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In today's deeply moving episode of Before You Bloom, I'm joined by the incredibly brave and beautiful Francesca Klemich, a 30-year-old woman who was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 29. Sharing your story while you're still living it requires extraordinary courage, and I am truly honoured that Francesca chose to sit with us and open her heart so generously.In this conversation, Francesca takes us back to the moment her world shifted. She opens up about the type of brain cancer she is facing, what treatment has looked like so far, and the physical and emotional impact of navigating something so life-altering. Francesca shares the coping strategies that support her emotional wellbeing, the kind of help that feels meaningful from loved ones, and the small acts of self-care that allow her to stay connected to herself when things feel overwhelming. Her honesty is grounding, her perspective is powerful, and her resilience shines through every word.Francesca's story is one that will stay with you long after you finish listening.For incredible organisations supporting those with Brain Cancer and the incredible research behind it : NRF and Beanies for Brain Cancer
@RitualsCosmeticsGlobal has opened its newest flagship at 297 Oxford Street, London. And it's unlike anything the brand has built before.In this exclusive tour and interview, Alex Rezvan sits down with:• Annemarie Forsyth — Managing Director UK & Ireland• Richard Lems — Executive Director Format & DesignTogether, they reveal the design philosophy, customer-experience thinking, community strategy and the technology mindset that shaped this extraordinary store.You'll hear the story behind removing an entire floor to create a soaring atrium, how the Water Island anchors the brand experience, why the Mind Oasis is already fully booked for days, and how Rituals views the next five years of retail through wellbeing, community, and immersive physical spaces.If you're in London, Rituals Oxford Street opens today.
Online video games have evolved into vast financial ecosystems where real and virtual value mix at scale. This presentation shows how these spaces serve as efficient laundering channels, converting illicit funds from organized crime, sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, and digital fraud into assets that appear legitimate. Illicit value typically enters via card not present transactions, stolen digital wallets, and scam revenues before it is routed into platform marketplaces. From there, funds convert into tradeable virtual assets such as cosmetics, currencies, loot boxes, and content bundles, which can be divided into thousands of rapid microtransactions. Widely cited estimates place illicit financial flows at 2 to 5 percent of global GDP (roughly $800 billion to $2 trillion a year), while in game spending will reach $74.4 billion in 2025, providing liquidity, speed, and plausible deniability. About the speaker: Stephen Flowerday is a Professor in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University. His research focuses on cybersecurity management, cybercrime, behavioral information security, and human-centric cybersecurity at the intersection of technology, processes, and people. His work has been supported by IBM, THRIP, the NRF, SASUF, Erasmus, and GMRDC. He serves as an associate editor and frequent reviewer for leading journals and conferences, and has reviewed grants for the Israeli NSF, the South African NRF, the U.S. NSF, and Bahrain's DHE.
How do you transform thousands of frontline colleagues from overloaded and under-informed to connected, confident, and AI‑enabled, without breaking the stores?In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex sits down with Chris Chandler (Head of Store Support, Midcounties Co‑op) and Mark Williams (Managing Director, WorkJam EMEA) to unpack a full frontline transformation: from paper, WhatsApp groups and scattered comms… to a single digital frontline platform with 90%+ activation and the removal of many tasks removed in just 12 months.
