Rethink Retail: AI & Human Connection with Paula Angelucci
On this episode of Rethink Retail, host April Sabral takes us into the heart of retail innovation with special guest Paula Angelucci. Broadcasting live from New York City, April and Paula dive deep into the evolving role of AI in brick-and-mortar stores.
Paula brings her rich background working with Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Burlington Stores, sharing how AI is not replacing, but empowering store associates to elevate customer experience.
Together, they explore practical ways leaders can introduce AI to their teams, transforming fear into opportunity and enhancing product knowledge.
Tune in for inspiring insights on leadership, the human connection in retail, and the future of AI in stores.
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com.
--------
14:19
How AI is Reshaping Shrink Prevention at Checkout
In this episode, Rethink Retail host Corin Dennison speaks with Christoph Annemuller (Diebold Nixdorf) and David Naumann (Verizon) about how AI, computer vision, and edge computing are transforming loss prevention.
They explore how AI can spot mis-scans, recognize products in real time, and improve the self-checkout experience, while reducing theft and operational strain.
You’ll learn:
- Why 1/3 of shrink happens at the checkout
- How AI is boosting accuracy without hurting CX
- What makes edge computing essential for retail AI
- Why solving real problems should come before picking the tech
--------
20:50
From Boutique to Thousands of Doors: Vanessa Urenda’s Retail Journey
What does it take to scale a specialty brand from a handful of boutiques to thousands of retail doors worldwide? Bellamy Grindl chats with Vanessa Urenda, co-founder of ADA Collectiojn, shares her journey navigating distribution, building curated assortments, and partnering with the right retailers to grow successfully. Discover the strategy, execution, and market insights that make it happen.
⏱ Timestamps:
[00:00] Vanessa’s early days & founding Audit Collection
[03:15] Building a distribution network: from 50 to 2,500 boutiques
[07:40] The power of curated assortments & market segmentation
[11:20] Partnering with department stores & specialty retailers
[15:00] Creating strategy & execution support for founders
[18:45] Lessons learned on growth, retail partnerships & scaling
🔗 Join our community: www.globalretailleaders.com
--------
16:54
From Catalog to Clicks: N Brown’s Evolution
What does it take to lead a legacy brand into the digital future?
Flick Collingwood chats with Nuno Miller, Digital COO at N Brown Group, to explore the company’s bold transformation from mail-order giant to modern e-commerce player. Hear how N Brown is reshaping its culture, breaking down silos, and placing customer-centricity at the heart of its operations.
⏱ Timestamps:
[00:00] N Brown’s legacy: From catalog to digital
[02:30] Why transformation is more than just technology
[05:45] OKRs, mission drives & cross-functional tribes
[09:30] Breaking silos & building customer-first teams
[13:30] The critical role of CEO sponsorship
[17:30] Lessons learned: mindset shifts & cultural change
[21:00] Nuno’s advice for leading successful digital transformations
🔗 Join our global community: www.globalretailleaders.com
--------
17:35
Processor Technology in the Retail Landscape of Tomorrow
In this episode, Marc Scanlan chats with Maryia Zotorovich (Intel) and Christian Weber (Diebold Nixdorf) about the tech transforming retail. From AI-powered checkouts to energy-efficient hardware and modular POS, learn how innovation is meeting real-world retail needs.
🎙️ Discover how edge computing, AI workloads like item and age recognition, and sustainability innovations are reshaping the in-store experience and driving retail transformation. From modular POS systems to scalable infrastructure and cross-functional data synergy—this is the conversation retailers need to hear as we head into 2025.
Tune in to learn how Intel and Diebold Nixdorf are partnering to meet the evolving needs of global retailers—and why adaptability and performance are key to staying competitive.
South Africa