Podcasts about remarkable retail

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of Vancouver's John Fluevog Shoes—one of North America's most distinctive independent retail brands. For over 56 years, Fluevog has built a fiercely loyal customer community by doing something most brands struggle to sustain: staying unapologetically unique. With 20 stores across Canada and the United States, a direct-to-consumer model, and a decision to step away from wholesale, Fluevog has created a retail ecosystem built on scarcity, craftsmanship, human connection, and creative courage. Stephen shares his 21-year journey helping shape one of Canada's most iconic design-led retail brands. From creating limited-run footwear collections manufactured in small family-owned factories around the world, to nurturing a passionate global community of “Fluevogers,” he explains why being “not for everyone” has become one of the company's greatest strategic advantages. Michael and Stephen explore how heritage brands stay relevant without becoming trapped by their own history. Stephen shares why Fluevog refuses to chase trends, how the company balances creativity with commercial discipline, and why staying true to brand character has helped them navigate economic cycles, retail disruption, and changing consumer behaviors. The conversation also tackles one of retail's biggest current themes: AI and algorithm-driven commerce. Stephen offers candid insights on how niche brands can thrive in a world increasingly shaped by machine-driven recommendations, digital marketing automation, and platform economics—while still protecting the human side of retail. They also discuss international growth, including Fluevog's ambitious expansion into Amsterdam, the lessons learned from operating in global markets, and why physical retail remains the company's most powerful marketing channel. Perhaps most importantly, Stephen shares why community remains Fluevog's ultimate moat. From in-store “Fluevogologists” delivering highly personalized service to customer interactions that dramatically reduce returns while building loyalty, Fluevog continues proving that in an increasingly digital world, human connection still drives extraordinary retail outcomes.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Recorded live from the stage at the SIAL Innovation Show in Montreal, this special episode of The Voice of Retail dives headfirst into one of the most disruptive forces reshaping commerce: artificial intelligence and its growing influence on how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase food and grocery products. Michael welcomes Guillaume Mathieu, Co-Founder and Partner at Montreal's ilot, a strategic consultancy helping brands and retailers navigate growth, innovation, and consumer behaviour in Quebec and beyond. Guillaume also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Boillon, a leading B2B media platform for Quebec's agri-food sector, and is himself a podcaster in the brand and food space. Together, they unpack new consumer research revealing a fascinating contradiction: while consumers—especially younger shoppers—are rapidly embracing AI tools in everyday life, many remain hesitant when AI intersects with food. Why? Because food is deeply emotional, personal, and tied to authenticity. Guillaume shares proprietary insights showing that consumers are comfortable with “invisible AI,” such as asking ChatGPT for recipes or meal ideas, but become significantly more skeptical when AI becomes physically visible—whether that's robotic baristas, automated cooking systems, or AI-driven food preparation. The conversation explores how search behaviour is rapidly evolving from short keywords to highly contextual prompts. Consumers are no longer searching “pasta sauce”—they're asking for “a locally made tomato sauce perfect for a Mother's Day dinner.” That shift is creating enormous opportunities for smaller brands to compete against larger incumbents by winning on relevance, storytelling, authenticity, reviews, and discoverability across platforms like Reddit, websites, and emerging generative engines. Michael and Guillaume also examine the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the next evolution of SEO, and why brands must rethink their digital content strategy immediately. Product pages, recipes, reviews, seasonal content, and contextual storytelling may soon become critical assets in getting surfaced by platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI-powered recommendation engines. On the retail side, the discussion turns to smart appliances, AI-powered grocery ecosystems, and the possibility that refrigerators themselves could become the next e-commerce channel. As technology companies, delivery platforms, and retailers compete for ownership of consumer relationships, this episode offers essential strategic insight for grocers, food brands, marketers, and retail executives.   https://ilotetcie.com/ Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this high-energy live episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes two dynamic voices shaping the future of retail and consumer brands: Jake Karls and Carl Boutet. Recorded live on location, this spontaneous conversation delivers powerful insights into what it takes to build a modern consumer brand in an increasingly crowded, algorithm-driven marketplace. Jake Karls shares the remarkable growth story behind Mid-Day Squares—from launching the company in Montreal with his sister and brother-in-law to building a vertically integrated manufacturing business producing more than 150,000 bars per day across North America. But this isn't just a product story. Jake explains how Mid-Day Squares intentionally built a media company mindset from day one, hiring content creators before traditional food scientists, documenting their journey, and turning storytelling into one of their most valuable growth engines. Listeners will hear how a major cocoa pricing crisis nearly disrupted the business—and how that challenge sparked one of their biggest innovations: their breakout “No Bread PB&J” product line. Jake reveals how combining product innovation with viral content, emotional storytelling, and fearless authenticity helped the brand secure retailer support and create consumer demand at scale. Carl Boutet brings his trademark strategic lens to the conversation, unpacking why brands must “take back agency” in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and algorithmic sameness. Drawing from themes in his upcoming book, Carl argues that AI is quickly becoming table stakes—not differentiation—and that the brands that win will be those that create genuine emotional connection, distinctiveness, and memorability. The conversation also explores the evolving role of retail media, the power of founder-led storytelling, startup innovation in CPG, and why in a world of automation, human energy may be the ultimate competitive advantage. For retailers, brand builders, entrepreneurs, and marketers trying to understand what cuts through in today's attention economy, this episode delivers practical insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this special ENCORE episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, live on the stage in Vancouver at Retail Council of Canada's 2025 Retail West stage for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on leadership, innovation, omnichannel retail, and the future of consumer technology in Canada. Povse begins by unpacking what is currently working at Best Buy Canada, pointing to strong financial momentum driven by a clear sense of purpose: understanding why the retailer exists and how it adds value in a crowded technology marketplace. He emphasizes that Best Buy is not simply a retailer, but a people-first organization built on adaptability, humility, and a culture that embraces constant change. That mindset has enabled the company to modernize approximately 85% of its Canadian store fleet, with plans to reach full modernization across all 320 locations—an achievement Povse notes is rare by global retail standards. The conversation explores the evolving role of physical stores in an attention-scarce world. Povse explains how Best Buy balances frictionless transactions for efficiency-driven shoppers with high-touch, consultative experiences for customers overwhelmed by complex technology decisions. This dual mandate—serving both mass market and specialty retail needs—defines Best Buy's in-store strategy and underpins its omnichannel ecosystem. LeBlanc and Povse also examine post-pandemic tailwinds, including technology refresh cycles following the COVID “buy-forward” period. Povse outlines how innovation from major vendors, operating system upgrades, gaming launches, and AI-enabled devices are fueling renewed demand. He positions Best Buy as a critical platform for brands bringing new technology to market, reinforcing its role as both retailer and technology authority. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buy Express, the partnership with Bell that rapidly expanded the retailer's physical footprint by opening 167 stores in just five months. Povse describes the initiative as “fiercely successful,” highlighting how Express locations are driving both in-store traffic and incremental online sales in previously underserved markets. The episode also dives into Best Buy's early leadership in retail media and marketplace strategy. Povse frames Best Buy as a platform connecting first- and third-party sellers with consumers across stores, digital channels, and media assets—while stressing the importance of protecting the customer experience. He underscores that retail media must enhance relevance, not create friction. Finally, Povse reflects on leadership philosophy, advocating for collaborative decision-making, discretionary effort, and values-driven culture. He closes with practical advice for retailers and vendors alike: build the right team, listen more than you speak, understand your business at both micro and macro levels, and lead with honesty and humility. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this special cross-over episode from the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast from the Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura welcome Jes Crownover, Vice President, e-Commerce & Digital Solutions, to discuss the rapidly changing world of cross-border e-commerce. From tariffs and customs compliance to de minimis, data readiness, AI, and reverse logistics, this episode offers a masterclass for brands navigating global trade disruption. With 25 years of experience across UPS, FedEx, customs brokerage, and global trade management, Jess describes her career path from UPS operations to advising brands on complex international commerce. She illustrates Livingston International's Canadian roots, global reach, and capabilities in customs brokerage, trade consulting, freight, and technology-enabled solutions around the world. A major theme of the episode is how much global e-commerce has changed since 2020. Jes explains that the pandemic permanently accelerated online shopping behaviour and cross-border demand, while 2025 has emerged as another turning point due to tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies, and the end of de minimis advantages in key markets. For brands, that means rethinking supply chains, market participation, warehousing, returns, and cost structures. She notes that not every company will survive the next 12 to 18 months unchanged, and those that do will be the ones willing to adapt quickly and strategically. The episode zeroes in on a central theme in global commerce: the critical role of data. Jes emphasizes that accurate, complete, usable product and shipment data are the key to success in customs, compliance, and technology. She notes that marketing descriptions aren't customs descriptions, and brands unaware of this distinction risk delays, penalties, or extra costs. Good data, she adds, is the foundation for AI, automation, and scalable border clearance. Michael, Jim, and Jes focus on the importance of partnerships, regulatory expertise, and reverse logistics in global trade. Jes emphasizes that strong partners are vital in an unpredictable landscape driven by tariffs, evolving regulations, and consumer demands for transparency and speed. She issues a direct warning and call to action: brands must immediately understand their goods, data, and cross-border operations to prepare for ongoing disruption. This episode is essential for anyone selling internationally. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Rohit Sriram, Senior Vice-President eCommerce at Loblaw Companies Limited, for an exclusive preview of the ideas, strategies, and thought leadership he'll be bringing to the stage at the Retail Council of Canada's highly anticipated STORE Conference this June in Toronto. For retail leaders planning to attend STORE—or those tracking the future of AI in commerce—this conversation offers an early look at how one of Canada's most sophisticated retailers is operationalizing artificial intelligence at scale. Sriram leads one of the most expansive digital ecosystems in the country, spanning eCommerce across Loblaw's grocery banners, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh, and the PC Optimum loyalty program. At the core of his approach is a disciplined focus on solving real customer problems—not chasing technology trends. In this discussion, he breaks down how Loblaw cuts through the noise around AI by anchoring every investment in two critical questions: what problem are we solving, and is this solution materially better than what exists today? This pragmatic lens has enabled the company to move beyond traditional personalization toward real-time, context-aware customer experiences powered by advanced data and AI capabilities. Listeners will gain early insight into the themes shaping Sriram's upcoming STORE panel, including the rise of “agentic commerce,” the growing influence of AI-powered discovery platforms, and the evolution of conversational interfaces across both third-party ecosystems and owned retail channels. A key takeaway is the shift from static segmentation to dynamic personalization—where customers are no longer defined by a single identity, but understood across multiple, evolving contexts. This capability is unlocking more relevant engagement, stronger loyalty, and improved conversion across Loblaw's platforms. Sriram also shares how Loblaw's culture of experimentation—grounded in OKRs, rapid testing, and scalable architecture—allows the organization to validate and deploy innovation quickly while maintaining operational discipline. For those attending STORE, this episode serves as a strategic primer. For those unable to attend, it delivers a front-row perspective on the ideas that will shape the conversation on stage. Whether you're a retailer, brand leader, or technologist, this is your opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry's leading voices—before he takes the spotlight. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Trinadha Kandi, Managing Director – Customer & Marketing at Deloitte Digital, for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming personalization, customer engagement, and retail growth strategies. Kandi begins by addressing one of the most persistent challenges in retail: the widespread confusion between targeting and true personalization. For years, brands have equated personalization with increasing the volume of messages sent to consumers. However, as Kandi explains, real personalization is about delivering contextually relevant, timely, and meaningful interactions that reflect individual customer preferences—not simply increasing communication frequency. Drawing on Deloitte's research, Kandi highlights that customers are significantly more likely to engage with and spend more at brands that deliver authentic personalized experiences. He explains how leading retailers are seeing measurable improvements in conversion rates, customer loyalty, and average order value by investing in omnichannel personalization strategies powered by advanced data and AI capabilities. A major theme throughout the conversation is the evolution of AI in retail—from experimentation to real-world execution. Reflecting on insights from Shoptalk, Kandi notes that “agentic commerce” has moved beyond conceptual discussions into active deployment. Retailers are now launching AI-powered shopping agents capable of anticipating customer needs and orchestrating seamless experiences across touch points. However, Kandi emphasizes that AI is not a plug-and-play solution. Success requires strong data foundations, cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to rethink organizational structures and processes. Retailers must move beyond siloed channel strategies and adopt a holistic, customer-centric approach supported by continuous experimentation and learning. The discussion also explores how organizations are structuring AI capabilities internally. Kandi points to the rise of centralized AI centres of excellence, enabling governance and scalability while allowing individual business functions to innovate within a coordinated framework. Looking ahead, Kandi predicts that AI will quickly become table stakes across retail. The real differentiation will come from how brands integrate AI with authentic storytelling and brand identity—training systems not just on customer data, but also on tone, voice, and values to ensure interactions feel human and relevant. The episode concludes with practical guidance for retailers: invest in discoverability, embrace conversational AI, and leverage data to anticipate customer needs. As AI reshapes how consumers search and shop, retailers must actively participate in shaping those journeys to remain competitive. For more information:  https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/insights/research/personalizing-growth.html https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinadh/ Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this special ENCORE episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mark Ryski, Founder & CEO of HeadCount and three-time retail author, to explore why store traffic remains one of the most underutilized and misunderstood metrics in modern retail. With over two decades of experience pioneering traffic and conversion analytics, Mark shares insights from his new book, Store Traffic is a Gift, and explains why retailers must treat every store visit as a precious opportunity. Mark begins by recounting his early career in Edmonton, where a stint managing a single computer store opened his eyes to the importance of measuring traffic. What started as an entrepreneurial challenge became a lifelong mission—helping retailers of all sizes, from independents to global chains, understand the relationship between visits, transactions, and conversions. He reveals how his first book, When Retail Customers Count, broke new ground, and how subsequent works, including Conversion: The Last Great Retail Metric, gave leaders practical playbooks to rethink operations. The conversation dives into the myths that persist in retail, such as the assumption that transactions equal store visits. Mark explains why this false equivalency blinds retailers to missed opportunities, misguides staffing schedules, and undermines marketing effectiveness. He argues that traffic counting is as essential as point-of-sale systems, electricity, or internet access. With a SaaS-based platform, HeadCount provides “analytics as a service,” helping retailers turn data into actionable insights, whether they operate one store or thousands. Looking back at the pandemic, Mark reflects on how the sudden collapse of traffic underscored its value and forced retailers to redefine what store visits mean in an age of curbside pickup, BOPIS, and returns partnerships. He stresses that not all traffic is equal—intentionality matters—and that success comes from converting purposeful visits, not just chasing volume. Michael and Mark also tackle the role of AI in retail. While acknowledging AI's potential, Mark warns that technology cannot fix flawed operating models. Instead, AI must be grounded in reliable first-party data, with store traffic as the denominator for every in-store initiative. Finally, Mark shares practical advice for retailers: stop using sales transactions as a proxy for store visits, start aligning staff schedules to actual traffic patterns, and never squander the chance to serve a customer once they cross the threshold. With consumer habits shifting faster than ever, his message is clear—store traffic is a gift, and every visit counts. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