In this episode of The Global Ecommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the state of global retail and ecommerce, anchored by insights from the recent GELF NYC reboot dinner—the first major in-person gathering of the community in some time. With global executives from leading international brands in the room, the event served as both a reunion and a reality check on the forces reshaping cross-border commerce.Jim and Michael reflect on the energy in New York—highlighted by lively discussions around brand integrity, organizational design, and the rising complexity of global go-to-market strategies. Leaders shared how they manage brand consistency across distributors, marketplaces, and wholesale partners, while simultaneously navigating volatile regulatory environments and shifting tariff structures. The hosts explore how pricing—once a simple currency-conversion exercise—has become a multidimensional challenge as identical goods now carry drastically different landed costs depending on origin, routing, and trade agreements.AI also dominated the conversation. Executives compared notes on AI-enhanced content creation, its accelerating demand for high-quality assets, and the tension between efficiency and brand protection. Michael highlights how generative AI is already intersecting with marketplaces, reshaping purchase journeys, and raising questions about attribution, KPIs, and data governance. Jim adds perspectives from his Ebeltoft global meetings, where consultants from Europe, APAC, and beyond echoed similar themes: AI is advancing faster than any previous digital disruption, and brands worldwide are preparing for what many are calling the first true “AI-powered holiday season.”The episode also previews GELF's next six months. First up: a Canada-focused virtual event in early December to analyze cross-border performance and help U.S. brands calibrate their 2026 strategies. Then, an LA reboot dinner in February to reconnect with West Coast leaders, followed by planning for a Global Experts Workshop in early 2026—a hands-on symposium for senior global executives managing complex international networks.Finally, Michael and Jim touch on the growing role of NRF's global shows, the rise of NRF Europe and APAC, and the renewed international momentum behind retail innovation gatherings. As always, they close by inviting brands to reach out, share their challenges, and help shape future GELF programming. This episode is a rich, timely resource for anyone navigating global ecommerce, cross-border growth, trade uncertainty or the accelerating influence of AI on international retail. Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand. Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus.
The wellness movement has gone global — and few companies embody that expansion better than iHerb. CEO Emun Zabihi explores how they're transforming the way consumers access supplements and natural products worldwide. From humble beginnings in a Pasadena apartment to serving millions of customers in 180 countries, iHerb's journey is a story of innovation, accessibility, and trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace. (00:00:00) The rise of the trillion-dollar wellness economy(00:08:57) Trends shaping the supplement industry(00:13:25) Global reach and the fight against counterfeits(00:18:35) The future of wellness and lessons in leadershipThe 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:• Website: iherb.com• Emun Zabihi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emun-zabihi• 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:• 389: Purpose-driven retail: Stories of impact from leading brands
durée : 01:00:20 - Toute une vie - par : Matthieu Garrigou-Lagrange - par Bruno Tessarech réalisation : Anne-Pascale Desvignes ©Folio, Gallimard Qu'y-a-t-il derrière la barbe blanche de François Nourissier, le pape des lettres ? Quelle est la part entre l'homme privé et l'homme public ? L'écrivain, le critique, le membre de nombreux jurys, comment lui-même a-t-il trouvé sa voie ? Une vie, une œuvre : chez lui tout se mêle, se conjugue, au risque parfois de se brouiller. En fait, derrière lunettes et barbe blanche, se cache l'un des plus grands stylistes des lettres récent, un homme torturé jusqu'au malaise. Avec : Pierre Assouline , écrivain, biographe, romancier Teresa Cremisi, éditrice Arnaud Guillon , écrivain, romancier **Bibliographie : ** L'eau grise , Plon, 1951. Un petit bourgeois , Grasset, 1963. Une histoire française , Grasset, 1966. En avant, calme et droit , Grasset, 1987. Mauvais genre , Quai Voltaire, 1994. Roman volé , Grasset, 1996. Un siècle NRF , Gallimard, "Albums de la Pléiade", 2000. Sélection de sites par les bibliothécaires de Radio France : François Nourissier sur le site de l'académie Goncourt Brève biographie et bibliographie. www.academie-goncourt.fr/m_nourissier.htm - Preview Entretien sur le site de Gallimard. A l'occasion de la parution de "Prince des berlingots". www.gallimard.fr/...01041819.htm - Preview Dailymotion et Ina.fr - Itw de François Nourissier par Olivier Barrot Au café Le Rostand, à Paris, pour la sortie de "Prince des berlingots". www.dailymotion.com/...ourissier-prince-des-berl_news - Preview
In this episode, Wendy Liebmann and Justin Honaman (Amazon Web Services) dive into the chaotic yet exciting world of retail and technology as 2025 wraps up. From AI's real-world impact on commerce to the rise of “agentic AI,” they explore what's truly changing the business—and what's just hype. They also touch on talent, innovation, loyalty, and what brands should expect heading into NRF 2026.Highlights:How retailers and brands are preparing for Q4 2025 and beyondWhat “agentic AI” really means for commerce and customer experienceWhy data, not just technology, is key to resilience and growthThe talent challenge: hiring and training in the age of automationInnovation meets pragmatism—how to balance AI efficiency with human connectionWhat to expect at NRF 2026 and the next wave of retail transformationSend us a textVisit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!
