Key topics Impact of AI and data science on category management Role of retail media and private label in retail strategy Changing shopper behaviors and professional shoppers The evolution of store formats and online integration The importance of human touch and education in retail The role of nutrition and health in category planning The influence of private label on market dynamics The future of store formats and the role of physical stores Chapters 00:00Introduction to James Jackson and episode overview 02:28The evolution of retail events and networking 04:01The changing landscape of retail stakeholders 05:42Educational focus and industry innovation 07:04The role of data science and AI in category management 09:07Career journey into category management 10:40Impact of technology on the role of category managers 12:36Balancing art and science in retail decision-making 14:54Online shopping trends and consumer behavior 17:25The rise of professional shoppers and store formats 22:48Private label strategies and market impact 27:22The influence of Aldi and private label on retail 32:03The role of nutrition and health in retail 36:34Data-driven education and consumer trust 37:43The future of health and wellness in retail 39:47The impact of retail media and monetization 40:01Lightning round: retail trends and strategies

Private Label’s Revenge: From Childhood Shame to Retail’s Sharpest Weapon

Retailistic

Welcome to Retailistic with Deborah Weinswig brought to you by Coresight Research. In this episode, James Cook, VP of Strategic Partnerships at the Category Management Association, brings his perspective from decades of experience at Tyson Foods, Radian, Nielsen, and SuperValue on the changing landscape of consumer expectations and brand strategy. Deborah and James discuss the impact of Instacart and DoorDash on in-store experience,

the role of private label, retail media, and agentic commerce. But first, Dana is here to catch us up on what CoreSci Research has on offer for us this week. Thanks, Philip, and welcome back to the Retailistic Podcast. Here's what we're covering this week. Our Report of the Week is a market navigator on U.S. grocery retailing and how quick commerce, AI, and polarized consumer needs are reshaping competition. We've also got a weekly earnings insights for the second quarter of 2026,

as well as a U.S. consumer survey insights data release, a playbook on loss prevention technology, a predictions update on China, and a look at the retail tech landscape for online shopper convenience, as well as a piece on what the retail health store of the future looks like and how AI can support it. Plus, our latest U.S. and U.K. store trackers. Now for the events. We're at E-Tail Boston running from August 10th through the 12th.

Then on August 15th, our own Deborah Weinswig takes the stage at NACDS Total Store Expo in Boston to talk on retail health and AI. And on the 16th, we're hosting an executive leadership dinner in Boston on the future of retail health and the role of technology. And save the day, our own Coresight Conference, how AI is redefining the possible is coming up on September 28th in Nashville at Tractor Supply Headquarters.

Private Label’s Revenge: From Childhood Shame to Retail’s Sharpest Weapon

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.

Private Label’s Revenge: From Childhood Shame to Retail’s Sharpest Weapon

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast, not the earnings call.

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.