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.

In this special ENCORE episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD (Shikatani Lacroix Design) and keynote speaker at the upcoming RCC STORE2026 conference in Toronto, June 2-3, 2026.  Jean-Pierre is a global design visionary whose work has shaped retail and brand experiences for more than three decades. Lacroix joins the podcast to share insights from his groundbreaking latest book, Think Blink: Creating Deep, Lasting, Emotional Brand Connections in the Blink of an Eye. Lacroix opens the conversation by tracing SLD's remarkable 35-year journey, highlighting how the agency's success is rooted in one powerful idea: the “blink factor”—the subconscious emotional connections consumers make with brands in just a thousandth of a second. Drawing from projects across North America, China, and the Middle East, he reveals how the firm's global perspective continues to drive innovation and authenticity in today's hyper-competitive landscape. Michael and Jean-Pierre dive into the Think Blink Manifesto and its seven tenets—from “The Heart Wins Every Time” and “Good Design is Strategy” to “Measure What Matters.” Lacroix explains why businesses must evolve from incremental improvement to transformational change, focusing less on functional benefits and more on emotional resonance. They explore how simplicity, belonging, and sentiment measurement fuel loyalty and growth—turning customers into brand ambassadors. The discussion also touches on global disruption and resilience. Lacroix reflects on how events like the pandemic and current trade tensions have permanently shifted consumer behaviour, accelerating digital adoption and sparking renewed nationalism and community pride. He emphasizes that disruption can be a positive force—nudging brands toward reinvention and greater purpose. Finally, Lacroix unveils SLD's new AI-powered Think Blink analysis tool, designed to quantify emotional engagement using real-world data and social insights. He argues that artificial intelligence, when applied thoughtfully, enhances creativity rather than replacing it—helping brands align emotion with measurable business growth. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

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.

