Retail strategists launch filmed series on modern retail operations

Retail strategists Sharon Yourell Lawlor and Renee Hartmann have launched What's In Store, a filmed series that takes viewers inside senior retailers' own stores and fulfillment operations. The debut episode spotlights Gurkerl in Vienna, framing how retailers are using automation, forecasting and last-mile logistics to stay profitable as shopping behavior changes.

Why it matters: - Retail is being reshaped at the same time by shopper behavior, team pressures and business economics. - What's In Store is built to show which retail technologies and operating choices are actually moving performance, not just generating buzz. - The series is aimed at retail leaders looking for a practical read on what is worth attention and what is not.

What happened: - Retail strategists Sharon Yourell Lawlor and Renee Hartmann launched What's In Store on Sept. 16, 2026. - The filmed series features in-person conversations with senior retailers in their own retail environments. - The series is available on YouTube, on podcast platforms and at the show's website. - The launch episode was filmed at Gurkerl, the online grocery retailer operated by Rohlik Group, at its fulfillment center in Vienna. - The debut episode examines how Gurkerl delivers a full weekly grocery shop at same-day speed while staying profitable.

The details: - Each episode focuses on the systems, technology and strategy behind retail decisions such as same-day delivery, retail media, self-checkout and in-store automation. - The hosts built the series around their combined 30 years each in retail. - Renee Hartmann said automation, robotics, AI and retail media are becoming the difference between a profitable retailer and one that is not. - Sharon Yourell Lawlor said retailers rarely get to explain their operational decisions in their own words on their own floor. - The show's framework looks at three angles: the shopper, the team and the bottom line. - The shopper lens asks whether a decision improves discovery, choice, buying and the customer experience. - The team lens asks what store and operations teams need to deliver the change without adding needless complexity. - The bottom-line lens asks whether the approach scales, integrates and produces measurable results. - The Gurkerl episode is powered by Veloq, the technology platform behind its automation, forecasting and last-mile logistics.

Between the lines: - The format signals a shift away from polished retail commentary toward operational proof points inside live businesses. - By centering profitability and execution, the series frames technology as a business necessity rather than a future-facing experiment. - The choice of an online grocer for the first episode underscores how speed, logistics and automation are now central competitive levers in retail.

What's next: - The hosts are expected to continue featuring senior retailers across different formats and categories. - Future episodes will likely keep testing which tools and operating models deliver measurable value across shopper, team and financial outcomes. - Retail leaders can follow the series on YouTube, podcast platforms and the official website for new episodes.