The Retail Tea Break

What happens when retailers become so focused on efficiency that they lose the flexibility needed to serve customers at their best? In this episode, Melissa Moore is joined by Sue Hedaux, Co-Founder and Head of Insights at ReThink Productivity, to discuss the findings from the Future Ready Retail Report. Together, they explore the growing productivity paradox facing retailers today, where stores c...

In this special eTail UK mash-up episode, Melissa Moore is joined by three industry leaders who are helping shape the future of retail, e-commerce and digital marketing. Samantha Mo from Samsung, Abdu Alhadithi from Sculpted by Aimee, and global digital operations expert Ben Newbon-Stead share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing retailers today. Together, they explore how...

Ahead of eTail UK, this special mash-up episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast brings together conversations with Persi, Curvy Kate and Blackcircles to explore how retailers are connecting AI, brand, marketing and digital to create stronger customer experiences. From smarter personalization and AI implementation to full-funnel thinking and breaking down internal silos, this episode looks at how r...

What does it take to turn a creative idea into a globally stocked Irish brand? In this episode of The Retail Tea Break , Melissa chats with Kim Whyte about the journey behind Pawpear and the lessons learned along the way. From her early design career in London to building a business inspired by Irish culture, language and landscape. Kim shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the value of commun...

I n the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break, Caroline Orange-Northy, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Pinterest explores how the platform has evolved from a source of inspiration into a powerful retail and shopping destination. The conversation dives into why Pinterest operates differently from traditional social media platforms, focusing on purchase intent rather than the attention economy...

What happens when AI becomes the storefront? In this episode of The Retail Tea Break , I’m joined by Tarek Müller, Co-Founder and MD of About You and SCAYLE, for a fascinating conversation on the future of commerce. From SCAYLE’s expansion into the US market and its recent Levi Strauss & Co. partnership, to the growing role of AI and Large Language Models in retail discovery, Tarek shares why...

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break, I’m joined by the Group CFO of Holland & Barrett to explore what happens when finance leadership truly puts the customer first. Vineta Bajaj’s career spans high-growth, tech-led businesses including Ocado and Rohlik Group. She brings a fresh perspective to the CFO role, one that goes far beyond traditional metrics and into customer experience, cul...

In this episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast , Melissa is joined by Steve Lister. The sustainability consultant has over 20 years’ experience working with some of the world’s biggest retail brands. Known for his straight-talking approach, Steve lifts the lid on what’s really happening behind the scenes in retail sustainability. From the hidden inefficiencies driving waste, to the disconnect bet...

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break, Melissa is joined by Nick Harbaugh. The retail project management leader has more than 35 years of experience in commercial construction and large-scale store rollouts. He founded Retail Marketing Services and went on to lead international programs for major global brands, delivering complex retail execution across hundreds of locations and multiple c...

This episode of  The Retail Tea Break  was recorded at the fabulous press event for this year's Retail Technology Show. It brings together three powerhouse voices from across retail technology and digital transformation: Meriel Neighbo...

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:...

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 tran...

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 t...

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...

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 Disc...

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...

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...

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 sho...

On this week’s episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa Moore chats with Thomas Ennis, CEO of Thomas Ennis Grou p. They explore his 35-year retail career in fresh food, the mentors who shaped his path and his people-first leadership style. Thomas shares insights on building strong teams, learning from both successes and failures in retail expansion and adapting through innovation. They als...

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 hig...

In this episode of The Retail Tea Break , Melissa Moore sits down with Dan Bond, VP of Marketing at RevLifter. They explore how retailers can stop wasting their promotion budgets and start running smarter, more profitable intelligent offers. With over 20 years in marketing and MarTech, Dan explains how data-driven promotions not only delight customers but also keep sales moving, stock under contro...

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by Nora Zukauskaite, Integrated Marketing Director at TikTok Shop. With a career across creative, tech and entertainment, Nora now leads the way in discovery commerce and digital-first retail. This is a phenomenal episode,  full of insights and exciting sneak peak.  Grab your notebook and your cup of tea and enjoy this gam...

Every customer who walks through your door is an opportunity, but only if you know how to convert them. In this episode of The Retail Tea Break , Melissa Moore chats with Mark Ryski, retail analytics expert and author of Store Traffic Is a Gift . Mark unpacks why store traffic is often undervalued, how conversion is the missing link to sales success and what practical steps retailers can take to m...

Melissa Moore chats with Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland , the luxury brand known for premium footwear and lifestyle apparel. Michael shares how Dubarry evolved from a niche sailing boot maker into a global lifestyle brand while staying true to Irish heritage and craftsmanship. They discuss: Retail innovation, including pop-ups, flagship stores and direct-to-consumer strate...

In this bold and brilliantly candid Retail Room 101 edition of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by one of the most outspoken voices in the industry, The Retail Maverick Andrew Busby. The well-known retail industry expert, speaker and writer,  has extensive experience and knowledge in the retail sector, particularly in areas such as retail technology, customer experience, and emerging...