Recorded live in person at Hopson Grace in Toronto, this inspiring episode of The Voice of Retail features host Michael LeBlanc sitting down with two leaders who are shaping the intersection of craftsmanship, culture, and commerce: Martha McKimm, Co-Founder of Hopson Grace, and Shelley Simpson, Founder of Mud Australia. Together, they unpack the art and business of building brands that thrive through authenticity, storytelling, and a deep commitment to quality. Martha shares the journey behind Hopson Grace, the Toronto-based home and design retailer she co-founded with Andrea Hopson after successful careers in luxury and PR. Born from a shared love of entertaining and a vision to bring unique, well-crafted products to Canadian homes, Hopson Grace has grown into a destination for design lovers seeking timeless pieces and meaningful experiences. As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, Martha reflects on how independent retailers can succeed by leaning into differentiation, community, and storytelling, rather than competing on scale or price. A key highlight is Hopson Grace's expansion to DuPont Street, transforming the brand into a design destination and event hub where retail, hospitality, and culture merge. Martha also introduces The Registry—a new sister brand launching soon at TheRegistry.ca—which modernizes the traditional wedding registry with premium products, group gifting, and travel experiences for couples who want personalization and purpose in their choices. Joining the conversation from Sydney, Shelley Simpson shares the 30-year evolution of Mud Australia, a global ceramics brand renowned for its handmade porcelain, design integrity, and sustainable craftsmanship. She discusses how her creative philosophy—“making nice things for nice people in lovely places”—continues to drive the company's ethos. From humble beginnings in a backyard studio to 14 stores worldwide, Shelley explains how Mud has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth marketing, enduring design, and a belief that imperfection and human touch add value. Together, Martha and Shelley explore the importance of collaboration and storytelling in connecting with customers across continents. They unpack the philosophy of “value equals values”, the growing appreciation for local and transparent production, and why today's consumers buy the story before they buy the product. The episode offers a masterclass for independent retailers and design entrepreneurs alike—rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Retail crime in Canada has reached a critical point. In this episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Rui Rodrigues, a veteran loss prevention leader and advisor working with the Retail Council of Canada, to unpack the rapidly escalating challenges facing retailers across the country. Rodrigues brings more than 30 years of experience in retail security and loss prevention, having worked with major retailers including Staples, Best Buy, Holt Renfrew and Hudson's Bay before launching his consulting practice. Today he works with retailers across Canada helping them address organized retail crime, risk management, and store safety while also collaborating closely with law enforcement and government partners. The conversation begins with a big picture look at how retail crime has evolved since the early days of the pandemic. Rodrigues explains that theft is not new, but the scale, organization, and violence associated with retail crime has increased significantly. Opportunistic shoplifting remains common, but retailers are increasingly dealing with organized criminal networks that exploit weak legal consequences and sophisticated resale channels. One major driver has been the growth of online marketplaces and social media resale channels, which allow stolen goods to be redistributed quickly and anonymously. Criminal enterprises can now move merchandise without the traditional risk of transporting large volumes across borders. Even more concerning is the growing level of violence and weaponization in retail theft incidents, with security teams reporting machetes, firearms, and bear spray being used to intimidate employees and prevent intervention. Retailers have responded by shifting away from physical apprehension policies in many cases, prioritizing employee safety over recovering merchandise. But Rodrigues also shares reasons for optimism. Over the past three years, the Retail Council of Canada has built a national retail crime task force, bringing together more than 30 police services along with retailers and prosecutors to coordinate intelligence and enforcement actions. Initiatives such as Project Retail Blitz focus targeted operations on repeat offenders and organized retail crime groups. The discussion also explores the growing political recognition of the issue. Retail leaders have recently met with federal and provincial governments to push for stronger legislation, including reforms aimed at organized retail theft and repeat offenders. According to Rodrigues, the goal is not only stronger laws but consistent enforcement and a structural approach to retail crime across police and prosecution services. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming Retail Secure Conference, where industry leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers will gather to share best practices and strategies for tackling retail crime and improving community safety. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Recorded live at the NRF Big Show in New York, this episode of The Voice of Retail features Matthew Guiste, Global Retail Technology Strategist at Zebra Technologies, for a strategic discussion on how AI, RFID, and frontline enablement are redefining modern retail. Zebra Technologies, a $5+ billion global enterprise and pioneer in barcode scanning, now powers retail operations through mobile computing, RFID, computer vision, and AI-driven solutions. Guiste explains how Zebra's evolution is centered on enabling frontline associates with embedded intelligence — delivering AI capabilities directly into handheld devices and wearable tools used in-store. A core theme of the conversation is what Guiste calls increasing “technology density” — ensuring more associates have access to connected devices, task engines, communication platforms, and real-time data capture tools. Retailers that invest in frontline enablement see measurable productivity gains and improved employee retention. According to Zebra's 18th Annual Global Shopper Study, nine out of ten associates feel more positive about employers who provide modern digital tools. The discussion explores major operational friction points, starting with inventory accuracy — one of retail's most persistent blind spots. With industry-wide accuracy rates often hovering between 60–70%, omnichannel promises like buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) become vulnerable. RFID adoption, fueled by lower tag costs and retailer mandates, is emerging as a transformative lever, enabling real-time inventory visibility and smarter checkout experiences. Self-checkout also comes under scrutiny. While consumer acceptance has grown significantly since 2019, execution gaps remain. Guiste outlines how the next phase will combine RFID and computer vision to reduce scanning errors, shrink loss, and move toward seamless self-checkout experiences. Returns management is another strategic priority. With return fraud estimated in the tens of billions annually, AI-powered computer vision tools can now assist associates in disposition decisions — determining whether items return to shelf, warehouse, or liquidation — all in real time. Looking ahead a decade, Guiste predicts fewer paper-based processes, disappearing physical receipts and credit cards, and wearable AI tools guiding associates dynamically through tasks — shifting retail from humans using machines to intelligent systems supporting human expertise. For retailers navigating AI adoption, omnichannel complexity, and workforce productivity challenges, this episode delivers clear, operationally grounded insight from one of retail technology's leading strategists. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Tara Conway, retail strategist and co-founder of Commerce Rewired, for a wide-ranging discussion on AI in retail, digital transformation, customer experience innovation and leadership in an era of disruption. Tara's retail career spans decades — from growing up in a family general store to senior leadership roles at Blacks Photography, Toys “R” Us Canada and The Source. She shares behind-the-scenes insights from launching Toys “R” Us Canada's first e-commerce site — a testing ground for global digital strategy — and implementing early clienteling technology that connected store associates with online product data, fundamentally reshaping the omnichannel experience for new parents at Babies “R” Us. The conversation turns to artificial intelligence in retail. Tara identifies inventory optimization, assortment planning and data-driven merchandising as the most impactful AI use cases today. With thousands of SKUs across hundreds of stores, AI enables retailers to interpret complex patterns in seasonality, demand forecasting and aged inventory — decisions that humans alone struggle to process at scale. On the customer-facing side, Tara discusses the evolution of chatbots into intelligent AI assistants capable of handling low-touch service inquiries such as order tracking and product availability. Rather than replacing employees, she argues that AI should enhance workforce productivity by eliminating repetitive tasks and enabling leaders to focus on higher-value decision-making. The episode also explores the risks of retail media networks. Tara warns that retail media can quickly become a friction point if revenue generation outweighs customer experience. Success, she argues, depends on intent: using data and messaging to improve the shopper journey, not overwhelm it. Michael and Tara debate why smaller and mid-sized retailers often outpace large chains in digital agility. Without legacy systems and bureaucratic layers, emerging brands can implement rapid test-and-learn strategies that drive innovation visible to consumers. For larger retailers, shedding outdated processes and shortening decision cycles will be critical to remaining competitive. The episode closes with Tara introducing Commerce Rewired, a new media platform focused on bold debate, data-driven insights and candid conversations about the future of commerce. For retailers navigating AI adoption, workforce transformation, omnichannel strategy and digital innovation, this episode delivers both strategic clarity and practical perspective. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Recorded live at the NRF Big Show in the Narvar podcast studio, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Rachel J. Calhoun, Global Leader, Retail, Consumer Goods & Travel at Kyndryl, for a fast-paced and insight-rich conversation on the future of retail technology, AI integration, and enterprise transformation.Rachel shares Kyndryl's evolution since spinning off from IBM, moving beyond managed infrastructure into advisory, consulting, AI integration, and mission-critical systems modernization. With over 80,000 employees globally and deep roots in retail, airlines, and banking, Kyndryl is helping retailers close what Rachel calls the “adaptation gap” — the widening divide between consumer expectations and retailers' ability to integrate emerging technologies into legacy systems.A central theme of the episode is the shift from project-based IT transformation to an always-on, agile operating model. Rachel explains that retailers can no longer treat digital modernization as a three-year refresh cycle. Instead, AI, data integration, and real-time systems must evolve continuously to drive customer experience, dynamic pricing, retail media growth, inventory optimization, and supply chain resilience.The conversation dives deep into AI's real-world impact. While some economists question AI-driven productivity gains, Rachel points to measurable improvements: reduced stockouts, improved inventory visibility, faster commerce re-platforming, and agentic AI use cases moving from pilot to production. She emphasizes that the real unlock isn't just technology — it's organizational change management. Retailers must integrate people, process, and platform simultaneously to see ROI.Michael and Rachel also discuss RFID adoption, visual AI in grocery and loss prevention, 5G infrastructure constraints across store fleets, and the growing board-level urgency around AI investment prioritization. Rachel outlines Kyndryl's “show versus tell” consulting model, where forward-deployed engineers demonstrate live code modernization and AI activation in real time, shifting commercial models toward shared-value, outcome-based engagements.The episode concludes with Rachel's bold outlook on AI in retail. On a scale of 1–10, she ranks her optimism at a 9, citing firsthand evidence of agentic commerce, conversational commerce, and real-time system integration driving tangible business outcomes.For Canadian retailers navigating market disruption, store fleet transitions, and accelerating digital expectations, this episode offers both strategic clarity and operational guidance. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc open with a sweeping look at the week's most consequential retail developments before welcoming two global retail store visionaries for a deep dive into the future of brick-and-mortar locations.The news segment begins with a tale of two retail giants: Walmart reaching a historic $1 trillion market cap milestone, signaling sustained operational momentum, while Target faces leadership transition amid prolonged performance challenges. The hosts analyze what these divergent trajectories mean for mass retail strategy and investor expectations.Amazon's earnings dominate the conversation next. With massive capital expenditures approaching $200 billion—tied to AI infrastructure and distribution expansion—the debate centers on whether this represents visionary investment or an overheated AI arms race. Retail growth remains robust across retail while the highly profitable advertising business is on fire. Recent while same-day grocery expansion is driving new growth with the potential to shake-up competitive dynamics.The discussion also highlights luxury bifurcation, with strong results from Ralph Lauren and Tapestry's Coach brand contrasting broader sector volatility. Simon Property Group's strong earnings prove the best malls are dead, as they also continue to make big investments in reinventing several of their properities.The second half of the episode shifts to an insightful, live conversation from NRF's Big Show with Jack Stratten, Director of Insider Trends, and Kevin Ervin Kelley, Principal and Co-Founder of Shook Kelley and author of Irreplaceable. Together, they explore what makes modern stores not just functional—but truly remarkable. 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.