Retail is back in force. Alex reports from Cannes at MAPIC on why capital is returning to physical retail. Simone unpacks the new John Lewis Christmas advert and how sentiment sells. We cover CBRE's data, MINISO's Bond Street bet, retail parks' quiet surge, and why athleisure keeps compounding.The 5 stories1. John Lewis Christmas advert 2025: Why nostalgia + vinyl is the most effective emotional shortcut this season.2. MAPIC takeaways (CBRE): Investment is thawing; leasing momentum improves; prime rents keep edging up as footfall normalizes.3. MINISO on Bond Street: Tourist gravity, pop‑culture IP, and an experience‑first flagship moment.4. Retail parks' resurgence: Value + access + parking = resilient openings and low vacancy.5. Athleisure's resilience: Demand holds; big‑box footwear/apparel remains a habit, not a fad.
AI, Merchandising & the Next Era of Retail with Noah (何诺亚) HerschmanAI isn't replacing retail jobs — it's enhancing them. In this episode of The Retail Podcast, host Alex Rezvan speaks with Noah (何诺亚) Herschman, Retail & Ecommerce Senior Executive and Global AI Strategist, about how artificial intelligence is transforming merchandising, pricing, and product lifecycle management.Noah has shaped ecommerce since the 1990s, with senior leadership roles at Amazon, eBay, Groupon, Staples, and nearly a decade at Microsoft as Retail Industry Architect. Now at Intel, he helps global retailers harness agentic AI to make smarter, faster, and more creative merchandising decisions.
Asia's retail landscape is evolving faster than anywhere else on Earth—and this episode brings you the inside view.Host Alex Rezvan sits down with Ryf Quail, Managing Director of NRF APAC, and Low Ngai Yuen, former Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON Malaysia, board member at GDEX and OCK Group, and award-winning creative leader, to explore: • The rise of Chinese retail expansion across Southeast Asia • Why super apps like Grab, WeChat, and Alipay are reshaping loyalty and payment ecosystems • How influencer marketing is evolving into a listed industry • The future of responsible sourcing and supply chain transformation • The intersection of culture, experience, and intelligence in modern retailYuen also shares her vision for empowering women through her NGO WOMENgirls and reflects on storytelling, sustainability, and digital creativity.This is Asia's story—fast, mobile-first, and deeply human.
