Podcasts about National Retail Federation

Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient and he is now the team manager for Gucci in Tysons Corner, Va.. He joins us to talk about his personal journey in retail, how to “romance a product” and the lessons C-suite executives can learn from up-and-coming retail professionals. (00:00:00) Davison Long's retail history (00:04:44) Romancing the product(00:06:02) Perspectives of a young leader (00:13:13) Tools to support young professionals (00:16:23) Davison Long's favorite Gucci products (00:17:38) How C-Suite executives can connect with young leaders(00:20:33) Davison Long's inspirations The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• gucci.com• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Championing Leaders in Retail • NRF Foundation awards top scholarship to Columbia College Chicago junior

In this encore episode of The Voice of Retail from January 2025, I'm joined by Sergeant Craig Reynolds and Arezo Zarrabian, Senior Crime Analyst at the Vancouver Police Department, for an exclusive look inside Project Barcode—a pioneering effort to combat organized retail crime in Vancouver.Sparked by a staggering 260% increase in retail theft involving weapons, Project Barcode was launched in 2021 and has evolved into a city-wide operation. Combining targeted police action, strategic analytics, and cross-agency collaboration, the project has become a blueprint for combating retail crime across Canada—and beyond.Craig and Arezo take us behind the scenes of Barcode's design and deployment. With more than 1,400 arrests, 166 repeat offenders apprehended, and $1.4 million in goods and criminal assets recovered, Project Barcode is delivering measurable results. Arezo's data-driven insights guide every phase—from identifying hotspots by time and geography, to profiling offender patterns and predicting retail theft surges. One key innovation? Deploying officers based on real-time trends, such as peak theft hours or common entry points into the city.Yet the team doesn't just tackle frontline offenders. A major focus is upstream—targeting fences and organized resellers who drive demand for stolen goods. With the help of anti-fencing units and civil forfeiture laws, Project Barcode has disrupted the black-market supply chain while building stronger partnerships with the retail community.Craig and Arezo also share deeply human perspectives on the systemic issues behind the crimes: homelessness, addiction, lack of mental health support, and underfunded social services. They stress that many offenders are exploited and desperate—often stealing not out of greed, but obligation to pay off debts. They advocate for wraparound solutions that go beyond law enforcement, including judicial reform, community policing, and better data sharing.The episode closes with a look ahead: more coordination, smarter deployment, and a renewed call for nationwide efforts to recognize retail crime as a serious threat to public safety and economic stability.If you're a retailer, policymaker, or security professional, this is essential listening on how cities can combine compassion, innovation, and accountability to fight retail crime—and win. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this exclusive interview, I chat with Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), one of Canada's most iconic outdoor retailers. Peter shares his remarkable journey from CFO to CEO over five years at MEC, detailing his passion for the outdoors that initially drew him to the company rather than retail specifically.MEC's origin story is captivating - it began in the early 1970s, when University of British Columbia students drove to REI in Washington, bought climbing gear, and sold it from their van on campus. This evolved into Canada's premier outdoor retail cooperative with 21 stores by 2020, becoming what Peter describes as "a candy store for the outdoors."The company's unique employee culture sets MEC apart in the competitive outdoor retail landscape. Staff members genuinely live the lifestyle they sell through "Rad Days" - paid outdoor adventures where employees test gear and bring back real-world experiences. This authentic product knowledge enables staff to provide honest recommendations, sometimes even steering customers away from products that don't fit their specific needs.Peter discusses MEC's significant transformation from a member-owned cooperative to a private company, maintaining the "member" terminology and benefits that resonate with Canadian consumers. The recently relaunched membership program includes purchase-based discounts, exclusive access to popular store events, and MEC's legendary "rock solid guarantee" - one of the industry's most comprehensive return policies.A significant development is MEC's return to Canadian ownership after being acquired by private equity in 2020. Peter and Chief Merchandising Officer Chris Beyer joined the new Canadian ownership group, led by Tim Gu, bringing manufacturing expertise that is particularly valuable for MEC's private label products, which comprise one-third of their business alongside branded products from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Yeti.The merchandising strategy balances premium branded products with MEC's highly-regarded private label offerings, providing similar quality at lower prices without wholesale markups. This combination creates a compelling value proposition that competitors struggle to match.Looking ahead, Peter sees significant growth opportunities as competitors exit the market following the COVID-19 pandemic. Atmosphere closed standalone stores, and regional players shuttered operations, creating organic growth potential. MEC plans opportunistic store expansion in underserved Canadian markets, capitalizing on available real estate from retailer closures.Peter's retail advice emphasizes focusing relentlessly on core competencies rather than chasing trending business models. For MEC, this means maintaining its specialty outdoor retailer identity through exceptional in-store service, curated product assortments, and a consistent customer experience across all channels.The episode highlights how authentic brand positioning, employee engagement, and customer-centric policies can sustain competitive advantages in challenging retail environments. MEC's successful transition from a cooperative to a company while preserving its brand values demonstrates effective change management in retail transformation. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Father's Day Spend in 2025 Expected to Set Record: National Retail Federation reports 76% of Americans will spend during the holiday, focusing on bespoke and unique gifts.

Welcome to Mysteries to Die For.I am TG Wolff and am here with Jack, my piano player and producer. This is a podcast where we combine storytelling with original music to put you in the heart of a mystery. All stories are structured to challenge you to beat the detective to the solution. Jack and I perform these live, front to back, no breaks, no fakes, no retakes.The rules for law and order create the boundaries for civil co-existence and, ideally, the backdrops for individuals, families, and companies to grow and thrive. Breaking these rules puts civil order at risk. And while murder is the Big Daddy of crimes, codified ordinances across municipal divisions, counties, states, and countries show the nearly endless ways there are to create mayhem. This season, we put our detective skills to the test. This is Season 8, Anything but Murder. This is Episode 10, large-scale theft is the featured crime. This is Graciela's Gifts by KM Rockwood.Another mystery from KM Rockwood, who has written the Jesse Damon crime novels, and numerous short stories. DELIBERATIONGraciela doesn't know who to trust as she tries to suss who is behind the large-scale theft. Lucky for her, she has us. Here is everyone currently on her “do not trust” list, in the order we met them:Cooper Reynes, security expert, hired to stop Graciela's inventory lossesMichelle, Graciela's friend and first employee, she needs money to help her sister with medical billsRaoul, Graciela's second employee, he works hard to keep the store neatJocelyn, a recent hire, she came from Cooper's recommended agencyLivvy, a recent hire, she also came from Cooper's recommended agencyOfficer Bronkin, investigating similar thefts at other storesNoah, custodian for the strip mall, has access to all the storesGiggling girl, customer, left her wallet in among the pugs Here are the facts swirling in Graciela's mind:Cooper Reynes was recommended by the Chamber of Commerce for his success in reducing thefts. He upgrades his client's security, personally reviewing the footage for problems. Prompted to do an inventory, Graciela and Michelle found significant merchandise loss, including whole cartons of purses and scarvesMichelle and Raoul were with Graciela long before the problem started. Still, they both bring bags to work able to smuggle out product and tend to live paycheck to paycheck.Jocelyn and Livvy are newer employees, hired through a service Cooper recommended.Officer Bronkin is working the case but without much progress. He turns Graciela on to a trick of moving stolen goods using trash dumpsters.Raoul always takes out the trash. He was meticulous like that. Graciela inspected one suspicious box but found only packing peanuts.Graciela found one of her stolen, unique pieces, an Eiffel Tower with a Celtic cross, on an on-line retail site. Graciela's most expensive piece, a diamond accented pug, went missing during the previous day, including after hours. She does not suspect the cleaning crew. The others with after hours access were Cooper and Noah.Noah showed Graciela how to view the security footage, countering Cooper's argument that it was difficult and could overwrite footage. The recent footage showed Livvy taking out trash. Who is ruining the party at Graciela's Gifts and More?About Large-Scale TheftLarge-scale theft is also known as organized retail crime. As you saw in our story, it's the theft of large quantities of products from retailers with the purpose of selling the products. Where shoplifting is committed by individuals for personal use, large-scale theft is a highly organized big business. According to the National Retail Federation, retail losses in 2022 totaled $112...

