What Wowed Us at NRF 2026 (with Helzberg and Zipline)

From the floor at NRF 2026, Dan Wittner sits down with Freddy Guard from Snowflake to unpack what retail leaders are really talking about this year. It’s not just about AI—it’s about making AI real. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, they cover: Why “agentic commerce” has become the word of the show What retailers are learning about turning AI into real business impact Why data readiness is still the non-negotiable starting point How knowledge graphs and business context unlock smarter decisions What leading tech companies are signaling about the future of commerce Recorded live at NRF 2026, this conversation cuts through the buzzwords and focuses on what matters for retail executives trying to move from experimentation to results. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7beK6sx6KpLOBvKI59JMSO?si=UjP2SCwPSWaPrqSiuHlvAw Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrf-2026-key-shifts-that-will-decide-the-agentic-future/id1517831626?i=1000745227526 Listen on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/51d97767-74ba-487d-8c6b-5442e1855d2d/episodes/87f581cd-daee-48f7-b01e-5c3175233bd6/talk-retail-to-me-nrf-2026-key-shifts-that-will-decide-the-agentic-future Listen on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/talk-retail-to-me/nrf-2026-key-shifts-that-will-decide-the-agentic-future/PE:1321427396?part=ug-desktop&corr=196351888147364396 Listen or watch all Parker Avery "Talk Retail to Me" podcast episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/   

From holograms and go-karts to voice tech and virtual reality, Day 2 at NRF 2026 offered no shortage of surprises—and even more insight into what truly matters in retail innovation.  In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, we bring together three perspectives—a consultant (Dan Wittner from The Parker Avery Group), a retailer (Ryan Holm from Helzberg), and a solution provider (Dustin Sundy from Zipline)—to share what truly stood out on the show floor.   We talk about why “don’t lead with AI” became the smartest message at NRF, how retailers are using voice and transcription as a new demand signal, and which innovations felt more like “must-have” than “nice-to-have.”  You’ll hear highlights including:  Why problem-first storytelling beats AI-first marketing  The coolest activations on the floor (yes, including holograms and go-karts)  How voice, transcription, and feedback loops are changing store operations  Virtual and augmented reality experiences that delivered value  Giveaways, food trucks, and the fun side of NRF  If you want a fast, honest recap of what mattered most at NRF 2026 (and what you can safely ignore), this episode has you covered.    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lANEaSsDJGE Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zcXy3zsovfbBZnM3QeZ1K?si=mEKq9uUxRwyB62EyuXsSFw Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-wowed-us-at-nrf-2026-with-helzberg-and-zipline/id1517831626?i=1000745139756 Listen on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/51d97767-74ba-487d-8c6b-5442e1855d2d/episodes/87f581cd-daee-48f7-b01e-5c3175233bd6/talk-retail-to-me-nrf-2026-key-shifts-that-will-decide-the-agentic-future Listen on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/talk-retail-to-me/what-wowed-us-at-nrf-2026-with-helzberg-and-zipline/PE:1321417884?part=ug-desktop&corr=196351888147364396 Listen or watch all Parker Avery "Talk Retail to Me" podcast episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/  

Episode Overview In this episode of Talk Retail To Me, Parker Avery’s chief revenue officer, Dan Wittner, and Blue Yonder's head of global retail strategy, Jim Hull, discuss the evolving landscape of retail, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, the importance of data quality, and the transformation of store models into fulfillment centers. They explore the challenges retailers face with labor and the need for dynamic data models to adapt to changing consumer demands. The conversation also highlights the upcoming NRF 2026 Big Show and the excitement surrounding innovations in the retail sector. Key Takeaways AI is now a core part of retail strategy and must be tied to business outcomes. The most successful initiatives focus on measurable impact, such as cost reduction, revenue growth, or operational efficiency. Human adoption is critical to AI success. AI works best when it augments teams and is embraced by users, rather than positioned as a replacement for people. Data quality and dynamic data models are foundational to modern retail. Clean, consistent data and continuously evolving models are essential for accurate forecasting and decision-making. Stores are evolving into hybrid fulfillment hubs. Retailers are hyper-focused on redesigning store models to support fulfillment alongside shopping, improving speed, cost, and customer experience. Labor models must adapt to support fulfillment-enabled stores. New operating models require updated labor standards, expanded skill sets, and more flexible workforce planning. NRF 2026 will showcase retail innovation moving from concept to reality. The event is expected to highlight proven, market-ready solutions delivering real value at scale. Episode Highlights Why most AI projects succeed or fail in retail How retailers are rethinking demand signals and forecasting The growing importance of data quality and dynamic data models The evolution of stores into fulfillment and service hubs What to expect at NRF 2026 (& meet Parker Avery at booth #2703) Related Content Blog Post: Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail Podcast: Retail’s Data Reckoning: Your First Move in Transformation Case Study: New Data-Driven Solution Strengthens Grocer’s Competitive Pricing Capabilities Insights: The Expert Guide to Data Governance in Retail  

