Special: The 'Smartest Store in the World' is Wumart Xueqing Road in China!

Special: The 'Smartest Store in the World' is Wumart Xueqing Road in China!

The inaugural 'Smartest Store in the World' competition revealed how AI is evolving from standalone tools into connected operating systems that are transforming convenience retail, with Wumart Xueqing Road in China earning top honors for its fully integrated approach. In this episode, hear directly from the winner on their company and on what sets them apart, why scale matters, and the technologies poised to become mainstream over the next 12 to 18 months. With special guests: Brian Gray, Accenture, and Troy Du and Marcus Spurrell, Wumart/DMALL Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare Related Links: Entry: Wumart Xueqing Road store, Beijing, China: https://www.globalconvenience.com/smart/entries/wumart-xueqing-road-store-beijing-china/ Podcast: DMALL CEO Marcus Spurrell on What the West Can Learn From China’s Agentic Commerce: https://www.globalconvenience.com/features/dmall-ceo-marcus-spurrell-explains-what-the-west-can-learn-from-chinas-agentic-commerce/ Smartest Store in the World competition: https://www.globalconvenience.com/smart/home/

Rachel Moses of Electrify America on Why the Charging Infrastructure Story in the U.S. Is Just Getting Started

How has the ultra-fast charging infrastructure in America matured to where the stop itself fits naturally into a driver's journey? Rachel Moses, senior director for sales, marketing and business development at Electrify America, makes the case that the U.S. EV market is growing through its headwinds, not retreating from them. Hear about regional growth patterns, the education gap, and the growing role convenience retailers are playing in building out the network nationwide. With special guest: Rachel Moses, Senior Director for Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Electrify America Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munford

Bowser Bean’s Haydn Tierney on How Coffee, Food, and Consistency Drive Growth

Bowser Bean Managing Director Haydn Tierney joins Dan Munford to discuss how the Australian retailer built a strong regional convenience brand around premium coffee, quality food, and customer experience. With special guest: Haydn Tierney, Managing Director, Bowser Bean/Vantage Fuels Pty Ltd Hosted by: Dan Munford

Matt Keogh Explains Why 7-Eleven Australia Bets Big on Gen Z

7-Eleven Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer Matt Keogh joins host Dan Munford to discuss how the retailer is reshaping its strategy around Gen Z, food-led growth, and digital innovation. He shares plans for major store expansion alongside a strong omnichannel offer and an increased focus on fresh, trend-driven food ranges. The conversation also explores how technology and changing consumer habits are driving the next phase of convenience retail in Australia. With special guest: Matt Keogh, Chief Commercial Officer, 7-Eleven Australia Hosted by: Dan Munford

Centra’s Cormac Dawson on Blending Local Insight with National Scale at Centra

Ireland’s Centra is evolving beyond traditional convenience, combining local retail expertise with national scale to meet changing customer expectations. Cormac Dawson shares how the brand is driving growth through foodvenience, operational efficiency, and a strong community connection. From coffee innovation to next-generation store formats, discover how Centra is shaping the future of convenience retail. With special guest: Cormac Dawson, Sales Director, Centra Hosted by: Dan Munford and Carolyn Schnare Related Links: Centra Deli Drama: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlEE_dmAuCfEIARb3RuZqrUrv6uq59B4d