live in your org?


[0:27] - Preview of insights from three brand leaders on structuring eComm teams.


[1:34] - Alicia Ponziani of Premier Nutrition shares how her Amazon and Omni teams are split—and why shopper marketing now reports into Omni.


[2:56] - Brea Keating of Wilton explains why controlling the full P&L is essential for profitability and avoiding interdepartmental tension.


[4:08] - Louise Antunes from Organika Health Products discusses why being housed under sales works best for their Amazon operations.


[5:00] - Wrapping up with a reminder to subscribe for your daily 10-minute dose of retail media insight.

🔗 Links

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> retail media, ecommerce, ecomm, org chart No Is Retail Media Actually Kinda 'Mid'? PART 2 Is Retail Media Actually Kinda 'Mid'? PART 2 full 9f223d0f-7953-4862-ab46-eaf226f5d098 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/is-retail-media-actually-kinda-mid-part-2/ In this follow-up episode, I dive back into the great retail media debate stirred up by Jason Goldberg’s recent commentary on the Jason & Scott Show. His take? That retail media, outside of Amazon, isn’t exactly thrilling. But after three weeks of reflecting, engaging with community feedback, and digging into new data, I’ve come back ready to challenge that notion and show why retail media is evolving far beyond its Amazonian roots.


I break down three key lenses—efficiency over wallet share, the changing advertising mix, and the rise of offsite media—that paint a much more dynamic picture of where the industry is headed. Whether you’re a marketer, retailer, or just trying to keep your finger on the pulse of digital media trends, this episode is packed with insights that’ll reshape how you think about the retail media landscape.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Revisiting Jason Goldberg’s “retail media is mid” take

[1:12] - Introducing three new lenses to examine retail media’s potential

[1:33] - Lens 1: Efficiency is beating share of wallet in media performance

[3:07] - Surprising ROI insights from Keen Decision Systems’ data

[4:00] - Lens 2: The ad format and inventory game is broadening

[5:00] - How Best Buy’s brand carousels are changing the playing field

[6:20] - The advertiser base is shifting: more torso and tail players

[7:00] - Lens 3: Offsite media is retail’s next frontier

[8:10] - Amazon’s offsite dominance is slipping—here’s why that matters

[9:35] - What this evolution means for the future of retail media


Links & Resources

]]> In this follow-up episode, I dive back into the great retail media debate stirred up by Jason Goldberg’s recent commentary on the Jason & Scott Show. His take? That retail media, outside of Amazon, isn’t exactly thrilling. But after three weeks of reflecting, engaging with community feedback, and digging into new data, I’ve come back ready to challenge that notion and show why retail media is evolving far beyond its Amazonian roots.


I break down three key lenses—efficiency over wallet share, the changing advertising mix, and the rise of offsite media—that paint a much more dynamic picture of where the industry is headed. Whether you’re a marketer, retailer, or just trying to keep your finger on the pulse of digital media trends, this episode is packed with insights that’ll reshape how you think about the retail media landscape.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Revisiting Jason Goldberg’s “retail media is mid” take

[1:12] - Introducing three new lenses to examine retail media’s potential

[1:33] - Lens 1: Efficiency is beating share of wallet in media performance

[3:07] - Surprising ROI insights from Keen Decision Systems’ data

[4:00] - Lens 2: The ad format and inventory game is broadening

[5:00] - How Best Buy’s brand carousels are changing the playing field

[6:20] - The advertiser base is shifting: more torso and tail players

[7:00] - Lens 3: Offsite media is retail’s next frontier

[8:10] - Amazon’s offsite dominance is slipping—here’s why that matters

[9:35] - What this evolution means for the future of retail media


Links & Resources

]]> Thu, 29 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 642 In this follow-up episode, I dive back into the great retail media debate stirred up by Jason Goldberg’s recent commentary on the Jason & Scott Show. His take? That retail media, outside of Amazon, isn’t exactly thrilling. But after three weeks of reflecting, engaging with community feedback, and digging into new data, I’ve come back ready to challenge that notion and show why retail media is evolving far beyond its Amazonian roots.


I break down three key lenses—efficiency over wallet share, the changing advertising mix, and the rise of offsite media—that paint a much more dynamic picture of where the industry is headed. Whether you’re a marketer, retailer, or just trying to keep your finger on the pulse of digital media trends, this episode is packed with insights that’ll reshape how you think about the retail media landscape.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Revisiting Jason Goldberg’s “retail media is mid” take

[1:12] - Introducing three new lenses to examine retail media’s potential

[1:33] - Lens 1: Efficiency is beating share of wallet in media performance

[3:07] - Surprising ROI insights from Keen Decision Systems’ data

[4:00] - Lens 2: The ad format and inventory game is broadening

[5:00] - How Best Buy’s brand carousels are changing the playing field

[6:20] - The advertiser base is shifting: more torso and tail players

[7:00] - Lens 3: Offsite media is retail’s next frontier

[8:10] - Amazon’s offsite dominance is slipping—here’s why that matters

[9:35] - What this evolution means for the future of retail media


Links & Resources

]]> retail media, pentaleap, keen decision systems, emarketer, jason goldberg No Walmart's Sparky AI Shopping Assistant: My Hot Take Walmart's Sparky AI Shopping Assistant: My Hot Take full 13a9f87e-eb29-401f-a95b-d3ccebc47eab https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff9b5d7d This morning, I dove into Walmart’s new AI shopping assistant, Sparky. As a late entrant into the AI assistant race, Walmart may actually be playing a smarter long game than it seems. In this episode, I share my hands-on experience with Sparky, highlight what’s working (and what’s not), and explore the broader implications for brands and retailers navigating an AI-driven future.


We’ll explore Sparky’s unique conversational style, the role of transparency in building trust with shoppers, and the broader implications of Walmart’s AI ambitions. If you’re in the retail or brand space, you won’t want to miss what this means for discoverability in the age of AI-curated shopping experiences.


Episode Timeline:

[1:00] - My hands-on experience with Sparky and its current app limitations

[2:13] - Key usability issues: inaccurate pricing, irrelevant results, and inconsistent fulfillment info

[3:00] - Where Sparky shines: natural language queries and conversation memory

[4:00] - Trust factor: Sparky’s approach to citing sources and where it falls short

[6:00] - Walmart’s secret weapon: integrating Sparky with its unmatched data and service ecosystem

[7:32] - The future of AI in retail: from site assistants to personal AI agents

[8:00] - Why brands must optimize for AI to stay visible in the shrinking “top picks” economy

[9:45] - Closing thoughts on the trust gap and Sparky’s chance to lead with transparency


Links & Resources:

]]> This morning, I dove into Walmart’s new AI shopping assistant, Sparky. As a late entrant into the AI assistant race, Walmart may actually be playing a smarter long game than it seems. In this episode, I share my hands-on experience with Sparky, highlight what’s working (and what’s not), and explore the broader implications for brands and retailers navigating an AI-driven future.


We’ll explore Sparky’s unique conversational style, the role of transparency in building trust with shoppers, and the broader implications of Walmart’s AI ambitions. If you’re in the retail or brand space, you won’t want to miss what this means for discoverability in the age of AI-curated shopping experiences.


Episode Timeline:

[1:00] - My hands-on experience with Sparky and its current app limitations

[2:13] - Key usability issues: inaccurate pricing, irrelevant results, and inconsistent fulfillment info

[3:00] - Where Sparky shines: natural language queries and conversation memory

[4:00] - Trust factor: Sparky’s approach to citing sources and where it falls short

[6:00] - Walmart’s secret weapon: integrating Sparky with its unmatched data and service ecosystem

[7:32] - The future of AI in retail: from site assistants to personal AI agents

[8:00] - Why brands must optimize for AI to stay visible in the shrinking “top picks” economy

[9:45] - Closing thoughts on the trust gap and Sparky’s chance to lead with transparency


Links & Resources:

]]> Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 606 This morning, I dove into Walmart’s new AI shopping assistant, Sparky. As a late entrant into the AI assistant race, Walmart may actually be playing a smarter long game than it seems. In this episode, I share my hands-on experience with Sparky, highlight what’s working (and what’s not), and explore the broader implications for brands and retailers navigating an AI-driven future.


We’ll explore Sparky’s unique conversational style, the role of transparency in building trust with shoppers, and the broader implications of Walmart’s AI ambitions. If you’re in the retail or brand space, you won’t want to miss what this means for discoverability in the age of AI-curated shopping experiences.


Episode Timeline:

[1:00] - My hands-on experience with Sparky and its current app limitations

[2:13] - Key usability issues: inaccurate pricing, irrelevant results, and inconsistent fulfillment info

[3:00] - Where Sparky shines: natural language queries and conversation memory

[4:00] - Trust factor: Sparky’s approach to citing sources and where it falls short

[6:00] - Walmart’s secret weapon: integrating Sparky with its unmatched data and service ecosystem

[7:32] - The future of AI in retail: from site assistants to personal AI agents

[8:00] - Why brands must optimize for AI to stay visible in the shrinking “top picks” economy

[9:45] - Closing thoughts on the trust gap and Sparky’s chance to lead with transparency


Links & Resources:

]]> Walmart Sparky, Retailer AI assistant, Walmart No AI in real life: how retailers and brands are leveraging AI (real numbers) AI in real life: how retailers and brands are leveraging AI (real numbers) full 41f18791-a4dd-43a1-90c2-617fa28010d1 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/ai-in-real-life-how-retailers-and-brands-are-leveraging-ai-with-real-numbers/ Today, I’m kicking off something a little different—our first-ever AI case study spotlight! We often get caught up in the hype of what AI could do, but this episode is all about what AI has done. I’m sharing four real-world AI use cases from retailers and brands, breaking down how each initiative led to measurable impact. From spiking conversion rates to slashing production cycles and legal costs, these stories offer more than just inspiration—they show what’s possible.


Tune in to hear how AlgaCal, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson are applying AI to solve practical problems—and the results they’re getting. Plus, I’ve got a surprising story involving a $92,000 legal shortcut and a bonus tool that’ll help you assess your job’s resilience to AI. If you like this format, let me know, and I might just make it a regular thing!


Timeline Summary

[1:05] - How AlgaeCal used AI to analyze Amazon product reviews and improve conversion rates by up to 74%

[2:29] - Walmart’s AI-powered “Trend to Product” tool cuts fashion production time by 70%

[4:00] - How entrepreneur Andrew Wilkinson saved $92,000 using Claude to draft a legal contract

[5:27] - Johnson & Johnson narrows 900 AI projects to the most valuable few, maximizing ROI

[7:15] - Bonus: AI Job Resilience Self-Assessment from Danny Silverman—what it revealed for me



🔗 Links

]]> Today, I’m kicking off something a little different—our first-ever AI case study spotlight! We often get caught up in the hype of what AI could do, but this episode is all about what AI has done. I’m sharing four real-world AI use cases from retailers and brands, breaking down how each initiative led to measurable impact. From spiking conversion rates to slashing production cycles and legal costs, these stories offer more than just inspiration—they show what’s possible.


Tune in to hear how AlgaCal, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson are applying AI to solve practical problems—and the results they’re getting. Plus, I’ve got a surprising story involving a $92,000 legal shortcut and a bonus tool that’ll help you assess your job’s resilience to AI. If you like this format, let me know, and I might just make it a regular thing!


Timeline Summary

[1:05] - How AlgaeCal used AI to analyze Amazon product reviews and improve conversion rates by up to 74%

[2:29] - Walmart’s AI-powered “Trend to Product” tool cuts fashion production time by 70%

[4:00] - How entrepreneur Andrew Wilkinson saved $92,000 using Claude to draft a legal contract

[5:27] - Johnson & Johnson narrows 900 AI projects to the most valuable few, maximizing ROI

[7:15] - Bonus: AI Job Resilience Self-Assessment from Danny Silverman—what it revealed for me



🔗 Links

]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 501 Today, I’m kicking off something a little different—our first-ever AI case study spotlight! We often get caught up in the hype of what AI could do, but this episode is all about what AI has done. I’m sharing four real-world AI use cases from retailers and brands, breaking down how each initiative led to measurable impact. From spiking conversion rates to slashing production cycles and legal costs, these stories offer more than just inspiration—they show what’s possible.


Tune in to hear how AlgaCal, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson are applying AI to solve practical problems—and the results they’re getting. Plus, I’ve got a surprising story involving a $92,000 legal shortcut and a bonus tool that’ll help you assess your job’s resilience to AI. If you like this format, let me know, and I might just make it a regular thing!


Timeline Summary

[1:05] - How AlgaeCal used AI to analyze Amazon product reviews and improve conversion rates by up to 74%

[2:29] - Walmart’s AI-powered “Trend to Product” tool cuts fashion production time by 70%

[4:00] - How entrepreneur Andrew Wilkinson saved $92,000 using Claude to draft a legal contract

[5:27] - Johnson & Johnson narrows 900 AI projects to the most valuable few, maximizing ROI

[7:15] - Bonus: AI Job Resilience Self-Assessment from Danny Silverman—what it revealed for me



🔗 Links

]]> retail media, ai, ecommerce, No Career Sliding Doors: The Pivotal Moments That Changed These 4 Ecomm Leaders' Careers Career Sliding Doors: The Pivotal Moments That Changed These 4 Ecomm Leaders' Careers full cb366e37-e899-4f0b-bd16-7c1e33066479 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/career-sliding-doors-the-pivotal-moments-that-changed-these-4-ecomm-leaders-careers/ In today’s episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics—those unexpected career-defining moments that shape everything. I’m talking about the “sliding doors” decisions that, in hindsight, changed the trajectory of some of the most impressive retail media leaders I know. You’ll hear real, raw stories from brand-side professionals who took chances, followed curiosities, or simply annoyed the right person at the right time—and it paid off.


From mentorship programs that reshaped mindsets to the grind of early Amazon days, and serendipitous job ads in local papers, this episode is packed with career pivot moments that will inspire you to lean into your own opportunities—even the ones that don’t look glamorous at first. Whether you’re new to eCommerce or a seasoned pro, these stories are a reminder that the path to success in retail media is rarely a straight line.


⏱️ Timeline Summary


[1:28] - Julie Liu shares how mentorship with Sarah Hofstetter led her to rethink her career through a new lens of soft skill development.

[3:30] - Josh Clarkson reveals how being persistently curious helped him land a role on the Amazon team—kickstarting his eCommerce journey.

[4:59] - Todd Wegen recalls a bold leap from a dull project management role into a startup that pioneered eCom tools—and eventually Amazon.

[7:00] - Jace Ree tells the story of how a chance conversation led him from shopper marketing into an Amazon Fresh role that changed everything.

[9:33] - Reflections on the evolution of eCommerce and how early adopters paved the way for today’s specialized talent pool.


🔗 Links & Resources
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> In today’s episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics—those unexpected career-defining moments that shape everything. I’m talking about the “sliding doors” decisions that, in hindsight, changed the trajectory of some of the most impressive retail media leaders I know. You’ll hear real, raw stories from brand-side professionals who took chances, followed curiosities, or simply annoyed the right person at the right time—and it paid off.


From mentorship programs that reshaped mindsets to the grind of early Amazon days, and serendipitous job ads in local papers, this episode is packed with career pivot moments that will inspire you to lean into your own opportunities—even the ones that don’t look glamorous at first. Whether you’re new to eCommerce or a seasoned pro, these stories are a reminder that the path to success in retail media is rarely a straight line.


⏱️ Timeline Summary


[1:28] - Julie Liu shares how mentorship with Sarah Hofstetter led her to rethink her career through a new lens of soft skill development.

[3:30] - Josh Clarkson reveals how being persistently curious helped him land a role on the Amazon team—kickstarting his eCommerce journey.

[4:59] - Todd Wegen recalls a bold leap from a dull project management role into a startup that pioneered eCom tools—and eventually Amazon.

[7:00] - Jace Ree tells the story of how a chance conversation led him from shopper marketing into an Amazon Fresh role that changed everything.

[9:33] - Reflections on the evolution of eCommerce and how early adopters paved the way for today’s specialized talent pool.


🔗 Links & Resources
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 624 In today’s episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics—those unexpected career-defining moments that shape everything. I’m talking about the “sliding doors” decisions that, in hindsight, changed the trajectory of some of the most impressive retail media leaders I know. You’ll hear real, raw stories from brand-side professionals who took chances, followed curiosities, or simply annoyed the right person at the right time—and it paid off.


From mentorship programs that reshaped mindsets to the grind of early Amazon days, and serendipitous job ads in local papers, this episode is packed with career pivot moments that will inspire you to lean into your own opportunities—even the ones that don’t look glamorous at first. Whether you’re new to eCommerce or a seasoned pro, these stories are a reminder that the path to success in retail media is rarely a straight line.


⏱️ Timeline Summary


[1:28] - Julie Liu shares how mentorship with Sarah Hofstetter led her to rethink her career through a new lens of soft skill development.

[3:30] - Josh Clarkson reveals how being persistently curious helped him land a role on the Amazon team—kickstarting his eCommerce journey.

[4:59] - Todd Wegen recalls a bold leap from a dull project management role into a startup that pioneered eCom tools—and eventually Amazon.

[7:00] - Jace Ree tells the story of how a chance conversation led him from shopper marketing into an Amazon Fresh role that changed everything.

[9:33] - Reflections on the evolution of eCommerce and how early adopters paved the way for today’s specialized talent pool.


🔗 Links & Resources
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> retail media, ecommerce career, No Retailers Hit 99% Ad Coverage Without Killing User Experience, New Report Shows Retailers Hit 99% Ad Coverage Without Killing User Experience, New Report Shows full 2b309947-0cf5-44c2-96b2-181c16150c95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e5307e9 Today I’m digging into the latest insights from Pentaleap’s biannual Sponsored Products Benchmark Report—and it’s challenging some long-held assumptions about online advertising. Shoppers say they don’t love ads, but the data tells a different story. I’m sharing what Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot are doing right when it comes to high-volume sponsored product listings—and what mid-tier retailers can learn as they scale their retail media networks.


We explore the delicate balance between ad inventory expansion and shopper satisfaction, and I highlight how smart retailers are mastering ad relevance to avoid click fatigue. I also break down why increasing sponsored product coverage doesn’t have to mean compromising user experience—and how it can actually unlock significant revenue potential if done right. Whether you’re building your retail media strategy or refining an existing one, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.



🕒 Episode Timeline


[0:36] - The surprising truth: heavy ad coverage doesn’t always hurt engagement

[1:22] - Market leaders vs. mid-tier retailers: who’s winning at retail media

[2:26] - Kroger’s leap in ad coverage and why it matters

[3:18] - Why under-monetized search inventory is still a missed opportunity

[4:24] - How Amazon keeps CTR high even with more ads

[5:25] - Grid strategies: how Walmart, Staples, and CVS handle ad placement

[6:39] - The risk of irrelevant ads—and how they can hurt both sales and trust

[7:35] - A simple framework to decide how many ads are too many

[8:00] - Key takeaways for maximizing retail media without annoying your shoppers

🔗 Links
Pentaleap's 1H25 Sponsored Product Benchmark report
Read the original post for this episode in my Forbes column
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Today I’m digging into the latest insights from Pentaleap’s biannual Sponsored Products Benchmark Report—and it’s challenging some long-held assumptions about online advertising. Shoppers say they don’t love ads, but the data tells a different story. I’m sharing what Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot are doing right when it comes to high-volume sponsored product listings—and what mid-tier retailers can learn as they scale their retail media networks.


We explore the delicate balance between ad inventory expansion and shopper satisfaction, and I highlight how smart retailers are mastering ad relevance to avoid click fatigue. I also break down why increasing sponsored product coverage doesn’t have to mean compromising user experience—and how it can actually unlock significant revenue potential if done right. Whether you’re building your retail media strategy or refining an existing one, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.



🕒 Episode Timeline


[0:36] - The surprising truth: heavy ad coverage doesn’t always hurt engagement

[1:22] - Market leaders vs. mid-tier retailers: who’s winning at retail media

[2:26] - Kroger’s leap in ad coverage and why it matters

[3:18] - Why under-monetized search inventory is still a missed opportunity

[4:24] - How Amazon keeps CTR high even with more ads

[5:25] - Grid strategies: how Walmart, Staples, and CVS handle ad placement

[6:39] - The risk of irrelevant ads—and how they can hurt both sales and trust

[7:35] - A simple framework to decide how many ads are too many

[8:00] - Key takeaways for maximizing retail media without annoying your shoppers

🔗 Links
Pentaleap's 1H25 Sponsored Product Benchmark report
Read the original post for this episode in my Forbes column
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 541 Today I’m digging into the latest insights from Pentaleap’s biannual Sponsored Products Benchmark Report—and it’s challenging some long-held assumptions about online advertising. Shoppers say they don’t love ads, but the data tells a different story. I’m sharing what Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot are doing right when it comes to high-volume sponsored product listings—and what mid-tier retailers can learn as they scale their retail media networks.


We explore the delicate balance between ad inventory expansion and shopper satisfaction, and I highlight how smart retailers are mastering ad relevance to avoid click fatigue. I also break down why increasing sponsored product coverage doesn’t have to mean compromising user experience—and how it can actually unlock significant revenue potential if done right. Whether you’re building your retail media strategy or refining an existing one, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.



🕒 Episode Timeline


[0:36] - The surprising truth: heavy ad coverage doesn’t always hurt engagement

[1:22] - Market leaders vs. mid-tier retailers: who’s winning at retail media

[2:26] - Kroger’s leap in ad coverage and why it matters

[3:18] - Why under-monetized search inventory is still a missed opportunity

[4:24] - How Amazon keeps CTR high even with more ads

[5:25] - Grid strategies: how Walmart, Staples, and CVS handle ad placement

[6:39] - The risk of irrelevant ads—and how they can hurt both sales and trust

[7:35] - A simple framework to decide how many ads are too many

[8:00] - Key takeaways for maximizing retail media without annoying your shoppers

🔗 Links
Pentaleap's 1H25 Sponsored Product Benchmark report
Read the original post for this episode in my Forbes column
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Pentaleap, Andreas Reiffen, retail media, rmn, sponsored product ads No 55% of consumers say they don't trust AI shopping chatbots & recommendations 55% of consumers say they don't trust AI shopping chatbots & recommendations full 8c72b66e-ab16-4fb4-ba64-313d9d79f71d Https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/55-of-consumers-say-they-dont-trust-ai-shopping-chatbots-recommendations/ In today’s episode, I unpack why so many shoppers are brushing off AI chatbots and recommendation engines—even as they quietly benefit from other AI-powered features during their online shopping journeys. Drawing insights from a fresh Akeneo survey of U.S. consumers, I highlight the trust gap that exists when it comes to visible AI tech like chatbots versus the more invisible enhancements like AI-generated review summaries.


We’ll explore how consumer behavior contradicts what they say in surveys, why retailers might be misplacing their AI bets, and what types of AI integration actually do enhance the customer experience. This one’s a reality check for anyone building out retail AI strategies—and a bit of a defense for the oft-maligned chatbot (well… kinda).



Chapters


[00:00] – Reflecting on yesterday’s AI chatbot critique

[00:46] – New survey reveals big gap: 75% encounter AI, but only 44% engage

[01:33] – Why consumers claim they don’t trust AI shopping tools

[02:18] – The problem with self-reported surveys in understanding tech behavior

[02:40] – Amazon’s quiet success with AI-generated review highlights

[03:52] – Consumers unknowingly love certain AI features—but hate the label

[04:32] – The paradox: people trust ChatGPT, but not your retail chatbot

[05:19] – Where retailers should (and shouldn’t) use AI in customer experiences

[05:36] – Invitation to join the upcoming “Retail Media Halo Effect” webinar

Register for the Future Commerce webinar, "The Retail Media Halo Effect,"  on Wednesday (May 21, 2PM ET)
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> In today’s episode, I unpack why so many shoppers are brushing off AI chatbots and recommendation engines—even as they quietly benefit from other AI-powered features during their online shopping journeys. Drawing insights from a fresh Akeneo survey of U.S. consumers, I highlight the trust gap that exists when it comes to visible AI tech like chatbots versus the more invisible enhancements like AI-generated review summaries.


We’ll explore how consumer behavior contradicts what they say in surveys, why retailers might be misplacing their AI bets, and what types of AI integration actually do enhance the customer experience. This one’s a reality check for anyone building out retail AI strategies—and a bit of a defense for the oft-maligned chatbot (well… kinda).



Chapters


[00:00] – Reflecting on yesterday’s AI chatbot critique

[00:46] – New survey reveals big gap: 75% encounter AI, but only 44% engage

[01:33] – Why consumers claim they don’t trust AI shopping tools

[02:18] – The problem with self-reported surveys in understanding tech behavior

[02:40] – Amazon’s quiet success with AI-generated review highlights

[03:52] – Consumers unknowingly love certain AI features—but hate the label

[04:32] – The paradox: people trust ChatGPT, but not your retail chatbot

[05:19] – Where retailers should (and shouldn’t) use AI in customer experiences

[05:36] – Invitation to join the upcoming “Retail Media Halo Effect” webinar

Register for the Future Commerce webinar, "The Retail Media Halo Effect,"  on Wednesday (May 21, 2PM ET)
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 411 In today’s episode, I unpack why so many shoppers are brushing off AI chatbots and recommendation engines—even as they quietly benefit from other AI-powered features during their online shopping journeys. Drawing insights from a fresh Akeneo survey of U.S. consumers, I highlight the trust gap that exists when it comes to visible AI tech like chatbots versus the more invisible enhancements like AI-generated review summaries.


We’ll explore how consumer behavior contradicts what they say in surveys, why retailers might be misplacing their AI bets, and what types of AI integration actually do enhance the customer experience. This one’s a reality check for anyone building out retail AI strategies—and a bit of a defense for the oft-maligned chatbot (well… kinda).



Chapters


[00:00] – Reflecting on yesterday’s AI chatbot critique

[00:46] – New survey reveals big gap: 75% encounter AI, but only 44% engage

[01:33] – Why consumers claim they don’t trust AI shopping tools

[02:18] – The problem with self-reported surveys in understanding tech behavior

[02:40] – Amazon’s quiet success with AI-generated review highlights

[03:52] – Consumers unknowingly love certain AI features—but hate the label

[04:32] – The paradox: people trust ChatGPT, but not your retail chatbot

[05:19] – Where retailers should (and shouldn’t) use AI in customer experiences

[05:36] – Invitation to join the upcoming “Retail Media Halo Effect” webinar

Register for the Future Commerce webinar, "The Retail Media Halo Effect,"  on Wednesday (May 21, 2PM ET)
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> ai, chatbots, retail media, akeneo No Walmart is Betting on AI Agents, While Amazon Goes Proprietary Walmart is Betting on AI Agents, While Amazon Goes Proprietary full ed1bf23a-dea6-42fc-96bc-8cd9ddc5675d https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/walmart-is-betting-on-ai-agents-while-amazon-goes-proprietary/ Last week the Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart is building its own shopping agents for tasks like reordering groceries and handling requests like "plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter." I walk through the key details: how Walmart is developing agent-to-agent protocols, preparing for interoperability with third-party agents, and recognizing that agent shopping is fundamentally different from human shopping.

How This Connects to Other AI Developments

I compare Walmart's open ecosystem approach to Amazon's walled garden strategy. While Amazon blocks other AI agents to develop their own suite (Alexa+, Buy For Me, Rufus), Walmart is preparing to work with both their own agents and third-party ones. I explain two key open standards - Google's Agent to Agent protocol and Anthropic's Model Context Protocol - that could enable this interoperability.

Industry Reactions

I share perspectives from industry experts, including Eric Heller's point about the importance of complete product detail pages and Bryan Gott's question about whether consumers actually want AI help. I discuss why cohort data matters more than individual reactions and explain the difference between underwhelming retailer chatbots and effective AI collaboration tools.

My Analysis and Outstanding Questions

I explore several key questions: What happens to Sponsored Product Ads when agents do the shopping? What's the opportunity cost for retailers building proprietary assistants versus preparing for third-party integration? How will site performance become competitive as agent traffic creates new load patterns?

I conclude that the winners won't be retailers with the flashiest AI features, but those who make it seamless for both humans and bots to do business with them.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Breaking News: Walmart's AI Shopping Agent
00:00:17 - Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club
00:00:38 - Walmart's AI Shopping Agent: Key Takeaways
00:03:01 - Comparing Walmart and Amazon's AI Strategies
00:04:45 - Technical Insights: Open Standards and Protocols
00:05:58 - Industry Perspectives on AI Shopping Agents
00:08:06 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Last week the Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart is building its own shopping agents for tasks like reordering groceries and handling requests like "plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter." I walk through the key details: how Walmart is developing agent-to-agent protocols, preparing for interoperability with third-party agents, and recognizing that agent shopping is fundamentally different from human shopping.

How This Connects to Other AI Developments

I compare Walmart's open ecosystem approach to Amazon's walled garden strategy. While Amazon blocks other AI agents to develop their own suite (Alexa+, Buy For Me, Rufus), Walmart is preparing to work with both their own agents and third-party ones. I explain two key open standards - Google's Agent to Agent protocol and Anthropic's Model Context Protocol - that could enable this interoperability.

Industry Reactions

I share perspectives from industry experts, including Eric Heller's point about the importance of complete product detail pages and Bryan Gott's question about whether consumers actually want AI help. I discuss why cohort data matters more than individual reactions and explain the difference between underwhelming retailer chatbots and effective AI collaboration tools.

My Analysis and Outstanding Questions

I explore several key questions: What happens to Sponsored Product Ads when agents do the shopping? What's the opportunity cost for retailers building proprietary assistants versus preparing for third-party integration? How will site performance become competitive as agent traffic creates new load patterns?

I conclude that the winners won't be retailers with the flashiest AI features, but those who make it seamless for both humans and bots to do business with them.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Breaking News: Walmart's AI Shopping Agent
00:00:17 - Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club
00:00:38 - Walmart's AI Shopping Agent: Key Takeaways
00:03:01 - Comparing Walmart and Amazon's AI Strategies
00:04:45 - Technical Insights: Open Standards and Protocols
00:05:58 - Industry Perspectives on AI Shopping Agents
00:08:06 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 649 Last week the Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart is building its own shopping agents for tasks like reordering groceries and handling requests like "plan a unicorn-themed party for my daughter." I walk through the key details: how Walmart is developing agent-to-agent protocols, preparing for interoperability with third-party agents, and recognizing that agent shopping is fundamentally different from human shopping.

How This Connects to Other AI Developments

I compare Walmart's open ecosystem approach to Amazon's walled garden strategy. While Amazon blocks other AI agents to develop their own suite (Alexa+, Buy For Me, Rufus), Walmart is preparing to work with both their own agents and third-party ones. I explain two key open standards - Google's Agent to Agent protocol and Anthropic's Model Context Protocol - that could enable this interoperability.

Industry Reactions

I share perspectives from industry experts, including Eric Heller's point about the importance of complete product detail pages and Bryan Gott's question about whether consumers actually want AI help. I discuss why cohort data matters more than individual reactions and explain the difference between underwhelming retailer chatbots and effective AI collaboration tools.

My Analysis and Outstanding Questions

I explore several key questions: What happens to Sponsored Product Ads when agents do the shopping? What's the opportunity cost for retailers building proprietary assistants versus preparing for third-party integration? How will site performance become competitive as agent traffic creates new load patterns?

I conclude that the winners won't be retailers with the flashiest AI features, but those who make it seamless for both humans and bots to do business with them.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Breaking News: Walmart's AI Shopping Agent
00:00:17 - Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club
00:00:38 - Walmart's AI Shopping Agent: Key Takeaways
00:03:01 - Comparing Walmart and Amazon's AI Strategies
00:04:45 - Technical Insights: Open Standards and Protocols
00:05:58 - Industry Perspectives on AI Shopping Agents
00:08:06 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

]]> retail media, walmart, amazon, MCP, model context protocol No How retailers 'Do' Sponsored Product ads: 4 takeaways for brands How retailers 'Do' Sponsored Product ads: 4 takeaways for brands full f4c15003-7e89-4de6-a729-03c7a8b5ed40 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-retailers-do-sponsored-product-ads-4-takeaways-for-brands/ The latest Sponsored Product Ads benchmark report from Pentaleap dropped today! 
This benchmark  compares the performance of major retail media networks across search terms, categories, and bidding models. In this episode I share four major takeaways for brands and advertisers: the importance of testing on mature platforms like Amazon and Walmart, the resilience of long tail queries, the differences between product-first and keyword-first bidding models, and category-specific opportunities. The episode provides actionable insights for brands looking to optimize their advertising strategies on retail media networks.

00:00 Introduction to the Pentaleap Sponsored Products Benchmark Report

00:36 Understanding the Methodology

01:46 Key Takeaways for Brands and Advertisers

01:56 Testing and Scaling on Major Platforms

03:31 Long Tail Resilience and Bidding Models

07:45 Category-Specific Opportunities

09:02 Conclusion and Next Steps


Read this episode as a blog post
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> The latest Sponsored Product Ads benchmark report from Pentaleap dropped today! 
This benchmark  compares the performance of major retail media networks across search terms, categories, and bidding models. In this episode I share four major takeaways for brands and advertisers: the importance of testing on mature platforms like Amazon and Walmart, the resilience of long tail queries, the differences between product-first and keyword-first bidding models, and category-specific opportunities. The episode provides actionable insights for brands looking to optimize their advertising strategies on retail media networks.

00:00 Introduction to the Pentaleap Sponsored Products Benchmark Report

00:36 Understanding the Methodology

01:46 Key Takeaways for Brands and Advertisers

01:56 Testing and Scaling on Major Platforms

03:31 Long Tail Resilience and Bidding Models

07:45 Category-Specific Opportunities

09:02 Conclusion and Next Steps


Read this episode as a blog post
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 586 The latest Sponsored Product Ads benchmark report from Pentaleap dropped today! 
This benchmark  compares the performance of major retail media networks across search terms, categories, and bidding models. In this episode I share four major takeaways for brands and advertisers: the importance of testing on mature platforms like Amazon and Walmart, the resilience of long tail queries, the differences between product-first and keyword-first bidding models, and category-specific opportunities. The episode provides actionable insights for brands looking to optimize their advertising strategies on retail media networks.

00:00 Introduction to the Pentaleap Sponsored Products Benchmark Report

00:36 Understanding the Methodology

01:46 Key Takeaways for Brands and Advertisers

01:56 Testing and Scaling on Major Platforms

03:31 Long Tail Resilience and Bidding Models

07:45 Category-Specific Opportunities

09:02 Conclusion and Next Steps


Read this episode as a blog post
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> retail media, pentaleap, sponsored product ads, home depot, orange apron media No Brands demand retail media standards. Retailers say it's too hard. Do they kind of have a point? Brands demand retail media standards. Retailers say it's too hard. Do they kind of have a point? full 44dba546-29b6-4c7e-8089-395faeb6388b https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/brands-demand-retail-media-standards-retailers-say-its-too-hard-do-they-kind-of-have-a-point/ In this episode, I draw a parallel between the diverse approaches to making bolognese sauce and the varied nature of retail media networks. 

Just as every cook has their unique bolognese recipe, every retail media network has its own way of managing advertising, measurement, and reporting. 

This variety stems from differences in business models, technology, and market positions. I discuss the challenges brands face due to this fragmented landscape, including demands for standardization in metrics and transparency. 

I conclude by contemplating whether embracing this variety might actually benefit the industry, much like savoring different takes on a classic dish.

00:00 Introduction: The Perfect Bolognese and Retail Media

01:10 Upcoming Webinar Announcement

02:05 Diverse Retail Media Networks

03:46 Challenges in Standardization

06:18 Retailers' Perspective on Standardization

09:46 Historical Context and Lessons

11:52 Conclusion: Embracing Variety in Retail Media


Read the full blog post here
Register for the Futurecommerce X Keen webinar, May 21st
Follow me on LinkedIn 

]]> In this episode, I draw a parallel between the diverse approaches to making bolognese sauce and the varied nature of retail media networks. 

Just as every cook has their unique bolognese recipe, every retail media network has its own way of managing advertising, measurement, and reporting. 

This variety stems from differences in business models, technology, and market positions. I discuss the challenges brands face due to this fragmented landscape, including demands for standardization in metrics and transparency. 

I conclude by contemplating whether embracing this variety might actually benefit the industry, much like savoring different takes on a classic dish.

00:00 Introduction: The Perfect Bolognese and Retail Media

01:10 Upcoming Webinar Announcement

02:05 Diverse Retail Media Networks

03:46 Challenges in Standardization

06:18 Retailers' Perspective on Standardization

09:46 Historical Context and Lessons

11:52 Conclusion: Embracing Variety in Retail Media


Read the full blog post here
Register for the Futurecommerce X Keen webinar, May 21st
Follow me on LinkedIn 

]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 742 In this episode, I draw a parallel between the diverse approaches to making bolognese sauce and the varied nature of retail media networks. 

Just as every cook has their unique bolognese recipe, every retail media network has its own way of managing advertising, measurement, and reporting. 

This variety stems from differences in business models, technology, and market positions. I discuss the challenges brands face due to this fragmented landscape, including demands for standardization in metrics and transparency. 

I conclude by contemplating whether embracing this variety might actually benefit the industry, much like savoring different takes on a classic dish.

00:00 Introduction: The Perfect Bolognese and Retail Media

01:10 Upcoming Webinar Announcement

02:05 Diverse Retail Media Networks

03:46 Challenges in Standardization

06:18 Retailers' Perspective on Standardization

09:46 Historical Context and Lessons

11:52 Conclusion: Embracing Variety in Retail Media


Read the full blog post here
Register for the Futurecommerce X Keen webinar, May 21st
Follow me on LinkedIn 

]]> retail media No Instacart’s Turnaround CEO Heads To The AI Frontier Instacart’s Turnaround CEO Heads To The AI Frontier full fb16250f-86b1-473d-8256-51e98a6d5ea4 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/instacarts-turnaround-ceo-heads-to-the-ai-frontier/ In this episode, I share  Fidji Simo's remarkable journey as the CEO of Instacart and her upcoming transition to lead OpenAI's consumer products division. 

Simo’s tenure at Instacart turned it into a profitable retail technology giant from a pandemic-boosted delivery service. Her key achievements include launching Carrot Ads and Carrot Insights, enhancing Instacart’s advertising business to generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.

I explore how Simo's expertise in retail media and AI could shape her role at OpenAI, potentially developing new revenue-generating consumer tools and integrating advanced AI into shopping experiences.

00:00 Fidji Simo's Transition to OpenAI

00:58 Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club

01:18 Fidji Simo's Impact at Instacart

03:30 Carrot Ads and Retail Media Network

07:11 AI Innovation in Grocery

07:59 Future Prospects at OpenAI

09:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

]]> In this episode, I share  Fidji Simo's remarkable journey as the CEO of Instacart and her upcoming transition to lead OpenAI's consumer products division. 

