The Retail Influencer

In this new episode, we sit down with Alex van Gestel from EPAM to dive into the findings of the Consumer Voice Report 2025 . Where do retailers really stand when it comes to AI adoption? Why is customer experience still such an underused field of application? And how can companies move beyond quick wins to build a truly strategic vision? Together, we explore concrete use cases, the cultural barri...

In this episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail , I sit down with Jeff De Graef from ServiceNow to dive into the latest Consumer Voice survey and explore what it reveals about the evolving relationship between customers, human agents, and AI. Is AI ready for emotional customer interaction? Why do consumers still prefer human contact while being critical of AI, despite its advantages? Je...

Reducing theft-related losses remains a major challenge for retailers, whether they are independents or managing a network of hundreds of stores. In this episode, Tom Symons , founder of iRetailCheck and Profit Protection Services , shares his expertise on in-store shrinkage and the technological tools that can help prevent it. We discuss the different types of theft, human error, and the concrete...

In this episode, Vincent is joined by Gijs de Mol , co-founder of Root Sustainability , for a conversation on the challenges of sustainability reporting. Accurately reporting on sustainability requires reliable data, the right tools, and a clear understanding of complex frameworks, which is something that’s far from easy for both retailers and manufacturers. Gijs breaks down the intricacies of sco...

In this episode of The Retail Influencer , we dive into the evolving world of gardening with Gerco de Graaf , Director of Sales Europe at EGO POWER+. As the sector transitions from traditional retail models to more service- and sustainability-focused approaches, Gerco shares his unique perspective on where the market is heading. We explore current consumer trends, the rise of cordless and battery-...

Important regulatory deadlines are approaching (CSRD, EUDR, and more). Ensuring traceability, managing data, and demonstrating compliance can be complex and overwhelming. Yet, retailers and manufacturers are already feeling the impact and taking action. In this episode of The Retail Influencer , I speak with Stijn Scheepers , Country Director Benelux at osapiens , about the mounting pressure on co...

In this episode, my guest is none other than Thierry Coeman ,  author, speaker, and ambassador for All Fields . A go-to expert when it comes to a topic as broad and strategic as field marketing and in-store activation . Before diving into trends, we took the time to lay the groundwork and clarify what field marketing truly means. From there, we unpacked the sector’s dynamics, explored current majo...

In this episode of The Retail Influencer , I sit down with Ana Pinto , CEO of RECKON.AI , to explore the fast-evolving world of unmanned stores. From the core AI technology powering these concepts to the challenges of implementation, we cover it all. We also dive into the strategic use of data, the impact on customer experience, and what it takes to scale these solutions in real-world retail envir...

In this episode, we're diving into a different kind of trade show, one that’s not open to everyone, but still plays a major role in shaping the retail landscape: the tradeshow organised by a retailer for its affiliates and suppliers. I see event as a place to network, spot trends, and of course, do business. But unlike massive international fairs like SIAL or Anuga, the event on our agenda today i...

Why is this campaign making a comeback at Carrefour Belgium ? And why as a summer edition, no less? How does this initiative fit into the overall commercial strategy? Answers to these questions, and much more, in this episode dedicated to Scanmania 3.0 , featuring Yannick de Bièvre , Director of Marketing, Customer Services & Analytics, and Paul Peugnet , Chief Commercial Officer at Carrefour....

The checkout area is a key part of any store, and many retailers use it to drive impulse purchases. But what are the real drivers of impulse buying, especially when it comes to confectionery? In this episode, I’m joined by Fred Naymark , one of the co-founders of the candy brand Yolloh . With his impressive on-the-ground experience, he shares his highly pragmatic vision of the confectionery catego...

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Peterson , author of Red and Blue Customers , to explore the fascinating intersection of values and purchasing behavior. What if the way people vote actually influences how they shop? That’s exactly the question Chris set out to answer. Together we spoke among other things about insights from his research into conservative and liberal values, implications and...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Miller from Shoptalk about some of the key trends shaping the retail industry today. From cutting through the noise of the AI hype to discussing the growing synergy between physical and digital retail, we covered a lot of ground. We also explored the rapid rise of retail media and what it means for brands and retailers alike. And of course,...

