A Pilates studio, health checks, biological age testing and free consultation hubs. These are just some of the features of Holland & Barrett’s first experience store that opened in Cardiff earlier this year.

On this episode, Natalie is joined by Richard Fisher, Design Manager at Holland & Barrett, leading the transformation of over 1,000 stores across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, and Chris Newell, Creative Partner at Syn - the agency behind the new store concept. They discuss the future of wellness, the evolving role of physical retail, and whether we may see more of these stores popping up on our high streets.

📺 This is a VIDEO episode and can be watched on YouTube, or you can listen on your usual platforms.

*The podcast is now pausing for August. Have a great summer break and see you in September.*

We’re diving deep into the world of grocery retail in this special episode, dissecting the latest trends and innovations that are reshaping the sector. Natalie is joined by Mark Thomson, Director of Retail & Hospitality Strategy EMEA at Zebra Technologies.

This video episode was recorded in a London studio. You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your usual platforms!

Mark and Natalie explore:

• Self-service: some retailers are doubling down, others are reassessing. Where have we landed and how might AI drive the next wave of adoption?
• From accepting payments to more targeted promotions, where next for scan & go?
• Real-time hyper-personalization: why Mark believes the time has finally come.
• What's fuelling the rise of retail media and how might it evolve to become (even) more personalized in the future?
• The AI opportunity in food retail: from recipe inspiration to actually doing our grocery shopping for us.
• E-commerce: why Mark is bullish about growth opportunities for online grocery and why dark stores may be poised for a comeback.

This conversation coincides with the launch of Zebra’s latest report, Creating Great Grocery Trips, which Natalie contributed to. Download the full report.

More about Zebra:

From seamless transactions and inventory visibility to personalised experiences and engaged associates, Zebra provides solutions that empower retailers to thrive. With connected systems and data-driven decisions, retailers are prepared to overcome challenges, delight shoppers, and drive sustainable growth. For more: https://www.zebra.com/gb/en/industry/...

More about Mark:

Industry speaker and technology evangelist. Mark works with retailers to provide input on how to face the challenge of a new digital landscape with a particular focus on the broad Zebra technologies portfolio from mobile devices to workforce productivity and inventory visibility solutions. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.

Camille van Horne is the co-founder & CEO of Highstock, a B2B marketplace that connects big brands with unsold inventory to high quality, global wholesale buyers.

The start-up has raised $5.5 million from lead investor Greylock and Instacart co-founder Max Mullen.

Camille joins Natalie on the podcast to talk about how Highstock is disrupting the liquidation space for beauty and personal care brands. They also explore AI, international market opportunities, the impact of tariffs, and Camille shares her thoughts on grocery e-commerce.

More about Camille:

Camille was previously a director of product at Instacart where she led the roadmap of new logistics capabilities for retailers and CPGs. She joined Instacart before the pandemic and over her six-year tenure wore multiple hats including Instacart's investments in fulfillment innovation in robotics and payments. Camille has a 15-year career in consumer and has seen how brands have struggled with inventory management every step of her career. Camille holds a BA from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

📣 REGISTER -> Join Natalie, Zebra Technologies, and Retail Gazette on July 16 for this webinar on transforming frontline comms. 📣