Omni Talk Retail Podcast Summary Episode: Radar CEO Spencer Hewett on RFID’s Future in Retail | Old Navy & American Eagle Rollouts 🚀 Release Date: May 20, 2025

In this insightful episode of Omni Talk Retail, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga engage in a deep-dive conversation with Spencer Hewett, the founder and CEO of Radar. The discussion centers around the future of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the retail sector, with a particular focus on Radar’s strategic partnerships with major retailers like Old Navy and American Eagle.

Phased Rollout Strategy with Old Navy

The conversation opens with a reflection on Radar's ongoing partnership with Old Navy. Chris Walton refers to a previous episode where he assessed the potential for Radar's RFID platform to be deployed across all 1,200 Old Navy stores. Spencer Hewett addresses this by confirming the phased approach:

Spencer Hewett [00:33]: “I think you're right in the sense that is a phased rollout. Old Navy's a smart retailer. They're very careful about their decisions.”

Spencer emphasizes Old Navy’s strategic decision-making process, contrasting it with American Eagle's more expansive rollout strategy.

Radar’s RFID Platform: The Unique “Special Sauce”

Anne Mezzenga probes into what sets Radar’s RFID platform apart from competitors. Spencer elaborates on Radar's comprehensive approach to RFID technology, which integrates hardware, signal processing, and software:

Spencer Hewett [02:15]: “We control everything from the ground up, not just the hardware and the signal processing, but also the software layer. So we really become superior core technology.”

This integrated approach ensures that retailers have a seamless experience without the need to manage multiple vendors or disparate systems. Radar’s focus on autonomous checkout solutions drives the need for high detect rates and rapid data processing, positioning them as a leader in RFID innovation.

Current Deployments and Expansion Plans

Spencer provides an update on Radar’s deployment status, highlighting the scale and pace of their rollout:

Spencer Hewett [04:02]: “We're only in about 600 stores. All of those stores really started rolling out in July of last year, hitting about 100 stores a month, and we're going to continue and accelerate that pace.”

Currently, Radar’s technology is publicly deployed in American Eagle and Old Navy stores, with numerous pilots underway across other retail chains. This significant presence underscores Radar’s growing influence in the retail RFID landscape.

The Future of RFID in Retail: Moving Beyond Handhelds

A pivotal part of the discussion addresses the evolution of RFID technology and the declining relevance of handheld scanners. Anne questions Spencer on why retailers have been slow to adopt RFID and the future trajectory he envisions:

Spencer Hewett [05:10]: “Handhelds are going completely away because they're a technology that was driven by technical limitations of RFID tags themselves. They're no longer necessary.”

Spencer articulates that advancements in RFID tag technology have rendered handheld scanners obsolete. Modern RFID systems can read tags from greater distances with higher accuracy, reducing the need for manual scanning. This shift aligns with broader trends towards automation and real-time data analytics in retail operations.

Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability in RFID Systems

Addressing concerns about data accuracy, Spencer highlights Radar’s superior performance metrics:

Spencer Hewett [06:13]: “In stores with 65 to 100,000 items, we're hitting a 99.8% detect rate, better than you'll ever get with handhelds. Handhelds have to factor in human error because people don't always use them consistently.”

Radar’s RFID system operates continuously, performing approximately 13 billion tag reads per day in American Eagle stores. This relentless data collection ensures unparalleled inventory accuracy and real-time visibility, empowering retailers to make informed decisions swiftly.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between the hosts and Spencer, signaling a positive outlook for Radar’s future endeavors in the retail space. Spencer expresses enthusiasm for ongoing and future collaborations, hinting at continued innovation and expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• Phased Rollout: Radar is strategically expanding its RFID deployments, starting with key partners like Old Navy and American Eagle.
• Integrated Technology: By controlling hardware, signal processing, and software, Radar offers a cohesive and superior RFID solution.
• Decline of Handhelds: Advancements in RFID technology are phasing out the need for handheld scanners, moving towards automated, overhead systems.
• High Accuracy: Radar’s systems achieve near-perfect detect rates, surpassing traditional handheld methods and minimizing human error.
• Scalable Deployment: With 600 stores currently, Radar plans to accelerate its rollout, indicating robust growth and adoption in the retail sector.

Through this comprehensive discussion, Spencer Hewett provides valuable insights into the transformative role of RFID in modern retail, underscoring Radar’s pivotal position in driving this evolution forward.