Retail Gets Real artwork

Retail Gets Real

346 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 83 ratings

Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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Episodes

341: From Peeps to wreaths: Easter shopping insights with NRF’s Katherine Cullen

March 26, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Despite the holiday falling in late March this year, consumer spending this Easter is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey — the second highest in the survey’s history. On today’s show, Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at NRF, shares insights from NRF’s latest Easter data, including the top categories and activities consumers are indulging in this holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

340: 32 ways to order a Big Mac: Leading the digital transformation of McDonald’s

March 12, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, talks about his career journey, McDonald's extremely popular app and how McDonald's uses digital strategies to keep customers of all generations coming back. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

339. Made By Gather’s Shae Hong on innovation, kitchenware and collaborating with Drew Barrymore

March 05, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

Made By Gather designs and manufactures kitchenware for a modern generation of makers with premium design, innovative functionality and headline-grabbing collaborations. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Made By Gather’s founder and CEO Shae Hong joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial career path, the philosophy behind his portfolio of kitchenware brands and his exciting partnership with Drew Barrymore. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

338. Improving the front-line associate experience at PetSmart

February 27, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MB

PetSmart recently rolled out its new employee-focused communications app, called Central Bark, to give associates a place to share ideas, collaborate, ask questions and troubleshoot. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, PetSmart’s Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy Theresa Lee joins us to talk about the company’s unique culture and how PetSmart has successfully revamped the front-line experience for its 50,000+ associates. Learn more at reta...

337. Inside the digital transformation of Abercrombie & Fitch

February 21, 2024 07:40 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

American lifestyle retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is in the midst of an enterprise-wide digital transformation. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, A&F Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Technology Officer Samir Desai joins us to talk about A&F’s new digital strategy and the future of retail technology. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

336. Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s

February 13, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Today’s guest has recently taken the reins at one of the world’s most iconic apparel brands. Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., joins the show live from NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City to talk about her incredible career journey, forward-looking vision for the company and what the future of retail looks like. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

335. LIVE: Monica Royer on bringing Monica + Andy to Walmart

February 06, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

Monica + Andy was born in a delivery room, not a boardroom. As Monica Royer held her newborn daughter in her arms, she wanted nothing more than complete confidence that what touched her baby’s skin was the softest, safest fabric available. On today’s episode, Monica Royer, co-founder and CEO of Monica + Andy, joins the show live from the NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City to talk about her incredible career journey, growing her organic baby clothing and accessories brand, partne...

334. Saks CEO Marc Metrick on the evolving luxury consumer

January 30, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.8 MB

Today’s luxury consumer market is growing with a vibrant continuum of shoppers who expect expertly curated fashions and highly personalized service. On today’s episode, Saks CEO Marc Metrick joins us during NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show to talk about Saks’ strategy to build lasting and meaningful customer relationships, and the company’s goal to evolve the luxury experience for today’s online luxury shopper. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

333. Walmart’s Anshu Bhardwaj on AI and the retailer’s role as a global tech leader

January 24, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

In her 14 years with Walmart, Anshu Bhardwaj, vice president and COO of Walmart Global Technology, has seen the global retailer go through three different transformations to become the technology leader that it is today. Live from NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Bhardwaj joins host Bill Thorne to talk about those transformations, explain why the retailer is actually 17 technology companies rolled into one, and share how Walmart is using emerging technologies to help every gener...

332. The state of retail heading into 2024 with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay

January 16, 2024 11:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Coming to you live from NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay joins the podcast to talk about how the retail industry fared this holiday season, the current retail landscape and what to expect looking ahead into 2024. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

331. Retail trends to watch in 2024

January 09, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MB

More than 200 million people shopped online and in stores over the holidays, but will that spirited spending carry over into 2024? On today’s show, Susan Reda, NRF’s vice president of education strategy, digs into insights and retail trends for 2024 and gives a preview of what's in store at Retail’s Big Show in New York City next week. Read Reda’s full 2024 retail trends forecast. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

330. A preview of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show

January 02, 2024 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

More than 40,000 retailers of all kinds are getting ready to come together in New York City’s Javits Center for NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show on Jan. 14-16. On today’s special episode, we’re talking to NRF’s Susan Newman and Eric Olson about what attendees can expect to see, hear and do at the event. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

329. Checking in on 2023 winter holiday shopping trends

December 12, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MB

NRF expects spending to reach record highs this holiday season, hitting $957 billion. What are gift-givers buying, where are they shopping, and what is motivating them to buy? To get us in the holiday spirit, we're talking to Katherine Cullen, NRF’s vice president of industry and consumer insights, to learn more about what’s driving this year’s winter holiday spending trends. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

328. Crocs: A story of reinvention, innovation and modern marketing magic

December 05, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

As recently as 2016, the No. 3 Google search trend for Crocs was ‘Crocs memes’ — memes to make fun of the not-yet-cool clog. Today, Crocs is an iconic, global footwear brand garnering partnerships with Balenciaga, Bad Bunny and Takashi Murakami. On today’s episode, we’re talking to Crocs SVP and CMO Heidi Cooley about how she got into retail, how Crocs connects with consumers everywhere, and the strategies she and her team used to make Crocs one of the most popular footwear brands on this pl...