Simo’s tenure at Instacart turned it into a profitable retail technology giant from a pandemic-boosted delivery service. Her key achievements include launching Carrot Ads and Carrot Insights, enhancing Instacart’s advertising business to generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.

I explore how Simo's expertise in retail media and AI could shape her role at OpenAI, potentially developing new revenue-generating consumer tools and integrating advanced AI into shopping experiences.

00:00 Fidji Simo's Transition to OpenAI

00:58 Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club

01:18 Fidji Simo's Impact at Instacart

03:30 Carrot Ads and Retail Media Network

07:11 AI Innovation in Grocery

07:59 Future Prospects at OpenAI

09:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 613 In this episode, I share  Fidji Simo's remarkable journey as the CEO of Instacart and her upcoming transition to lead OpenAI's consumer products division. 

Simo’s tenure at Instacart turned it into a profitable retail technology giant from a pandemic-boosted delivery service. Her key achievements include launching Carrot Ads and Carrot Insights, enhancing Instacart’s advertising business to generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.

I explore how Simo's expertise in retail media and AI could shape her role at OpenAI, potentially developing new revenue-generating consumer tools and integrating advanced AI into shopping experiences.

00:00 Fidji Simo's Transition to OpenAI

00:58 Introduction to Retail Media Breakfast Club

01:18 Fidji Simo's Impact at Instacart

03:30 Carrot Ads and Retail Media Network

07:11 AI Innovation in Grocery

07:59 Future Prospects at OpenAI

09:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

]]> instacart, retail media, fidji simo No Prime Day 2025: Are Brands Scaling Back? (3 Reasons To Reconsider) Prime Day 2025: Are Brands Scaling Back? (3 Reasons To Reconsider) full 8291f955-1440-49d1-bcf5-ed7b981a0f4b https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/prime-day-2025-are-brands-scaling-back-and-3-reasons-to-reconsider/ Retail Media Breakfast Club: Prime Day 2025 Participation Trends

In today's episode, I dive into the results of my recent LinkedIn poll about how brands plan to participate in Prime Day 2025. The numbers tell an interesting story: over half (51.79%) of respondents are either scaling back or skipping Prime Day entirely this year - a significant shift from previous years.


Poll Results:

  • Going Bigger: 12.50%
  • About the same: 35.7%
  • Scaling back: 37.5%
  • Skipping it: 14.29%


Why Brands Are Pulling Back:

  • New tariff costs (and uncertainty) have made discounting financially difficult, especially for 3P sellers
  • Advertising costs continue rising, with Sponsored Products CPCs up 12% during Prime Day 2024
  • Amazon's fee structure remains at historically high levels
  • Prime Day 2025 will be the first four-day U.S. event, plus eight weeks of "early deals" - stretching budgets thin


Three Cases FOR Prime Day Participation:


1. The Hidden Review Advantage

Jason Landro from Nectar points out that multiplying units sold during Prime Day can dramatically boost your review rate, providing a rankings boost that lasts long after Prime Day ends.


2. The Halo Effect

Data from Envision Horizons showed that even brands not directly participating in Prime Day saw a 60% sales increase compared to average days, with a 45% increase in Return on Ad Spend despite higher competition.


3. Prime Day as a Strategic Product Marketing Laboratory

Katherine McKee suggests using Prime Day strategically for medium-demand products to answer critical questions:

  • Is awareness the main obstacle?
  • Is pricing off?
  • Is the product page set up poorly?
  • Does the product have market fit?


Amazon's Perspective

Amazon claims they're seeing a "strong response from selling partners to Prime Day 2025."


Bottom Line

Prime Day 2025 requires more strategic thinking than ever. For some, particularly those with China-dependent supply chains, participation may be impossible. For others, focusing on data collection and review generation rather than pure sales volume might still deliver long-term value.

The era of automatic, all-in Prime Day participation is ending. Brands are becoming more selective and measured in their approach to Amazon's events.


Mentioned in this episode:


]]> Retail Media Breakfast Club: Prime Day 2025 Participation Trends

In today's episode, I dive into the results of my recent LinkedIn poll about how brands plan to participate in Prime Day 2025. The numbers tell an interesting story: over half (51.79%) of respondents are either scaling back or skipping Prime Day entirely this year - a significant shift from previous years.


Poll Results:

  • Going Bigger: 12.50%
  • About the same: 35.7%
  • Scaling back: 37.5%
  • Skipping it: 14.29%


Why Brands Are Pulling Back:

  • New tariff costs (and uncertainty) have made discounting financially difficult, especially for 3P sellers
  • Advertising costs continue rising, with Sponsored Products CPCs up 12% during Prime Day 2024
  • Amazon's fee structure remains at historically high levels
  • Prime Day 2025 will be the first four-day U.S. event, plus eight weeks of "early deals" - stretching budgets thin


Three Cases FOR Prime Day Participation:


1. The Hidden Review Advantage

Jason Landro from Nectar points out that multiplying units sold during Prime Day can dramatically boost your review rate, providing a rankings boost that lasts long after Prime Day ends.


2. The Halo Effect

Data from Envision Horizons showed that even brands not directly participating in Prime Day saw a 60% sales increase compared to average days, with a 45% increase in Return on Ad Spend despite higher competition.


3. Prime Day as a Strategic Product Marketing Laboratory

Katherine McKee suggests using Prime Day strategically for medium-demand products to answer critical questions:

  • Is awareness the main obstacle?
  • Is pricing off?
  • Is the product page set up poorly?
  • Does the product have market fit?


Amazon's Perspective

Amazon claims they're seeing a "strong response from selling partners to Prime Day 2025."


Bottom Line

Prime Day 2025 requires more strategic thinking than ever. For some, particularly those with China-dependent supply chains, participation may be impossible. For others, focusing on data collection and review generation rather than pure sales volume might still deliver long-term value.

The era of automatic, all-in Prime Day participation is ending. Brands are becoming more selective and measured in their approach to Amazon's events.


Mentioned in this episode:


]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 608 Retail Media Breakfast Club: Prime Day 2025 Participation Trends

In today's episode, I dive into the results of my recent LinkedIn poll about how brands plan to participate in Prime Day 2025. The numbers tell an interesting story: over half (51.79%) of respondents are either scaling back or skipping Prime Day entirely this year - a significant shift from previous years.


Poll Results:

  • Going Bigger: 12.50%
  • About the same: 35.7%
  • Scaling back: 37.5%
  • Skipping it: 14.29%


Why Brands Are Pulling Back:

  • New tariff costs (and uncertainty) have made discounting financially difficult, especially for 3P sellers
  • Advertising costs continue rising, with Sponsored Products CPCs up 12% during Prime Day 2024
  • Amazon's fee structure remains at historically high levels
  • Prime Day 2025 will be the first four-day U.S. event, plus eight weeks of "early deals" - stretching budgets thin


Three Cases FOR Prime Day Participation:


1. The Hidden Review Advantage

Jason Landro from Nectar points out that multiplying units sold during Prime Day can dramatically boost your review rate, providing a rankings boost that lasts long after Prime Day ends.


2. The Halo Effect

Data from Envision Horizons showed that even brands not directly participating in Prime Day saw a 60% sales increase compared to average days, with a 45% increase in Return on Ad Spend despite higher competition.


3. Prime Day as a Strategic Product Marketing Laboratory

Katherine McKee suggests using Prime Day strategically for medium-demand products to answer critical questions:

  • Is awareness the main obstacle?
  • Is pricing off?
  • Is the product page set up poorly?
  • Does the product have market fit?


Amazon's Perspective

Amazon claims they're seeing a "strong response from selling partners to Prime Day 2025."


Bottom Line

Prime Day 2025 requires more strategic thinking than ever. For some, particularly those with China-dependent supply chains, participation may be impossible. For others, focusing on data collection and review generation rather than pure sales volume might still deliver long-term value.

The era of automatic, all-in Prime Day participation is ending. Brands are becoming more selective and measured in their approach to Amazon's events.


Mentioned in this episode:


]]> amazon, prime day, No Is Retail Media Actually Kinda 'Mid'? Is Retail Media Actually Kinda 'Mid'? full 1d83b942-50df-4372-9dd4-221d7b22ec85 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/is-retail-media-actually-kinda-mid/ This week I dive into an interesting perspective from Jason Goldberg on the Jason + Scot show, who mentioned this podcast (a proud moment for me as I've been listening to their show for over 7 years!).

Jason questioned the excitement around retail media outside of Amazon, so I decided to investigate his claims, including:

  • Most retail media spend goes to Amazon. 
  • Retail media is mostly Sponsored Product Ads. 
  • Smaller sellers drive most sponsored product spending. 
  • Limited opportunity for specialty/regional retailers. 

 Tell me what I missed in my response, and let's get Jason Goldberg excited about retail media!

Links:
The must-listen Jason + Scot show podcast
My article, "DSPs Wanted: The Retail Media Revolution 96% of Advertisers Crave"
Poll: are brands pulling back on Prime Day this year?
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> This week I dive into an interesting perspective from Jason Goldberg on the Jason + Scot show, who mentioned this podcast (a proud moment for me as I've been listening to their show for over 7 years!).

Jason questioned the excitement around retail media outside of Amazon, so I decided to investigate his claims, including:

  • Most retail media spend goes to Amazon. 
  • Retail media is mostly Sponsored Product Ads. 
  • Smaller sellers drive most sponsored product spending. 
  • Limited opportunity for specialty/regional retailers. 

 Tell me what I missed in my response, and let's get Jason Goldberg excited about retail media!

Links:
The must-listen Jason + Scot show podcast
My article, "DSPs Wanted: The Retail Media Revolution 96% of Advertisers Crave"
Poll: are brands pulling back on Prime Day this year?
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> Thu, 08 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 677 This week I dive into an interesting perspective from Jason Goldberg on the Jason + Scot show, who mentioned this podcast (a proud moment for me as I've been listening to their show for over 7 years!).

Jason questioned the excitement around retail media outside of Amazon, so I decided to investigate his claims, including:

  • Most retail media spend goes to Amazon. 
  • Retail media is mostly Sponsored Product Ads. 
  • Smaller sellers drive most sponsored product spending. 
  • Limited opportunity for specialty/regional retailers. 

 Tell me what I missed in my response, and let's get Jason Goldberg excited about retail media!

Links:
The must-listen Jason + Scot show podcast
My article, "DSPs Wanted: The Retail Media Revolution 96% of Advertisers Crave"
Poll: are brands pulling back on Prime Day this year?
Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> retail media, amazon, retail media network, advertising No "We're Not Dabbling Here": Amazon's Official Company Line On AI "We're Not Dabbling Here": Amazon's Official Company Line On AI full 10d33dec-77d2-4db9-94f1-d2ef8704f5f0 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/were-not-dabbling-here-q1-earnings-highlight-ai-progress/ I dive into Amazon's earnings call AI announcements and what they mean for retail and ecommerce. Andy Jassy says they're building "a thousand plus AI applications," and I break down the key developments that matter for shopping and retail media.

Quick Takes:

Amazon's AI Infrastructure Edge I cover Amazon's Nova model reaching "frontier tier" intelligence - now competing with GPT-4 and Claude 3. Plus their 30-40% cost reduction through Trainium 2 chips. This means personalized product descriptions and real-time creative optimization become economically viable at scale.

Voice Commerce Gets Serious I explain NovaSonic, Amazon's speech-to-speech model that solves the big problems that killed voice shopping before: better accuracy, natural responses, and conversation memory. This leverages Amazon's existing Alexa user base in millions of homes.

Alexa Plus: Shopping Agent I examine how Alexa Plus goes beyond answering questions to taking actions - comparing products, adding to cart, applying coupons, and managing returns. It can already automate household basics with rules like "keep gluten-free cereal stocked, switch brands if price rises 10%."

NovaACT: Browser Agent Preview I look at Amazon's research on browser agents that can navigate checkout flows and comparison shop across multiple retailer sites. This could eventually let Amazon capture economics even on off-site purchases through Buy with Prime.

I wrap up with practical implications: search will shift to conversational interfaces, shopping agents will make routine purchases automatically, and brands will need to compete for AI recommendation slots - the new "invisible shelf." This isn't future tech - these changes are rolling out now in the US.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> I dive into Amazon's earnings call AI announcements and what they mean for retail and ecommerce. Andy Jassy says they're building "a thousand plus AI applications," and I break down the key developments that matter for shopping and retail media.

Quick Takes:

Amazon's AI Infrastructure Edge I cover Amazon's Nova model reaching "frontier tier" intelligence - now competing with GPT-4 and Claude 3. Plus their 30-40% cost reduction through Trainium 2 chips. This means personalized product descriptions and real-time creative optimization become economically viable at scale.

Voice Commerce Gets Serious I explain NovaSonic, Amazon's speech-to-speech model that solves the big problems that killed voice shopping before: better accuracy, natural responses, and conversation memory. This leverages Amazon's existing Alexa user base in millions of homes.

Alexa Plus: Shopping Agent I examine how Alexa Plus goes beyond answering questions to taking actions - comparing products, adding to cart, applying coupons, and managing returns. It can already automate household basics with rules like "keep gluten-free cereal stocked, switch brands if price rises 10%."

NovaACT: Browser Agent Preview I look at Amazon's research on browser agents that can navigate checkout flows and comparison shop across multiple retailer sites. This could eventually let Amazon capture economics even on off-site purchases through Buy with Prime.

I wrap up with practical implications: search will shift to conversational interfaces, shopping agents will make routine purchases automatically, and brands will need to compete for AI recommendation slots - the new "invisible shelf." This isn't future tech - these changes are rolling out now in the US.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 685 I dive into Amazon's earnings call AI announcements and what they mean for retail and ecommerce. Andy Jassy says they're building "a thousand plus AI applications," and I break down the key developments that matter for shopping and retail media.

Quick Takes:

Amazon's AI Infrastructure Edge I cover Amazon's Nova model reaching "frontier tier" intelligence - now competing with GPT-4 and Claude 3. Plus their 30-40% cost reduction through Trainium 2 chips. This means personalized product descriptions and real-time creative optimization become economically viable at scale.

Voice Commerce Gets Serious I explain NovaSonic, Amazon's speech-to-speech model that solves the big problems that killed voice shopping before: better accuracy, natural responses, and conversation memory. This leverages Amazon's existing Alexa user base in millions of homes.

Alexa Plus: Shopping Agent I examine how Alexa Plus goes beyond answering questions to taking actions - comparing products, adding to cart, applying coupons, and managing returns. It can already automate household basics with rules like "keep gluten-free cereal stocked, switch brands if price rises 10%."

NovaACT: Browser Agent Preview I look at Amazon's research on browser agents that can navigate checkout flows and comparison shop across multiple retailer sites. This could eventually let Amazon capture economics even on off-site purchases through Buy with Prime.

I wrap up with practical implications: search will shift to conversational interfaces, shopping agents will make routine purchases automatically, and brands will need to compete for AI recommendation slots - the new "invisible shelf." This isn't future tech - these changes are rolling out now in the US.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> AI, Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Nova No DSPs Wanted: The Retail Media Revolution 96% of Advertisers Crave DSPs Wanted: The Retail Media Revolution 96% of Advertisers Crave full 0e2f6a0b-a4c5-446a-9e82-f2476bc76b2b https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/dsps-wanted-the-retail-media-revolution-96-of-advertisers-crave/ Could DSPs Be Retail Media's Panama Canal?

In today's episode, I talk about Koddi's new "State of Programmatic Retail Media" report and why programmatic access might be the key to unlocking retail media's next growth phase.


The Current Landscape

  • Today's retail media dollars are heavily concentrated: 77% on Amazon, 7% on Walmart, and only 16% spread across dozens of other retail networks
  • Despite recognizing retail media's effectiveness (81% agree it's effective), many advertisers find the buying process painful
  • Fragmentation and manual processes are the biggest obstacles to wider adoption


The Case for More DSP Integrations

I examine how demand-side platform (DSP) integrations could transform retail media buying:

  • 96% of buyers say they would consider buying on-site media via a DSP
  • 93% would shift non-retail budgets into retail media if they could buy programmatically
  • Top advantages buyers see in DSPs: 
    • More cost-efficient buying (67%)
    • Eliminating manual tasks and saving resources (51%)
    • More effective targeting (47%)


Retailer Concerns

I discuss why retailers might be hesitant to embrace DSP integration:

  • Fear of commoditizing their proprietary first-party data
  • Concern about negotiated pricing collapsing when inventory sits alongside other ad offerings
  • Uncertainty about maintaining control over their network


A Middle Path Forward

Despite these concerns, retailers can integrate with DSPs while maintaining control:

  • Setting guardrails around data
  • Preserving exclusive ad formats
  • Offering curated deals tailored to their specific audiences
  • Using the right supply-side technology to mediate demand safely


Beyond DSP Integration

While programmatic access is important, I point out that it's not a complete solution:

  • Cross-retailer measurement remains a sticky challenge
  • Brands still face inconsistent methodologies across platforms
  • What actually unlocks budgets: better outcomes, legibility, and ease of use

The alternative to integration—forcing advertisers to navigate each retail media network separately—is increasingly looking like an unnecessarily difficult journey when a more direct route is possible.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Link to written blog version of today's episode

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> Could DSPs Be Retail Media's Panama Canal?

In today's episode, I talk about Koddi's new "State of Programmatic Retail Media" report and why programmatic access might be the key to unlocking retail media's next growth phase.


The Current Landscape

  • Today's retail media dollars are heavily concentrated: 77% on Amazon, 7% on Walmart, and only 16% spread across dozens of other retail networks
  • Despite recognizing retail media's effectiveness (81% agree it's effective), many advertisers find the buying process painful
  • Fragmentation and manual processes are the biggest obstacles to wider adoption


The Case for More DSP Integrations

I examine how demand-side platform (DSP) integrations could transform retail media buying:

  • 96% of buyers say they would consider buying on-site media via a DSP
  • 93% would shift non-retail budgets into retail media if they could buy programmatically
  • Top advantages buyers see in DSPs: 
    • More cost-efficient buying (67%)
    • Eliminating manual tasks and saving resources (51%)
    • More effective targeting (47%)


Retailer Concerns

I discuss why retailers might be hesitant to embrace DSP integration:

  • Fear of commoditizing their proprietary first-party data
  • Concern about negotiated pricing collapsing when inventory sits alongside other ad offerings
  • Uncertainty about maintaining control over their network


A Middle Path Forward

Despite these concerns, retailers can integrate with DSPs while maintaining control:

  • Setting guardrails around data
  • Preserving exclusive ad formats
  • Offering curated deals tailored to their specific audiences
  • Using the right supply-side technology to mediate demand safely


Beyond DSP Integration

While programmatic access is important, I point out that it's not a complete solution:

  • Cross-retailer measurement remains a sticky challenge
  • Brands still face inconsistent methodologies across platforms
  • What actually unlocks budgets: better outcomes, legibility, and ease of use

The alternative to integration—forcing advertisers to navigate each retail media network separately—is increasingly looking like an unnecessarily difficult journey when a more direct route is possible.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Link to written blog version of today's episode

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 637 Could DSPs Be Retail Media's Panama Canal?

In today's episode, I talk about Koddi's new "State of Programmatic Retail Media" report and why programmatic access might be the key to unlocking retail media's next growth phase.


The Current Landscape

  • Today's retail media dollars are heavily concentrated: 77% on Amazon, 7% on Walmart, and only 16% spread across dozens of other retail networks
  • Despite recognizing retail media's effectiveness (81% agree it's effective), many advertisers find the buying process painful
  • Fragmentation and manual processes are the biggest obstacles to wider adoption


The Case for More DSP Integrations

I examine how demand-side platform (DSP) integrations could transform retail media buying:

  • 96% of buyers say they would consider buying on-site media via a DSP
  • 93% would shift non-retail budgets into retail media if they could buy programmatically
  • Top advantages buyers see in DSPs: 
    • More cost-efficient buying (67%)
    • Eliminating manual tasks and saving resources (51%)
    • More effective targeting (47%)


Retailer Concerns

I discuss why retailers might be hesitant to embrace DSP integration:

  • Fear of commoditizing their proprietary first-party data
  • Concern about negotiated pricing collapsing when inventory sits alongside other ad offerings
  • Uncertainty about maintaining control over their network


A Middle Path Forward

Despite these concerns, retailers can integrate with DSPs while maintaining control:

  • Setting guardrails around data
  • Preserving exclusive ad formats
  • Offering curated deals tailored to their specific audiences
  • Using the right supply-side technology to mediate demand safely


Beyond DSP Integration

While programmatic access is important, I point out that it's not a complete solution:

  • Cross-retailer measurement remains a sticky challenge
  • Brands still face inconsistent methodologies across platforms
  • What actually unlocks budgets: better outcomes, legibility, and ease of use

The alternative to integration—forcing advertisers to navigate each retail media network separately—is increasingly looking like an unnecessarily difficult journey when a more direct route is possible.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Link to written blog version of today's episode

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


]]> retail media, demand side platform, amazon, koddi No Amazon Q1 Earnings Scorecard: Winners, Losers, and the Calm Before the Tariff Storm Amazon Q1 Earnings Scorecard: Winners, Losers, and the Calm Before the Tariff Storm full 671aea46-5d99-4dc5-a2e6-eb922a58b669 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/amazon-q1-earnings-scorecard-winners-losers-and-the-calm-before-the-tariff-storm/ In this episode, I break down Amazon's Q1 2025 earnings and examine what they reveal about the coming impact of tariffs on the e-commerce ecosystem. I talk about the winners and losers emerging from Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy and what this means for vendors, sellers, and consumers.

I share surprising details about Amazon's massive advance purchases from 1P vendors, including reports of purchase orders covering an unusual 10-14 weeks of inventory for China-sourced items. I cover how Amazon's ad business is now its fastest-growing segment at 19% year-over-year growth, outpacing even AWS. I examine the expansion of Amazon Haul, their sub-$20 storefront launched to compete with Temu and Shein ahead of expected tariff impacts.

I analyze why consumers are stockpiling while simultaneously trading down to cheaper alternatives. I discuss how Chinese sellers are leveraging AI to compete with US brands, and why Amazon's preparation for tariff disruption signals deeper challenges ahead for the entire e-commerce industry.

Key Topics:

  • Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy to beat tariffs
  • The diverging paths of 1P vendors and China-based sellers
  • How Amazon's ad business is growing faster than AWS
  • Why Amazon Haul could dominate as Temu faces 120-145% duties
  • Consumer behavior shifts: panic buying on a budget
  • The competitive dynamics between Chinese and US sellers
  • What Q2 holds for the e-commerce ecosystem post-tariffs

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> In this episode, I break down Amazon's Q1 2025 earnings and examine what they reveal about the coming impact of tariffs on the e-commerce ecosystem. I talk about the winners and losers emerging from Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy and what this means for vendors, sellers, and consumers.

I share surprising details about Amazon's massive advance purchases from 1P vendors, including reports of purchase orders covering an unusual 10-14 weeks of inventory for China-sourced items. I cover how Amazon's ad business is now its fastest-growing segment at 19% year-over-year growth, outpacing even AWS. I examine the expansion of Amazon Haul, their sub-$20 storefront launched to compete with Temu and Shein ahead of expected tariff impacts.

I analyze why consumers are stockpiling while simultaneously trading down to cheaper alternatives. I discuss how Chinese sellers are leveraging AI to compete with US brands, and why Amazon's preparation for tariff disruption signals deeper challenges ahead for the entire e-commerce industry.

Key Topics:

  • Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy to beat tariffs
  • The diverging paths of 1P vendors and China-based sellers
  • How Amazon's ad business is growing faster than AWS
  • Why Amazon Haul could dominate as Temu faces 120-145% duties
  • Consumer behavior shifts: panic buying on a budget
  • The competitive dynamics between Chinese and US sellers
  • What Q2 holds for the e-commerce ecosystem post-tariffs

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> Mon, 05 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 603 In this episode, I break down Amazon's Q1 2025 earnings and examine what they reveal about the coming impact of tariffs on the e-commerce ecosystem. I talk about the winners and losers emerging from Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy and what this means for vendors, sellers, and consumers.

I share surprising details about Amazon's massive advance purchases from 1P vendors, including reports of purchase orders covering an unusual 10-14 weeks of inventory for China-sourced items. I cover how Amazon's ad business is now its fastest-growing segment at 19% year-over-year growth, outpacing even AWS. I examine the expansion of Amazon Haul, their sub-$20 storefront launched to compete with Temu and Shein ahead of expected tariff impacts.

I analyze why consumers are stockpiling while simultaneously trading down to cheaper alternatives. I discuss how Chinese sellers are leveraging AI to compete with US brands, and why Amazon's preparation for tariff disruption signals deeper challenges ahead for the entire e-commerce industry.

Key Topics:

  • Amazon's $1 billion forward-buying strategy to beat tariffs
  • The diverging paths of 1P vendors and China-based sellers
  • How Amazon's ad business is growing faster than AWS
  • Why Amazon Haul could dominate as Temu faces 120-145% duties
  • Consumer behavior shifts: panic buying on a budget
  • The competitive dynamics between Chinese and US sellers
  • What Q2 holds for the e-commerce ecosystem post-tariffs

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn


CHAPTERS

]]> amazon q1 earnings, retail media, No My Notes From an Interview with Costco's RMN leader, Mark Williamson My Notes From an Interview with Costco's RMN leader, Mark Williamson full e821b0ca-db85-4336-87fc-4386eaaabc7f https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/my-notes-from-an-interview-with-costcos-rmn-leader-mark-williamson/ I share my notes from a fascinating interview with Mark Williamson, the leader of Costco's Retail Media Network, which aired on the Middlemen podcast. While most retailers rush to monetize every pixel they own, Costco has taken a deliberately slow approach as a "last mover" in retail media.

My Three Key Takeaways:

Membership First, Media Second
Costco evaluates every retail media decision through the lens of their member promise
They believe their restraint creates scarcity, making their offerings more valuable
Their simple value proposition: relevant messaging should drive traffic, shops, and sales


Merchants Rule the Kingdom
Unlike competitors who position retail media as standalone businesses, Costco keeps merchants at the center
They've built a "Growth Team" to connect traditional merchant relationships with agency-driven opportunities
Media investments must demonstrate actual sales growth for Costco, not just profits for the retail media network


Performance Over Profit Margins
Costco recommends what works best for suppliers, not what maximizes their own margins
When suppliers have budget to spend, they might recommend endcaps or sampling instead of higher-margin digital options
This straightforward approach to value builds advertiser trust that will serve them well as their retail media offerings mature


Costco's approach stands in contrast to other retail media networks that have become increasingly complex and opaque. By keeping the member promise sacred and measuring success in sales rather than network margins, Costco has created a retail media network that advertisers are eager to work with.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
Link to the Middlemen podcast on Youtube


CHAPTERS

]]> I share my notes from a fascinating interview with Mark Williamson, the leader of Costco's Retail Media Network, which aired on the Middlemen podcast. While most retailers rush to monetize every pixel they own, Costco has taken a deliberately slow approach as a "last mover" in retail media.

My Three Key Takeaways:

Membership First, Media Second
Costco evaluates every retail media decision through the lens of their member promise
They believe their restraint creates scarcity, making their offerings more valuable
Their simple value proposition: relevant messaging should drive traffic, shops, and sales


Merchants Rule the Kingdom
Unlike competitors who position retail media as standalone businesses, Costco keeps merchants at the center
They've built a "Growth Team" to connect traditional merchant relationships with agency-driven opportunities
Media investments must demonstrate actual sales growth for Costco, not just profits for the retail media network


Performance Over Profit Margins
Costco recommends what works best for suppliers, not what maximizes their own margins
When suppliers have budget to spend, they might recommend endcaps or sampling instead of higher-margin digital options
This straightforward approach to value builds advertiser trust that will serve them well as their retail media offerings mature


Costco's approach stands in contrast to other retail media networks that have become increasingly complex and opaque. By keeping the member promise sacred and measuring success in sales rather than network margins, Costco has created a retail media network that advertisers are eager to work with.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
Link to the Middlemen podcast on Youtube


CHAPTERS

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 600 I share my notes from a fascinating interview with Mark Williamson, the leader of Costco's Retail Media Network, which aired on the Middlemen podcast. While most retailers rush to monetize every pixel they own, Costco has taken a deliberately slow approach as a "last mover" in retail media.

My Three Key Takeaways:

Membership First, Media Second
Costco evaluates every retail media decision through the lens of their member promise
They believe their restraint creates scarcity, making their offerings more valuable
Their simple value proposition: relevant messaging should drive traffic, shops, and sales


Merchants Rule the Kingdom
Unlike competitors who position retail media as standalone businesses, Costco keeps merchants at the center
They've built a "Growth Team" to connect traditional merchant relationships with agency-driven opportunities
Media investments must demonstrate actual sales growth for Costco, not just profits for the retail media network


Performance Over Profit Margins
Costco recommends what works best for suppliers, not what maximizes their own margins
When suppliers have budget to spend, they might recommend endcaps or sampling instead of higher-margin digital options
This straightforward approach to value builds advertiser trust that will serve them well as their retail media offerings mature


Costco's approach stands in contrast to other retail media networks that have become increasingly complex and opaque. By keeping the member promise sacred and measuring success in sales rather than network margins, Costco has created a retail media network that advertisers are eager to work with.

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter

Follow Kiri on LinkedIn
Link to the Middlemen podcast on Youtube


CHAPTERS

]]> costco, retail media network, retail media, mark williamson No The Back Channel: AI Is Replacing Devs (But Banned At Retailer X), Freudian Analysis Of Offsite Vs Onsite Retail Media The Back Channel: AI Is Replacing Devs (But Banned At Retailer X), Freudian Analysis Of Offsite Vs Onsite Retail Media full 22e4c65c-4ba1-404f-ab1f-0740114d8f37 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-back-channel-1/ Today's episode is a new format: "The Back Channel" where I share anonymized insights from my recent conversations with industry leaders in retail media. I discuss how AI is transforming software development, the surprising order in which retailers adopt different types of retail media, and my observations on the industry's current state of AI implementation.



Custom Software Built with AI

  • The software CEO who built their latest feature entirely with AI, without developer coding
  • The potential future of custom software at company or even user level
  • Contrast with a major US retailer that doesn't allow employees to access ChatGPT!


Retailers and AI Implementation

  • Findings from Salesforce's Connected Shoppers Report
  • The surprising statistic that 40% of retailers claim to have "fully implemented AI"
  • The reality gap between retailers' perception and true AI implementation
  • Why individuals should proactively learn about AI outside their organizations


Offsite Retail Media

  • Offsite retail media represents about 10% of ad volume compared to onsite but is set to grow
  • Contrary to (my) assumptions, offsite is often the first type of retail media that retailers execute
  • How a retailer's initial approach (offsite vs onsite) can shape their retail media network's focus
]]> Today's episode is a new format: "The Back Channel" where I share anonymized insights from my recent conversations with industry leaders in retail media. I discuss how AI is transforming software development, the surprising order in which retailers adopt different types of retail media, and my observations on the industry's current state of AI implementation.



Custom Software Built with AI

  • The software CEO who built their latest feature entirely with AI, without developer coding
  • The potential future of custom software at company or even user level
  • Contrast with a major US retailer that doesn't allow employees to access ChatGPT!


Retailers and AI Implementation

  • Findings from Salesforce's Connected Shoppers Report
  • The surprising statistic that 40% of retailers claim to have "fully implemented AI"
  • The reality gap between retailers' perception and true AI implementation
  • Why individuals should proactively learn about AI outside their organizations


Offsite Retail Media

  • Offsite retail media represents about 10% of ad volume compared to onsite but is set to grow
  • Contrary to (my) assumptions, offsite is often the first type of retail media that retailers execute
  • How a retailer's initial approach (offsite vs onsite) can shape their retail media network's focus
]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 624 Today's episode is a new format: "The Back Channel" where I share anonymized insights from my recent conversations with industry leaders in retail media. I discuss how AI is transforming software development, the surprising order in which retailers adopt different types of retail media, and my observations on the industry's current state of AI implementation.



Custom Software Built with AI

  • The software CEO who built their latest feature entirely with AI, without developer coding
  • The potential future of custom software at company or even user level
  • Contrast with a major US retailer that doesn't allow employees to access ChatGPT!


Retailers and AI Implementation

  • Findings from Salesforce's Connected Shoppers Report
  • The surprising statistic that 40% of retailers claim to have "fully implemented AI"
  • The reality gap between retailers' perception and true AI implementation
  • Why individuals should proactively learn about AI outside their organizations


Offsite Retail Media

  • Offsite retail media represents about 10% of ad volume compared to onsite but is set to grow
  • Contrary to (my) assumptions, offsite is often the first type of retail media that retailers execute
  • How a retailer's initial approach (offsite vs onsite) can shape their retail media network's focus
]]> retail media, retail media network, offsite retail media No Amazon Haul Expands As Chinese Competitors Face Tariff Upheaval Amazon Haul Expands As Chinese Competitors Face Tariff Upheaval full 48b0c6fc-d2e3-424e-8302-6bbf2c6b9886 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/amazon-haul-expands-as-chinese-competitors-face-tariff-upheaval/ In today's episode, I explore Amazon's strategic expansion of its low-cost "Haul" store during a critical moment for cross-border e-commerce. This discussion builds on my recent Forbes article published on April 23rd, 2025. (Read the original article here)


Key Points:

  • Amazon Haul has expanded from mobile-only to desktop while adding branded items to its product mix
  • This expansion coincides with the Trump administration implementing major tariffs on direct-from-China shipments
  • Starting May 2nd, packages from China valued under $800 will face tariffs of 120% of goods' value or $100-200 fees
  • These new policies directly threaten the business models of platforms like Temu and Shein


Amazon's Strategic Approach:

  • Haul now includes branded items with discounts up to 80%, appealing to both absolute price shoppers and brand-conscious bargain hunters
  • Amazon's established fulfillment infrastructure provides a potential shield from the worst tariff impacts
  • The company emphasizes trust, consumer protection, and authenticity as key differentiators


What's Next:

  • The coming months will reveal if Amazon's approach can compete with Chinese marketplaces
  • We'll see if American consumers change shopping habits when tariff-driven price increases take effect
  • Amazon appears positioned to gain market share if consumer behavior shifts in response to new economic realities

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

]]> In today's episode, I explore Amazon's strategic expansion of its low-cost "Haul" store during a critical moment for cross-border e-commerce. This discussion builds on my recent Forbes article published on April 23rd, 2025. (Read the original article here)


Key Points:

  • Amazon Haul has expanded from mobile-only to desktop while adding branded items to its product mix
  • This expansion coincides with the Trump administration implementing major tariffs on direct-from-China shipments
  • Starting May 2nd, packages from China valued under $800 will face tariffs of 120% of goods' value or $100-200 fees
  • These new policies directly threaten the business models of platforms like Temu and Shein


Amazon's Strategic Approach:

  • Haul now includes branded items with discounts up to 80%, appealing to both absolute price shoppers and brand-conscious bargain hunters
  • Amazon's established fulfillment infrastructure provides a potential shield from the worst tariff impacts
  • The company emphasizes trust, consumer protection, and authenticity as key differentiators


What's Next:

  • The coming months will reveal if Amazon's approach can compete with Chinese marketplaces
  • We'll see if American consumers change shopping habits when tariff-driven price increases take effect
  • Amazon appears positioned to gain market share if consumer behavior shifts in response to new economic realities

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 575 In today's episode, I explore Amazon's strategic expansion of its low-cost "Haul" store during a critical moment for cross-border e-commerce. This discussion builds on my recent Forbes article published on April 23rd, 2025. (Read the original article here)


Key Points:

  • Amazon Haul has expanded from mobile-only to desktop while adding branded items to its product mix
  • This expansion coincides with the Trump administration implementing major tariffs on direct-from-China shipments
  • Starting May 2nd, packages from China valued under $800 will face tariffs of 120% of goods' value or $100-200 fees
  • These new policies directly threaten the business models of platforms like Temu and Shein


Amazon's Strategic Approach:

  • Haul now includes branded items with discounts up to 80%, appealing to both absolute price shoppers and brand-conscious bargain hunters
  • Amazon's established fulfillment infrastructure provides a potential shield from the worst tariff impacts
  • The company emphasizes trust, consumer protection, and authenticity as key differentiators


What's Next:

  • The coming months will reveal if Amazon's approach can compete with Chinese marketplaces
  • We'll see if American consumers change shopping habits when tariff-driven price increases take effect
  • Amazon appears positioned to gain market share if consumer behavior shifts in response to new economic realities

Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
Follow Kiri on LinkedIn

CHAPTERS

]]> Amazon, tariff, Shein, temu No The AI Shopping Agent War Begins The AI Shopping Agent War Begins full 53e27777-8bb8-4b5b-a895-5d36127f6e70 https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/the-shopping-agent-war-begins/ In today's episode, I explore how major tech companies are positioning themselves in a high-stakes battle for control of consumer purchasing decisions through AI shopping agents. Like a global game of Risk, tech giants are maneuvering to capture the most valuable territory: our buying choices.

I discuss the major players staking their claims:

  • OpenAI/ChatGPT with its massive user base and new Shopify integration for in-chat purchasing
  • Amazon's multiple AI shopping initiatives including Alexa+, Nova Act, and Buy For Me
  • Perplexity's early-mover advantage with its "Buy with Pro" feature
  • Microsoft's Copilot Merchant Program and retailer partnerships
  • Google's potential entry with Gemini assistant

I break down the three critical capabilities any AI shopping agent needs to succeed:

  1. Real-time catalog and inventory feeds
  2. Authenticated checkout tokens
  3. Openness to third-party integration

For retailers, I examine the strategic choices: ally with a tech giant or maintain independence through solutions like Model Context Protocol (MCP) that allow participation across multiple AI marketplaces without surrendering customer data.

This AI commerce land grab is just beginning, with significant implications for the $65 billion retail media industry as AI agents potentially become primary shopping interfaces.

]]> In today's episode, I explore how major tech companies are positioning themselves in a high-stakes battle for control of consumer purchasing decisions through AI shopping agents. Like a global game of Risk, tech giants are maneuvering to capture the most valuable territory: our buying choices.

I discuss the major players staking their claims:

  • OpenAI/ChatGPT with its massive user base and new Shopify integration for in-chat purchasing
  • Amazon's multiple AI shopping initiatives including Alexa+, Nova Act, and Buy For Me
  • Perplexity's early-mover advantage with its "Buy with Pro" feature
  • Microsoft's Copilot Merchant Program and retailer partnerships
  • Google's potential entry with Gemini assistant

I break down the three critical capabilities any AI shopping agent needs to succeed:

  1. Real-time catalog and inventory feeds
  2. Authenticated checkout tokens
  3. Openness to third-party integration

For retailers, I examine the strategic choices: ally with a tech giant or maintain independence through solutions like Model Context Protocol (MCP) that allow participation across multiple AI marketplaces without surrendering customer data.

