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Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders (39:11) Future of personalization and growth Additional Links & Resources: Connect with David Sobie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sobie-a37ab/ Learn more about Happy Returns: www.happyreturns.com Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Episode 304 of the Remarkable Retail podcast, co-hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc dig into a busy earnings season, the global forces reshaping retail, and the competitive divides separating winners from also-rans. They open with the department store sector, which Steve frames as "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Macy's shows incremental progress and Bloomingdale's posts double-digit growth, but Kohl's stays stuck and JCPenney's latest numbers underscore the structural problems dogging traditional operators. The throughline: shifting market share, real estate decisions, and changing consumer behavior keep narrowing the path forward for the format, and the gap between the sector's healthier players and its laggards continues to widen. From there, the hosts turn to retail's brighter turnaround stories. Victoria's Secret keeps building momentum with stronger comps and improved profitability, while Gap Inc. shows how disciplined brand management and sharper product focus can revive a business. They also weigh the intensifying competition among athleisure brands as the category's leaders pull further ahead and the middle of the pack scrambles to keep up. Value retailing is the episode's recurring theme. TJX, Ross Stores, Burlington, and Five Below all posted strong results, reinforcing the durable consumer shift toward value and the treasure hunt. Steve and Michael explore why off-price keeps outperforming while dollar stores wrestle with a tougher customer—and they spotlight Costco, where fuel, membership economics, and traffic-driving loss leaders keep the warehouse club model ahead of much of the sector. Drawing on his recent travels through Portugal and Spain, Steve shares observations on European retail: the distinct dynamics of specialty players, the enduring pull of department stores like El Corte Inglés, and one of the world's most remarkable retail experiences, Livraria Lello in Porto, a bookstore so beloved that shoppers pay admission and book a timeslot just to get in. The episode closes with Walmart's fast-expanding same-day delivery, the rise of faster fulfillment across retail, Saks Global's exit from bankruptcy, and the geopolitical risks looming over supply chains and consumer spending. Michael also previews his visit to T&T Supermarket's first California store—a reminder of how much innovation is still alive in modern grocery. It's a wide-ranging look at a sector where the winners are pulling away and the stragglers are running out of time. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Agentic e-commerce is already reshaping how consumers discover and buy products online, yet it still accounts for barely 0.2% of total e-commerce traffic. BASE France is the French arm of Base.com, a Polish-born SaaS scale-up that has spent nearly two decades building operational infrastructure for online retailers. Its CEO, Ben Hamilton, brings a practitioner’s perspective to this emerging model: measured, practical, and refreshingly free of the hype that surrounds most conversations on the topic. Agentic E-Commerce: Could AI Become the Shopfront? Imagine an agentic e-commerce world where e-commerce happens on smartphone screens and robots deliver your purchases. We might be on the brink of this future. This image was created using Midjourney. Commerce as conversation: the oldest model in the book Before there were shops, there was conversation. For thousands of years, trade was oral. A buyer expressed a need, a seller responded with what they had, and the two parties negotiated until a deal was struck. The self-service retail store, born roughly a century ago, was a radical departure from this model. It replaced dialogue with browsing. It handed the customer a trolley and pointed them at the shelves. E-commerce then took that self-service model and, as Ben Hamilton puts it, “multiplied it by about 100,000.” The online shopper today faces a near-infinite array of products across dozens of marketplaces, with no guide, no-one to talk to, and no memory of what they looked at three tabs ago. It is efficient in theory. In practice, it is exhausting. Back to future? The agentic model, Hamilton argues, represents something of a return to origins. Instead of browsing, the consumer talks. An agent listens, asks questions, proposes options, and eventually surfaces an answer to a need that the buyer may not even have been able to articulate clearly at the outset. “back to the future,” Hamilton explains, “that’s what I’m getting at. The agentic model takes us back to something closer to how human beings have traded over thousands of years compared to the last ten, twenty or even a hundred.” My own experience bears this out. I recently found a diagnostician for a property I am selling. As a matter of fact, I didn’t find them through a Google search, but through a conversation with an LLM. I clicked through two or three irrelevant links before landing on exactly the right provider. I then completed the transaction on their website. The research was agentic; the checkout was not. That distinction, as it happens, sits at the heart of what Hamilton believes will define the next phase of e-commerce. Ben Hamilton on agentic e-commerce: “I can totally imagine a portion of that market occurring directly on an LLM”. Agentic E-commerce: Where checkout will and won’t happen One of the more grounded contributions Hamilton makes to this debate is his refusal to conflate two distinct phenomena: AI influence over purchasing decisions, and AI completing the transaction itself. Much of the media discourse collapses the two. Hamilton does not. “I don’t think we’re heading to a world where 20, 50 or 80% of online transactions happen on an LLM,” he says. “I would draw the distinction between where the checkout occurs and how much an agent is involved in the buying process.” For the foreseeable future, he believes, most consumers will continue to research via LLMs and transact on familiar websites and marketplaces. The inertia in human purchasing behaviour is simply too great for the checkout itself to migrate rapidly to a chat interface. This view is supported by the data available. According to research by commercetools, 73% of consumers already use AI somewhere in their shopping journey. Yet only 36% are open to AI agents making purchases on their behalf. In the US, the figure for autonomous AI purchasing drops to 14%. The gap between AI as advisor and AI as buyer is vast, and it will narrow slowly. The risks associated with agentic e-commerce are high The risks of handing uncapped authority to an AI agent are no longer hypothetical. In late May 2026, an AI consultant reported to Axios that one of their enterprise clients had accidentally accumulated a $500 million bill on Anthropic’s Claude in a single month, simply by giving employees unrestricted access to the platform with no usage controls in place. Agentic workflows, which loop through tasks repeatedly, consume tokens at a rate orders of magnitude higher than a standard chat query. The bill was not the result of malicious use or a system failure. It was the predictable outcome of deploying autonomous agents without guardrails. The case is far from isolated: Uber reportedly exhausted its entire 2026 AI budget by April, with per-engineer costs running between $500 and $2,000 monthly. “You’ve got to be bold to give them no upper limit on transactions,” Hamilton observed, and the arithmetic proved him right. [Editor's note: I misquoted a similar anecdote about the Davos Summit during the interview. I'd heard or read this story in traditional media but couldn't verify it with facts. I suspect it might have been fabricated. I replaced it with the above, duly sourced information.] The check out must remain on the merchant’s platform OpenAI itself learned this lesson when it launched Instant Checkout in September 2025, which allowed purchases to complete directly inside ChatGPT. By March 2026, the feature had been shut down. Brands rejected the model, citing the loss of traffic, customer data, and loyalty flows. Shopify’s own position makes the point clearly. At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference in March 2026, Finkelstein noted that barely a dozen Shopify merchants were live on agentic commerce at the time. On the Q1 2026 earnings call, he was unambiguous: “LLMs do not bypass Shopify’s checkout.” The checkout, the payment flow, and the post-purchase relationship remain squarely on the merchant’s platform. A natural segmentation Hamilton sees a natural segmentation emerging by category. Low-value, frequently purchased household items lend themselves to fully autonomous agentic purchasing. “I can totally imagine a portion of that market occurring direct on an LLM,” he says. “Hey, I’ve run out of toothpaste, can you order me some?” High-involvement purchases, and anything with significant financial or emotional stakes, will retain human control over the final step for a long time yet. The death of keyword search, greatly exaggerated The brands Hamilton speaks with regularly are, understandably, worried. Most have spent the past two decades learning the rules of a game built around keyword search and performance marketing. That game has not ended, but the goalposts have shifted, and nobody is quite sure where they have moved to. Brands are understandably worried. Most have spent the past two decades learning the rules of a game built around keyword search and performance marketing and the goalposts have shifted, and nobody is quite sure where they have moved to. Gabriel Magalhães didn’t even need this to miss in the 2026 UEFA Cup Final penalty shootout. This image was tweaked with ChatGPT. The scale of the agentic e-commerce shift Key figures: the scale of the shift AI-driven sessions still represent below 0.2% of total e-commerce traffic, though they are the fastest-growing channel (Digital Commerce 360, 2025) GenAI referrals to US retail sites grew 693% year-on-year during the 2025 holiday season (Adobe Analytics) Gartner forecast that traditional search engine volume would drop 25% by 2026 as AI chatbots captured search share (Gartner, 2024) By early 2026, ChatGPT reached approximately 17% of global search queries against Google’s 78% Over 60% of Google searches now end without a click, across multiple industry studies Retailers with AI agent integration grew 32% faster during Cyber Week 2025 than those without (Salesforce) Hamilton’s view on the fate of keyword search is careful rather than apocalyptic. Google will not lose its advertising revenues overnight. But the direction of travel is clear. Search queries will progressively migrate towards conversational interfaces, for the simple reason that we rarely know precisely what we want when we start looking. “We don’t necessarily know what we want 90% of the time,” he observes. “It takes a bit of a conversation to elicit exactly what we’re looking for.” Keyword search was always a crude proxy for intent. LLMs are, at least in principle, better placed to decode it. Agentic e-commerce by the numbers Agentic e-commerce by the numbers. Infographic made with Gemini The question for brands is what to do about this. Hamilton’s prescription is structural rather than cosmetic. Brands need to become machine-readable, which means structured data connected to the right protocols, not just well-written product descriptions. Three open standards now define how AI agents interact with merchants: MCP (Model Context Protocol, originally developed by Anthropic and donated to the Linux Foundation in December 2025), ACP (OpenAI and Stripe, September 2025), and UCP (Google and Shopify, announced at NRF in January 2026). Shopify activated a default MCP endpoint for all its stores in Summer 2025. These are not optional extras. They are the new plumbing. MCP, ACP or UCP and the agentic acronym soup I raised with Hamilton the practical reality for most merchants, who have no idea what MCP, ACP, or UCP even stand for. His response was reassuring on one level, and sobering on another. Platforms like BASE are absorbing this complexity on behalf of their clients. A small or mid-sized retailer does not need to recruit data scientists or build protocol integrations in-house. They can, if they choose; the new generation of coding tools makes that more feasible than ever. But they can equally rely on an operational platform that handles those connections for them. The sobering part comes when Hamilton acknowledges a concern he is genuinely uncertain about. Even if the protocols function perfectly, will LLMs be able to surface smaller independent brands alongside the big players with their vast content libraries and tens of thousands of referring domains? Research from Airops suggests that brands are 6.5 times more likely to be cited in AI answers through third-party sources than through their own domains. According to SE Ranking’s analysis of 129,000 domains, sites with more than 32,000 referring domains are 3.5 times more likely to be cited by ChatGPT than lower-authority counterparts. Scale, in other words, confers an advantage in AI visibility just as it did in paid search. The field may level in some ways; in others, it may simply tilt differently. Operational excellence as the new marketing in this agentic e-commerce world What AI agents actually evaluate Unlike Google’s search algorithm, which can be influenced by ad spend, AI agents query real-time signals: live stock levels, shipping terms, return policies, and customer review aggregates. Structured data across these dimensions is now considered standard for AI visibility by the major platforms. Retailers with AI agent integration achieved roughly 7x better sales growth during Cyber Week 2025 than those without (Salesforce). Perhaps Hamilton’s most interesting claim, and the one most counterintuitive to marketers, is that operational excellence is becoming a direct marketing lever. An AI agent evaluating a recommendation does not care how much a brand has spent on Amazon retail media. It will scrape ten thousand reviews in half a second and draw its own conclusions about delivery reliability, return handling, and product quality. No media budget can substitute for that data trail. “I think we’re heading to a world where operational excellence will count for more in the decision process,” Hamilton says, “and will be less easily brushed behind the curtains with a bit of ad spend.” This is, in theory, good news for consumers and for competent smaller operators who have always delivered well but lacked the budget to outrank wealthier rivals in paid search. Whether it will materialise in practice depends on whether LLMs can actually surface those operators when large brands flood the information environment with well-structured, high-quality content. BASE France sits at exactly this intersection. The platform manages what it describes as the “spinal column” of an e-commerce operation: product catalogue management, order handling, marketplace feeds, stock synchronisation, and shipping. These are also, precisely, the data layers that AI agents query in real time when assembling recommendations. BASE connects to more than 1,700 integrations globally and serves some 30,000 merchants across more than 180 countries. In France, launched in early 2026 and operating from Bordeaux, the platform already counts 150 clients including Kiabi, Back Market, and Spartoo, with connections to around 250 marketplaces and partners. The platform’s value proposition in an agentic world, as Hamilton frames it, is straightforward: merchants who want to be visible to AI agents need to expose the right data through the right protocols. BASE does that for them, whether or not a checkout ever happens inside an LLM. The forecasts, the hype, and the rising tide McKinsey estimates that agentic commerce could redirect between three and five trillion dollars in global retail spend by 2030, with up to one trillion of that in the US alone. Bain puts the US figure at 300 to 500 billion dollars, representing 15% to 25% of total US e-commerce sales. These numbers attract attention and, inevitably, scepticism. Hamilton’s response is precise. He notes that global retail in 2030 will likely be somewhere around 50 trillion dollars. On that basis, the McKinsey and Bain figures imply that agentic commerce will account for somewhere between one and ten percent of total retail within four years. That is plausible, he suggests, if the definition of “agentic” is broad enough to include any transaction where an AI agent played a role somewhere in the funnel, from discovery to decision, not just cases where the checkout itself occurred on an LLM. Physical retail is not exempt either: a consumer standing in a supermarket aisle, consulting Gemini on their phone about which of two products is better, is already part of this story. The honest summary is that we are watching a slow revolution rather than a tidal wave. “Maybe a year or two ago, some people made it sound imminent,” Hamilton reflects. “When it comes to retail, there’s still quite a lot of human behaviour inertia in the system. Things aren’t going to change drastically in the next twelve or twenty-four months. But over ten or fifteen years, it’s pretty difficult to imagine consumer behaviour and the retail experience looking anything like what it looks like today.” Three priorities For merchants wondering what to do right now, Hamilton’s three priorities are: become machine-readable through structured data and protocol connections, maintain high-quality content that reflects genuine expertise, and resist the temptation to flood the market with AI-generated copy. On that last point, he is candid. “Humans are starting to get pretty good at telling what is AI-generated and what isn’t. When you read things now, you almost have a sixth sense for ‘I think a machine wrote that.'” Good news, as I told him, for those of us who write for a living. Three things merchants should do to score high in agentic e-commerce according to BASE.com’s Ben Hamilton. Infographic made with Gemini and Adobe Photoshop The winners: a scenario Hamilton wants to believe I asked Hamilton, as a final question, who he thought would win in this new landscape. Big retailers with scale advantages? Platform giants? Or the long tail of independent merchants who have always competed on product and service rather than budget? His answer was honest about the limits of his own conviction. He described the scenario he wants rather than the one he necessarily expects. In that scenario, agentic commerce levels the playing field by reducing the influence of performance marketing budgets and increasing the weight of genuine operational quality. “I like to believe that those who have superior products and superior service will get more and more traffic,” he said. Whether the reality will be so equitable depends on whether AI recommendation systems can overcome their own structural biases towards scale and data volume. I was reminded, hearing this, of an IBM advertisement from the 1990s that showed an Italian woman selling her homemade spaghetti sauce to the world via the internet. The vision was real. The timeline was not. It took twenty years for that kind of global reach to become genuinely accessible to small producers. The analogy is imperfect but instructive. Agentic commerce will likely democratise access to markets over time. That time will be measured in years, not months. Ben Hamilton and Base.com Ben Hamilton is CEO of BASE France, the French arm of Base.com, a Polish-born e-commerce SaaS scale-up founded in 2006. With nearly two decades of expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Base serves approximately 30,000 merchants worldwide and generated €50 million in revenue in 2024. BASE France was officially launched in early 2026, operating from Bordeaux with a team of 20. The platform covers order management, stock synchronisation, shipping, marketplace feeds, and AI-ready product enrichment. Ben Hamilton is a regular speaker on the strategic implications of AI for e-commerce visibility and discovery. The post Agentic E-Commerce, Could AI Become the Shopfront appeared first on Marketing and Innovation.