Today, I bring you a fascinating conversation with three winemakers: Jacob Bruun-Jensen from Dyrehøj Vingaard , Kim Thrysøe from Guldbæk Vingård , and Helle Stokkebye from Stokkebye Vineyard , as we dive into the world of cool climate wines, with a special focus on Danish wines. We discussed the definition of these cool climate wines, the challenges they face, the issue of brand awareness, how the...

In this episode, I spoke about  Skills4Retail  with two guests:  Nicole Bartolo , Business Development & Events Associate , and  Sabrina Di Ruggiero , Project Manager at  Schuman Associates . Skills4Retail  is an innovative European project aimed at supporting the green, digital, and resilient transition of the retail sector. The podcast explores the origins of the project, the people behind i...

Today, I invite you to discover a fascinating conversation with Nicolas Ancion about the PRIX JUSTE label , a committed project that brings new meaning to the food supply chain. In this episode, Nicolas discusses the origins of the initiative, the concrete benefits for producers and consumers, and the future outlook for building a fairer model. It was a conversation full of ideas and values. Tune...

Saveurs et Métiers set up shop in Namur from February 2 to 4, and let’s be clear: the event lived up to expectations! With increased attendance and fully booked conferences, the atmosphere was dynamic, the exchanges enriching, and industry trends well highlighted. Here’s a recap of this event, which 20/CENT Retail participated in intensively for three days, along with the key takeaways. Hosted on...

This episode is a great one, as I get to chat about industry trends with a true specialist. Stijn Bex , Co-Founder of Bullseye Distribution , joins me to discuss the evolving landscape of the drinks, sweets, and snacks industry. We dive into key market trends, including the rise of " less " (less sugar, less alcohol, etc.), the growing demand for premium products, the importance of experience-driv...

EUROCIS 2025 is just around the corner! From February 18 to 20, Düsseldorf will become the epicenter of retail technology. On this episode of The Retail Influencer , I sit down with Elke Moebius , to explore what’s in store for this year’s edition. Tune in to discover the key trends, innovations, and highlights shaping the future of retail.   EUROCIS , 2-4 February 2025, Dusseldorf Messe, Dusseldo...

Lieven Vanlommel , the CEO of Foodmaker joins the Retail Influencer for this episode. Together, we dive into the origins of this trailblazing company and explore its mission to make healthy eating accessible to all. Actually, I shouldn’t use the word “ company ” as Lieven often refers to Foodmaker as the healthy wave or movement. During our conversation, he shares insights into Foodmaker ’s journe...

In this special episode, I sit down with Marie Henin from Easyfairs to give you an exclusive preview of Saveurs et Métiers , the must-attend event for food and retail professionals to kick off the year in Belgium (and around). Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

For the second year in a row, Chun Kay Tang from Mollie joins The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail to discuss the findings of their latest E-commerce Report . In this insightful episode, we unpack the key trends shaping retail in 2025. From shifting consumer habits to economic pressures and opportunities, the report offers a wealth of data and actionable insights. Did you know that 4 out of 10...

There are many retail events in our region and as many of you know, the trade show is in my opinion a very efficient media for networking, doing business and discover the trends of a sector. Yearly I attend quite a lot of conferences, seminars and tradeshows. And over the years, during my visits and discussions with retail professionals, two recurring questions always come up: The first one : “ He...

In this episode, I sit down with  Ulrich Spaan  from the  EHI Retail Institute  to dive into the technologies shaping the future of retail. From the rise of generative AI to the evolution of self-checkout systems, we discuss what’s driving these trends, how they’re transforming processes, and what retailers and brands should watch out for in 2025. We also touch on the EHI's presence at the upcomin...

Let’s dive into one of the most anticipated events in the food industry calendar: ISM and ProSweets Cologne , taking place from February 2nd to 5th, 2025. As the first major international trade show of the year, ISM and Prosweets set the tone for the industry's health and trends, making it a must-visit event for professionals. I'm always excited to attend, and I highly recommend you do the same! T...