This AI commerce land grab is just beginning, with significant implications for the $65 billion retail media industry as AI agents potentially become primary shopping interfaces.

]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 634 In today's episode, I explore how major tech companies are positioning themselves in a high-stakes battle for control of consumer purchasing decisions through AI shopping agents. Like a global game of Risk, tech giants are maneuvering to capture the most valuable territory: our buying choices.

I discuss the major players staking their claims:

  • OpenAI/ChatGPT with its massive user base and new Shopify integration for in-chat purchasing
  • Amazon's multiple AI shopping initiatives including Alexa+, Nova Act, and Buy For Me
  • Perplexity's early-mover advantage with its "Buy with Pro" feature
  • Microsoft's Copilot Merchant Program and retailer partnerships
  • Google's potential entry with Gemini assistant

I break down the three critical capabilities any AI shopping agent needs to succeed:

  1. Real-time catalog and inventory feeds
  2. Authenticated checkout tokens
  3. Openness to third-party integration

For retailers, I examine the strategic choices: ally with a tech giant or maintain independence through solutions like Model Context Protocol (MCP) that allow participation across multiple AI marketplaces without surrendering customer data.

This AI commerce land grab is just beginning, with significant implications for the $65 billion retail media industry as AI agents potentially become primary shopping interfaces.

]]> retail media, ai shopping agent, amazon alexa, chatgpt and shopify No Offsite vs onsite retail media Offsite vs onsite retail media full c85e74a2-71e9-485a-8769-7350609403cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c716282 In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters breaks down the growing importance of offsite retail media, which extends retailers' advertising capabilities beyond their own digital properties. She explains how this approach allows brands to leverage retailers' rich first-party customer data to target specific consumer segments across various digital channels while maintaining closed-loop measurement of sales impact. The episode highlights key benefits for brands including better targeting amid the disappearance of third-party cookies, full-funnel marketing capabilities, and the ability to reach incremental audiences who may not regularly visit retailer websites or apps. Despite challenges around data capabilities, complex measurement, and privacy concerns, offsite retail media offers a compelling bridge between retail and digital advertising worlds.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:35) About the Show

(01:56) Introduction to Offsite Retail Media

(02:55) The Power of First-Party Data

(03:34) Full Funnel Approach in Offsite Retail Media

(04:10) Case Study: Water Pick and Walmart Connect

(04:48) Reaching Incremental Audiences

(06:03) Measuring Brand Building Advertising

(06:35) Benefits for Retailers

(08:15) Challenges and Considerations

(08:54) Conclusion: The Future of Offsite Retail Media

(09:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters breaks down the growing importance of offsite retail media, which extends retailers' advertising capabilities beyond their own digital properties. She explains how this approach allows brands to leverage retailers' rich first-party customer data to target specific consumer segments across various digital channels while maintaining closed-loop measurement of sales impact. The episode highlights key benefits for brands including better targeting amid the disappearance of third-party cookies, full-funnel marketing capabilities, and the ability to reach incremental audiences who may not regularly visit retailer websites or apps. Despite challenges around data capabilities, complex measurement, and privacy concerns, offsite retail media offers a compelling bridge between retail and digital advertising worlds.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:35) About the Show

(01:56) Introduction to Offsite Retail Media

(02:55) The Power of First-Party Data

(03:34) Full Funnel Approach in Offsite Retail Media

(04:10) Case Study: Water Pick and Walmart Connect

(04:48) Reaching Incremental Audiences

(06:03) Measuring Brand Building Advertising

(06:35) Benefits for Retailers

(08:15) Challenges and Considerations

(08:54) Conclusion: The Future of Offsite Retail Media

(09:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 572 In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters breaks down the growing importance of offsite retail media, which extends retailers' advertising capabilities beyond their own digital properties. She explains how this approach allows brands to leverage retailers' rich first-party customer data to target specific consumer segments across various digital channels while maintaining closed-loop measurement of sales impact. The episode highlights key benefits for brands including better targeting amid the disappearance of third-party cookies, full-funnel marketing capabilities, and the ability to reach incremental audiences who may not regularly visit retailer websites or apps. Despite challenges around data capabilities, complex measurement, and privacy concerns, offsite retail media offers a compelling bridge between retail and digital advertising worlds.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:35) About the Show

(01:56) Introduction to Offsite Retail Media

(02:55) The Power of First-Party Data

(03:34) Full Funnel Approach in Offsite Retail Media

(04:10) Case Study: Water Pick and Walmart Connect

(04:48) Reaching Incremental Audiences

(06:03) Measuring Brand Building Advertising

(06:35) Benefits for Retailers

(08:15) Challenges and Considerations

(08:54) Conclusion: The Future of Offsite Retail Media

(09:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Don't Just Put the Intern on It: Breaking the Cycle of E-Commerce Resistance Don't Just Put the Intern on It: Breaking the Cycle of E-Commerce Resistance full aecda91d-b2eb-41a7-88e2-5d76d506a18d https://share.transistor.fm/s/99d1a94c The host Kiri Masters shares her framework for how brands evolve when selling on Amazon, from initial ignorance to full integration, while drawing parallels to current digital commerce challenges. She discusses insights from Stratably's report "How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce," which offers strategies for overcoming organizational resistance to e-commerce investments. Kiri also provides practical advice for e-commerce leaders looking to advocate for digital transformation within traditional organizations, including using relatable metaphors, creating compelling digital visions, and building partnerships with key stakeholders like finance teams.

Link to Stratably's report, How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce: https://stratably.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Stratably_How-to-Educate-Senior-Leaders-on-eCommerce_2024.pdf

Link to Kiri's blog post on this: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/dont-just-put-the-intern-on-it-breaking-the-cycle-of-e-commerce-resistance/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:24) About the Show

(01:45) The Evolution of a Brand Selling on Amazon

(01:50) Stage One: Ignorance

(02:14) Stage Two: Put the Intern on It

(02:36) Stage Three: Panic

(03:08) Stage Four: Engagement and Integration

(03:36) New Digital Battlegrounds

(04:04) Challenges in E-Commerce Adoption

(04:47) Overcoming Resistance to E-Commerce

(06:24) Accelerating E-Commerce Evolution

(06:38) Practical Tips for E-Commerce Success

(08:37) Building Internal Understanding and Partnerships

(10:19) Conclusion: The Evolution Continues

(10:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> The host Kiri Masters shares her framework for how brands evolve when selling on Amazon, from initial ignorance to full integration, while drawing parallels to current digital commerce challenges. She discusses insights from Stratably's report "How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce," which offers strategies for overcoming organizational resistance to e-commerce investments. Kiri also provides practical advice for e-commerce leaders looking to advocate for digital transformation within traditional organizations, including using relatable metaphors, creating compelling digital visions, and building partnerships with key stakeholders like finance teams.

Link to Stratably's report, How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce: https://stratably.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Stratably_How-to-Educate-Senior-Leaders-on-eCommerce_2024.pdf

Link to Kiri's blog post on this: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/dont-just-put-the-intern-on-it-breaking-the-cycle-of-e-commerce-resistance/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:24) About the Show

(01:45) The Evolution of a Brand Selling on Amazon

(01:50) Stage One: Ignorance

(02:14) Stage Two: Put the Intern on It

(02:36) Stage Three: Panic

(03:08) Stage Four: Engagement and Integration

(03:36) New Digital Battlegrounds

(04:04) Challenges in E-Commerce Adoption

(04:47) Overcoming Resistance to E-Commerce

(06:24) Accelerating E-Commerce Evolution

(06:38) Practical Tips for E-Commerce Success

(08:37) Building Internal Understanding and Partnerships

(10:19) Conclusion: The Evolution Continues

(10:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 643 The host Kiri Masters shares her framework for how brands evolve when selling on Amazon, from initial ignorance to full integration, while drawing parallels to current digital commerce challenges. She discusses insights from Stratably's report "How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce," which offers strategies for overcoming organizational resistance to e-commerce investments. Kiri also provides practical advice for e-commerce leaders looking to advocate for digital transformation within traditional organizations, including using relatable metaphors, creating compelling digital visions, and building partnerships with key stakeholders like finance teams.

Link to Stratably's report, How to Educate Senior Leaders on eCommerce: https://stratably.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Stratably_How-to-Educate-Senior-Leaders-on-eCommerce_2024.pdf

Link to Kiri's blog post on this: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/dont-just-put-the-intern-on-it-breaking-the-cycle-of-e-commerce-resistance/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:24) About the Show

(01:45) The Evolution of a Brand Selling on Amazon

(01:50) Stage One: Ignorance

(02:14) Stage Two: Put the Intern on It

(02:36) Stage Three: Panic

(03:08) Stage Four: Engagement and Integration

(03:36) New Digital Battlegrounds

(04:04) Challenges in E-Commerce Adoption

(04:47) Overcoming Resistance to E-Commerce

(06:24) Accelerating E-Commerce Evolution

(06:38) Practical Tips for E-Commerce Success

(08:37) Building Internal Understanding and Partnerships

(10:19) Conclusion: The Evolution Continues

(10:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No WOAS: Waste of Ad Spend WOAS: Waste of Ad Spend full 026e5748-7197-4cf5-aeb3-370b19bfd2c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d57a4f3d Podean, an independent retail media and marketplaces agency, recently launched the "WOAS" Awards (Waste of Ad Spend Awards), a parody award highlighting how brands unknowingly waste retail media budgets. The awards spotlight three key issues: ineffective targeting, unoptimized budgets, and disconnects between media buying and business goals. Industry experts including Vanessa Hung, Danny Silverman, Tony Crutcher, and Mike Feldman weigh in on additional problems, from applying uniform strategies across different product categories to misallocating traditional digital talent to retail media roles without proper training. As retailers demand increased spending and the ecosystem grows more complex, cutting ineffective spending and implementing specialized expertise is becoming a competitive necessity rather than just a cost-saving measure.

Kiri's Forbes Post on WOAS: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/22/retail-medias-waste-problem-sparks-industry-awards-for-bad-practices/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:54) Introduction to the WOAS Awards

(02:22) Identifying Retail Media Waste

(03:32) Insights from Industry Experts

(03:51) Vanessa Hung on Category-Specific Strategies

(05:30) Danny Silverman on Talent and Org Design

(06:34) Tony Retcher on Fragmented Retail Media

(07:15) Mike Feldman on Cutting Ineffective Spend

(08:19) Conclusion: Navigating the Retail Media Landscape

(08:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Podean, an independent retail media and marketplaces agency, recently launched the "WOAS" Awards (Waste of Ad Spend Awards), a parody award highlighting how brands unknowingly waste retail media budgets. The awards spotlight three key issues: ineffective targeting, unoptimized budgets, and disconnects between media buying and business goals. Industry experts including Vanessa Hung, Danny Silverman, Tony Crutcher, and Mike Feldman weigh in on additional problems, from applying uniform strategies across different product categories to misallocating traditional digital talent to retail media roles without proper training. As retailers demand increased spending and the ecosystem grows more complex, cutting ineffective spending and implementing specialized expertise is becoming a competitive necessity rather than just a cost-saving measure.

Kiri's Forbes Post on WOAS: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/22/retail-medias-waste-problem-sparks-industry-awards-for-bad-practices/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:54) Introduction to the WOAS Awards

(02:22) Identifying Retail Media Waste

(03:32) Insights from Industry Experts

(03:51) Vanessa Hung on Category-Specific Strategies

(05:30) Danny Silverman on Talent and Org Design

(06:34) Tony Retcher on Fragmented Retail Media

(07:15) Mike Feldman on Cutting Ineffective Spend

(08:19) Conclusion: Navigating the Retail Media Landscape

(08:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 549 Podean, an independent retail media and marketplaces agency, recently launched the "WOAS" Awards (Waste of Ad Spend Awards), a parody award highlighting how brands unknowingly waste retail media budgets. The awards spotlight three key issues: ineffective targeting, unoptimized budgets, and disconnects between media buying and business goals. Industry experts including Vanessa Hung, Danny Silverman, Tony Crutcher, and Mike Feldman weigh in on additional problems, from applying uniform strategies across different product categories to misallocating traditional digital talent to retail media roles without proper training. As retailers demand increased spending and the ecosystem grows more complex, cutting ineffective spending and implementing specialized expertise is becoming a competitive necessity rather than just a cost-saving measure.

Kiri's Forbes Post on WOAS: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/22/retail-medias-waste-problem-sparks-industry-awards-for-bad-practices/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:54) Introduction to the WOAS Awards

(02:22) Identifying Retail Media Waste

(03:32) Insights from Industry Experts

(03:51) Vanessa Hung on Category-Specific Strategies

(05:30) Danny Silverman on Talent and Org Design

(06:34) Tony Retcher on Fragmented Retail Media

(07:15) Mike Feldman on Cutting Ineffective Spend

(08:19) Conclusion: Navigating the Retail Media Landscape

(08:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Trump’s Tariff Shock May Drive Major Shift In Retail Media Spending Trump’s Tariff Shock May Drive Major Shift In Retail Media Spending full b8cac5af-549d-4963-926d-7858f03809ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/b30f037a President Trump's sweeping tariffs are forcing consumer brands to make difficult trade-offs, with one of the most immediate impacts being on advertising and retail media spending. As brands face tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese imports, many are cutting advertising budgets to offset margin compression, particularly on Amazon where smaller sellers are struggling to either absorb costs or raise prices. While some experts like Harry Joiner recommend focusing ad spend only on margin-accretive products, others like Jason Landro advocate maintaining advertising investment to gain market share while competitors retreat. The tariff impact varies dramatically by product category, with toys and games being among the hardest hit, potentially reshaping the $62 billion retail media industry as brands reconsider their channel strategies.

Host Kiri Masters' original post on Forbes on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/tariff-shock-may-drive-major-shift-in-retail-media-spending/

Harry Joiner's 90-day tariff plan for ecommerce leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harryjoiner_download-90-day-tariff-game-plan-activity-7314980336621285377-iNSe/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:31) About the Show

(00:51) Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Consumer Brands

(01:56) Advertising and Retail Media Spending Shifts

(02:33) Amazon's Ecosystem and Ad Spend Reductions

(03:35) Challenges for International Manufacturers

(04:41) Strategic Shifts in Retail Media

(06:52) Contrarian Approach to Ad Spend

(08:33) Chinese Sellers' Response to Tariffs

(10:03) Opportunities for National Brands

(10:49) Future of Retail Media Landscape

(11:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> President Trump's sweeping tariffs are forcing consumer brands to make difficult trade-offs, with one of the most immediate impacts being on advertising and retail media spending. As brands face tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese imports, many are cutting advertising budgets to offset margin compression, particularly on Amazon where smaller sellers are struggling to either absorb costs or raise prices. While some experts like Harry Joiner recommend focusing ad spend only on margin-accretive products, others like Jason Landro advocate maintaining advertising investment to gain market share while competitors retreat. The tariff impact varies dramatically by product category, with toys and games being among the hardest hit, potentially reshaping the $62 billion retail media industry as brands reconsider their channel strategies.

Host Kiri Masters' original post on Forbes on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/tariff-shock-may-drive-major-shift-in-retail-media-spending/

Harry Joiner's 90-day tariff plan for ecommerce leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harryjoiner_download-90-day-tariff-game-plan-activity-7314980336621285377-iNSe/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:31) About the Show

(00:51) Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Consumer Brands

(01:56) Advertising and Retail Media Spending Shifts

(02:33) Amazon's Ecosystem and Ad Spend Reductions

(03:35) Challenges for International Manufacturers

(04:41) Strategic Shifts in Retail Media

(06:52) Contrarian Approach to Ad Spend

(08:33) Chinese Sellers' Response to Tariffs

(10:03) Opportunities for National Brands

(10:49) Future of Retail Media Landscape

(11:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 710 President Trump's sweeping tariffs are forcing consumer brands to make difficult trade-offs, with one of the most immediate impacts being on advertising and retail media spending. As brands face tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese imports, many are cutting advertising budgets to offset margin compression, particularly on Amazon where smaller sellers are struggling to either absorb costs or raise prices. While some experts like Harry Joiner recommend focusing ad spend only on margin-accretive products, others like Jason Landro advocate maintaining advertising investment to gain market share while competitors retreat. The tariff impact varies dramatically by product category, with toys and games being among the hardest hit, potentially reshaping the $62 billion retail media industry as brands reconsider their channel strategies.

Host Kiri Masters' original post on Forbes on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/tariff-shock-may-drive-major-shift-in-retail-media-spending/

Harry Joiner's 90-day tariff plan for ecommerce leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harryjoiner_download-90-day-tariff-game-plan-activity-7314980336621285377-iNSe/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:31) About the Show

(00:51) Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Consumer Brands

(01:56) Advertising and Retail Media Spending Shifts

(02:33) Amazon's Ecosystem and Ad Spend Reductions

(03:35) Challenges for International Manufacturers

(04:41) Strategic Shifts in Retail Media

(06:52) Contrarian Approach to Ad Spend

(08:33) Chinese Sellers' Response to Tariffs

(10:03) Opportunities for National Brands

(10:49) Future of Retail Media Landscape

(11:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No 'Vibe Marketing' comes to retail media 'Vibe Marketing' comes to retail media full db630e94-8896-4694-8ee6-df673752021a https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4a24d32 In this episode, Kiri Masters explores how "vibe marketing" - a concept originating in tech circles - can be applied to retail media strategies. She breaks down how this AI-powered approach enables marketers to rapidly iterate emotional angles at scale while maintaining authentic brand connections, despite the structured nature of retail media environments. Kiri offers four practical applications for retail media professionals: scaling content across multiple channels, personalizing at scale using retailer first-party data, quickly capitalizing on emerging shopper trends, and automating tedious workflows to optimize campaigns. While acknowledging that not every retail media placement needs this approach, she suggests vibe marketing provides a fresh framework for leveraging AI capabilities in the retail media landscape.

Kiri's post on Vibe Marketing: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/4419d48d-34a0-4c45-ae7f-23820211605d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:10) About the Show

(01:30) Introduction to Vibe Marketing

(01:59) AI's Role in Vibe Marketing

(03:40) Vibe Marketing in Retail Media

(05:13) Practical Use Cases of Vibe Marketing

(07:52) Internal Advocacy and Education

(09:32) Balancing Vibe Marketing with Reality

(10:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

(10:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, Kiri Masters explores how "vibe marketing" - a concept originating in tech circles - can be applied to retail media strategies. She breaks down how this AI-powered approach enables marketers to rapidly iterate emotional angles at scale while maintaining authentic brand connections, despite the structured nature of retail media environments. Kiri offers four practical applications for retail media professionals: scaling content across multiple channels, personalizing at scale using retailer first-party data, quickly capitalizing on emerging shopper trends, and automating tedious workflows to optimize campaigns. While acknowledging that not every retail media placement needs this approach, she suggests vibe marketing provides a fresh framework for leveraging AI capabilities in the retail media landscape.

Kiri's post on Vibe Marketing: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/4419d48d-34a0-4c45-ae7f-23820211605d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:10) About the Show

(01:30) Introduction to Vibe Marketing

(01:59) AI's Role in Vibe Marketing

(03:40) Vibe Marketing in Retail Media

(05:13) Practical Use Cases of Vibe Marketing

(07:52) Internal Advocacy and Education

(09:32) Balancing Vibe Marketing with Reality

(10:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

(10:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 653 In this episode, Kiri Masters explores how "vibe marketing" - a concept originating in tech circles - can be applied to retail media strategies. She breaks down how this AI-powered approach enables marketers to rapidly iterate emotional angles at scale while maintaining authentic brand connections, despite the structured nature of retail media environments. Kiri offers four practical applications for retail media professionals: scaling content across multiple channels, personalizing at scale using retailer first-party data, quickly capitalizing on emerging shopper trends, and automating tedious workflows to optimize campaigns. While acknowledging that not every retail media placement needs this approach, she suggests vibe marketing provides a fresh framework for leveraging AI capabilities in the retail media landscape.

Kiri's post on Vibe Marketing: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/4419d48d-34a0-4c45-ae7f-23820211605d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:10) About the Show

(01:30) Introduction to Vibe Marketing

(01:59) AI's Role in Vibe Marketing

(03:40) Vibe Marketing in Retail Media

(05:13) Practical Use Cases of Vibe Marketing

(07:52) Internal Advocacy and Education

(09:32) Balancing Vibe Marketing with Reality

(10:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

(10:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Walmart puts the hard word on advertisers with 25% spend bump Walmart puts the hard word on advertisers with 25% spend bump full f9198417-a529-40b0-8ad5-79b78745ca7d https://share.transistor.fm/s/83330407 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters examines Walmart's reported push for brands to increase their retail media spending by 25% year-over-year as part of joint business plans, based on recent reporting by Adweek. She explores how the impressive profit margins of retail media networks are creating pressure for continued growth, leading to what many brands describe as a "retail media tax" - mandatory advertising spending without proportional returns. While some brands are pushing back or even breaking agreements with major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, Kiri questions whether Walmart's increased spending requests might be tied to funding future capabilities like their $2.3 billion VIZIO acquisition for connected TV advertising.

Kiri's Forbes article referenced in the epsiode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/11/walmarts-25-ad-spend-mandate-highlights-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:18) About the Show
(01:38) Retail Media Profit Margins
(02:50) Retail Media Tax Pressure
(05:19) Digital Shelf Space Dilemma
(05:34) Sam's Club Contrasting Approach
(07:02) Brands Pushing Back
(08:09) Walmart's VIZIO Investment
(09:26) Future Partnership Approach
(10:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters examines Walmart's reported push for brands to increase their retail media spending by 25% year-over-year as part of joint business plans, based on recent reporting by Adweek. She explores how the impressive profit margins of retail media networks are creating pressure for continued growth, leading to what many brands describe as a "retail media tax" - mandatory advertising spending without proportional returns. While some brands are pushing back or even breaking agreements with major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, Kiri questions whether Walmart's increased spending requests might be tied to funding future capabilities like their $2.3 billion VIZIO acquisition for connected TV advertising.

Kiri's Forbes article referenced in the epsiode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/11/walmarts-25-ad-spend-mandate-highlights-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:18) About the Show
(01:38) Retail Media Profit Margins
(02:50) Retail Media Tax Pressure
(05:19) Digital Shelf Space Dilemma
(05:34) Sam's Club Contrasting Approach
(07:02) Brands Pushing Back
(08:09) Walmart's VIZIO Investment
(09:26) Future Partnership Approach
(10:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 650 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters examines Walmart's reported push for brands to increase their retail media spending by 25% year-over-year as part of joint business plans, based on recent reporting by Adweek. She explores how the impressive profit margins of retail media networks are creating pressure for continued growth, leading to what many brands describe as a "retail media tax" - mandatory advertising spending without proportional returns. While some brands are pushing back or even breaking agreements with major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, Kiri questions whether Walmart's increased spending requests might be tied to funding future capabilities like their $2.3 billion VIZIO acquisition for connected TV advertising.

Kiri's Forbes article referenced in the epsiode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/11/walmarts-25-ad-spend-mandate-highlights-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:18) About the Show
(01:38) Retail Media Profit Margins
(02:50) Retail Media Tax Pressure
(05:19) Digital Shelf Space Dilemma
(05:34) Sam's Club Contrasting Approach
(07:02) Brands Pushing Back
(08:09) Walmart's VIZIO Investment
(09:26) Future Partnership Approach
(10:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Our New 2-Speed Marketplace Our New 2-Speed Marketplace full f21aecdd-4ef5-471e-90d0-f876e401d0cd https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2284d99 In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters analyzes data from Momentum Commerce that reveals a fascinating "frugal frenzy" emerging across Amazon's marketplace. She explores how consumers are simultaneously stockpiling products like baby formula (up 26 times week-over-week) while becoming increasingly price-conscious, with average selling prices among top sellers dropping 0.8% year-over-year. The episode highlights a clear divide between value-driven categories where consumers are trading down to cheaper alternatives (like diapers) and emotion-driven categories like pet care and makeup where premium pricing remains resilient despite economic concerns. Kiri provides strategic guidance for brands navigating this complex consumer landscape, suggesting different approaches depending on whether products fall into functional or emotional purchase categories.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing the same: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/c3bfeb51-dc46-45e8-976c-036c6a4c4328/

Source of Data discussed in today's episode: https://www.momentumcommerce.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(02:27) About the Show

(02:47) Price Trends Analysis Introduction

(03:59) Diaper Category Insights

(05:24) Panic-Buying Behavior Patterns

(06:11) Emotional Purchase Categories

(07:09) Brand Strategy Recommendations

(09:52) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters analyzes data from Momentum Commerce that reveals a fascinating "frugal frenzy" emerging across Amazon's marketplace. She explores how consumers are simultaneously stockpiling products like baby formula (up 26 times week-over-week) while becoming increasingly price-conscious, with average selling prices among top sellers dropping 0.8% year-over-year. The episode highlights a clear divide between value-driven categories where consumers are trading down to cheaper alternatives (like diapers) and emotion-driven categories like pet care and makeup where premium pricing remains resilient despite economic concerns. Kiri provides strategic guidance for brands navigating this complex consumer landscape, suggesting different approaches depending on whether products fall into functional or emotional purchase categories.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing the same: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/c3bfeb51-dc46-45e8-976c-036c6a4c4328/

Source of Data discussed in today's episode: https://www.momentumcommerce.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(02:27) About the Show

(02:47) Price Trends Analysis Introduction

(03:59) Diaper Category Insights

(05:24) Panic-Buying Behavior Patterns

(06:11) Emotional Purchase Categories

(07:09) Brand Strategy Recommendations

(09:52) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 612 In this insightful episode, Kiri Masters analyzes data from Momentum Commerce that reveals a fascinating "frugal frenzy" emerging across Amazon's marketplace. She explores how consumers are simultaneously stockpiling products like baby formula (up 26 times week-over-week) while becoming increasingly price-conscious, with average selling prices among top sellers dropping 0.8% year-over-year. The episode highlights a clear divide between value-driven categories where consumers are trading down to cheaper alternatives (like diapers) and emotion-driven categories like pet care and makeup where premium pricing remains resilient despite economic concerns. Kiri provides strategic guidance for brands navigating this complex consumer landscape, suggesting different approaches depending on whether products fall into functional or emotional purchase categories.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing the same: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/c3bfeb51-dc46-45e8-976c-036c6a4c4328/

Source of Data discussed in today's episode: https://www.momentumcommerce.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(02:27) About the Show

(02:47) Price Trends Analysis Introduction

(03:59) Diaper Category Insights

(05:24) Panic-Buying Behavior Patterns

(06:11) Emotional Purchase Categories

(07:09) Brand Strategy Recommendations

(09:52) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: The death of the marketing funnel Panel: The death of the marketing funnel full e3afeffb-1f07-4302-8beb-79b95ea42828 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c3a373dd In this panel episode, industry leaders discuss the evolving nature of the customer journey in today's digital landscape. Josh Clarkson, Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting introduces the concept of a 'wormhole,' where shoppers enter and exit the purchase process at various points. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the need for continuous engagement through an explosion of touchpoints, enhanced product detail pages, and strategic use of reviews. Julie Liu from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company advocates for the 'flywheel' model, a self-reinforcing loop that builds momentum through influencers, social engagement, and customer advocacy. Together, these perspectives challenge the traditional marketing funnel and offer fresh frameworks for understanding customer behavior.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:03) About the Show
(01:25) Josh Clarkson: The Wormhole Model
(02:24) Todd Weagent: Continuous Customer Engagement
(03:46) Julie Liu: The Flywheel Approach
(04:47) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this panel episode, industry leaders discuss the evolving nature of the customer journey in today's digital landscape. Josh Clarkson, Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting introduces the concept of a 'wormhole,' where shoppers enter and exit the purchase process at various points. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the need for continuous engagement through an explosion of touchpoints, enhanced product detail pages, and strategic use of reviews. Julie Liu from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company advocates for the 'flywheel' model, a self-reinforcing loop that builds momentum through influencers, social engagement, and customer advocacy. Together, these perspectives challenge the traditional marketing funnel and offer fresh frameworks for understanding customer behavior.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:03) About the Show
(01:25) Josh Clarkson: The Wormhole Model
(02:24) Todd Weagent: Continuous Customer Engagement
(03:46) Julie Liu: The Flywheel Approach
(04:47) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 306 In this panel episode, industry leaders discuss the evolving nature of the customer journey in today's digital landscape. Josh Clarkson, Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting introduces the concept of a 'wormhole,' where shoppers enter and exit the purchase process at various points. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the need for continuous engagement through an explosion of touchpoints, enhanced product detail pages, and strategic use of reviews. Julie Liu from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company advocates for the 'flywheel' model, a self-reinforcing loop that builds momentum through influencers, social engagement, and customer advocacy. Together, these perspectives challenge the traditional marketing funnel and offer fresh frameworks for understanding customer behavior.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:03) About the Show
(01:25) Josh Clarkson: The Wormhole Model
(02:24) Todd Weagent: Continuous Customer Engagement
(03:46) Julie Liu: The Flywheel Approach
(04:47) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Other Side of the Story: Why Retailers Struggle with Media Measurement and Standardization The Other Side of the Story: Why Retailers Struggle with Media Measurement and Standardization full 76639a44-26f7-430d-9113-aeb8e8cbaafd https://share.transistor.fm/s/79251e8e This episode explores the complex landscape of retail media measurement, focusing on insights from the Path to Purchase Institute's Retail Media Guild report and industry experts. The discussion highlights the difficulties retailers face in achieving standardized and transparent measurement practices, the evolution of retail media networks from grassroots initiatives to self-contained businesses, and how varying retailer objectives complicate the establishment of universal metrics. It also addresses the substantial challenges of retrofitting existing systems for robust ad tracking and the complicated dynamics of trust between brands and retailer-provided metrics. Finally, the episode considers the economic motivations behind investment in retail media technology and the potential role of demand-side aggregation in advancing the industry.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing this in detail: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/02577c5a-e017-452a-9ef1-cb9c233db75d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:52) About the Show
(01:14) The Origins of Retail Media Networks
(01:30) Home Depot's Retail Media Journey
(02:24) Emerging Models in Retail Media
(03:29) Challenges in Advertising Measurement
(05:02) The Importance of Standardization
(07:06) Distrust in Retailer Metrics
(08:29) The Role of Technology in Retail Media
(09:23) Is Retail Media Worth the Investment?
(10:58) Future Trends and Industry Optimism
(11:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(12:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> This episode explores the complex landscape of retail media measurement, focusing on insights from the Path to Purchase Institute's Retail Media Guild report and industry experts. The discussion highlights the difficulties retailers face in achieving standardized and transparent measurement practices, the evolution of retail media networks from grassroots initiatives to self-contained businesses, and how varying retailer objectives complicate the establishment of universal metrics. It also addresses the substantial challenges of retrofitting existing systems for robust ad tracking and the complicated dynamics of trust between brands and retailer-provided metrics. Finally, the episode considers the economic motivations behind investment in retail media technology and the potential role of demand-side aggregation in advancing the industry.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing this in detail: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/02577c5a-e017-452a-9ef1-cb9c233db75d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:52) About the Show
(01:14) The Origins of Retail Media Networks
(01:30) Home Depot's Retail Media Journey
(02:24) Emerging Models in Retail Media
(03:29) Challenges in Advertising Measurement
(05:02) The Importance of Standardization
(07:06) Distrust in Retailer Metrics
(08:29) The Role of Technology in Retail Media
(09:23) Is Retail Media Worth the Investment?
(10:58) Future Trends and Industry Optimism
(11:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(12:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 748 This episode explores the complex landscape of retail media measurement, focusing on insights from the Path to Purchase Institute's Retail Media Guild report and industry experts. The discussion highlights the difficulties retailers face in achieving standardized and transparent measurement practices, the evolution of retail media networks from grassroots initiatives to self-contained businesses, and how varying retailer objectives complicate the establishment of universal metrics. It also addresses the substantial challenges of retrofitting existing systems for robust ad tracking and the complicated dynamics of trust between brands and retailer-provided metrics. Finally, the episode considers the economic motivations behind investment in retail media technology and the potential role of demand-side aggregation in advancing the industry.

Link to Kiri's blog post discussing this in detail: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/02577c5a-e017-452a-9ef1-cb9c233db75d/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:52) About the Show
(01:14) The Origins of Retail Media Networks
(01:30) Home Depot's Retail Media Journey
(02:24) Emerging Models in Retail Media
(03:29) Challenges in Advertising Measurement
(05:02) The Importance of Standardization
(07:06) Distrust in Retailer Metrics
(08:29) The Role of Technology in Retail Media
(09:23) Is Retail Media Worth the Investment?
(10:58) Future Trends and Industry Optimism
(11:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(12:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Why Real-Time Bidding Is Retail Media's Next Frontier Why Real-Time Bidding Is Retail Media's Next Frontier full 285b3354-280c-4dcf-96ba-ab5661e259d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f384890 This episode delves into the current landscape of retail media where Amazon and Walmart dominate market share, yet there are over 70 competing retail media networks in North America. The host Kiri Masters explores the fragmentation and inefficiencies brands face when managing multiple retail media relationships. She introduces real-time bidding (RTB) as a transformative solution to unify and standardize retail media, drawing parallels from its impact on digital display and connected TV advertising. The discussion covers the advantages of RTB in creating scale, enhancing measurement and transparency, and democratizing inventory access for advertisers. The challenges of latency and relevance in retail environments are also addressed, along with the efforts of the IAB and major tech players like Microsoft and Google to adapt RTB protocols for retail media. The episode aims to highlight the future of retail media through standardization and the potential benefits for both retailers and brands.

Link to Kiri's orginal forbes post referenced in the episode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/02/why-real-time-bidding-is-retail-medias-next-frontier/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:20) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Realtime Bidding in Retail Media
(01:54) Understanding Realtime Bidding
(02:20) Key Benefits of Realtime Bidding for Retail Media
(03:30) Historical Context and Adoption Challenges
(04:50) Technical Challenges in Retail Media
(06:09) Efforts to Standardize Realtime Bidding
(06:47) Major Players in Realtime Bidding
(08:32) Future Outlook and Conclusion
(09:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> This episode delves into the current landscape of retail media where Amazon and Walmart dominate market share, yet there are over 70 competing retail media networks in North America. The host Kiri Masters explores the fragmentation and inefficiencies brands face when managing multiple retail media relationships. She introduces real-time bidding (RTB) as a transformative solution to unify and standardize retail media, drawing parallels from its impact on digital display and connected TV advertising. The discussion covers the advantages of RTB in creating scale, enhancing measurement and transparency, and democratizing inventory access for advertisers. The challenges of latency and relevance in retail environments are also addressed, along with the efforts of the IAB and major tech players like Microsoft and Google to adapt RTB protocols for retail media. The episode aims to highlight the future of retail media through standardization and the potential benefits for both retailers and brands.

Link to Kiri's orginal forbes post referenced in the episode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/02/why-real-time-bidding-is-retail-medias-next-frontier/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:20) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Realtime Bidding in Retail Media
(01:54) Understanding Realtime Bidding
(02:20) Key Benefits of Realtime Bidding for Retail Media
(03:30) Historical Context and Adoption Challenges
(04:50) Technical Challenges in Retail Media
(06:09) Efforts to Standardize Realtime Bidding
(06:47) Major Players in Realtime Bidding
(08:32) Future Outlook and Conclusion
(09:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 609 This episode delves into the current landscape of retail media where Amazon and Walmart dominate market share, yet there are over 70 competing retail media networks in North America. The host Kiri Masters explores the fragmentation and inefficiencies brands face when managing multiple retail media relationships. She introduces real-time bidding (RTB) as a transformative solution to unify and standardize retail media, drawing parallels from its impact on digital display and connected TV advertising. The discussion covers the advantages of RTB in creating scale, enhancing measurement and transparency, and democratizing inventory access for advertisers. The challenges of latency and relevance in retail environments are also addressed, along with the efforts of the IAB and major tech players like Microsoft and Google to adapt RTB protocols for retail media. The episode aims to highlight the future of retail media through standardization and the potential benefits for both retailers and brands.

Link to Kiri's orginal forbes post referenced in the episode : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/02/why-real-time-bidding-is-retail-medias-next-frontier/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:20) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Realtime Bidding in Retail Media
(01:54) Understanding Realtime Bidding
(02:20) Key Benefits of Realtime Bidding for Retail Media
(03:30) Historical Context and Adoption Challenges
(04:50) Technical Challenges in Retail Media
(06:09) Efforts to Standardize Realtime Bidding
(06:47) Major Players in Realtime Bidding
(08:32) Future Outlook and Conclusion
(09:49) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No I Tested Amazon's AI Shopping Agent That Buys From Other Websites I Tested Amazon's AI Shopping Agent That Buys From Other Websites full db65c071-2d15-4e29-a6b1-49d6fe1d5718 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac88bfad In this episode, we delve into Amazon's new 'Buy for Me' feature, currently in beta for select US customers. 'Buy for Me' allows users to purchase directly from brand websites via the Amazon app. The host Kiri Masters shares her firsthand experience purchasing from the footwear brand, Rothy's, highlighting the seamless yet basic interface. Insights are provided into Amazon's potential strategies, including addressing possible PII concerns and the broader implications for brands. The episode also touches on how Amazon can leverage consumer data for advertising and its broader AI initiatives.


Kiri's Forbes article explaining Amazon's Buy for me in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/amazon-buy-for-me-is-the-latest-entrant-in-the-ai-shopping-agent-race/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:24) About the Show
(00:45) Introduction to Amazon's New AI Shopping Experience
(01:45) How 'Buy for Me' Works
(02:11) My Experience with Rothy's
(04:07) User Experience and Observations
(06:05) Privacy and Security Concerns
(06:52) Implications for Brands
(09:04) Amazon's Data Strategy
(10:26) Future of AI in Retail
(11:33) Conclusion and Call to Action
(11:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we delve into Amazon's new 'Buy for Me' feature, currently in beta for select US customers. 'Buy for Me' allows users to purchase directly from brand websites via the Amazon app. The host Kiri Masters shares her firsthand experience purchasing from the footwear brand, Rothy's, highlighting the seamless yet basic interface. Insights are provided into Amazon's potential strategies, including addressing possible PII concerns and the broader implications for brands. The episode also touches on how Amazon can leverage consumer data for advertising and its broader AI initiatives.


Kiri's Forbes article explaining Amazon's Buy for me in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/amazon-buy-for-me-is-the-latest-entrant-in-the-ai-shopping-agent-race/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:24) About the Show
(00:45) Introduction to Amazon's New AI Shopping Experience
(01:45) How 'Buy for Me' Works
(02:11) My Experience with Rothy's
(04:07) User Experience and Observations
(06:05) Privacy and Security Concerns
(06:52) Implications for Brands
(09:04) Amazon's Data Strategy
(10:26) Future of AI in Retail
(11:33) Conclusion and Call to Action
(11:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 730 In this episode, we delve into Amazon's new 'Buy for Me' feature, currently in beta for select US customers. 'Buy for Me' allows users to purchase directly from brand websites via the Amazon app. The host Kiri Masters shares her firsthand experience purchasing from the footwear brand, Rothy's, highlighting the seamless yet basic interface. Insights are provided into Amazon's potential strategies, including addressing possible PII concerns and the broader implications for brands. The episode also touches on how Amazon can leverage consumer data for advertising and its broader AI initiatives.


Kiri's Forbes article explaining Amazon's Buy for me in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/04/08/amazon-buy-for-me-is-the-latest-entrant-in-the-ai-shopping-agent-race/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:24) About the Show
(00:45) Introduction to Amazon's New AI Shopping Experience
(01:45) How 'Buy for Me' Works
(02:11) My Experience with Rothy's
(04:07) User Experience and Observations
(06:05) Privacy and Security Concerns
(06:52) Implications for Brands
(09:04) Amazon's Data Strategy
(10:26) Future of AI in Retail
(11:33) Conclusion and Call to Action
(11:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: New and exciting retail media metrics Panel: New and exciting retail media metrics full fa62f4c7-72a6-414f-bf00-47cc1794af2a https://share.transistor.fm/s/79cb4e36 In this panel episode, retail media leaders discuss the evolving landscape of metrics in the industry. Josh Clarkson,Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting, argues that the focus should be on using the most appropriate metrics for each campaign's objectives rather than seeking new ones. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the importance of tracking different metrics depending on campaign goals and challenges the over-reliance on ROAS. Julie Liu of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company shares how her team is expanding their view to include omnichannel metrics, ensuring digital efforts are measured against total company growth. Tune in for a deep dive into what really matters in retail media metrics.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:02) About the Show
(01:22) Josh Clarkson: The Importance of Appropriate Metrics
(02:21) Todd Weagent: Conscious Tracking and ROAS Challenges
(03:17) Julie Liu : Omnichannel Metrics for Total Business Growth
(04:29) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this panel episode, retail media leaders discuss the evolving landscape of metrics in the industry. Josh Clarkson,Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting, argues that the focus should be on using the most appropriate metrics for each campaign's objectives rather than seeking new ones. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the importance of tracking different metrics depending on campaign goals and challenges the over-reliance on ROAS. Julie Liu of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company shares how her team is expanding their view to include omnichannel metrics, ensuring digital efforts are measured against total company growth. Tune in for a deep dive into what really matters in retail media metrics.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:02) About the Show
(01:22) Josh Clarkson: The Importance of Appropriate Metrics
(02:21) Todd Weagent: Conscious Tracking and ROAS Challenges
(03:17) Julie Liu : Omnichannel Metrics for Total Business Growth
(04:29) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 289 In this panel episode, retail media leaders discuss the evolving landscape of metrics in the industry. Josh Clarkson,Global Lead for Retail Media at Mars, and Chief Consultant at Edify Digital Commerce Consulting, argues that the focus should be on using the most appropriate metrics for each campaign's objectives rather than seeking new ones. Todd Weagent from Masimo emphasizes the importance of tracking different metrics depending on campaign goals and challenges the over-reliance on ROAS. Julie Liu of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company shares how her team is expanding their view to include omnichannel metrics, ensuring digital efforts are measured against total company growth. Tune in for a deep dive into what really matters in retail media metrics.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:02) About the Show
(01:22) Josh Clarkson: The Importance of Appropriate Metrics
(02:21) Todd Weagent: Conscious Tracking and ROAS Challenges
(03:17) Julie Liu : Omnichannel Metrics for Total Business Growth
(04:29) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Scouting For Tech: Lessons From Schwarz Scouting For Tech: Lessons From Schwarz full 8508a62b-a614-45bd-a7da-3581f52139ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/99ad391d In this episode, we delve into key insights from an interview with Mirko Saul, the SVP of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, featured on the Off Bounds podcast hosted by Paula Macaggi. Schwarz Digital, the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland with 14,000 stores across 30 countries, is a significant player in the retail landscape. Mirko shares his team's structured approach to technological innovation, which includes problem-first technology scouting, rigorous preliminary research and vetting, lab testing in a controlled environment, defining KPIs from day one, incremental store rollouts, and thorough integration versus evaluation. These methodologies ensure that technological advancements are cost-effective and aligned with core business goals. The discussion also offers valuable lessons for retail media, emphasizing the importance of starting with business objectives, simulating testing environments, validating vendor scalability, and making strategic decisions on data sovereignty and in-house development versus external partnerships.

Link to podcast interview that Kiri refers to in this epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrYSTb9-zfg&t=80s


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:35) About the Show
(01:57) Introduction to Schwarz Digital Team's Innovation Approach
(02:05) Problem-First Technology Scouting
(03:32) Preliminary Research and Vetting
(04:19) Lab Testing in a Simulated Store Environment
(05:07) Defining KPIs from Day One
(06:37) Incremental Store Rollouts
(07:10) Integration and Evaluation
(07:50) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(11:27) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we delve into key insights from an interview with Mirko Saul, the SVP of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, featured on the Off Bounds podcast hosted by Paula Macaggi. Schwarz Digital, the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland with 14,000 stores across 30 countries, is a significant player in the retail landscape. Mirko shares his team's structured approach to technological innovation, which includes problem-first technology scouting, rigorous preliminary research and vetting, lab testing in a controlled environment, defining KPIs from day one, incremental store rollouts, and thorough integration versus evaluation. These methodologies ensure that technological advancements are cost-effective and aligned with core business goals. The discussion also offers valuable lessons for retail media, emphasizing the importance of starting with business objectives, simulating testing environments, validating vendor scalability, and making strategic decisions on data sovereignty and in-house development versus external partnerships.

Link to podcast interview that Kiri refers to in this epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrYSTb9-zfg&t=80s


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:35) About the Show
(01:57) Introduction to Schwarz Digital Team's Innovation Approach
(02:05) Problem-First Technology Scouting
(03:32) Preliminary Research and Vetting
(04:19) Lab Testing in a Simulated Store Environment
(05:07) Defining KPIs from Day One
(06:37) Incremental Store Rollouts
(07:10) Integration and Evaluation
(07:50) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(11:27) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 706 In this episode, we delve into key insights from an interview with Mirko Saul, the SVP of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, featured on the Off Bounds podcast hosted by Paula Macaggi. Schwarz Digital, the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland with 14,000 stores across 30 countries, is a significant player in the retail landscape. Mirko shares his team's structured approach to technological innovation, which includes problem-first technology scouting, rigorous preliminary research and vetting, lab testing in a controlled environment, defining KPIs from day one, incremental store rollouts, and thorough integration versus evaluation. These methodologies ensure that technological advancements are cost-effective and aligned with core business goals. The discussion also offers valuable lessons for retail media, emphasizing the importance of starting with business objectives, simulating testing environments, validating vendor scalability, and making strategic decisions on data sovereignty and in-house development versus external partnerships.

Link to podcast interview that Kiri refers to in this epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrYSTb9-zfg&t=80s


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:35) About the Show
(01:57) Introduction to Schwarz Digital Team's Innovation Approach
(02:05) Problem-First Technology Scouting
(03:32) Preliminary Research and Vetting
(04:19) Lab Testing in a Simulated Store Environment
(05:07) Defining KPIs from Day One
(06:37) Incremental Store Rollouts
(07:10) Integration and Evaluation
(07:50) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(11:27) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Nova Act: What Amazon's Agentic AI Means for the Future of retail Nova Act: What Amazon's Agentic AI Means for the Future of retail full b816ec07-bc8a-4653-a03b-07648dbd4153 https://share.transistor.fm/s/20633c27 In this episode, we explore Amazon's recent launch of Nova Act, a developer tool for AI agents designed to facilitate various internet-based actions, from apartment hunting to transactional tasks. Comparing it to OpenAI's Operator, we discuss how Nova Act represents Amazon's strategic response to the evolving landscape of consumer-facing AI. We delve into the timing of this launch, its implications for retailers, and its potential to integrate with Alexa to create a comprehensive research and transaction assistant. The discussion forecasts a future dominated by AI agents optimizing retail experiences, potentially transforming advertising and consumer interactions. As AI agents become gatekeepers in shopping, the script underlines the importance for brands and retailers to adapt to new forms of agent-led optimization and customer engagement.

You can find the link to the episodes of our 'AI in Retail' 5 part mini-series here in this post : https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-ai-affects-the-consumer-path-to-purchase-ai-in-retail-series-part-5-2/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:02) About the Show
(01:24) Introduction to Nova Act
(02:14) Amazon's Developer Tool and Future Plans
(03:11) Timing and Market Response
(03:54) Amazon's Strategic Moves
(06:14) Implications for Brands and Retailers
(06:56) Predictions for Retail's Future
(09:01) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(09:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we explore Amazon's recent launch of Nova Act, a developer tool for AI agents designed to facilitate various internet-based actions, from apartment hunting to transactional tasks. Comparing it to OpenAI's Operator, we discuss how Nova Act represents Amazon's strategic response to the evolving landscape of consumer-facing AI. We delve into the timing of this launch, its implications for retailers, and its potential to integrate with Alexa to create a comprehensive research and transaction assistant. The discussion forecasts a future dominated by AI agents optimizing retail experiences, potentially transforming advertising and consumer interactions. As AI agents become gatekeepers in shopping, the script underlines the importance for brands and retailers to adapt to new forms of agent-led optimization and customer engagement.

You can find the link to the episodes of our 'AI in Retail' 5 part mini-series here in this post : https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-ai-affects-the-consumer-path-to-purchase-ai-in-retail-series-part-5-2/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:02) About the Show
(01:24) Introduction to Nova Act
(02:14) Amazon's Developer Tool and Future Plans
(03:11) Timing and Market Response
(03:54) Amazon's Strategic Moves
(06:14) Implications for Brands and Retailers
(06:56) Predictions for Retail's Future
(09:01) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(09:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 583 In this episode, we explore Amazon's recent launch of Nova Act, a developer tool for AI agents designed to facilitate various internet-based actions, from apartment hunting to transactional tasks. Comparing it to OpenAI's Operator, we discuss how Nova Act represents Amazon's strategic response to the evolving landscape of consumer-facing AI. We delve into the timing of this launch, its implications for retailers, and its potential to integrate with Alexa to create a comprehensive research and transaction assistant. The discussion forecasts a future dominated by AI agents optimizing retail experiences, potentially transforming advertising and consumer interactions. As AI agents become gatekeepers in shopping, the script underlines the importance for brands and retailers to adapt to new forms of agent-led optimization and customer engagement.

You can find the link to the episodes of our 'AI in Retail' 5 part mini-series here in this post : https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-ai-affects-the-consumer-path-to-purchase-ai-in-retail-series-part-5-2/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:02) About the Show
(01:24) Introduction to Nova Act
(02:14) Amazon's Developer Tool and Future Plans
(03:11) Timing and Market Response
(03:54) Amazon's Strategic Moves
(06:14) Implications for Brands and Retailers
(06:56) Predictions for Retail's Future
(09:01) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(09:23) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Home Depot’s Retail Media Chief Puts Suppliers At The Center Home Depot’s Retail Media Chief Puts Suppliers At The Center full 41b2a00f-9bac-4f1d-a9fe-cc11d254ac45 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de558781 In this episode, we discuss a Forbes article written by our host Kiri Masters about Home Depot's distinctive strategy in the retail media landscape. Unlike many retailers focusing solely on monetizing digital shelf space, Home Depot emphasizes the supplier experience. Melanie Babcock, VP of Orange Apron Media, played a pivotal role in developing this approach. Babcock's journey began in 2018, leading to the integration of onsite and offsite advertising channels under one platform. With technological advancements, including a crucial partnership with Penta Leap, Home Depot prioritized customization to enhance supplier interaction. This supplier-centric model positions Home Depot ahead of industry shifts, particularly as retail media evolves. Tune in to learn about the challenges and future prospects of this innovative retail media network.

Link to the Forbes article of Kiri this episode is based on: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/21/home-depots-retail-media-chief-puts-suppliers-at-the-center/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:03) Introduction to Home Depot's Unique Retail Media Approach
(02:19) The Birth of Orange Apron Media
(03:01) Building a Cohesive Advertising Strategy
(04:02) Home Depot's Tech Stack Evolution
(06:36) Integrating Onsite and Offsite Media
(08:14) Addressing Measurement Challenges
(09:55) Future Outlook for Orange Apron Media
(10:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we discuss a Forbes article written by our host Kiri Masters about Home Depot's distinctive strategy in the retail media landscape. Unlike many retailers focusing solely on monetizing digital shelf space, Home Depot emphasizes the supplier experience. Melanie Babcock, VP of Orange Apron Media, played a pivotal role in developing this approach. Babcock's journey began in 2018, leading to the integration of onsite and offsite advertising channels under one platform. With technological advancements, including a crucial partnership with Penta Leap, Home Depot prioritized customization to enhance supplier interaction. This supplier-centric model positions Home Depot ahead of industry shifts, particularly as retail media evolves. Tune in to learn about the challenges and future prospects of this innovative retail media network.

Link to the Forbes article of Kiri this episode is based on: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/21/home-depots-retail-media-chief-puts-suppliers-at-the-center/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:03) Introduction to Home Depot's Unique Retail Media Approach
(02:19) The Birth of Orange Apron Media
(03:01) Building a Cohesive Advertising Strategy
(04:02) Home Depot's Tech Stack Evolution
(06:36) Integrating Onsite and Offsite Media
(08:14) Addressing Measurement Challenges
(09:55) Future Outlook for Orange Apron Media
(10:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 671 In this episode, we discuss a Forbes article written by our host Kiri Masters about Home Depot's distinctive strategy in the retail media landscape. Unlike many retailers focusing solely on monetizing digital shelf space, Home Depot emphasizes the supplier experience. Melanie Babcock, VP of Orange Apron Media, played a pivotal role in developing this approach. Babcock's journey began in 2018, leading to the integration of onsite and offsite advertising channels under one platform. With technological advancements, including a crucial partnership with Penta Leap, Home Depot prioritized customization to enhance supplier interaction. This supplier-centric model positions Home Depot ahead of industry shifts, particularly as retail media evolves. Tune in to learn about the challenges and future prospects of this innovative retail media network.

Link to the Forbes article of Kiri this episode is based on: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/21/home-depots-retail-media-chief-puts-suppliers-at-the-center/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:03) Introduction to Home Depot's Unique Retail Media Approach
(02:19) The Birth of Orange Apron Media
(03:01) Building a Cohesive Advertising Strategy
(04:02) Home Depot's Tech Stack Evolution
(06:36) Integrating Onsite and Offsite Media
(08:14) Addressing Measurement Challenges
(09:55) Future Outlook for Orange Apron Media
(10:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel episode: Overcoming failure in retail media roles Panel episode: Overcoming failure in retail media roles full 93ed9f5e-7051-4e79-9bcb-c5e538db5ab8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3876507 In this episode, we delve into how failure serves as feedback in retail media, turning initial setbacks into strategic successes. Brand leaders share their experiences with product reformulations, agency transitions, and high-budget campaigns that initially failed but eventually led to significant learning and success. Featuring insights from Justin Bomberowitz, Director of Ecommerce at WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller, Director of Marketplaces @ Dr. Squatch, Nem Lazic, E-Commerce Channel Manager at Zevia and Julie Liu, Director of Digital Commerce at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, we explore the essential lessons learned from their spectacular stumbles and how they navigated these challenges to triumph.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:55) About the Show
(01:17) Justin Bomberowitz on Amazon Playbook Failures
(02:19) Jamie Roller's Agency Transition Woes
(03:26) Nem Lazic on Instacart Campaign Challenges
(04:37) Julie Liu on Personal Branding and Career Growth
(07:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we delve into how failure serves as feedback in retail media, turning initial setbacks into strategic successes. Brand leaders share their experiences with product reformulations, agency transitions, and high-budget campaigns that initially failed but eventually led to significant learning and success. Featuring insights from Justin Bomberowitz, Director of Ecommerce at WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller, Director of Marketplaces @ Dr. Squatch, Nem Lazic, E-Commerce Channel Manager at Zevia and Julie Liu, Director of Digital Commerce at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, we explore the essential lessons learned from their spectacular stumbles and how they navigated these challenges to triumph.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:55) About the Show
(01:17) Justin Bomberowitz on Amazon Playbook Failures
(02:19) Jamie Roller's Agency Transition Woes
(03:26) Nem Lazic on Instacart Campaign Challenges
(04:37) Julie Liu on Personal Branding and Career Growth
(07:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 448 In this episode, we delve into how failure serves as feedback in retail media, turning initial setbacks into strategic successes. Brand leaders share their experiences with product reformulations, agency transitions, and high-budget campaigns that initially failed but eventually led to significant learning and success. Featuring insights from Justin Bomberowitz, Director of Ecommerce at WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller, Director of Marketplaces @ Dr. Squatch, Nem Lazic, E-Commerce Channel Manager at Zevia and Julie Liu, Director of Digital Commerce at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, we explore the essential lessons learned from their spectacular stumbles and how they navigated these challenges to triumph.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:55) About the Show
(01:17) Justin Bomberowitz on Amazon Playbook Failures
(02:19) Jamie Roller's Agency Transition Woes
(03:26) Nem Lazic on Instacart Campaign Challenges
(04:37) Julie Liu on Personal Branding and Career Growth
(07:08) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Spotting Retail Media 'Imposter' Job Candidates Before They Burn You Spotting Retail Media 'Imposter' Job Candidates Before They Burn You full a0b83a0a-eb72-4af6-ba41-2d5741eb2eaa https://share.transistor.fm/s/f77986ba In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' recalls a surprising incident where two star employees were found working for both their agency and a competitor simultaneously. This revelation sparked a deeper investigation into how to distinguish genuine expertise from mere appearances, an issue that's become even more critical in the age of AI and digital avatars. To tackle this question, the host consults with retail media experts Ross Walker, Mike Feldman, and Jordan Witmer. They share insights into identifying candidates who truly know their stuff versus those who might just seem competent, highlighting strategies like internal promotions, structured situational interviews, purposeful interview panels, and leveraging professional networks. Jordan Witmer also offers a nuanced take, suggesting that many so-called imposters are actually specialists with limited perspectives rather than deliberate frauds. The episode concludes with actionable tips for hiring managers to better evaluate and develop promising talent.

Link to Jordan Witmer's articles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(03:22) About the Show
(03:44) Ross Walker's Insights on Candidate Pitfalls
(06:09) Mike Feldman's Structured Interview Approach
(09:43) Jordan Witmer's Perspective on Imposters
(11:24) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(12:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' recalls a surprising incident where two star employees were found working for both their agency and a competitor simultaneously. This revelation sparked a deeper investigation into how to distinguish genuine expertise from mere appearances, an issue that's become even more critical in the age of AI and digital avatars. To tackle this question, the host consults with retail media experts Ross Walker, Mike Feldman, and Jordan Witmer. They share insights into identifying candidates who truly know their stuff versus those who might just seem competent, highlighting strategies like internal promotions, structured situational interviews, purposeful interview panels, and leveraging professional networks. Jordan Witmer also offers a nuanced take, suggesting that many so-called imposters are actually specialists with limited perspectives rather than deliberate frauds. The episode concludes with actionable tips for hiring managers to better evaluate and develop promising talent.

Link to Jordan Witmer's articles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(03:22) About the Show
(03:44) Ross Walker's Insights on Candidate Pitfalls
(06:09) Mike Feldman's Structured Interview Approach
(09:43) Jordan Witmer's Perspective on Imposters
(11:24) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(12:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 755 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' recalls a surprising incident where two star employees were found working for both their agency and a competitor simultaneously. This revelation sparked a deeper investigation into how to distinguish genuine expertise from mere appearances, an issue that's become even more critical in the age of AI and digital avatars. To tackle this question, the host consults with retail media experts Ross Walker, Mike Feldman, and Jordan Witmer. They share insights into identifying candidates who truly know their stuff versus those who might just seem competent, highlighting strategies like internal promotions, structured situational interviews, purposeful interview panels, and leveraging professional networks. Jordan Witmer also offers a nuanced take, suggesting that many so-called imposters are actually specialists with limited perspectives rather than deliberate frauds. The episode concludes with actionable tips for hiring managers to better evaluate and develop promising talent.

Link to Jordan Witmer's articles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(03:22) About the Show
(03:44) Ross Walker's Insights on Candidate Pitfalls
(06:09) Mike Feldman's Structured Interview Approach
(09:43) Jordan Witmer's Perspective on Imposters
(11:24) Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
(12:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel episode: How to convince someone that ROAS is not the answer Panel episode: How to convince someone that ROAS is not the answer full 6c6284c6-9368-4e26-afbb-b04b89bcf6d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5766f0f7 This episode tackles the common industry fixation on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), exploring how retail media leaders achieve growth by shifting focus away from this single metric. Hear pivotal experiences from brand leaders like Justin Bomberowitz of WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller of Dr. Squatch, and Nem Lazic of Zevia, who emphasize the importance of broader business outcomes over ROAS. They discuss challenges like navigating high CPCs, balancing brand vs. unbranded spending, and the double-edged nature of ROAS. This episode equips you with real-world insights to help clarify the value of prioritizing overall business growth in your ad strategies.

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About the Episode
(00:55) About the Show
(01:15) WILDE Brands' Unique Market Position & Approach
(02:43) Dr. Squatch's Strategy Shift
(03:35) Zevia's Internal Perspective: The Double-Edged Sword of ROAS
(04:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> This episode tackles the common industry fixation on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), exploring how retail media leaders achieve growth by shifting focus away from this single metric. Hear pivotal experiences from brand leaders like Justin Bomberowitz of WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller of Dr. Squatch, and Nem Lazic of Zevia, who emphasize the importance of broader business outcomes over ROAS. They discuss challenges like navigating high CPCs, balancing brand vs. unbranded spending, and the double-edged nature of ROAS. This episode equips you with real-world insights to help clarify the value of prioritizing overall business growth in your ad strategies.

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About the Episode
(00:55) About the Show
(01:15) WILDE Brands' Unique Market Position & Approach
(02:43) Dr. Squatch's Strategy Shift
(03:35) Zevia's Internal Perspective: The Double-Edged Sword of ROAS
(04:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 293 This episode tackles the common industry fixation on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), exploring how retail media leaders achieve growth by shifting focus away from this single metric. Hear pivotal experiences from brand leaders like Justin Bomberowitz of WILDE Brands, Jamie Roller of Dr. Squatch, and Nem Lazic of Zevia, who emphasize the importance of broader business outcomes over ROAS. They discuss challenges like navigating high CPCs, balancing brand vs. unbranded spending, and the double-edged nature of ROAS. This episode equips you with real-world insights to help clarify the value of prioritizing overall business growth in your ad strategies.

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About the Episode
(00:55) About the Show
(01:15) WILDE Brands' Unique Market Position & Approach
(02:43) Dr. Squatch's Strategy Shift
(03:35) Zevia's Internal Perspective: The Double-Edged Sword of ROAS
(04:33) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Alexa+ Optimization Playbook For Brands The Alexa+ Optimization Playbook For Brands full 368a3e43-2dd7-4b33-a6e9-0c26c87c2b66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/43dba9cc In this episode, the host Kiri Masters explores the implications of Amazon's Alexa Plus on brand strategies and product discovery. Building on Kiri's Forbes post, the discussion focuses on a recently uncovered patent that signifies a shift from keyword-based search optimization to attribute-based product identification. We delve into the critical steps brands must take to adapt, including thoroughly documenting product attributes, using conversational language, providing comprehensive technical specifications, and strengthening brand recognition. The episode also touches on the potential challenge for new products due to the reliance on historical data and user behavior in recommendations. The episode concludes with actionable steps for brands to optimize for voice-powered discovery.

Read Kiri's full post on Forbes.com: 'Amazon’s New Alexa+ Forces Brands To Rethink Their Marketing Strategy' : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/14/amazon-alexa-forces-brands-to-rethink-their-marketing-strategy/

Link to the Alexa+ patent analysis from Andrew Bell: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:16) About the Show
(00:37) Introduction to the Episode
(01:07) Amazon Alexa Plus Patent Overview
(02:39) Implications for Brands
(03:57) Key Imperatives for Brands
(05:45) Brand Recognition in Voice Search
(07:15) Historical Data and User Behavior
(09:01) Preparing for Voice-Powered Discovery
(10:25) Future of Ads in Voice Search
(10:45) Conclusion and Future Insights
(11:01) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters explores the implications of Amazon's Alexa Plus on brand strategies and product discovery. Building on Kiri's Forbes post, the discussion focuses on a recently uncovered patent that signifies a shift from keyword-based search optimization to attribute-based product identification. We delve into the critical steps brands must take to adapt, including thoroughly documenting product attributes, using conversational language, providing comprehensive technical specifications, and strengthening brand recognition. The episode also touches on the potential challenge for new products due to the reliance on historical data and user behavior in recommendations. The episode concludes with actionable steps for brands to optimize for voice-powered discovery.

Read Kiri's full post on Forbes.com: 'Amazon’s New Alexa+ Forces Brands To Rethink Their Marketing Strategy' : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/14/amazon-alexa-forces-brands-to-rethink-their-marketing-strategy/

Link to the Alexa+ patent analysis from Andrew Bell: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:16) About the Show
(00:37) Introduction to the Episode
(01:07) Amazon Alexa Plus Patent Overview
(02:39) Implications for Brands
(03:57) Key Imperatives for Brands
(05:45) Brand Recognition in Voice Search
(07:15) Historical Data and User Behavior
(09:01) Preparing for Voice-Powered Discovery
(10:25) Future of Ads in Voice Search
(10:45) Conclusion and Future Insights
(11:01) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 681 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters explores the implications of Amazon's Alexa Plus on brand strategies and product discovery. Building on Kiri's Forbes post, the discussion focuses on a recently uncovered patent that signifies a shift from keyword-based search optimization to attribute-based product identification. We delve into the critical steps brands must take to adapt, including thoroughly documenting product attributes, using conversational language, providing comprehensive technical specifications, and strengthening brand recognition. The episode also touches on the potential challenge for new products due to the reliance on historical data and user behavior in recommendations. The episode concludes with actionable steps for brands to optimize for voice-powered discovery.

Read Kiri's full post on Forbes.com: 'Amazon’s New Alexa+ Forces Brands To Rethink Their Marketing Strategy' : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/14/amazon-alexa-forces-brands-to-rethink-their-marketing-strategy/

Link to the Alexa+ patent analysis from Andrew Bell: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:16) About the Show
(00:37) Introduction to the Episode
(01:07) Amazon Alexa Plus Patent Overview
(02:39) Implications for Brands
(03:57) Key Imperatives for Brands
(05:45) Brand Recognition in Voice Search
(07:15) Historical Data and User Behavior
(09:01) Preparing for Voice-Powered Discovery
(10:25) Future of Ads in Voice Search
(10:45) Conclusion and Future Insights
(11:01) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Its retail conference season. Get on the stage! Its retail conference season. Get on the stage! full 96c48052-ba71-4cc6-bdbd-7d20a5b874c2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8117793b In this practical episode, the host Kiri Masters shares invaluable insights on building your personal brand through speaking engagements, whether you're on the brand side or solution provider side of retail. She breaks down the unique benefits and challenges each group faces when pursuing speaking opportunities, from navigating corporate approvals to maximizing the career-building potential of getting on stage. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Kiri offers actionable strategies for landing speaking slots, including partnering with solution providers and leveraging original research, while also sharing a helpful database of retail industry events for listeners to explore.

Link to Kiri's Ghost blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/fecfadd7-dbc5-4687-9cee-6c096e6d3c5e/

Link to the retail media industry events database: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/industryeventsdatabase/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:51) About the Show
(01:13) Brand Leaders Speaking Opportunities
(02:26) Benefits for Organizations
(04:07) Personal Career Benefits
(05:00) Solution Providers Overview
(06:02) Getting Speaking Approval
(07:42) Leveraging Data and Research
(11:46) Industry Events Database
(13:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this practical episode, the host Kiri Masters shares invaluable insights on building your personal brand through speaking engagements, whether you're on the brand side or solution provider side of retail. She breaks down the unique benefits and challenges each group faces when pursuing speaking opportunities, from navigating corporate approvals to maximizing the career-building potential of getting on stage. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Kiri offers actionable strategies for landing speaking slots, including partnering with solution providers and leveraging original research, while also sharing a helpful database of retail industry events for listeners to explore.

Link to Kiri's Ghost blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/fecfadd7-dbc5-4687-9cee-6c096e6d3c5e/

Link to the retail media industry events database: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/industryeventsdatabase/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:51) About the Show
(01:13) Brand Leaders Speaking Opportunities
(02:26) Benefits for Organizations
(04:07) Personal Career Benefits
(05:00) Solution Providers Overview
(06:02) Getting Speaking Approval
(07:42) Leveraging Data and Research
(11:46) Industry Events Database
(13:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 809 In this practical episode, the host Kiri Masters shares invaluable insights on building your personal brand through speaking engagements, whether you're on the brand side or solution provider side of retail. She breaks down the unique benefits and challenges each group faces when pursuing speaking opportunities, from navigating corporate approvals to maximizing the career-building potential of getting on stage. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Kiri offers actionable strategies for landing speaking slots, including partnering with solution providers and leveraging original research, while also sharing a helpful database of retail industry events for listeners to explore.

Link to Kiri's Ghost blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/fecfadd7-dbc5-4687-9cee-6c096e6d3c5e/

Link to the retail media industry events database: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/industryeventsdatabase/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:51) About the Show
(01:13) Brand Leaders Speaking Opportunities
(02:26) Benefits for Organizations
(04:07) Personal Career Benefits
(05:00) Solution Providers Overview
(06:02) Getting Speaking Approval
(07:42) Leveraging Data and Research
(11:46) Industry Events Database
(13:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon's Patent Reveals How Alexa+ Will Transform Product Discovery Amazon's Patent Reveals How Alexa+ Will Transform Product Discovery full 15e0ae21-5014-452d-9c16-eb8b85f551b7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c655f203 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses Amazon's recent announcement of Alexa Plus, a significant upgrade to Alexa's capabilities by integrating voice commands with Rufus's advanced product intelligence. This fusion aims to create a more sophisticated shopping assistant, capable of handling complex product queries through natural conversation. The episode covers how this development impacts retail professionals and the consumer path to purchase, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience through enhanced natural language processing and seamless cross-device continuity. Key insights are drawn from an Amazon patent analysis and opinions from experts, highlighting the evolution from clunky voice commands to a potential game-changer in voice commerce.

Link to Kiri's detailed article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/13/amazons-patent-reveals-how-alexa-will-transform-product-discovery/

Link to analysis of Alexa patent: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:10) Introduction and Background
(01:46) Amazon's Patent and Alexa's Evolution
(03:49) Advanced Product Research Capabilities
(05:35) The New Shopping Journey
(07:06) Voice and Visual Integration
(08:29) Personalization in Alexa
(10:25) Implications for Consumers and Brands
(12:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses Amazon's recent announcement of Alexa Plus, a significant upgrade to Alexa's capabilities by integrating voice commands with Rufus's advanced product intelligence. This fusion aims to create a more sophisticated shopping assistant, capable of handling complex product queries through natural conversation. The episode covers how this development impacts retail professionals and the consumer path to purchase, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience through enhanced natural language processing and seamless cross-device continuity. Key insights are drawn from an Amazon patent analysis and opinions from experts, highlighting the evolution from clunky voice commands to a potential game-changer in voice commerce.

Link to Kiri's detailed article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/13/amazons-patent-reveals-how-alexa-will-transform-product-discovery/

Link to analysis of Alexa patent: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:10) Introduction and Background
(01:46) Amazon's Patent and Alexa's Evolution
(03:49) Advanced Product Research Capabilities
(05:35) The New Shopping Journey
(07:06) Voice and Visual Integration
(08:29) Personalization in Alexa
(10:25) Implications for Consumers and Brands
(12:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 786 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses Amazon's recent announcement of Alexa Plus, a significant upgrade to Alexa's capabilities by integrating voice commands with Rufus's advanced product intelligence. This fusion aims to create a more sophisticated shopping assistant, capable of handling complex product queries through natural conversation. The episode covers how this development impacts retail professionals and the consumer path to purchase, allowing for a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience through enhanced natural language processing and seamless cross-device continuity. Key insights are drawn from an Amazon patent analysis and opinions from experts, highlighting the evolution from clunky voice commands to a potential game-changer in voice commerce.

Link to Kiri's detailed article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/13/amazons-patent-reveals-how-alexa-will-transform-product-discovery/

Link to analysis of Alexa patent: https://poe.com/preview/R2HE3bO3PUhfXlkLuoS0


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:10) Introduction and Background
(01:46) Amazon's Patent and Alexa's Evolution
(03:49) Advanced Product Research Capabilities
(05:35) The New Shopping Journey
(07:06) Voice and Visual Integration
(08:29) Personalization in Alexa
(10:25) Implications for Consumers and Brands
(12:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Best Buy's Marketplace Bet Is Really About Ad Revenue Best Buy's Marketplace Bet Is Really About Ad Revenue full c5623cc8-6ecd-4460-a2f0-d3a4992e677a https://share.transistor.fm/s/806e1427 In this episode, we explore Best Buy's upcoming launch of a third-party marketplace in the US set for this summer. While expanding its product range is a goal, the primary focus is on building a robust advertising business. We delve into insights from Best Buy's recent earnings call, where CEO Corey Barry emphasized the interconnectedness of the marketplace and advertising strategies. We also compare Best Buy's current approach to historical attempts and other retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Key highlights include the diversification of advertisers, impacts on brands, seller perspectives, and anticipated consumer benefits. The episode concludes with a bullish take on Best Buy's potential ad revenue growth through this marketplace initiative.

Link to Kiri's original Forbes article on this topic, published Tuesday march 11 : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/11/best-buys-marketplace-bet-is-really-about-ad-revenue/

Link to Pentaleap/ Colosseum strategy report: https://www.pentaleap.com/reports/h2-2024-sponsored-products-benchmarks-report


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(02:06) Best Buy's Marketplace History
(04:19) Advertising Potential of Marketplaces
(06:11) Diversifying Advertiser Base
(10:17) Seller Perspectives on Best Buy's Marketplace
(13:18) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(13:48) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we explore Best Buy's upcoming launch of a third-party marketplace in the US set for this summer. While expanding its product range is a goal, the primary focus is on building a robust advertising business. We delve into insights from Best Buy's recent earnings call, where CEO Corey Barry emphasized the interconnectedness of the marketplace and advertising strategies. We also compare Best Buy's current approach to historical attempts and other retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Key highlights include the diversification of advertisers, impacts on brands, seller perspectives, and anticipated consumer benefits. The episode concludes with a bullish take on Best Buy's potential ad revenue growth through this marketplace initiative.

Link to Kiri's original Forbes article on this topic, published Tuesday march 11 : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/11/best-buys-marketplace-bet-is-really-about-ad-revenue/

Link to Pentaleap/ Colosseum strategy report: https://www.pentaleap.com/reports/h2-2024-sponsored-products-benchmarks-report


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(02:06) Best Buy's Marketplace History
(04:19) Advertising Potential of Marketplaces
(06:11) Diversifying Advertiser Base
(10:17) Seller Perspectives on Best Buy's Marketplace
(13:18) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(13:48) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 848 In this episode, we explore Best Buy's upcoming launch of a third-party marketplace in the US set for this summer. While expanding its product range is a goal, the primary focus is on building a robust advertising business. We delve into insights from Best Buy's recent earnings call, where CEO Corey Barry emphasized the interconnectedness of the marketplace and advertising strategies. We also compare Best Buy's current approach to historical attempts and other retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Key highlights include the diversification of advertisers, impacts on brands, seller perspectives, and anticipated consumer benefits. The episode concludes with a bullish take on Best Buy's potential ad revenue growth through this marketplace initiative.

Link to Kiri's original Forbes article on this topic, published Tuesday march 11 : https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/11/best-buys-marketplace-bet-is-really-about-ad-revenue/

Link to Pentaleap/ Colosseum strategy report: https://www.pentaleap.com/reports/h2-2024-sponsored-products-benchmarks-report


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(02:06) Best Buy's Marketplace History
(04:19) Advertising Potential of Marketplaces
(06:11) Diversifying Advertiser Base
(10:17) Seller Perspectives on Best Buy's Marketplace
(13:18) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(13:48) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Retailers Are Learning to Sell (Part 3/3): How Retailers and Media Buyers Can Work Better Together Retailers Are Learning to Sell (Part 3/3): How Retailers and Media Buyers Can Work Better Together full 3e19ea51-5c5b-4d26-83fd-6dbbd8ed0f55 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0fbb6423 In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers.

In today's episode (the final episode of this miniseries), we discuss how retailers and media buyers can work better together, the need for transparency, and the importance of differentiation. Additionally, we explore the trend of self-service ad buying, highlighted by PepsiCo's recent move, and its implications for brands and retailers alike. Tune in for a deeper understanding of how retailers can collaborate more effectively with brands and optimize their media strategies.

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:08) About the Show
(01:28) Introduction and Initial Thoughts
(01:45) Risks in Retail Media Networks
(03:09) Consumer Perspective on Retail Media
(05:24) Transitioning from Minor to Major League Retail Media
(07:13) PepsiCo's Move to Self-Serve Ad Buying
(07:54) Advantages of Self-Service for Brands
(08:45) Incentive Structures in Managed Service Setups
(10:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(10:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers.

In today's episode (the final episode of this miniseries), we discuss how retailers and media buyers can work better together, the need for transparency, and the importance of differentiation. Additionally, we explore the trend of self-service ad buying, highlighted by PepsiCo's recent move, and its implications for brands and retailers alike. Tune in for a deeper understanding of how retailers can collaborate more effectively with brands and optimize their media strategies.

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:08) About the Show
(01:28) Introduction and Initial Thoughts
(01:45) Risks in Retail Media Networks
(03:09) Consumer Perspective on Retail Media
(05:24) Transitioning from Minor to Major League Retail Media
(07:13) PepsiCo's Move to Self-Serve Ad Buying
(07:54) Advantages of Self-Service for Brands
(08:45) Incentive Structures in Managed Service Setups
(10:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(10:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 658 In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers.

In today's episode (the final episode of this miniseries), we discuss how retailers and media buyers can work better together, the need for transparency, and the importance of differentiation. Additionally, we explore the trend of self-service ad buying, highlighted by PepsiCo's recent move, and its implications for brands and retailers alike. Tune in for a deeper understanding of how retailers can collaborate more effectively with brands and optimize their media strategies.