What started as a rugged utility product built for workers and outdoor enthusiasts has evolved into one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in retail: Stanley 1913, part of PMI WW Brands LLC. Matt Navarro, global brand president, PMI WW Brands LLC (Stanley 1913), joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how Stanley balanced explosive viral growth with long-term brand building, global expansion and product innovation.(00:00:00) Building a career through mentorship and growth(00:03:59) Reinventing Stanley for a new generation(00:08:09) Understanding Stanley's evolving consumer(00:10:21) The partnerships driving Stanley's cultural relevance(00:14:29) Balancing Stanley's heritage with innovation(00:16:05) The innovation history behind Stanley's products(00:18:09) What leadership looks like inside Stanley 1913(00:22:01) What's next for StanleyThe 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:• 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:• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change• 350: Comfort, collaboration and imaginative innovation at Crocs

Épisode 268 : Spécial NRF APAC 26 : L'Asie déploie l'IA, Olive Young attaque les États-Unis et les marketplaces pourraient gagner la bataille des agentsDepuis Singapour, premier débrief de NRF APAC 2026, le plus grand événement retail de la région Asie-Pacifique.Après une première journée de conférences, un constat s'impose : en Asie, l'IA n'est plus un sujet d'expérimentation. Les retailers parlent déjà d'intégration, de gouvernance, de qualité de données et de passage à l'échelle.Au programme : Agentic Commerce, omnicanal, marketplaces, IA en magasin, quick commerce, influenceurs virtuels et K-Beauty. Avec un fil rouge qui revient partout : sans données unifiées, sans supply chain intégrée et sans exécution solide, il n'y aura pas d'IA performante.Mais aussi :Woolworths explique pourquoi les marketplaces pourraient être les grandes gagnantes de l'Agentic CommerceFairPrice partage ses retours terrain sur ses 9 projets IA et son framework DMI (Data, Models, Integration)Olive Young ouvre son premier magasin américain et exporte la K-Beauty comme phénomène culturel mondialLa Chine continue d'influencer toute l'Asie sur le live commerce, le quick commerce et les influenceurs virtuelsDFI Retail Group place désormais la cybersécurité au cœur de la stratégie retailPass Pass le Mic : Annabelle Serres, Directrice de NRF EuropeÀ quelques mois de NRF Europe à Paris, Annabelle Serres revient sur le développement international de la NRF et partage sa vision de l'évolution du commerce mondial. Une conviction forte : les frontières entre retail, technologie et expérience client disparaissent progressivement au profit d'un commerce toujours plus connecté.Vous n'êtes pas à Singapour ? 2 moyens d'y remédier :• The Récap Live NRF APAC, 4 juin https://www.linkedin.com/events/7449376746296152064• The Récap Dinner, édition spéciale NRF APAC https://the-recap.events/inscriptionBonne écoute du premier épisode de notre série spéciale NRF — Notre Récap Français, en direct de Singapour !Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Recorded live at Google Marketing Live 2026, Phillip and eCommerce reporter Nicole Silberstein sit down with Ashish Gupta, VP & GM of Merchant Shopping at Google, who is behind the foundational commerce infrastructure powering the Shopping Graph and Universal Commerce Protocol. Gupta breaks down the GML announcements: UCP's expansion beyond shopping into hotels and food delivery, the multi-item Universal Cart that spans Search, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail, and why the future of agentic commerce still depends on merchants nailing the fundamentals. A Shopper for Every Shopper Key takeaways: UCP is expanding beyond shopping into hotel bookings and local food delivery, giving every shopper their own personal shopper. The Universal Cart lets shoppers buy multiple items at once across Google surfaces, streamlining the buying experience as shoppers venture from inspiration to discovery and comparison. Merchants remains the seller of record no matter where the transaction is completed, tackling industry concerns about disintermediation. Conversational attributes enrich product feeds so AI can match nuanced shopper intent. Winning in agentic commerce starts with the fundamentals: feeds, first-party data, and UCP readiness. In-Show Mentions: Google Marketing Live 2026 and Google I/O 2026 Universal Cart & Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) Further Reading: Google Imagines a Future Where Everyone Shops in Ads — A special edition of The Senses that distills the week's key announcements Episode 463: LIVE @ Google I/O: Universal Cart, Agentic Payments, and the Protocols Powering the Agent-Mediated Economy — Companion interview with Suresh Ganapathy Episode 464: LIVE @ Google Marketing Live: How Google Is Taking the Drudgery Out of Shopping— Companion interview with Nick Fox Google Solidifies Its Place in the AI Race — Insiders coverage of Google's UCP debut at NRF 2026, the foundation for this week's announcements [Member Brief] Agentic Commerce and the eCommerce Site's New Existential Crisis — How agentic platforms are reshaping the role of the branded eCommerce site Associated Links: Learn more about  Check out Future Commerce on YouTube Check out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and print Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce world Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 303 of Remarkable Retail, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc deliver a sharp, fast-moving episode built around a single conviction from one of retail's most influential retailers: the future is people-led and tech-enabled. Chris Nicholas, former President & CEO of Sam's Club and now President & CEO of Walmart International — a global operation spanning 18 countries, 5,700 stores, and over 500,000 employees shares how humanity and technology are intertwined to drive growth. In this encore interview, Chris makes the case that retail innovation isn't about replacing people with technology. It's about using AI and digital tools to strip out friction, empower associates, and build better member experiences. Technology serves the human, not the other way around. Chris unpacks Sam's Club's nearly $90 billion membership-driven model and explains why the warehouse club sector keeps gaining momentum worldwide. He goes deep on the "club of the future" strategy — including the closely watched Grapevine, Texas location with computer vision-powered exits, Scan & Go checkout, AI-enabled shopping, and a radically redesigned store built around convenience, inspiration, and engagement. His core belief: consumers everywhere want the same things — value, convenience, innovation, and experiences that genuinely improve their lives. Before the interview, the hosts break down a blockbuster earnings week. Walmart posts another massive quarter, adding a staggering $18 billion in quarterly revenue while investing aggressively in price to hold share against inflation. Target delivers one of its strongest quarters in years, a sign its turnaround may finally be gaining traction. TJX proves resilient yet again as off-price rides the consumer "stampede to value." Home Depot and Lowe's, meanwhile, keep struggling in a sluggish housing and renovation market as higher rates squeeze big-ticket spending. The episode closes with Shein's surprising acquisition of Everlane — which Steve calls "where irony goes to die," given Everlane's brand built on radical transparency. Steve and Michael also dig into rising bond yields and the broader implications of AI legislation and the growing political clout of major technology investors like Andreessen Horowitz. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