In this energizing and thought-provoking episode, I welcome back Ron Thurston, bestselling author, veteran retail executive, and passionate advocate for the frontline retail workforce. With the launch of his second book, Human Pride: Optimizing Your Human Potential in a Digital Job Market, Ron brings a refreshing, people-centric perspective to leadership and career development in the era of AI, automation, and gig work.Michael and Ron discuss the implications of the rising prevalence of gig work, how many retailers are reverting to "COVID playbooks" with minimal staffing, and the importance of treating even temporary team members as valuable contributors. Ron shares powerful insights on how a simple, intentional 60-second conversation can dramatically transform an employee's sense of pride and purpose—emphasizing the importance of human-to-human leadership even amidst operational speed.The heart of the episode is Ron's deep dive into Human Pride, a follow-up to his 2020 bestseller Retail Pride. Ron explains how this new book expands his message beyond the retail sector, encouraging readers to reflect on their values, refine their personal stories, and lead with purpose. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in both job interviews and team leadership, describing it as an underutilized yet transformative tool.Ron and Michael also reflect on Ron's first book tour, where he crisscrossed the U.S. in an Airstream and F-150 to connect with frontline retail workers, and what he learned about the commonalities shared across the industry, from Walmart to luxury brands. Ron emphasizes the importance of leaders being curious, asking thoughtful questions, and helping team members discover their strengths through storytelling and open dialogue.Whether you're a retail executive, HR leader, or just navigating today's job market, this episode offers timely and timeless advice on how to show up with pride, lead with humanity, and build a more resilient workforce.Buy Ron's eBook on IndigoBuy Ron's Book on Amazon Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:57) How NRF advocates for small business owners (00:05:33) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses (00:07:27) Aaron Brown's story (00:08:58) Bob Jones' story (00:11:04) Lisa-Jae Eggert's story (00:12:23) Making an impact with policymakers (00:16:41) Cruz's message to small business owners The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get involved with the NRF Action Center • Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 5 things to know about tariffs • Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs • Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk

In this episode, Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics and 2025 recipient of Retail Council Canada's Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year award, joins me on the mic. Our inspiring conversation explores Jenn's remarkable journey from food industry sales to building a nationally recognized Indigenous beauty brand now available in Sephora, Canada, and JCPenney.Jenn's entrepreneurial story begins with a vivid dream in January 2015 featuring Indigenous girls covered in lip gloss, just months after she got sober from battling alcoholism. Her discovery of generational trauma stemming from her grandparents' residential school experience became the driving force behind creating a brand that could break cycles and build something meaningful for Indigenous communities.The conversation reveals how personal tragedy - losing her brother BJ to suicide just before launching - nearly ended the venture but ultimately became the motivation to persevere through countless challenges. Jenn candidly discusses the mental resilience required for entrepreneurship, comparing the journey to Nike founder Phil Knight's struggles detailed in "Shoe Dog."Cheekbone Beauty has carved out a unique position in the competitive cosmetics market by pioneering what Jenn calls "indigenous beauty" - products that are clean and safe for humans and genuinely sustainable for the planet. The brand eliminates harmful ingredients like dimethicone and isodiacaine that negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, directly connecting to Indigenous land stewardship values.Jenn shares crucial insights about customer loyalty and product-market fit, revealing their impressive 55-65% customer return rate compared to the industry average of 30%. Their hero product, the UniFi complexion pencils, has revolutionized how customers think about the foundation by promoting natural skin visibility while providing beneficial skincare properties.The discussion covers modern marketing realities for independent brands, with Jenn emphasizing that authentic user-generated content from real customers far outperforms expensive influencer campaigns. She details costly lessons learned from failed marketing initiatives in 2024, confirming that scrappy, organic marketing remains most effective for small brands.Jenn positions artificial intelligence as essential for competitive survival while acknowledging environmental concerns that sustainable businesses must consider in their impact reporting. She views AI as potentially levelling the playing field initially, though she expects larger corporations to capitalize on these tools quickly.The episode provides valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, with Jenn emphasizing speed and leveraging available tools while learning from mistakes quickly. Jenn's target demographic of 35-55-year-old women challenges assumptions about indigenous beauty brands, with Fair Shades being their top sellers.This conversation offers inspiration and practical insights for independent retailers, beauty entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in building purpose-driven businesses that create positive community impact while achieving commercial success. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this exclusive episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Karl Haller, Partner at IBM Consulting and leader of their retail and consumer products center of competency, ahead of his highly anticipated keynote presentation at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd.With nearly 30 years of retail experience at brands including Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, and Karl Lagerfeld, Haller brings unique insights at the intersection of retail business and technology to one of Canada's premier retail events.Haller, who will take the main stage following fellow keynote speaker Ira Kalish, positions AI as "the biggest transformation that any of us have seen in our careers," comparing its significance to the advent of computing in the 1970s. While acknowledging the hype surrounding AI, he maintains that we're in the early stages of a fundamental shift in how retail operates—a message he'll expand upon at the STORE2025 conference.When discussing strategy during uncertain times, Haller advises retailers to focus on action rather than extensive planning: "If you've got a million dollars to spend, spend a million dollars on 100 MVPs. Don't spend a million dollars on an AI strategy project because it's going to be out of date by the time you've done it." He recommends scenario planning with clear indicators that can guide decision-making in unpredictable environments.Looking at retail formats, Haller notes that success isn't determined by format alone but by how retailers innovate within their sector. He highlights Walmart's nimble approach to technology implementation, PepsiCo's management of their extensive logistics network, and innovative approaches from companies like Unilever and Kroger.The conversation culminates with Haller identifying four under-appreciated retail technology trends:Expanding AI beyond words, pictures, and code to work with numerical data like SKU forecasting, potentially reducing forecast error rates to low single digitsIntegrating AI with other technologies like computer vision, IoT devices, robotics, biometrics, electronic shelf labels, and retail mediaDeveloping an "operating system for AI" to manage the projected billion new applications by 2028Most critically, bringing people along on the technology journey through comprehensive training and continuous learningAttendees of STORE2025 can expect Haller to dive deeper into these insights during his keynote presentation, providing retail leaders with actionable strategies for navigating technological transformation while balancing innovation with practical implementatio Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back frequent guest and audience favorite Ira Kalish, Chief Global and US Economist for Deloitte, who is set to deliver the opening keynote address at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. This conversation offers listeners a valuable preview of the critical economic insights Canadian retailers can expect from his highly anticipated keynote.As LeBlanc notes in the introduction, "I'm very excited that you're going to be here in person," highlighting the significance of Kalish's upcoming role in kicking off RCC's flagship event during this period of economic uncertainty. The episode serves as an essential primer for conference attendees and provides crucial analysis for all retail professionals navigating today's complex trade environment.Drawing on his deep economic expertise, Kalish reveals that average US tariff rates have skyrocketed to approximately 27% - levels not seen since 1903. This represents a dramatic increase from the previous 3-3.5% rates and has triggered significant financial market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and growing concerns about economic downturns - all topics he'll address more extensively in his STORE2025 presentation.The conversation tackles three major justifications for the new tariff approach: shifting from taxes to tariffs for revenue generation, rebalancing global trade priorities, and re-shoring manufacturing. Kalish systematically challenges these rationales, providing a preview of the economic framework he'll expand upon during his conference keynote.Particularly concerning for retailers planning to attend STORE2025, Kalish highlights data showing container shipments from China to the US are down 45% year-over-year, as importers either find tariffs too prohibitive or wait for potential policy reversals. This disruption threatens empty store shelves and significantly higher consumer prices in the immediate future - urgent challenges that will undoubtedly be central to his opening address.Continuing themes he'll develop further at the conference, the discussion also explores non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation accusations, and the possibility of regional "fortress" trading blocs. While Kalish doesn't foresee complete regionalization of trade, he notes that many countries are now working to reduce US trade dependence by liberalizing trade with each other.On a more optimistic note, the conversation concludes by examining how this trade crisis might catalyze positive economic reforms in Canada - a topic that will resonate strongly with the Canadian retail executives gathering at STORE2025.Listeners are encouraged to follow Kalish's weekly economic updates on Deloitte's thought leadership website at deloitte.com/insights, while also making plans to attend his must-see opening keynote at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 1st, where he'll provide expanded insights on these rapidly evolving economic developments.  Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Today on America in the Morning    Conclave Elects New Pope  The votes are in, and Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports that white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means a new pope has been chosen.    Trump Admin Unveils ATC Update Plan  The White House is pitching a massive overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system. Correspondent Sagar Meghani has details.    FEMA Head Fired  There's been a change to the head of FEMA. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.  Trump Admin Asks SCOTUS to Rule on Humanitarian Parole  The Trump administration is seeking a ruling from the Supreme Court on the use of humanitarian parole. Correspondent Lisa Dwyer has more.    Trump Taps Judge Jeanine Pirro to Lead DC Attorney's Office  Correspondent Jennifer King reports former judge Jeanine Pirro has been tapped to temporarily lead the nation's largest US attorney's office.      Mistrial Declare for Case Involving MI Police Officer  The trial of a Michigan police officer charged with fatally shooting a man during a 2022 traffic stop ends in a mistrial. Correspondent Donna Warder reports.    Mother's Day Spending  Correspondent Clayton Neville has details on how American's are planning to honor their mom's this Mother's Day weekend.  FBI Opens Probe into NY AG Letitia James  The FBI is opening a formal investigation into the New York Attorney General for alleged mortgage fraud. Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.    Congress Passes Bill on Gulf of America  Congress has passed a bill to codify the Gulf of America. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.    Military Removing Transgender Troops  Earlier this week the Supreme Court sided with the Trump Administration to allow President Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the military, and now correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports that the military is working to remove transgender troops.    Parent of WI School Shooter Charged  The parent of a school shooter in Wisconsin is facing charges in connection to the case. Correspondent Jennifer King reports.    Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Ceasefire  Russia is accusing Ukraine of not honoring a 72-hour ceasefire declared by President Putin to honor the anniversary of the country's World War II Victory Day. With the latest on the war in Ukraine here's correspondent Karen Chammas.    Crypto CEO Sentenced for Fraud  The CEO of a now defunct Celsius Crypto lending network has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud. Correspondent Chuck Palm has that in today's tech report.  Finally  New in Cinemas this week, a film about hit men on a plane. Correspondent Kevin Carr has details.   Bill Gates announces plans to give away almost his entire fortune. Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports.  According to the National Retail Federation this year 84% of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate Mother's Day. And spend, on average, $259.04 on gifts and celebrations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A de-escalation in the tariff sabre rattling between the U.S. and China brought the buyers back into the stock market, lifting it well out of correction territory as investors hope for cooler heads to prevail. But the damage to retail supply chains may have been done as the National Retail Federation warns of a 20% hit to sales if the tariffs remain on core items, and the big ticket holiday spending events like Halloween may be at risk.Plus, a rare breadth indicator resurfaces as stocks surge, reminding us that we are investing in a headline driven environment. Resources:https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/import-cargo-levels-to-drop-sharply-amid-new-tariffs-and-uncertainty https://www.investopedia.com/what-to-expect-in-the-markets-this-week-april-28-2025-11721321 https://www.hiaonline.org/news/698973/Press-Release---Tariffs-Threaten-to-Cancel-Halloween-and-Cripple-Christmas.htm https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/breadth-thrust-indicator.asp https://www.carsongroup.com/insights/blog/team-members/ryan-detrick/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this compelling episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down again and catch up with Emma May, Founder of SophieGrace, a Calgary-based fashion brand transforming professional womenswear with modular, machine-washable designs. With a diverse background spanning law, politics, and real estate, Emma shares the origin story of SophieGrace, born from her frustration with the lack of cohesive, high-quality wardrobe options for professional women.Emma discusses how her brand serves an underserved segment—professional women who want elegant, coordinated, and comfortable clothing without the hassle of traditional shopping. She highlights how SophieGrace's clean design ethos and product quality have created an extremely loyal customer base across North America, including legal professionals, political leaders, and C-suite executives.We dive into the business model, including the online-first strategy supported by two physical showrooms in Calgary and Vancouver and Emma's growing interest in experiential retail through pop-ups and client-hosted events. She details how organic, word-of-mouth growth—amplified by strategic community events like wine-and-shop nights hosted by senior partners and wealth managers—has been central to building the brand's reputation.Emma also opens up about the operational and strategic challenges of manufacturing. Originally sourcing from China for scalability, SophieGrace explored Canadian production, only to be forced to return offshore after losing a key domestic supplier. Despite these hurdles, product quality and innovation remain front and center—stretch silk blouses and capsule drops ensure her customers return again and again.The conversation turns to current trade policy headwinds. With 30% of sales once coming from the U.S., Emma unpacks how the elimination of de minimis exemptions and looming tariffs—potentially exceeding 100%—have derailed her expansion plans. The result: a pivot back to Canadian growth and exploring new frontiers, including potential wholesale opportunities and a European launch.Emma's journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, customer-driven design, and navigating global trade complexity with agility. Whether you're a fashion entrepreneur, policy wonk, or retail strategist, this episode delivers a wealth of insights into building a brand with purpose and scalability in 2025's challenging retail environment. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Department of Health and Human Services takes aim at artificial food dyes. President Donald Trump meets with the CEOs of Walmart and Target. And grocers and c-store chains dominate the National Retail Federation's Top 50 Global Retailers list.