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:08) About the Show
(01:28) Introduction and Initial Thoughts
(01:45) Risks in Retail Media Networks
(03:09) Consumer Perspective on Retail Media
(05:24) Transitioning from Minor to Major League Retail Media
(07:13) PepsiCo's Move to Self-Serve Ad Buying
(07:54) Advantages of Self-Service for Brands
(08:45) Incentive Structures in Managed Service Setups
(10:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(10:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media (Part 2/3): The Retail Media Tech Stack Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media (Part 2/3): The Retail Media Tech Stack full f752342c-596e-4a11-8355-8068e77efcf4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73e0507c In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers

In today's episode, we discuss why some retailers are hesitant to disclose details about their tech stacks and how standardized technologies can benefit retail media buyers. Jordan highlights the importance of identifying the underlying tech used by retail media networks and provides insights into the key questions media buyers should ask to understand these systems. The episode also delves into the red flags media buyers should watch out for, emphasizing the need for transparency and trust in the industry.

Link to Jordan's post about Product versus Keyword Targeting within sponsored product ads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/expanding-sponsored-products-conversation-jordan-witmer-tehqe/?trackingId=zLjMV%2F3kROKDRueyDPnSug%3D%3D

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction and Recap
(01:13) Retail Media Networks and Technology
(02:03) Identifying Backend Technologies
(03:00) Understanding the Ecosystem
(05:11) Questions for Media Buyers
(06:24) Red Flags in Media Buying
(07:23) Transparency and Trust Issues
(08:19) The discussion continues
(08:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers

In today's episode, we discuss why some retailers are hesitant to disclose details about their tech stacks and how standardized technologies can benefit retail media buyers. Jordan highlights the importance of identifying the underlying tech used by retail media networks and provides insights into the key questions media buyers should ask to understand these systems. The episode also delves into the red flags media buyers should watch out for, emphasizing the need for transparency and trust in the industry.

Link to Jordan's post about Product versus Keyword Targeting within sponsored product ads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/expanding-sponsored-products-conversation-jordan-witmer-tehqe/?trackingId=zLjMV%2F3kROKDRueyDPnSug%3D%3D

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction and Recap
(01:13) Retail Media Networks and Technology
(02:03) Identifying Backend Technologies
(03:00) Understanding the Ecosystem
(05:11) Questions for Media Buyers
(06:24) Red Flags in Media Buying
(07:23) Transparency and Trust Issues
(08:19) The discussion continues
(08:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 531 In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers

In today's episode, we discuss why some retailers are hesitant to disclose details about their tech stacks and how standardized technologies can benefit retail media buyers. Jordan highlights the importance of identifying the underlying tech used by retail media networks and provides insights into the key questions media buyers should ask to understand these systems. The episode also delves into the red flags media buyers should watch out for, emphasizing the need for transparency and trust in the industry.

Link to Jordan's post about Product versus Keyword Targeting within sponsored product ads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/expanding-sponsored-products-conversation-jordan-witmer-tehqe/?trackingId=zLjMV%2F3kROKDRueyDPnSug%3D%3D

Link to Jordan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction and Recap
(01:13) Retail Media Networks and Technology
(02:03) Identifying Backend Technologies
(03:00) Understanding the Ecosystem
(05:11) Questions for Media Buyers
(06:24) Red Flags in Media Buying
(07:23) Transparency and Trust Issues
(08:19) The discussion continues
(08:30) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media, Not Products (Part 1/3) Retailers Are Learning to Sell—But This Time, It’s Media, Not Products (Part 1/3) full 241da256-7660-450c-9a26-c1241c6e456c https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bfd6a3a In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers. Today's discussion delves into the concept of retailers reverting to their core competencies by utilizing advanced retail media technologies. Throughout the episode, Jordan explains the industry's shift from viewing retailers as media companies to focusing on their primary role of merchandising products effectively. The discussion also explores the growing sophistication of retail media networks, the technologies that power them, and the reasons behind some retailers' reluctance to disclose their tech stacks.

This is Part 1 of the special 3 part series.

Link to LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction to Retailers Becoming Retailers Again
(01:04) The Role Reversal in Retail Media
(02:47) Understanding the Backend Tech
(03:18) The Gold Analogy and Retailer Strategies
(05:12) Retailers' Secrecy on Tech Stacks
(07:59) The Debate Continues
(08:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers. Today's discussion delves into the concept of retailers reverting to their core competencies by utilizing advanced retail media technologies. Throughout the episode, Jordan explains the industry's shift from viewing retailers as media companies to focusing on their primary role of merchandising products effectively. The discussion also explores the growing sophistication of retail media networks, the technologies that power them, and the reasons behind some retailers' reluctance to disclose their tech stacks.

This is Part 1 of the special 3 part series.

Link to LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction to Retailers Becoming Retailers Again
(01:04) The Role Reversal in Retail Media
(02:47) Understanding the Backend Tech
(03:18) The Gold Analogy and Retailer Strategies
(05:12) Retailers' Secrecy on Tech Stacks
(07:59) The Debate Continues
(08:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:54:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 513 In this special 3-part series, Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Unified Commerce at the agency Nectar First, joins Kiri to riff on the business of retail media from an advertiser, technology, and retailer perspective. we discuss about how retailers are jumping into the business of selling their ad inventory to brands. As they stand up these highly profitable properties, retailers need to grapple with a very "retail" challenge: their unique value proposition - but this time to advertisers rather than consumers. Today's discussion delves into the concept of retailers reverting to their core competencies by utilizing advanced retail media technologies. Throughout the episode, Jordan explains the industry's shift from viewing retailers as media companies to focusing on their primary role of merchandising products effectively. The discussion also explores the growing sophistication of retail media networks, the technologies that power them, and the reasons behind some retailers' reluctance to disclose their tech stacks.

This is Part 1 of the special 3 part series.

Link to LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-witmer-b220b646/

Link to Nectar First: https://nectarfirst.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:27) About the Show
(00:48) Introduction to Retailers Becoming Retailers Again
(01:04) The Role Reversal in Retail Media
(02:47) Understanding the Backend Tech
(03:18) The Gold Analogy and Retailer Strategies
(05:12) Retailers' Secrecy on Tech Stacks
(07:59) The Debate Continues
(08:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Sam's Club RMN: Notes from my interview with GM Harvey Ma Sam's Club RMN: Notes from my interview with GM Harvey Ma full ba4eab46-a070-4e73-a36d-811fd89f85aa https://share.transistor.fm/s/159fd3fe In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses key themes from her interview with Harvey Ma, focusing on Sam's Club's unique retail media platform. Unlike traditional retailers, Sam's Club reinvests media revenue back into the member experience rather than optimizing for ad revenue. This approach promotes a virtuous cycle, benefiting both the club and its members. The discussion also covers Sam's Club's flexible measurement strategies tailored to specific product categories and its strategic use of Walmart's technology. Harvey Ma's unconventional background as a mechanical engineer brings a fresh perspective to retail media, emphasizing innovation over tradition.

Kiri's Forbes article with the full interview with Harvey Ma, published March 4, 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/04/not-a-tax-how-sams-club-is-fixing-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:25) About the Show
(00:46) Introduction to the Interview Themes
(01:16) Sam's Club Retail Media Philosophy
(04:22) Unique Measurement Approaches
(06:21) Relationship with Walmart
(07:42) Harvey's Unconventional Background
(09:51) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses key themes from her interview with Harvey Ma, focusing on Sam's Club's unique retail media platform. Unlike traditional retailers, Sam's Club reinvests media revenue back into the member experience rather than optimizing for ad revenue. This approach promotes a virtuous cycle, benefiting both the club and its members. The discussion also covers Sam's Club's flexible measurement strategies tailored to specific product categories and its strategic use of Walmart's technology. Harvey Ma's unconventional background as a mechanical engineer brings a fresh perspective to retail media, emphasizing innovation over tradition.

Kiri's Forbes article with the full interview with Harvey Ma, published March 4, 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/04/not-a-tax-how-sams-club-is-fixing-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:25) About the Show
(00:46) Introduction to the Interview Themes
(01:16) Sam's Club Retail Media Philosophy
(04:22) Unique Measurement Approaches
(06:21) Relationship with Walmart
(07:42) Harvey's Unconventional Background
(09:51) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:55:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 611 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters' discusses key themes from her interview with Harvey Ma, focusing on Sam's Club's unique retail media platform. Unlike traditional retailers, Sam's Club reinvests media revenue back into the member experience rather than optimizing for ad revenue. This approach promotes a virtuous cycle, benefiting both the club and its members. The discussion also covers Sam's Club's flexible measurement strategies tailored to specific product categories and its strategic use of Walmart's technology. Harvey Ma's unconventional background as a mechanical engineer brings a fresh perspective to retail media, emphasizing innovation over tradition.

Kiri's Forbes article with the full interview with Harvey Ma, published March 4, 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/04/not-a-tax-how-sams-club-is-fixing-retail-medias-trust-problem/


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:25) About the Show
(00:46) Introduction to the Interview Themes
(01:16) Sam's Club Retail Media Philosophy
(04:22) Unique Measurement Approaches
(06:21) Relationship with Walmart
(07:42) Harvey's Unconventional Background
(09:51) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No What Unilever's New CEO Isn't Saying About Retail Media What Unilever's New CEO Isn't Saying About Retail Media full 63c77e62-d5ac-418b-b610-69e13c7616c5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e18e7e12 In this episode, we analyze Unilever’s new CEO Fernandez's first major speech, where he surprisingly omits any mention of e-commerce or retail media. This deviation is unusual compared to industry norms, but it may indicate these elements are now considered standard. Fernandez outlines a significant increase in brand and marketing investment (BMI), notably higher than industry averages. He emphasizes a shift towards influencer marketing, targeting hyper-local and authentic brand representation, seen as more effective among younger audiences. Fernandez also underscores cost leadership, including a rigorous approach to marketing ROI through Unilever's UBS system. The implications for retail media networks and consumer brands are substantial, given the expected increase in spending and a premium product focus. Fernandez's approach suggests a transformative strategy for Unilever, blending cost-effective manufacturing and innovative marketing to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.

Link to Fernandez' interview with Barclays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCh7KubuZdo
Link to Keen Decision Systems' report: https://4277189.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4277189/MARKETING%20CONTENT/11.%20Reports/Keen%20Marketing%20Insights%20Report.pdf?utm_campaign=6657089-MADTECH.AI%20Webinar&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_GnSBZzL_TDXg0TzZ92qpH61pwvWyWR363joPHo8HvgtYRi-BSA1mJ5k-_ZF6VSIMTnd4G5P60vDnQY5E881_rW-HAdw&_hsmi=344733623&utm_content=344733623&utm_source=hs_automation

PRODUCED BY:
https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:54) About the Show
(01:16) Introduction and Initial Observations
(02:58) Marketing Investment Insights
(05:18) Influencer Marketing Strategy
(07:11) Cost Leadership and Retail Media
(08:58) Implications for Retailers and Consumer Brands
(12:19) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(12:45) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, we analyze Unilever’s new CEO Fernandez's first major speech, where he surprisingly omits any mention of e-commerce or retail media. This deviation is unusual compared to industry norms, but it may indicate these elements are now considered standard. Fernandez outlines a significant increase in brand and marketing investment (BMI), notably higher than industry averages. He emphasizes a shift towards influencer marketing, targeting hyper-local and authentic brand representation, seen as more effective among younger audiences. Fernandez also underscores cost leadership, including a rigorous approach to marketing ROI through Unilever's UBS system. The implications for retail media networks and consumer brands are substantial, given the expected increase in spending and a premium product focus. Fernandez's approach suggests a transformative strategy for Unilever, blending cost-effective manufacturing and innovative marketing to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.

Link to Fernandez' interview with Barclays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCh7KubuZdo
Link to Keen Decision Systems' report: https://4277189.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4277189/MARKETING%20CONTENT/11.%20Reports/Keen%20Marketing%20Insights%20Report.pdf?utm_campaign=6657089-MADTECH.AI%20Webinar&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_GnSBZzL_TDXg0TzZ92qpH61pwvWyWR363joPHo8HvgtYRi-BSA1mJ5k-_ZF6VSIMTnd4G5P60vDnQY5E881_rW-HAdw&_hsmi=344733623&utm_content=344733623&utm_source=hs_automation

PRODUCED BY:
https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:54) About the Show
(01:16) Introduction and Initial Observations
(02:58) Marketing Investment Insights
(05:18) Influencer Marketing Strategy
(07:11) Cost Leadership and Retail Media
(08:58) Implications for Retailers and Consumer Brands
(12:19) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(12:45) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:54:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 785 In this episode, we analyze Unilever’s new CEO Fernandez's first major speech, where he surprisingly omits any mention of e-commerce or retail media. This deviation is unusual compared to industry norms, but it may indicate these elements are now considered standard. Fernandez outlines a significant increase in brand and marketing investment (BMI), notably higher than industry averages. He emphasizes a shift towards influencer marketing, targeting hyper-local and authentic brand representation, seen as more effective among younger audiences. Fernandez also underscores cost leadership, including a rigorous approach to marketing ROI through Unilever's UBS system. The implications for retail media networks and consumer brands are substantial, given the expected increase in spending and a premium product focus. Fernandez's approach suggests a transformative strategy for Unilever, blending cost-effective manufacturing and innovative marketing to adapt to evolving consumer expectations.

Link to Fernandez' interview with Barclays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCh7KubuZdo
Link to Keen Decision Systems' report: https://4277189.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4277189/MARKETING%20CONTENT/11.%20Reports/Keen%20Marketing%20Insights%20Report.pdf?utm_campaign=6657089-MADTECH.AI%20Webinar&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_GnSBZzL_TDXg0TzZ92qpH61pwvWyWR363joPHo8HvgtYRi-BSA1mJ5k-_ZF6VSIMTnd4G5P60vDnQY5E881_rW-HAdw&_hsmi=344733623&utm_content=344733623&utm_source=hs_automation

PRODUCED BY:
https://aipodcast.ing

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:54) About the Show
(01:16) Introduction and Initial Observations
(02:58) Marketing Investment Insights
(05:18) Influencer Marketing Strategy
(07:11) Cost Leadership and Retail Media
(08:58) Implications for Retailers and Consumer Brands
(12:19) Conclusion and Future Outlook
(12:45) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No How AI affects the consumer path to purchase (AI in retail series, Part 5) How AI affects the consumer path to purchase (AI in retail series, Part 5) full e9d1def3-6021-4fc3-b98b-a41e0f0dec3a https://share.transistor.fm/s/c561d38f In this episode of the AI in Retail Deep Dive Series, the host Kiri Masters converses with Lauren Schiavone, founder of AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, about how AI agents and assistants are transforming the path to purchase. They discuss the shift in consumer search behavior from traditional methods to large language models like ChatGPT and its implications for brands. They note how AI tools like Amazon's Shopping Assistant Rufus and ChatGPT's live voice mode with vision are creating new ways to learn and discover products. They emphasize the importance of AI optimization for brand and retailer websites. Finally, they touch upon the future role of AI agents as primary shoppers and the need for brands and retailers to adapt to this emerging consumer landscape.

Link to Lauren's post on LinkedIn about Downy Unstopables: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren-schiavone_womeninai-aiinmarketing-futureofmarketing-activity-7292979484679446529-8qya/

This is part 5 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI in Retail
(01:25) The Evolution of the Path to Purchase
(02:21) Impact of Large Language Models on Consumer Behavior
(03:32) Amazon's Rufus: A Glimpse into the Future
(05:21) ChatGPT's Voice Mode with Vision
(06:08) The Importance of AI Optimization for Brands
(08:19) Addressing Consumer Feedback and Product Reviews
(10:17) AI Agents as the New Shoppers
(10:52) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(11:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing




SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode of the AI in Retail Deep Dive Series, the host Kiri Masters converses with Lauren Schiavone, founder of AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, about how AI agents and assistants are transforming the path to purchase. They discuss the shift in consumer search behavior from traditional methods to large language models like ChatGPT and its implications for brands. They note how AI tools like Amazon's Shopping Assistant Rufus and ChatGPT's live voice mode with vision are creating new ways to learn and discover products. They emphasize the importance of AI optimization for brand and retailer websites. Finally, they touch upon the future role of AI agents as primary shoppers and the need for brands and retailers to adapt to this emerging consumer landscape.

Link to Lauren's post on LinkedIn about Downy Unstopables: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren-schiavone_womeninai-aiinmarketing-futureofmarketing-activity-7292979484679446529-8qya/

This is part 5 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI in Retail
(01:25) The Evolution of the Path to Purchase
(02:21) Impact of Large Language Models on Consumer Behavior
(03:32) Amazon's Rufus: A Glimpse into the Future
(05:21) ChatGPT's Voice Mode with Vision
(06:08) The Importance of AI Optimization for Brands
(08:19) Addressing Consumer Feedback and Product Reviews
(10:17) AI Agents as the New Shoppers
(10:52) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(11:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing




SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:54:00 -0700 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 696 In this episode of the AI in Retail Deep Dive Series, the host Kiri Masters converses with Lauren Schiavone, founder of AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, about how AI agents and assistants are transforming the path to purchase. They discuss the shift in consumer search behavior from traditional methods to large language models like ChatGPT and its implications for brands. They note how AI tools like Amazon's Shopping Assistant Rufus and ChatGPT's live voice mode with vision are creating new ways to learn and discover products. They emphasize the importance of AI optimization for brand and retailer websites. Finally, they touch upon the future role of AI agents as primary shoppers and the need for brands and retailers to adapt to this emerging consumer landscape.

Link to Lauren's post on LinkedIn about Downy Unstopables: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauren-schiavone_womeninai-aiinmarketing-futureofmarketing-activity-7292979484679446529-8qya/

This is part 5 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI in Retail
(01:25) The Evolution of the Path to Purchase
(02:21) Impact of Large Language Models on Consumer Behavior
(03:32) Amazon's Rufus: A Glimpse into the Future
(05:21) ChatGPT's Voice Mode with Vision
(06:08) The Importance of AI Optimization for Brands
(08:19) Addressing Consumer Feedback and Product Reviews
(10:17) AI Agents as the New Shoppers
(10:52) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(11:15) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing




SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: How These Three E-commerce Leaders Think About Hiring Retail Media Talent Panel: How These Three E-commerce Leaders Think About Hiring Retail Media Talent full 05f3f0e4-ac82-4f09-9c7f-2734af1aff1e https://share.transistor.fm/s/17166f6b In this episode, we hear from industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating as they discuss the multifaceted nature of e-commerce roles. Brian emphasizes the need for versatile talent who can adapt to ever-changing platforms. Alicia shares insights on defining the balance between sales and marketing in job descriptions to attract the right candidates. Brea compares e-commerce professionals to 'roller coaster people' who thrive on unpredictability and excitement, highlighting the importance of adaptability in this dynamic field.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:39) About the Show
(01:01) Wanted:Unicorn by Brian Dudzinski
(01:54) Defining the balance by Alicia Ponzani
(03:04) Two types of people by Brea Keating
(04:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, we hear from industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating as they discuss the multifaceted nature of e-commerce roles. Brian emphasizes the need for versatile talent who can adapt to ever-changing platforms. Alicia shares insights on defining the balance between sales and marketing in job descriptions to attract the right candidates. Brea compares e-commerce professionals to 'roller coaster people' who thrive on unpredictability and excitement, highlighting the importance of adaptability in this dynamic field.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:39) About the Show
(01:01) Wanted:Unicorn by Brian Dudzinski
(01:54) Defining the balance by Alicia Ponzani
(03:04) Two types of people by Brea Keating
(04:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 283 In this episode, we hear from industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating as they discuss the multifaceted nature of e-commerce roles. Brian emphasizes the need for versatile talent who can adapt to ever-changing platforms. Alicia shares insights on defining the balance between sales and marketing in job descriptions to attract the right candidates. Brea compares e-commerce professionals to 'roller coaster people' who thrive on unpredictability and excitement, highlighting the importance of adaptability in this dynamic field.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:39) About the Show
(01:01) Wanted:Unicorn by Brian Dudzinski
(01:54) Defining the balance by Alicia Ponzani
(03:04) Two types of people by Brea Keating
(04:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon's Triple Squeeze: Navigating Private Label Growth, 3P Pressure & Tougher Vendor Negotiations Amazon's Triple Squeeze: Navigating Private Label Growth, 3P Pressure & Tougher Vendor Negotiations full 1441a37e-641f-4757-b0e5-6d32c1a35d2c https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf905114 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters delves into three key research reports that collectively outline Amazon's evolving marketplace strategy as of March 2025. The analysis centers on three main fronts: the growth of Amazon's private label offerings like Amazon Basics, the pressure on third-party sellers due to rising fulfillment costs and international competition, and the tougher negotiations faced by vendor brands. Using data from tools like SmartScout, Kiri reveals how Amazon's tactics are putting a squeeze on both third-party sellers and vendors while expanding its own product lines. Strategic insights are provided for larger consumer brands to navigate these challenges successfully.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:53) About the Show
(01:15) Amazon Basics: A Closer Look
(03:34) Challenges for Third-Party Sellers
(05:06) Tough Vendor Negotiations
(06:56) Strategic Implications for Brands
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> In this episode, the host Kiri Masters delves into three key research reports that collectively outline Amazon's evolving marketplace strategy as of March 2025. The analysis centers on three main fronts: the growth of Amazon's private label offerings like Amazon Basics, the pressure on third-party sellers due to rising fulfillment costs and international competition, and the tougher negotiations faced by vendor brands. Using data from tools like SmartScout, Kiri reveals how Amazon's tactics are putting a squeeze on both third-party sellers and vendors while expanding its own product lines. Strategic insights are provided for larger consumer brands to navigate these challenges successfully.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:53) About the Show
(01:15) Amazon Basics: A Closer Look
(03:34) Challenges for Third-Party Sellers
(05:06) Tough Vendor Negotiations
(06:56) Strategic Implications for Brands
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 540 In this episode, the host Kiri Masters delves into three key research reports that collectively outline Amazon's evolving marketplace strategy as of March 2025. The analysis centers on three main fronts: the growth of Amazon's private label offerings like Amazon Basics, the pressure on third-party sellers due to rising fulfillment costs and international competition, and the tougher negotiations faced by vendor brands. Using data from tools like SmartScout, Kiri reveals how Amazon's tactics are putting a squeeze on both third-party sellers and vendors while expanding its own product lines. Strategic insights are provided for larger consumer brands to navigate these challenges successfully.


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:53) About the Show
(01:15) Amazon Basics: A Closer Look
(03:34) Challenges for Third-Party Sellers
(05:06) Tough Vendor Negotiations
(06:56) Strategic Implications for Brands
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No How Autonomous AI Agents Will Transform Retail Discovery How Autonomous AI Agents Will Transform Retail Discovery full 3ad0e79a-fe33-43d9-9a3d-038984313d74 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c31ff915 In this episode, we explore the transformative wave of AI in retail, focusing on agentic AI systems capable of autonomously completing tasks without human intervention. Research shows nearly a third of consumer goods companies are already leveraging generative AI, but the future lies in agentic AI—technology that can act autonomously. Michelle Grant from Salesforce discusses three waves of AI: predictive, generative, and agentic, which can handle entire shopping processes and influence retail media strategies. Salesforce's Agent force platform and its application at Saks Fifth Avenue provide compelling examples. The shift towards AI agents calls for new content strategies and altered ad investments, emphasizing structured attribute-based approaches. Despite challenges like quality outcomes and consumer trust, over half of consumer goods executives predict extensive use of generative and agentic AI by 2026. Brands and retailers must quickly adapt to this imminent AI-driven retail landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes post discussing this in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/25/how-autonomous-ai-shopping-agents-will-transform-retail/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Introduction to AI Waves
(02:18) Salesforce's Agent Force Platform
(03:57) Impact on Retail Media
(05:51) Challenges and Concerns
(06:48) Conclusion: The Autonomous AI Era
(07:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, we explore the transformative wave of AI in retail, focusing on agentic AI systems capable of autonomously completing tasks without human intervention. Research shows nearly a third of consumer goods companies are already leveraging generative AI, but the future lies in agentic AI—technology that can act autonomously. Michelle Grant from Salesforce discusses three waves of AI: predictive, generative, and agentic, which can handle entire shopping processes and influence retail media strategies. Salesforce's Agent force platform and its application at Saks Fifth Avenue provide compelling examples. The shift towards AI agents calls for new content strategies and altered ad investments, emphasizing structured attribute-based approaches. Despite challenges like quality outcomes and consumer trust, over half of consumer goods executives predict extensive use of generative and agentic AI by 2026. Brands and retailers must quickly adapt to this imminent AI-driven retail landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes post discussing this in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/25/how-autonomous-ai-shopping-agents-will-transform-retail/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Introduction to AI Waves
(02:18) Salesforce's Agent Force Platform
(03:57) Impact on Retail Media
(05:51) Challenges and Concerns
(06:48) Conclusion: The Autonomous AI Era
(07:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 448 In this episode, we explore the transformative wave of AI in retail, focusing on agentic AI systems capable of autonomously completing tasks without human intervention. Research shows nearly a third of consumer goods companies are already leveraging generative AI, but the future lies in agentic AI—technology that can act autonomously. Michelle Grant from Salesforce discusses three waves of AI: predictive, generative, and agentic, which can handle entire shopping processes and influence retail media strategies. Salesforce's Agent force platform and its application at Saks Fifth Avenue provide compelling examples. The shift towards AI agents calls for new content strategies and altered ad investments, emphasizing structured attribute-based approaches. Despite challenges like quality outcomes and consumer trust, over half of consumer goods executives predict extensive use of generative and agentic AI by 2026. Brands and retailers must quickly adapt to this imminent AI-driven retail landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes post discussing this in detail: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/25/how-autonomous-ai-shopping-agents-will-transform-retail/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Introduction to AI Waves
(02:18) Salesforce's Agent Force Platform
(03:57) Impact on Retail Media
(05:51) Challenges and Concerns
(06:48) Conclusion: The Autonomous AI Era
(07:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No How to select AI-enabled partner solutions (AI in retail series, Part 4) How to select AI-enabled partner solutions (AI in retail series, Part 4) full ea757fc8-e34e-4921-91e3-b6f43e15e9ae https://share.transistor.fm/s/9403bb46 In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an AI-focused consultancy, shares her expertise on how leaders in roles such as media buying, CPG, and brand management can effectively select AI-enabled partner solutions. The discussion covers key differences between AI automation, AI agents, and assisted AI technologies. Lauren provides best practices for business leaders to navigate AI vendor conversations, emphasizing the importance of assessing current technology capabilities, understanding expected outcomes, and ensuring proper training and support. She also highlights red flags to watch for and the necessity of performance-based pricing, continuous learning, and improvement for AI technologies.


This is part 4 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction
(03:00) Understanding AI Systems, Agents, and Automation
(03:52) Best Practices for Selecting AI Partners
(05:00) Evaluating AI Solutions and Vendor Claims
(06:56) Training, Safety, and Implementation Considerations
(08:05) Final Thoughts and Future of AI Agents
(08:35) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an AI-focused consultancy, shares her expertise on how leaders in roles such as media buying, CPG, and brand management can effectively select AI-enabled partner solutions. The discussion covers key differences between AI automation, AI agents, and assisted AI technologies. Lauren provides best practices for business leaders to navigate AI vendor conversations, emphasizing the importance of assessing current technology capabilities, understanding expected outcomes, and ensuring proper training and support. She also highlights red flags to watch for and the necessity of performance-based pricing, continuous learning, and improvement for AI technologies.


This is part 4 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction
(03:00) Understanding AI Systems, Agents, and Automation
(03:52) Best Practices for Selecting AI Partners
(05:00) Evaluating AI Solutions and Vendor Claims
(06:56) Training, Safety, and Implementation Considerations
(08:05) Final Thoughts and Future of AI Agents
(08:35) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 535 In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an AI-focused consultancy, shares her expertise on how leaders in roles such as media buying, CPG, and brand management can effectively select AI-enabled partner solutions. The discussion covers key differences between AI automation, AI agents, and assisted AI technologies. Lauren provides best practices for business leaders to navigate AI vendor conversations, emphasizing the importance of assessing current technology capabilities, understanding expected outcomes, and ensuring proper training and support. She also highlights red flags to watch for and the necessity of performance-based pricing, continuous learning, and improvement for AI technologies.


This is part 4 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction
(03:00) Understanding AI Systems, Agents, and Automation
(03:52) Best Practices for Selecting AI Partners
(05:00) Evaluating AI Solutions and Vendor Claims
(06:56) Training, Safety, and Implementation Considerations
(08:05) Final Thoughts and Future of AI Agents
(08:35) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No What the heck is Agentic AI? (AI in retail series, part 3) What the heck is Agentic AI? (AI in retail series, part 3) full bd983da9-016d-4acc-bf1e-e5967283e132 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dd14707f In this episode of the Deep Dive on AI series, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an innovative AI-focused consultancy, joins the discussion to differentiate between AI assistants and agentic AI. Lauren elaborates on how agentic AI operates autonomously to achieve specific goals by taking independent actions, unlike AI assistants which require human intervention. Through practical examples in social media management, media plan development, and retail inventory management, Lauren illustrates the capabilities and future potential of agentic AI. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of aligning AI strategies with overall business strategies for better outcomes.

This is part 3 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI Series with Lauren Schiavone
(01:50) Understanding Agentic AI vs. AI Assistants
(02:38) Real-World Applications of Agentic AI
(05:36) Clarifying Misconceptions and Future Potential
(06:34) AI as a Strategic Resource
(07:56) Future of AI in Business 
(08:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode of the Deep Dive on AI series, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an innovative AI-focused consultancy, joins the discussion to differentiate between AI assistants and agentic AI. Lauren elaborates on how agentic AI operates autonomously to achieve specific goals by taking independent actions, unlike AI assistants which require human intervention. Through practical examples in social media management, media plan development, and retail inventory management, Lauren illustrates the capabilities and future potential of agentic AI. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of aligning AI strategies with overall business strategies for better outcomes.

This is part 3 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI Series with Lauren Schiavone
(01:50) Understanding Agentic AI vs. AI Assistants
(02:38) Real-World Applications of Agentic AI
(05:36) Clarifying Misconceptions and Future Potential
(06:34) AI as a Strategic Resource
(07:56) Future of AI in Business 
(08:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 552 In this episode of the Deep Dive on AI series, Lauren Schiavone, founder of Wonder Consulting, an innovative AI-focused consultancy, joins the discussion to differentiate between AI assistants and agentic AI. Lauren elaborates on how agentic AI operates autonomously to achieve specific goals by taking independent actions, unlike AI assistants which require human intervention. Through practical examples in social media management, media plan development, and retail inventory management, Lauren illustrates the capabilities and future potential of agentic AI. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of aligning AI strategies with overall business strategies for better outcomes.

This is part 3 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:58) Introduction to AI Series with Lauren Schiavone
(01:50) Understanding Agentic AI vs. AI Assistants
(02:38) Real-World Applications of Agentic AI
(05:36) Clarifying Misconceptions and Future Potential
(06:34) AI as a Strategic Resource
(07:56) Future of AI in Business 
(08:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: How 3 Retail Leaders Transformed Their Sales Teams’ Perspective on Retail Media Panel: How 3 Retail Leaders Transformed Their Sales Teams’ Perspective on Retail Media full 8b06109f-bf3f-42d1-804f-78585fea7dbb https://share.transistor.fm/s/3efa3ca7 This episode delves into impactful conversations between retail media teams and sales organizations, highlighting how perceptions of retail media networks can shift from being seen as mere lower funnel tactics to comprehensive full funnel powerhouses. Featuring insights from industry leaders Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating, the episode explores strategies for education and partnership, emphasizing the importance of search visibility and the broader capabilities of retail media networks like Amazon and Walmart Connect.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:47) About the Show
(01:09) Brian Dudzinski on Algorithmic Insights
(02:00) Alicia Ponzani on Shifting Perspectives
(03:25) Brea Keating on the Importance of Search and Visibility
(04:25) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode delves into impactful conversations between retail media teams and sales organizations, highlighting how perceptions of retail media networks can shift from being seen as mere lower funnel tactics to comprehensive full funnel powerhouses. Featuring insights from industry leaders Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating, the episode explores strategies for education and partnership, emphasizing the importance of search visibility and the broader capabilities of retail media networks like Amazon and Walmart Connect.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:47) About the Show
(01:09) Brian Dudzinski on Algorithmic Insights
(02:00) Alicia Ponzani on Shifting Perspectives
(03:25) Brea Keating on the Importance of Search and Visibility
(04:25) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 28 Feb 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 285 This episode delves into impactful conversations between retail media teams and sales organizations, highlighting how perceptions of retail media networks can shift from being seen as mere lower funnel tactics to comprehensive full funnel powerhouses. Featuring insights from industry leaders Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating, the episode explores strategies for education and partnership, emphasizing the importance of search visibility and the broader capabilities of retail media networks like Amazon and Walmart Connect.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:47) About the Show
(01:09) Brian Dudzinski on Algorithmic Insights
(02:00) Alicia Ponzani on Shifting Perspectives
(03:25) Brea Keating on the Importance of Search and Visibility
(04:25) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Walmart Scintilla: How it compares to Amazon, Kroger's data & insights offerings Walmart Scintilla: How it compares to Amazon, Kroger's data & insights offerings full 82feeacb-6abf-4966-bcae-83252fc3aa51 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3deb4b71 This episode delves into Walmart's rebranding of its data and insights platform from Luminate to Scintilla, set for 2025. The discussion explores the implications of the new name, which hints at Walmart's larger ambitions to potentially develop Scintilla into a standalone business serving other retailers. Key insights include Walmart's expansion plans, the launch of in-home user tests, and how Scintilla's omni-channel data offers a competitive edge. Comparisons are drawn with Amazon's fragmented yet advanced data ecosystem and Kroger's loyalty-based insights. A case study of Clorox's personalization strategy demonstrates how major brands could leverage these platforms to achieve their goals.

Link to Retail Media Therapy podcast: https://www.graceandco.works/retailmedia/#podcast

Link to article about Clorox's media goals: https://p2pi.com/clorox-targets-50-media-spend-1-1-personalization-2030?

Link to Walmart announcement about Scintilla Insights activation available within Walmart Connect: https://www.walmartconnect.com/scintilla-insights-activation-available-on-walmart-connect


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Walmart's Rebrand: Introducing Scintilla
(02:26) Clues to Walmart's Bigger Ambitions
(02:47) Expanding Beyond Retail Data
(03:16) Understanding the Retail Media Data Ecosystem
(03:55) Walmart's Scintilla: Strengths and Limitations
(04:51) Amazon's Fragmented Data Platforms
(06:09) Kroger's Loyalty-Based Insights
(06:54) Real-World Application: Clorox's Personalization Goals
(08:09) Leveraging Retail Data for Personalization
(10:50) Current Ecosystem Challenges and Future Prospects for Scintilla
(12:18) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode delves into Walmart's rebranding of its data and insights platform from Luminate to Scintilla, set for 2025. The discussion explores the implications of the new name, which hints at Walmart's larger ambitions to potentially develop Scintilla into a standalone business serving other retailers. Key insights include Walmart's expansion plans, the launch of in-home user tests, and how Scintilla's omni-channel data offers a competitive edge. Comparisons are drawn with Amazon's fragmented yet advanced data ecosystem and Kroger's loyalty-based insights. A case study of Clorox's personalization strategy demonstrates how major brands could leverage these platforms to achieve their goals.

Link to Retail Media Therapy podcast: https://www.graceandco.works/retailmedia/#podcast

Link to article about Clorox's media goals: https://p2pi.com/clorox-targets-50-media-spend-1-1-personalization-2030?

Link to Walmart announcement about Scintilla Insights activation available within Walmart Connect: https://www.walmartconnect.com/scintilla-insights-activation-available-on-walmart-connect


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Walmart's Rebrand: Introducing Scintilla
(02:26) Clues to Walmart's Bigger Ambitions
(02:47) Expanding Beyond Retail Data
(03:16) Understanding the Retail Media Data Ecosystem
(03:55) Walmart's Scintilla: Strengths and Limitations
(04:51) Amazon's Fragmented Data Platforms
(06:09) Kroger's Loyalty-Based Insights
(06:54) Real-World Application: Clorox's Personalization Goals
(08:09) Leveraging Retail Data for Personalization
(10:50) Current Ecosystem Challenges and Future Prospects for Scintilla
(12:18) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 759 This episode delves into Walmart's rebranding of its data and insights platform from Luminate to Scintilla, set for 2025. The discussion explores the implications of the new name, which hints at Walmart's larger ambitions to potentially develop Scintilla into a standalone business serving other retailers. Key insights include Walmart's expansion plans, the launch of in-home user tests, and how Scintilla's omni-channel data offers a competitive edge. Comparisons are drawn with Amazon's fragmented yet advanced data ecosystem and Kroger's loyalty-based insights. A case study of Clorox's personalization strategy demonstrates how major brands could leverage these platforms to achieve their goals.

Link to Retail Media Therapy podcast: https://www.graceandco.works/retailmedia/#podcast

Link to article about Clorox's media goals: https://p2pi.com/clorox-targets-50-media-spend-1-1-personalization-2030?

Link to Walmart announcement about Scintilla Insights activation available within Walmart Connect: https://www.walmartconnect.com/scintilla-insights-activation-available-on-walmart-connect


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Walmart's Rebrand: Introducing Scintilla
(02:26) Clues to Walmart's Bigger Ambitions
(02:47) Expanding Beyond Retail Data
(03:16) Understanding the Retail Media Data Ecosystem
(03:55) Walmart's Scintilla: Strengths and Limitations
(04:51) Amazon's Fragmented Data Platforms
(06:09) Kroger's Loyalty-Based Insights
(06:54) Real-World Application: Clorox's Personalization Goals
(08:09) Leveraging Retail Data for Personalization
(10:50) Current Ecosystem Challenges and Future Prospects for Scintilla
(12:18) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon Kills Off 'Inspire' - another tomb in the social commerce graveyard Amazon Kills Off 'Inspire' - another tomb in the social commerce graveyard full 03db0cb5-976a-4b8e-81b4-d3378a9cc174 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae055061 This episode recaps Kiri Masters' Forbes article discussing the rise and fall of Amazon Inspire, a feature aimed at integrating social behavior into the Amazon shopping experience. Launched in December 2022 and discontinued 14 months later, the failure of Inspire highlights Amazon's evolving strategy towards social commerce. The company is shifting focus from forcing social engagement within its app to leveraging partnerships with major social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, where users naturally seek inspiration. This shift coincides with Amazon acknowledging the importance of off-platform product discovery, a notable change from its usual ecosystem-centric approach. The episode also includes insights from industry experts on Amazon’s historical challenges with social commerce and its potential future directions.

