Podcasts about Retail

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.

Phillip and Brian forecast the year ahead, from Walmart becoming America's healthcare provider to prediction markets reshaping news, autonomous vehicles hitting critical mass, and the consumerization of everything. 2026 brings economic correction, political realignment, and consumers seizing control from institutions.Our Vision:Walmart will emerge as America's front-line health system through accessibility and affordabilityPredicted losers in 2026: Target, Family Dollar, and middle-class brick-and-mortar retailersSelf-sovereign health brands will win as consumers self-diagnose and optimizePrediction markets will replace traditional polls as the new pulse of public sentimentAutonomous vehicles will reach an inflection point with infrastructure support comingOpenAI will lose enterprise ground to Anthropic and Gemini as trust erodesEconomic correction will trigger a political anti-AI platform for midtermsCraft and analog work will become a cultural rebellion against synthetic content saturationKey Quotes:"2026 is the year that consumers and companies are shifting from relying on institutions to relying on themselves." – Phillip [00:06:21]"John Furner was the head of Sam's Club. You know who Sam's Club had to compete with? Costco. This is the guy who had to build a business that was up against the best business in the world and was successful at it." – Brian [00:12:26]"Walmart is that front door for most Americans because you can diagnose your own health issues...It's going to be the point of most convenience for you. It's also gonna be the place that's most affordable." – Phillip [00:16:22]"The consumerization of health care is the trend of the year." – Brian [00:16:52]"Brands dependent on borrowed authority—any brand whose legitimacy depends on that credentialed expert or an editor or celebrity or institutional validation rather than measurable outcomes will suffer." – Phillip [00:37:38]"We have become the United Pottersvilles of America. The idea that communities are at the center of things is the fairy tale." – Brian [00:53:16]Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How should leaders prepare for AI's accelerating impact on work and everyday life? AI scientist, entrepreneur, and Pioneers of AI host Dr. Rana El Kaliouby returns to Rapid Response to share her predictions for the year ahead — from physical AI entering the real world to what it means to onboard AI into your org chart. El Kaliouby also cuts through today's biggest AI headlines, including the chatbot arms race, Instacart's dynamic pricing controversy, and whether we're really living through an AI bubble.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 1848 SAN DIEGO

As the retail industry heads into 2026, innovation is no longer theoretical — it's operational. In this special episode of the Rethink Retail Predictions Podcast, we spoke directly with retail leaders who are actively building the future of commerce. From omnichannel growth and AI-driven personalization to pricing pressure, trust, and the rise of machine-assisted shopping, these experts share unfiltered insights into what's actually changing inside retail organizations.

YC Cheng is the CEO of Hero Bread, the better-for-you bakery brand making low net carb, low sugar, high protein products that actually taste like real bread. On this episode of ITS, YC walks Ali through his experience investing, founding and scaling World Golf Tour, and how he's growing Hero.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1222: Today we break down Cox Automotive's 2026 forecast and why fragmentation is becoming the industry's defining theme. We also cover California regulators taking aim at Tesla's Autopilot language.Show Notes with links:Cox Automotive says the auto industry beat expectations in 2025, but 2026 will be shaped by fragmentation everywhere—from consumers and labor to policy, EVs, and AI. The result is softer volumes, tighter margins, and a market that rewards precision over optimism.The 5 big forces at play: A bifurcated consumer trading down, a stagnant job market, inflation easing but Fed uncertainty lingering, shifting policy and an EV incentive cliff, and AI hitting an operational inflection point—all pulling the market in different directions.New-vehicle volumes reset lower: Cox forecasts 15.8 million SAAR in 2026, down 2.4% YoY, signaling the high-15 million range as the new normal rather than a temporary dip.Retail, fleet, and leasing cool: New retail sales fall about 1.5%, fleet declines more sharply, and lease penetration drops toward 21%, the lowest level in three years as EV tax credits and leasing loopholes disappear.Used remains the pressure valve: Total used sales dip roughly 1%, but tight retail inventory and affordability concerns keep demand steady, pushing more shoppers toward lower-priced vehicles.Wholesale values normalize: Cox expects the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to rise 2% by the end of 2026, pointing to normal depreciation—with growing EV volume adding pricing complexity.California regulators ruled Tesla misled consumers with its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” marketing, giving the automaker 90 days to fix its language. The case briefly threatened Tesla's ability to sell cars in the state, but stops short of halting production.The DMV ordered a 30-day suspension of Tesla's dealer license, which would prevent Tesla from selling vehicles directly to consumers in California if it goes into effect.That dealer suspension is stayed for 90 days, meaning Tesla can keep selling cars as long as it updates its advertising and disclosures within that window.A separate manufacturing license suspension—which could have affected Tesla's ability to build vehicles in California—was permanently stayed and will not take effect.Regulators say Tesla's use of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving Capability” implied autonomy that doesn't exist, creating unsafe assumptions for drivers.Tesla pushed back strongly, saying no consumer complained and stating, “Tesla has never misled consumers.”Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Retail's Big Show has long been the industry's can't-miss gathering.In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we get an inside look at what's ahead for NRF 2026, straight from the leaders who bring the event to life. We're joined by Susan Newman, senior vice president of event strategy at the National Retail Federation; Jill Dvorak, senior vice president of content; and Scot Case, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability and executive director of NRF's Center for Retail Sustainability, to preview what attendees can expect at the retail industry's most influential event.(00:00:00) What “The next now” means for retail(00:04:42) Inside the NRF Expo experience(00:07:03) Keynotes, AI and must-see content(00:10:20) Networking, celebrations, and shared experiences(00:11:29) Introducing NRF Rev and the circular economy(00:13:27) Insider tips for navigating Retail's Big ShowThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get ready for Retail's Big Show in NYC• Learn more about the all new NRF Rev• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 371: NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail's Big Show• 375: Tech, trade and taxes: What's impacting retail in 2025