Why do smart strategies fail so often? According to Kevin Ertell, the problem isn't a lack of ideas—it's execution.In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down live in person at the NRF Big Show in New York in The Remarkable Retail Narvar podcasting studio with Kevin Ertell, founder of Mistere Advisory, veteran retail operator, and former Vice President of Global Retail at Nike. Kevin is also the author of the new book The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right, which draws on more than two decades of hands-on leadership experience across iconic retail brands including Tower Records, Borders, Sur La Table, and Nike.Kevin explains how organizations fall into the “strategy trap”—a tendency to over-invest in ideas, decks, and executive alignment while underestimating the human and organizational work required to execute effectively. He argues that strategy should be treated as the first step of execution, not as a theoretical exercise completed before real work begins.Using well-known retail case studies, including the failed transformation of JCPenney, Kevin illustrates how untested assumptions, poor internal alignment, and misunderstanding customer behavior can derail even bold strategies. Leaders often assume that communication equals understanding, when in reality teams fill in the gaps with their own interpretations—creating misalignment that only becomes visible once execution is underway.The conversation introduces Kevin's practical “Six Cs of Execution” framework. The first phase—co-creation, clarity, and capacity—focuses on setting the stage by involving the right people, defining priorities, and making space for execution. The second phase—communication, coordination, and coaching—highlights the role of active leadership in sustaining momentum and course-correcting as conditions change.Kevin also shares actionable tools leaders can use immediately, including structured problem-definition sessions, force-ranking priorities, and creating safe environments where teams can challenge assumptions. He emphasizes that focus is a leadership discipline—and that trying to pursue too many initiatives at once almost guarantees failure.For retail leaders navigating AI disruption, economic volatility, and shifting consumer expectations, this episode offers a clear, operator-led blueprint for escaping the strategy trap and turning strategy into results. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Recorded live from the Narvar podcasting studio at the NRF Big Show in New York, this 500th episode of The Voice of Retail features Michael LeBlanc in conversation with Jim Okamura, Partner at McMillanDoolittle and Co-Founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum (GELF). With nearly three decades of NRF attendance, Jim brings rare perspective on how retail has evolved—and why this year's show feels like a turning point.The discussion opens with the shifting mood across the industry. After a year defined by uncertainty and stalled investment, Jim notes a renewed sense of confidence and proactive thinking among retailers. Despite geopolitical volatility and tariff risks, brands are beginning to move from defensive postures toward growth strategies grounded in technology, experience, and global expansion.From there, Michael and Jim explore what's happening inside physical retail through store tour insights. They revisit standout experiences from Tecovas in New York, Patagonia's re-commerce flagship in Chicago, and Fjällräven's repair-driven store model—each illustrating how brands are using service, repair, and resale to create emotional loyalty and long-term customer value. Jim emphasizes that circular retail is no longer a niche or sustainability checkbox; it is becoming a core brand strategy, even in luxury.The conversation then shifts to AI, the dominant theme at NRF. Jim highlights how retailers are moving beyond pilot projects and into real operational use—especially in content creation, product imagery, associate tools, and internal data analysis. One recurring theme: simplification. AI's greatest value, Jim argues, is its ability to reduce friction—whether for customers navigating e-commerce, or for store associates juggling dozens of disconnected systems.Michael and Jim also examine the organizational implications of AI. As automation replaces many entry-level tasks, they raise critical questions about talent development, culture, and “reverse mentoring.” Younger employees—native to prompts and digital tools—may become essential guides in shaping how retailers evolve.Finally, the conversation returns to global commerce. Through GELF, Jim (and Michael) works with brands navigating cross-border growth, tariffs, marketplace complexity, and brand integrity across regions. He believes 2026 will mark a return to global growth—driven by smarter governance, better data readiness, and peer-driven learning models.Jim's closing advice is clear: retailers must invest now in AI governance, data infrastructure, and scalable use cases—or risk being left behind in a rapidly transforming industry. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc kick off their annual predictions episode with a fast-moving review of the retail news of the week. They begin with the long-delayed U.S. TikTok deal finally reaching resolution, noting how deeply TikTok now influences product discovery, cultural trends, and transactional commerce through TikTok Shops. While the platform remains critical for retailers, both hosts raise concerns around privacy, political influence, and how algorithmic control may evolve under new ownership.The conversation then turns to tariff volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting how unpredictable trade policy continues to make planning difficult for retailers. Steve points out that Amazon is already seeing tariff-driven price increases creep into both its first-party and marketplace businesses, reinforcing how global policy decisions are now flowing directly into consumer pricing. They also discuss Gap's creation of a Chief Entertainment Officer role, using it as a signal that retailers are increasingly seeking growth through media, licensing, and brand-driven content ecosystems rather than traditional merchandising alone.From there, Steve delivers his provacative 2026 retail predictions. He argues that the “Great Concentration” will continue, with Amazon, Walmart, and Costco capturing a disproportionate share of both sales growth and profits. This concentration fuels a powerful investment flywheel that makes it increasingly difficult for mid-tier retailers to compete. He predicts a mixed year for major turnarounds, with some traction at Gap and Nike, limited progress at Macy's, and deeper structural challenges for Target.AI emerges as one of the most consequential themes, with Steve describing 2026 as a truly “agentic” year. Search, shopping, and discovery are rapidly shifting toward AI-driven experiences, creating massive innovation but also high risk of disintermediation for brands that fail to adapt. Physical stores, he argues, will matter more for experiential brands and less for undifferentiated ones, accelerating the bifurcation between meaningful store concepts and those that lack a clear role.Steve also predicts intensifying competition in last-mile delivery, as Amazon and Walmart push same-day and narrow delivery windows even further, especially in grocery and essentials. Luxury faces an uneven future, with Saks Global likely emerging from bankruptcy smaller and fragile, and growth concentrated among a few elite brands. Resale, however, finally appears poised for breakout momentum, driven by affordability pressures and improving business models across the sector. Wellness and longevity become a new growth frontier, extending far beyond groceries into subscriptions, services, and lifestyle ecosystems.The episode closes with their “remarkable” stories of the week and a look around the corner, led by Lululemon's latest product misstep involving see-through apparel and a tone-deaf customer response. Michael highlights the promotion of former guest Chris Nicholas to lead Walmart International, while Steve flags growing bond-market volatility as a key macro signal to watch.   About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by Jayme Johnson, Partner and Industry Leader, Consumer and Travel & Transportation Industries, IBM Consulting Canada, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world store insights from New York City with a forward-looking discussion on AI, agentic commerce, and the future of customer experience.The episode begins with reflections on the Retail Council of Canada's Manhattan store tour, where Jayme shares observations from some of the most innovative retail concepts in the world. Highlights include the immersive French department store Printemps, which Jayme describes as more “a destination than a store,” combining hospitality, curated boutique brands, and experiential design to encourage lingering and discovery. Jayme and Michael discuss how authenticity and courage in design choices can create powerful emotional connections with customers, regardless of store format.The conversation then moves through other notable stops, including Lacoste's Fifth Avenue flagship, praised for reconnecting with its heritage through brand storytelling and disciplined merchandising, and The North Face, where massive digital walls create a cinematic sense of adventure. Jayme notes that while digital experiences are compelling, retailers could go even further by enabling customers to physically test products in simulated environments.At Carhartt, the focus shifts to people and culture, with Jayme emphasizing how energized store associates drive engagement and reinforce brand identity. Gymshark's Noho location sparks discussion around digitally native brands translating online communities into physical spaces, including the use of 3D-printed mannequins modeled after real athletes. The tour concludes with Tecovas, where hospitality, sensory design, and niche positioning demonstrate how specialty retail can scale into something “sneaky big.”In the second segment of the episode, the discussion pivots to IBM's latest research on agentic commerce. Jayme explains that while AI is already deeply embedded in product discovery and reviews, the next phase will see AI agents actively making purchasing decisions on behalf of consumers. In Canada alone, adoption of AI applications has increased by more than 80 percent in two years, signaling accelerating momentum.Jayme outlines what this means for retailers: AI agents must be treated like a new customer segment, requiring structured product data, personalization, and governance. Trust, transparency, and explainability become critical as brands compete not just for human attention, but for algorithmic preference. Ultimately, Jayme argues that retailers who intentionally design for both people and AI will be best positioned to win in an increasingly automated shopping landscape.IBM Research Insights: Own the agentic commerce experience Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc kick off this episode with a sharp breakdown of the retail news that mattered this past week. AI dominates the conversation—not as hype, but as a clear shift from experimentation to real-world implementation. Steve shares observations from the show floor, noting how retailers are racing to modernize product data, digital infrastructure, and site experiences to better capture the growing wave of AI-driven and agent-led shopping traffic.The conversation then turns to one of the most consequential stories in retail: the Saks Global bankruptcy. Steve provides deep context on the failed Saks–Neiman Marcus merger, the leadership shake-up, Amazon's unexpected equity exposure, and the cascading impact on vendors—particularly smaller brands that may never be made whole. Early earnings and sales signals round out the news segment, with standout performances from Costco, American Eagle, and Five Below reinforcing a widening gap between retail's winners and laggards. The hosts also discuss Walmart's renewed push into drone delivery and the accelerating ripple effects of GLP-1 drugs, especially as pill-based options expand access and potentially reshape apparel and discretionary spending.From there, Steve and Michael are joined by Jessica Schinazi, CEO of Away for an engaging interview recorded live in the Narvar remote podcast studio on the floor at the NRF Big Show  Jessica reflects on her journey from LVMH, Amazon, and Dyson to leading one of the original digitally native vertical brands as it approaches its tenth anniversary. She shares why Away's emotional connection with customers—paired with uncompromising product quality—has allowed the brand to endure while many early DTC peers have struggled.Jessica explains Away's evolution into what she describes as a “DTC-smart” model: maintaining direct customer relationships while strategically expanding through wholesale partners such as Nordstrom, Amazon, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Each channel plays a distinct role, from immersive storytelling in owned stores to trust-building through reviews and scale on marketplaces. The discussion also explores leadership in the AI era, with Jessica emphasizing resilience, curiosity, and the importance of using AI as a tool to elevate human work—not replace it.In the closing segments, the hosts revisits new details emerging from the Saks Global bankruptcy, and share what's on their radar screen, exploring labor market signals and leadership changes at Kendra Scott, the fast-growing jewelry brand. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Live from NRF, The Voice of Retail welcomes Caila Schwartz, Director of Consumer Insights and Strategy at Salesforce, for a data-driven conversation on what truly shaped Holiday 2025—and what retailers must prepare for next.Salesforce sits at the center of global commerce, analyzing transactions from more than 1.5 billion consumers across digital and physical retail. That scale gives Caila a rare, real-time view into how shoppers actually behave, not just how they say they behave. In this episode, she shares clear, actionable insights into Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the evolving dynamics of the holiday shopping season.One of the biggest surprises was Canada's performance. Canadian e-commerce sales grew roughly 11 percent year over year, significantly outpacing the U.S. market. However, that growth was driven by value-seeking behaviour rather than higher prices. Canadian shoppers leaned heavily into promotions and buy-now-pay-later tools, while average selling prices declined—signaling ongoing cost sensitivity despite strong demand. Retailers responded by delivering deeper discounts, particularly late in the promotional cycle.Caila explains how Cyber Monday has evolved from an e-commerce invention into a powerful psychological deadline. Salesforce data shows the final hours of Cyber Monday generate some of the highest shopping activity of the entire season. Even more telling, retailers extended aggressive promotions into the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, reflecting a more flexible, demand-responsive pricing strategy amid macroeconomic uncertainty.The episode also explores the resurgence of buy-online-pick-up-in-store. In the final days before Christmas, more than a third of online orders were fulfilled through BOPIS, highlighting how tightly integrated digital and physical retail have become.Finally, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence and agentic commerce. Caila outlines why 2025 was largely about AI-driven efficiency, while 2026 will be defined by AI-led customer experience. Retailers that launched branded shopper agents saw materially stronger growth, reinforcing the importance of “owning the conversation” rather than relying solely on third-party platforms. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc open the first episode of 2026 with a clear-eyed look at the retail news shaping the year ahead. Holiday sales landed largely as expected. Online sales grew faster, but at a decelerating pace, reinforcing the continued centrality of stores—particularly as click-and-collect represented a meaningful share of holiday fulfillment. The hosts also dig into sector-level performance, noting continued softness in big-ticket home categories alongside strength in apparel, beauty, and sporting goods.Attention then turns to structural stress in retail. The looming Chapter 11 filing of Saks Global underscores the limits of debt-heavy consolidation strategies and the difficulty of rationalizing oversized store portfolios. Steve outlines why store closures, vendor confidence, and new leadership will be critical to any successful reorganization. The news segment closes with a sobering look at U.S. job growth, which has slowed sharply, particularly in retail and manufacturing. While unemployment remains low, constrained labor supply and weak hiring momentum raise important questions for 2026.From there, the episode shifts to a wide-ranging discussion with The Analysts, this time featuring Simeon Siegel, Senior Managing Director at Guggenheim Partners, and Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester. Reflecting on 2025, both describe a year marked by cognitive dissonance: record retail spending alongside low consumer confidence and wildly uneven outcomes. Rather than a simple “K-shaped” economy, Simeon argues that execution matters most, pointing to stark performance differences between retailers selling similar products to similar customers.The Analysts explore where market share is truly shifting, why off-price and value leaders continue to gain ground, and how e-commerce growth is normalizing as the channel matures. Sucharita explains why physical retail remains resilient in the U.S., while Simeon adds that rising friction—fees, returns, and fulfillment costs—has dulled some of e-commerce's original advantages. The conversation also tackles tariffs, AI, and technology hype. The episode concludes with Steve and Michael's perspectives on Amazon's surprising new physical retail stores plans and a possibly big Supreme Court ruling on tariff policy. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In the first episode of The Voice of Retail for 2026, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by John Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer of Mastermind Toys, for an in-depth conversation on specialty retail, the evolving toy category, and why franchising has become a central pillar of the brand's next phase of growth.Bayliss brings a rare operator's perspective shaped by a global career in consulting and senior leadership roles at some of the world's largest retailers. After years advising businesses, he made the conscious shift to operational leadership, seeking accountability and hands-on impact. That decision now defines his approach at Mastermind Toys, where leadership is deeply connected to store teams, customers, and day-to-day execution.The conversation explores what differentiates Mastermind Toys in a crowded and price-driven category. Bayliss emphasizes that the brand's competitive advantage lies in expert-led curation, play-based learning, and trust. Rather than competing on discounts, Mastermind helps parents and gift-givers navigate an increasingly complex toy landscape with confidence—through knowledgeable “play experts,” free gift wrapping, and assortments designed to spark curiosity and development.A major focus of the episode is Mastermind Toys' new franchising model, which Bayliss positions as a strategic response to both market conditions and the importance of local connection. With nearly 50 stores across Canada and recent expansion into Quebec, Mastermind is now using franchising to scale more effectively while preserving the brand's community-driven DNA. Bayliss explains that local owner-operators bring deeper market knowledge, stronger community ties, and a level of personal investment that enhances store performance and customer experience—something difficult to replicate through centralized growth alone.We also discuss how franchising integrates with omnichannel retail. Stores play a critical role not only as experiential hubs but also as fulfillment centers, supporting services like same-day, gift-wrapped delivery and buy-online-pickup-in-store. This model turns physical locations into engines of both convenience and brand loyalty, benefiting corporate and franchise partners alike.The episode further examines the broader toy retail landscape, including seasonality, vendor consolidation, and shifting consumer expectations. Bayliss argues that while the industry has faced disruption, demand remains resilient as parents become more intentional about play, seeking quality, creativity, and screen-free experiences year-round.The discussion concludes with a forward-looking view on retail trends and technology. Bayliss cautions against adopting AI for its own sake, stressing that technology must reinforce a clearly defined value proposition. Ultimately, success for Mastermind Toys means expanding through franchising while remaining the trusted destination families turn to “when it really matters.” Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

