Who knew that grocery shopping could be both a battlefield and a treasure hunt? We kick off October with a playful take on Publix sales strategies, revealing the mysteries behind BOGO deals and how not to get lost in the cereal aisle. Ever felt like you're paying a ransom for your beloved breakfast staples? We share some laughter and tips on naviga…

Shipt Chief Marketing Officer Alia Kemet joins the podcast to discuss her love of retail, the importance of a social media strategy, marketing to customers where they are and more.Progressive Grocer による

Ever had to flee from a float decoration party for an impromptu trip to Six Flags? This week, we take you on a joyful ride through the colorful and chaotic world of high school homecoming traditions. From dress-up days like twin day to the creativity behind building homecoming floats, we relive the laughter and logistical nightmares that come with …

What does it mean to be "purpose-driven'? In this episode, we talk with Jen Warner, president of Raley’s Family of Stores, and Chelsea Minor, VP community impact and public affairs at Raley’s, about how the grocer brings that term to life. They also discuss their respective paths in the industry, and how one grew up in the business and the other fo…

Ever wonder what happens when home improvement projects go hilariously off track? Join us as Marty shares his back porch painting fiasco and Amy recounts her surprise encounter with a hornet's nest while trying to install a storm door. Between laughter and laments, we uncover the unpredictable nature of DIY home projects and the humorous mishaps th…

Episode 14: Cheez-It fuels summer road trippers with their brand themed gas station popup experience that was filled with exclusive merch and Cheez-It photo opps. Did the nostalgic Cheez-It Stop drive brand loyalty or leave attendees feeling empty? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and we…

Updating dental paperwork for the kids should be a simple task, right? Not when you’re asked bizarre questions that make you question the entire process! We also had a hilarious run-in with a young entrepreneur selling digital coupon books via a QR code, which made us laugh and think about how much fundraising has evolved since our childhood days. …

Episode 13: LEGO uses its products to create an all-immersive and unforgettable experience that drove over 100,000 visitors to the IRL activation with a digital twist. Did LEGO build a 10/10 experiential campaign on the EPIC Score with Inspiration Wonderland? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's stren…

Shipt's VP of Economic and Social Impact Khadijah Abdullah joins the podcast to discuss her unconventional career journey, her work to combat food insecurity, what being a Top Woman In Grocery means to her and more.Progressive Grocer による

Have you ever wondered if a plate of wings could leave you laughing more than full? Join us as we recount our hilarious Labor Day weekend in Auburn, where we found ourselves at Good Times bowling alley and arcade, faced with wings so tiny we questioned if they were from pigeons or mockingbirds. Despite the poultry debacle, our trip was packed with …

Episode 12: Taco Bell is a cultural staple that knows how to connect with its audience. Did their brand inspired resort "The Bell" do what it takes to get a 10/10 on the EPIC Experiential Score? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and shares useful tips and strategies to grow…

Ever wondered why Labor Day, a holiday meant to honor the American labor movement, often feels like just another excuse for retail sales and backyard barbecues? Join us on "Hey, Real Quick with Amy and Marty" as we navigate the anticipation and activities that surround this long weekend. We dive into our own Labor Day traditions—or lack thereof—fro…

Sometimes, grocers and their supplier partners have to roll up their sleeves and literally dig into new opportunities that enhance shopper choices and sustainability. In this podcast. Athena Petty of New Seasons Market and Jocelyn Bridson of Tillamook County Creamery Association talk about the power of partnerships and how to align environmental go…

Episode 11: Publix does football season right by bringing together thousands of NFL fans in their communities for an ultimate tailgate experience each year. Does this experience win the ship, or will it get stuffed at the goal line? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and giv…

What happens when college football takes a trip across the Atlantic? Tune in to hear our spirited discussion about Florida State and Georgia Tech's season opener in Dublin, Ireland. We unpack this exciting international trend, drawing parallels with the NFL's overseas matches and reminiscing about Notre Dame's past globe-trotting games. With Labor …

Episode 10: Hilton Brand Hotel built a 5-star hotel stay on hole three during a PGA Tournament. Will they need to take a mulligan on this experience or did they hit a hole in one? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score. Come ge…

