Shopper Matters Podcast

Host Michael La Kier sits down with Lynn Neal, global practice officer at Sellcheck, to explore one of the most powerful and often misunderstood drivers of retail success: behavioral science. With over three decades of experience at Procter & Gamble and now helping brands optimize creative effectiveness through AI and behavioral insights, Neal shares practical strategies that retailers and manufacturers can apply immediately to improve shopper engagement and conversion. If you’re navigating today’s complex omnichannel environment, this episode offers a clear reminder: winning isn’t about more messaging — it’s about better-aligned messaging with how shoppers actually think and behave.

In the latest Shopper Matters episode, AR Marketing’s Melissa Carrick and IGA’s Michael La Kier share how retailers can turn social content into real trips, loyalty signups, and sales. Discover what’s working now and how independents can win locally.

What if e-commerce could pay for itself? In the latest Shopper Matters episode, Instacart’s Nick Nickitas explains how retail media, AI, and scale are helping independent grocers grow sales and profit.

Blueberries are going beyond breakfast. Discover how the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is driving frequency, expanding occasions, and helping retailers grow baskets through emotion and omni-channel activation.

In this episode of Shopper Matters, host Michael La Kier sits down with Rob Belcore, Chief Commercial Officer of RSA America, to explore how independent grocers can compete—and win—in a data-driven, digital-first world. Belcore shares insights from millions of shopper transactions, explaining how local grocers can harness personalization, loyalty programs, and mobile technology to deepen customer connections without losing their community touch. From macro-to-micro engagement strategies to the ROI mindset needed for AI and automation, this conversation reveals how the next generation of independent grocery retail is being built—one personalized offer at a time.

The sober curious movement is no longer a niche trend; it’s a rapidly expanding retail category with major growth potential. In this episode of Shopper Matters, IGA VP Brand Development Michael La Kier sat down with Lipari Foods SVP Marketing Nick Lenzi to explore why alcohol-adjacent beverages are exploding in popularity and what independent grocers and CPG partners can do to capitalize on the opportunity.

In this Shopper Matters episode, host Michael La Kier interviews FMI VP Research & Insights Steve Markenson about the 2025 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Report. They discuss how shopper behavior is evolving, with value now defined by more than just price—shoppers also prioritize health, convenience, experience, and sustainability. The episode examines generational shopping habits, the significance of omnichannel engagement, and strategies for retailers and brands to more effectively connect with today’s consumers. 

The retail landscape for independent grocers continues to evolve, with shopper behavior shifting dramatically in recent years. In this episode of Shopper Matters, IGA VP Brand Development Michael La Kier speaks with AppCard SVP of Corporate Development Eran Harel about how independent grocers can leverage personalized marketing, shopper analytics, and digital coupons to stay competitive. Topics also include key strategies for enhancing shopper engagement, driving loyalty, and making data-driven decisions that impact the bottom line.

Clorox Team Lead, Grocery Analytics Scott Hanbury speaks to IGA VP Brand Development Michael La Kier about the importance of empathy and storytelling in data and analytics—two qualities that are often overlooked when crunching numbers. Importantly, Hanbury notes that independent grocers mistakenly think shoppers don’t want to find non-food items in the store. He shares details on Clorox’s “every food occasion” campaign, that reminds shoppers the brand is here for the meal and the mess with their brands, including Glad, Clorox, Kingsford, Hidden Valley Ranch, and more.