Topshop leans into Millennial nostalgia with Cara Delevingne; New Look fires up “Club New Look,” targeting scale with a £30m digital push; and ASOS takes a ten‑day Carnaby Street pop‑up mainstream with 200+ curated pieces and partner brands. Bonus: a culture lens on Rosalía's “Berghain” and what her fashion‑first storytelling means for retail discovery.Related video mentioned: Rosalía — “Berghain” (Official): https://youtu.be/htQBS2Ikz6c?si=E65oy0YY9svYzEtB
Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak (NRF) open with Rosalía's “Berghain” — a genre-bending track with Björk and Yves Tumor that shows how culture still drives commerce. Then come the hard numbers: Amazon's plan to cut ≈ 30 000 corporate jobs (Reuters) and what it signals for hybrid work, efficiency, and morale.Next, Calvin Klein's Reels-first storytelling proves how emotional minimalism beats perfection in branding. They examine TikTok's potential $14 billion Oracle-led divestment, and what a new owner could mean for algorithms and Shop visibility.Holiday season brings optimism with JCPenney's “It's What They Thought That Counts” campaign — reframing value around thoughtfulness — and finally Primark's accelerating U.S. expansion, where tactile, affordable retail wins against fast-fashion fatigue.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the retail landscape, and a new wave of agentic AI shoppers is changing how brands must think about data, experience and customer connection. Debra Langley, partner at CAPTIS Ventures, and Greg Merrill, president at Futura Fragua unpack the rapid rise of AI shopping agents and what this evolution means for the future of retail.(00:00:00) A new era of retail innovation(00:05:02) The rise of AI shopping agents(00:10:08) Explaining AI shoppers to traditional retailers(00:17:06) The promise and peril of AI(00:20:00) Why human experience still mattersThe 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:• CAPTIS Ventures• Futura Fragua• 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:• 381: The innovators driving the future of retail• 364: How BJ's Wholesale Club leverages AI to serve its customers
BONUS - The Retail Razor: Data Blades Season 2 TrailerData Blades Returns: AI, CX, and Retail Media for Executive Leaders Welcome to a special cross-release of the Season 2 trailer for The Retail Razor: Data Blades—the podcast that slices through complex retail research to deliver sharp, actionable insights and retail strategies for executive leaders in the AI era. In Season 1, we cut through the clutter with data-backed insights to identify strategies for:Inflation's uneven impact across age groups—where seniors felt the pinch more than younger shoppers.Shifting shopping habits—like 74% of consumers using lists to control spending.The power of values in loyalty—with 77% of consumers saying brand values matter more than discounts.Self-checkout and employee experience—where well-informed store teams drove a 27% increase in average spend. Now in Season 2, we're going deeper. Hosts Ricardo Belmar, RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert & NRF 2025 Retail Voice, and Casey Golden, RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, preview what's ahead:Exclusive insights from TruRating and top retail analysts to hone your data-driven retail strategies.A focus on three pillars: Customer Experience, Retail Media, and Employee Experience.How AI is reshaping retail strategy—from predictive personalization to AI-powered workforce tools.Revisiting themes of trust, transparency, and loyalty with fresh data and new perspectives. If you're a VP, CMO, COO, or CEO in retail looking to make smarter, data-driven decisions for AI-first retail strategies, this is your podcast. Subscribe now in your favorite podcast player and stay ahead of the curve with insights that drive conversion, loyalty, and operational excellence.New episodes drop starting tomorrow!
Rituals' Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.About this episodeWe cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.
Today in the business of podcasting: content creators are taking over mainstream medai, a blindingly obvious opportunity for podcast revenue growth, how collaboration makes The Hidden Third possible, how Pantheon Media and Spooler came together, and the NRF finds Americans are gearing up to spend a healthy amount this holiday season. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: content creators are taking over mainstream medai, a blindingly obvious opportunity for podcast revenue growth, how collaboration makes The Hidden Third possible, how Pantheon Media and Spooler came together, and the NRF finds Americans are gearing up to spend a healthy amount this holiday season. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Five Things Friday — Gap's London Comeback, Morrisons' ESL Rollout, AllSaints Pop‑Ups, DFS x Pinterest, Gen BetaToday's agenda: five moves reshaping UK retail—and what to do next.NEWS FLASH LINE‑UP• Gap returns to London with three stores (Covent Garden, White City, Wembley) before Christmas.• Morrisons partners with VusionGroup to digitise pricing across all 497 supermarkets using ESLs.• AllSaints opens three UK pop‑ups (Bristol Cribbs Causeway now open; Battersea Power Station & Stratford next).• DFS teams with Pinterest on a gamified “What's Your Thing? Collage Quest” that turns inspiration into shoppable boards.• Fashion is already talking about “Gen Beta” (babies born from 2025) — signalling a culture‑first decade ahead.