I'm Steve Dennis, strategic advisor, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the industry leading Remarkable Retail podcast, along with fellow retail insider Michael LeBlanc.Discover why C-suite executives from Amazon, Walmart, Ikea, Tractor Supply, Vuori and dozens more - choose to share their growth stories on the only retail podcast hosted by two of the NRF's top voices for 2025 and 2026.With AI reshaping just about everything, when making sense of competing narratives has never been more challenging, and when so many brands face an existential choice between becoming remarkable or risking irrelevance, Michael and I are here to give you the no-BS perspectives you need to aim higher, move faster, and take the bold actions you must.Our new season debuts January 13th, 2026,  so be sure to follow the Remarkable Retail podcast on all the major platforms and on YouTube. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this special bonus episode closing out Season 11 of The Remarkable Retail Podcast and the year 2025, hosts Steve Dennis & Michael LeBlanc complete the second half of their annual predictions review—one of the most popular and anticipated episodes of the year. The episode opens with brief but timely discussion on two high-profile retail-adjacent experiences. First us Dennis shares insights from Amazon's first-ever grocery analyst day in Seattle, offering a clearer picture of the company's “one grocery” vision and it's already substantial online presence, now being accelerated as they invest in same day deliver of perishable items.The conversation then turns to Netflix House, following Dennis's visit to the newly opened Dallas location, the second of three that are planned. Positioned in a former department store anchor, Netflix House blends immersive experiences, branded merchandise, gaming, and a restaurant. While customer traffic was encouraging, Dennis offered a frank critique of execution, citing confusing layouts, weak wayfinding, and inconsistent merchandising. The takeaway is cautiously optimistic: the concept has potential, but it is not yet operating at the level that would warrant significant expansion.The core of the episode is Part 2 of Dennis' annual predictions reckoning. Dennis revisits his forecast that department stores would continue “running to stand still,” awarding himself an A-minus as most banners remain stuck in negative or flat comps with limited progress on profitability. His prediction of significant change at Target earns a B-plus, correctly anticipating leadership transitions and the end of the Ulta partnership, though anticipated store closures did not materialize.Dennis also scores highly on his prediction that store closures would once again exceed store openings in the U.S., driven by bankruptcies and retrenchment across drugstores, mid-market apparel, and specialty retail. Predictions around Amazon's physical grocery strategy are largely validated, while expectations for a surge in retail dealmaking and IPO activity fall short, earning a candid C-minus.The episode closes with a nuanced reassessment of the so-called “Ozempic recession.” While the term itself overstated the impact, Dennis and LeBlanc agree that GLP-1 drugs are reshaping consumption patterns—particularly in food, alcohol, and apparel—with long-term implications retailers can no longer ignore.  SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by Aamir Lakhani, Global Director of Threat Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence at Fortinet, for a deep and sobering conversation on the evolving cyber threat landscape facing retailers as they close out 2025 and prepare for 2026.Lakhani leads adversarial AI research within FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet's global R&D arm, where his team studies how cybercriminals—ranging from lone actors to state-sponsored groups—exploit technology, human behaviour, and increasingly, artificial intelligence. With Fortinet protecting over half of the world's firewall traffic, Lakhani brings unparalleled visibility into global cybercrime trends.A central theme of the discussion is the explosion of credential-based attacks, where hackers no longer “break in” but simply log in using stolen usernames and passwords. Lakhani explains how years of data breaches have enabled automated attacks across thousands of retail, banking, and corporate systems, often at massive scale. Two-factor authentication, passkeys, and password-less systems are no longer optional—they are table stakes.The conversation then turns to AI-driven fraud, which Lakhani describes as one of the most urgent threats retailers face today. From deepfake voice scams impersonating CEOs to hyper-personalized phishing attacks fueled by social media data, AI has dramatically lowered the cost and increased the sophistication of fraud. On a scale of concern, Lakhani rates AI fraud “off the charts.”LeBlanc and Lakhani also explore deceptive domains, poisoned AI shopping results, and the risks associated with buy-now-pay-later programs, which fraudsters increasingly exploit through urgency-based scams. Importantly, Lakhani emphasizes that cybersecurity is now a shared responsibility across platforms, retailers, and consumers—especially as many small and mid-sized retailers rely heavily on platforms like Shopify.Looking ahead to 2026, Lakhani offers clear guidance for retail leaders: invest in education, embrace AI-powered security tools, and do not shy away from automation. Cybersecurity, he argues, is no longer just an IT issue—it is a brand trust issue, a revenue protection issue, and a core leadership responsibility. Cyberthreats Targeting the 2025 Holiday Season: What CISOs Need to Know and the report Cyber Threat Landscape Overview for the 2025 Holiday Season. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

