In episode 464 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton, co-CEOs of Omni Talk Retail, a fast-growing blog and podcast channel providing news, analysis and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry. Mezzenga is also a speaker at Total Retail Tech 2024, the summit for retail technologists, being held this week (Sept. 9-11) in Charlotte. Listen in as Mezzenga and Walton discuss the origin of Omni Talk Retail (1:10), their career backgrounds in retail (3:15), the media business' mission today (5:50), and retail technology investment trends (7:35).
In addition, Mezzenga and Walton share forecasts for retail technology in 2025 (10:45), common themes they're hearing at industry events (13:10), and predictions on consumer behavior in Q4 (16:00). Lastly, they discuss the retail winners in the first half of 2024 (18:55) as well as the brands that are facing challenges (21:45).
Anne Mezzenga is a top retail influencer and co-CEO of Omni Talk, one of the fastest-growing media platforms in retail, where she provides expert commentary on the future of the retail industry and current trends. Anne also serves on boards for Firework, Buncha, Ownit, Lucky, Broadhead, Scrollmark, and Delivery Solutions. Prior to starting Omni Talk, Anne was the director of marketing and partnerships for Target’s Store of the Future project and spent time in leadership positions at ad agencies Martin Williams and Fallon, as well as media outlets NBC Universal in New York and Minneapolis FOX affiliate KMSP. From 2014-2022, she also owned and ran operations and marketing for three boutique fitness facilities in the Twin Cities.
Chris Walton is a leading expert and influencer in omnichannel retailing. An accomplished senior executive, Chris has high-level executive experience across nearly every discipline within retail. Currently he is the co-CEO and founder of Omni Talk, one of the fastest-growing blogs in retail. He is a regular keynote speaker, a contributor for Forbes and the Robin Report, and sits on the advisory boards for Sezzle, Delivery Solutions, and Xenia Retail. Prior to starting Omni Talk, Chris worked for Target, where he was the vice president of the retailer’s Store of the Future project and also the vice president of merchandising for home furnishings on Target.com. Chris began his career at Gap, Inc. and holds a BA in Economics and History from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