At Google I/O 2026, Phillip sits down with Suresh Ganapathy, Senior Director of Product Management for Consumer Shopping at Google, to unpack the day's announcements: Universal Commerce Protocol's expansion into new verticals, agentic payments arriving in Gemini Spark, and the debut of Universal Cart. We trace what these foundational pieces mean for how a billion daily shoppers, and the merchants serving them, will operate in an agent-mediated economy. Enter the Delegation Era Key Takeaways: Universal Cart maintains shopper state across Search, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail. The cart works on your behalf: tracking prices, flagging restocks, and catching product incompatibilities. Agent Payments Protocol's (AP2) tamper-proof contracts make agent purchases verifiable and accountable to shopper intent. Merchants remain seller of record, preserving customer relationships inside agentic flows. Gemini Spark becomes Google's first consumer agent with purchasing authority this fall. Key Quotes: "We're laying the foundational building blocks of agentic commerce." — Suresh Ganapathi "People come to shop at Google over a billion times a day, and we want to make sure that we're delivering the best experience to them when they do." — Suresh Ganapathi "We want to make it really simple for shoppers to enjoy the fun parts of shopping and then delegate some of these more tedious aspects to agents." — Suresh Ganapathi "Spark is the agent. AP2 is the payments protocol. Universal Cart is the ability for consumers to have less friction." — Phillip Further Reading: More on Google's AI play: Insiders: Google Solidifies Its Place in the AI Race More on agent-mediated commerce: Member Brief: Agentic Commerce and the eCommerce Site's New Existential Crisis Our 2026 Predictions: The Age of Autonomy Learn more about Google I/O Google's Universal Cart Announcement Our Links: Check out Future Commerce on YouTube Check out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and print Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce world Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 302 of Remarkable Retail, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc sit down with Eric Sadi, Co-President, North America at Simon Property Group, for a long-overdue conversation on what the modern mall has actually become—and why the obituaries keep aging badly. Eric walks through Simon's reimagination strategy: replacing tired anchor boxes with mixed-use destinations that braid together dining, entertainment, fitness, hospitality, and even residential living. He explains why occupancy at the top of the portfolio sits above 96%, why rents and tenant sales keep climbing, and why human connection, discovery, and community still drive the consumer behaviour the algorithms can't replicate. The "third place" isn't a slogan—it's a deliberate redesign of what a shopping centre is for. The conversation also takes on the most misunderstood narrative in retail: why Walmart, Target, Apple, and a new generation of experiential brands keep pouring billions into stores when so much of the growth lives online. The short answer? Stores aren't just sales channels anymore. They're infrastructure, media, and community. The "stores are dying" story is one of the laziest media frames in the business, and Steve and Michael take it apart. Before the interview, the hosts unpack a packed news week: renewed inflation worries as fuel, transportation, and food costs climb again, and what that means for retailer margins; standout earnings from some of the most remarkable performers in the business, including Simon's continued strength, On Running's expanding margins and rising cultural heat, and The RealReal's case that luxury resale is one of the fastest-growing corners of fashion. They also weigh in on GameStop's bid for eBay—and eBay's flat rejection—a strong candidate for dumbest story of the year. Plus Amazon's latest AI moves and what they signal about where the platform wars are headed. The episode closes with Steve wondering whether rising fuel costs will drive more online sales and Michael's specialty grocery discoveries in Los Angeles: Laurel Supply, Gonzalez Northgate Market, and the much-anticipated arrival of T&T. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Retail sales remain strong, consumers are still spending and yet economic anxiety continues to dominate headlines. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the contradictions shaping today's economy, from record-low consumer sentiment to resilient retail performance.(00:00:00) Why consumers keep spending despite economic anxiety(00:05:17) Why family spending stays strong during economic pressure(00:07:03) What the K-shaped economy actually means(00:09:15) How retailers are adapting to a new generation of consumers(00:11:11) Why retail remains one of the most misunderstood industries(00:15:23) What makes a great economistThe 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:• 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:• 387: Behind the data: Insights from NRF's top economists• 400: How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025• 397: What's driving holiday shopping in 2025

In this episode of Inside Scoop, Stefanie Hoover and VP of AP and retail operations at the NRF, Dave Johnston, catch up on CORCA legislative progress, NRF council initiatives, and early insights from the Impact of Theft and Violence 2026 report. PROTECT is almost here, and the NRF team has another fantastic show planned with attendance trending over last year. Tune in to hear about some of the sessions and themes happening at this year's conference, with a focus on the next evolution of LP leaders.

Amazon, Walmart, and Costco aren't just winning—they're pulling away. In episode 301, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc dig into what Steve calls "Retail's Great Concentration": the accelerating shift of sales, traffic, and profit toward a small group of super-scalers. Fresh data shows just six retailers now capturing a disproportionate share of industry growth—and the structural forces behind it, from fulfillment economics to consumer migration toward convenience and value, aren't slowing down. The conversation revisits two of Steve's core frameworks—Death in the Middle and the bifurcation between value/convenience and premium/specialty—and traces how the Great Concentration is the logical next chapter. Central to the discussion is the distinction between buying and shopping: buying is about efficiency, price, and speed; shopping is about inspiration, discovery, and emotional engagement. For mid-market retailers, that distinction is existential. If you can't out-Amazon Amazon, where do you actually create differentiated value? Steve also addresses AI—useful, even transformational, but not a substitute for the human side of retail: experience, service, and genuine connection. In the news: Tapestry delivers strong earnings, with Coach standing out on the strength of sharp customer insights and disciplined brand execution. Warby Parker shows continued profitable growth and store expansion, though slowing momentum raises questions about discretionary spending. Then comes the year's most head-scratching retail story: GameStop's bid for eBay. Steve dissects the financial logic—or conspicuous lack thereof. The hosts also examine Saks Global's restructuring and debate whether the luxury retailer has a credible path to relevance post-bankruptcy. Finally, on the radar: soft travel demand around the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what it may mean for hospitality, tourism, and local retail—plus the return of dynamic pricing, and yes, world peace. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Mother's Day shoppers spent an average of $284.25 per person for a total spend of around $38 billion. Who did all that spending? While both men and women spent more this year, it's men who continue to be most likely to splurge. This year, men budgeted an average of $346 per person, compared to women's $225 per person. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Retail isn't dying — it's polarising.In this week's episode of Five Things Friday, we unpack the biggest shifts shaping retail right now, from shrinking UK retail square footage to the rise of AI-powered shopping agents.We discuss:Why mid-market retail is under pressureTed Baker's return through SelfridgesAnthropologie opening in Coal Drops YardAmazon joining the Universal Commerce ProtocolWhy AI assistants may soon do your grocery shoppingPret A Manger experimenting with drive-thru retailThis episode explores how premium retail, convenience, experiential shopping, and AI infrastructure are redefining commerce in 2025.If you work in retail, ecommerce, consumer brands, or tech — this is essential listening.Topics CoveredRetail trends 2025AI commerceTed Baker revivalAnthropologie expansionAmazon & agentic commerceUK retail property trendsExperiential retailFuture of shopping Simone is the co-founder and CEO of NIFT, the infrastructure powering instant delivery for retail through checkout integrations and an on-demand delivery marketplace.#Retail #Ecommerce #AICommerce #TedBaker #RetailTrends #Amazon #Anthropologie #FutureOfRetail #FiveThingsFridayYouTube Chapters00:00 Intro & Welcome00:01 Family updates & no-travel week00:15 What is Five Things Friday?01:15 Simone/NIFT02:02 UK retail square footage shrinking for first time02:32 Why retail is polarising into value vs premium03:41 AI agents may soon do your shopping04:26 Ted Baker returns via Selfridges Manchester05:33 Why heritage brands are repositioning instead of disappearing07:24 Anthropologie opens at Coal Drops Yard08:17 Why experiential retail locations are winning09:28 Google launches Universal Commerce Protocol10:11 Amazon joins the future of AI commerce infrastructure11:02 Pret A Manger launches drive-thru concept11:59 Closing thoughts