One of the most anticipated episodes of The Remarkable Retail Podcast returns as Steve Dennis reviews and grades his annual retail predictions, offering a candid assessment of how the industry actually performed as 2025 unfolded. Known for balancing optimism with accountability, Dennis evaluates where macro forces, technology shifts, and retailer execution aligned—or diverged—from expectations.The episode opens with its regular news of the week segment, highlighting economic crosscurrents shaping retail performance. Despite multiple interest-rate cuts, housing-linked categories such as home improvement remain under pressure, with Home Depot forecasting modest growth at best. Tariffs emerge as a recurring headwind, squeezing margins for retailers like AutoZone and casting a long shadow over sourcing, pricing, and inventory strategies heading into 2026.Then its on to Part 1 of the predictions reckoning portion.A central theme is the continued rise of retail's “super-scalers.” Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and a small cohort of dominant players once again captured a disproportionate share of industry growth, reinforcing the idea that scale, price leadership, and operational excellence matter more than ever in a value-constrained consumer environment. Dennis argues that this concentration is not cyclical, but structural, driven by convenience, pricing power, and omnichannel capability. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, live on the stage in Vancouver at Retail Council of Canada's Retail West stage for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on leadership, innovation, omnichannel retail, and the future of consumer technology in Canada.Povse begins by unpacking what is currently working at Best Buy Canada, pointing to strong financial momentum driven by a clear sense of purpose: understanding why the retailer exists and how it adds value in a crowded technology marketplace. He emphasizes that Best Buy is not simply a retailer, but a people-first organization built on adaptability, humility, and a culture that embraces constant change. That mindset has enabled the company to modernize approximately 85% of its Canadian store fleet, with plans to reach full modernization across all 320 locations—an achievement Povse notes is rare by global retail standards.The conversation explores the evolving role of physical stores in an attention-scarce world. Povse explains how Best Buy balances frictionless transactions for efficiency-driven shoppers with high-touch, consultative experiences for customers overwhelmed by complex technology decisions. This dual mandate—serving both mass market and specialty retail needs—defines Best Buy's in-store strategy and underpins its omnichannel ecosystem.LeBlanc and Povse also examine post-pandemic tailwinds, including technology refresh cycles following the COVID “buy-forward” period. Povse outlines how innovation from major vendors, operating system upgrades, gaming launches, and AI-enabled devices are fueling renewed demand. He positions Best Buy as a critical platform for brands bringing new technology to market, reinforcing its role as both retailer and technology authority.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buy Express, the partnership with Bell that rapidly expanded the retailer's physical footprint by opening 167 stores in just five months. Povse describes the initiative as “fiercely successful,” highlighting how Express locations are driving both in-store traffic and incremental online sales in previously underserved markets.The episode also dives into Best Buy's early leadership in retail media and marketplace strategy. Povse frames Best Buy as a platform connecting first- and third-party sellers with consumers across stores, digital channels, and media assets—while stressing the importance of protecting the customer experience. He underscores that retail media must enhance relevance, not create friction.Finally, Povse reflects on leadership philosophy, advocating for collaborative decision-making, discretionary effort, and values-driven culture. He closes with practical advice for retailers and vendors alike: build the right team, listen more than you speak, understand your business at both micro and macro levels, and lead with honesty and humility. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

For Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc's final episode recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth show, they welcome two visionary leaders from Tapestry, the global house of brands that includes Coach and Kate Spade: Pooja Chandiramani, VP Global Media Strategy & Planning, Marketing Analytics, Operations and Transformation, and Avinash Kaushik, Brand Strategy & Marketing Transformation.Pooja and Avinash unpack Tapestry's ongoing transformation, which embeds analytics as a core pillar of brand growth. For Coach in particular, analytics isn't just incremental—it's a complete transformation journey. By using data to generate insights that directly drive business impact, Tapestry ensures marketing investments are accountable, measurable, and tied to outcomes.Avinash, a globally recognized thought leader and author, explains how Tapestry embraces intent-centric marketing to connect authentically with consumers. Moving beyond the outdated “accessible luxury” positioning, the company has shifted toward "expressive luxury"—a modern framework that reflects values-driven, authentic consumer engagement, particularly resonant with younger audiences.The conversation dives into the cultural foundations necessary for analytics to thrive. Avinash emphasizes that “culture is more important than data,” crediting Tapestry's CEO Joanne Crevoiserat and senior leadership for creating an environment where data can challenge assumptions and guide decisions. This culture enables bold experiments, including measuring the incrementality of brand marketing—one of the toughest questions in retail.Pooja highlights how creative pre-testing has become a critical unlock. By partnering with Human Made Machine, Tapestry tests campaigns with real audiences before investing media spend. This approach ensures that creative—responsible for up to 70% of marketing impact—delivers measurable results in driving brand awareness and incremental sales. It's a cultural shift, moving from subjective opinions about creative to decisions grounded in data.The episode also explores the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating agility, simplifying decision-making frameworks, and enabling global scalability. Both leaders stress that outcomes-based planning—rather than activity-based planning—keeps Tapestry aligned with its ambitious growth goals.  About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

We welcome Moody's Mark Zandi, Moody's Chief Economist and one of the most influential and trusted macroeconomic voices shaping markets, policy, and business strategy worldwide. Zandi begins by explaining how today's consumer landscape is defined by a widening K-shaped economy—an income and wealth split decades in the making and now intensified by rising asset values and post-pandemic dynamics. Households at the top of the income spectrum are spending freely, while middle-class consumers remain pressured and those at the bottom struggle to keep up, borrowing to sustain purchases.Zandi also connects the affordability crisis to structural issues like housing supply, wage pressures, labor shortages, and the unpredictable impact of tariffs—which are simultaneously slowing job creation, lifting inflation, and clouding retailers' pricing strategies. He warns that delayed tariff pass-through may soon accelerate and that upcoming legal decisions could radically alter retail margins.Perhaps most striking is Zandi's analysis of AI's fingerprints on the labor market. He highlights rapidly rising unemployment among younger workers and the risk that productivity gains arrive faster than hiring can adjust—potentially tipping the economy toward recession just as retail faces profit pressure, concentration of growth among a handful of giants, and shifts in category performance.Before joined by Zandi, Steve and Michael dig into the retail headlines: strong BFCM e-commerce results , Buy Now Pay Later surging again, and evidence that AI-driven traffic is now materially influencing online demand. They examine the evolving performance of dollar stores, with Five Below delivering standout comps, the ongoing stampede to value, and whether the end of de minimis rules may reshape the bargain landscape.They then break down Macy's mixed but improving traction, tariff lawsuits led by Costco, and the broader retail question of whether top-line growth is increasingly profitless prosperity—a theme reinforced by margins squeezed across beauty, off-price, and specialty retail formats.In a quick recap of the most remarkable stories of the week Steve is stunned that Meta still invests heavily in the metaverse—even while shrinking budgets Michael questions whether defunct brands like Bed Bath & Beyond can meaningfully return in the Canadian retail market dominated by TJX, HomeSense, and IKEA.Expect the annual game of holiday discount chicken to intensify as promotions escalate, plus intriguing experiments like Netflix House in former department-store spaces—potentially hinting at new opportunities for mall real estate. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