Chinese investment crashed yet again in November, the second straight month of bigtime declines. Only this time FAI was joined by consumer spending. Retail sales over in China also crashed last month, dropping by almost half a percent in November alone. That's enormous. It follows terrible data on household lending and bank credit. All of it points to an increasingly familiar topic and condition: China big economic slide is sliding right onto flat Beveridge. Eurodollar University's Money & Macro Analysis---------------------------------------------------------------------------------EDU's Webinar SeriesThursday December 17, 6pm ETA Trillion-Dollar Eurodollar Bomb is going Off on Wall StreetThe most important funding system in the world is flashing warning signals, and almost no one is paying attention.https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/risks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you're a serious investor and want to capitalize on what the monetary system is signaling right now, join me at Eurodollar University's very first Live Event, President's Day Weekend February 2026. To get your spot, just go here: https://eurodollar-university.com/event-home-page------------------------------------------------------------Bloomberg China's Labor Market Distress Spreads at Worst Time for Deflation Fighthttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-22/china-s-labor-distress-spreads-at-worst-time-for-deflation-fighthttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

Live selling. Retail revenue. Trust-based care delivery. In this episode of PT Breakfast Club, Jimmy, Dave, and Tony explain how PTs can tap into rising demand for elder care and retail-style revenue streams. Learn how to position your clinic as a trusted resource—not just for therapy, but for products, caregivers, and lifestyle support.What You'll LearnHow to generate $5K in 3 days using value-stacked offersWhy PT clinics should sell like optometrists and bike shopsThe “unlicensed companion” model that's disrupting elder careDrop-shipping and affiliate sales: passive income from trustHow to create real value outside the insurance modelHosts ???? Jimmy McKay – PT Pintcast ???? Dave Kittle – The Dave Kittle Show ???? Tony Maritato – MedicareBilling

In their ninth year of annual predictions, Philip and Brian revisit bold calls made in late 2024 that proved remarkably prescient. From mega-brand consolidation and Costco's international dominance to Google's stunning comeback and the rise of Anthropic, they dissect what they got right (most of it), what they got wrong (GameStop stands stubborn), and why being months ahead of conversations about tariffs, de minimis rules, and AI supremacy matters. It is no surprise that culture drove commerce's biggest shifts.Costco Reigns Supreme, Again2025 Outcomes & Highlights:Mega-brand M&A dominated 2025 as regulatory shifts enabled massive retail restructuring (+10 pts to Phillip!)Costco expanded internationally while battling Trump administration on tariffs and DEI (+10 pts to Brian!)China-direct retail faced existential crisis as de minimis loophole closed (+10 pts to Brian!)Creator-led brand exits to holdcos marked parasocial commerce era (+10 pts to Phillip!)Gamestop survived (-10 pts to Phillip!)Google executed the comeback of the decade with Gemini's ascent (+10 pts to Brian!)Associated Links:LORE - Future Commerce's 280-page book on brand worldbuildingCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Martin Bailie is joined by Jerome Hamrit, Senior Vice President for Data and Retail Media at VusionGroup, and Thaddeus Segura, Senior Vice President for Product at VusionGroup, to explore the evolution of the connected store. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why store digital transformation is fundamentally different from e-commerce transformation - How real-time data from ESLs, computer vision, IoT sensors, and transactional systems creates a “live store” - Why platform thinking and system integration matter more than adding new devices - How Walmart and Carrefour approached connected store infrastructure at scale - The shift from “interesting technology” to essential retail capability - What “precision commerce” means and why it represents the future of retail execution - How connected stores unlock value for retailers, store teams, and brands through better execution, productivity, and monetization