Link to Kiri's forbes post on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/19/amazon-kills-off-inspire-hints-at-new-social-commerce-playbook/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(00:54) Amazon Inspire: A Short-Lived Feature
(01:19) Amazon's Evolving Strategy
(03:09) Comparison with TikTok
(04:09) Amazon's Acknowledgment and New Partnerships
(05:30) Industry Reactions and Analysis
(07:25) Implications for Brands
(08:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode recaps Kiri Masters' Forbes article discussing the rise and fall of Amazon Inspire, a feature aimed at integrating social behavior into the Amazon shopping experience. Launched in December 2022 and discontinued 14 months later, the failure of Inspire highlights Amazon's evolving strategy towards social commerce. The company is shifting focus from forcing social engagement within its app to leveraging partnerships with major social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, where users naturally seek inspiration. This shift coincides with Amazon acknowledging the importance of off-platform product discovery, a notable change from its usual ecosystem-centric approach. The episode also includes insights from industry experts on Amazon’s historical challenges with social commerce and its potential future directions.

Link to Kiri's forbes post on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/19/amazon-kills-off-inspire-hints-at-new-social-commerce-playbook/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(00:54) Amazon Inspire: A Short-Lived Feature
(01:19) Amazon's Evolving Strategy
(03:09) Comparison with TikTok
(04:09) Amazon's Acknowledgment and New Partnerships
(05:30) Industry Reactions and Analysis
(07:25) Implications for Brands
(08:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 510 This episode recaps Kiri Masters' Forbes article discussing the rise and fall of Amazon Inspire, a feature aimed at integrating social behavior into the Amazon shopping experience. Launched in December 2022 and discontinued 14 months later, the failure of Inspire highlights Amazon's evolving strategy towards social commerce. The company is shifting focus from forcing social engagement within its app to leveraging partnerships with major social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, where users naturally seek inspiration. This shift coincides with Amazon acknowledging the importance of off-platform product discovery, a notable change from its usual ecosystem-centric approach. The episode also includes insights from industry experts on Amazon’s historical challenges with social commerce and its potential future directions.

Link to Kiri's forbes post on this topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/19/amazon-kills-off-inspire-hints-at-new-social-commerce-playbook/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:20) About the Show
(00:42) Introduction and Overview
(00:54) Amazon Inspire: A Short-Lived Feature
(01:19) Amazon's Evolving Strategy
(03:09) Comparison with TikTok
(04:09) Amazon's Acknowledgment and New Partnerships
(05:30) Industry Reactions and Analysis
(07:25) Implications for Brands
(08:09) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Simple ways to get started with AI (AI in retail series, Part 2) Simple ways to get started with AI (AI in retail series, Part 2) full 1368d187-8e7a-4dc2-83c8-473898071c4e https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fa02950 In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, shares her insights on helping brands, retailers, and agencies navigate the overwhelming world of AI. She emphasizes the importance of mastering tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini. Lauren offers practical steps to integrate AI into both professional and personal tasks, highlighting the importance of cultivating an 'AI first' mindset. She also reflects on how AI could have enhanced her previous roles at Procter & Gamble, underscoring AI's potential to streamline work and boost confidence in the workplace.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

This is part 2 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to AI with Lauren Schiavone
(01:27) Overcoming AI Overwhelm: First Steps
(02:10) Mastering AI Tools: Practical Tips
(04:00) Personal and Professional Use Cases for AI
(06:10) AI in the Workplace: Real-Life Examples
(09:34) Adopting an AI-First Mindset
(10:20) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, shares her insights on helping brands, retailers, and agencies navigate the overwhelming world of AI. She emphasizes the importance of mastering tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini. Lauren offers practical steps to integrate AI into both professional and personal tasks, highlighting the importance of cultivating an 'AI first' mindset. She also reflects on how AI could have enhanced her previous roles at Procter & Gamble, underscoring AI's potential to streamline work and boost confidence in the workplace.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

This is part 2 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to AI with Lauren Schiavone
(01:27) Overcoming AI Overwhelm: First Steps
(02:10) Mastering AI Tools: Practical Tips
(04:00) Personal and Professional Use Cases for AI
(06:10) AI in the Workplace: Real-Life Examples
(09:34) Adopting an AI-First Mindset
(10:20) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 642 In this episode, Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy, Wonder Consulting, shares her insights on helping brands, retailers, and agencies navigate the overwhelming world of AI. She emphasizes the importance of mastering tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini. Lauren offers practical steps to integrate AI into both professional and personal tasks, highlighting the importance of cultivating an 'AI first' mindset. She also reflects on how AI could have enhanced her previous roles at Procter & Gamble, underscoring AI's potential to streamline work and boost confidence in the workplace.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

This is part 2 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to AI with Lauren Schiavone
(01:27) Overcoming AI Overwhelm: First Steps
(02:10) Mastering AI Tools: Practical Tips
(04:00) Personal and Professional Use Cases for AI
(06:10) AI in the Workplace: Real-Life Examples
(09:34) Adopting an AI-First Mindset
(10:20) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The top questions that brands and retailers have about AI (Part 1 of AI in retail series) The top questions that brands and retailers have about AI (Part 1 of AI in retail series) full 1aa7b7c2-218d-47d0-b714-1e2a20772126 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b994b11f In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy Wonder Consulting and a seasoned ex-Procter & Gamble executive, to discuss the transformative power of AI for retailers and brands. Lauren shares insights on foundational AI literacy, the importance of generative AI like ChatGPT, and practical applications tailored to specific roles and functions. She also outlines a five-step framework for driving enterprise-wide AI transformation and highlights the critical role of change management. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI to accelerate business growth and stay future-proof. This is part 1 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to Lauren Schiavone and Wonder Consulting
(01:47) Foundational AI Literacy: Getting Started
(02:27) Deep Dive into Generative AI and ChatGPT
(04:37) Role-Specific AI Applications
(05:18) Driving AI Transformation Across the Enterprise
(05:47) Five-Step Framework for AI Adoption
(08:11) Recap and Personal Use Cases
(10:17) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy Wonder Consulting and a seasoned ex-Procter & Gamble executive, to discuss the transformative power of AI for retailers and brands. Lauren shares insights on foundational AI literacy, the importance of generative AI like ChatGPT, and practical applications tailored to specific roles and functions. She also outlines a five-step framework for driving enterprise-wide AI transformation and highlights the critical role of change management. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI to accelerate business growth and stay future-proof. This is part 1 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to Lauren Schiavone and Wonder Consulting
(01:47) Foundational AI Literacy: Getting Started
(02:27) Deep Dive into Generative AI and ChatGPT
(04:37) Role-Specific AI Applications
(05:18) Driving AI Transformation Across the Enterprise
(05:47) Five-Step Framework for AI Adoption
(08:11) Recap and Personal Use Cases
(10:17) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:00:17 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 638 In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schiavone, founder of the AI-focused consultancy Wonder Consulting and a seasoned ex-Procter & Gamble executive, to discuss the transformative power of AI for retailers and brands. Lauren shares insights on foundational AI literacy, the importance of generative AI like ChatGPT, and practical applications tailored to specific roles and functions. She also outlines a five-step framework for driving enterprise-wide AI transformation and highlights the critical role of change management. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI to accelerate business growth and stay future-proof. This is part 1 of a 5-part series of using AI in a retail media context, whether you’re a brand, a retailer, or an agency.

Link to Lauren's site: https://www.wonderconsultingllc.com/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:38) About the Show
(00:59) Introduction to Lauren Schiavone and Wonder Consulting
(01:47) Foundational AI Literacy: Getting Started
(02:27) Deep Dive into Generative AI and ChatGPT
(04:37) Role-Specific AI Applications
(05:18) Driving AI Transformation Across the Enterprise
(05:47) Five-Step Framework for AI Adoption
(08:11) Recap and Personal Use Cases
(10:17) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: The One Change These 3 Retail Leaders Wish for in Retail Media Panel: The One Change These 3 Retail Leaders Wish for in Retail Media full 38a673ec-b92e-4471-909b-28000ab92421 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0b6706d2 In this episode, industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating discuss the challenges and potential improvements in retail media. Brian emphasizes the difficulties in analyzing data across various platforms due to their unique quirks and reporting types. Alicia highlights the need for standardized reporting across retail media networks to enable better comparison and informed decision-making. Brea points out the disconnect between media attributable sales and actual e-commerce sales, which forces brands to independently manage and combine data. The speakers collectively stress the importance of data transparency and standardization for more effective media investment and campaign performance evaluations.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:04) Brian Dudzinski: Standardizing Retail Media Data
(01:40) Alicia Ponzani: Challenges of Walled Gardens
(02:49) Brea Keating: Aligning Media Attribution with Sales Data
(03:37) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating discuss the challenges and potential improvements in retail media. Brian emphasizes the difficulties in analyzing data across various platforms due to their unique quirks and reporting types. Alicia highlights the need for standardized reporting across retail media networks to enable better comparison and informed decision-making. Brea points out the disconnect between media attributable sales and actual e-commerce sales, which forces brands to independently manage and combine data. The speakers collectively stress the importance of data transparency and standardization for more effective media investment and campaign performance evaluations.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:04) Brian Dudzinski: Standardizing Retail Media Data
(01:40) Alicia Ponzani: Challenges of Walled Gardens
(02:49) Brea Keating: Aligning Media Attribution with Sales Data
(03:37) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 21 Feb 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 239 In this episode, industry experts Brian Dudzinski, Alicia Ponzani, and Brea Keating discuss the challenges and potential improvements in retail media. Brian emphasizes the difficulties in analyzing data across various platforms due to their unique quirks and reporting types. Alicia highlights the need for standardized reporting across retail media networks to enable better comparison and informed decision-making. Brea points out the disconnect between media attributable sales and actual e-commerce sales, which forces brands to independently manage and combine data. The speakers collectively stress the importance of data transparency and standardization for more effective media investment and campaign performance evaluations.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:42) About the Show
(01:04) Brian Dudzinski: Standardizing Retail Media Data
(01:40) Alicia Ponzani: Challenges of Walled Gardens
(02:49) Brea Keating: Aligning Media Attribution with Sales Data
(03:37) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The 5 Best Free Resources For Learning Retail Media In 2025 The 5 Best Free Resources For Learning Retail Media In 2025 full 91b4ca50-a982-42b5-9fe4-4adefd367e45 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d6fa43c5 This episode is based on the Forbes article "The Best Resources For Learning Retail Media In 2025" by Kiri Masters. In the episode, Kiri focuses on how to skill up and stay current in retail media, mentioning the key platforms: Digital Shelf Institute, Firstmovr, Allume group, Path to Purchase Institute, and Stratably. These resources offer various free or discounted educational content, courses, webinars, and research reports catering to different aspects of retail media, from tactical execution to organizational strategy.

Kiri's Forbes post: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/13/the-best-free-resources-for-learning-retail-media-in-2025/

Links to the respective resources:

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/webinar-dsi-assessing-retail-media

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/stratably-retail-media-impact-report

https://firstmovr.com

https://allumegroup.thinkific.com/courses/retail-media-advertising-strategy

https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

https://p2pi.com/content-type/webinars


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:47) About the Show
(02:08) Digital Shelf Institute's latest key releases
(03:15) firstmovr's Innovative Virtual Summits
(03:56) Allume Group's Free Retail Media Course
(04:22) Path to Purchase Institute's Valuable Webinars
(04:59) Stratably's Insightful Research and Reports
(05:43) Conclusion: Diverse Approaches to Retail Media Education
(06:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode is based on the Forbes article "The Best Resources For Learning Retail Media In 2025" by Kiri Masters. In the episode, Kiri focuses on how to skill up and stay current in retail media, mentioning the key platforms: Digital Shelf Institute, Firstmovr, Allume group, Path to Purchase Institute, and Stratably. These resources offer various free or discounted educational content, courses, webinars, and research reports catering to different aspects of retail media, from tactical execution to organizational strategy.

Kiri's Forbes post: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/13/the-best-free-resources-for-learning-retail-media-in-2025/

Links to the respective resources:

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/webinar-dsi-assessing-retail-media

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/stratably-retail-media-impact-report

https://firstmovr.com

https://allumegroup.thinkific.com/courses/retail-media-advertising-strategy

https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

https://p2pi.com/content-type/webinars


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:47) About the Show
(02:08) Digital Shelf Institute's latest key releases
(03:15) firstmovr's Innovative Virtual Summits
(03:56) Allume Group's Free Retail Media Course
(04:22) Path to Purchase Institute's Valuable Webinars
(04:59) Stratably's Insightful Research and Reports
(05:43) Conclusion: Diverse Approaches to Retail Media Education
(06:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 387 This episode is based on the Forbes article "The Best Resources For Learning Retail Media In 2025" by Kiri Masters. In the episode, Kiri focuses on how to skill up and stay current in retail media, mentioning the key platforms: Digital Shelf Institute, Firstmovr, Allume group, Path to Purchase Institute, and Stratably. These resources offer various free or discounted educational content, courses, webinars, and research reports catering to different aspects of retail media, from tactical execution to organizational strategy.

Kiri's Forbes post: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/13/the-best-free-resources-for-learning-retail-media-in-2025/

Links to the respective resources:

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/webinar-dsi-assessing-retail-media

https://www.digitalshelfinstitute.org/stratably-retail-media-impact-report

https://firstmovr.com

https://allumegroup.thinkific.com/courses/retail-media-advertising-strategy

https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

https://p2pi.com/content-type/webinars


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:47) About the Show
(02:08) Digital Shelf Institute's latest key releases
(03:15) firstmovr's Innovative Virtual Summits
(03:56) Allume Group's Free Retail Media Course
(04:22) Path to Purchase Institute's Valuable Webinars
(04:59) Stratably's Insightful Research and Reports
(05:43) Conclusion: Diverse Approaches to Retail Media Education
(06:07) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Retail Media Performance Gap Is Even Wider Than We Thought! The Retail Media Performance Gap Is Even Wider Than We Thought! full 3c3af589-432b-4895-8466-1144602cc966 https://share.transistor.fm/s/851fe813 In this episode, we dive into new data from the report published by Path to Purchase Institute and TransUnion, revealing massive performance gaps among retail media networks. Top performers like Amazon boast high ratings, while networks such as Dollar General and BJ's struggle with poor advertiser satisfaction. The report underscores transparency issues within the industry, as many networks fail to provide clear return on investment (ROI) metrics, fostering distrust among advertisers. To close the performance gap, improvement in measurement capabilities and data transparency is essential. The episode explores which networks are likely to make necessary investments as the industry faces its first growth slowdown.

Link to Kiri's previous Forbes post about Transparency in Retail Media: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results

Link to the Path To Purchase Institute & Transunion study results shared in this episode: https://p2pi.com/2025-p2p-trend-report-transunion

Link to Digiday article, 'Retail media networks under scrutiny amid calls for transparency and accountability' : https://digiday.com/marketing/retail-media-networks-under-scrutiny-amid-calls-for-transparency-and-accountability/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:31) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to Retail Media Network Ratings
(01:34) Top Performers: Amazon Leads the Pack
(01:59) Struggles of the Long Tail Networks
(02:40) Middle Tier Bright Spots: Kroger and Instacart
(03:09) Industry Insights: Performance Gaps and Transparency Issues
(05:40) Challenges and Future Outlook
(06:12) Conclusion: The Path Forward for Retail Media Networks
(06:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, we dive into new data from the report published by Path to Purchase Institute and TransUnion, revealing massive performance gaps among retail media networks. Top performers like Amazon boast high ratings, while networks such as Dollar General and BJ's struggle with poor advertiser satisfaction. The report underscores transparency issues within the industry, as many networks fail to provide clear return on investment (ROI) metrics, fostering distrust among advertisers. To close the performance gap, improvement in measurement capabilities and data transparency is essential. The episode explores which networks are likely to make necessary investments as the industry faces its first growth slowdown.

Link to Kiri's previous Forbes post about Transparency in Retail Media: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results

Link to the Path To Purchase Institute & Transunion study results shared in this episode: https://p2pi.com/2025-p2p-trend-report-transunion

Link to Digiday article, 'Retail media networks under scrutiny amid calls for transparency and accountability' : https://digiday.com/marketing/retail-media-networks-under-scrutiny-amid-calls-for-transparency-and-accountability/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:31) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to Retail Media Network Ratings
(01:34) Top Performers: Amazon Leads the Pack
(01:59) Struggles of the Long Tail Networks
(02:40) Middle Tier Bright Spots: Kroger and Instacart
(03:09) Industry Insights: Performance Gaps and Transparency Issues
(05:40) Challenges and Future Outlook
(06:12) Conclusion: The Path Forward for Retail Media Networks
(06:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 19 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 432 In this episode, we dive into new data from the report published by Path to Purchase Institute and TransUnion, revealing massive performance gaps among retail media networks. Top performers like Amazon boast high ratings, while networks such as Dollar General and BJ's struggle with poor advertiser satisfaction. The report underscores transparency issues within the industry, as many networks fail to provide clear return on investment (ROI) metrics, fostering distrust among advertisers. To close the performance gap, improvement in measurement capabilities and data transparency is essential. The episode explores which networks are likely to make necessary investments as the industry faces its first growth slowdown.

Link to Kiri's previous Forbes post about Transparency in Retail Media: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results

Link to the Path To Purchase Institute & Transunion study results shared in this episode: https://p2pi.com/2025-p2p-trend-report-transunion

Link to Digiday article, 'Retail media networks under scrutiny amid calls for transparency and accountability' : https://digiday.com/marketing/retail-media-networks-under-scrutiny-amid-calls-for-transparency-and-accountability/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:31) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to Retail Media Network Ratings
(01:34) Top Performers: Amazon Leads the Pack
(01:59) Struggles of the Long Tail Networks
(02:40) Middle Tier Bright Spots: Kroger and Instacart
(03:09) Industry Insights: Performance Gaps and Transparency Issues
(05:40) Challenges and Future Outlook
(06:12) Conclusion: The Path Forward for Retail Media Networks
(06:51) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Why Is Amazon Suddenly Linking to Other Retailers? It's About the Ads Why Is Amazon Suddenly Linking to Other Retailers? It's About the Ads full 6248f0a9-4523-444c-b638-f601fe0b679e https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e0aa9cd In this episode, we discuss Amazon's recent test of offsite product links in mobile search results, an unprecedented move aimed at expanding its advertising inventory. The episode delves into the motivations behind this strategy, including the potential for increasing ad space, improving customer experience, and gathering valuable user data. We also explore the perspectives of e-commerce analyst Rick Watson, who ties Amazon's decision to the evolving search and AI landscape and its need for user intent data. The discussion includes various theories on Amazon's ultimate goals, from data collection to creating a comparison shopping engine, and the broader implications for the digital advertising industry. As this feature undergoes testing in the U.S. mobile app, we anticipate a significant impact on Amazon's advertising capabilities and its competitive positioning against Google.

As referred multiple times in the episode by Kiri, do check out "The Watson Weekly" podcast from ecommerce industry veteran Rick Watson : https://www.rmwcommerce.com/ecommerce-podcast-watsonweekly


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:11) Probable reason from Kiri's PoV
(01:19) Rick Watson's Insight on Amazon's Ad Strategy
(02:10) Alternative Theories Behind Amazon's Move
(03:05) Amazon's Advertising Business Constraints
(04:51) Exploring New Advertising Formats
(06:02) Potential Impact and Future Predictions
(06:55) Conclusion: Amazon's Push to Challenge Google
(07:34) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, we discuss Amazon's recent test of offsite product links in mobile search results, an unprecedented move aimed at expanding its advertising inventory. The episode delves into the motivations behind this strategy, including the potential for increasing ad space, improving customer experience, and gathering valuable user data. We also explore the perspectives of e-commerce analyst Rick Watson, who ties Amazon's decision to the evolving search and AI landscape and its need for user intent data. The discussion includes various theories on Amazon's ultimate goals, from data collection to creating a comparison shopping engine, and the broader implications for the digital advertising industry. As this feature undergoes testing in the U.S. mobile app, we anticipate a significant impact on Amazon's advertising capabilities and its competitive positioning against Google.

As referred multiple times in the episode by Kiri, do check out "The Watson Weekly" podcast from ecommerce industry veteran Rick Watson : https://www.rmwcommerce.com/ecommerce-podcast-watsonweekly


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:11) Probable reason from Kiri's PoV
(01:19) Rick Watson's Insight on Amazon's Ad Strategy
(02:10) Alternative Theories Behind Amazon's Move
(03:05) Amazon's Advertising Business Constraints
(04:51) Exploring New Advertising Formats
(06:02) Potential Impact and Future Predictions
(06:55) Conclusion: Amazon's Push to Challenge Google
(07:34) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 475 In this episode, we discuss Amazon's recent test of offsite product links in mobile search results, an unprecedented move aimed at expanding its advertising inventory. The episode delves into the motivations behind this strategy, including the potential for increasing ad space, improving customer experience, and gathering valuable user data. We also explore the perspectives of e-commerce analyst Rick Watson, who ties Amazon's decision to the evolving search and AI landscape and its need for user intent data. The discussion includes various theories on Amazon's ultimate goals, from data collection to creating a comparison shopping engine, and the broader implications for the digital advertising industry. As this feature undergoes testing in the U.S. mobile app, we anticipate a significant impact on Amazon's advertising capabilities and its competitive positioning against Google.

As referred multiple times in the episode by Kiri, do check out "The Watson Weekly" podcast from ecommerce industry veteran Rick Watson : https://www.rmwcommerce.com/ecommerce-podcast-watsonweekly


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:49) About the Show
(01:11) Probable reason from Kiri's PoV
(01:19) Rick Watson's Insight on Amazon's Ad Strategy
(02:10) Alternative Theories Behind Amazon's Move
(03:05) Amazon's Advertising Business Constraints
(04:51) Exploring New Advertising Formats
(06:02) Potential Impact and Future Predictions
(06:55) Conclusion: Amazon's Push to Challenge Google
(07:34) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Shopper marketing in the age of retail media Shopper marketing in the age of retail media full 9fcf2fdd-1d48-42d2-9f61-371c6c6c1a3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bd08083 In this episode, Kiri focuses on the evolution of retail media spending. The discussion covers various data points from IAB Australia, highlighting how retail media budgets are being reallocated from traditional and social media channels, as well as trade retail budgets. Examples include Tillamook's strategy of keeping trade funds and retail media separate and Goodman Fielder's integrated planning model. The episode also explores the shift from traditional shopper marketing to an omnichannel approach, as seen at Georgia Pacific. Discussion extends to the advancements in attribution in e-commerce and the importance of integrating traditional and digital marketing capabilities, drawing parallels to the 'Moneyball' approach in baseball.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/12/retail-media-forces-brands-to-rethink-shopper-marketing-not-replace-it/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:49) About the Show
(02:10) Retail Media Spending Insights
(02:55) Brand Strategies: Tillamook and Goodman Fielder
(03:55) Latest Evolution of Shopper Marketing
(04:23) Attribution and Measuring Success
(05:06) Integration of Traditional and Digital Capabilities
(05:46) Conclusion: The Future of Retail Media
(06:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri focuses on the evolution of retail media spending. The discussion covers various data points from IAB Australia, highlighting how retail media budgets are being reallocated from traditional and social media channels, as well as trade retail budgets. Examples include Tillamook's strategy of keeping trade funds and retail media separate and Goodman Fielder's integrated planning model. The episode also explores the shift from traditional shopper marketing to an omnichannel approach, as seen at Georgia Pacific. Discussion extends to the advancements in attribution in e-commerce and the importance of integrating traditional and digital marketing capabilities, drawing parallels to the 'Moneyball' approach in baseball.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/12/retail-media-forces-brands-to-rethink-shopper-marketing-not-replace-it/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:49) About the Show
(02:10) Retail Media Spending Insights
(02:55) Brand Strategies: Tillamook and Goodman Fielder
(03:55) Latest Evolution of Shopper Marketing
(04:23) Attribution and Measuring Success
(05:06) Integration of Traditional and Digital Capabilities
(05:46) Conclusion: The Future of Retail Media
(06:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 17 Feb 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 403 In this episode, Kiri focuses on the evolution of retail media spending. The discussion covers various data points from IAB Australia, highlighting how retail media budgets are being reallocated from traditional and social media channels, as well as trade retail budgets. Examples include Tillamook's strategy of keeping trade funds and retail media separate and Goodman Fielder's integrated planning model. The episode also explores the shift from traditional shopper marketing to an omnichannel approach, as seen at Georgia Pacific. Discussion extends to the advancements in attribution in e-commerce and the importance of integrating traditional and digital marketing capabilities, drawing parallels to the 'Moneyball' approach in baseball.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/12/retail-media-forces-brands-to-rethink-shopper-marketing-not-replace-it/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:49) About the Show
(02:10) Retail Media Spending Insights
(02:55) Brand Strategies: Tillamook and Goodman Fielder
(03:55) Latest Evolution of Shopper Marketing
(04:23) Attribution and Measuring Success
(05:06) Integration of Traditional and Digital Capabilities
(05:46) Conclusion: The Future of Retail Media
(06:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: The Biggest Retail Media Heartbreaks—Insights from 4 Brand Leaders Panel: The Biggest Retail Media Heartbreaks—Insights from 4 Brand Leaders full dc512b0a-7a65-4357-a338-c153ee409953 https://share.transistor.fm/s/55ac6187 In this special Valentine's Day episode, brand side leaders from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, and U Beauty reveal the moments that broke their hearts in retail media. Scott Oshman discusses the chaos caused by the shift to GA4, Ben Galvin highlights the confusion from closed loop attribution models, and Darren Silverman criticizes Walmart's transition to Luminate. Lastly, AJ Patel shares his frustration with the transition from universal analytics to GA4. The episode delves into the challenges and frustrations that come with evolving retail media strategies.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:54) About the Show

(01:14) Scott Oshman on Google Analytics to GA4 Transition

(02:31) Ben Galvin on Closed Loop Attribution Models

(04:10) Darren Silverman Discusses Walmart's Luminate Transition

(04:55) AJ Patel's Experience with GA4 Transition

(05:58) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this special Valentine's Day episode, brand side leaders from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, and U Beauty reveal the moments that broke their hearts in retail media. Scott Oshman discusses the chaos caused by the shift to GA4, Ben Galvin highlights the confusion from closed loop attribution models, and Darren Silverman criticizes Walmart's transition to Luminate. Lastly, AJ Patel shares his frustration with the transition from universal analytics to GA4. The episode delves into the challenges and frustrations that come with evolving retail media strategies.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:54) About the Show

(01:14) Scott Oshman on Google Analytics to GA4 Transition

(02:31) Ben Galvin on Closed Loop Attribution Models

(04:10) Darren Silverman Discusses Walmart's Luminate Transition

(04:55) AJ Patel's Experience with GA4 Transition

(05:58) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 02:50:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 380 In this special Valentine's Day episode, brand side leaders from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, and U Beauty reveal the moments that broke their hearts in retail media. Scott Oshman discusses the chaos caused by the shift to GA4, Ben Galvin highlights the confusion from closed loop attribution models, and Darren Silverman criticizes Walmart's transition to Luminate. Lastly, AJ Patel shares his frustration with the transition from universal analytics to GA4. The episode delves into the challenges and frustrations that come with evolving retail media strategies.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(00:54) About the Show

(01:14) Scott Oshman on Google Analytics to GA4 Transition

(02:31) Ben Galvin on Closed Loop Attribution Models

(04:10) Darren Silverman Discusses Walmart's Luminate Transition

(04:55) AJ Patel's Experience with GA4 Transition

(05:58) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Retail Media's Next Challenge: Proving Real Results Retail Media's Next Challenge: Proving Real Results full 012af041-a126-4a4d-9a38-8abe992c9ed3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c429c9b7 In this episode, Kiri delves into the complexities of transparency in retail media, extending beyond basic reporting to the control brands have over their campaigns and success measurements. Insights from Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Retail Media at Nectar First, highlight the challenges with ad placement performance transparency, while Alex Arnott from Dentsu's Newstream Media underscores the importance of self-service capabilities in media buying, creative assets, and real-time reporting. The discussion also touches on the significant market dominance of Amazon and the diverse approaches to incrementality measurement by various retailers. As retail media networks evolve, the focus is on making them more user-friendly and transparent to draw continued investment from brands.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:48) About the Show
(01:09) Introduction to Transparency in Retail Media
(01:24) Case Study: Advertisers vs. Retail Media Networks
(02:37) The Power Imbalance in Retail Media
(03:02) Insights from Newstream Media's Alex Arnott
(04:03) The Importance of Self-Service Capabilities
(05:51) Challenges in Creative Asset Management
(06:43) The Need for Real-Time Reporting
(07:58) Future Directions and Optimism
(09:34) Conclusion: Proving Performance is Key
(10:04) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> In this episode, Kiri delves into the complexities of transparency in retail media, extending beyond basic reporting to the control brands have over their campaigns and success measurements. Insights from Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Retail Media at Nectar First, highlight the challenges with ad placement performance transparency, while Alex Arnott from Dentsu's Newstream Media underscores the importance of self-service capabilities in media buying, creative assets, and real-time reporting. The discussion also touches on the significant market dominance of Amazon and the diverse approaches to incrementality measurement by various retailers. As retail media networks evolve, the focus is on making them more user-friendly and transparent to draw continued investment from brands.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:48) About the Show
(01:09) Introduction to Transparency in Retail Media
(01:24) Case Study: Advertisers vs. Retail Media Networks
(02:37) The Power Imbalance in Retail Media
(03:02) Insights from Newstream Media's Alex Arnott
(04:03) The Importance of Self-Service Capabilities
(05:51) Challenges in Creative Asset Management
(06:43) The Need for Real-Time Reporting
(07:58) Future Directions and Optimism
(09:34) Conclusion: Proving Performance is Key
(10:04) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 624 In this episode, Kiri delves into the complexities of transparency in retail media, extending beyond basic reporting to the control brands have over their campaigns and success measurements. Insights from Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Retail Media at Nectar First, highlight the challenges with ad placement performance transparency, while Alex Arnott from Dentsu's Newstream Media underscores the importance of self-service capabilities in media buying, creative assets, and real-time reporting. The discussion also touches on the significant market dominance of Amazon and the diverse approaches to incrementality measurement by various retailers. As retail media networks evolve, the focus is on making them more user-friendly and transparent to draw continued investment from brands.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/07/retail-medias-next-challenge-proving-real-results/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:48) About the Show
(01:09) Introduction to Transparency in Retail Media
(01:24) Case Study: Advertisers vs. Retail Media Networks
(02:37) The Power Imbalance in Retail Media
(03:02) Insights from Newstream Media's Alex Arnott
(04:03) The Importance of Self-Service Capabilities
(05:51) Challenges in Creative Asset Management
(06:43) The Need for Real-Time Reporting
(07:58) Future Directions and Optimism
(09:34) Conclusion: Proving Performance is Key
(10:04) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No More retail media spend = More measurement scrutiny More retail media spend = More measurement scrutiny full 2982837d-ca68-4c1c-99fb-9aeaf8e02697 https://share.transistor.fm/s/afb114f4 In this episode, Kiri explores the rapid growth of retail media, which is expected to see over $10 billion in new ad spending in the US by 2025. Despite its increasing importance, brands face significant challenges in measuring the effectiveness of their investments, due largely to disparate data systems between retailers. Kiri delves into insights from a report by Skai and the Path to Purchase Institute, discussing how brands are improving their measurement capabilities and the industry's strides toward standardization. Key topics include the complexities of cross-channel consumer behavior, the limitations of single-channel measurement, and the evolving landscape of retail media networks' measurement solutions.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned on the topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/05/as-retail-media-spending-soars-brands-face-a-measurement-crisis/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:19) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Retail Media Measurement Challenges
(02:47) The Importance of Retail Media
(03:11) Measurement Standards and Challenges
(04:02) Cross-Channel Shopping Behavior
(04:23) Traditional Measurement Solutions
(05:13) Fragmented Measurement Solutions in Retail Media
(05:57) Progress and Future Directions
(06:56) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri explores the rapid growth of retail media, which is expected to see over $10 billion in new ad spending in the US by 2025. Despite its increasing importance, brands face significant challenges in measuring the effectiveness of their investments, due largely to disparate data systems between retailers. Kiri delves into insights from a report by Skai and the Path to Purchase Institute, discussing how brands are improving their measurement capabilities and the industry's strides toward standardization. Key topics include the complexities of cross-channel consumer behavior, the limitations of single-channel measurement, and the evolving landscape of retail media networks' measurement solutions.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned on the topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/05/as-retail-media-spending-soars-brands-face-a-measurement-crisis/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:19) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Retail Media Measurement Challenges
(02:47) The Importance of Retail Media
(03:11) Measurement Standards and Challenges
(04:02) Cross-Channel Shopping Behavior
(04:23) Traditional Measurement Solutions
(05:13) Fragmented Measurement Solutions in Retail Media
(05:57) Progress and Future Directions
(06:56) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 437 In this episode, Kiri explores the rapid growth of retail media, which is expected to see over $10 billion in new ad spending in the US by 2025. Despite its increasing importance, brands face significant challenges in measuring the effectiveness of their investments, due largely to disparate data systems between retailers. Kiri delves into insights from a report by Skai and the Path to Purchase Institute, discussing how brands are improving their measurement capabilities and the industry's strides toward standardization. Key topics include the complexities of cross-channel consumer behavior, the limitations of single-channel measurement, and the evolving landscape of retail media networks' measurement solutions.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned on the topic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/02/05/as-retail-media-spending-soars-brands-face-a-measurement-crisis/

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:19) About the Show
(01:40) Introduction to Retail Media Measurement Challenges
(02:47) The Importance of Retail Media
(03:11) Measurement Standards and Challenges
(04:02) Cross-Channel Shopping Behavior
(04:23) Traditional Measurement Solutions
(05:13) Fragmented Measurement Solutions in Retail Media
(05:57) Progress and Future Directions
(06:56) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon Sellers Report More Fraudulent Customer Returns Amazon Sellers Report More Fraudulent Customer Returns full 4a9d1c9e-02a1-4ed0-834b-7095b4a62d93 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e73d1e99 In this episode, Kiri discusses the increasing issue of return fraud faced by Amazon sellers, a problem highlighted through discussions on Reddit and interviews with affected sellers. Addressing fraudulent activities such as customers returning damaged or different items, Kiri explains the complications of fulfillment methods—Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) versus merchant-fulfilled (FBM)—and the absence of a system to block repeat offenders. Despite Amazon's zero-tolerance policy and efforts to combat return fraud, sellers express frustration and concern over the growing trend and its impact on their businesses. The episode underscores the tension between maintaining customer satisfaction and protecting sellers in the ever-competitive marketplace.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/31/amazon-sellers-report-rising-concerns-over-fraudulent-returns/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:31) About the Show
(01:52) Introduction to Return Fraud on Amazon
(02:19) Seller Experiences and Anecdotes
(03:04) Types of Fraudulent Returns
(04:43) Impact on Sellers and Fulfillment Methods
(06:25) Challenges in Preventing Repeat Offenders
(06:59) Amazon's Response and Seller Sentiments
(07:44) Conclusion: Balancing Customer and Seller Interests
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri discusses the increasing issue of return fraud faced by Amazon sellers, a problem highlighted through discussions on Reddit and interviews with affected sellers. Addressing fraudulent activities such as customers returning damaged or different items, Kiri explains the complications of fulfillment methods—Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) versus merchant-fulfilled (FBM)—and the absence of a system to block repeat offenders. Despite Amazon's zero-tolerance policy and efforts to combat return fraud, sellers express frustration and concern over the growing trend and its impact on their businesses. The episode underscores the tension between maintaining customer satisfaction and protecting sellers in the ever-competitive marketplace.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/31/amazon-sellers-report-rising-concerns-over-fraudulent-returns/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:31) About the Show
(01:52) Introduction to Return Fraud on Amazon
(02:19) Seller Experiences and Anecdotes
(03:04) Types of Fraudulent Returns
(04:43) Impact on Sellers and Fulfillment Methods
(06:25) Challenges in Preventing Repeat Offenders
(06:59) Amazon's Response and Seller Sentiments
(07:44) Conclusion: Balancing Customer and Seller Interests
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 539 In this episode, Kiri discusses the increasing issue of return fraud faced by Amazon sellers, a problem highlighted through discussions on Reddit and interviews with affected sellers. Addressing fraudulent activities such as customers returning damaged or different items, Kiri explains the complications of fulfillment methods—Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) versus merchant-fulfilled (FBM)—and the absence of a system to block repeat offenders. Despite Amazon's zero-tolerance policy and efforts to combat return fraud, sellers express frustration and concern over the growing trend and its impact on their businesses. The episode underscores the tension between maintaining customer satisfaction and protecting sellers in the ever-competitive marketplace.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article mentioned in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/31/amazon-sellers-report-rising-concerns-over-fraudulent-returns/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:31) About the Show
(01:52) Introduction to Return Fraud on Amazon
(02:19) Seller Experiences and Anecdotes
(03:04) Types of Fraudulent Returns
(04:43) Impact on Sellers and Fulfillment Methods
(06:25) Challenges in Preventing Repeat Offenders
(06:59) Amazon's Response and Seller Sentiments
(07:44) Conclusion: Balancing Customer and Seller Interests
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No How Thrive Market Is Building A Different Type Of Retail Media Network How Thrive Market Is Building A Different Type Of Retail Media Network full c9e95f29-2768-4207-b38c-deacdcfd553f https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a15c0a8 In this episode, we explore how Thrive Market successfully built a retail media network by focusing on vendor and customer experiences. Kiri shares insights from an interview with April Lane, Thrive Market's Chief Merchandising Officer. Key achievements include doubling revenue expectations and getting a quarter of brand partners to invest in the platform within the first month. Highlights include Thrive's unique position as a private public benefit corporation, its membership-based model, and thoughtful advertising strategies. Thrive's approach emphasizes a consultative relationship with vendors and the integration with self-serve ad tech like Instacart's Carrot Ads.

For more details, refer to Kiri's full Forbes article linked here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/20/how-thrive-market-is-building-a-different-type-of-retail-media-network/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:32) About the Show
(00:52) Introduction to Thrive Market's Retail Media Network
(01:04) Interview with April Lane: Insights and Results
(02:07) Thrive Market's Unique Approach
(03:05) Membership-Based Retail Model
(03:30) Advertising Strategies and Challenges
(04:25) April Lane's Expertise and Partnership with Instacart
(04:55) Ad Tech Solutions for Big and Small Brands
(05:46) Future Plans and Expansion
(06:10) Conclusion and Further Reading
(07:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> In this episode, we explore how Thrive Market successfully built a retail media network by focusing on vendor and customer experiences. Kiri shares insights from an interview with April Lane, Thrive Market's Chief Merchandising Officer. Key achievements include doubling revenue expectations and getting a quarter of brand partners to invest in the platform within the first month. Highlights include Thrive's unique position as a private public benefit corporation, its membership-based model, and thoughtful advertising strategies. Thrive's approach emphasizes a consultative relationship with vendors and the integration with self-serve ad tech like Instacart's Carrot Ads.