The latest edition of the retail industry's leading podcast features an in-depth conversation with Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market and Vice President of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores, who shares Amazon's rapidly expanding grocery ambitions. Already surpassing $100 billion in gross sales, Amazon is leaning into grocery as a strategic category driven by frequency, loyalty, Prime stickiness, and the potential to unite all household purchasing into a seamless digital and physical ecosystem.Buechel explains how Amazon is transforming grocery shopping—a category in which consumers currently visit four to five retailers a month—into a single, unified experience. With more than 1,000 same-day grocery delivery locations today scaling to 2,300 cities, store-level innovations such as Whole Foods Daily Shop formats, and the integration of perishables directly into Amazon baskets alongside electronics or apparel, the company is erasing long-standing channel barriers. He also outlines the “one grocery” operational vision: unified supply chains, technology stacks, and customer journeys across banners, while preserving the brand trust and standards that Whole Foods customers demand.The episode opens with co-hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc breaking down early holiday results. This year's hottest retail storyline, however, may be the sudden emergence of agentic AI. Tools such as Amazon's Rufus and ChatGPT are now influencing search and conversion decisions, helping fuel what the hosts dub “the most agentic Christmas yet.” With traffic gains from AI agents multiplying, the shift from traditional search to intelligent assistants is poised to accelerate dramatically in 2026.The discussion then turns to Kohl's, and the decision to name interim CEO Michael Bender to the permanent position. The hosts frame this as symptomatic of a deeper issue: a retailer with declining relevance in a shrinking total addressable market.On the heels of new quarterly earnings reports they also spotlight the theme of “profitless prosperity”—brands reporting modest sales improvements but sliding EBITDA as tariffs, promotions, and supply chain pressures erode margin—the overarching message: top-line growth is not victory unless gross profit dollars follow.The episode concludes with the remarkable rise of Google's AI game, and Sears inexplicably still operating a handful of stores (though likely not for much longer). SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode The Remarkable Retail Podcast's co-host Michael LeBlanc's guest is with Lauren Price, Senior Vice President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing for COS North America discussing her impressive career trajectory and work positioning the H&M-owned brand for growth in a competitive, fast-moving fashion retail landscape.Lauren's career began in the early days of luxury e-commerce at Createthe Group, building first-generation online stores for high-end brands . Her path included consulting with Demandware and L2 (Scott Galloway's firm), leading to her first in-house brand role at J.Crew before joining COS—a globally recognized fashion brand known for exceptional quality, timeless style, and meticulous craftsmanship.At COS, Lauren oversees North American marketing and digital commerce, a key growth market. She explains how COS benefits from the resources of a global parent company while operating with the agility of a smaller regional business. This unique position allows for strategic experimentation while maintaining the brand's commitment to premium quality.A highlight from the conversation is COS's viral marketing moment: a $45 T-shirt compared on TikTok to a $15 Uniqlo tee, with the influencer praising COS's superior quality and construction. This sparked organic buzz and significant new customer acquisition, prompting Lauren's team to launch a targeted influencer gifting campaign. The lesson: seize authentic, organic momentum quickly and amplify it with campaigns that focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and product education—especially to win over savvy Gen Z shoppers.Lauren also tackles the emerging challenge of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), advising brands to prepare product catalogs for AI-driven search while maintaining current SEO performance. She predicts AI search adoption will accelerate faster than previous digital shifts, urging retailers to run both short-term and long-term optimization in parallel.As the discussion turns to holiday planning, Lauren offers several pieces of practical, results-focused advice. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Steve and Michael open this week's episode with a deep dive into the retail news of the week, marked by sharp contrasts in performance across the retail landscape. Walmart continues to separate itself from the pack, delivering another standout quarter, as omni-channel rival Target delivers another challenging quarter. The news segment analyses strong results from the off-price sector as TJX and Ross Stores both post impressive sales gains. The turnaround at Gap Inc. shows encouraging signs  under CEO Richard Dickson despite continued weakness at Athleta. In home improvement, both Home Depot and Lowe's see essentially flat comps as rate-locked consumers and affordability issues continue to weigh on spending. Furniture and home categories face rising tariff exposure, with Williams-Sonoma projecting its blended tariff rate jumping from 6% to 35%—a margin headwind that underscores industry-wide challenges. All told, the week's earnings reveal a retail landscape where the biggest players capture more share while many others struggle to keep pace.Steve and Michael revisit their encore interview with Artemis Patrick, President & CEO of Sephora North America—one of the most inspiring and resonant conversations in the show's archive. Artemis shares her extraordinary personal journey from immigrating from Iran and growing up in foster care to becoming one of the most influential leaders in global beauty.She details Sephora's global reach (34 markets, 3,000 stores), 700+ North American freestanding locations, a huge presence at Kohl's, and 40M+ Beauty Insider members, while unpacking the brand's unique power in incubating indie brands, championing diverse founders, and uniting physical and digital experiences long before Omni became a buzzword. Artemis also previews two transformational initiatives: a next-generation e-commerce platform enabling deeper personalization and a five-year renovation of every Sephora store—the largest capital project in the brand's history.After the interview the hosts each share their choice for buzziest story of the week before concluding with what's on their radar screens for the weeks ahead. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Season 11, Episode 12 opens with a whirlwind week in retail news. Steve and Michael begin with the long-awaited end of the historic 43-day U.S. government shutdown, exploring what it means for holiday spending, federal workers, SNAP benefits, and travel recovery. While uncertainty lingers—particularly around health-care subsidies—the hosts note that retail may still experience ripple effects, especially among lower-income consumers living paycheck to paycheck. Still, retail sales continue to surprise: year-over-year spending climbed 5%, with clothing, sporting goods, electronics, and general merchandise leading the pack. Ecommerce also surged, with October online sales up 8.2%The hosts then unpack a series of strong earnings from standout brands. On continues its explosive growth with sales up over 30%, while Warby Parker posts a 15% sales jump and meaningful profitability improvement. The RealReal rebounds with 17% revenue growth, and Shopify reports a remarkable 32% increase, reflecting the strength of digitally enabled commerce. Another major storyline is the rapid rise of AI shopping: Adobe Analytics data now shows AI-driven traffic converting 16% higher than traditional channels, validating the momentum behind agentic commerce. In other tech news, Google announces an AI agent capable of calling stores, checking inventory, and completing purchases—a signal of seismic shifts underway in retail automation. And finally, the surprise timing behind the departure of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon prompts conversation about leadership transition, strategy continuity and the remarkable transformation he led. The second half of the episode features an in-depth interview with Julie Bornstein, Founder & CEO of Daydream—an AI-powered, chat-based shopping engine still in beta but already partnered with over 10,000 brands and 350 retailers that has already raised $50mm in capital. Julie shares her impressive career journey through Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Stitch Fix, The Yes, and Pinterest. She then goes to explain how Daydream solves fashion's most enduring problem: overwhelming choice. With generative AI enabling natural-language search, Daydream aims to deliver truly personalized recommendations by combining human stylist expertise with an ensemble of specialized models that understand fabric, fit, color, and aesthetic nuance. Julie also discusses the complexity of building a platform that merges taste-based shopping with machine learning, the importance of deep brand partnerships, and why major retailers see Daydream as both a customer-acquisition engine and an AI learning lab. She previews what's ahead: emerging social features, secondhand expansion, new iOS integrations, an upcoming app launch, and broader consumer rollout.  SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis from The Remarkable Retail Podcast welcome XRC Ventures' Managing Director Pano Anthos, for a deep dive into the future of retail innovation, investment strategies, and overcoming the systemic challenges that keep great technology from scaling.Pano shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to leading a venture fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments at the intersection of retail, consumer behavior, and technology. With over 150 investments since 2015, XRC Ventures targets transformative sectors including retail media networks, the consumerization of healthcare, commerce enablement, and new distribution channels. Pano highlights examples of groundbreaking innovations—from AI-driven financial automation to diagnostics that detect autism in under two hours—that are redefining operational efficiency and customer impact.A major focus of the conversation is retail's organizational dysfunction, where siloed leadership and competing P&Ls create “warring tribes” that hinder adoption of transformative solutions. Pano argues that true progress requires structural change—appointing an operational leader with end-to-end responsibility for traffic and sales across all channels. The discussion also explores the promise of retail media, particularly in-store applications with untapped margin potential, and spatial intelligence, which can bring the precision of e-commerce analytics into physical stores. Pano shares candid insights on startup strategy, stressing that early-stage companies must demonstrate material ROI—significant EBITDA or revenue growth—to make it into a retailer's short list of investment priorities. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc welcome David Lafitte, President and CEO of Tecovas, the fast-growing Austin-based brand bringing cowboy culture to modern consumers. Lafitte's career journey—from corporate attorney to Chief Operating Officer at Deckers Brands (home of UGG and Hoka) and now to retail leadership at Tecovas—is a masterclass in reinvention and focus.Under Lafitte's leadership, Tecovas has evolved from a digitally native boot maker to a fast growing premium lifestyle brand built on two pillars: crafted quality and radical hospitality. In this conversation, he explains how every store—now more than 50 across the U.S.—delivers a warm, elevated customer experience complete with in-store bars, personalization services, and knowledgable personalized service. The company's blend of authenticity and approachability has earned it cult-brand status while driving remarkable growth.Lafitte also shares insights into Tecovas' expansion strategy, including its move into New York's Soho district. He describes the flagship store as both a retail hub and a powerful brand ambassador that introduces western style to new audiences—without compromising the brand's roots. The discussion dives into Tecovas' measured foray into wholesale partnerships with Nordstrom and its expanding apparel lines, from denim to performance shirts, that extend the brand's head-to-toe lifestyle appeal.Lafitte reflects on the importance of leadership focus, empowering teams, and maintaining clarity amid growth. His advice for emerging retail leaders: prioritize what matters most, say no to distractions, and foster cultures of accountability and trust.The hosts balance the conversation with this week's retail headlines: the Supreme Court's debate over Trump-era tariffs, Allbirds' ongoing “Wobbly Unicorn Corner” status and strong results from luxury icons Ralph Lauren and Tapestry amid broader industry struggles. They close with insights on Amazon's automation ambitions, Andy Jassy's bold predictions for the future of eCommerce, and holiday retail forecasts signaling a slower but steady season. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Guest co-host Ben Miller, Shoptalk's VP of Original Content and Strategy joins to provide expert analysis and we interview Lauren Sherman, the acclaimed fashion correspondent at Puck and author of Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American IconThe episode kicks off with a rich news segment, where the trio unpacks the latest forces shaping retail and the economy. Amazon's strong Q3 earnings headline the week, with third-party marketplace growth and ad revenues surging 24%. The conversation then pivots to the consumer landscape, where CPG brands lean on pricing over volume, private-label growth accelerates, and Estee Lauder's rebound in China might hint at green shoots in luxury demand.From there, the hosts explore the AI revolution's ripple through the workforce, with Ben outlining how global companies are reorganizing around “agentic transformation” as human and machine intelligence increasingly converge. He notes that the average IQ of today's AI agents already exceeds 130—with future leaps that will reshape every operating model. The segment closes with Steve's macro overview: U.S.–China tariff recalibrations, Fed policy shifts, and warning signs of consumer softening among younger cohorts.In the feature interview, Lauren Sherman offers a masterclass on the shifting foundations of global fashion and luxury. From the post-pandemic boom to today's demand reset, she dissects how the Chinese slowdown, pricing strategy saturation, and the direct-to-consumer explosion are redrawing the map for brands like LVMH, Hermès, and Prada. Lauren argues that “untouchable” luxury houses are now confronting the limits of endless growth, and that resale and rental markets have permanently altered consumer psychology—embedding secondhand luxury as a normalized part of the buying journey.She also explores social media's transformation under AI, Hollywood's over-reliance on fashion partnerships, and why the luxury world's obsession with celebrity campaigns may have reached saturation.The episode also previews ShopTalk Luxe, the new Abu Dhabi-based event connecting the global luxury ecosystem. The hosts wrap by spotlighting the AI data-center boom, the rise of GLP-1-driven nutrition trends, and the surprising revival of British department 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 authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this insightful summer bonus episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc welcome Stuart Hogue, formerly Lands' End, Senior Vice President, US Consumer, for a fast-paced conversation recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City. Stuart brings a wealth of brand experience—spanning time at Nike and a passion for brand strategy shaped by none other than fellow podcast guest Scott Galloway—and shares how Lands; End is evolving while staying grounded in its heritage.Founded in 1963 as a sailing outfitter, Lands' End has evolved over the decades from a catalogue stalwart to a digitally savvy harmonized retailer. Stuart walks us through how the company continues to build on its legacy of quality, durability, and classic American style, while embracing modern retail strategies—from digital marketplaces and fashion drops to AI-driven customer discovery.Stuart details Land's Ends; successful expansion into platforms like Nordstrom.com and Amazon, where clever use of data helped make their Bedford quarter-zip sweater a top seller. He emphasizes the importance of aligning product selection with platform-specific customer mindsets, demonstrating a sharp and disciplined approach to marketplace strategy.We also delve into how Lands' End achieved surprising viral success through personalized tote bag pop-ups in Soho, which not only drove younger customer engagement but also created powerful emotional brand moments that were amplified organically through TikTok. The brand's strategic move toward monthly product drops has helped introduce newness while preserving customer loyalty around legacy franchises, such as Tugless swimsuits, no-iron chinos, and its legendary Squall jackets.Stuart shares thoughtful insight into omnichannel retail, calling it less about technology and more about being present at key customer moments across touchpoints. He highlights the growing influence of AI agents. He emphasizes the need for brands to prepare for a new era of product discovery, where brand authority and relevance across marketplaces become increasingly crucial for staying top of mind. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