Our guest on this week's episode is Ken Ramoutar, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucas Systems.  As supply chains adjust to changing conditions, they will continue to need tools to increase flexibility, speed, and productivity. That's where technology can come to the rescue. Our guest offers insights into how new technologies can help operators address the many challenges they face today.Most economists are predicting that an uncertain market like this one means individual shoppers will cut back on discretionary spending - things like luxury goods and travel. Instead, they'll save up their money because most models predict the tariffs will cause higher prices on goods. And that may already be happening, but this week we saw two measures that showed that many consumers are actually buying more goods in certain sectors. We explain why.Despite the economic uncertainty we've been experiencing, wages for truck drivers and warehouse staff surged in the first quarter amid strong demand for frontline workers nationwide. This is according to a report from two employment industry companies – resume-building platform Resume Now and talent-matching platform Talroo. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Lucas SystemsThe grocery sector holds strong as consumers cut discretionary spendingCensus data shows that retail sales grew in MarchReport: trucking and warehousing pay up in Q1Visit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: ID LabelOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

On this encore episode, I sit down with a colleague from back in my work on the brand side, Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., part of a global 13 billion dollar powerhouse tool house of brands that includes Milwaukee, Ryobi, andHoover. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Craig talks about radical innovation, retail go-to-market strategy, leadership for growth, and the epic come-from-behind marketplace win for his Milwaukee brand of power tools as the sixth horse in a five-horse race.  About CraigSixteen years ago, I was given the opportunity to become the president of TTi Canada; a world class leader in design, manufacturing, and marketing of power tools and accessories, outdoor product equipment and floor care for consumers, professional and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, and construction industries.Since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside a team of outstanding performers who share the same belief in setting audacious goals and holding ourselves accountable to deliver those goals while continuing to cultivate a best in class working environment.Along with our unrelenting strategic focus on powerful brands, innovative products, operational excellence, and exceptional people, we strive to continuously build upon a corporate culture where our employees can realize more and more of their abundant potential. What inspires me, is seeing people striving to do great work and growing into the best version of themselves. By continuously improving our culture through all of our success we have further leveraged our biggest differentiator as a company, and that is something I am very proud of.“Show class, have pride, and display character. And if you do, winning takes care of itself” – Bear Bryant Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley's CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand's transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail industry. She also shares what she loves most about working in retail and her impactful career advice. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:00:39) Highlights of the NRF Big Show (00:01:39) Ardrey's career background (00:07:50) The pace of change in retail (00:09:30) Vera Bradley's transformation journey (00:15:05) Balancing brand loyalty with an expanding customer base (00:17:49) Facing the unpredictability of consumers (00:21:39) Ardrey's best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• verabradley.com• Get ready for Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• What to know about the consumer in 2025Produced by Crate Media.

In this enlightening episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Anabel Maldonado, Founder and CEO of PSYKHE AI, a company at the forefront of using psychographic intelligence and generative AI to transform the future of e-commerce merchandising. With a rich background that spans neuropsychology and luxury fashion—having worked with the founding team of Net-a-Porter—Anabel brings a unique perspective to the conversation about personalization, retail AI, and customer behavior.Anabel describes how PSYKHE AI solves a persistent problem in digital retail: ineffective, one-size-fits-all recommendation engines. Traditional AI personalization relies heavily on transactional history and assumes repetitive buying behavior. PSYKHE AI instead integrates the Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—to determine what products emotionally resonate with users. The result is a real-time, per-user merchandising engine that reorders product pages based on deep learning and aesthetic psychology.Anabel explains that these psychographic insights allow PSYKHE AI to move beyond surface-level recommendations. Rather than bombarding consumers with lookalike products or static best-sellers, the platform dynamically surfaces items that feel uniquely “them”—even across unrelated categories like fashion, fragrance, and home décor. The system learns from user behavior and product interaction without relying on surveys or manual input, enabling meaningful personalization that adapts over time.The platform is particularly suited for large-scale, multi-brand retailers where product discovery is a challenge. PSYKHE AI delivers significant improvements in metrics such as conversion rate, time to transaction, and revenue per visitor, reporting uplifts between 17% and 35% through continuous A/B testing.Retailers with at least 50,000 monthly unique visitors and a product catalog with depth (four or more pages in key categories) are the ideal partners. As AI adoption accelerates, Anabel urges retailers to close the cultural gap between tech teams and merchants by embracing tools that reflect the emotional complexity of consumer decision-making.For those looking to stay ahead of the curve in retail innovation, this episode offers a compelling look at how emotional intelligence and AI can come together to redefine product discovery in e-commerce.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Our guest on this week's episode is Dr. Robert Sroufe, professor of sustainability at the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Supply chains are among the largest users of our world's energy. Yet our industry is one of the most advanced in advocating for sustainability. But as political winds shift dramatically in Washington, many environmental policies may be on the chopping block. Where do our industry's efforts lie going forward? Our guest has some insights and suggestions to better our supply chains while reducing their negative impacts on the environment.The White House termed Wednesday as Liberation Day – the day the administration announced all of the new tariffs. But it seems that supply chain leaders are feeling more shackled than liberated by the tariffs. We report on what leading supply chain groups, researchers, and economists are saying about how the tariffs will affect supply chain operations and world trade.This week the March Logistics Managers' Index report emphasized all the volatility we've been observing in the economy. Economic activity in logistics expanded in March, but at a much slower rate compared to the first two months of the year. We look at the numbers and what trends they may reveal about the health of our supply chain industry.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, Chatham University in PittsburghMarket analysts say Trump tariffs spark economic risksLogistics industry growth slowed in MarchVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: ID LabelOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of retail leadership, consumer behavior, and strategic transformations. Wahba reflects on more than a decade covering retail bankruptcies, leadership shifts, and innovation, highlighting that while consumer desires have remained relatively stable—good value, seamless experiences, and quality products—retailers often struggle to meet these expectations consistently.Wahba shares insights into how some of the biggest names in retail excel by focusing on core strengths. He points to Costco and Walmart as prime examples of companies that continue to thrive by relentlessly pursuing operational efficiency, value pricing, and consistent store execution. In contrast, many department stores have downsized or disappeared because, as Wahba puts it, they “chased the wrong rabbits”—pursuing short-term gains over long-term brand definition. Dillard's stands out by maintaining steady store counts and focusing on a solid merchandising strategy, proving that success hinges on knowing your customer and offering them a clear reason to shop.The conversation then shifts to Hudson's Bay and its recent struggles, which Wahba attributes to a lack of focus on fundamental retail principles and a greater emphasis on real estate extraction. He also touches on the broader implications of retail real estate vacancies, noting that large anchor-store spaces often require creative repurposing—whether converted into smaller retail footprints, medical clinics, or mixed-use developments.Looking ahead, Wahba anticipates a future where technology plays a more backstage role, with the spotlight on operational improvements such as inventory management, demand forecasting, and smoother omnichannel experiences. Shoppers do not seek flashy tech for its own sake; rather, they want frictionless pathways to purchase. The episode also explores how retailers like Foot Locker and Gap might engineer turnarounds under new leadership, taking cues from successful transformations at brands like Abercrombie & Fitch.Wahba underscores that retail “winners” will be those that evolve with shifting consumer expectations while staying true to foundational principles: consistently fair pricing, well-curated inventory, and reliable customer service. The conversation wraps up with a look at up-and-coming brands and international retailers—including Uniqlo—that could make bigger U.S. expansions in the coming years if they adapt carefully to the market's nuances.Whether you're watching for the next big turnaround or seeking to understand why some iconic names falter, this episode offers deep insights into the interplay of leadership, strategy, and consumer loyalty—critical elements shaping the future of modern retail. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments. David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and adaptability in various roles throughout one's career. In this conversation, David Johnston and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of intentional communication, building rapport, and the role of the National Retail Federation (NRF) in advocating for the retail industry. They explore the challenges of networking in a digital age, the significance of genuine relationships, and the complexities of engaging with media and legislators. The discussion also highlights the upcoming NRF Protect event, emphasizing its value for learning and networking within the retail sector. Connect with David Johnston here: David Johnston | LinkedIn Register for NRF Protect 2025: Registration Information | NRF PROTECT 2025 Retailers - use discount code WZ200 to receive $200 off registration as a "thank you" for being a listener to the Truth Be Told podcast, courtesy of the NRF! Truths: Communication is a core skill in any profession. Building relationships is essential for success. Continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Transitioning roles requires adaptability and new strategies. Franchise environments present unique challenges. Understanding cultural differences is key in global operations. Effective communication can help manage difficult conversations. Sales skills can be developed from interviewing techniques. Every conversation can be viewed as an opportunity to negotiate or sell. Plan conversations with clear intent and goals. Active listening and open-ended questions foster better communication. Engagement in meetings is crucial for effective communication. Genuine relationships lead to successful networking. Effective communication is key in high-stakes situations. Helping others achieve success leads to personal growth.

