Retail Media Unboxed

Retail media networks are booming—but they’re also hitting real constraints around scale, signal loss, and measurement.

In this episode of Retail Media Unboxed, we sit down with Colin Grieves, Managing Director at Experian Marketing Services UK and Ireland, to unpack what’s actually changing beneath the surface of retail media in 2026.

We explore why first-party data alone is no longer enough, how privacy-safe third-party insight helps resolve the precision-vs-scale trade-off, and why interoperability and collaboration are becoming essential for retailers, agencies, and brands alike. The conversation also dives into shifting consumer behavior, value-seeking mindsets, and the critical role high-quality data will play as AI becomes embedded across media buying, creative, and measurement.

In this episode of Retail Media Unboxed, host we sit down with Jacob King, Senior Vice President of Amex Offers & Digital Media at American Express, for an inside look at how Amex Ads is redefining the commerce media landscape. Building on more than a decade of success with Amex Offers—which drove over $15 billion in global spend last year alone—American Express is now extending its relevance, personalization, and value into a full-fledged media offering.
 
Jacob explains how Amex Ads leverages the company’s closed-loop network, rich first-party transaction data, and premium digital platforms like AmexTravel.com and Resy to help brands connect with 34 million high-spending U.S. card members in contextual, high-intent moments. He shares early results from pilots with partners like Marriott and Tumi—results that far exceeded benchmarks thanks to precise targeting, full-funnel measurement, and both online and offline spend attribution.

In this episode of Retail Media Unboxed, Vibenomics President Dave Simon breaks down why the future of retail media is firmly rooted in the physical store. Drawing from his ad-tech background, Dave compares mobile gaming’s performance marketing to the opportunities retailers have with their rich shopper data, and explains how AI and machine learning can unlock outcome-based advertising at scale.

He shares why in-store audio, immersive LED experiences, and scent marketing are key to “Retail Media 3.0,” and offers a forward look at the creative activations that will define 2026 and beyond .

In this episode of Retail Media Unboxed, Nick Morgan, CEO of Vudoo, reveals how his company is redefining the shopping journey by making every brand touchpoint instantly shoppable. Nick explains why impressions alone no longer cut it, and how commerce media can close the loop between inspiration and conversion. He shares insights on “brandformance,” the importance of real-time shopper data, and how AI and conversational search are reshaping discovery and personalization. From always-on commerce experiences to the evolving metrics of success, discover how Vudoo is building the infrastructure for seamless, 24/7 transactions—and what it means for brands, agencies, and the future of retail media.

In this episode of Retail Media Unboxed, we sit down with Annie Symonds, Strategy Director at Initials CX, to explore the ever-evolving world of retail media. From breaking down its definition to discussing the latest trends, Annie shares expert insights on how brands can fully leverage retail media to drive conversions, build brand equity, and integrate it into a seamless omnichannel strategy.

Annie dives into the do’s and don’ts of retail media, the importance of breaking down internal silos, and why creative execution is just as critical as data-driven targeting. Plus, hear her take on the future of retail media—how AI, off-site expansion, and the consolidation of networks will shape the industry in the coming years.

If you’re looking to optimize your retail media strategy and gain a UK perspective on this fast-growing space, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.