The Remarkable Retail Podcast hits a major milestone with its 300th episode—and Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc mark the occasion with a conversation they've been looking forward to: a rare, candid sit-down with Pete Nordstrom, one of the most respected executives in modern retail. As Nordstrom celebrates its 125th anniversary, Pete offers an inside look at what has allowed the business to survive—and by most measures, lead—through dramatic shifts in consumer behavior, technology disruption, and industry consolidation. He traces his own journey from working the stockroom as a teenager to running one of North America's most iconic retailers, and reflects on the culture, customer obsession, and early omnichannel bets that continue to define the company. The conversation covers the future of department stores, the role of physical retail, Nordstrom Rack's continued expansion, the evolution of luxury partnerships, and hard-won lessons from the Canadian market. Before the interview, Steve and Michael dig into the week's biggest retail and macroeconomic stories. Rising oil prices, stubborn inflation, weakening consumer confidence, and shifting savings rates all raise questions about the health of the North American consumer—and what it means for retailers heading into the back half of the year. From there, the duo breaks down Amazon's latest earnings, where cloud, advertising, grocery, and AI-powered shopping tools continue to drive outsized growth. They examine early signs of operational momentum at Starbucks and debate whether Wayfair can convert market-share gains into something that actually looks like sustainable profitability. In the back half, Steve and Michael turn to TikTok Shops' explosive growth, the rising momentum of European resale platform Vinted, and the evolving economics of hybrid retail modell, including Bed Bath & Beyond's latest attempt at reinvention. Closing out the show, both hosts share what's on their radar: U.S. consumer savings trends, retail spending pressure, and the looming review of the North American trade agreement and what it could mean for retailers, brands, and cross-border commerce. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Digital transformation in retail is no longer optional, and few leaders have had a front-row seat to its evolution quite like Joseph Cano, senior vice president of digital commerce at Lowe's. With technology evolving daily and customer expectations rising just as fast, success comes down to one thing — staying relentlessly focused on the customer. That mindset has shaped every step of Cano's career, with each experience reinforcing the same lesson: When the customer is at the center, navigating new business models and constant disruption becomes easier.(00:00:00) From retail stores to digital leadership(00:07:19) Launching Lowe's Marketplace at speed(00:10:13) How AI is reshaping the customer experience(00:16:00) A leadership style built on trust and transparency(00:18:59) Inside the culture driving Lowe's forward(00:21:25) Staying ahead in a constantly evolving retail landscape(00:23:51) A 10-year prediction for 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:• Lowe's Mylo AI Shopping Assistant• Lowe's Marketplace• 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:• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change• 395: Adapting to the rise of AI shoppers

This week on 5 Things Friday UK edition, we break down the retail stories shaping the high street, physical stores, discovery, customer experience, AI, and the future of retail.The episode starts with a spotlight on Positive Retail, described in the conversation as a more curated, “posh TK Maxx” approach to giving unsold fashion stock a second life without leaning into chaotic discount culture. The discussion then moves to Longchamp's Sloane Square pop-up, a beach-club-style activation built around music, drinks, games, workshops, and summer holiday energy — a strong example of why physical retail has to offer something the internet cannot.The conversation also covers the reported return of Claire's to UK high streets, with plans mentioned in the episode for 50 stores, before moving into takeaways from World Retail Congress in Berlin. Topics include CEO perspectives on AI, customer experience, retail engagement, ASOS collaborations, the role of Reddit in AI training, and whether retailers should be paying closer attention to Reddit and community-driven search behaviour.The episode wraps with store visits and retail models from Europe, including Action's frugal operating model, the question of whether AI removes organisational “fluff,” and examples from OBI, QVC live shopping, NRF Europe, and HOFF's Madrid flagship store.Linkshttps://positive-retail.com/https://www.nrfbigshoweurope.com/en/about/event-overviewhttps://www.instagram.com/reels/DXuOaYxggjU/Chapters00:00 Introduction to 5 Things Friday UK00:27 Meet Simone and Need It For Tonight01:15 Positive Retail and a different future for fashion02:12 Overproduction, discounting, and retail's race to the bottom02:36 The “posh TK Maxx” model of curated discovery03:49 Longchamp's Sloane Square beach-club pop-up04:26 Why physical retail needs emotion and atmosphere05:21 Claire's planned return to UK high streets06:06 World Retail Congress in Berlin06:32 CEOs on AI, customer experience, and retail engagement06:51 ASOS, collaborations, and sell-out retail moments07:13 Reddit, AI training, and retail discovery08:33 Who actually uses Reddit?09:45 Inside Action's frugal European retail model10:33 Centralised operations, SKUs, and efficiency11:00 Is AI just removing organisational fluff?11:24 Action opening one store a day11:52 OBI, garden retail, and store experience12:13 QVC and the move into live shopping12:37 NRF Europe, London, Milan, Amsterdam, and Paris13:24 HOFF's Madrid flagship store13:49 Pulse, London plans, and new social content14:14 Closing remarks

What happens when retailers keep playing the hits after the audience has moved on? Steve Dennis opens with that question — drawn from his latest Substack essay — and it anchors everything that follows. From Bed Bath & Beyond's overreliance on the 20% coupon to QVC's slow fade, the episode explores what happens when leaders confuse past success with future relevance. The problem, Steve argues, isn't always fear. Sometimes it's a failure of imagination. That theme runs straight into DTC strategy, with Nike as the cautionary case. The promise — better margins, direct relationships, more control — turns out to be misleading. The middleman doesn't disappear; the brand becomes the middleman, absorbing fulfillment, real estate, and marketing costs that were previously someone else's problem. Levi's, Moncler, Yeti, Vuori, and On all point toward the same conclusion: the winning model is almost always a blend, not a binary. The news section is equally dense. Conflicting signals from CNBC/NRF, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Circana make the current environment genuinely hard to read — retailers are being asked to make big decisions in a fog of contradictory evidence. Walmart's continued investment in store remodels is a clear counter-narrative: physical retail isn't retreating, it's evolving. Leadership transitions at Lululemon and Best Buy raise harder questions about succession, inherited playbooks, and whether new executives will have the courage to break from them. Michael closes with surveillance pricing — the emerging debate over whether AI-powered individualized pricing is something retailers should do, not just something they can do. It's a fitting final note for an episode about what happens when the old formulas stop working and leaders haven't yet found new ones. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Retail is changing fast and this episode of World Retail Signals captures the key shifts leaders need to watch right now.In this Berlin edition, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman of World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, join the conversation to unpack the signals shaping the global retail landscape.The episode opens with the pressure facing the luxury sector, following LVMH's reported first-quarter sales decline and growing questions around whether luxury brands have fully adjusted to a changing consumer reality. The discussion explores pricing fatigue, the changing definition of luxury for younger consumers, the impact of Asia and the Middle East on growth expectations, and why craftsmanship, trust, and perceived value are now central to the luxury conversation.The conversation then turns to Sephora, one of the bright spots within the broader luxury and beauty landscape. The hosts discuss why Sephora's customer experience, format, and leadership have helped the brand stand out in a rapidly evolving health, beauty, and wellness market.Niamh then highlights the ongoing struggle facing department stores globally. Once the anchor of city centres and major shopping destinations, many department stores are now being forced to rethink their role. The episode explores how surviving players are shifting toward curation, hospitality, services, memberships, and deeper customer experiences — including examples such as Selfridges and new premium access models.Finally, the episode looks at Walmart's move into GLP-1-related retail ecosystems and the broader opportunity for retailers to build connected journeys around customer needs. From health and wellness to pet care, the discussion points to a bigger strategic shift: retailers must move beyond selling isolated products and start building ecosystems of services, adjacencies, and ongoing customer relationships.Chapters00:00 Welcome to World Retail Signals from Berlin00:41 Meet Niamh Stone and Ian McGarrigle01:10 The retail signals shaping the week01:28 Luxury retail under pressure after LVMH results02:16 Is luxury facing a deeper pricing and value challenge?03:19 What luxury means to a new generation of consumers04:49 Why Sephora is a standout growth story06:06 The global challenge facing department stores07:01 How department stores can reinvent through experience and curation08:03 Selfridges, premium memberships, and VIP retail spaces09:06 Culture, tradition, and deeper connection in Asian department stores09:53 Selfridges leadership at World Retail Congress10:16 Walmart, Amazon, and the move toward connected retail journeys10:37 Walmart's GLP-1 ecosystem strategy11:06 Why retailers need to build beyond the store11:58 Retail adjacencies, pet care, services, and customer ecosystems12:56 Closing thoughts from Berlin

This week on Five Things Friday, Deal is back for a fast-moving conversation on the retail stories shaping the week.The episode starts with Revolve and Coachella, unpacking how event-based e-commerce is turning festivals into shoppable brand ecosystems. From Revolve Festival to Gap's Hoodie House and Rhode World, the discussion explores why the strongest brand activations are no longer just about visibility — they are about merging entertainment, experience, creators, and frictionless commerce.The conversation then moves into retail media and shopper technology, using new dunnhumby research to question whether shoppers really want “whiz-bang” retail tech or whether they are looking for better personalization, stronger value exchange, and more relevant relationships with retailers.Next, the hosts examine agentic commerce in grocery, including why grocery may be one of the first categories where AI-assisted shopping can make practical sense: repeat purchases, structured inventory, lower consideration, and clear basket-building opportunities.Chapter Timestamps00:00 Intro: Deal is back for Five Things Friday00:38 Revolve, Coachella and event-based e-commerce01:21 Shoppable festival experiences and Instagram commerce02:07 Coachella brand activations: PacSun, Gap and Rhode03:26 Event-based retail and the shrinking path from “see it” to “buy it”03:45 dunnhumby research on retail media and shopper technology04:32 Personalization, data exchange and what shoppers actually want05:13 Why grocery is a strong fit for agentic commerce05:57 Instacart, ChatGPT and full-checkout grocery shopping06:45 Walmart's commerce strategy and GLP-1 health services07:51 Walmart's Sparky AI assistant and assisted recommendations09:18 Gap, Victoria Beckham and the affordable luxury push10:27 Source articles and closing thoughtsSource links mentionedRevolve:https://www.revolveclothing.es/clothing/br/3699fc/?navsrc=mainVogue Business / Coachella brand activations:https://www.vogue.com/article/coachellas-big-brand-renaissancedunnhumby Retail Media Report 2026:https://resources.dunnhumby.com/retail-media-report-2026/how-do-shoppers-feel-about-the-future-of-retailWalmart GLP-1 support services:https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/04/16/walmart-expands-access-to-weight-management-support-services-for-customers-on-or-exploring-glp-1sThe Guardian / Victoria Beckham and Gap:https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/apr/20/victoria-beckham-gap-