The News RundownSteve leads off with the latest tariff turmoil, as trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada stall amid the Trump administration's response to an ad created and paid for by the Ontario government running in U.S. media whose key auto  sector is endangered by Trump trade policies. They also explore luxury corporate earnings, where Hermès continues to shine, while.  Gucci owner Kering struggles to regain footing. Meanwhile, Mattel falls short as retailers tighten orders ahead of the holidays.The discussion then turns to job cuts at Target, Amazon, GM, and Nestlé, revealing how automation, AI, and tariff pressures are reshaping corporate structures, before turning to  Amazon's plan to replace up to 600,000 roles with robotics. They also cover ChatGPT's meteoric rise to No. 2 in product search, challenging Google and signaling a shift in how consumers discover products.Throughout, they underscore the precariousness of retail confidence heading into the holiday season — from Tractor Supply's cautious guidance to Deckers' HOKA sales slowdown.Blank Canvas Strategy: Finding Retail's 'New Earth'In the second half, Steve introduces "Blank Canvas Strategy"— a methodology for retailers to reimagine their businesses from the ground up, free from legacy constraints. Unlike Blue Ocean Strategy, which focuses on discovering compltey untapped markets, this framework helps brands reinvent their core business models before disruption makes them irrelevant.Steve urges leaders to recognize when their "planet" (current business model and market domain) becomes uninhabitable, and to begin building "Earth Two" — an alternative growth destination. Together, the hosts examine why incremental change doomed once-iconic retailers like Blockbuster, Sears, and Pier 1, and how others like Dick's Sporting Goods and RH (Restoration Hardware) succeeded by boldly innovating their business designs.They close by discussing how executives can carve out time, treasure, and talent for R&D, overcome the fear of cannibalization, and lead with the courage to disrupt themselves before competitors do.After the focused content discussion it's on to the most remarkable stories of the week, including Walmart's massive commitment to deploying 90 million supply-chain sensors to track pallets and fresh-food products.The episode wraps with what needs to be on everyone's radar screens. One recommendation: keep your eyes on "GU" the first U.S. store fromUniqlo's parent company, Fast Retailing. Located in New York's Soho neighborhood, Gu is a bright, energetic space with "eye-poppingly good prices" and strong shopper buzz. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

On the latest episode of the Remarkable Retail Podcast co-hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc deliver another fast-moving episode at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and retail reinvention.The episode opens with Steve leading the weekly news rundown, spotlighting Walmart's groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI's ChatGPT — a move that could redefine how shoppers discover products and transact. They then turn to earnings where LVMH's modest rebound hints at a possible luxury reset, contrasted sharply with Saks Global's double-digit losses and ongoing integration pains. The co-hosts analyze Levi's direct-to-consumer surge under CEO Michelle Gass, before diving into Aritzia's remarkable 32% growth and aggressive US expansion.From there Michaels Arts & Crafts CEO David Boone joins for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, transformation, and speed. Boone shares how Michaels' “seize the moment” initiative emerged after the collapse of Party City and JoAnn's — an opportunity to rapidly introduce new in-store and digital concepts like The Party Shop and Balloon Bar. Drawing on his leadership experience at Staples Canada, Boone contrasts private equity agility with public-company complexity and explains why, in today's market, inaction is riskier than risk itself.Boone also details Michaels' journey toward a truly omnichannel creative ecosystem, where digital discovery enhances the tactile joy of physical stores. He discusses the integration of JoAnn's beloved IP into the Michaels experience and how the company's purpose — “fueling the joy of creativity and celebration” — guides everything from store design to marketing voice.Steve and Michael close with their “what's remarkable” segment, breaking down OpenAI's new Sora social video app and the explosive pace of AI adoption and lifting up International artisanal brand MUDD and the creative retail energy they embody. Together they reflect on the balance of innovation, humanity, and retail momentum heading into the 2025 holiday season. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

The Weekly News RundownThe episode opens with a fast-moving retail update. New DataWeave analytics reveal that Nike has raised prices significantly — by 17 percent for footwear and 14 percent for apparel — as tariff cost mounts, potentially disrupting their turnaround plans. Steve and Michael then examine the continuing U.S. government shutdown and its potential economic ripple effects. Despite flagging consumer confidence, September retail sales surged 5.4% year-over-year, led by sporting goods and apparel, while big-ticket categories such as furniture and home improvement stalled. They turn next to Adobe's holiday sales forecast, calling for 5.3 percent online growth — the slowest in years. AI-driven shopping, meanwhile, is expected to grow fivefold, underscoring how rapidly technology can reshape consumer behaviour.The Interview — Scot Wingo on Agentic CommerceReturning guest Scot Wingo brings a veteran entrepreneur's perspective on the next leap in retail innovation. Leveraging his ChannelAdvisor roots to his latest venture, ReFiBuy.ai, Wingo describes how AI agents are poised to reshape the shopping journey — from research, to finding, and buying — through "agentic commerce." He details how ChatGPT's new checkout feature effectively turns it into a merchant-friendly marketplace and why this could challenge Google and Amazon's ad-tax models. Wingo explains how Google is evolving from a search engine to an "answer engine," already costing retailers organic traffic, and outlines the steps brands must take to prepare their catalogues for AI-driven visibility. He also explores how personal-shopping agents and vertical AI start-ups in fashion and re-commerce are creating hyper-custom experiences, while warning retailers not to block "good bots" in their fear of AI scraping.Stories That Spread and A Peek Around the CornerIn their closing segment, Steve and Michael discuss some recent remarkable stories including the revival of brands like Bed Bath & Beyond, Toys "R" Us, and Forever 21, as well as Lululemon founder Chip Wilson's latest shot at his former company. They close by discuss what's on their mutual radar screens for the weeks ahead. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

The episode begins with a deep dive into the latest retail and economic headlines that are shaping the landscape. Steve and Michael dissect the U.S. government shutdown, its ripple effects on employment, and how cost-cutting in Washington could further weaken an already fragile job market. They then examine new tariffs on furniture, cabinets, and agricultural exports, highlighting how the policies are squeezing retailers and farmers alike—particularly soybean producers, who have been hit hard by China's retaliation.The hosts also analyze the latest on TikTok's uncertain U.S. future, as political maneuvering opens the door to a controversial joint venture involving major tech and media figures. In retail performance, Costco's continued dominance and Nike's early turnaround efforts take center stage, as both giants adapt to shifting consumer sentiment and inflationary pressure. The segment concludes with a discussion of AI's growing impact on the workplace, holiday hiring trends, and how discretionary spending and de minimis trade rules could redefine retail economics on both sides of the border.Then, in a wide-ranging interview, David Kahan, President & CEO Birkenstock Americas delivers a masterclass in brand stewardship and retail strategy. He traces Birkenstock's roots from a humble German cobbler to a global fashion phenomenon—revealing how the brand's success rests on “never deviating from its DNA.” Every product begins with the footbed, he says, making comfort, health, and purpose inseparable from style.Kahan credits Birkenstock's ongoing cultural resonance—from the Barbie movie to red carpet collaborations—to disciplined brand management and “engineered distribution.” He explains how each Birkenstock store is a unique community experience, blending tactile engagement with hyper-local curation. The conversation also touches on leadership philosophy, emphasizing humility, trust, and an unwavering focus on brand equity over short-term sales.     About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.