Hello Omni Talk Fans! This week’s Fast Five was a retail media deep dive, partially because I designed it that way and also because our incredible guest host, Kathryn Mazza, formerly the CMO at Hy-Vee and now the Chief Growth Officer at Barrows Connected Store, has more knowledge on the subject than just about anyone.
Kathryn not only came to play this week, but she also put me in my place more than once, and honestly? I likely deserved it, and it makes for great podcasting.
Here’s a taste of what’s waiting for you in this week’s episode:
- OpenAI launching its ChatGPT Ads Manager: Kathryn and I agreed this was coming, but discussed what it means for retailers trying to figure out where to spend their media dollars right now. Kathryn would put her test budget here first. So would I.
- Target’s new creator programs: I went on a full rant about why this is a me-too strategy and why LTK ultimately wins here, not Target. Kathryn told me, and I quote, “I think you’re being a little harsh.” Twice.
- Dollar General unifying its retail media ad inventory: On-site, off-site, and in-store, all connected for the first time. Kathryn called it a potential game changer for media buyers, and after hearing her break it down, I’m inclined to agree.
- Audible’s bookless bookstore in NYC: I started out selling this hard and somehow talked myself onto the buy side. Kathryn needs to see it to believe it. And yes, I brought up Fabio paperbacks.
- Amazon Pharmacy and same-day Ozempic delivery: This is the headline of the week, maybe the month. Amazon is bringing GLP-1 pills to nearly 3,000 cities at prices that could open an entirely new consumer segment. If you’re a grocer with a pharmacy, you should be worried on multiple fronts.
Oh, and if you want to know what contraband TSA once confiscated from Kathryn at the airport, why I will never refill my water bottle at Heathrow again, or who my dream podcast guest is (hint: he owns a yacht), you’ll just have to listen to find out.
Listen to This Week’s Fast Five Podcast
Be careful out there,
— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
P.S. What causes some boats to become party boats?
Pier pressure.
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.