Halloween isn't just a holiday — it's a full-fledged season of fun, community and record-breaking retail activity. Today we're joined by Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation, to unpack how consumers are celebrating Halloween this year and why this festive tradition continues to grow in cultural and economic significance.(00:00:00) Turning homes into haunted experiences(00:05:59) From one night to an entire season(00:08:59) What consumers are buying this Halloween(00:11:25) Costumes that define the season(00:14:57) Why Halloween matters more than everThe 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 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:• 369: How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers• 365: Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends
Simone Oloman joins Alex Rezvan to unpack how authenticity, community, and creativity are rewriting retail influence — from Prada's cinematic London takeover to Morrisons' 1-hour grocery promise.1️⃣ The new face of influence — Why real voices, not million-follower celebrities, are shaping consumer trust.2️⃣ Campus culture meets commerce — Hollister, the University of Texas, and how student-athletes are becoming micro-media brands.3️⃣ Prada Mode London — A two-day immersive cinema turns shopping into cultural theatre.4️⃣ Morrisons Now — The grocer joins the rapid delivery race with one-hour grocery fulfilment from 158 stores.5️⃣ Walmart x Mirakl & Ted Baker's comeback — Marketplaces evolve and activewear returns to the high street.
In this USA edition of Five Things Friday, Alex Rezvan and Jill Dvorak, SVP of Content at NRF, decode the five major stories shaping the retail landscape—from Target's nostalgic fashion comeback to Walmart's partnership with OpenAI. A rapid-fire discussion of innovation, curation, and AI's growing role in everyday retail.Topics Covered:• Target x Woolrich collaboration• Ulta Beauty + Mirakl's curated marketplace• Walmart + OpenAI partnership for AI-first shopping• Levi's strong Q3 and store expansion• Amazon's QuickSuite and AI “employee teammate”Hosts:Alex Rezvan, Founder & Host, The Retail PodcastJill Dvorak, SVP of Content, National Retail FederationReferenced Articles:Target x Woolrich: Target PressUlta Beauty Marketplace: Ulta Investor RelationsWalmart + OpenAI: Walmart Corporate NewsLevi's Store Expansion: Retail DiveAmazon QuickSuite: Chain Store Age
What if the lightest element in the universe could be the most powerful tool for human optimization? Most people are chasing exotic supplements while missing the foundational molecule that makes up 10% of your body weight, hydrogen gas. This isn't about selling you another trendy supplement; this is about understanding why we had hydrogen-rich streams and gut bacteria that no longer exist, and how restoring this one molecule through the NRF-2 pathway can transform everything from mitochondrial function to sleep quality. Join the Ultimate Human VIP community for Gary Brecka's proven wellness protocols! https://bit.ly/4ai0Xwg Thank you to our partners H2TABS: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4hMNdgg BODYHEALTH: “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: http://bit.ly/4e5IjsV BAJA GOLD: "ULTIMATE10" FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3WSBqUa EIGHT SLEEP: SAVE $350 ON THE POD 4 ULTRA WITH CODE “GARY”: https://bit.ly/3WkLd6E COLD LIFE: THE ULTIMATE HUMAN PLUNGE: https://bit.ly/4eULUKp WHOOP: JOIN AND GET 1 FREE MONTH!: https://bit.ly/3VQ0nzW MASA CHIPS: 20% OFF FIRST ORDER: https://bit.ly/40LVY4y VANDY: “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: https://bit.ly/49Qr7WE AION: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4h6KHAD A-GAME: “ULTIMATE15” FOR 15% OFF: http://bit.ly/4kek1ij CARAWAY: “ULTIMATE” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3Q1VmkC HEALF: 10% OFF YOUR ORDER: https://bit.ly/41HJg6S BIOPTIMIZERS: “ULTIMATE” FOR 15% OFF: https://bit.ly/4inFfd7 RHO NUTRITION: “ULTIMATE15” FOR 15% OFF: https://bit.ly/44fFza0 GOPUFF: GET YOUR FAVORITE SNACK!: https://bit.ly/4obIFDC GENETIC TEST: https://bit.ly/3Yg1Uk9 Watch the “Ultimate Human Podcast” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPQYX8 Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RQftU0 Connect with Gary Brecka Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RPpnFs TikTok: https://bit.ly/4coJ8fo X: https://bit.ly/3Opc8tf Facebook: https://bit.ly/464VA1H LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4hH7Ri2 Website: https://bit.ly/4eLDbdU Merch: https://bit.ly/4aBpOM1 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/47ejrws Ask Gary: https://bit.ly/3PEAJuG Timestamps 00:00 Intro of Show 00:26 Big Data & AI Will Revolutionise the Medical Field 05:10 Impact of Hydrogen in the Human Body 07:47 Theory of Immunofatigue 10:18 Three Greatest Deficiencies in Human Beings Worldwide 15:01 Adding Hydrogen Gas to One's Routine 16:04 What's Inside and Outside of the Human Cell? 21:26 Balancing Inflammation and Oxidation with Hydrogen Gas 24:47 What is GLP-1? 