Ever wondered if there's an unwritten rulebook for surviving the school car line chaos? We kick off this episode by sharing our own car line adventures, from the wild and free high school drop-offs to the military-precision middle school routines. We spill the beans on our early arrival strategies and the hilarious antics we've witnessed, all while…

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Have you ever wondered how a dog can touch your life so profoundly? Join us as we pay tribute to Nilla, sharing the bittersweet memories and heartfelt moments of saying goodbye. We then shift gears to the bright lights and high stakes of the Olympics, where we revel in the awe-inspiring performances of track and field athletes and gymnasts. With a …

Episode 9: Cheetos posed one question to SXSW attendees and created an entire brand activation around it. The question being, Did Cheetle inspire hands free technology? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score. Come get immersed …

Ever wonder if a lake vacation could top a beach getaway? Join us as we recount our recent adventures to Tim's Ford Lake and the Gulf, weighing the serenity of the lake against the thrilling unpredictability of the ocean. From the ease of navigating calm waters to the challenges of seaside weather, we'll share our firsthand insights and humorous an…

Episode 8: The United States Postal Service immersed attendees at the world's largest tech and innovation conference, CES, with a tradeshow exhibit that drew in and immersed thousands. How did the USPS use experiential marketing to share how it is planning to provide a better service through innovation and process improvements? John Kappel (https:/…

Laura Howell, chief data officer at consumer brands agency C.A. Fortune, joins the podcast to talk about optimizing the right data, key trends in the grocery and CPG space, volunteering to help women who have been through trauma re-enter the workforce, what it means to her to have been chosen as one of the 2024 Top Women In Grocery, and more.…

Episode 7: Kraft Heinz Lunchables encourages families to play with their food during a four city escape room experience built within a Lunchables Pack. Did Lunchables immerse their guests or just leave them hungry? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on t…

Ever wondered what happens when middle-aged parents try to keep up with a bunch of laser tag prodigies? We sure found out the hard way at Amy's son's 17th birthday bash! Join us as we recount the chaos, the sweat, and the unexpected joy of navigating a two-level battlefield dominated by highly skilled middle schoolers. It's a tale of family fun, a …

Ever found yourself bewildered at the pediatrician's office, wondering what exactly "albuterol" is or why your child needs to take off their shoes for weighing? Join us as we recount Randall's hilarious misadventures during his first solo visit to the pediatrician with his youngest child in over two decades. From frantic SOS texts to Amy to navigat…

Episode 6: Target encourages consumers to dance in exchange for free snacks with their vending machine marketing campaign experience. Did it get the people moving and grooving for Target? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score.…

TWIG talks to Christina Minardi, Executive Vice President of Growth and Development for Whole Foods Market & Amazon and a past TWIG winner, about how the organization creates a unique shopping experience at its stores spread across diverse locales.Progressive Grocer による

What if your furry best friend had to undergo surgery again and again? Meet Nilla, our sweet 12-year-old schnauzer-poodle mix, as we share the rollercoaster journey of her latest surgery for seborrheic gland cysts. From her frequent stints wearing the 'cone of shame' to the emotional challenges of post-surgery care, we recount the trials and tribul…

Episode 5: Jose Cuervo throws jabs at internet trolls in this experiential advertisement campaign created in collaboration with the UFC. Was it a knockout or a flop? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score. Get Immersed in this …

Ever wondered why Chick-fil-A's drive-thru feels like a military operation? Buckle up and join us as we embark on a summer road trip adventure, stopping at the ultimate pit stop—Chick-fil-A. We break down the logistics of quick, efficient stops, sharing hilarious personal anecdotes and marveling at the intricacies of their sauces and packaging that…

Episode 4: IKEA transforms an apartment into a rock climbing wall filled with their own furniture and decor. Did They Climb to a Successful Campaign? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score. Get Immersed in this episode of the B…

Nicole Zube, EVP and chief human resources officer at SpartanNash, joins this episode of TWIG Podcast to talk about the food solutions company’s “People first” approach. Nicole talks about its impressive strategy of investing in its own people, helping SpartanNash find great success in retaining associates at a time when many companies are struggli…