Retail is moving fast, and this week's Five Things Friday breaks down the brand moves that matter.Alex is joined by Simone, co-founder and CEO of NIFT — Need It For Tonight, a rapid delivery infrastructure business powering retail through a fashion marketplace app and B2B plugin.This episode covers Louis Vuitton's immersive Mayfair “hotel” pop-up, why luxury brands are leaning into experience-led marketing, how brands are activating around the London Marathon, Clarks' move into marketplace retail, ASOS' latest results, and the growing cost pressures facing UK retailers.The key theme: brands can no longer just show up. They need to become part of the moment.In this episode:Louis Vuitton's Mayfair pop-up experience and why it is a marketing moment, not just a retail momentThe shift from traditional event sponsorship to brands becoming part of the eventLondon Marathon activations from brands including Vaseline, New Balance, Wintergreen Sport and AppleClarks' move beyond footwear into an online marketplace with brands including Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo BossWhat Clarks can learn from Next's multi-brand platform strategyASOS' mixed results, improved adjusted EBITDA and narrowing lossesWhy Middle East conflict, supply chain pressure and rising costs remain critical concerns for retailFeaturing:SimoneCo-founder and CEO, NIFT — Need It For TonightWatch for a sharp breakdown of where retail, fashion, luxury and event marketing are heading next.Chapters00:00 Introduction and welcome to Five Things Friday00:35 Meet Simone, co-founder and CEO of NIFT — Need It For Tonight01:25 Louis Vuitton's new Mayfair “hotel” pop-up experience02:20 Immersive luxury retail and theatrical brand activations03:18 Why the Louis Vuitton pop-up is a marketing moment03:46 Luxury slowdown, FOMO and the need to repair the customer relationship04:10 London Marathon week and event-led retail marketing05:06 Marathon brand activations from Wintergreen Sport, Apple and others05:55 Why brands need to become part of the event06:25 Clarks launches its first online marketplace07:04 Why Clarks is expanding beyond shoes07:22 Marketplace retail strategy and the Next comparison08:21 ASOS results, revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth09:14 UK GMV growth and retail cost pressures10:11 Why retailers may need to prepare for a difficult winter10:41 Rising retail costs and how brands can respond11:02 Logistics, delivery and final thoughts with Simone

This episode is a paid partnership with dunnhumby.What do shoppers actually want from retail media?Read the full research here:https://resources.dunnhumby.com/retail-media-report-2026/That's the question at the centre of this week's episode of The Retail Podcast, where I sit down with Michael Schuh, Global Head of Media at dunnhumby.There's a lot of noise in retail media right now. A lot of talk about networks, monetisation, adtech stacks and measurement. But this conversation goes somewhere more useful: back to the shopper.Built around dunnhumby's latest research, we get into what customers are really saying about trust, relevance, personalization, savings, and why so much of the industry still feels upside down when it comes to in-store media.A few things that stood out:shoppers are open to sharing data, but only when the value is obviouspersonalization works best when it reflects actual behaviour, not lazy assumptionssavings and relevance still matter enormouslyif most engagement still happens in-store, why is so little media investment going there?Michael brings the data. I try to bring the questions retail leaders are already asking behind closed doors.If you work in retail, grocery, shopper marketing, media, loyalty or digital transformation, this is well worth your time.If you enjoy the episode, subscribe to The Retail Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping the future of retail.#RetailMedia #RetailMediaNetworks #Retail #GroceryRetail #dunnhumby #Personalization #ShopperMarketing #RetailInnovation #CommerceMedia #InStoreMedia

Steve and Michael open earnings season for March-ending retailers with a tour of luxury's stumble. LVMH posted just 1% organic growth, with fashion and leather — including Louis Vuitton — remaining soft. Kering continues its turnaround "with more promise than proof" under new CEO Luca de Meo. Even Hermès saw growth slow and its stock fall. The common thread: the Middle East, where mall traffic has reportedly dropped 30–50% at locations like Mall of the Emirates. Albertsons' 0.7% comp reinforces the "unremarkable middle" thesis. Meanwhile, Amazon's Andy Jassy confirmed in his shareholder letter that Amazon has surpassed Kroger to become America's #2 grocer — a milestone that largely slipped past the headlines. March core retail sales came in hot at 7.05%, with apparel, health & beauty, and sporting goods posting low-double-digit gains — likely fueled by tax refunds and the ongoing GLP-1 wardrobe refresh. On tariffs, refunds appear to be coming. Even so, the Treasury is already signaling new tariffs to replace those ruled illegal. The centerpiece of the episode is Retail Rumble Part 2, recorded live on the ShopTalk Las Vegas stage. In Round 1, Steve faces off against Ken Pilot, Founder and CEO of Ken Pilot Ventures, on whether department stores can be resurrected. Ken argues format and geography still matter — pointing to thriving concepts in Dubai, Beijing's SKP, and El Corte Inglés — and jabs at Steve's alleged American-centric view. Steve fires back with the numbers: department stores' share of U.S. retail has collapsed from 10% to 1.8%, with poor momentum and store closings running rampant. Round 2 pits Lauren Livak Gilbert against Sarah Enge, on whether AI is a threat or opportunity for your job. Lauren leans into Goldman Sachs' 300-million-jobs figure and the hollowing out of analyst roles. Sarah counters that AI effectively returns a full workday to marketers and frees humans for storytelling and connection.  In the back half, Steve revisits Allbirds' bizarre reinvention as NewBird.ai — a GPU-as-a-service AI compute platform that sent the stock up 700% before it cratered. The duo also unpacks Starbucks' strategy under Brian Niccol, now being called the "couchification of Starbucks" — leaning into comfort and dwell time over throughput. On the radar: Steve flags global travel disruption tied to the Iran conflict, including warnings of a potential European jet fuel shortage within six weeks. Michael highlights New York State's new cash-acceptance law for retailers and softer-than-expected World Cup ticket sales. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

From a wholesale-only business to a multi-channel global brand, Carhartt has expanded its reach without losing sight of who it serves: hardworking people. Linda Hubbard, president and CEO of Carhartt Inc., shares how one of America's most iconic brands has grown while staying grounded in its original purpose. (00:00:00) Growing Carhartt beyond wholesale(00:05:50) Leading change inside a legacy family business(00:10:08) Career growth, mentorship, and asking for more(00:14:22) How the Carhartt customer has evolved(00:17:52) Carhartt's strategy for opening stores(00:20:12) Inside the Carhartt and Ford collaboration(00:23:38) The future of retail: AI, resale and direct growthThe 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:• Forged In Detroit: Carhartt And Ford Announce Partnership To Strengthen Essential Economy• 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:• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping• 349: How Arc'teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers

This week Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc bring listeners a high-energy live episode from Shoptalk Las Vegas — Part 1 of the inaugural Retail Rumble. The episode opens with the week's most important retail news. Levi Strauss delivers strong revenue growth driven by its expanding direct-to-consumer business, underscoring how its pivot away from wholesale dependency is unlocking margin and brand control — an increasingly critical playbook in modern retail. The department store sector remains under pressure. Saks Global's bankruptcy exit signals stabilization, but also highlights the structural challenges facing legacy luxury retail. With store closures, ownership restructuring, and vendor confidence still rebuilding, the hosts examine whether Saks can regain lost ground as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom move to capitalize on the disruption. Additional analysis covers early warning signs in mall traffic, with Placer.ai data pointing to a potential slowdown, and Wayfair's continued push into physical retail despite broader category softness — raising pointed questions about the evolving role of stores in an omnichannel world. The second half shifts to the Retail Rumble stage, where industry heavyweights debate two of retail's most pressing questions. Michael LeBlanc and Anne Mezzinga, founding CEO of Retail Field Report, referee the action. Round one: Is eCommerce entering a new phase of accelerated growth? Neil Saunders argues that demographic shifts, infrastructure investment, and AI-driven discovery will fuel acceleration. R.J. Hottovy counters with the realities of market saturation, the enduring importance of physical retail, and the law of large numbers limiting growth upside. Round two: Does retail media improve the shopper journey? Kiri Masters argues that retail media enhances relevance and subsidizes pricing through high-margin revenue streams. Rachel Tipograph challenges the model as increasingly pay-to-play — one that risks distorting product discovery and eroding the customer experience it claims to enhance. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

