Hello Omni Talk Fans! This week’s Fast Five podcast tackles some really controversial moves in retail right now, and let me tell you (and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone), Anne and I did NOT agree on everything.
Our latest episode features some serious debates that had us questioning the future of beloved brands, billion-dollar delivery businesses, and whether throwing $40 million at AI is brilliant or complete bonkers.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll get in this week’s Fast Five podcast:
- Amazon’s Whole Foods makeover — ShopBots in the backroom fetching Pepsi and Tide Pods? A 3,800-square-foot Amazon Grocery kiosk replacing the coffee shop? Anne and I debate whether this is smart strategy or the death of the Whole Foods brand. (Source)
- Starbucks’ $1 billion delivery empire — Coffee delivery grew 30% this year and crossed the billion-dollar milestone. Does this vindicate Brian Niccol’s turnaround plan or prove that automation and dark cafes are a required path forward? (Source)
- Mondelez’s $40 million AI bet — The Oreo-maker is going all-in on generative AI for marketing. I think it’s a sunk cost trap. Anne thinks they should’ve tested with providers first. What do you think? (Source)
- Kroger + Uber Eats integration — Order groceries AND dinner from local restaurants all in the Kroger app? I love it. Anne loves it. How long until Walmart responds? (Source)
- Grubhub meets Instacart — This strange bedfellow partnership has us scratching our heads. Why would Instacart give Wonder-owned Grubhub a lifeline? (Source)
There’s all that, plus we hand out this month’s OmniStar Award to Justin Weinstein at Giant Eagle, and producer Ella reveals which headline won the week.
Oh, and if you want to know what I last used ChatGPT for, whether Anne agrees with People’s Sexiest Man Alive pick, or what Carly Rae Jepsen should call her baby, you’ll just have to listen.
Listen to This Week’s Fast Five Podcast
Be careful out there,
— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
P.S. There’s been a cheese factory explosion in Paris.
But, unfortunately, there was nothing left but de brie.
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.