The Digital-First Approach — with Benedict Enterprises’ Scott Benedict
Tue Feb 03 2026
Dave’s guest this week is Scott Benedict, retail strategist, longtime merchant leader, and former Walmart and Sam’s Club executive with 35+ years across brick-and-mortar, eCommerce, and global retail. Today he runs Benedict Enterprises and serves as part of RETHINK Retail’s advisory group, helping brands and retailers navigate the rapidly evolving commerce landscape.
In this episode, Scott and Dave dive into:
How a “digital-first” assortment strategy is transforming retailWhy leading retailers now build online → store, not store → onlineThe emerging connection between digital retail media and in-store mediaWalmart vs. Amazon’s differing approaches to AI — and why that mattersWhat solution selling looks like in an AI futureWhy foundational data and system integration must come before innovationThe biggest opportunities for brands in 2026 and beyondConnect with Scott on LinkedIn
Follow Beyond the Shelf on LinkedIn
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Get the It’sRapid Creative Automation Playbook
Take It’sRapid’s Creative Workflow Automation with AI survey
Email us at sales@itsrapid.io to find out how to get your free AI Image Audit
Theme music: "Happy" by Mixaud - https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Producer: Jake Musiker
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Dave’s guest this week is Scott Benedict, retail strategist, longtime merchant leader, and former Walmart and Sam’s Club executive with 35+ years across brick-and-mortar, eCommerce, and global retail. Today he runs Benedict Enterprises and serves as part of RETHINK Retail’s advisory group, helping brands and retailers navigate the rapidly evolving commerce landscape. In this episode, Scott and Dave dive into: How a “digital-first” assortment strategy is transforming retailWhy leading retailers now build online → store, not store → onlineThe emerging connection between digital retail media and in-store mediaWalmart vs. Amazon’s differing approaches to AI — and why that mattersWhat solution selling looks like in an AI futureWhy foundational data and system integration must come before innovationThe biggest opportunities for brands in 2026 and beyondConnect with Scott on LinkedIn Follow Beyond the Shelf on LinkedIn Learn More about It'sRapid Get the It’sRapid Creative Automation Playbook Take It’sRapid’s Creative Workflow Automation with AI survey Email us at sales@itsrapid.io to find out how to get your free AI Image Audit Theme music: "Happy" by Mixaud - https://mixaund.bandcamp.com Producer: Jake Musiker