This week on The Remarkable Retail Podcast, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc break down the forces reshaping retail before sitting down live at Shoptalk in Las Vegas with Matt Baer, CEO of Stitch Fix. The episode opens with a wide-ranging look at the macro pressures bearing down on the industry—geopolitical conflict, rising tariffs, and supply chain strain. Earnings from Nike and RH reveal a consistent theme: even iconic brands can stumble when positioning and innovation lag behind a volatile consumer environment. In grocery, the "collapse of the unremarkable middle" continues as Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, and premium players squeeze traditional operators like Albertsons. A wave of M&A activity—including Allbirds' dramatic valuation collapse, Bed Bath & Beyond's improbable resurrection, and its acquisition of The Container Store—underscores just how much disruption is still unfolding. The hosts also push back on the hype around AI tools like Macy's shopping assistant, cautioning against confusing correlation with causation. At the center of the episode is a compelling conversation with Matt Baer, who outlines how Stitch Fix is executing a disciplined turnaround built on three phases: establishing a strong operational foundation, reimagining the customer experience, and returning to sustainable growth. Four consecutive quarters of improving revenue trends suggest the strategy is working. Baer's core argument is that true personalization isn't about volume or targeting—it's about relevance, timing, and understanding customers at a granular level. Stitch Fix achieves this by pairing deep data and AI-driven recommendations with human stylists who bring judgment, empathy, and relationship-building to a category that remains inherently emotional. New tools like AI styling assistants and digital visualization are enhancing that human element, not replacing it. The episode closes with forward-looking perspective on retail crime, supply chain vulnerability, and macroeconomic uncertainty—and a clear throughline: in an increasingly chaotic landscape, agility and strategic clarity aren't optional. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Brieane Olson has spent nearly two decades helping reshape Pacsun. She joins Retail Gets Real to share what it takes to evolve a legacy retail brand without losing sight of the customer. With a retail career that began at age 15, her foundation in fashion still shapes how she leads today. The connection point between product and consumer remains an energizing part of her career journey, and influences how she leads people, sets strategy and guides the business through constant change.(00:00:00) Olson's path to CEO(00:07:40) Pacsun's evolution from retailer to brand(00:12:58) Inside Olson's new book, “Co-Created”(00:15:16) Leading through change and uncertainty(00:20:20) Why leading mission-first is essential for the future of retail(00:24:10) What Gen Z and Gen Alpha are saying nowThe 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:• Preorder “Co-Created” by Brieane Olson• 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:• 411: Redefining JCPenney for today's customer• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc are joined by guest co-host Neil Saunders, Managing Director and retail analyst at GlobalData, bringing his signature analytical rigour and on-the-ground store insights to a wide-ranging discussion of the week's biggest retail developments and the future of AI-powered commerce. For our feature interview, Steve sits down live at ShopTalk with Bret Taylor, Chairman of OpenAI and CEO and co-founder of Sierra. Taylor outlines how AI agents are emerging as the new “digital front door” for retail, unifying customer interactions into a single intelligent interface. Bret explains the shift from rule-based automation to agentic systems capable of reasoning and decision-making, enabling retailers to deliver faster, more personalized, and more empathetic experiences. From instant warranty claims to seamless delivery scheduling, AI agents are redefining customer service and turning friction points into loyalty drivers. The episode opens with a reflection on David Simon's impact on Simon Property Group and mall reinvention. Neil and Steve discuss how Simon proved physical retail can remain productive and relevant when well managed. The conversation then turns to Saks Global's decision to reverse several planned store closures, with Steve & Neil highlighting the strategic interplay between retailers and landlords.  The group connects this to broader industry dynamics, including the risks of anchor tenant closures and the importance of maintaining mall ecosystem vitality. A key moment comes as Saunders weighs in on the NRF's 2026 retail forecast, labelling it “toppy.” The trio challenges the assumptions behind the optimistic outlook, citing cautious retailer guidance, constrained consumer spending, and macroeconomic uncertainty. Saunders' perspective reinforces a growing disconnect between industry forecasts and operational reality. The discussion shifts to the intensifying race for ultra-fast delivery, as Amazon, Walmart, and others push one-hour and same-day fulfillment. Saunders provides a grounded view of consumer behavior, noting that while demand for immediacy is growing, the economics remain challenging and uneven across the retail landscape. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Most Easter chocolates were produced when cocoa was extremely expensive. He goes on to say, so shoppers should expect prices similar to or slightly above Valentine's Day levels. Despite this, the National Retail Federation says, expect consumers to spend $3.5 billion on Easter candy alone this year. With shoppers dropping an expected total of $25 billion on the holiday overall surpassing previous spending records. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're well underway in the integration of agents into various enterprise workflows, but there are many questions about where and how they can be used effectively. Emily Jasper and Sheryl Kingstone return to the podcast to discuss their recent research and upcoming webinar with host Eric Hanselman. Much has been made of claims that agents are going to replace SaaS applications, particularly in applications like CRM, but that relies on a fundamental misunderstanding of where their value lies. CRM systems are the repositories of crucial enterprise data and agents can help to deliver on many of their unfulfilled promises. Many systems have   More S&P Global Content: Join the webinar: Putting AI agents to work Next in Tech | Ep. 250: The Agentic Enterprise | S&P Global Next in Tech | Ep. 205: Agentic AI Impacts       451 IT Insider October: A roundup for IT decision-makers   For S&P Global subscribers: The rise of agentic sales execution Agentic experiences redefine retail execution at NRF 2026 From assistance to autonomy: Mapping the future of agentic commerce   Credits: Host/Author: Eric Hanselman Guests: Emily Jasper, Sheryl Kingstone Producer/Editor: Feranmi Adeoshun Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Kyra Smith

This week on The Remarkable Retail podcast, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc begin with a sweeping look at the key retail and macro stories of the week, then dive into a compelling interview with Jennifer Woo, Chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-based luxury retailer Lane Crawford. Woo shares her unusual path into retail leadership, from studying psychology and working in advertising to joining her family's business and ultimately transforming Lane Crawford into one of the most distinctive luxury department store operators in the world. She explains how Lane Crawford has rethought the traditional department store model by operating compact stores in extremely expensive real estate markets, working with unusually short leases, and maintaining an owned-buying model rather than relying on concessions. That structure gives the company more control over the customer experience and allows it to deliver seamless service across categories. Woo describes Lane Crawford as relationship-driven rather than transaction-driven, with associates empowered to build client relationships through supportive tools and internal recognition rather than scripts. Her examples of extraordinary service during and after the pandemic illustrate this approach. Woo also details Lane Crawford's investment in independent designers and a lifestyle-led merchandising strategy. She emphasizes that AI and digital tools should only enhance, not replace, human judgment and connection. In the opening news segment, Steve and Michael tackle the retail implications of the Iran war, particularly its impact on oil, inflation expectations, interest rates and retailer planning. They discuss the NRF's somewhat surprisingly upbeat retail sales forecast and break down recent earnings from Macy's, highlighting Bloomingdale's strength relative to the core Macy's banner, and examine Lululemon's uneven performance, tariff pressures and ongoing boardroom drama. They close the earnings discussion with Five Below, praising its sharp positioning and standout growth in an increasingly crowded value retail space. The final segments extend the conversation with Steve's remarkable story of the week on digitally native vertical brands losing momentum, and Michael's reflections on Gen Z shopping habits, AI anxiety and the limits of assuming young consumers will automatically embrace AI-powered commerce. The episode wraps with radar-screen commentary on U.S. tax refunds, consumer spending and the potential precipitous slowdown in luxury demand in the GCC. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Liza Amlani (Retail Strategy Group) and Aimee Heuschkel (Lectra) joined RETHINK Retail at NRF to discuss why the industry is currently making too much of the wrong product. The Overdevelopment Crisis Right now, brands are throwing supply at consumers and hoping demand follows. With 81% of retailers struggling to keep up, the result is massive waste and shrinking margins. The fix requires moving from reactive systems to predictive, data-led models. Breaking Down Retail Silos Teams are often "rowing in different directions." Success in 2026 requires bringing design, sourcing, and materials together at the very start of the process. When everyone aligns on business goals rather than siloed targets, efficiency skyrockets. Materials as a Strategic Unlock Instead of fabric being a "service" to design, it should be the starting point. Elevating materials teams reduces waste and simplifies calendars, ensuring your brand is ready for upcoming transparency regulations like Digital Product Passports (DPP). Listen the full podcast to future-proof your product journey.

Retail is evolving at an incredible pace, but at its core, it still comes down to people. Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney, joins Retail Gets Real to share her grounded and optimistic perspective on where the industry is headed and why the fundamentals of serving customers remain as important as ever.(00:00:00) A retail career shaped by customers(00:06:44) Why physical stores aren't going anywhere(00:09:02) Reintroducing JCPenney to a new generation of customers(00:15:52) The forces reshaping retail right now(00:17:52) Career advice that changes how you lead and grow(00:19:54) What will and won't change in the future of retail(00:22:24) The joy of shopping beyond just buyingThe 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:• Yes—JCPenney: Their Boldest Campaign Yet• 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:• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1300: EV bargains are stacking up as gas prices climb, GM patents a daisy-chain charger that could end the wait-time headache, and the NRF says retail is growing in 2026 but the spending power is concentrated at the top.Gas price anxiety is driving a spike in EV and hybrid searches, according to Edmunds and the timing couldn't be better. With manufacturer incentives replacing the expired federal tax credit, dealers are stacking deals that are turning heads and moving metal.One buyer in Orange County paid $23,991 for a 2026 Equinox EV with a $48,269 sticker, after GM contributed nearly $10,000 and the dealer added further discounts on top.Kia is offering up to $18,300 in lease support on the EV6, Toyota is cutting $5,000 off the bZ, and Hyundai has added $10,000 on top of already-reduced 2026 model-year pricing on vehicles like the Ioniq 5.Kevin Roberts, head of market intelligence at CarGurus, noted the inventory reality: "There's probably still too many new EVs out on lots as dealers try to rebalance things."Dealer Ryan Rohrman: "If it fits your lifestyle, it makes sense all day long just because of the rebates that are out there."Charging wait times are one of the biggest friction points in EV ownership, and GM may have found a clever hardware solution. A newly unearthed patent shows a system that could let one DC fast charger serve multiple vehicles simultaneously.GM's patent, surfaced by GM Authority, details a main DC fast charger connected to a series of low-power access points in a daisy chain, each capable of charging a separate EV at the same time.Each access point has three plugs: one connecting to the charger or previous unit in the chain, one for the vehicle, and one passing power to the next unit, with built-in controllers managing communication between the car and the main charger.With the most common public fast-charging speed sitting at 150 kW, a single 350 kW station running this system could theoretically serve two vehicles simultaneously at full standard speed.The National Retail Federation is projecting a strong retail year, and the underlying fundamentals back it up. The catch is that not all consumers are riding the same wave.NRF forecasts retail sales will grow 4.4% in 2026 to $5.6 trillion, outpacing the 10-year average annual growth rate of 3.6%.Tax refunds tied to the Working Families Tax Cut Act are expected to give consumer spending a modest boost in the first half of the year, with inflation projected to ease by Q3.Unemployment is expected to stay below 4.5%, and NRF noted that consumer sentiment has historically been disconnected from actual spending, meaning people often spend more than their mood suggests.Today's show is brought to you by HeyGreenlight. HeyGreenlight's Wingman gives your sales and BDC team live, real-time guidance so they consistentlJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast  as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Join Scott as he shows off CircuitPython on the new nRF54LM20A, talks about how Claude Code continues to change the way he works and answers any questions folks have. Tim will fill in for Scott next week. Check out his Tuesday Deep Dives at 11am Eastern US. 0:00 Getting started 1:14 Hello and welcome to deep dive 2:22 NRF 54 lm20A demo running micropython 3:30 also shown adafruit Edge Badge AKA pygamer 4:20 ( Tim filling in next week / no Scott ) 5:05 nRF54LM20A bluetooth capable with NVM ( resistive RAM ) 7:00 nRF54H20 high power version 10:10 bringing it up with Zephyr 13:10 connect up the board - investigate warnings 14:30 discuss performance difference between CP on Zephyr vs native on board 16:00 SMP support (in future?) 17:30 Mixed feelings about Zephyr - startup, kconfig, device tree 18:30 LM20A - no bluetooth support in Zephyr yet 19:20 USB works, but note USB HID under zephyr 20:00 zephyr native simulator 21:15 support from LLMs does help 22:00 github actions 24:30 review issue #13803 29:00 using Salea logic analyzer / perfetto with agents 31:05 gifourchette https://github.com/tannewt/gitfourchette/tree/tannewt 35:50 worktree support also added / future change github integration / CI status 40:54 mailbag - m5stack PoE P4 - usb-ip access 44:50 m5stack Dial and Tab5, and M5 paper 48:06 xteink - magnets for phone 49:40 ST C562 nucleo with usb / and another board from ST 50:56 NXP IMX RT1180 - rt1186 lower cost dev board with 4 ethernet ports - 800MHz 54:00 zephyr supported board list 55:00 stm32 n657 59:05 i2c knobs - multimaster - to avoid polling - i3c may help 1:01:40 wrap up - out next week - thanks to Tim Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com ----------------------------------------- LIVE CHAT IS HERE! http://adafru.it/discord Subscribe to Adafruit on YouTube: http://adafru.it/subscribe New tutorials on the Adafruit Learning System: http://learn.adafruit.com/ -----------------------------------------

Marie Schwartz caught up with MaryLeigh Bliss from Ypulse at NRF to talk Gen Z in 2026. The old marketing playbooks? They're history. The 20-year trend cycle is over. MaryLeigh explains how social media has created a "firehose" of fragmented trends where Gen Z is nostalgic for everything at once. Whether it's a 90s reboot or a meme from two weeks ago, the pace is moving faster than most retailers can keep up with. We're also seeing the rise of the "AI Detective." Gen Z is hunting for glitches and demanding that AI-generated content be clearly labeled. Transparency is now a requirement for trust, which is why brands like Aerie are winning by doubling down on human authenticity. Finally, the "post-social" era has arrived. Follower counts don't guarantee reach anymore, the algorithm is the new gatekeeper. From the "social closet" (dressing up for TikTok but living in sweatpants) to the surprising return of cinema-going, this episode covers exactly how to reach the next generation in 2026. Watch the full interview for the complete Gen Z playbook.

