The Retail Tea Break

The Retail Advisor

Hosted by retail industry expert Melissa Moore, The Retail Tea Break podcast brings together retailers, brands and thought leaders to decode the myths, share knowledge and give you fresh insights into the ever-evolving world of retail.

  1. Behind the scenes at NRF 2026

    JAN 27

    Behind the scenes at NRF 2026

    Episode 113 of The Retail Tea Break podcast was recorded live at National Retail Federation Big Show 2026 in New York. In this special megamix episode, Melissa Moore brings together industry leaders to share honest, on-the-ground insight into what’s shaping retail in 2026; from store operations and global expansion to AI, availability, waste and cyber resilience. Grab a cup of tea and listen in to the conversations driving real change across retail! Featured Guests & ConversationsLinda Johansen James, Founder & CEO, International Retail Group A leading retail voice on the latest issue of International Retail Magazine and the evolving role of AI in retail leadership. Allan Malcomson, Co-Founder & CEO, Meerby A retailer-turned-founder shares what’s top of the agenda for 2026 and how technology can genuinely support store teams. Dan Jelfs, Chief Commercial Officer, PMC Where retailers are really placing their tech bets, simplifying complexity under the bonnet, and why cyber security is now a board-level priority. Alex Considine Tong, Chief Product Officer, Retail Insight Fixing availability, reducing waste and turning data into clear, actionable priorities for store teams. Fred de Gombert, Co-Founder & President, Akeneo Why product information matters more than ever, how teams can move faster with confidence and what AI needs to truly add value. Isabell Aakervik, Chief Expansion Officer, Sitoo The reality of unified commerce, empowering store teams with real-time insight and future-proofing commerce platforms for growth. A huge thank you to our sponsor International Retail Magazine. Each issue is packed with practical strategies, global insights, and leadership perspectives you can use immediately. Visit https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/ to subscribe to your free copy of the latest issue.

    33 min
  2. Retail That Delivers: Inish Pharmacy & Autoaddress

    2025-11-06

    Retail That Delivers: Inish Pharmacy & Autoaddress

    In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, Melissa Moore chats with Paul O’Hea, pharmacist and co-owner of Inish Pharmacy Group and Isabel Hughes, head of marketing at Autoaddress. Together, they explore how teamwork, technology and trust shape modern retail; from maintaining a human touch in pharmacy service to tackling the hidden costs of bad address data. The conversation blends the practical challenges of peak-season trading with digital innovation, customer care and operational growth. Discussion Points: How Inish Pharmacy blends online convenience with in-store care and trust.Scaling operations and moving warehouses mid–holiday season.The role of clean, accurate address data in enhancing customer experience.The impact of express checkouts and digital wallets on address accuracy.The evolving Irish address landscape; Eircode, compliance and automation. Key Takeaways: Human touch still matters: Personal service builds loyalty, even in e-commerce.Bad data costs retailers: Clean address data reduces failed deliveries and customer complaints.Growth requires resilience: Operational challenges, like warehouse expansion, can strengthen long-term capacity.Convenience must meet accuracy: Retailers must balance frictionless checkouts with verified customer details.Technology is a team player: Smart integrations between retailers and data partners improve both service and efficiency. Check out https://www.inishpharmacy.com/ Thank you to Autoaddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

    25 min
  3. Keans Claremorris: Retailing for 120 years

    2025-10-30

    Keans Claremorris: Retailing for 120 years

    Melissa Moore sits down with James Kean, Managing Director of Keans Claremorris, a fourth-generation family business that has evolved from a small grocery shop into a 25,000 sq ft retail destination. With 120 years of history behind them, the Kean family has embraced change while staying true to their roots in customer service and community. They discuss: The transformation of a family grocery shop into a modern multi-department retail destination.How adaptability and customer focus helped the business survive world wars, recessions and the pandemic.The role of partnerships, buying groups and collaborations (including PetStop) in maintaining competitiveness.The balance between digital convenience (same-day dispatch, nationwide delivery) and strong local identity.How AI, data and technology are shaping operations and customer experience. Key takeaways: Family businesses thrive when they evolve with customer needs while holding onto their community roots.Strategic partnerships and buying groups give independents the scale to compete with bigger players.Investing in technology, from AI to fibre broadband can enhance both online and in-store experiences.Staff training and empowerment remain at the heart of excellent customer service.Resilience in retail comes from positivity, peer support and a willingness to adapt. Check out https://www.keanscm.ie/ Thank you to AutoAddress for sponsoring today’s episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland’s most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

    25 min
  4. Shopping Shifts: Surprising Insights for Retailers

    2025-10-16

    Shopping Shifts: Surprising Insights for Retailers

    In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa Moore is joined by Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T. They dive into the latest consumer trends shaping the future of retail. The discussion covers how AI, digital transformation and evolving search behaviors are reshaping the retail landscape, as well as the shifting nature of consumer loyalty. Melissa highlights practical strategies for retailers to meet changing consumer expectations and leverage technology to enhance the shopping experience. Retailers of all sizes will benefit from understanding how AI and digital trends are transforming shopping behaviors. Melissa’s insights offer actionable strategies to optimize customer experiences, anticipate holiday season behaviors and ensure your brand remains relevant in a fast-evolving market. Key Takeaways: 75% of consumers are now using AI tools during their shopping journeys.Search engines are becoming more influential than marketplaces in guiding purchases.Consumer loyalty is shifting from emotional attachment to transactional behavior.The “app gap” highlights a disconnect between consumer behavior and retailer offerings.Social media continues to play a central role in influencing shopping decisions.Consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over traditional brand loyalty.Today’s savvy consumers are firmly in control of their shopping journeys. See the full report here: https://ciandt.com/us/en-us/report/retail-tech-reality-check Catch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email melissa@theretailadvisor.ie

    30 min

About

Hosted by retail industry expert Melissa Moore, The Retail Tea Break podcast brings together retailers, brands and thought leaders to decode the myths, share knowledge and give you fresh insights into the ever-evolving world of retail.