Omni Talk Retail: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Lightning Round: Romance Novels, Soap Wars & French Fry Pizza
Release Date: June 27, 2025
In this lively episode of Omni Talk Retail, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga engage in a spirited lightning round, tackling a variety of trending topics in the retail industry. From innovative marketing partnerships to quirky product launches, the duo offers insightful commentary peppered with humor and personal anecdotes.
1. Olipop’s Innovative Social Media Strategy
The episode kicks off with a discussion on Olipop’s recent collaboration with Amazon Ads. Chris introduces the topic:
Chris (00:00): "Olipop partnered with Amazon Ads to drop 5,000 exclusive VIP boxes for 5 cents each on Amazon starting June 30th. Each box includes seasonal Olipop flavors and branded merchandise, which Olipop is hoping that they can give people in exchange for social posts from their regular everyday consumers instead of influencers."
Anne responds with a light-hearted take on the value exchange:
Anne (00:35): "Oh, man, I'm not aiming very high on this one, but I think I'd pick Twix because it's only candy with the cookie crunch. Like, I just love the cookie crunch of a Twix bar."
The conversation highlights the shift towards leveraging everyday consumers for authentic marketing, suggesting a potential trend in grassroots influencer strategies.
2. Jimmy John’s Beachside Romance Promotion
Next, Chris shares exciting news about Jimmy John’s latest promotional campaign:
Chris (00:59): "This summer, Jimmy John is turning up the heat and serving up the ultimate beachside pairing. A satisfying sandwich in one hand and a steamy story in the other. With any sandwich or wrap purchase, using promo code Beachhead, fans can unlock access to 'Blade and the Ryan,' a custom 2-part Romantasy audiobook narrated by none other than White Lotus Star and Heartthrob, Walton Goggins."
Anne humorously questions the pairing of food and romance literature:
Anne (01:42): "Like I'm supposed to order a mayonnaise filled sandwich in one hand and then be thinking of reading a steamy romance novel. That sounds disgusting to me."
This segment underscores innovative cross-promotional strategies in the food and entertainment sectors, aiming to enhance customer engagement through unique experiences.
3. The Steamiest Romance Novels
Delving deeper into the theme of romance, Chris asks Anne about her experience with steamy novels:
Chris (01:56): "What is the steamiest romance novel you've ever read?"
Anne candidly shares her preferences:
Anne (02:07): "I used to read them when I worked at the corn stand because that was all that we had—like old Danielle Steele novels. But the last one I probably read was like the Twilight series, and that was probably as racy as I get."
Chris humorously critiques the notion of business books being steamy:
Chris (02:26): "Yeah, that's not even steamy. That's like a simmering pot of water. The Twilight series."
This light-hearted exchange highlights varying tastes in literature and subtly touches on the diversity of content that appeals to different audiences.
4. Bar Soap vs. Body Wash: The Great Debate
Transitioning to personal care products, Chris brings up Unilever’s acquisition of Dr. Squatch:
Chris (02:32): "Unilever just acquired Dr. Squatch, the bar soap and male grooming products company that's very popular with Gen Z. Are you more of a bar soap or a body wash guy?"
Anne shares her evolution in skincare preferences:
Anne (02:45): "I used to for years be 100% the bar soap guy, but now I think three or four years ago, I made the permanent switch to body wash."
Chris inquires about her preferred brand:
Chris (03:10): "What's your body wash brand of choice?"
Anne (03:13): "I use like the Dove Sensitive Skin because I got really sensitive skin that I have to protect."
Their conversation delves into consumer preferences and brand loyalty, illustrating the ongoing dynamics in the personal care market.
5. Tombstone’s French Fry Crust Pizza Launch
The final topic revolves around a novel food product introduced by Tombstone:
Chris (03:19): "Tombstone is launching a french fry style crust pizza with a crispy potato-based crust. It's available in two varieties: loaded bacon cheddar and chili cheese. Why has no one ever thought of french fry pizza before? And which of the two varieties are you most likely to try first?"
Anne speculates on the product's uniqueness:
Anne (04:02): "Is this like a gluten-free play or something? Like they're trying to come up with an alternative gluten-free crust."
Chris and Anne discuss their preferences, with Anne favoring the bacon and cheddar variety and expressing reservations about chili cheese:
Chris (04:32): "Do you like pizza and French fries as a combo?"
Anne (04:36): "I don't know. I don't ever."
Chris (04:37): "I love it. It's like one of my favorites."
This segment highlights innovative product development aimed at combining popular comfort foods, reflecting current trends in consumer experimentation and indulgence.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Chris and Anne provide a blend of industry insights and personal reflections, making complex retail trends accessible and entertaining. From unconventional marketing partnerships to novel product offerings, the discussion encapsulates the ever-evolving landscape of the retail sector. Their engaging banter and candid opinions offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of current retail phenomena, all delivered in a humorous and relatable manner.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris (00:00): "Olipop is hoping that they can give people in exchange for social posts from their regular everyday consumers instead of influencers."
- Anne (00:35): "I'd pick Twix because it's only candy with the cookie crunch."
- Chris (03:19): "Why has no one ever thought of french fry pizza before?"
This episode is a must-listen for retail enthusiasts seeking to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovative strategies shaping the industry.