The Retail Tea Break

The Retail Advisor
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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. Inside Mr Price: Building an Inclusive Retail Culture

    1 DAY AGO

    Inside Mr Price: Building an Inclusive Retail Culture

    Melissa is joined by Edel McSorley, Operations Director at Mr. Price Branded Bargains, to explore how inclusive leadership is driving performance in modern retail. With over 25 years of experience in retail operations and change management, Edel shares how a strengths-based, human-first approach has shaped a culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to grow. Episode Highlights:How inclusive retail leadership improves productivity and customer experienceUsing strengths-based management in retail that focuses on employee capability rather than limitationsMoving from policy-driven HR to a human-first workplace cultureThe impact of programmes like Women at Work and Tribe on employee confidence and retentionRetail employee retention strategies; early engagement, mentorship and confidence-buildingCreating psychological safety in store environments This episode is a masterclass in diversity and inclusion in retail; showing how DEI, employee engagement, and strengths-based management directly impact retention, growth and commercial success. This episode is brought to you by SmartGifty, the modular digital platform connecting gift cards, loyalty and data into one experience layer. It is used by destinations, shopping centres and retail chains to personalise customer journeys, gain behavioural insight and treat customers as guests rather than transactions. Check out www.smartgifty.com

    35 min
  2. Season 10 Trailer

    SEASON 10 TRAILER

    Season 10 Trailer

    Season 10 of the award-winning Retail Tea Break Podcast is here and it’s set to be the biggest yet. Four and a half years in and after a record-breaking 2025, the momentum is only building. This season promises sharper insights, bolder conversations and real-world retail truths you won’t hear anywhere else. What’s Coming Up This Season… A conversation that proves inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s transformativeA global perspective connecting design, delivery and commercial successA bold, no-filter take on what it really takes to grow a businessHonest truths about digital transformation the wins and the uncomfortable realitiesA question around sustainability that might challenge everything you think you knowA deep dive into a platform many overlook, but shouldn’tA conversation that will make you rethink one of retail’s most talked-about brands New for Season 10 We’re now on Substack! Subscribe to The Retail Tea Break Podcast on Substack to read my take on each episode, with extra learnings, deeper insights and behind-the-scenes thinking you won’t hear on the podcast. Catch up on all 114 previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and make sure you hit follow or subscribe so you never miss a new release. You can also watch episodes on YouTube, and join the conversation by sharing your favourite moments. Tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break Podcast on LinkedIn or Instagram. Put the kettle on, grab your cup of tea, and get ready, season 10 is here!

    4 min
  3. Behind the scenes at NRF 2026

    27 JAN

    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
  4. Inside Amazon: What Amazon.ie Reveals About Retail’s Future

    27/11/2025

    Inside Amazon: What Amazon.ie Reveals About Retail’s Future

    In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa is joined by Alison Dunn, Country Manager for Amazon Ireland. This is a fast-paced conversation about her career across retail and the impact Amazon.ie is having on Ireland’s e-commerce landscape. From the Irish launch in March 2025  to rural delivery, support for local sellers and the trends reshaping how we shop, Alison offers a clear view of where Irish retail is heading next. Key Discussion TopicsWhat went into launching Amazon.ie and why it matters for Irish customersIreland’s shifting shopping habits and their report ‘The Impact of E-commerce on Consumers in Ireland’How online and in-store experiences complement each otherImproving rural access through Amazon’s partnership with An PostHow Amazon empowers Irish brands to scale globallyMarketplace vs retailer, what it means for Irish SMEsChristmas campaign with Friends of The Elderly x Amazon For information on how to start selling on Amazon, visit: https://sellercentral.amazon.ie/   Friends of the Elderly x Amazon Christmas 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkSC8O1W6P0&t=49s

    26 min
  5. Truth-Telling in Grocery Retail with Steve Dresser

    20/11/2025

    Truth-Telling in Grocery Retail with Steve Dresser

    On this week’s episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa chats with Steve Dresser, founder of Grocery Insight. Known for his straight-talking approach and sharp eye for detail, Steve lifts the lid on what’s really happening on the shop floor. Together, they explore why honesty matters, the cultural barriers he’s faced and what retailers must confront if they want meaningful change. Key Discussion PointsThe value of honest, observational insight in a sector often dominated by polished narratives.How rising costs, labour pressures and inconsistent standards are reshaping the store experience.The persistent disconnect between store teams and central offices and why it harms execution.Why culture, communication and accountability matter as much as strategy in driving change.The growing tension between retail tech ambitions and the need to fix fundamental in-store operations Find out more about Grocery Insight here: https://www.groceryinsight.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/

    35 min
  6. From Local Roots to Global Shelves with Kinvara Skincare

    13/11/2025

    From Local Roots to Global Shelves with Kinvara Skincare

    In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa sits down with Dr. Joanne Reilly, the inspiring founder and CEO behind Kinvara Skincare. The award-winning Irish brand blends science, sustainability and plant-powered beauty. From humble beginnings to being stocked in 600+ stores, Jo shares how Kinvara grew organically while staying true to its values, balancing local roots, global ambitions and a loyal customer base. Key Takeaways: Building a trusted, award-winning Irish skincare brandScience meets sustainability in every productStaying true to Irish roots with proudly Irish-made, Irish-branded productsBalancing retail growth with booming e-commerceUsing tech and AI to shape the future of skincare retailExpanding successfully into Canada with bilingual packagingExciting new Irish branding and new SPF launches coming in 2026 Check out Kinvara website at https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/  Go raibh míle maith agat le Joanne ó Kinvara as labhairt liom inniu, agus as an gcúpla focal as Gaeilge. 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/

    32 min
  7. Retail That Delivers: Inish Pharmacy & Autoaddress

    06/11/2025

    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
  8. Keans Claremorris: Retailing for 120 years

    30/10/2025

    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
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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.

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  • Creator
    The Retail Advisor
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Retail Advisor
  • Show Website
    The Retail Tea Break