Whole Foods places its whole focus on serving and nourishing its shoppers. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Whole Foods Market, joins us to talk about how Whole Foods stays ahead of food trends, builds trust with its customers and leads the industry in high-quality sourcing. She also shares her career journey, what she loves most about working in merchandising and marketing, and her approach to problem-solving in the retail industry.(00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:31) Oblisk's career journey (00:05:45) Why Oblisk loves merchandising & marketing (00:08:11) Getting to know the Whole Foods customer (00:11:10) Leading in trends and quality control (00:13:11) What's next for Whole Foods in 2025 (00:19:45) Oblisk's best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• wholefoodsmarket.com• Find out more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 10 retail experiences you shouldn't miss in New York City

When silence on sustainability speaks louder than words—and boomers quietly steal the economic spotlight—you know it's time to rethink everything.In this episode of The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley recaps big takeaways from the 2025 ISPA conference in St. Pete's, featuring fresh insights from Scot Case, VP of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation, and economist Dr. Christopher Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence.Episode Summary:Mark takes us behind the scenes at ISPA 2025 where the talk of the conference was “greenhushing”—the risky new cousin of greenwashing. Scot Case explains why being eco-silent may cost you consumer trust, while economist Dr. Christopher Kuehl breaks down the "barbell economy," proving that boomers are now powering home-related spending. From AI-powered green shopping to emotional consumer decisions, this episode flips traditional retail thinking on its head.3 Key Takeaways:Greenhushing is a PR Risk: Saying nothing about your eco-efforts can be just as damaging as saying too much.Boomers Are the New Power Buyers: Forget what you heard—older generations are investing heavily in home comfort.Sustainability = Quality: Durable goods aren't just better—they're now seen as more eco-conscious, especially in the mattress industry.

In this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Dr. Rebecca Homkes, a globally recognized high-growth strategy expert and author of the acclaimed book Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times. Dr. Homkes, who holds faculty positions at the London Business School and Duke University, shares invaluable insights into how leaders can build resilient and adaptive growth strategies in today's rapidly changing business landscape.As retailers continue to navigate turbulent times marked by rapid technological shifts, economic uncertainty, and global disruptions, this episode provides the strategic guidance needed to stay ahead. Dr. Homkes explains why traditional planning methods fall short in volatile environments and advocates for a mindset shift from planning to preparing—focusing on setting directions rather than rigid destinations. She emphasizes the need for businesses to build frameworks that prioritize learning, customer feedback, and agile decision-making.The conversation includes compelling real-world examples of companies that successfully adapted under pressure, like IKEA's innovative warehouse strategy born out of necessity and a Scandinavian amusement park that achieved record growth despite pandemic restrictions. Dr. Homkes' framework for thriving under uncertainty centers on embracing preparation, implementing a forced reset when linear growth stagnates, and maintaining "aligned speed" to balance swift decision-making with strategic coherence.As geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions like AI, and global economic pressures continue to shape the retail landscape, Dr. Homkes outlines how to identify must-win battles and prioritize actions that drive sustainable growth. She also discusses how leadership dynamics and organizational structures must evolve to support this adaptive mindset.This episode is essential listening for retail leaders looking to transform volatility into opportunity and position their businesses for long-term success. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and gain the insights you need to thrive in these unpredictable times. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Bill Thorne, Senior Vice President of Communications, Research, and Marketing at the National Retail Federation (NRF) and host of the Retail Gets Real podcast. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of retail, from how customer insights drive innovation to the power of storytelling in shaping brand loyalty.This engaging conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on retail operations, how agility and speed became key to survival, and why retailers must embrace change to stay competitive. Bill also shares insights from his time at Walmart, lessons from Savannah's booming port economy, and why successful retailers prioritize community and connection.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) The pace of change in retail(01:22) The power of customer insights(05:15) Retail storytelling and brand loyalty(10:05) Savannah's role in global supply chains(14:26) The future of retail logistics(18:03) Walmart's digital transformation(22:50) Retail's pandemic response and lessons learned(27:36) The importance of personalization in shopping(31:11) Why agility is key in modern retail(38:29) How data drives retail successAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Bill Thorne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-thorne-b82a146/Learn more about the National Retail Federation: https://nrf.com/Check out Retail Gets Real: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mpqKwH4QSDwFS8ukDbSIe?si=cdc84c550d034763Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Bridging the Gap: Investigating the Disconnect Between Supply Chains and the People Who Run Them: https://bit.ly/3F1iZr2WEBINAR- Unpacking the Latest Tariff Updates, Best Practices & What to Expect Next: https://bit.ly/4ikvdcSWEBINAR- Lessons Learned from the Trenches: How AI Will Impact the Future of Work: https://bit.ly/3DUnROxWEBINAR: Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2DThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/keeping-real-retail-leadership-1407

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with Yale Holder, Vice President of Customer Experience at Moneris, about emerging retail fraud prevention trends and strategies for payment security. Drawing on Moneris' extensive transaction data—covering billions of annual payments—Yale explains how fraud cases in 2024 dropped by 15% overall, primarily due to increased awareness and more widespread adoption of secure payment technologies. Despite this good news, he notes that the real challenge lies in underreported incidents, signalling that fraud may still be more prevalent than official numbers suggest.Moneris Fraud Resourceshttps://www.moneris.com/en/solutions/fraud-prevention/resourcesA key issue is mail order and telephone order (MOTO) fraud, which accounts for 62% of reported cases. According to Yale, criminals gravitate toward the easiest targets, and card-not-present transactions remain especially vulnerable. He recommends that retailers of all sizes adopt secure online gateways for phone or email orders rather than manually keying in credit card numbers. Yale also highlights how modern point-of-sale systems, such as Moneris' new generation of devices, have built-in tools—like secure payment links—that help small businesses reduce fraud exposure.While online fraud decreases thanks to built-in multi-factor authentication and centralized security measures, in-person fraud rises through “crimes of opportunity.” One growing concern is refund fraud involving stolen terminals, representing nearly a third of reported cases. Yale urges retailers to implement strong password protection on every terminal and to store portable devices securely. He underscores that these simple, often-overlooked steps can dramatically reduce refund fraud and terminal theft.Regional insights reveal that Ontario leads with around 40% of reported fraud due to higher transaction volumes, followed by Quebec at 30%. Saskatchewan stands out for its high incidence of employee refund fraud, emphasizing the need for tighter controls and individual employee logins. Meanwhile, Alberta shows an uptick in account takeover, underscoring the importance of guarding personal and business information against phishing attacks.Throughout the conversation, Yale returns to a central theme: proactive fraud prevention is far less costly than remedial action. He stresses immediate reporting of suspicious activity and diligent monitoring of transactions, enabling acquirers like Moneris to reverse or block fraudulent payments. From robust password protocols to leveraging secure e-commerce gateways, Yale's guidance provides retailers with clear, actionable strategies to safeguard revenue and maintain consumer trust. Ultimately, the episode serves as both a wake-up call and a resource for merchants seeking to stay ahead in the evolving world of retail fraud. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Coach is a visionary of visual storytelling and experiences. Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of global visual experience for Coach, joins us to discuss the evolution of visual merchandising and how he tells Coach's story to a global audience. He also shares the moment that changed his career trajectory and his advice for taking risks and following your gut.(00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:27) Zaccariello's career journey (00:07:17) The evolution of visual merchandising (00:10:25) Telling the coach story (00:13:55) Zaccariello's proudest career moment (00:19:09) Zaccariello's lessons and future learnings The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• coach.com• linkedin.com/in/giovannizaccariello• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 10 retail experiences you shouldn't miss in New York City