Episode Overview Retailers recognize the need to transform, but most are missing the crucial first step. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery’s Dan Wittner joins Snowflake’s Freddy Guard for a candid discussion about one of the most underestimated barriers to retail innovation: disconnected, messy, and misgoverned retail data. Whether it’s launching AI initiatives, reshaping supply chains, or reimagining omnichannel experiences, true retail transformation begins with a solid data foundation. But legacy systems, siloed functions, and a lack of clear governance continue to block progress, even for Fortune 500 retailers. Dan and Freddy break down why transformation fails without clean, connected data and outline how progressive retailers are finally getting it right. From AI-enabled data cleanup to demand planning and inventory visibility, they share actionable steps for retailers ready to transform and realize meaningful, sustainable business results.   Featuring Dan Wittner – Chief Revenue Officer, The Parker Avery Group Freddy Guard – Industry Principal, Retail & Consumer Goods, Snowflake   Key Takeaways Transformation begins with data. No technology can deliver ROI without a clean, unified data foundation. Retail is at an inflection point. Channel complexity, evolving shopper behavior, and economic volatility demand better data visibility and governance. Data strategy must be a business strategy. Aligning IT and business objectives is crucial for driving meaningful change. Start small to scale fast. Break inertia by focusing on a high-impact use case, then use that momentum to drive enterprise-wide transformation. AI is no longer the barrier. With modern tools, data cleanup and governance are now finally scalable, enabling faster decision-making and smarter planning. Organizational change management is critical to successful transformation. Technology alone doesn’t transform a business; people and culture do. Success requires vision and leadership. Winning retailers are pairing strategic roadmaps with empowered business champions to drive sustainable change. Episode Highlights Why retailers must rethink data as a transformation enabler, not just a technical asset The disconnect between AI hype and data reality How legacy thinking is holding back progress What meaningful change looks like, from inventory chaos to demand-driven agility Real-world case study: how a global grocer unlocked enterprise-wide transformation by modernizing data Why transformation efforts fail without business alignment and culture change How to build the right capabilities roadmap: assessment, strategy, and execution Related Content & Resources Video Replay on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/j7GJLoeOEmM   Parker Avery Retail Consulting Services https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/   Learn more about Snowflake http://www.snowflake.com/   Blog Post |  Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail https://parkeravery.com/optimizing-data-readiness-for-ai-in-retail/   Talk Retail to Me Podcast | Winning with Data and Hyper-Localized Assortments https://parkeravery.com/winning-with-data-and-hyper-localized-assortments/   Insights | The Expert Guide to Data Governance in Retail https://parkeravery.com/data-governance-in-retail/   Case Study | New Strategy for Master Data Supports Core Merchandising Transformation https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/new-strategy-for-master-data-supports-core-merchandising-transformation/