28:12 Amino Acids Are the Building Blocks of Life 32:50 Soil Lineage Studies Then vs. Now 35:12 Weakening of Our Immune Systems due to COVID Protocols 37:40 Gary's Morning Routine 41:26 Remnants of the Radiation on the Brain 43:29 Stance on Hormone Replacement Therapy The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The Content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alex (The Retail Podcast) and Ryf Quail (Director, NRF APAC) break down this week's APAC headlines: Galeries Lafayette launches in Mumbai (with Delhi next), a surge of Chinese F&B brands expands into Singapore, and Porsche reports a Q3 delivery dip led by China and North America amid intensifying EV competition. They also explore lululemon Singapore's retail-meets-wellness studio concept and why experiential formats are resetting the playbook for premium retail in Asia.Topics this week• Galeries Lafayette → India: Mumbai flagship now open; Delhi next; 250+ brands under one roof via Aditya Birla partnership.• Chinese F&B → Singapore: Luckin, Mixue, ChaPanda, Nong Geng Ji and more chase stable demand and regional visibility.• Porsche Q3: Deliveries soften, led by China and North America; value-driven EV competition reshapes luxury auto demand.• lululemon Singapore: Retail-meets-wellness format (yoga/Pilates studios inside the flagship) as an experience blueprint.Chapters00:00 Intro00:18 Five Things Friday01:23 Guest teaser03:11 lululemon Singapore05:34 Galeries Lafayette in India07:25 Chinese F&B in Singapore10:00 Porsche Q311:33 WrapFurther reading• Lululemon's retail-meets-wellness concept in SE Asia: https://observatory.sg/lululemons-first-ever-retail-meets-wellness-concept-store-in-se-asia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Aditya Birla (partner): https://www.adityabirla.com/businesses/• Galeries Lafayette (official): https://www.galerieslafayette.com/• Reuters on Chinese F&B in Singapore: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-food-beverage-firms-flock-singapore-first-step-expansion-drive-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com• Porsche China: https://www.porsche.cn/china/en/
Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Inc., reflects on 110 years of family legacy, cultural evolution, and the future of off-price retail. As a fourth-generation leader, Matt offers a rare look inside the company's long-standing commitment to both financial discipline and human-centered leadership — and how those values are shaping its future.(00:00:00) Early memories and family pressure(00:05:27) Seeing the store through the customer's eyes(00:08:05) The power of the off-price model(00:14:25) Leading for people, not legacy(00:16:31) The future of retailThe 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:• Website: beallsinc.com• Matt Beall on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattbeallceo• 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:• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience• 376: How Target's consumer-first strategy drives success
From its early beginnings as a digitally native disruptor to becoming a household name in eyewear, Warby Parker has consistently challenged conventions in retail. Sandy Gilsenan, Warby Parker's chief retail and customer experience officer, explores how the company is reshaping the customer journey and redefining what it means to be an innovative retailer today.(00:00:00) Gilsenan's career path to Warby Parker(00:05:08) The power of omnichannel retail(00:07:43) Who is the Warby Parker customer?(00:10:30) Staying innovative and looking ahead(00:16:20) Harnessing AI to enhance retail(00:20:30) Advice for the next generation of retailersThe 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 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:• 384: The digital strategy behind Mack Weldon's growth• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail's future
S5E9 Retail's Best Kept Secret: Discover How RetailROI Transforms Children's FuturesIn this special replay episode of The Retail Razor Show, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of the Retail Orphan Initiative (RetailROI)—a nonprofit transforming lives of orphans and foster children through the power of the retail industry. With a fresh introduction for 2025, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden revisit a heartfelt conversation with Greg Buzek, President of RetailROI, Vicki Cantrell, board member and retail legend, and Jeff Roster, former Gartner & IHL analyst and top retail expert, as they share the origin story, mission, and global impact of this powerful retail charity.Learn how RetailROI's Super Saturday event at NRF has become the most meaningful gathering of the year, where retailers, tech vendors, and solution providers come together to help fund clean water, education, and life skills training for thousands of children worldwide. Hear inspiring stories of transformation, including previous keynote speaker Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, and discover how just showing up at Super Saturday can help change lives.Whether you're a retailer planning for NRF, a technology supplier and potential sponsor, or simply passionate about retail's role in social responsibility, this episode will move you to action. Join us in celebrating RetailROI's rich history and accomplishments and learn how you too can become a RetailROI Champion.
Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart's first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.(00:00:00) Walmart's first Chief Talent Officer(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AIThe 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 Foundation's RISE Up Program: nrffoundation.org/rise-up• Walmart's Live Better U: corporate.walmart.com/about/working-at-walmart/live-better-u• 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:• 351: The think tank for retail industry talent leaders
Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operational resilience and the bottom line. We sit down with two industry leaders on the front lines of digital risk: Pam Lindemoen, chief security officer and vice president of strategy at the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Christian Beckner, vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity at the National Retail Federation. Together, they unpack the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape facing retailers today, from fraud and social engineering to the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence.(00:00:00) Building a united front in retail cybersecurity(00:04:41) Strengthening trust and evolving partnerships(00:07:49) Rising threats in retail cybersecurity(00:12:43) Investing in resilience and readiness(00:16:51) Looking ahead: cooperation and global expansionThe 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 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:• 366: How to fight back against organized retail crime• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail's future• 344: The future of AI in consumer experience
NRF data makes clear that online is the top shopping destination for K through 12 and college students as well. According to a recent report from Yahoo DSP, 40% of Back to School shoppers plan to shop more with online retailers in 2025. Now, online search is the top inspiration source for back to college shopping with over 50% of adults using it to guide their purchases. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With the pace of disruption continuing to accelerate, with more and more power being concentrated in the hands of only a few mega-retailers, with consumer needs and wants being constantly reshaped, and with the global impact of tariffs still far from certain, how do you make sense of what to do and, most importantly, gain the confidence to aim higher, move faster and act more boldly.That's where the industry leading, award-winning Remarkable Retail Podcast comes in.I'm Steve Dennis, strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. I invite you to join me and fellow retail insider Michael LeBlanc each week as we separate the signal from the noise and give you the tools and ideas to make the bold leap to remarkable.The Remarkable Retail podcast is the only retail show hosted by two of the NRF's 2025 Top Retail Voices. And in this, our eleventh season, we'll continue our award-winning formula: [pause] no BS perspectives crafted from our decades of experience on the front lines, hot takes on the week's biggest retail news, conversations with the most remarkable retail leaders, and, new this season, occasional guest co-hosts who will help us open the aperture on an industry in flux.So be sure to follow us wherever you enjoy your podcasts or on the newly expanded Remarkable Retail YouTube channel.The all new season of the Remarkable Retail podcast launches Tuesday, September 2nd. We hope you'll join us. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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 fourth year in a row, 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.
Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it's reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to the next generation, these stories highlight how value-driven strategies create lasting impact.(00:00:00) Starbucks' nationwide food rescue program(00:03:52) Whole Foods' approach to quality and accessibility(00:06:59) IKEA's full-circle sustainability strategy(00:09:18) Kendra Scott's model for fashion-driven philanthropy(00:10:58) LEGO's community-building through creativity(00:13:20) Gen Z's influence on the future of retailThe 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:• 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:• 386: Inside Starbucks' commitment to thriving communities• 379: Whole Foods' holistic approach to merchandising and customer service• 368: How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience• 346: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy' vision• 373: How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation• 361: How Gen Z is redefining retail
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• 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:• Retail trends to watch in 2025• What to know about the consumer in 2025
According to the NRF, the average K-12 shopper is budgeting $858 this year on average per student. While this number is actually down from $875, Greg and Holly discuss the rising costs of going back to school and how looming tariffs could also be impacting the price. Greg and Holly also discuss how many teachers need to work side hustles to make ends meet.
Buy now, eat now, pay later: Americans stressed about grocery prices A new poll in the Associated Press, shows about half of all Americans say the cost of groceries is a “major” source of stress in their life right now… and many are using Buy Now, Pay Later to purchase groceries and other essential items. President Trump fires head of Bureau of labor statistics President Trump is firing Erika McEntarfer, the director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after a weaker than expected jobs report released last week. Greg and Holly discuss this development and speak with Michael Kofoed, Assistant Professor of Economics at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee about how job stats are collected and what this firing means to the economist community. Family of Maurine Hunsaker speaks out on frustrations amid Ralph Menzies commutation hearing Utah death row inmate, Ralph Menzies is scheduled to die by firing squad in just over a month, but now, has a 4-day commutation hearing scheduled. The family members of his victim are frustrated by what feels like another delay and concerns around scheduling. Matt Hunsaker, son of Maurine Hunsaker, who was kidnapped and murdered by Ralph Menzies in 1986 joins the show to discuss. Greg and Holly also discuss how crime victims in Utah can feel uninformed about case updates and improvements that could be on the horizon. Pencils, paper and price tags According to the NRF, the average K-12 shopper is budgeting $858 this year on average per student. While this number is actually down from $875, Greg and Holly discuss the rising costs of going back to school and how looming tariffs could also be impacting the price. Greg and Holly also discuss how many teachers need to work side hustles to make ends meet. Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatens to oust democratic lawmakers after leaving state In an open favor to Pres. Trump, Texas wants to change Congressional boundaries to give the president 5 more Republican seats. Texas Democrats say "Not on our watch." Greg and Holly speak with NewsNation's White House Correspondent, Joe Khalil about the latest details and Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatening to oust the lawmakers if they don't return. The surprising fact about crime in the U.S. Is crime up, down or stable in the United States? The actual stats might surprise you. Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor of the Deseret News breaks down the numbers. The average parent feels like a failure 156 times a year Something many can relate too...The average parent feels like a failure 156 times per year, according to studyfinds.org. Greg and Holly discuss. A new freeway in Lehi? A new traffic study is going to focus on Lehi to look at the possibilities of creating a new freeway to ease congestion among east-west traffic. Greg and Holly discuss. A Lightning 'mega flash' and Gen Z's spicy food obsession A lightning "mega flash" hit a new world record after it extended over 500 miles in a matter of seconds. Greg and Holly discuss this new record as well as how Gen-Z's obsession with lighting hot food is influencing new menu items at multiple restaurant chains. Holly shares her fun facts of the day.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF's top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what's driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.(00:00:00) Reflecting on 15 years of economic insight(00:06:40) Forecasting through uncertainty(00:08:16) The rise of AI and the future of retail(00:09:47) The real impact of AI on retail and jobs(00:12:46) Navigating a globalized retail economy(00:18:45) Advice for students, book recs and a look backThe 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 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:• Data ‘Remains Strong' But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook' for 2025• NRF Chief Economist Says 2024 ‘Ended on a High Note'• Economy Still Growing Despite Tariffs But ‘A Lot of People Have Recession on Their Minds'