In the latest groundbreaking episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc presents a true innovation in nearly 500 episodes of broadcasting – the first 100% AI-generated episode, created entirely by Google's Notebook LM AI tool.This experimental episode marks a significant milestone in retail podcasting. LeBlanc uploaded a PDF of his popular annual NYC NRF Big Show retail tour – a document typically used to guide dozens of top Canadian retailers through New York's most innovative stores during the National Retail Federation's Big Show event. The same document is made available by the Retail Council of Canada and generous sponsors at retailcouncil.org.What makes this episode particularly fascinating is witnessing how the AI interprets and transforms a static document into dynamic podcast content. The AI successfully captures the essence of the retail tour, discussing trends, store concepts, and retail innovations highlighted in the PDF. Despite being entirely machine-generated, the episode maintains the informative tone and retail expertise that regular listeners expect from The Voice of Retail.The AI does stumble in ways that reveal its limitations – most notably by incorrectly placing some stores in SoHo when they're located elsewhere in Manhattan. This geographical confusion is a gripping reminder of AI's current constraints when working with implied rather than explicitly stated information.Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the episode occurs at the very end, where the AI bizarrely creates an unusual interaction between fictional participants – a creative liberty that LeBlanc notes as "super weird" but also oddly compelling in its unexpectedness.Despite these minor shortcomings, LeBlanc describes the overall quality of the AI-generated content as "stunningly amazing," especially considering the minimal human input involved. The episode successfully covers retail innovations, store designs, merchandising strategies, and customer experience elements typically highlighted during the in-person tours.Beyond being a technological novelty, this episode raises fascinating questions about the future of content creation in retail analysis and business podcasting. It demonstrates how AI tools can assist content creators in transforming existing materials into new formats while highlighting areas where human expertise and context remain essential.For listeners interested in retail innovation and AI capabilities, this landmark episode offers a unique perspective on how technology might complement (rather than replace) human retail expertise in the podcast medium. The complete NYC Store Guide 2025 referenced in the episode can be found on the Retail Council of Canada website, allowing listeners to compare the source material with the AI's interpretation.Of course, AI-generated this entire show description, and then grammar was checked by another specialized AI! Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode, I welcome back Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO of Silk & Snow, to explore the company's dramatic evolution from a digital-native sleep brand to a powerhouse in physical retail. The conversation dives into Silk & Snow's ambitious expansion plans, with 14 new stores set to open across Canada by the end of the year.Albert shares the brand's journey from its 2017 launch as an online mattress-in-a-box retailer to its current position as a multi-category sleep essentials and furniture brand. The company's emphasis on high-quality, locally sourced materials and transparent manufacturing has resonated with customers, helping it differentiate from competitors. A key milestone in its growth was its partnership with Sleep Country in 2023, facilitating its entry into brick-and-mortar retail, starting with a test location in Ottawa. With the success of that initial store, Silk & Snow expanded to Edmonton and Laval and is now gearing up for a nationwide rollout.The discussion highlights the strategic thinking behind the company's retail expansion. Rather than relying solely on traditional metrics like sales per square foot, Albert sees the physical locations as key brand touchpoints that enhance customer trust and engagement. The company's stores serve as sales hubs and brand marketing tools, reinforcing Silk & Snow's premium positioning in the sleep and home goods market.Albert also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by today's complex supply chain landscape. With increasing consumer demand for Canadian-made products and ongoing trade uncertainties, Silk & Snow has benefited from its early investment in local sourcing. While many brands are now reacting to shifting trade policies, Silk & Snow's commitment to Canadian manufacturing and partnerships with European suppliers, such as those in Portugal, have provided a competitive advantage.Albert shares his vision for Silk & Snow's future, including a potential push into the U.S. market. Drawing inspiration from Canadian retail success stories like Aritzia and Lululemon, he sees an opportunity for Silk & Snow to become a leading North American brand. With a methodical approach to expansion and a strong focus on customer experience, Silk & Snow is positioning itself for long-term success.Whether you're a retail industry professional or fascinated by the evolving world of e-commerce and brick-and-mortar integration, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to scale a modern brand in today's competitive retail environment. https://www.silkandsnow.com/en-ca/https://www.instagram.com/silkandsnow/https://www.linkedin.com/company/silk-snow/ Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:26) Pinterest's young and engaged audience (00:03:04) Hardy's career journey (00:06:20) Emerging consumer behaviors (00:12:16) Pinterest predicts 2025 trends (00:15:11) Retail challenges and opportunities for 2025 (00:21:24) Hardy's learnings and inspirations The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• pinterest.com• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Retail trends to watch in 2025• What to know about the consumer in 2025 Produced by Crate Media.

In this episode I welcomes Lindsey  Mazza Capgemini's Global Retail Lead, to explore the latest findings from their annual What Matters to Today's Consumer report. The conversation uncovers significant shifts in consumer behaviour, AI-driven retail strategies, and the future of fast delivery.Mazza outlines how 2025 marks a turning point where science fiction meets retail reality. Consumer expectations are rapidly changing, with a notable surge in demand for ultra-fast delivery. According to the study, 70% of consumers now prefer 10-minute delivery, a dramatic rise from previous years. However, Mazza warns that while demand is high, willingness to pay for such convenience remains a challenge for retailers.Another key insight is the transformation of consumer segmentation. Traditional demographic-based segmentation is becoming outdated, replaced by machine-learning-driven clusters focusing on shopping behaviour. Capgemini's research identifies five distinct consumer groups based on purchasing habits rather than age or income, highlighting the importance of behaviour-driven marketing strategies.The discussion also delves into AI's evolving role in retail. Mazza explains how AI is revolutionizing both front-end consumer experiences and back-end operations. From personalized shopping recommendations to AI-powered logistics, generative AI enables retailers to refine supply chains, automate decision-making, and enhance the shopping journey. Notably, retail media networks use AI to optimize ad placement, influencing consumer purchases more effectively than traditional search engines.Retailers must also navigate the rise of social commerce, with 70% of consumers now shopping through social platforms and seeking influencer recommendations. This trend underscores the shift towards a more interactive, digital-first retail landscape.When asked where retailers should invest their last dollar, Mazza prioritizes three areas:Retail Media – The next wave of influencer marketing.Supply Chain Innovation – Fast, efficient logistics as a key consumer differentiator.Sustainability Initiatives – Particularly in food waste reduction, which offers financial and environmental benefits.With AI reshaping the retail landscape, Mazza emphasizes that success lies not in chasing AI use cases but in adopting value-driven technologies that enhance business performance and consumer engagement.For more insights, visit Capgemini's Research Institute or connect with Lindsay Mazza on LinkedIn.#RetailTrends #AIinRetail #FastDelivery #RetailMedia #ConsumerBehavior #RetailInnovation #VoiceofRetail Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target's winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he's learned in his illustrious career. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:19) Gomez's career journey (00:06:18) His most challenging and rewarding moments (00:08:58) The secrets behind Target's magic merchandising (00:12:51) Top retail trends (00:15:04) Shifts in consumer shopping habits (00:17:01) Gomez's best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• target.com• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• How Target's people-first culture and leadership programs are driving success• Off-site retail marketing takes off