For more details, refer to Kiri's full Forbes article linked here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/20/how-thrive-market-is-building-a-different-type-of-retail-media-network/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:32) About the Show
(00:52) Introduction to Thrive Market's Retail Media Network
(01:04) Interview with April Lane: Insights and Results
(02:07) Thrive Market's Unique Approach
(03:05) Membership-Based Retail Model
(03:30) Advertising Strategies and Challenges
(04:25) April Lane's Expertise and Partnership with Instacart
(04:55) Ad Tech Solutions for Big and Small Brands
(05:46) Future Plans and Expansion
(06:10) Conclusion and Further Reading
(07:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 462 In this episode, we explore how Thrive Market successfully built a retail media network by focusing on vendor and customer experiences. Kiri shares insights from an interview with April Lane, Thrive Market's Chief Merchandising Officer. Key achievements include doubling revenue expectations and getting a quarter of brand partners to invest in the platform within the first month. Highlights include Thrive's unique position as a private public benefit corporation, its membership-based model, and thoughtful advertising strategies. Thrive's approach emphasizes a consultative relationship with vendors and the integration with self-serve ad tech like Instacart's Carrot Ads.

For more details, refer to Kiri's full Forbes article linked here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/20/how-thrive-market-is-building-a-different-type-of-retail-media-network/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:32) About the Show
(00:52) Introduction to Thrive Market's Retail Media Network
(01:04) Interview with April Lane: Insights and Results
(02:07) Thrive Market's Unique Approach
(03:05) Membership-Based Retail Model
(03:30) Advertising Strategies and Challenges
(04:25) April Lane's Expertise and Partnership with Instacart
(04:55) Ad Tech Solutions for Big and Small Brands
(05:46) Future Plans and Expansion
(06:10) Conclusion and Further Reading
(07:22) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Is Retail Media Part of Search, or Is Search Part of Retail Media? Is Retail Media Part of Search, or Is Search Part of Retail Media? full df359e45-464a-4215-9f2c-b76443f9aad5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/38679760 This episode delves into the evolving landscape of retail media and its relationship with traditional digital advertising channels like CTV, video, and search. Kiri explores discrepancies in how industry analysts, such as the IAB, WARC categorize retail media versus public perception, highlighted by a LinkedIn poll indicating that 73% view traditional digital channels as subsets within retail media. Key industry insights from experts like Wes Ryan, Allan Peretz, and Kara Babb outline differing perspectives on defining and measuring retail media. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptable budgeting and measurement strategies, advocating for an integrated approach to optimize business outcomes across all advertising channels.

Link to Kiri's LinkedIn post/ poll on this topic: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kiri-masters_is-it-ctv-or-is-it-retail-media-just-reviewed-activity-7287648088914051072-NA6X/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC6HdsBwnv8-HcQlF8yx8Lks25y2IfGCbI


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:54) About the Show
(02:16) Historical Context: Evolution of Retail Media
(03:46) Expert Opinions: Defining Retail Media
(06:07) Retailers' Perspective: Building Media Networks
(07:41) Future Considerations: Evolving Measurement Frameworks
(08:13) Conclusion: Flexible Approaches for Success
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode delves into the evolving landscape of retail media and its relationship with traditional digital advertising channels like CTV, video, and search. Kiri explores discrepancies in how industry analysts, such as the IAB, WARC categorize retail media versus public perception, highlighted by a LinkedIn poll indicating that 73% view traditional digital channels as subsets within retail media. Key industry insights from experts like Wes Ryan, Allan Peretz, and Kara Babb outline differing perspectives on defining and measuring retail media. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptable budgeting and measurement strategies, advocating for an integrated approach to optimize business outcomes across all advertising channels.

Link to Kiri's LinkedIn post/ poll on this topic: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kiri-masters_is-it-ctv-or-is-it-retail-media-just-reviewed-activity-7287648088914051072-NA6X/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC6HdsBwnv8-HcQlF8yx8Lks25y2IfGCbI


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:54) About the Show
(02:16) Historical Context: Evolution of Retail Media
(03:46) Expert Opinions: Defining Retail Media
(06:07) Retailers' Perspective: Building Media Networks
(07:41) Future Considerations: Evolving Measurement Frameworks
(08:13) Conclusion: Flexible Approaches for Success
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 539 This episode delves into the evolving landscape of retail media and its relationship with traditional digital advertising channels like CTV, video, and search. Kiri explores discrepancies in how industry analysts, such as the IAB, WARC categorize retail media versus public perception, highlighted by a LinkedIn poll indicating that 73% view traditional digital channels as subsets within retail media. Key industry insights from experts like Wes Ryan, Allan Peretz, and Kara Babb outline differing perspectives on defining and measuring retail media. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptable budgeting and measurement strategies, advocating for an integrated approach to optimize business outcomes across all advertising channels.

Link to Kiri's LinkedIn post/ poll on this topic: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kiri-masters_is-it-ctv-or-is-it-retail-media-just-reviewed-activity-7287648088914051072-NA6X/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC6HdsBwnv8-HcQlF8yx8Lks25y2IfGCbI


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:54) About the Show
(02:16) Historical Context: Evolution of Retail Media
(03:46) Expert Opinions: Defining Retail Media
(06:07) Retailers' Perspective: Building Media Networks
(07:41) Future Considerations: Evolving Measurement Frameworks
(08:13) Conclusion: Flexible Approaches for Success
(08:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: The Biggest Retail Media Challenges That Keep These 3 Brand Leaders Up at Night Panel: The Biggest Retail Media Challenges That Keep These 3 Brand Leaders Up at Night full 0107df92-4390-4ad8-abab-a51e0da62ad7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1372868e In this episode, industry experts discuss the anxieties brand leaders face in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape. Key topics include the immense pressure on budgets, the complexity of managing numerous retail networks, and the impact of inexperienced players driving up costs. Brian Dudzinski highlights the explosive growth and sustainability concerns of trade spend, Alicia Ponzani addresses the growing market complexity and the fear of missing out on opportunities, and Brea Keating talks about the challenges and game theory of retail media investments. The episode emphasizes both the challenges and opportunities in mastering retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Expert Insights: Brian Dudzinski on Budget Pressures
(01:52) Navigating Complexity: Alicia Ponzani's Perspective
(03:25) Game Theory in Retail Media: Brea Keating's Take
(04:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, industry experts discuss the anxieties brand leaders face in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape. Key topics include the immense pressure on budgets, the complexity of managing numerous retail networks, and the impact of inexperienced players driving up costs. Brian Dudzinski highlights the explosive growth and sustainability concerns of trade spend, Alicia Ponzani addresses the growing market complexity and the fear of missing out on opportunities, and Brea Keating talks about the challenges and game theory of retail media investments. The episode emphasizes both the challenges and opportunities in mastering retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Expert Insights: Brian Dudzinski on Budget Pressures
(01:52) Navigating Complexity: Alicia Ponzani's Perspective
(03:25) Game Theory in Retail Media: Brea Keating's Take
(04:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 305 In this episode, industry experts discuss the anxieties brand leaders face in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape. Key topics include the immense pressure on budgets, the complexity of managing numerous retail networks, and the impact of inexperienced players driving up costs. Brian Dudzinski highlights the explosive growth and sustainability concerns of trade spend, Alicia Ponzani addresses the growing market complexity and the fear of missing out on opportunities, and Brea Keating talks about the challenges and game theory of retail media investments. The episode emphasizes both the challenges and opportunities in mastering retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:44) About the Show
(01:06) Expert Insights: Brian Dudzinski on Budget Pressures
(01:52) Navigating Complexity: Alicia Ponzani's Perspective
(03:25) Game Theory in Retail Media: Brea Keating's Take
(04:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon Alexa: Will We Get Beyond Checking The Weather? Amazon Alexa: Will We Get Beyond Checking The Weather? full dac85bb2-5b4c-454a-8350-7e9f1f102273 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4997975e This episode delves into Amazon's transformation of Alexa from a basic command-response system to a sophisticated AI agent powered by their in-house LLM, Nova. We explore the reasons behind Alexa's stagnation over the past eight years, including reliance on outdated frameworks, complexities in voice response, user expectations for reliability, and limited conversational context. Amazon's plans for revitalizing Alexa through bigger language models, partnerships with external AI like Anthropic's Claude, and integrating new AI capabilities are discussed. The episode questions whether Amazon will prioritize Alexa's development to meet consumer expectations in voice commerce and everyday conversational use.

The recent Financial Times article about Amazon's plans to upgrade Alexa with generative AI capabilities: https://www.ft.com/content/de4c86b8-c744-4051-9255-d34259223160

Various Geekwire articles discussing the current issues with Alexa and reported plans for the upgrade:

https://www.geekwire.com/2024/claude-meets-alexa-amazon-will-reportedly-use-anthropics-ai-to-help-power-its-voice-assistant/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/alexa-vs-chatgpt-amazon-building-new-ai-models-to-make-assistant-more-proactive-conversational/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/amazons-alexa-chief-on-the-rise-of-chatgpt-and-why-the-comparison-isnt-fair-to-either/

https://www.geekwire.com/2022/whats-wrong-with-alexa-former-insider-on-the-challenges-facing-amazons-voice-assistant/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:53) Introduction to Alexa's AI Transformation

(03:11) Challenges Faced by Alexa

(06:00) Amazon's Plans for Alexa's Future

(07:16) Voice Commerce and Alexa's Potential

(08:14) Conclusion and Future Outlook

(09:20) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode delves into Amazon's transformation of Alexa from a basic command-response system to a sophisticated AI agent powered by their in-house LLM, Nova. We explore the reasons behind Alexa's stagnation over the past eight years, including reliance on outdated frameworks, complexities in voice response, user expectations for reliability, and limited conversational context. Amazon's plans for revitalizing Alexa through bigger language models, partnerships with external AI like Anthropic's Claude, and integrating new AI capabilities are discussed. The episode questions whether Amazon will prioritize Alexa's development to meet consumer expectations in voice commerce and everyday conversational use.

The recent Financial Times article about Amazon's plans to upgrade Alexa with generative AI capabilities: https://www.ft.com/content/de4c86b8-c744-4051-9255-d34259223160

Various Geekwire articles discussing the current issues with Alexa and reported plans for the upgrade:

https://www.geekwire.com/2024/claude-meets-alexa-amazon-will-reportedly-use-anthropics-ai-to-help-power-its-voice-assistant/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/alexa-vs-chatgpt-amazon-building-new-ai-models-to-make-assistant-more-proactive-conversational/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/amazons-alexa-chief-on-the-rise-of-chatgpt-and-why-the-comparison-isnt-fair-to-either/

https://www.geekwire.com/2022/whats-wrong-with-alexa-former-insider-on-the-challenges-facing-amazons-voice-assistant/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:53) Introduction to Alexa's AI Transformation

(03:11) Challenges Faced by Alexa

(06:00) Amazon's Plans for Alexa's Future

(07:16) Voice Commerce and Alexa's Potential

(08:14) Conclusion and Future Outlook

(09:20) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 582 This episode delves into Amazon's transformation of Alexa from a basic command-response system to a sophisticated AI agent powered by their in-house LLM, Nova. We explore the reasons behind Alexa's stagnation over the past eight years, including reliance on outdated frameworks, complexities in voice response, user expectations for reliability, and limited conversational context. Amazon's plans for revitalizing Alexa through bigger language models, partnerships with external AI like Anthropic's Claude, and integrating new AI capabilities are discussed. The episode questions whether Amazon will prioritize Alexa's development to meet consumer expectations in voice commerce and everyday conversational use.

The recent Financial Times article about Amazon's plans to upgrade Alexa with generative AI capabilities: https://www.ft.com/content/de4c86b8-c744-4051-9255-d34259223160

Various Geekwire articles discussing the current issues with Alexa and reported plans for the upgrade:

https://www.geekwire.com/2024/claude-meets-alexa-amazon-will-reportedly-use-anthropics-ai-to-help-power-its-voice-assistant/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/alexa-vs-chatgpt-amazon-building-new-ai-models-to-make-assistant-more-proactive-conversational/

https://www.geekwire.com/2023/amazons-alexa-chief-on-the-rise-of-chatgpt-and-why-the-comparison-isnt-fair-to-either/

https://www.geekwire.com/2022/whats-wrong-with-alexa-former-insider-on-the-challenges-facing-amazons-voice-assistant/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:33) About the Show

(01:53) Introduction to Alexa's AI Transformation

(03:11) Challenges Faced by Alexa

(06:00) Amazon's Plans for Alexa's Future

(07:16) Voice Commerce and Alexa's Potential

(08:14) Conclusion and Future Outlook

(09:20) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: One Skill These 5 Retail Leaders Recommend for Newcomers in Retail Media Panel: One Skill These 5 Retail Leaders Recommend for Newcomers in Retail Media full 06a6f8a7-9d77-410a-875c-99dd44cbda2c https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c3218a0 In this episode, seasoned professionals from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, Advantis Health, and U Beauty share their insights and advice for newcomers to retail media. Highlights include Scott Oshman emphasizing the importance of understanding digital advertising fundamentals, Ben Galvin focusing on the complexities of the retail ecosystem, Darren Silverman advising to broaden knowledge across various retail media platforms, Ash McMullen stressing curiosity and flexibility, and AJ Patel advocating for a full-funnel approach to metrics. All experts underline the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:40) About the Show
(01:02) Scott Oshman's Digital Advertising Insights
(02:23) Ben Galvin on Understanding the Ecosystem
(03:48) Darren Silverman's Broad Network Knowledge
(04:34) Ash McMullen's Curiosity and Flexibility
(05:56) AJ Patel's Full Funnel Focus
(06:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, seasoned professionals from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, Advantis Health, and U Beauty share their insights and advice for newcomers to retail media. Highlights include Scott Oshman emphasizing the importance of understanding digital advertising fundamentals, Ben Galvin focusing on the complexities of the retail ecosystem, Darren Silverman advising to broaden knowledge across various retail media platforms, Ash McMullen stressing curiosity and flexibility, and AJ Patel advocating for a full-funnel approach to metrics. All experts underline the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:40) About the Show
(01:02) Scott Oshman's Digital Advertising Insights
(02:23) Ben Galvin on Understanding the Ecosystem
(03:48) Darren Silverman's Broad Network Knowledge
(04:34) Ash McMullen's Curiosity and Flexibility
(05:56) AJ Patel's Full Funnel Focus
(06:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 431 In this episode, seasoned professionals from companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Petmate, Advantis Health, and U Beauty share their insights and advice for newcomers to retail media. Highlights include Scott Oshman emphasizing the importance of understanding digital advertising fundamentals, Ben Galvin focusing on the complexities of the retail ecosystem, Darren Silverman advising to broaden knowledge across various retail media platforms, Ash McMullen stressing curiosity and flexibility, and AJ Patel advocating for a full-funnel approach to metrics. All experts underline the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of retail media.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(00:40) About the Show
(01:02) Scott Oshman's Digital Advertising Insights
(02:23) Ben Galvin on Understanding the Ecosystem
(03:48) Darren Silverman's Broad Network Knowledge
(04:34) Ash McMullen's Curiosity and Flexibility
(05:56) AJ Patel's Full Funnel Focus
(06:50) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Retailer's Dilemma: Block or Embrace AI Shopping Agents? The Retailer's Dilemma: Block or Embrace AI Shopping Agents? full b19f6fda-9674-4d3f-b81f-6f2b1a42bb88 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3d27eaf In this episode, the discussion centers on the emerging role of AI shopping agents as a new consumer interface, potentially shifting retail control from traditional retailers to AI platforms. Kiri reflects on recent experiments with OpenAI's Operator, pointing out its growing capabilities and current limitations. The conversation extends to the implications for retailers, touching on the short-term resistance they might exhibit and the long-term strategies they could adopt. The potential for AI agents to transform retail roles, the existential threats posed to traditional retail models, and possible advantages through site design, loyalty programs, unique assortments, and partnerships with AI platforms are examined. Kiri concludes by considering the broader questions and future outlook for retailers as AI shopping agents continue to evolve.


Link to previous blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/

Demonstration of shopping on Kroger by Lauren Morgenstein Schiavone: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7290096840673243138/

Demonstration of shopping at local bakery and doordash by David Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7289727767724646402/

Kelly Goetsch post on LinkedIn with a discussion about AI agent use cases in non-grocery categories: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kellygoetsch_jason-scot-show-episode-323-annual-predictions-activity-7289992371709063168-llpn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:42) About the Show
(02:03) Real-World Examples of Open AI's "Operator" in Action
(04:58) Challenges and Future of AI Shopping Agents
(05:43) Retailers' Short-Term Reactions to AI Agents
(07:52) Long-Term Strategies for Retailers
(08:49) Potential Advantages for Retailers
(11:09) Physical Retail and AI Integration
(11:51) Debate: AI's Impact on Different Retail Categories
(13:09) Conclusion and Future Topics
(14:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, the discussion centers on the emerging role of AI shopping agents as a new consumer interface, potentially shifting retail control from traditional retailers to AI platforms. Kiri reflects on recent experiments with OpenAI's Operator, pointing out its growing capabilities and current limitations. The conversation extends to the implications for retailers, touching on the short-term resistance they might exhibit and the long-term strategies they could adopt. The potential for AI agents to transform retail roles, the existential threats posed to traditional retail models, and possible advantages through site design, loyalty programs, unique assortments, and partnerships with AI platforms are examined. Kiri concludes by considering the broader questions and future outlook for retailers as AI shopping agents continue to evolve.


Link to previous blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/

Demonstration of shopping on Kroger by Lauren Morgenstein Schiavone: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7290096840673243138/

Demonstration of shopping at local bakery and doordash by David Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7289727767724646402/

Kelly Goetsch post on LinkedIn with a discussion about AI agent use cases in non-grocery categories: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kellygoetsch_jason-scot-show-episode-323-annual-predictions-activity-7289992371709063168-llpn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:42) About the Show
(02:03) Real-World Examples of Open AI's "Operator" in Action
(04:58) Challenges and Future of AI Shopping Agents
(05:43) Retailers' Short-Term Reactions to AI Agents
(07:52) Long-Term Strategies for Retailers
(08:49) Potential Advantages for Retailers
(11:09) Physical Retail and AI Integration
(11:51) Debate: AI's Impact on Different Retail Categories
(13:09) Conclusion and Future Topics
(14:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 03 Feb 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 872 In this episode, the discussion centers on the emerging role of AI shopping agents as a new consumer interface, potentially shifting retail control from traditional retailers to AI platforms. Kiri reflects on recent experiments with OpenAI's Operator, pointing out its growing capabilities and current limitations. The conversation extends to the implications for retailers, touching on the short-term resistance they might exhibit and the long-term strategies they could adopt. The potential for AI agents to transform retail roles, the existential threats posed to traditional retail models, and possible advantages through site design, loyalty programs, unique assortments, and partnerships with AI platforms are examined. Kiri concludes by considering the broader questions and future outlook for retailers as AI shopping agents continue to evolve.


Link to previous blog on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/

Demonstration of shopping on Kroger by Lauren Morgenstein Schiavone: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7290096840673243138/

Demonstration of shopping at local bakery and doordash by David Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7289727767724646402/

Kelly Goetsch post on LinkedIn with a discussion about AI agent use cases in non-grocery categories: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kellygoetsch_jason-scot-show-episode-323-annual-predictions-activity-7289992371709063168-llpn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:42) About the Show
(02:03) Real-World Examples of Open AI's "Operator" in Action
(04:58) Challenges and Future of AI Shopping Agents
(05:43) Retailers' Short-Term Reactions to AI Agents
(07:52) Long-Term Strategies for Retailers
(08:49) Potential Advantages for Retailers
(11:09) Physical Retail and AI Integration
(11:51) Debate: AI's Impact on Different Retail Categories
(13:09) Conclusion and Future Topics
(14:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Lululemon Story [Book Review] The Lululemon Story [Book Review] full 86de2612-1cb3-4e38-831f-d78ee4c6bb38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/78b520c1 In this episode, Kiri delves into Chip Wilson's autobiography 'Little Black Stretchy Pants' to explore the origins and evolution of Lululemon. Discover how Wilson's vision for vertical integration helped pioneer the direct-to-consumer model and the innovative approach behind the brand's product development. Learn about the complications that arose as the company scaled globally, including the tension between brand ideals and short-term financial pressures that led to Wilson's dramatic ousting. The discussion highlights valuable lessons for e-commerce and retail media professionals, emphasizing the importance of customer data, quality, and brand integrity.

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42qoysT


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:45) About the Show
(02:33) The Beginnings of Vertical Integration
(04:08) The Innovation Lab: Lululemon Stores
(05:04) The Supergirl: Lululemon's Muse
(06:11) Digital Insights and E-commerce
(06:59) Brand Vision vs. Wall Street
(09:15) Lessons for Retail Leaders
(10:24) Conclusion and Book Recommendation
(10:42) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri delves into Chip Wilson's autobiography 'Little Black Stretchy Pants' to explore the origins and evolution of Lululemon. Discover how Wilson's vision for vertical integration helped pioneer the direct-to-consumer model and the innovative approach behind the brand's product development. Learn about the complications that arose as the company scaled globally, including the tension between brand ideals and short-term financial pressures that led to Wilson's dramatic ousting. The discussion highlights valuable lessons for e-commerce and retail media professionals, emphasizing the importance of customer data, quality, and brand integrity.

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42qoysT


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:45) About the Show
(02:33) The Beginnings of Vertical Integration
(04:08) The Innovation Lab: Lululemon Stores
(05:04) The Supergirl: Lululemon's Muse
(06:11) Digital Insights and E-commerce
(06:59) Brand Vision vs. Wall Street
(09:15) Lessons for Retail Leaders
(10:24) Conclusion and Book Recommendation
(10:42) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 663 In this episode, Kiri delves into Chip Wilson's autobiography 'Little Black Stretchy Pants' to explore the origins and evolution of Lululemon. Discover how Wilson's vision for vertical integration helped pioneer the direct-to-consumer model and the innovative approach behind the brand's product development. Learn about the complications that arose as the company scaled globally, including the tension between brand ideals and short-term financial pressures that led to Wilson's dramatic ousting. The discussion highlights valuable lessons for e-commerce and retail media professionals, emphasizing the importance of customer data, quality, and brand integrity.

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42qoysT


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:45) About the Show
(02:33) The Beginnings of Vertical Integration
(04:08) The Innovation Lab: Lululemon Stores
(05:04) The Supergirl: Lululemon's Muse
(06:11) Digital Insights and E-commerce
(06:59) Brand Vision vs. Wall Street
(09:15) Lessons for Retail Leaders
(10:24) Conclusion and Book Recommendation
(10:42) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Beast Games Isn't Just A Hit—It's Amazon's New Retail Media Weapon Beast Games Isn't Just A Hit—It's Amazon's New Retail Media Weapon full c319af97-c0d2-45e7-bd86-94634aa5a435 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe18b64a In this episode, Kiri explores the impact of Mr. Beast's new show, Beast Games, on Amazon Prime, highlighting a significant shift in retail media advertising. It discusses how Amazon leverages entertainment for improved targeting and personalization, driven by data and advertising revenue. The episode references Jeff Bezos' 2016 statement on Amazon's strategy and outlines how the company has mastered connecting user data across its platforms, and how Amazon's advantage over competitors in user tracking and seamless integration makes it attractive to advertisers. Kiri also mentions how the growing trend of integrating YouTube and TikTok creators into traditional TV production could be seen as a mutually beneficial strategy for content volume and retail media monetization.

Link to Kiri's post on Forbes discussing the same: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/21/beast-games-isnt-just-a-hit-its-amazons-new-retail-media-weapon/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:11) About the Show
(01:32) Why This Matters
(02:47) Retail Media's Holy Grail
(03:55) Amazon's Unique Advantage
(05:14) The Future of Streaming TV
(06:19) The Value of Creator Led Content
(07:02) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri explores the impact of Mr. Beast's new show, Beast Games, on Amazon Prime, highlighting a significant shift in retail media advertising. It discusses how Amazon leverages entertainment for improved targeting and personalization, driven by data and advertising revenue. The episode references Jeff Bezos' 2016 statement on Amazon's strategy and outlines how the company has mastered connecting user data across its platforms, and how Amazon's advantage over competitors in user tracking and seamless integration makes it attractive to advertisers. Kiri also mentions how the growing trend of integrating YouTube and TikTok creators into traditional TV production could be seen as a mutually beneficial strategy for content volume and retail media monetization.

Link to Kiri's post on Forbes discussing the same: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/21/beast-games-isnt-just-a-hit-its-amazons-new-retail-media-weapon/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:11) About the Show
(01:32) Why This Matters
(02:47) Retail Media's Holy Grail
(03:55) Amazon's Unique Advantage
(05:14) The Future of Streaming TV
(06:19) The Value of Creator Led Content
(07:02) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 443 In this episode, Kiri explores the impact of Mr. Beast's new show, Beast Games, on Amazon Prime, highlighting a significant shift in retail media advertising. It discusses how Amazon leverages entertainment for improved targeting and personalization, driven by data and advertising revenue. The episode references Jeff Bezos' 2016 statement on Amazon's strategy and outlines how the company has mastered connecting user data across its platforms, and how Amazon's advantage over competitors in user tracking and seamless integration makes it attractive to advertisers. Kiri also mentions how the growing trend of integrating YouTube and TikTok creators into traditional TV production could be seen as a mutually beneficial strategy for content volume and retail media monetization.

Link to Kiri's post on Forbes discussing the same: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/21/beast-games-isnt-just-a-hit-its-amazons-new-retail-media-weapon/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:11) About the Show
(01:32) Why This Matters
(02:47) Retail Media's Holy Grail
(03:55) Amazon's Unique Advantage
(05:14) The Future of Streaming TV
(06:19) The Value of Creator Led Content
(07:02) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: The analogies these 5 ecomm leaders use to educate their exec teams on retail media Panel: The analogies these 5 ecomm leaders use to educate their exec teams on retail media full 1ff141f4-cef0-4dfb-9dbe-38232488f06f https://share.transistor.fm/s/b0bf94e3 Join industry experts from agencies and leading companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate, and Advantis Health as they share insightful analogies to help explain the complexities of retail media to leadership teams. Learn how digital commerce decisions parallel profit versus growth roads, discern how retail media compares to a farmer's market, understand the importance of 'aging your ASINs' like fine wine, and explore the concept of the digital shelf reset. This episode provides practical strategies for making retail media more tangible and comprehensible for executive teams.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:01) About the Show
(01:23) Scott Oshman's Two Streets Analogy
(03:01) Ben Galvin's Farmer's Market Analogy
(04:07) Paolo Baccarin Fillo's Aging ASINs Analogy
(05:44) Darren Silverman's Digital Aisle Analogy
(06:40) Ash McMullen's Digital Shelf Reset Analogy
(07:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Join industry experts from agencies and leading companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate, and Advantis Health as they share insightful analogies to help explain the complexities of retail media to leadership teams. Learn how digital commerce decisions parallel profit versus growth roads, discern how retail media compares to a farmer's market, understand the importance of 'aging your ASINs' like fine wine, and explore the concept of the digital shelf reset. This episode provides practical strategies for making retail media more tangible and comprehensible for executive teams.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:01) About the Show
(01:23) Scott Oshman's Two Streets Analogy
(03:01) Ben Galvin's Farmer's Market Analogy
(04:07) Paolo Baccarin Fillo's Aging ASINs Analogy
(05:44) Darren Silverman's Digital Aisle Analogy
(06:40) Ash McMullen's Digital Shelf Reset Analogy
(07:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:54:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 480 Join industry experts from agencies and leading companies like Quickfire, Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate, and Advantis Health as they share insightful analogies to help explain the complexities of retail media to leadership teams. Learn how digital commerce decisions parallel profit versus growth roads, discern how retail media compares to a farmer's market, understand the importance of 'aging your ASINs' like fine wine, and explore the concept of the digital shelf reset. This episode provides practical strategies for making retail media more tangible and comprehensible for executive teams.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:01) About the Show
(01:23) Scott Oshman's Two Streets Analogy
(03:01) Ben Galvin's Farmer's Market Analogy
(04:07) Paolo Baccarin Fillo's Aging ASINs Analogy
(05:44) Darren Silverman's Digital Aisle Analogy
(06:40) Ash McMullen's Digital Shelf Reset Analogy
(07:39) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No OpenAI's "Operator" Will Change How We Shop (And The Future of Retail Media) OpenAI's "Operator" Will Change How We Shop (And The Future of Retail Media) full 9f50dbcf-e599-421e-a92f-5133cdb2d1af https://share.transistor.fm/s/43aeee05 In this episode, Kiri explores the transformative potential of AI shopping agents in revolutionizing grocery shopping and retail media. She discusses how an AI agent can handle meal planning, price comparisons, and shopping preferences, ultimately streamlining the shopping experience. Kiri delves into the anticipated shift in retail media dynamics, emphasizing how AI will change consumer interactions and potentially reallocate advertising spend. She also touches on AI's impact across various shopping categories and how retailers and brands must adapt to optimize their presence for AI agents. This is part one of a series examining the future role of AI in retail media.

Kiri's blog post on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:57) About the Show
(02:17) How today's online shopping works
(02:47) How AI Shopping Agents would impact shopping behavior
(05:12) AI and Discretionary Purchases
(05:52) Future of AI in Retail Marketing
(07:45) Retailers Adapting to AI Agents
(08:06) Lessons from Amazon's Marketplace
(10:34) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
(12:33) Conclusion and Future Insights
(13:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri explores the transformative potential of AI shopping agents in revolutionizing grocery shopping and retail media. She discusses how an AI agent can handle meal planning, price comparisons, and shopping preferences, ultimately streamlining the shopping experience. Kiri delves into the anticipated shift in retail media dynamics, emphasizing how AI will change consumer interactions and potentially reallocate advertising spend. She also touches on AI's impact across various shopping categories and how retailers and brands must adapt to optimize their presence for AI agents. This is part one of a series examining the future role of AI in retail media.

Kiri's blog post on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:57) About the Show
(02:17) How today's online shopping works
(02:47) How AI Shopping Agents would impact shopping behavior
(05:12) AI and Discretionary Purchases
(05:52) Future of AI in Retail Marketing
(07:45) Retailers Adapting to AI Agents
(08:06) Lessons from Amazon's Marketplace
(10:34) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
(12:33) Conclusion and Future Insights
(13:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 812 In this episode, Kiri explores the transformative potential of AI shopping agents in revolutionizing grocery shopping and retail media. She discusses how an AI agent can handle meal planning, price comparisons, and shopping preferences, ultimately streamlining the shopping experience. Kiri delves into the anticipated shift in retail media dynamics, emphasizing how AI will change consumer interactions and potentially reallocate advertising spend. She also touches on AI's impact across various shopping categories and how retailers and brands must adapt to optimize their presence for AI agents. This is part one of a series examining the future role of AI in retail media.

Kiri's blog post on this topic: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/how-open-ais-operator-will-change-retail-as-we-know-it-2/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:57) About the Show
(02:17) How today's online shopping works
(02:47) How AI Shopping Agents would impact shopping behavior
(05:12) AI and Discretionary Purchases
(05:52) Future of AI in Retail Marketing
(07:45) Retailers Adapting to AI Agents
(08:06) Lessons from Amazon's Marketplace
(10:34) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
(12:33) Conclusion and Future Insights
(13:12) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Retail Media Growth Will Slow in 2025: Here’s Why Retail Media Growth Will Slow in 2025: Here’s Why full dba130f4-4690-4593-93a9-6f889d101e69 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8f1c716 In this episode, Kiri explores key insights from the IAB's 2025 Outlook report, focusing on the projected deceleration in retail media spending growth from 25.1% in 2024 to 15.6% in 2025. Kiri outlines three major factors influencing this trend: post-pandemic normalization, increasing ecosystem complexity, and mounting resistance from brands over measurement standards and costs. The episode delves into the fragmentation of the retail media ecosystem, the need for standardization, and the pressures on retailers to prove incremental value. Despite these challenges, the retail media sector is still expected to grow healthily, and the episode emphasizes the importance of adaptation and transparency from retailers to capture more brand budget in the future.

Link to IAB 2025 Outlook report: https://www.iab.com/insights/2025-outlook-ad-spend-opportunities-growth

Link to Stratably research on average RMN use per brand: https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

Link to commentary by Andrew Lipsman: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/six-ways-rmns-might-kill-the-golden


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Introduction to Retail Media Spending
(03:09) Post-Pandemic Reality Check
(04:03) Ecosystem Complexity and Fragmentation
(06:14) Rising Costs and Budget Realities
(09:54) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri explores key insights from the IAB's 2025 Outlook report, focusing on the projected deceleration in retail media spending growth from 25.1% in 2024 to 15.6% in 2025. Kiri outlines three major factors influencing this trend: post-pandemic normalization, increasing ecosystem complexity, and mounting resistance from brands over measurement standards and costs. The episode delves into the fragmentation of the retail media ecosystem, the need for standardization, and the pressures on retailers to prove incremental value. Despite these challenges, the retail media sector is still expected to grow healthily, and the episode emphasizes the importance of adaptation and transparency from retailers to capture more brand budget in the future.

Link to IAB 2025 Outlook report: https://www.iab.com/insights/2025-outlook-ad-spend-opportunities-growth

Link to Stratably research on average RMN use per brand: https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

Link to commentary by Andrew Lipsman: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/six-ways-rmns-might-kill-the-golden


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Introduction to Retail Media Spending
(03:09) Post-Pandemic Reality Check
(04:03) Ecosystem Complexity and Fragmentation
(06:14) Rising Costs and Budget Realities
(09:54) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:55:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 614 In this episode, Kiri explores key insights from the IAB's 2025 Outlook report, focusing on the projected deceleration in retail media spending growth from 25.1% in 2024 to 15.6% in 2025. Kiri outlines three major factors influencing this trend: post-pandemic normalization, increasing ecosystem complexity, and mounting resistance from brands over measurement standards and costs. The episode delves into the fragmentation of the retail media ecosystem, the need for standardization, and the pressures on retailers to prove incremental value. Despite these challenges, the retail media sector is still expected to grow healthily, and the episode emphasizes the importance of adaptation and transparency from retailers to capture more brand budget in the future.

Link to IAB 2025 Outlook report: https://www.iab.com/insights/2025-outlook-ad-spend-opportunities-growth

Link to Stratably research on average RMN use per brand: https://stratably.com/the-retail-media-wake-up-call/

Link to commentary by Andrew Lipsman: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/six-ways-rmns-might-kill-the-golden


CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic
(01:04) About the Show
(01:25) Introduction to Retail Media Spending
(03:09) Post-Pandemic Reality Check
(04:03) Ecosystem Complexity and Fragmentation
(06:14) Rising Costs and Budget Realities
(09:54) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The History of Piggly Wiggly [Book Review] The History of Piggly Wiggly [Book Review] full 7abc1e0a-4eb4-4710-99ec-92d08467d9cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f598618 In this episode of Friday book review, Kiri discusses the book "Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" and delves into the transformative vision of Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly, who changed the grocery shopping experience in 1916 by allowing customers to pick their own groceries. The episode highlights Saunders' impact on the grocery industry, his focus on customer convenience, and draws parallels between past and present retail trends, especially in the context of macroeconomic factors.


To buy the book: https://amzn.to/3Csv6MU
CNN article about walgreens locking up merchandise: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/business/walgreens-shoplifting-locked-up/index.html

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:44) About the Show

(02:31) The Absurdity of Innovation: A Historical Perspective

(05:21) Macroeconomic Forces Shaping Retail

(07:57) The Self-Service Revolution: Beyond Piggly Wiggly

(09:00) Modern Retail Challenges and Innovations

(10:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode of Friday book review, Kiri discusses the book "Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" and delves into the transformative vision of Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly, who changed the grocery shopping experience in 1916 by allowing customers to pick their own groceries. The episode highlights Saunders' impact on the grocery industry, his focus on customer convenience, and draws parallels between past and present retail trends, especially in the context of macroeconomic factors.


To buy the book: https://amzn.to/3Csv6MU
CNN article about walgreens locking up merchandise: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/business/walgreens-shoplifting-locked-up/index.html

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:44) About the Show

(02:31) The Absurdity of Innovation: A Historical Perspective

(05:21) Macroeconomic Forces Shaping Retail

(07:57) The Self-Service Revolution: Beyond Piggly Wiggly

(09:00) Modern Retail Challenges and Innovations

(10:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 24 Jan 2025 04:03:55 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 668 In this episode of Friday book review, Kiri discusses the book "Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly" and delves into the transformative vision of Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly, who changed the grocery shopping experience in 1916 by allowing customers to pick their own groceries. The episode highlights Saunders' impact on the grocery industry, his focus on customer convenience, and draws parallels between past and present retail trends, especially in the context of macroeconomic factors.


To buy the book: https://amzn.to/3Csv6MU
CNN article about walgreens locking up merchandise: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/business/walgreens-shoplifting-locked-up/index.html

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) About Today's Topic

(01:44) About the Show

(02:31) The Absurdity of Innovation: A Historical Perspective

(05:21) Macroeconomic Forces Shaping Retail

(07:57) The Self-Service Revolution: Beyond Piggly Wiggly

(09:00) Modern Retail Challenges and Innovations

(10:46) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Online Channels Set to Drive CPG Growth in 2025: Retail Media Takes Center Stage Online Channels Set to Drive CPG Growth in 2025: Retail Media Takes Center Stage full 46e7d0d0-8471-4597-ad2d-1711455177d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/36dcfaa5 Stratably’s 2025 CPG Outlook, and Media Ads + Commerce’s most popular research from last year reveal a critical shift towards digital channels, which are driving all of the CPG growth in 2024 and are projected to account for two-thirds of growth in 2025. The report highlights the anaemic growth in physical stores, increasing profit margins, and the maturation of retail media networks. Brands are reallocating budgets to more effective digital advertising channels, notably retail media networks, which offer significantly higher returns on ad spend. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the rise of Retail Media.