327. It’s slime time: Unboxing a whole new toy experience with Jungmin Kang of Snoopslimes

November 28, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

Today on Retail Gets Real, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jungmin Kang, teen entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Snoopslimes. She's also one of the dynamic leaders on NRF’s list of people shaping retail's future in 2024. We talk to Jungmin about starting her popular slime toy business at only 13 years of age, the massive role social media has played in her company's growth and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

326. How Burlington is driving impactful change with its DEI strategy

November 21, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

As senior vice president of leadership and organizational development, DEI and community impact for Burlington Stores Inc., Mecca Mitchell leads efforts to create supportive and equitable institutional structures, foster welcoming and inclusive environments that promote growth and development, and cultivate a culture that leverages diversity, inclusion and equity best practices to drive business objectives, while responding to the diverse needs of its workforce, its customers, and the commun...

325. Understanding the impact of ORC (Organized Retail Crime) and fighting back

November 14, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

We talk to David Johnston, NRF’s VP of Asset Protection & Retail Operations, about an issue that’s impossible to ignore: organized retail crime. In recapping Fight Retail Crime Day, David explains how the issue continues to impact retailers and how brands are advocating for meaningful action. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

324. How reverse logistics makes the retail cycle go around

November 07, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

Retail Gets Real episode 324: Tony Sciarrotta, executive director of the Reverse Logistics Association, talks about where our returns go, how reverse logistics fits into the circular economy, and what retailers need to know about this increasingly important area of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

323. A look at J.C. Penney’s $1 billion reinvestment project

October 31, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

J.C. Penney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a plan to spend more than $1 billion by the end of 2025 to revive the 121-year-old chain. On this episode, we’re speaking with Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Michelle Wlazlo about the department store’s historic $1 billion reinvestment project, the evolution and debut of several private labels and exclusive partnerships, and what’s ahead for the holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

322. Taking on credit card swipe fees with the Savvy Shopkeeper

October 24, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Small business consultant, boutique co-owner and podcaster Kathy Cruz is already a very busy woman. But recently, she added retail advocate to her title. This summer, Kathy flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress in support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which would enhance credit card competition and choice in order to reduce excessive credit card fees. On this episode, NRF’s Senior Director of Grassroots Meghan Keivel Cruz talks to Kathy about her growing business, ...

321. Ulta Beauty’s innovative approach to customer connection

October 17, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MB

Ulta Beauty has been reinventing beauty retail since opening its first five “beauty destination” stores in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago in 1990. More recently, the company has focused on transforming the customer experience digitally and online. In this episode, NRF’s Susan Reda speaks with Chief Digital Officer Prama Bhatt about her career journey, how the beauty retail brand has used digital tools to continue to innovate and personalize the customer experience, and what’s next in exper...

320. How Greenwich St. Jewelers has thrived through 46 years of change and challenges in NYC

October 11, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Greenwich St. Jewelers has been a Manhattan mainstay for almost 50 years, providing customers with superlative service and luxury without pretension. Founded by Puerto Rican immigrants, the family business has overcome obstacles including 9/11, the financial crisis and the pandemic. On today’s episode, we’re speaking with Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of the family business she runs with her sister, about the process behind rebranding a legacy brand while maintaining its heritage and growing fro...

319. 5 things to know about how consumers are shopping for Halloween

October 03, 2023 10:00 - 12 minutes - 12.2 MB

Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey, and a record number of people (73%) will participate in Halloween-related activities this year, up from 69% in 2022. To get us in the Halloween spirit, we’re talking to Katherine Cullen, NRF’s vice president of industry and consumer insights, for insights into what’s driving Halloween spending trends and factors that might impact winter holida...

318. Untuckit founder Chris Riccobono on persevering through challenges

September 26, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

Untuckit was born when Chris Riccobono couldn’t find a shirt that looked good when he wore it untucked. Riccobono founded the American casual men’s apparel company in 2010; today the brand is about to sell its 12 millionth shirt. Now Riccobono has launched a new venture: Greatness Wins was created as a response to Riccobono’s dissatisfaction with athletic and performance wear. Chris joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial background, the growth strategies for his two brands, the importanc...