Send us a textScott Kohno is a highly accomplished retail executive with decades of experience developing groundbreaking retail projects across the globe. Having worked on projects spanning over 20 countries, from Asia to South America and from Australia to Europe, Scott has played a key role in shaping the global retail landscape. His passion for retail innovation has been instrumental in the creation of iconic concepts such as the NASDAQ Marketsite in Times Square, New York, a project that stands as a testament to his unique perspective and expertise.More recently, Scott co-founded EJL Entertainment, a creative food, retail, and delivery concept, alongside his family. The company, which launched during the pandemic, has seen explosive growth over the past three years. With brands like Sushi With Attitude and Yama Sushi Marketplace, EJL Entertainment has brought the “Wow” factor to the customer experience. Recognized by INC Magazine as the 23rd fastest growing company in the United States, EJL's rapid rise highlights Scott's business acumen and ability to adapt to shifting market trends.As a respected expert in the retail industry, Scott has been a sought-after speaker at global conferences such as the National Retail Federation and The Asian Retailers Conference. He has served as a jurist for the International Housewares Association and been featured in prominent publications like USA Today, INC Magazine, and Forbes Magazine. Scott is also the author of the best-selling book Never Hire a Skinny Chef, a work that draws on his vast experience in both retail and the food industry.Outside of his professional accomplishments, Scott's work continues to impact the retail world, offering innovative solutions and creating unique, customer-driven experiences.___________________Music CreditsIntroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OGStingerScarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio LibraryOutroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG__________________My SGV Podcast:Website: www.mysgv.netNewsletter: Beyond the MicPatreon: MySGV Podcastinfo@sgvmasterkey.com

SUMMARYIn this special Valentine's Day episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford and co-host Chris Hansen explore the economic implications of the holiday. They discuss consumer spending trends, noting that Americans are expected to spend billions on gifts, dining, and experiences. The conversation also touches on broader business news, including tariffs and inflation. Additionally, they delve into the impact of the Super Bowl on advertising revenue and share personal anecdotes about sports card collecting. The episode combines humor, insightful analysis, and practical advice, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the intersection of business and culture.TAKEAWAYSEconomic implications of Valentine's Day in 2025Consumer spending trends related to Valentine's DayStatistics on average household spending for the holidayPopular gifts and dining habits associated with Valentine's DayImpact of Valentine's Day on local businesses and retailUnique and unconventional celebration ideas for Valentine's DayBroader business news, including tariffs and U.S.-China trade relationsDiscussion on inflation and interest rates in the current economic climateSuper Bowl viewership and its advertising revenue impactThe intersection of consumer spending, economic trends, and cultural events If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, join Ryan's newsletter https://ryanalford.com/newsletter/ to get Ferrari level advice daily for FREE. Learn how to build a 7 figure business from your personal brand by signing up for a FREE introduction to personal branding https://ryanalford.com/personalbranding. Learn more by visiting our website at www.ryanisright.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford.

Wholesale inflation ticked up in January, as did consumer price inflation. Valentine's Day is not immune from these inflationary pressures. The National Retail Federation expects record spending of nearly $28 billion for the holiday — meaning that heart-shaped box of chocolates is going to cost ya. Plus, the Trump administration is moving on to plans for possible layoffs of federal workers and is taking aim at energy efficiency standards for home appliances.

Wholesale inflation ticked up in January, as did consumer price inflation. Valentine's Day is not immune from these inflationary pressures. The National Retail Federation expects record spending of nearly $28 billion for the holiday — meaning that heart-shaped box of chocolates is going to cost ya. Plus, the Trump administration is moving on to plans for possible layoffs of federal workers and is taking aim at energy efficiency standards for home appliances.

We sat down with Jonathan Gold, the Vice President of Supply Chain & Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation to talk about the President's tariffs policy and its impact on the industry and the broader economy going forward. We'll talk about those issues and wrap it up with the legislative scorecard.

Today on a special edition of our show:Remembering Kent AllenEvolution of Global eCommercePioneers in Cross-Border TradeCurrent Trends and PlayersJim OkamuraPartner, McMillanDoolittle and co-founder, Global E-Commerce Leaders ForumJim has over 25 years of consulting experience focused on strategic planning in the retail industry. His work in retail innovation and digital transformation has resulted in industry-leading thinking on retailer best practices and strategy. Jim has published global and national retail studies and has been a featured speaker at the NRF, Shop.org, and many international conferences. In 2013 Jim co-founder the Global E-Commerce Leaders forum, a digital retail community and conference series focused on global growth strategies for consumer brands. Jim has developed growth strategies for clients such as Adidas, Bridgestone, Maurices, Dress Barn, Gap, DSW, LensCrafters, Nike, Neiman Marcus, Souris Mini, Timberland, Victoria's Secret, Lowes, Crate and Barrel, MasterCard, Walgreens, Marriott and Emart. Scott SilvermanCo-Founder CommerceNext; Co-Founder, Global Ecommerce Leaders ForumSilverman has been active in the retail and ecommerce industries for more than 20 years and is passionate about digital commerce and the innovation driving the industry. In 2013, Silverman co-founded the Global Ecommerce Leaders Forum, a forum and series of conferences for international and cross-border ecommerce. In 2017, Silverman co-founded CommerceNext, a community, event series and conference for marketers at retail and direct-to-consumer brands.Silverman began his career in ecommerce in 1999 where he led National Retail Federation's digital division, Shop.org, until 2010. During his time at NRF he launched the Shop.org Annual Summit and a number of research studies. He co-invented “Cyber Monday” in 2005 and was the founder of Cybermonday.com in 2006, a shopping site that has generated more than $2.5 million for NRF's Ray Greenly scholarship fund.In honor of Kent Allen:A digital commerce industry analyst for the last twenty plus years, Kent's research and thought leadership has strongly influenced the development of the global/cross-border ecommerce sector. Since collaborating with Jim Okamura on the industry's first international ecommerce benchmark study in 2008, Kent has published a wide collection of reports and articles chronicling the rise of global ecommerce ecosystems.Kent also leads strategy, industry analysis, thought leadership and content marketing initiatives that focus on omnichannel commerce and digital marketing innovations. His work includes executive research, industry speaking engagements, white papers and case studies, social content, webinars, and retail tours for retail and consumer goods executives. His latest focus, The Global Customer Journey Project explores how the online shopping journey differs in markets around the world.The Research Trust's industry marketing programs help innovative digital companies tell their story and build ongoing relationships with prospects, established clients and partners. Kent's practice provides a mix of strategic planning services, best practices research and market analysis for global brands and technology partners striving to better serve connected consumers around the world.

Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he's ever received. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:15) The changing retail landscape (00:07:21) 2025 retail trends (00:10:40) NRF's priorities on policy (00:15:26) Shay's best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• NRF Management Team: Matthew Shay • Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Why I believe in the power of retail jobs • The state of retail heading into 2024

The National Retail Federation conference (NRF) launches just as retailers are cleaning up from the holiday shopping season. This year there was a focus on how technology can empower employees while reducing customer friction. Sheryl Kingstone, Rich Karpinski and Jordan McKee return to the podcast to share their insights on the conference with host Eric Hanselman. Traditional in-store retail concerns are a big part of NRF and innovation in Point of Sale (PoS) technologies, like softPoS and the integration of biometrics were on display. For the latter, there's still the issue of consumer trust, as well as onboarding requirements. The show also saw an issuing bank debut its own PoS offering. The promise and the challenges of AI were a large part of the conference. Delivering on AI will take infrastructure upgrades and retailers are looking at building ecosystems across technology vendors to share cost and risk. Digitization is going forward as logistics look to move from picking products to smart warehouses that can sense products. AI mastery can create a competitive advantage, but it requires the integration of a lot of moving parts. More S&P Global Content: Next in Tech | Ep. 184: Dreamforce Preview Payments modernization on full display at NRF 2025 Going beyond last year's AI, NRF looks to revitalize the modern commerce experience Credits: Host/Author: Eric Hanselman Guests: Sheryl Kingstone, Rich Karpinski, Jordan McKee Producer/Editor: Kyle Cangialosi and Odesha Chan Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun, Kyra Smith

If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail's future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show, we're joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every retailer should know. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:16) Napoli's career as a trend forecaster (00:04:55) How to forecast trends (00:08:24) Emerging trends for retailers to watch (00:13:11) Embracing strategic joy (00:15:06) The biggest trend no one is talking about (00:19:55) The future of retail is tweens (00:21:37) Napoli's best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• wgsn.com/en• Learn more about Retail's Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• What's now, what's next?: Future tech beyond AI• Retail trends to watch in 2025 • Future trends that will shape consumer behavior and retail operations

In this episode we're going to be giving you a front row seat at “Retail's BIG Show”, which is an annual conference held in New York City hosted by the National Retail Federation, or NRF. This gathering of around 40,000 retail industry professionals, vendors, and leaders is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, and creates space for like-minded businessmen and women to network, share ideas, and explore new and exciting emerging technologies. At this year's event Pete had the great opportunity to sit down on stage with a good friend, Joshua Schulman, who recently accepted a new position as CEO of the iconic 169-year old British luxury fashion brand Burberry. Joshua has had an insanely impressive career leading some of the world's most prestigious fashion brands, holding roles like CEO of Michael Kors, CEO and President of Coach, President of Bergdorf Goodman and the Neiman Marcus Group, CEO of Jimmy Choo, EVP at Saint Laurent, and Worldwide Director at Gucci. In their conversation, Pete and Joshua dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of luxury retail, the power of brand heritage, and how Burberry is navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing market. Joshua's insights into innovation, customer experience, and the future of luxury are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Fledgling and seasoned retailers alike would do well to pay close attention to the unique perspective of this industry giant. Also, stay tuned after our featured conversation with Joshua for a window into Pete's fun-filled travel adventure that nearly rendered him sans socks and absent from the NRF conference. Thanks for tuning in to episode 79. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--Are you spending your time and energy on what really matters for your retail business? In this solo episode, Crystal Vilkaitis dives deep into the essentials of modern retail marketing, customer connection, and creating unforgettable in-store experiences. Crystal also shares inspiration from attending the National Retail Federation, offering fresh perspectives on customer service, team adaptability, and creating demand for your store through meaningful connections. If you're ready to show up for your customers and your business, this episode is for you! [2:26] Why “showing up” for your customers changes everything  [3:21] Marketing is about connecting, not just selling  [5:19] The power of connecting with your local audience  [7:57] Building a sustainable marketing strategy that works  [18:55] How to maximize email marketing platforms  [22:24] Mastering the art of customer service  [27:57] The importance of investing in yourself as a business owner  [33:47] How community engagement drives success  [37:07] Hospitality as a tool to create memorable experiences  [38:23] Nurturing team adaptability to stay ahead  [42:41] Understanding the five customer archetypes  [43:43] Creating demand through remarkable in-store experiences  ---Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/transforming-your-retail-strategy-this-2025/Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Get your ticket to EVOLVE 2025 - $200 off when you use the code rooted Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week. This week, we report some of our observations from the National Retail Federation's Big Show in Manhattan. Later, we talk about the departure of Proenza Schouler's founders and where they may go next, as well as the looming TikTok ban.

The National Retail Federation expects 2024 to be one of the biggest years ever for merchandise returns, totaling $890 billion. And retailers are increasingly more likely to charge return shipping or restocking fees. We’ll unpack expectations for post-holiday returns (then repack them and see if we remember where we put the gift receipt). Plus, Trump’s threats of tariffs on Mexican goods stresses the relationship with a key U.S. trade partner.

The National Retail Federation expects 2024 to be one of the biggest years ever for merchandise returns, totaling $890 billion. And retailers are increasingly more likely to charge return shipping or restocking fees. We’ll unpack expectations for post-holiday returns (then repack them and see if we remember where we put the gift receipt). Plus, Trump’s threats of tariffs on Mexican goods stresses the relationship with a key U.S. trade partner.

The National Retail Federation expects 2024 to be one of the biggest years ever for merchandise returns, totaling $890 billion. And retailers are increasingly more likely to charge return shipping or restocking fees. We’ll unpack expectations for post-holiday returns (then repack them and see if we remember where we put the gift receipt). Plus, Trump’s threats of tariffs on Mexican goods stresses the relationship with a key U.S. trade partner.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year and what we think of as the official start of the holiday shopping season. The National Retail Federation expects over 183 million people to shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And by the end of the season, consumers are expected to spend a record $902 per person on gifts, food and decorations. Plus, are U.S. Treasurys still “risk-free” investments? A new paper makes the case that U.S. government debt is riskier than many people think.

Monday, November 11th, 2024Today, Montana state Democrats see legislative gains after redistricting; US retailers dependent on foreign goods are preparing to raise prices on American consumers; Trump allies and the private sector are quietly preparing for the mass deportation of immigrants; voters reject Initiative 2117 in Washington state; Elon Musk joined Donald Trump's call with President Zelensky; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, Helix SleepHelix is offering 25% off sitewide plus 2 FREE Dream Pillows with any mattress purchase OR a FREE Bedding Bundle with any Luxe or Elite mattress order when you go to HelixSleep.com/DailyBeans.Thank You, ProlonThanks to Prolon by L-Nutra for supporting The Daily Beans. To get 15% off their 5-day nutrition program, go to ProlonLife.com/DAILYBEANS.Stories:Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelenskyy: Sources (Rachel Scott, Katherine Faulders, Will Steakin | ABC News )Trump's win could lead companies to push up prices. Here's why. (Kate Gibson | CBS News)Trump allies, private sector quietly prepare for mass detention of immigrants (Priscilla Alvarez and Alayna Treene | CNN)New district map helps Montana Democrats to legislative gains (Eric Dietrich and Zeke Lloyd | Montana Free Press)Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comCheck out all 11 episodes of Trump's Project 2025https://trumpsproject2025pod.com/From The Good NewsFACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Issues Final Rule to Replace Lead Pipes Within a Decade, Announces New Funding to Deliver Clean Drinking Water (whitehouse.gov)Presidential Management Fellows Program (pmf.gov)States With Ballot Cure Processes (ncsl.org) Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill substack|Muellershewrote, twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewroteDana Goldbergtwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.comHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts