Hello Omni Talk Fans! Hubris abounds in today’s headlines as brands grow angry with Amazon for interceding in their direct relationships with customers, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen once again exhibits a Messiah complex.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Amazon faces growing complaints from independent brands over its “Buy for Me” shopping tool, which allows customers to purchase products from other websites within Amazon’s app, often without explicit retailer consent.
- GameStop proposes an entirely performance-based compensation package for CEO Ryan Cohen that could reach $35 billion if the company hits a $100 billion market cap and $10 billion in cumulative EBITDA.
- UPS’ Happy Returns pilots AI-powered Return Vision software to detect “decoy return” fraud, using computer vision to verify returned products match retailers’ original items.
Plus, our fascinating 5 Insightful Minutes discussion with the CEO of a company that may have just cracked the code on profitable e-grocery, and a movie quote inspired by Mr. Cohen’s ego.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Amazon’s Buy For Me Lists Products Without Merchant Permission
Amazon’s AI-powered “Buy For Me” feature automatically listed products from third-party merchants without permission, causing frustration among brand owners. Sellers must email Amazon to opt out, raising concerns about consent, brand reputation, and incorrect product displays. Many argue it should be opt-in rather than opt-out. (Read More)
2. GameStop Offers CEO Ryan Cohen $35 Billion Compensation Package
GameStop unveiled a $35 billion performance-based compensation package for CEO Ryan Cohen, requiring the struggling retailer’s market value to reach $100 billion and achieve $10 billion in cumulative EBITDA. Cohen receives no guaranteed salary or bonuses. The package, resembling Elon Musk’s Tesla structure, requires shareholder approval. (Read More)
3. Happy Returns Tests AI Tool to Combat Retail Return Fraud
Happy Returns, a UPS-owned reverse logistics company, reports nearly one in ten U.S. retail returns involves fraud, costing retailers $76.5 billion annually. The company is testing AI tools to flag fraudulent returns at its 8,000 boxless, in-person return locations, where physical verification helps deter common fraud tactics. (Read More)
4. Walmart Connect Rolls Out AI-Powered Retail Media Solutions
Walmart Connect is building AI-powered retail media to make advertising smarter and more effective. They’re leveraging AI for agentic shopping experiences through Sparky agent, GenAI-powered performance insights, automated creative generation, and launched Marty advertising assistant helping brands run smarter campaigns through conversational chat guidance. (Read More)
5. Albertsons Media Collective Unveils In-Store Incrementality Measurement
Albertsons Media Collective launched in-store incrementality measurement comparing test stores exposed to ads against control stores to determine true sales lift. Using matched-market methodology with 60 variables, the solution addresses retail industry challenges in measuring in-store media impact. MondelÄ“z’s test campaign achieved 14% sales lift. (Read More)
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Be careful out there,
— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
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.