This week on the Remarkable Retail podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis unpack the retail news shaping the global economy—from the Iran war's impact on oil, freight and food prices to Kohl's disappointing earnings, Dick's Sporting Goods' continued growth, and another wave of store closings at Saks Global. The episode opens with the week's major macro headlines. The ongoing Iran war is pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns about fuel, transportation and food inflation. The hosts explore how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could impact shipping routes, air freight and fertilizer supply—factors that may squeeze consumer spending in the months ahead. On earnings: Kohl's continues to struggle with declining comparable sales and a lack of clear differentiation in the mid-market department store segment. Dick's Sporting Goods delivered stronger results, with experiential concepts like House of Sport driving growth—even as its newly acquired Foot Locker business faces headwinds. Meanwhile, Saks Global's restructuring rolls on with additional closures across both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus locations. The centrepiece is an in-depth conversation with James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. Daunt shares the unconventional philosophy behind Barnes & Noble's turnaround: rather than relying on centralized merchandising and publisher-driven promotions, he empowered individual store teams to curate their own assortments and engage directly with local communities. The strategy—anchored by investments in store infrastructure, technology, distribution and higher bookseller wages—has the company opening roughly 60 new stores a year while continuing to modernize older locations. The episode closes with the hosts' "Remarkable Stories of the Week": the rise of value brand Quince, Nestlé's sale of Blue Bottle Coffee, and a discussion of tariffs, supply chains and New York's proposed minimum wage increase. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Retail stores remain powerful spaces for storytelling, connection and cultural relevance. José Raul Padron, design lead for the Hershey Experience at The Hershey Company, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how thoughtful retail design transforms everyday shopping into memorable experiences. From immersive brand homes to viral product moments, he says physical retail continues to evolve in a digital-first world.(00:00:00) From chocolate legacy to retail design leadership(00:06:04) Why physical retail still matters in a digital world(00:11:17) Building immersive retail moments that capture culture(00:14:07) Where creative inspiration for retail design comes from(00:16:31) Inside the Hershey's creative hub in Pennsylvania(00:17:49) Career advice for the next generation of retail creativesThe 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:• 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:• 394: Halloween trends: What's driving record spending• 367: How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets

Host: Lori Mullins Guests: Rich Roche, Ashley Craig Series: NCBFAA Quarterly Podcast – Transportation Committee Focus Published: March 2026 Length: ~40 minutes Presented by: National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) in partnership with Simply Trade​ NCBFAA Transportation Committee: Strait of Hormuz, FMC, and Shipping Risk in 2026 In this NCBFAA quarterly episode, social media director and licensed customs broker Lori Mullins sits down with Rich Roche, Senior Vice President at Mohawk Global Logistics and NCBFAA NVOCC Chair, and Ashley Craig, partner at Venable LLP and outside Transportation Counsel to NCBFAA, for a deep dive on the work of the NCBFAA Transportation Committee in a rapidly changing risk environment.​ The conversation focuses on how the Transportation Committee is engaging with regulators—especially the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)—and monitoring global chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz to protect brokers, forwarders, and NVOCCs.​ Inside the NCBFAA Transportation Committee's Agenda FMC leadership and priorities Rich explains the “new season” at FMC under Chair Laura DiBella, with NCBFAA meeting her on day one and tracking the confirmation of additional commissioners to get the agency to full strength.​ The committee is watching FMC's expanded role, including analyzing global “choke points” (like the Iran conflict and Spanish embargo actions) and supporting efforts to close the harbor maintenance fee loophole for cargo routed via Canada and Mexico.​ Strait of Hormuz and global chokepoints Ashley breaks down why the Strait of Hormuz—only about 20 nautical miles wide and dominated geographically by Iran—remains one of the most critical choke points in global energy and trade, carrying roughly 60% of petroleum productsexiting the region.​ Rich details current impacts: hundreds of tankers and cargo vessels effectively stopped or trapped, export bookings halted, and knock-on effects on fuel availability for airlines and ocean carriers, particularly in Asia.​ Legal and commercial risk: surcharges, notice, and the Shipping Act Ashley walks through how tensions translate into war risk surcharges and emergency contingency charges from major carriers (Maersk, CMA, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, ONE), and the critical 30‑day notice requirement under the Shipping Act for U.S. trades—plus how “special permission” filings at the FMC can accelerate those timelines.​ The Transportation Committee is monitoring FMC guidance reminding carriers and NVOCCs of their obligations to publish and adhere to filed rates, and educating members on when to go to FMC vs. resolving disputes under service contracts or through courts/ADR.​ Export controls and NCBFAA's export subcommittee work Ashley highlights the work of the NCBFAA Export Subcommittee, which sits under the Transportation Committee and has collaborated with BIS on the Freight Forwarder Best Practices (now live on the BIS site).​ The committee is tracking evolving sanctions and export controls on Iran and third‑party intermediaries, stressing regular checks of the U.S. consolidated screening lists and ongoing engagement with BIS, OFAC, and other agencies.​ Insurance, force majeure, and contract readiness From a legal and practical standpoint, Ashley urges members to review war risk underwriting, force majeure language, and service contracts now—especially for cargo stuck in the Gulf region—to avoid unmanaged detention/demurrage and misaligned risk allocation.​ The Transportation Committee is encouraging proactive dialogue with carriers and underwriters, not just reactive claims once disruptions surface.​ Energy markets, surcharges, and downstream costs The episode covers how rising oil prices (already over USD 100/barrel with potential to go higher) drive up bunker costs, trigger higher bunker and emergency surcharges, and ultimately raise total transportation costs for shippers and NVOCC customers.​ Policy horizon: tariffs, ship taxes, and Jones Act talk Ashley notes the administration's heavy focus on maritime policy, new and potential 232/301 investigations, a 301 forced labor inquiry touching over 60 trading partners, and proposals like a “universal ship tax” and land border fee that NCBFAA and peer associations are actively reviewing.​ The committee is also watching discussions around Jones Act waivers for energy flows and coordinating with other trade associations (NITL, World Shipping Council, NRF, NAM, U.S. Chamber) to present a unified industry position.​ Why This Matters for NCBFAA Members Throughout the episode, Lori, Rich, and Ashley underscore the resilience of the brokerage and forwarding community and the central role of NCBFAA—especially the Transportation Committee and its export subcommittee—in: Interpreting fast‑moving developments at choke points like the Persian Gulf. Engaging directly with FMC, BIS, Treasury, USTR, and Congress. Providing practical guidance on surcharges, notice rules, contracts, underwriting, and compliance expectations.​ Lori closes by inviting non‑members to join NCBFAA and tap into its toolkits, best practices, and ongoing advocacy, and reminding listeners that this is part of a quarterly NCBFAA podcast series focused on the committees' work on behalf of the trade. Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade Podcast: Global Training Center LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community ​

The Human Heart of Retail Innovation The message from NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show was clear: Technology is the tool, but humanity is the strategy. In this episode, Chris Igwe and Dominik Olejko, Head of Customer Insights at Pepco, debrief on the "thousands of years of experience" that met in New York this year. They dive into how global leaders are integrating AI to empower staff and why the "User First" mantra is more critical than ever. Why Tune In: - Beyond AI: How to shift from "AI everywhere" to "AI integrated." - Dark Social & Community: Why the best customer insights are moving to private spaces. - Authenticity: The secret to building trust in an automated world. Get the boots-on-the-ground insights you need to stay future-ready.

In this wide-ranging episode Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc are joined by special guest co-host Kevin Ertell, retail veteran, former Nike executive, and author of The Strategy Trap. The episode blends breaking retail news with a live interview recorded at the NRF Big Show featuring Malin Andrée, Global Retail Sector Leader at EY, and Jon Copestake, Global Lead Retail Analyst at EY Insights. The episode begins with an analysis of one of the most significant geopolitical developments impacting the global economy: the escalating Iran war and its ripple effects on retail markets. Rising oil prices and potential disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz threaten to increase shipping costs and add new uncertainty to global supply chains. The hosts also dive into the latest retail earnings reports, highlighting challenges and future opportunities under new leadership at Target, mixed performance at Gap and continued momentum from Costco. They also examine the rapid growth of athletic brand On, whose strong sales growth contrasts with cautious forward guidance, and discuss what it signals about competition with legacy players like Nike with Kevin's expert and experienced analysis. The episode then shifts to a fascinating interview with Malin Andrée, EY Partner, Global Retail Industry Leader and Jon Copestake Global Lead Retail Analyst, EY Insights, who share insights from EY's latest consumer research and industry analysis. Their discussion explores the changing dynamics of luxury retail, including growing consumer interest in resale and second-hand luxury markets, which are being driven by affordability concerns, sustainability awareness and improved authentication platforms. Andrée and Copestake also address the accelerating role of retail AIl, from operational improvements to emerging consumer-facing applications such as AI-driven product discovery and shopping assistance. While AI investment is surging across the industry, they emphasize the importance of balancing technology with human-centered retail experiences, arguing that the human touch will remain a key differentiator even as AI capabilities become table stakes. The episode concludes with the hosts' Remarkable Story of the Week and What's on the Radar segments, including discussions about Simon Property Group's strategic maneuvering around the Saks Global bankruptcy and Walmart's rollout of digital shelf labels across its stores. 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Leadership in retail today requires balancing innovation, culture and purpose. Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share lessons from a career spanning some of the most influential brands in retail and explain how she is guiding REI into its next chapter. She discusses her career journey, the role of mentorship and how the co-op is evolving its strategy while staying rooted in its mission and values.(00:00:00) From consulting to leading iconic retail brands(00:05:51) Leveraging REI's unique strengths for growth(00:07:37) Navigating culture at an 87-year-old retailer(00:09:25) REI's strategy for the next chapter of growth(00:11:09) Turning strategy into action at REI(00:15:37) Leading retail in the age of AI(00:18:23) Keeping purpose at the center of the business(00:20:31) Building a culture that embraces change(00:24:01) The evolving 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:• 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• 380: How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand

