Building a business is rarely a straightforward journey, and sometimes the biggest lessons come from the toughest challenges. In this episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa Moore is joined by Chloe Gardner, founder of The Wonky Woolins, a multi-award-winning Irish children's toy and baby gift brand. Chloe shares her refreshingly honest experiences of entrepreneurship, from starting the business at just 15 years old to navigating the realities of growth, making difficult decisions and finding a more enjoyable and fulfilling way to run her business.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The journey from craft markets to securing major retail partnerships in Ireland and the UK.
• Why the brand is shifting its focus towards direct-to-consumer and the impact of social media on sales.
• The importance of storytelling in building a brand and connecting with customers.
• The challenges of sourcing, production and finding reliable partners.
• Why simplifying the product range can create a healthier, more profitable business.
• The future of retail and the growing demand for quality, sustainability and authentic brand experiences.

Discover more about The Wonky Woolins: https://www.thewonkywoolins.com

On the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, I’m joined by Miya Knights, author of The Future of Shopping: Using Digital, Data and AI to Win with Customers.

With 27 years’ experience across retail technology as an analyst, editor, author and consultant, Miya brings a practical perspective to how technology is reshaping retail. We explore how retailers can use digital, data and AI to better understand and serve their customers, without losing sight of the fundamentals of great retail.

We discuss:

• Needs, missions and journeys – understanding what customers are really trying to achieve.
• Technology with purpose – putting business needs before technology.
• Connecting digital and physical retail – creating better experiences across channels.
• The intelligent store – using data, sensors and AI to enhance physical retail.
• Keeping retail human – where people add value in an increasingly automated world.
• The Golden Quarter and what comes next – pricing, promotions, retention and stronger customer relationships.

This is a fascinating conversation about where retail is heading and what shouldn’t change along the way.

Grab a cup of tea and listen in!

Purchase The Future of Shopping and use the code KOGAN25: https://www.koganpage.com/marketing-communications/the-future-of-shopping-9781398627925

Read the latest from Retail technology Magazine

What happens when AI starts influencing how customers discover and choose products?

In this special episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, recorded live at MACH X Amsterdam, Melissa Moore is joined by Pratyush Sinha, Senior Director and Head of Responsible AI at Decathlon.

They explore how AI agents are changing product discovery, why trust remains important in the customer journey, and what retailers need to consider as these technologies develop.

They discuss:

• How AI is changing product discovery

• Responsible AI, governance and guardrails

• Protecting the relationship between brand and customer

• Why retailers may need their own AI “concierge”

• What a more personalised e-commerce experience could look like

Could the future of online retail mean every customer having their own digital shopping concierge?

This episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast is supported by MACH Alliance, find out more https://machalliance.org/