317. Telling the retail story: Live from the Council of State Retail Associations

September 19, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

If the adage “All politics are local” is true, then state retail association executives really are the first line of defense for retail public policy and government relations activity in state capitols across the nation. On today’s special episode, recorded live at the Council of State Retail Associations meeting, three state retail association executives, including Gordon M. Gough of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Rachel Michelin of the California Retailers Association and Scott Shal...

316. Retail advocacy update with NRF’s David French

September 12, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

As Congress returns from August recess, it will be considering policies that could have a profound impact on retailers, their employees and their communities. David French, NRF’s senior vice president of government relations, returns to the show to provide an update on important policy issues and legislation currently making its way through Congress, including bills to fight organized retail crime and tame excessive credit card swipe fees, as well as the prospects of immigration reform and t...

315. The path to unified commerce with The Vitamin Shoppe’s Andrew Laudato

August 22, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

For 46 years, The Vitamin Shoppe has been helping customers be their best selves, however they define it. Innovation and technology have played a major role in the company’s growth, and on today’s episode, Andrew Laudato, EVP and COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, talks about that growth and adding stores through franchises, today’s definition of omnichannel and why technology is just a tool for creating better customer experiences.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

314. LePrix is reinventing how retailers source pre-owned luxury

August 08, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

Emily Erkel, Co-Founder and CMO and LePrix, talks about the resale landscape, starting and evolving her unique business for today's demands, her team's focus for the coming year and what the future of retail really looks like.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

313. The back-to-school shopping habits of Gen Z and the parents of Gen Alpha

July 25, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Back-to-school spending is expected to reach an unparalleled $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year; back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record. On today’s show, Rachel Bonsignore, vice president of GfK Consumer Life, talks about what’s driving back-to-class shopping this season, how Generation Alpha’s Millennial parents are being influenced, and what’s motivating consumer behavior among the generations. Dig into the data a...

312. Replay: How Domino’s delivers on innovation

June 27, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 281: Christopher Thomas-Moore, senior vice president of customer and store experiences at Domino’s, joins the show to discuss his career journey, how the company leads when it comes to innovation, and the future of the quick service restaurant industry.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

311. What can AI do for retailers and customers?

June 13, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

On today’s show, Nasrin Mostafazadeh, co-founder of AI company Verneek, talks about building AI platforms for retailers to enhance the customer experience, puts the current AI buzz into context, and discusses the real threats and opportunities the technology represents. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

310. ThirdLove CEO Heidi Zak on moving into bricks-and-mortar

May 31, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.6 MB

ThirdLove is known for marketing body positivity and offering size-inclusive bras, including half-cup sizes. On today’s episode, we’re talking to ThirdLove co-founder and CEO Heidi Zak. We’ll hear about what led her to start the company back in 2013, how the brand connects with today’s customers and ThirdLove’s recent expansion into bricks-and-mortar locations. Zak also shares how inclusion and diversity values help shape the business and discusses the impact of the TL Effect – an initiati...

309. Sam's Club Chief Merchant on what it means to be 'member-obsessed'

May 23, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

On today’s episode, we’re talking to Sam’s Club Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant Megan Crozier. We’ll discuss how Crozier’s team decides what makes its way onto Sam’s Club shelves, her 20-year career journey starting as an engineer at a Walmart distribution center in Temple, Texas, and leading through a time of accelerated change. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

308. M.M.LaFleur CEO on evolving how the company helps women dress for work

May 16, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 23.1 MB

M.M.LaFleur is not a women’s workwear business — founder and CEO Sarah LaFleur says it’s a company that supports working women. LaFleur talks about the distinction on today’s show, as well as the brand’s bricks-and-mortar strategy, how women are dressing for work in a post-pandemic world, what it means to “lead from the front” and her biggest style inspiration. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

307. Managing retail risks with NRF’s David Johnston

May 09, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

Retail security has moved from physical security to loss prevention to asset protection. Now it’s at the enterprise risk management phase, according to David Johnston, NRF’s vice president of asset protection and retail operations. On today’s show, Johnston dives into current priorities and challenges in the retail loss prevention and asset protection community, including growing concerns about organized retail crime. He also shares more about what to expect at this summer’s NRF PROTECT even...

306. Addison Bay CEO on the entrepreneurial spirit, risk, reward and managing growth

May 02, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

On today’s show, Addison Bay founder and CEO Marguerite Adzick talks about starting the women’s activewear business, the company’s growth and culture, and her advice for other entrepreneurs. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

305. Leading change at Overstock.com with CEO Jonathan Johnson

April 18, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MB

Today’s episode is all about change and evolution: Overstock.com CEO Jonathan Johnson talks about his personal career shift from corporate lawyer to ecommerce CEO, as well as Overstock’s recent transition from a general merchandise retailer to focus solely on home furnishings and how it stands out among other online furniture retailers. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

304. The state of the supply chain with Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka

April 12, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MB

The Port of Los Angeles (combined with Long Beach) handles about one-third of all container traffic in the United States and operated at 120% capacity during the pandemic. On today’s show, Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, joins NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay to share some of the supply chain lessons learned during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration and early planning, and what the coming year will bring for the retail industry.  Learn more at retai...