As retailers gear up for the critical back-to-school and holiday seasons, new tariffs on Chinese imports—some as high as 145%—are causing significant disruptions in global supply chains. In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, Parker Avery’s CEO, Clay Parnell, is joined by the firm’s Chief Consulting Officer, Amanda Astrologo, and industry thought leader Walt Holbrook to discuss the current chaos driven by tariffs and how retailers can respond effectively. While recent reports indicate a sharp decline in shipments from China and soaring freight costs, the true challenge runs deeper: retail organizations must move from reactive tactics to integrated, end-to-end strategic thinking. Key Takeaways 1. There’s no single fix—retailers need a coordinated, cross-functional response Amanda emphasizes the importance of aligning demand forecasting, pricing, allocation, and inventory strategies. “It’s not just about pulling inventory forward,” she notes. “Retailers need to be thinking holistically—how product flows, where it lands, and how pricing strategies evolve with consumer sentiment.” 2. Agility isn't just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Walt shares how flexible retailers are renegotiating with vendors and adapting plans in real-time. “We can’t rely on playbooks anymore,” he warns. “This is mission impossible without strong leadership and fast decision-making.” 3. Foundational capabilities matter now more than ever. The trio discusses how inadequate tools and reliance on manual planning are slowing down responses. Amanda highlights a renewed focus on core capabilities like merchandise financial planning and data visibility. “You can’t execute pricing strategies or pivot on inventory if your teams are stuck in Excel spreadsheets,” she says. 4. This isn't just another short-term disruption. Comparisons to COVID are valid, but this time, consumer demand hasn’t evaporated. “People want to shop,” Amanda notes. “But they don’t want to pay 145% more.” That distinction changes the game and requires nuanced planning, inventory, and pricing strategies to protect both margin and customer loyalty. 5. Culture and creativity are competitive advantages. Both guests emphasize the need for a cultural shift inside retail organizations. Store teams must be empowered, and merchants encouraged to explore new sourcing strategies, domestic partnerships, and flexible assortments. “This is also a moment of opportunity,” Walt reminds us.   Final Thoughts This episode of Talk Retail to Me presents a candid, practical discussion on how retailers can move beyond reactive tactics and build long-term resilience. Whether it’s scenario planning, realigning supply chain operations, or investing in foundational tools, the message is clear: speed, creativity, and flexibility are no longer optional—they’re crucial for survival and future growth.   Host and Guests Clay Parnell, CEO, The Parker Avery Group https://parkeravery.com/clay-parnell/   Amanda Astrologo, Chief Consulting Officer, The Parker Avery Group https://parkeravery.com/amanda-astrologo/   Walt Holbrook, YODA Retail Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltholbrook/   Related Content & Resources Video Replay on YouTube https://youtu.be/kalorQerjmk   Blog Post | Supply Chain Resilience in the Face of Disruption https://parkeravery.com/supply-chain-resilience-in-the-face-of-disruption/   Blog Post | Rethinking Allocation and Replenishment to Drive Better Inventory Outcomes https://parkeravery.com/rethinking-allocation-and-replenishment-to-drive-better-inventory-outcomes/   Talk Retail to Me Podcast | Strategic Sourcing Considerations for a Disrupted Supply Chain https://parkeravery.com/strategic-sourcing-in-a-disrupted-supply-chain/   Parker Avery Retail Consulting Services https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/

In this episode of The Parker Avery Group's "Talk Retail to Me" podcast, retail experts Marty Anderson and Mike Johnson delve into how our firm collaborated with a major theme park retailer to untangle the complexities of managing over 300 unique stores. From hyper-localized assortments to razor-thin inventory margins, these consultants detail how data, analytics, and a clear roadmap contributed to balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency. Episode Highlights Managing inventory across 300+ hyper-localized stores requires a fundamentally different approach than traditional retail models. Balancing customer satisfaction with inventory efficiency is possible—but it demands data-backed insights and operational precision. On-site visits, cross-functional interviews, and customized analytics were critical to uncovering actionable opportunities. Even highly successful retailers benefit from an external perspective to challenge the status quo and fine-tune strategies. Robust data availability and high client engagement dramatically accelerate the path to impactful recommendations. Resources Read the project case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/retail-inventory-management-assessment/ Learn more about Parker Avery's consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Meet Marty Anderson: https://parkeravery.com/marty-anderson/ Meet Mike Johnson: https://parkeravery.com/mike-johnson/ Meet Tricia Gustin: https://parkeravery.com/tricia-gustin/ Listen to more Talk Retail To Me podcast episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/

Episode Overview In this dynamic roundtable, host Sam Iosevich monitors a panel of pricing experts as they discuss how to tackle the complexities of modern retail pricing. From inflation and AI to organizational alignment and price wars, this episode delivers sharp insights and practical guidance. Guests Robert McGuire, Retail Pricing Leader Jeffrey Kittell, VP, Pricing & Strategy, SpartanNash Eddy Salas, SVP Retail Strategy, DataWeave Key Takeaways How agility in pricing starts with organizational clarity and cross-functional alignment You cannot be agile if your teams are not aligned. A well-defined pricing strategy, clear decision rights, and tight collaboration between merchandising, digital, supply chain, and pricing are foundational. Using AI as a strategic “intern” to streamline pricing ops AI is not a replacement for pricing teams—it’s a force multiplier. When treated as an "intern," AI can handle tedious tasks like competitive matching and execution rules, freeing experts to focus on strategy. The danger of racing to the bottom—and how to hold the line on value Price wars destroy long-term value. Winning retailers focus on their game—not the competition’s—by reinforcing brand value, leveraging data, and resisting unnecessary discounting. The metrics retailers should be watching beyond gross margin Profit matters—but so do frequency, basket size, and customer lifetime value. Broader, customer-centric metrics give a better read on how pricing impacts both the short and long term. Real-time pricing: aspirational buzzword or operational reality? Real-time adjustments are only possible with integrated systems and data flow. But even without full automation, having playbooks, streamlined approvals, and analyst autonomy can deliver agility. Whether you're rethinking your pricing strategy or trying to avoid the next margin hit, this conversation offers a forward-looking playbook for today’s retail leaders. Related Content Parker Avery Insights | The Expert Guide to Retail Pricing (https://parkeravery.com/retail-pricing/) Parker Avery Insights | Price Optimization: Margin Rate vs. Margin Dollars (https://parkeravery.com/price-optimization-margin-rate-vs-margin-dollars/) Case Study | Retailer Sees Strong Results With AI-Driven Price Optimization​ Solution​ (https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/retailer-sees-strong-results-with-ai-driven-price-optimization-solution/) Case Study | Markdown Optimization​ Solution Vastly Improves Retailer’s Sell-Through and Margin​ (https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/markdown-optimization-solution-vastly-improves-retailers-sell-through-and-margin/)

In this episode, Tricia Gustin is joined by Sam Iosevich from Parker Avery and Dilip Popat from Novulis Consulting to discuss how AI-driven demand signals transform retail and CPG industries. The conversation explores the power of the Enterprise Intelligence Hypercube, an advanced platform that integrates data across all organizational functions to provide real-time, actionable insights. Sam and Dilip share how AI enables retailers to address inventory productivity, revenue variability, and margin pressure while emphasizing the importance of clean data for successful AI implementations. Key Takeaways: What is an AI-driven Demand Signal? An AI-driven demand signal unifies data from multiple business functions (finance, supply chain, pricing, etc.) into a single, real-time signal. The Hypercube platform makes this possible by centralizing and structuring data for AI-powered insights across the organization. The Importance of Data Quality: High-quality data is crucial for effective AI-driven demand signals. Sam Iosevich explains how the Hypercube addresses data challenges and prepares it for AI algorithms by cleaning and structuring data across different functions. Real-Time Agility: AI allows retailers to make quicker, more informed decisions using real-time insights. This agility helps avoid stockouts, optimize pricing, and enhance supply chain efficiency. Cross-Functional Insights: The Hypercube enables all teams within a retail organization to access data and projections, helping them comprehend how their actions impact demand and work together more effectively across departments. Integration with Existing Systems: Despite many retailers' complex and fragmented technology landscapes, the EI Hypercube integrates seamlessly with legacy systems, ensuring that existing applications can easily access data. The Continuous Journey: Implementing AI-driven demand signals is merely the start. Retailers must persist in refining data, adjusting to new trends, and expanding AI applications throughout the organization. Tune in to learn how AI and data integration can elevate your retail operations and drive meaningful business outcomes! Related Reading: Parker Avery Blog | Optimizing Data Readiness for AI in Retail: A Complete Guide https://parkeravery.com/optimizing-data-readiness-for-ai-in-retail/   Enterprise Intelligence Case Studies: Enterprise-wide Planning Solution Drives Global Retailer’s Agility​ https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/enterprise-wide-planning-solution-drives-global-retailers-agility/   Markdown Optimization​ Solution Vastly Improves Retailer’s Sell-Through and Margin​ https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/markdown-optimization-solution-vastly-improves-retailers-sell-through-and-margin/   SKU-Level Forecasting Accuracy Drives Strategies for Precision and Growth https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/sku-level-forecasting-accuracy-drives-strategies-for-precision-and-growth/   Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss out on more insights from retail experts. Subscribe to Talk Retail to Me for more discussions on how AI and innovative technologies are revolutionizing the retail industry. Plus learn how Parker Avery’s retail experience and consulting expertise transform retail and consumer brand challenges into meaningful, sustainable improvements.   Follow Us on LinkedIn: Parker Avery https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-parker-avery-group/ Novulis Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/company/novulis-consulting/     Contact Information: Parker Avery Website: https://parkeravery.com/enterprise-intelligence/ Novulis Consulting Website: http://www.novulis.com/

In this episode of Talk Retail to Me, we dive into a transformation at one of America's largest family-owned luxury retailers. What started as a straightforward client project to clarify roles became a journey of rebuilding trust, transforming leadership behaviors, and healing a deeply fractured organization. Join Parker Avery CEO Robert Kaufman, Principal Kathi Toll, and host Tricia Gustin as the team unpacks how authentic leadership, structured processes, and a willingness to admit mistakes turn an organizational crisis into a story of redemption. Key Takeaways What started as a simple process improvement project revealed deep organizational trust issues stemming from a poorly executed reorganization Leadership's informal decision-making and inconsistent communication created widespread confusion and frustration Rebuilding trust required authentic leadership acknowledgment of mistakes and sustained behavioral changes A successful RACI (responsibility assignment matrix) implementation helped provide clarity and structure Organizational change requires consistent, repeated communication and a clear explanation of the "why" behind changes Client Background and Challenge A family-owned luxury retailer initially engaged The Parker Avery Group to help with what seemed to be a straightforward process improvement project in their product development area. However, within hours of arriving, the consultants discovered much deeper organizational issues: A recent reorganization had been implemented poorly, with employees being moved to new roles without proper training or explanation Leadership made informal decisions without proper communication or documentation Different leaders were giving conflicting directions to their teams Employee surveys revealed significant dissatisfaction and loss of trust HR had been sidelined during the reorganization process Project Evolution The scope expanded from process improvement to addressing fundamental trust and organizational issues The consulting team worked closely with HR and, eventually, the CEO to address leadership behaviors One senior leader's transformation after attending a leadership academy helped shift team dynamics Outcomes While trust wasn't fully rebuilt in three months, significant progress was made, and the client achieved a stronger overall team environment Teams became highly engaged in implementing the RACI matrix New structures provided clarity around roles and advancement opportunities The project left the organization with tools for sustained improvement, though ongoing leadership commitment would be crucial The project highlighted the importance of clear communication, proper organizational change management, and authentic leadership during organizational changes.   Learn more about Parker Avery's consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Read the case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/better-merchandising-processes-and-new-roles-drive-fine-jewelers-future/ Meet Robert Kaufman: https://parkeravery.com/robert-kaufman/ Meet Kathi Toll: https://parkeravery.com/kathi-toll/ Meet Tricia Gustin: https://parkeravery.com/tricia-gustin/ Listen to more Talk Retail To Me podcast episodes: https://parkeravery.com/retail-podcast/

In this episode of Parker Avery's "Talk Retail to Me" podcast, Clay Parnell (president and managing partner) and Marty Anderson (principal) discuss a recently completed project for a $7 billion jewelry retailer. The two retail experts share valuable insights from the project which entailed developing a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to address business and technology challenges resulting from significant growth and acquisitions. Read the case study: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/global-jewelers-new-retail-process-and-technology-roadmap-energize-growth/ Learn about Parker Avery's consulting services: https://parkeravery.com/retail-consulting/ Start solving your most important merchandising challenges:  https://parkeravery.com/contact-us/    You may also like this content: Global Jeweler’s New Retail Process and Technology Roadmap Energize Growth: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/global-jewelers-new-retail-process-and-technology-roadmap-energize-growth/  Let’s Talk About Your Capabilities Roadmap: https://parkeravery.com/lets-talk-about-your-capabilities-roadmap/  Merchandising Capability Roadmap Paves the Way for Strategic Growth: https://parkeravery.com/industry-experience/merchandising-capability-roadmap-paves-the-way-for-strategic-growth/