Castorama's Robert Wicha On Why Technology Alone Doesn't Create Value | Global DIY Summit 2026

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from the Global DIY Summit 2026 in Amsterdam, Chris Walton talks with Robert Wicha, Commercial Director at Castorama Poland, about the company's marketplace strategy, the growing importance of data quality, and how technology is reshaping the future of home improvement retail.Robert explains why Castorama views its marketplace as a curated extension of its brand rather than simply a channel for assortment expansion. He shares how trust influences every aspect of the customer journey, why retail media should create value for both customers and supplier partners, and how marketplaces can strengthen rather than dilute brand perception when executed thoughtfully.The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in retail, why data quality has become a competitive advantage, and how retailers must balance technology with human expertise to create better customer experiences. Robert argues that the future of DIY retail isn't just about products, but about helping customers make better decisions through services, guidance, and seamless omnichannel experiences.Key Topics Covered:• Castorama Poland's marketplace strategy• Why marketplaces should be a curated extension of the brand• Building trust in DIY ecommerce• Retail media beyond monetization• The growing importance of data quality in retail• Preparing product data for AI and agentic commerce• Standardization challenges across retail ecosystems• How technology supports better customer decisions• The evolution of DIY from products to services• Creating consistent omnichannel customer journeysThank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from the Global DIY Summit 2026 in Amsterdam.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy