In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin welcomes James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC. James brings decades of leadership experience from some of the most iconic brands in retail, and today, he shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of the retail industry. The conversation delves into James’s leadership journey at 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, where he played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and scaling the companies globally. James discusses the importance of building strong company culture, balancing innovation with tradition, and the power of networking in retail. He also opens up about one of his most notable innovations—the introduction of the aluminum beer bottle to the U.S. market—and the challenges he faced in launching a new product that would forever change packaging trends. Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about how to navigate the fast-evolving retail landscape, build meaningful relationships, and innovate product offerings to stay ahead of trends. Plus, James shares his vision for the future of retail, including the rise of e-commerce, the role of AI, and what it takes to succeed in a rapidly changing market. Key Takeaways: Leading with a balance of tradition and innovation. The power of networking and mentorship in retail. Insights into launching new products and staying ahead of trends. The future of retail: e-commerce, AI, and sustainability. Learn more about James W. Keyes and his work at jameswkeyes.com . Host: George Goodwin george@innovaragency.com Questions: podcast@innovaragency.com Guest: James W. Keyes Follow James: @jameswkeyes Subscribe to GroceryPulse and stay tuned for more industry insights!…

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Bob Reeves, Executive Vice President and Associate Publisher at Shelby Publishing. As a grocery media expert and USC Food Industry Management Program alumnus, Bob shares insights from over two decades of documenting and influencing the grocery industry. The conversation dives into the critical role of grocery media in shaping industry trends and decisions, exploring: Bob’s journey from grocer to media professional and his passion for elevating the industry. The Shelby Report’s impact on connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers through regional insights and trend forecasting. Why staying informed through industry media is essential for grocers aiming to adapt to market changes and drive growth. Listeners will gain actionable advice on leveraging grocery media for better decision-making, building partnerships, and staying ahead of industry trends as we approach 2025. Key Takeaways: - Engage with trade publications like The Shelby Report to stay informed. - Use media insights to navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and drive innovation. -Don’t underestimate the power of industry events and networking. Shelby Reports Article mention in the podcast: https://theshelbyreport.com/2024/10/02/goodwin-sons-market-reopens-in-crestline-ca/ Emails us: Host: George Goodwin george@innovaragency.com Questions: podcast@innovaragency.com Guest: Bob Revees rreeves@shelbypublishing.com Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher , West Regional Director Subscribe to https://theshelbyreport.com/…

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency , host George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and retail strategist, sits down with Austin and Brennen, co-founders of Sleke. Sleke is revolutionizing workplace productivity with its “smart dumb phone,” designed to eliminate distractions and enhance focus. The conversation explores the impact of smartphone distractions on grocery and retail operations, with eye-opening stats like $600 billion lost annually due to workplace distractions. Austin and Brennen share how Sleek’s B2B solutions are tailored to improve communication, streamline operations, and boost productivity for grocery teams. This episode is packed with actionable insights, rapid-fire fun questions, and expert advice for grocery leaders ready to embrace focused communication tools. Don’t miss this deep dive into how technology is pushing the grocery industry forward! Visit https://www.sleke.io/ website or email austin@sleke.io to explore their B2B solutions and schedule a free consultation. Subscribe to Grocery Pulse for more insights, and share this episode with fellow grocery and retail professionals!…

Olympic Insights for Grocery Leaders: Krysta Palmer on Grit, Goals & Shopping Trends | GroceryPulse Vol. 9 In this exciting episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin welcomes Krysta Palmer, Olympic Bronze Medalist and USA Diving National Team member, to explore what grocery leaders and store owners can learn from athletes. Krysta shares her journey from earning medals on the global stage to preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, all while balancing a Kinesiology degree and an MBA. Grocery executives and teams will be inspired by Krysta’s lessons in grit, goal-setting, and overcoming odds, as well as valuable insights into athletes’ shopping habits. Did you know that athletes shop 2-3 times more than the average American? They prioritize quality foods and healthy trends that impact grocery decisions. Learn how to apply these insights to better serve health-conscious customers. 🛒 ⁠Learn more here⁠.…

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast , George Goodwin is joined by Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising at Big Y Foods. With over 20 years of experience in the grocery and retail industry, Ron shares his expertise in crafting innovative marketing strategies and driving customer engagement. The conversation delves into the evolving role of marketing in the grocery sector, the importance of understanding customer behavior, and the strategies Big Y Foods has implemented to stay ahead in a competitive market. Ron also offers actionable advice for retailers looking to build stronger connections with their customers. Whether you're a retail professional or simply curious about the future of grocery marketing, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in now! 🛒 ⁠Learn more here⁠ .…

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Coupe, the host of the renowned MorningNewsBeat and a grocery industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Kevin shares his invaluable insights into the evolving world of grocery retail, offering advice on how retailers can stay relevant, embrace technology, and create a unique store identity. From the rise of e-commerce to the power of customer feedback, Kevin provides actionable strategies that grocery professionals can apply to future-proof their businesses. 🛒 Learn more here .…

Join George Goodwin on Grocery Pulse as he talks with Amir Hosh, founder of Ayoub’s Dried Fruits and Nuts. Learn how Ayoub’s is transforming North America’s snack culture with fresh, healthy options. They discuss overcoming challenges, fostering positive team energy, and building a family legacy. Tune in to hear how Ayoub’s is shaping a tastier future. Sponsored by Innovar Marketing Agency! 🛒 Learn more here .…

In this podcast, millennial mothers candidly share their grocery shopping habits, followed by a lively fireside chat discussing why they choose to shop where they do. Gain valuable insights into consumer behavior and trends in the grocery industry. Stay tuned for more. 🛒

🛒 Uncover the Secrets of Mom-Powered Grocery Shopping! 🛒 Mothers do about 60 to 80% of the grocery shopping for their family! Dive into the minds of influential moms who steer the course of family grocery decisions! 🌟 In our recent webinar, a dynamic panel of savvy moms spilled the beans on what really goes on behind the aisles of their grocery shopping escapades. More questions? email us at Marketing@InnovarAgency.com Let’s connect: Like, Comment, Subscribe and Share…

In this episode of Grocery Pulse, we sit down with Paul, one of the family owner of Super G Mart, a thriving family chain of international supermarkets. Paul shares his journey in defining a unique store identity, fostering successful vendor partnerships, optimizing real estate space, and creating a welcoming shopping experience for a diverse customer base. Learn how Super G Mart adapts to market trends, manages inventory challenges, and engages with the local community. Whether you’re a seasoned grocery store owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll gain valuable insights into the grocery business’s ever-evolving landscape. Join us for a deep dive into the world of international grocers. 💻 Questions? email us at Marketing@InnovarAgency.com…

Join Grocery Pulse host George Goodwin as he interviews founder Galen, delving into the evolution of grocery shopping with a focus on health-conscious choices, differentiation for independent stores, environmental responsibility, loyalty factors, transparent price tagging, and affordability of healthier choices. Tune in for insights into the crucial aspects of differentiation, environmental responsibility, and health-conscious decisions.…

Step into the fast-paced world of retail with the launch of our retailMetrix Podcast, ”Grocery Pulse.” Uncover key insights, tips, and tricks from industry experts, empowering retailers to thrive in today’s competitive market.