What happens when you mix childhood antics with quirky pest control stories and a dash of household chaos? You get an episode brimming with laughter and nostalgia! Remember the neighborhood groundhog, Buccee, who was always up to something? We kick off with some unforgettable tales of childhood remedies that might make you question modern medicine.…

Episode 3: Love Holidays, UK's fastest growing travel site, needed to think BIG to grow a following in their new market . Did the 15 ft tall suitcase activation on the sidewalk of Germany hit the mark or hit the road? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score o…

Ever had a splinter so stubborn you resorted to taping a piece of fatback to your finger? This episode is packed with those kinds of hilarious and bizarre childhood remedies that will leave you laughing out loud. We kick things off by catching up on the summer heat and personal updates. Amy shares some bittersweet news about her dog, Nilla, who's g…

Episode 2: The Rickmobile Rolled into Town, But Did It Take Experiential Marketing to Another Dimension? We're breaking down Cartoon Networks "Don't Even Trip Road Trip"! This pop-up shop on wheels promised fans a taste of the interdimensional life. Did it deliver? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's…

FMI's Krystal Register joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss her career journey, the importance of embedding registered dietitians in the grocery industry, lessons from her favorite mentor and more.Progressive Grocer による

Ever wondered how a visit to Costco for new glasses can spark a journey through the whimsical world of eye care and vision correction? Join us as we recount Robyn's adventure in picking out new specs, leading to an amusing yet informative discussion on the joys and challenges of aging eyesight. We explore various eyewear options, from progressives …

Episode 1: The North Face knows their audience craves exploration. Did their remote, freezing pop-up store hit the mark? John Kappel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kappel327) breaks down this campaign's strengths and weaknesses and gives it a score on the EPIC Experiential Score. If you're an adventurer, this episode of Brand IRL is for you. __ …

What happens when your dog's gourmet taste buds clash with your vet's chicken and rice recommendations? Join us as we navigate the chaos and hilarity of pet ownership! We kick off with Amy’s escapade of dealing with her dog's projectile vomiting, likely caused by the cicada invasion or maybe that suspicious flower pot. Marty jumps in with tales of …

Publix's focus on helping others started with founder George W. Jenkins and continues in earnest today, as employee-owners constantly give their time and talent to support communities. Maria Brous, director of media and community relations, joins the podcast to talk more giving heart efforts, including her own experiences in paying it forward.…

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a shopping spree, not for clothes or gadgets, but 30 pounds of turkey smoked sausage? That's exactly where we kick things off this week, as we dive headfirst into the hilariously chaotic world of preparing for a low country boil. Amidst a grocery store odyssey spanning from Walmart to Publix, Robin's co…

Ever found yourself face-to-face with a bear in the most unexpected of places? Marty and Amy sure have, and they're dishing out all the wild details in our latest episode. We're talking post-spring break shenanigans, complete with a tale of the dreaded 'Pink Eye Castle' escapade at good ol' Chuck E. Cheese. And if simple dining strategies are what …

FMI's latest research shows that customers still love shopping for food, and FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin breaks it all down on this TWIG podcast.Progressive Grocer による

Have you ever found yourself chuckling at the mere thought of Steve Martin's wild and crazy guy persona? Well, get ready to explore the comedic landscape with the man who brought arenas to their knees with laughter. Our latest episode peeks behind the curtain of Martin's life through the fresh lens of an Apple TV documentary and parallels it with h…

Ever found yourself in the throes of a cicada swarm, contemplating the protein potential of these crunchy critters? We did, and it sparked a hilariously honest conversation about these noisy neighbors in our latest episode. From the nitrogen-rich bounty they leave behind to the unexpected snacks they provide for pets and people alike, we share our …

Progressive Grocer talks with Kasey Sheffer, a two-time TWIG winner and VP of Own Brands at Giant Eagle, Inc. about her non-traditional path to grocery retailing and how her background and mentor helped her become a leader in the fast-growing private label arena.Progressive Grocer による

Communications expert and consultant Lisa Mabe joins the podcast to discuss shopper research, today’s female consumers, her foray into U.S. market tours for international grocers and more.Progressive Grocer による

Kelly Nigh, chief merchandising officer at Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods joins the podcast to discuss the power of e-commerce product storytelling, innovating within private label, her career journey as a woman in both tech and grocery, and more.Progressive Grocer による