The CPG Guys
The CPG Guys

Crossover Podcast Episode - Wendy Liebmann & Future Shop

23 May 2026 41:05 Peter V.S. Bond & Sri Rajagopalan

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About this episode

This is a crossover episode with Wendy Liebmann, CEO and Chief Shopper at WSL Strategic and host of the Future Shop podcast.

Follow Wendy on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyliebmann

Follow WSL Strategic Retail online at: https://wslstrategicretail.com/

Follow Future Shop on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-shop-podcast-with-wsl/id1498794016

Follow Future Shop on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/5147LMxl6Y1duhPahtPOnr?si=BBEYheSMR3K27zZ_7JNrZQ

In this episode of Future Shop, Wendy Liebmann sits down with the industry’s most plugged-in duo, Peter V.S. Bond and Sri Rajagopalan (The CPG Guys), to dissect a retail landscape currently in the throes of a "hot mess" transformation. They navigate the complex collision of agentic AI, the shifting power of retail media, and a growing leadership talent crisis. From why Target is struggling to the "intransigence" of Trader Joe's e-commerce stance, this conversation reveals why the old rules of retail no longer apply in a world where 100% of purchases are digitally influenced. 
Highlights:

  1. The AI Pivot: Why brand websites are shifting from consumer journeys to LLM data repositories. 
  2. The Retail Media Paradox: How budget silos are making retail media counterproductive for merchants. 
  3. Talent Gaps: The urgent need for C-suite leaders to understand TikTok and social trends, not just P&L management. 
  4. Store Evolution: Why the physical store must pivot to "high discovery" perimeter experiences while center-store moves online. 
  5. Who’s Winning & Not:  Retailers and brands who recognize why old rules don’t apply.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea byRaj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

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