Stratably’s 2025 CPG OUTLOOK: https://stratably.com/2025-food-cpg-outlook/

Media Ads + Commerce’s research from last year about the 3rd wave of Incrementality: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/the-third-waves-incrementality-tide

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Today's Topic
(00:33) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to CPG Growth Trends
(02:17) The Power of Retail Media Networks
(03:52) Challenges in Measuring Digital Investments
(05:40) The Future of CPG Sales
(06:23) Conclusion: Optimizing Digital Presence
(06:57) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Stratably’s 2025 CPG Outlook, and Media Ads + Commerce’s most popular research from last year reveal a critical shift towards digital channels, which are driving all of the CPG growth in 2024 and are projected to account for two-thirds of growth in 2025. The report highlights the anaemic growth in physical stores, increasing profit margins, and the maturation of retail media networks. Brands are reallocating budgets to more effective digital advertising channels, notably retail media networks, which offer significantly higher returns on ad spend. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the rise of Retail Media.

Stratably’s 2025 CPG OUTLOOK: https://stratably.com/2025-food-cpg-outlook/

Media Ads + Commerce’s research from last year about the 3rd wave of Incrementality: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/the-third-waves-incrementality-tide

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Today's Topic
(00:33) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to CPG Growth Trends
(02:17) The Power of Retail Media Networks
(03:52) Challenges in Measuring Digital Investments
(05:40) The Future of CPG Sales
(06:23) Conclusion: Optimizing Digital Presence
(06:57) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:50:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 437 Stratably’s 2025 CPG Outlook, and Media Ads + Commerce’s most popular research from last year reveal a critical shift towards digital channels, which are driving all of the CPG growth in 2024 and are projected to account for two-thirds of growth in 2025. The report highlights the anaemic growth in physical stores, increasing profit margins, and the maturation of retail media networks. Brands are reallocating budgets to more effective digital advertising channels, notably retail media networks, which offer significantly higher returns on ad spend. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the rise of Retail Media.

Stratably’s 2025 CPG OUTLOOK: https://stratably.com/2025-food-cpg-outlook/

Media Ads + Commerce’s research from last year about the 3rd wave of Incrementality: https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/p/the-third-waves-incrementality-tide

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Today's Topic
(00:33) About the Show
(00:53) Introduction to CPG Growth Trends
(02:17) The Power of Retail Media Networks
(03:52) Challenges in Measuring Digital Investments
(05:40) The Future of CPG Sales
(06:23) Conclusion: Optimizing Digital Presence
(06:57) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: One Skill These 4 Retail Leaders Wish They Had Developed Earlier in Their Careers Panel: One Skill These 4 Retail Leaders Wish They Had Developed Earlier in Their Careers full ef0f8369-b725-4c45-9d48-02923d7e97c8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4938cc89 Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Advantice Health and U Beauty as they reveal the crucial skills they wish they'd developed earlier in their careers. Learn the importance of storytelling with data, effective communication, simplifying complex insights, and creative analysis. This session is a great watch for anyone early in their retail media and E-commerce career.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Teaser
(01:01) About the Show
(01:22) Importance of Story Telling with Data - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(04:13) The 7-38-55 Rule - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(05:54) Creative Analysis - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(08:00) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Advantice Health and U Beauty as they reveal the crucial skills they wish they'd developed earlier in their careers. Learn the importance of storytelling with data, effective communication, simplifying complex insights, and creative analysis. This session is a great watch for anyone early in their retail media and E-commerce career.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Teaser
(01:01) About the Show
(01:22) Importance of Story Telling with Data - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(04:13) The 7-38-55 Rule - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(05:54) Creative Analysis - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(08:00) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:45:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 503 Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Advantice Health and U Beauty as they reveal the crucial skills they wish they'd developed earlier in their careers. Learn the importance of storytelling with data, effective communication, simplifying complex insights, and creative analysis. This session is a great watch for anyone early in their retail media and E-commerce career.

CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Teaser
(01:01) About the Show
(01:22) Importance of Story Telling with Data - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(04:13) The 7-38-55 Rule - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(05:54) Creative Analysis - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(08:00) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No LinkedIn: Your Retail Media Trend Radar LinkedIn: Your Retail Media Trend Radar full 442610a1-cea2-422b-9d24-9c08dd730c4d https://share.transistor.fm/s/1966671f In this episode, Kiri provides actionable steps to enhance your LinkedIn feed for staying updated with industry trends and research. Key tips include following industry leaders and thought leaders, using the notification bell to get updates from high-value profiles, and employing the saved posts feature to revisit valuable content. Additionally, Kiri emphasizes on the importance of interacting with posts to influence the LinkedIn algorithm, ensuring a richer and more relevant feed.


https://www.linkedmash.com/ is the app (that Kiri mentioned in the video) that can organize all your Saved LinkedIn posts. 



CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Teaser

(01:04) About the Show

(01:25) Curating Your LinkedIn Feed

(03:57) Using the Notification Bell

(05:26) Leveraging Saved Posts

(09:14) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this episode, Kiri provides actionable steps to enhance your LinkedIn feed for staying updated with industry trends and research. Key tips include following industry leaders and thought leaders, using the notification bell to get updates from high-value profiles, and employing the saved posts feature to revisit valuable content. Additionally, Kiri emphasizes on the importance of interacting with posts to influence the LinkedIn algorithm, ensuring a richer and more relevant feed.


https://www.linkedmash.com/ is the app (that Kiri mentioned in the video) that can organize all your Saved LinkedIn posts. 



CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Teaser

(01:04) About the Show

(01:25) Curating Your LinkedIn Feed

(03:57) Using the Notification Bell

(05:26) Leveraging Saved Posts

(09:14) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:50:21 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 576 In this episode, Kiri provides actionable steps to enhance your LinkedIn feed for staying updated with industry trends and research. Key tips include following industry leaders and thought leaders, using the notification bell to get updates from high-value profiles, and employing the saved posts feature to revisit valuable content. Additionally, Kiri emphasizes on the importance of interacting with posts to influence the LinkedIn algorithm, ensuring a richer and more relevant feed.


https://www.linkedmash.com/ is the app (that Kiri mentioned in the video) that can organize all your Saved LinkedIn posts. 



CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Teaser

(01:04) About the Show

(01:25) Curating Your LinkedIn Feed

(03:57) Using the Notification Bell

(05:26) Leveraging Saved Posts

(09:14) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb


PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Research from Amazon Reveals Ideal Ad Budget Allocation Research from Amazon Reveals Ideal Ad Budget Allocation full 1cab2ba7-ad01-47ae-8e09-fd4c4da499f9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca5580d4 Dive into groundbreaking Amazon Ads research report revealing what really works in retail media. We unpack four key findings from Amazon's own scientists: the superior performance of Sponsored Brand Video across all metrics, the impact of brand size on ad performance, the importance of targeting precision, and the surprising influence of retail actions like reviews. Get ready for data-backed insights that could transform your Amazon advertising strategy.

Check out the blog post from Kiri providing a comprehensive summary of the research: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/817df1fc-dfbb-4b42-83fe-7774cd6a7935/

Link to the actual research article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41270-024-00294-2

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Today's topic
(00:01:06) About the Show
(00:01:27) Research Study Overview
(00:02:27) Finding number one: Ad products aren't created equal
(00:03:52) Finding number two: Impact of Brand Size on Ad Performance
(00:04:29) Finding number three: The importance of targeting
(00:05:17) Finding number four: Retail actions amplify advertising
(00:07:09) Conclusion and further reading
(00:07:41) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> Dive into groundbreaking Amazon Ads research report revealing what really works in retail media. We unpack four key findings from Amazon's own scientists: the superior performance of Sponsored Brand Video across all metrics, the impact of brand size on ad performance, the importance of targeting precision, and the surprising influence of retail actions like reviews. Get ready for data-backed insights that could transform your Amazon advertising strategy.

Check out the blog post from Kiri providing a comprehensive summary of the research: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/817df1fc-dfbb-4b42-83fe-7774cd6a7935/

Link to the actual research article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41270-024-00294-2

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Today's topic
(00:01:06) About the Show
(00:01:27) Research Study Overview
(00:02:27) Finding number one: Ad products aren't created equal
(00:03:52) Finding number two: Impact of Brand Size on Ad Performance
(00:04:29) Finding number three: The importance of targeting
(00:05:17) Finding number four: Retail actions amplify advertising
(00:07:09) Conclusion and further reading
(00:07:41) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> Mon, 20 Jan 2025 02:43:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 482 Dive into groundbreaking Amazon Ads research report revealing what really works in retail media. We unpack four key findings from Amazon's own scientists: the superior performance of Sponsored Brand Video across all metrics, the impact of brand size on ad performance, the importance of targeting precision, and the surprising influence of retail actions like reviews. Get ready for data-backed insights that could transform your Amazon advertising strategy.

Check out the blog post from Kiri providing a comprehensive summary of the research: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/817df1fc-dfbb-4b42-83fe-7774cd6a7935/

Link to the actual research article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41270-024-00294-2

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Today's topic
(00:01:06) About the Show
(00:01:27) Research Study Overview
(00:02:27) Finding number one: Ad products aren't created equal
(00:03:52) Finding number two: Impact of Brand Size on Ad Performance
(00:04:29) Finding number three: The importance of targeting
(00:05:17) Finding number four: Retail actions amplify advertising
(00:07:09) Conclusion and further reading
(00:07:41) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing


]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Primal Branding: Book Review Primal Branding: Book Review full 971fcfa4-b685-41f6-8246-141057012f70 https://share.transistor.fm/s/63e4251d Dive into Kiri Masters’ insightful review of the book Primal Branding as she unpacks the seven elements of the primal branding code that can revolutionize your retail strategy. From creation stories to sacred words, discover how these timeless principles foster deeper connections with customers.

Kiri also shares practical applications of these elements in retail media and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these ideas influence the strategy of this very podcast. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on building stronger brand loyalty and customer engagement.

Link to the book "Primal Branding" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Wl00xs 


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What‘s in store for today
(00:01:07) About the Show
(00:01:28) Introduction to Primal Branding
(00:01:50) The Seven Pieces of Primal Code
(00:06:14) Applying Primal Code to Retail Media and E-commerce
(00:08:09) Using Primal Branding in This Podcast
(00:09:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(00:10:20) Outro

 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Dive into Kiri Masters’ insightful review of the book Primal Branding as she unpacks the seven elements of the primal branding code that can revolutionize your retail strategy. From creation stories to sacred words, discover how these timeless principles foster deeper connections with customers.

Kiri also shares practical applications of these elements in retail media and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these ideas influence the strategy of this very podcast. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on building stronger brand loyalty and customer engagement.

Link to the book "Primal Branding" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Wl00xs 


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What‘s in store for today
(00:01:07) About the Show
(00:01:28) Introduction to Primal Branding
(00:01:50) The Seven Pieces of Primal Code
(00:06:14) Applying Primal Code to Retail Media and E-commerce
(00:08:09) Using Primal Branding in This Podcast
(00:09:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(00:10:20) Outro

 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 17 Jan 2025 02:45:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 641 Dive into Kiri Masters’ insightful review of the book Primal Branding as she unpacks the seven elements of the primal branding code that can revolutionize your retail strategy. From creation stories to sacred words, discover how these timeless principles foster deeper connections with customers.

Kiri also shares practical applications of these elements in retail media and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these ideas influence the strategy of this very podcast. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion on building stronger brand loyalty and customer engagement.

Link to the book "Primal Branding" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Wl00xs 


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What‘s in store for today
(00:01:07) About the Show
(00:01:28) Introduction to Primal Branding
(00:01:50) The Seven Pieces of Primal Code
(00:06:14) Applying Primal Code to Retail Media and E-commerce
(00:08:09) Using Primal Branding in This Podcast
(00:09:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(00:10:20) Outro

 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No What's next after VP of Ecommerce? What's next after VP of Ecommerce? full e3475120-861a-4028-b8bf-1d5ea18fdbbf https://share.transistor.fm/s/f15be384 Dive into the evolving landscape of senior e-commerce leadership roles, particularly the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. Discover why finding candidates who blend operational expertise with cross-functional influence is proving challenging for the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. We also explore compelling data on where VPs of e-commerce land next—from C-suite transitions to consulting paths—and uncover why retail media network leadership might be the most promising career trajectory in modern commerce.

Jamie roller's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7282029397199474688/
Harry Joiner's post/poll on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7273331795872382976/
Earlier episode referenced regarding career paths: https://share.transistor.fm/s/61336e2e
Kiri's post discussing about the careers in ecommerce: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/b67430d4-22fb-4b7b-b646-e6495db30dbc/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) Show Intro
(00:01:32) Challenges in Hiring for Head of Amazon
(00:04:10) Career Progression for E-commerce VPs
(00:05:54) Factors influencing Career Choices
(00:07:01) The Value of Staying on at the VP level
(00:08:34) Retail Media's Rise
(00:10:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Dive into the evolving landscape of senior e-commerce leadership roles, particularly the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. Discover why finding candidates who blend operational expertise with cross-functional influence is proving challenging for the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. We also explore compelling data on where VPs of e-commerce land next—from C-suite transitions to consulting paths—and uncover why retail media network leadership might be the most promising career trajectory in modern commerce.

Jamie roller's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7282029397199474688/
Harry Joiner's post/poll on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7273331795872382976/
Earlier episode referenced regarding career paths: https://share.transistor.fm/s/61336e2e
Kiri's post discussing about the careers in ecommerce: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/b67430d4-22fb-4b7b-b646-e6495db30dbc/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) Show Intro
(00:01:32) Challenges in Hiring for Head of Amazon
(00:04:10) Career Progression for E-commerce VPs
(00:05:54) Factors influencing Career Choices
(00:07:01) The Value of Staying on at the VP level
(00:08:34) Retail Media's Rise
(00:10:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:45:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 665 Dive into the evolving landscape of senior e-commerce leadership roles, particularly the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. Discover why finding candidates who blend operational expertise with cross-functional influence is proving challenging for the emerging "Head of Amazon" position. We also explore compelling data on where VPs of e-commerce land next—from C-suite transitions to consulting paths—and uncover why retail media network leadership might be the most promising career trajectory in modern commerce.

Jamie roller's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7282029397199474688/
Harry Joiner's post/poll on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7273331795872382976/
Earlier episode referenced regarding career paths: https://share.transistor.fm/s/61336e2e
Kiri's post discussing about the careers in ecommerce: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/p/b67430d4-22fb-4b7b-b646-e6495db30dbc/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) Show Intro
(00:01:32) Challenges in Hiring for Head of Amazon
(00:04:10) Career Progression for E-commerce VPs
(00:05:54) Factors influencing Career Choices
(00:07:01) The Value of Staying on at the VP level
(00:08:34) Retail Media's Rise
(00:10:45) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Panel: How these 4 ecomm leaders educate their leadership teams Panel: How these 4 ecomm leaders educate their leadership teams full 2fee0ec2-77a6-400d-aaaf-07956d77ae8e https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a915a26 Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate and Advantice Health as they share invaluable insights on educating leadership teams on e commerce & retail media. Learn how to translate complex e-commerce concepts into relatable analogies, discover why "complaining is not a strategy," and understand the power of full-funnel tactics. Walk away with practical approaches to driving sustainable growth and measuring success in the ever-evolving digital retail landscape.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:01) About the Show
(00:01:23) Relatable Analogies - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:03:05) Complaining is not a strategy - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(00:06:21) Full funnel tactics - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:08:09) 'Are we profitable' - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:09:07) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate and Advantice Health as they share invaluable insights on educating leadership teams on e commerce & retail media. Learn how to translate complex e-commerce concepts into relatable analogies, discover why "complaining is not a strategy," and understand the power of full-funnel tactics. Walk away with practical approaches to driving sustainable growth and measuring success in the ever-evolving digital retail landscape.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:01) About the Show
(00:01:23) Relatable Analogies - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:03:05) Complaining is not a strategy - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(00:06:21) Full funnel tactics - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:08:09) 'Are we profitable' - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:09:07) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:40:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 568 Join industry leaders from Monster Energy, Tom's of Maine, Petmate and Advantice Health as they share invaluable insights on educating leadership teams on e commerce & retail media. Learn how to translate complex e-commerce concepts into relatable analogies, discover why "complaining is not a strategy," and understand the power of full-funnel tactics. Walk away with practical approaches to driving sustainable growth and measuring success in the ever-evolving digital retail landscape.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:01) About the Show
(00:01:23) Relatable Analogies - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:03:05) Complaining is not a strategy - Paolo Bacarin Filho, Director, Tom's of Maine
(00:06:21) Full funnel tactics - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:08:09) 'Are we profitable' - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:09:07) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Is Amazon’s new ‘Retail Ad Service’ just a trojan horse? Is Amazon’s new ‘Retail Ad Service’ just a trojan horse? full 06afd378-b973-44ef-a71f-a6df5902f245 https://share.transistor.fm/s/649970c6 This episode is inspired by Kiri Masters’ Forbes article, "Amazon Wants To Sell Its Ad-Tech To Retailers. Is It A Trojan Horse?" published on January 13, 2025.

Will retailers embrace Amazon's bold move into retail media technology? In this episode, we delve into the strategy that’s sparking both excitement and skepticism across the industry. From gaining access to Amazon's vast pool of advertisers to concerns over data privacy, we explore why smaller retailers might see an opportunity while the giants remain cautious.

Tune in for fresh insights on how this game-changing development could reshape the retail media landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/13/amazon-wants-to-sell-its-ad-tech-to-retailers-is-it-a-trojan-horse/
Mikael Brakker's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikaelbrakker_amazon-adtech-retailmedia-activity-7283388360428015616-pLf7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Roger Dunn's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rogerdunn_retailmedia-retailers-retailnews-activity-7283258379278426112-ALyF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:29) About the Show
(00:00:51) Bull Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:02:27) Instacart's Retail ad service success story
(00:03:09) Bear Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:04:13) Retailer Size Counts
(00:05:16) Amazon's Challenges and Competitors
(00:06:46) Conclusion
(00:07:19) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> This episode is inspired by Kiri Masters’ Forbes article, "Amazon Wants To Sell Its Ad-Tech To Retailers. Is It A Trojan Horse?" published on January 13, 2025.

Will retailers embrace Amazon's bold move into retail media technology? In this episode, we delve into the strategy that’s sparking both excitement and skepticism across the industry. From gaining access to Amazon's vast pool of advertisers to concerns over data privacy, we explore why smaller retailers might see an opportunity while the giants remain cautious.

Tune in for fresh insights on how this game-changing development could reshape the retail media landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/13/amazon-wants-to-sell-its-ad-tech-to-retailers-is-it-a-trojan-horse/
Mikael Brakker's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikaelbrakker_amazon-adtech-retailmedia-activity-7283388360428015616-pLf7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Roger Dunn's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rogerdunn_retailmedia-retailers-retailnews-activity-7283258379278426112-ALyF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:29) About the Show
(00:00:51) Bull Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:02:27) Instacart's Retail ad service success story
(00:03:09) Bear Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:04:13) Retailer Size Counts
(00:05:16) Amazon's Challenges and Competitors
(00:06:46) Conclusion
(00:07:19) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:40:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 460 This episode is inspired by Kiri Masters’ Forbes article, "Amazon Wants To Sell Its Ad-Tech To Retailers. Is It A Trojan Horse?" published on January 13, 2025.

Will retailers embrace Amazon's bold move into retail media technology? In this episode, we delve into the strategy that’s sparking both excitement and skepticism across the industry. From gaining access to Amazon's vast pool of advertisers to concerns over data privacy, we explore why smaller retailers might see an opportunity while the giants remain cautious.

Tune in for fresh insights on how this game-changing development could reshape the retail media landscape.

Link to Kiri's Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/01/13/amazon-wants-to-sell-its-ad-tech-to-retailers-is-it-a-trojan-horse/
Mikael Brakker's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikaelbrakker_amazon-adtech-retailmedia-activity-7283388360428015616-pLf7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Roger Dunn's post on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rogerdunn_retailmedia-retailers-retailnews-activity-7283258379278426112-ALyF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:29) About the Show
(00:00:51) Bull Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:02:27) Instacart's Retail ad service success story
(00:03:09) Bear Case for Amazon Retail ad service
(00:04:13) Retailer Size Counts
(00:05:16) Amazon's Challenges and Competitors
(00:06:46) Conclusion
(00:07:19) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No They found Amazon's Rufus AI patent They found Amazon's Rufus AI patent full ac2cb613-bbd6-4dcb-b0be-fc335db74dfa https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab29756b In this deep dive, we unpack Amazon Rufus's patent and what it means for e-commerce strategy. Learn how its semantic similarity model, click training data, and visual label tagging are reshaping product discovery. Discover why traditional keyword optimization may soon be obsolete, and how brands can prepare for this AI-driven shift in Amazon's ecosystem.

Link to "Rufus - The Blueprint" report: https://sellersessions.com/rufus-the-blueprint/
Link to Kiri's Forbes article discussed in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2024/12/09/amazons-rufus-shows-the-future-of-ai-shopping-warts-and-all/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:35) Show Intro
(00:00:56) Introduction to Rufus AI
(00:02:17) Semantic Similarity Model
(00:03:39) Click Training Data
(00:05:34) Visual Label Tagging
(00:07:00) Impact on Amazon Advertising
(00:09:05) Conclusion
(00:09:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> In this deep dive, we unpack Amazon Rufus's patent and what it means for e-commerce strategy. Learn how its semantic similarity model, click training data, and visual label tagging are reshaping product discovery. Discover why traditional keyword optimization may soon be obsolete, and how brands can prepare for this AI-driven shift in Amazon's ecosystem.

Link to "Rufus - The Blueprint" report: https://sellersessions.com/rufus-the-blueprint/
Link to Kiri's Forbes article discussed in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2024/12/09/amazons-rufus-shows-the-future-of-ai-shopping-warts-and-all/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:35) Show Intro
(00:00:56) Introduction to Rufus AI
(00:02:17) Semantic Similarity Model
(00:03:39) Click Training Data
(00:05:34) Visual Label Tagging
(00:07:00) Impact on Amazon Advertising
(00:09:05) Conclusion
(00:09:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:40:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 599 In this deep dive, we unpack Amazon Rufus's patent and what it means for e-commerce strategy. Learn how its semantic similarity model, click training data, and visual label tagging are reshaping product discovery. Discover why traditional keyword optimization may soon be obsolete, and how brands can prepare for this AI-driven shift in Amazon's ecosystem.

Link to "Rufus - The Blueprint" report: https://sellersessions.com/rufus-the-blueprint/
Link to Kiri's Forbes article discussed in the episode: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2024/12/09/amazons-rufus-shows-the-future-of-ai-shopping-warts-and-all/


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:00:35) Show Intro
(00:00:56) Introduction to Rufus AI
(00:02:17) Semantic Similarity Model
(00:03:39) Click Training Data
(00:05:34) Visual Label Tagging
(00:07:00) Impact on Amazon Advertising
(00:09:05) Conclusion
(00:09:38) Outro


SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Kingdom of Prep: The J.Crew Story (Book Review) Kingdom of Prep: The J.Crew Story (Book Review) full 41bf94ae-c043-4537-a017-f27b81855e72 https://share.transistor.fm/s/861f258a Unpack Kiri Masters' fascinating review of the book "The Kingdom of Prep" delving into the details of evolution of J.Crew from catalog pioneer to modern retailer. Discover how J.Crew's early data-driven approach to customer insights mirrors today's digital strategies. Learn why resistance to e-commerce and the fast-fashion disruption from H&M and Zara created pivotal moments for the brand. A timely parallel to current Shein and Temu disruptions reshaping retail psychology.

To buy the book "The Kingdom of Prep" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PrzKh0

CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store today
(00:01:52) About the Show
(00:02:39) J.Crew Catalog Era
(00:06:39) The Innovators' Dilemma
(00:07:09) Fast Fashion Impact
(00:09:51) Reinventing Retail
(00:10:46) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Unpack Kiri Masters' fascinating review of the book "The Kingdom of Prep" delving into the details of evolution of J.Crew from catalog pioneer to modern retailer. Discover how J.Crew's early data-driven approach to customer insights mirrors today's digital strategies. Learn why resistance to e-commerce and the fast-fashion disruption from H&M and Zara created pivotal moments for the brand. A timely parallel to current Shein and Temu disruptions reshaping retail psychology.

To buy the book "The Kingdom of Prep" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PrzKh0

CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store today
(00:01:52) About the Show
(00:02:39) J.Crew Catalog Era
(00:06:39) The Innovators' Dilemma
(00:07:09) Fast Fashion Impact
(00:09:51) Reinventing Retail
(00:10:46) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 669 Unpack Kiri Masters' fascinating review of the book "The Kingdom of Prep" delving into the details of evolution of J.Crew from catalog pioneer to modern retailer. Discover how J.Crew's early data-driven approach to customer insights mirrors today's digital strategies. Learn why resistance to e-commerce and the fast-fashion disruption from H&M and Zara created pivotal moments for the brand. A timely parallel to current Shein and Temu disruptions reshaping retail psychology.

To buy the book "The Kingdom of Prep" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PrzKh0

CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store today
(00:01:52) About the Show
(00:02:39) J.Crew Catalog Era
(00:06:39) The Innovators' Dilemma
(00:07:09) Fast Fashion Impact
(00:09:51) Reinventing Retail
(00:10:46) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No What does it take to lead an RMN? What does it take to lead an RMN? full ba273764-533c-48f5-a807-ca4a023b51b7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61336e2e Curious about the path to leading a retail media network? We analyze the career trajectories of retail media heads at 24 major networks, revealing surprising insights about gender representation and essential skills. From cross-functional leadership to data analytics prowess, discover the four key trends shaping successful retail media careers. Plus, learn inspiring details about leaders like Cara Pratt at Kroger and Brandy Pitts at Ulta Beauty who are transforming the retail media landscape.

Do you want a list of all the current leaders of the US' largest Retail Media Networks? Find a database on the RMBC website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/database-leaders-of-retail-media-networks-rmns/

Article referenced in the episode about Cara Pratt: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2023/12/18/krogers-cara-pratt-on-a-mission-to-end-reckless-retail-media-spend/
Article referenced in the episode about Paul Kotas: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-mystery-man-who-made-amazon-an-ad-giant
Article referenced in the episode about Harvey Ma: https://www.adweek.com/commerce/sams-clubs-teases-ad-business-revamp/
Brandi Pitts' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandipitts/


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) About the Show
(00:00:20) Women in Retail Media
(00:01:45) Career Paths in RMN
(00:03:55) Trend 1: Cross-Functional Leadership
(00:05:07) Trend 2: Marketing & Advertising Foundation
(00:06:55) Trend 3: Digital Transformation
(00:08:30) Trend 4: Data-Driven Leadership
(00:10:43) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Curious about the path to leading a retail media network? We analyze the career trajectories of retail media heads at 24 major networks, revealing surprising insights about gender representation and essential skills. From cross-functional leadership to data analytics prowess, discover the four key trends shaping successful retail media careers. Plus, learn inspiring details about leaders like Cara Pratt at Kroger and Brandy Pitts at Ulta Beauty who are transforming the retail media landscape.

Do you want a list of all the current leaders of the US' largest Retail Media Networks? Find a database on the RMBC website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/database-leaders-of-retail-media-networks-rmns/

Article referenced in the episode about Cara Pratt: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2023/12/18/krogers-cara-pratt-on-a-mission-to-end-reckless-retail-media-spend/
Article referenced in the episode about Paul Kotas: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-mystery-man-who-made-amazon-an-ad-giant
Article referenced in the episode about Harvey Ma: https://www.adweek.com/commerce/sams-clubs-teases-ad-business-revamp/
Brandi Pitts' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandipitts/


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) About the Show
(00:00:20) Women in Retail Media
(00:01:45) Career Paths in RMN
(00:03:55) Trend 1: Cross-Functional Leadership
(00:05:07) Trend 2: Marketing & Advertising Foundation
(00:06:55) Trend 3: Digital Transformation
(00:08:30) Trend 4: Data-Driven Leadership
(00:10:43) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 664 Curious about the path to leading a retail media network? We analyze the career trajectories of retail media heads at 24 major networks, revealing surprising insights about gender representation and essential skills. From cross-functional leadership to data analytics prowess, discover the four key trends shaping successful retail media careers. Plus, learn inspiring details about leaders like Cara Pratt at Kroger and Brandy Pitts at Ulta Beauty who are transforming the retail media landscape.

Do you want a list of all the current leaders of the US' largest Retail Media Networks? Find a database on the RMBC website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com/database-leaders-of-retail-media-networks-rmns/

Article referenced in the episode about Cara Pratt: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2023/12/18/krogers-cara-pratt-on-a-mission-to-end-reckless-retail-media-spend/
Article referenced in the episode about Paul Kotas: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-mystery-man-who-made-amazon-an-ad-giant
Article referenced in the episode about Harvey Ma: https://www.adweek.com/commerce/sams-clubs-teases-ad-business-revamp/
Brandi Pitts' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandipitts/


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) About the Show
(00:00:20) Women in Retail Media
(00:01:45) Career Paths in RMN
(00:03:55) Trend 1: Cross-Functional Leadership
(00:05:07) Trend 2: Marketing & Advertising Foundation
(00:06:55) Trend 3: Digital Transformation
(00:08:30) Trend 4: Data-Driven Leadership
(00:10:43) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No The Non-Obvious Metrics These 5 Brands Use for Retail Media The Non-Obvious Metrics These 5 Brands Use for Retail Media full d8e4c7c7-97f4-47d2-992c-bcfbbc46d8f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/16b87ea3 Deep dive into the evolving world of retail media metrics with industry leaders from Monster Energy, Quickfire LLC, Petmate, Advantice Health and U Beauty. Unpack the real story behind MER (Marketing Efficiency Ratio), explore the pursuit of cross-channel customer lifetime value, and discover how brands are measuring purchase intent, search volume frequency and more. Also get fresh perspectives on tracking customer acquisition ROI and lifetime margin calculations across diverse sales channels.


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) About the Show
(00:01:31) MER Debate - Scott Ohsman, VP, Quickfire, LLC
(00:02:53) CLV Tracking - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:05:37) Purchase Intent - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:06:22) Search Volume - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:07:34) Calculating LTV - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(00:10:12) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Deep dive into the evolving world of retail media metrics with industry leaders from Monster Energy, Quickfire LLC, Petmate, Advantice Health and U Beauty. Unpack the real story behind MER (Marketing Efficiency Ratio), explore the pursuit of cross-channel customer lifetime value, and discover how brands are measuring purchase intent, search volume frequency and more. Also get fresh perspectives on tracking customer acquisition ROI and lifetime margin calculations across diverse sales channels.


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) About the Show
(00:01:31) MER Debate - Scott Ohsman, VP, Quickfire, LLC
(00:02:53) CLV Tracking - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:05:37) Purchase Intent - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:06:22) Search Volume - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:07:34) Calculating LTV - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(00:10:12) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:17:15 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 634 Deep dive into the evolving world of retail media metrics with industry leaders from Monster Energy, Quickfire LLC, Petmate, Advantice Health and U Beauty. Unpack the real story behind MER (Marketing Efficiency Ratio), explore the pursuit of cross-channel customer lifetime value, and discover how brands are measuring purchase intent, search volume frequency and more. Also get fresh perspectives on tracking customer acquisition ROI and lifetime margin calculations across diverse sales channels.


CHAPTERS:
(00:00:00) What's in store for today
(00:01:11) About the Show
(00:01:31) MER Debate - Scott Ohsman, VP, Quickfire, LLC
(00:02:53) CLV Tracking - Ben Galvin, Sr. Director, Monster Energy
(00:05:37) Purchase Intent - Darren Silverman, SVP,  Petmate
(00:06:22) Search Volume - Ash McMullen, Head of E-commerce, Advantice Health
(00:07:34) Calculating LTV - Aj Patel, SVP, U Beauty
(00:10:12) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Beyond Keywords: The Evolution of Sponsored Ads Beyond Keywords: The Evolution of Sponsored Ads full dfcba178-194c-43c6-81f6-f06b3c0b02cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/840bdce8 Learn about the evolving landscape of retail media as we explore the shift from keyword-driven to product-driven sponsored ads. Discover why retailers are embracing new targeting models and the emerging "behavior first" approach that could reshape digital commerce. Gain practical insights on balancing control and performance in your sponsored product campaigns.

  • Please find the article from Jordan Witmer here.
  • Visit Jordan's profile here.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:11) About the Show
(00:00:32) Intro
(00:01:46) Keyword & Product
(00:03:23) Why Product First?
(00:05:05) Advertiser Viewpoint
(00:06:16) Behavior First Ads
(00:08:10) Retail Media Landscape
(00:09:55) Brand Strategies
(00:11:31) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Learn about the evolving landscape of retail media as we explore the shift from keyword-driven to product-driven sponsored ads. Discover why retailers are embracing new targeting models and the emerging "behavior first" approach that could reshape digital commerce. Gain practical insights on balancing control and performance in your sponsored product campaigns.

  • Please find the article from Jordan Witmer here.
  • Visit Jordan's profile here.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:11) About the Show
(00:00:32) Intro
(00:01:46) Keyword & Product
(00:03:23) Why Product First?
(00:05:05) Advertiser Viewpoint
(00:06:16) Behavior First Ads
(00:08:10) Retail Media Landscape
(00:09:55) Brand Strategies
(00:11:31) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 713 Learn about the evolving landscape of retail media as we explore the shift from keyword-driven to product-driven sponsored ads. Discover why retailers are embracing new targeting models and the emerging "behavior first" approach that could reshape digital commerce. Gain practical insights on balancing control and performance in your sponsored product campaigns.

  • Please find the article from Jordan Witmer here.
  • Visit Jordan's profile here.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:11) About the Show
(00:00:32) Intro
(00:01:46) Keyword & Product
(00:03:23) Why Product First?
(00:05:05) Advertiser Viewpoint
(00:06:16) Behavior First Ads
(00:08:10) Retail Media Landscape
(00:09:55) Brand Strategies
(00:11:31) Outro


 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Amazon Rufus is a glimpse into the future of AI shopping assistants Amazon Rufus is a glimpse into the future of AI shopping assistants full 5cc66c3a-f1b1-429d-9dc3-55e70da288d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/074eab76 We discuss Amazon's Rufus AI shopping assistant and what it means for e-commerce's future. We explore early findings showing how AI assistants may prioritize personalization over traditional search rankings, and we examine how sponsored placements could reshape retail media. Get actionable insights on preparing your brand strategy for conversational commerce.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:15) About the Show
(00:00:35) Rufus AI Shopping
(00:04:05) Early Limitations
(00:06:35) Early Rufus Research
(00:08:30) Brand Implications
(00:10:34) Sponsored Ads Impact
(00:13:07) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> We discuss Amazon's Rufus AI shopping assistant and what it means for e-commerce's future. We explore early findings showing how AI assistants may prioritize personalization over traditional search rankings, and we examine how sponsored placements could reshape retail media. Get actionable insights on preparing your brand strategy for conversational commerce.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:15) About the Show
(00:00:35) Rufus AI Shopping
(00:04:05) Early Limitations
(00:06:35) Early Rufus Research
(00:08:30) Brand Implications
(00:10:34) Sponsored Ads Impact
(00:13:07) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:27:00 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 809 We discuss Amazon's Rufus AI shopping assistant and what it means for e-commerce's future. We explore early findings showing how AI assistants may prioritize personalization over traditional search rankings, and we examine how sponsored placements could reshape retail media. Get actionable insights on preparing your brand strategy for conversational commerce.


CHAPTERS:

(00:00:00) Teaser
(00:00:15) About the Show
(00:00:35) Rufus AI Shopping
(00:04:05) Early Limitations
(00:06:35) Early Rufus Research
(00:08:30) Brand Implications
(00:10:34) Sponsored Ads Impact
(00:13:07) Outro

SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: https://www.retailmediabreakfastclub.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiri-masters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retailmediabreakfastclub

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retail-media-breakfast-club/id1782187624//

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3s5MuqcrsOmQDKn3uMYJKb

PRODUCED BY:

https://aipodcast.ing

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No Start Your Morning Smarter: Retail Media Breakfast Club Podcast Start Your Morning Smarter: Retail Media Breakfast Club Podcast trailer 4adfefde-d2d6-4666-ac58-299ffad1625d https://share.transistor.fm/s/d4d70dd8 Every morning, retail media professionals face countless updates, strategic decisions, and the pressure to stay ahead. That’s why I created Retail Media Breakfast Club—a fresh take on retail media insights designed just for you.

Join me, Kiri Masters, as I bring you 10-minute episodes every weekday at 6:00 AM Eastern, packed with focused content and sharp editorial takes. Whether you’re sipping your coffee, walking the dog, or commuting, you’ll get:

✅ Context behind the retail media news headlines
✅ Insights to help you make confident decisions
✅ A daily intelligence briefing that’s quick, focused, and actually useful

From digging into press releases to uncovering what really matters for your business, Retail Media Breakfast Club is here to complement your favorite industry shows—not replace them.

🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch here on YouTube. Don’t forget to connect on LinkedIn for daily updates, too.

Subscribe now to start your mornings with clarity, focus, and actionable insights. I’ll see you tomorrow!

]]> Every morning, retail media professionals face countless updates, strategic decisions, and the pressure to stay ahead. That’s why I created Retail Media Breakfast Club—a fresh take on retail media insights designed just for you.

Join me, Kiri Masters, as I bring you 10-minute episodes every weekday at 6:00 AM Eastern, packed with focused content and sharp editorial takes. Whether you’re sipping your coffee, walking the dog, or commuting, you’ll get:

✅ Context behind the retail media news headlines
✅ Insights to help you make confident decisions
✅ A daily intelligence briefing that’s quick, focused, and actually useful

From digging into press releases to uncovering what really matters for your business, Retail Media Breakfast Club is here to complement your favorite industry shows—not replace them.

🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch here on YouTube. Don’t forget to connect on LinkedIn for daily updates, too.

Subscribe now to start your mornings with clarity, focus, and actionable insights. I’ll see you tomorrow!

]]> Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:15:45 -0800 Kiri Masters Kiri Masters 83 Every morning, retail media professionals face countless updates, strategic decisions, and the pressure to stay ahead. That’s why I created Retail Media Breakfast Club—a fresh take on retail media insights designed just for you.

Join me, Kiri Masters, as I bring you 10-minute episodes every weekday at 6:00 AM Eastern, packed with focused content and sharp editorial takes. Whether you’re sipping your coffee, walking the dog, or commuting, you’ll get:

✅ Context behind the retail media news headlines
✅ Insights to help you make confident decisions
✅ A daily intelligence briefing that’s quick, focused, and actually useful

From digging into press releases to uncovering what really matters for your business, Retail Media Breakfast Club is here to complement your favorite industry shows—not replace them.

🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch here on YouTube. Don’t forget to connect on LinkedIn for daily updates, too.

Subscribe now to start your mornings with clarity, focus, and actionable insights. I’ll see you tomorrow!

]]> retail media, e-commerce, digital advertising, marketplaces, retail trends, brand strategy, retail innovation, advertising strategies, retail analytics, e-commerce growth No