In this episode of Confessions of Supply Chain Executives, host Chris Walton sits down with Omar Akilah, SVP of Product at Infios, and Aadil Kazmi, Head of AI Product Development at Infios, to tackle one of the biggest questions facing retail leaders today: Are retailers actually ready for agentic AI? While AI dominated the conversation at NRF, the reality inside many retail organizations is far more complicated. Many companies are still struggling with fragmented systems, unclear strategies, and uncertainty about where AI should even be applied. Omar and Aadil break down what agentic AI really means for commerce, how it differs from traditional generative AI, and why the biggest opportunity may not be flashy customer experiences but rather the operational backbone of retail: supply chain execution. From autonomous order monitoring to real-time visibility across the entire order lifecycle, they explore how agentic AI could fundamentally reshape how retailers manage fulfillment, delivery promises, and operational decision making. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about AI readiness, including why retailers may not need perfect data infrastructure to begin adopting agentic AI and what leaders should actually focus on in the next 30 days if they want to stay competitive. Key topics covered: • What agentic AI actually means for retail operations • Why most retailers are unprepared for the next wave of AI • The difference between generative AI and agentic AI • Why supply chain execution is a prime use case for AI agents • How autonomous order visibility can transform customer experience • Why retailers may not need a perfect data lake to begin adopting AI • The three ways retailers can approach AI adoption • How to avoid getting stuck in “AI pilot purgatory” • The first practical AI use cases retailers should implement

How do brands scale AI governance without slowing down innovation? In this episode, Yael Kochman sits down with NRF leaders Christian Beckner and Caroline Reppert to discuss the industry's shift toward responsible, high-ROI AI adoption. While this conversation was recorded just before the NRF Big Show, the insights remain the definitive roadmap for the year ahead. They dive into why the most successful retailers are prioritizing internal productivity tools and "Agentic" commerce guardrails before rolling out customer-facing AI. Key Topics Covered: - The Governance Shift: Why the CEO and Board are now leading the AI policy conversation - Internal First: How coding and productivity tools are providing the first real wins for ROI - Empowering Employees: Using AI chatbots to support store associates and improve the customer experience - The 2025 Benchmark: Insights from the now-published Retail AI Trends report The report mentioned in this episode is now live! Get the full benchmark data on how your peers are investing in AI today.

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc preview their upcoming ShopTalk “Retail Rumble” appearance before diving into a wide-ranging and timely discussion on what leaders still get wrong about modern retail The episode opens with a sharp analysis of tariff turmoil following a Supreme Court ruling and mounting legal battles, as over 1,800 companies seek refunds. The hosts explore the implications of economic uncertainty for retailers already facing cautious consumer behavior. Recent earnings from TJX, Home Depot, and Lowe's suggest slowing momentum, with “flat” increasingly feeling like the new “up.” Meanwhile, Warby Parker continues its profitability progress, signaling that digitally native brands can mature successfully when they prioritize focus and operational discipline. Saks Global also makes progress on their journey through bankruptcy court. The macro backdrop adds additional complexity. Nvidia's staggering $120 billion in profits underscores the scale of AI's economic impact. At the same time, declining U.S. net migration could create headwinds for retail growth, given that roughly 1% of annual retail expansion typically comes from population growth. Mortgage rates dipping below 6% could offer stimulus to home-related categories. The discussion then pivots to a deeper strategic issue: how retailers need to adapt to an increasingly complex and demanding world. Steve highlights a striking insight from Walmart's earnings—while overall sales and e-commerce are surging, brick-and-mortar sales appear to be declining. This raises a fundamental question: are retailers measuring success correctly in a world where digital and physical channels are deeply intertwined and taking the bold action they must. 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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

At a time when retail is being reshaped by technology, generational shifts and changing expectations around authenticity, understanding the consumer has never been more critical. Jennifer Yue, senior vice president of strategy and consumer insights at Coach and Tapestry, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how deep listening and human-centered insight are driving growth at one of the world's most iconic luxury brands.(00:00:00) From investment banking to consumer insight leadership(00:04:26) Why growth starts with the people who are not buying(00:08:40) Turning human insight into a competitive advantage(00:15:02) Why physical retail is becoming more important again(00:17:28) What keeps a long retail career exciting(00:19:22) The future of retail is both digital and deeply human(00:21:02) Why curiosity is a leadership advantage in 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:• 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:• 378: How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale• 360: How Kendra Scott's ‘fashion-for-philanthropy' vision transforms communities

Returns are no longer just a headache, they're a strategic opportunity. As the circular economy gains momentum, reverse logistics is quickly becoming one of the most important levers in modern supply chains.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull are joined by Scot Case, Vice President of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF), and Tony Sciarrotta, Senior Director of Reverse Logistics and Circularity at NRF, to share key insights from the NRF Rev event and discuss why reverse logistics deserves a seat at the strategy table.The conversation explores how resale, repair, and recycling are moving into the mainstream, and why returns should no longer be treated as a cost center. From the surge in e-commerce returns to increasing legislative pressure through extended producer responsibility, the group breaks down how these forces are changing retail and supply chain operations.Deborah adds perspective on how technology improves visibility and accountability across the returns process. Together, the guests outline practical ways companies can turn reverse logistics into a competitive advantage while improving customer experience and advancing sustainability goals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:31) Meet the guests: Scot Case and Tony Sciarrotta(06:31) NRF's sustainability mission: Business value meets reverse logistics(10:46) RLA + NRF: Bringing returns out of the “dark side”(15:22) Macro trends shaping reverse logistics: Reuse, resale, repair & more(20:40) Tariffs, EPR laws & the circular economy's next push(24:52) Inside NRF Rev: The reverse logistics & revenue “revolution” event(26:05) NRF Rev: Bringing reverse logistics into the spotlight(27:32) Why retailers are the center of the returns universe(28:18) Refurbished products mindset shift: The ‘restaurant fork' story(29:24) Deborah's practitioner lens: Why this conference matters(31:00) Key takeaways: Collaboration, EPR, and no single silver bullet(34:04) Urban mining & the resale economy (and why brands must engage)(36:32) What's next: NRF working groups, global scale, and policy influence(40:16) Remade in America: A story-driven podcast on ‘where returns go'Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/Connect with Tony Sciarrotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/Learn more about the National Retail Federation (NRF): https://nrf.comLearn more about NRF Rev:

Recorded live in the Narvar Podcast Studio at NRF Big Show, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc sit down with Dan Frommer, the iconic tech journalist and Founder of The New Consumer, to explore the forces reshaping retail and consumer behavior. Frommer challenges the prevailing “vibecession” narrative, arguing that despite low consumer sentiment readings, spending remains resilient. Drawing on proprietary survey data from 3,000 U.S. consumers, he outlines a nuanced picture: younger consumers are increasingly digital-first, deeply connected to creator culture, and entering their peak earning and spending years. Millennials show the highest trust in AI, while Gen Z is more skeptical about automation's impact on work and identity. GLP-1 medications are seen as a game changer, driving shifts in spending. Health and longevity also take center stage, with more than 40% of Gen Z and Millennials in “health optimization mode.” Frommer highlights TikTok Shop's explosive rise as creator-led commerce flips marketing economics. In the news segment the hosts discussion how the Supreme Court's IEEPA tariff ruling triggers chaos for retail. With up to 70% of tariffs affected, pricing and supply chain uncertainty now dominate. Retailers face refund confusion, volatility, and political storms. Walmart posts strong earnings but signals a slowing trend. Half of its e-commerce orders ship from stores, three-hour delivery reaches most Americans, and retail media surges ahead. Wayfair gains share in a struggling home market, but staying unprofitable raises tough questions. In the “Remarkable Story of the Week” of the week, Aritzia acquires Fred Segal's intellectual property, as plans to resurrect the storied West Coast fashion retailer. On the radar: sneaker wars intensify as New Balance nears $10B in revenue and Nike navigates turnaround pressures at Converse. QVC also is reportedly mulling a Chapter 11 filing. Link to Dan's 2026 The New Consumer report here.  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 author 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 a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

What happens when your best customer is no longer a person, but an AI agent acting on their behalf?Agility requires not just adapting to new technologies, but fundamentally rethinking the customer journey when those technologies change the very definition of a customer. It demands a proactive stance on what's next, rather than a reactive one.Today, we're going to talk about the seismic shifts happening in e-commerce, fresh off the floor of NRF 2026, and what it all means for the year ahead. We'll explore the real-world impact of AI on the customer experience, the rise of agentic commerce, and how marketing leaders can prepare for a future that's arriving faster than anyone expected.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back Lena Moriarty, Head of Marketing at eTail. About Lena Moriarty Lena Moriarty is the Head of Marketing at eTail, the conference community designed to power your growth 365 days a year. At eTail, she takes charge on all things omnichannel marketing and strategy, from point A to point Z. Lena Moriarty on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/lenamoriarty Resources eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agileConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your best customer is no longer a person, but an AI agent acting on their behalf? Agility requires not just adapting to new technologies, but fundamentally rethinking the customer journey when those technologies change the very definition of a customer. It demands a proactive stance on what's next, rather than a reactive one. Today, we're going to talk about the seismic shifts happening in e-commerce, fresh off the floor of NRF 2026, and what it all means for the year ahead. We'll explore the real-world impact of AI on the customer experience, the rise of agentic commerce, and how marketing leaders can prepare for a future that's arriving faster than anyone expected.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back Lena Moriarty, Head of Marketing at eTail. About Lena Moriarty Lena Moriarty is the Head of Marketing at eTail, the conference community designed to power your growth 365 days a year. At eTail, she takes charge on all things omnichannel marketing and strategy, from point A to point Z. Lena Moriarty on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/lenamoriarty Resources eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agile Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company