303. Steve Dennis on what makes a remarkable retail business

April 04, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

Retail veteran and consultant Steve Dennis talks about his career journey, why we should move on from omnichannel thinking, and what it takes to win as the pace of disruption continues to accelerate. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

302. How Kendra Scott shines bright online

March 28, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MB

Chris Hardisty started his career in semiconductors before becoming an ecommerce and digital retail leader for brands including Timberland, Clarks and Puma. But he recently hung up his shoes to become a consultant and interim senior vice president for jewelry brand Kendra Scott. On today’s show, Hardisty talks about his career in retail, how Kendra Scott has grown into a billion-dollar business and where it’s headed in 2023 Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

301. Staying close to the customer with Pete Nordstrom

March 21, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MB

As president and chief brand officer of Nordstrom Inc., Pete Nordstrom oversees all the aspects of the luxury retailer’s merchandising and supply chain. Nordstrom joins the show this week to talk about growing up in the family business, what it takes to stay current in a fast-changing industry and what's ahead for Nordstrom in 2023. We'll also get the scoop on his own podcast, The Nordy Pod. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

300. Modern leadership and business culture with John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.

March 07, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

As Retail Gets Real celebrates a milestone 300th episode, we are joined by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and chairman of the NRF Board of Directors, who talks about his 30-year career journey at Walmart from part-timer to CEO, his approach to leadership and risk-taking, and what the retail giant will focus on in 2023.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

299. Redefining Claire’s for a new generation

February 28, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

How does a 62-year-old jewelry and accessories company keep up with changing tastes and trends? On this episode of Retail Gets Real, we sit down with Claire’s CMO Kristin Patrick to talk about the global brand that has pierced millions, how Patrick has redefined the brand for a new generation and how it is reaching “Gen Z-Alpha” in the metaverse. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

298. CEO Ron Coughlin on how Petco’s transformation begins with purpose

February 14, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MB

Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic and when new pet parents needed supplies and care for those pets, they turned to retailers like Petco. On this episode, Petco’s Ron Coughlin discusses his decision to take the CEO position, the brand’s transformational journey to a health and wellness company, and the pandemic’s impact on the pet industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

297. Celebrating every body with Christiane Pendarvis of Savage X Fenty

February 07, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

On this special episode of Retail Gets Real recorded at NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show,  we talk to Christiane Pendarvis, co-president/chief merchandising and design officer for Savage X Fenty, about her career journey, how the brand is disrupting the intimate apparel industry, the drive to increase inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry and what it’s like to work for Rihanna. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

296. Exploring the resilient consumer and retail with NRF’s Katherine Cullen

January 31, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

On this special episode of the Retail Gets Real podcast recorded live at the NRF Foundation Student Program, Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, talks about the latest consumer insights, including the recent holiday shopping season and what to expect from consumers in 2023. She also takes audience questions from students participating in the event.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

295. Future-proofing retail with trend forecaster Andrea Bell

January 24, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Recorded from NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show in New York City: Andrea Bell, vice president of Consumer Insights at WGSN, dives into the latest consumer research on what the future of retail looks like, trends that retailers need to be aware of and how to plan for the unknown. From the rise of the “polycrisis” era to synthetic creativity, retailers are looking for ways to future-proof their businesses and navigate global risks.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

294. Retail predictions for 2023 with NRF’s Susan Reda

January 17, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MB

From small concept stores to the metaverse and Web3, retail is all about change and adaptation. On today’s show, Susan Reda, NRF’s VP of education strategy digs into the insights and retail trends for 2023 and explains why drones, robotics and Generation Alpha are shaping the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

293. The state of retail heading into 2023 with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay

January 03, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

After weathering the effects of a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and inflation, retailers and consumers are ready for a brighter 2023. National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay joins Retail Gets Real to discuss the industry and how it fared this holiday season, what to expect from retail and NRF in 2023, and what he’s looking forward to at the upcoming NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

292. Shopping in a winter wonderland: Measuring the impact of weather on consumer demand

December 20, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships and alliances at Planalytics. Gold discusses his career path from Macy’s to weather data analytics, how weather and geography impacts consumers and how they shop, especially during the holiday season, and what retailers can do to be prepared for Mother Nature heading into 2023. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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