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what Crayola is aiming to achieve with its “Campaign for Creativity,” how the brand guides children from digital creation to hands-on creative play, and what's top of mind for the art supplies company as it heads into the holiday season. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Crayola Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Lozano.   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+, go to EMARKETER.com   Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/   For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com   For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/   Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com    For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-how-crayola-s-campaign-creativity-inspiring-hands-on-play-digital-crayola-reimagining-retail   © 2025 EMARKETER   Campaigns take flight with Viasat Ads. Unlock access to over 250 million passengers annually across leading global airlines, with high-engagement ad formats and real-time delivery. Viasat Ads provides access to a verified audience in a captive environment, so your message reaches passengers when they are ready to engage. Join their journey with Viasat Ads. 

Links & ResourcesFollow us on social media for updates: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠Check out our recommended tool: ⁠⁠Prop Stream⁠⁠Thank you for listening!

"Wait and see" continues to serve as the attitude of the jobs market, says Christine Short. She attributes much of the weakness seen in the recent string of reports to cutbacks in the federal government, while employers elsewhere limit new hires due to economic uncertainty. On retail sales, Christine expects customers to "splurge" for the holiday shopping season and anticipated tax cuts to benefit the 2026 shopping year. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Jillian DelSignore recaps 2025 ETF performance and says managers are focusing on retail clients as record flows continue. She argues that retail clients are trading and investing in a more sophisticated way. Jillian highlights active ETFs taking 35% of flows, staggering considering the share they take up in the overall ETF market. She discusses the record number of ETF launches this year and popular themes. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode of Future Shop, Wendy Liebmann sits down with retail veteran Andy Murray to dissect the conflicting forces impacting the modern shopper. From the bifurcated "K-shaped" economy to the rise of "vibe shopping" among Gen Z, Andy shares insights from his time at Walmart,  ASDA, and P&G, and his current work with the University of Arkansas. Together, they explore a critical paradox: as technology like Agentic AI advances, the human need for physical touch and sensory retail experiences is growing stronger.Key Highlights:The Muddy Middle: How the economy has split shoppers into value-seekers and luxury buyers, leaving a complex "middle" that is harder to define.Gen Z & Transparency: Why younger shoppers are using apps like Yuka to demand total ingredient transparency and how they are leading the charge back to physical stores.The KPI Problem: Why traditional channel-based metrics are stifling innovation and why retailers must shift to a total customer view.AI vs. Humanity: The danger of using AI solely for efficiency and the urgent need to develop "humanist" skills to coexist with Agentic AI. Send us a textVisit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

Florian Klein is the Commercial Lead at Bitpanda's Web3 team. Bitpanda, one of Europe's most regulated digital asset platforms (7M+ users, multiple MiCA licences), is expanding into Web3 through Vision ($VSN), its ecosystem token for compliant tokenisation and DeFi infrastructure. Why you should listen Vision is Bitpanda's unified Web3 ecosystem designed to make decentralised technologies accessible through a familiar, compliant, and integrated framework. The initiative brings together a suite of products; one wallet, one protocol, one chain, and one token, intended to create a consistent experience for users exploring on-chain finance. By combining intuitive interfaces with regulatory alignment, Vision aims to bridge traditional finance and the decentralised web in a way that supports long-term adoption. The ecosystem is built around several core components: the Bitpanda DeFi Wallet, Vision Protocol, Vision Chain, Bitpanda Launchpad, and the Vision Token (VSN). The DeFi Wallet provides non-custodial access with features such as smart onboarding, sponsored and discounted gas fees for eligible actions, multichain swaps, staking and an Engage section coming soon, allowing users to earn monthly rewards through collecting XP by interacting with Web3.  Vision Protocol acts as an interoperability layer that aggregates liquidity and routing across multiple chains and major DEX aggregators, while Vision Chain is presented as an Ethereum-based Layer-2 with compliance tools suitable for tokenisation and institutional on-chain activity. The VSN token serves as the unifying token that powers rewards, governance, and participation across the ecosystem.  Staking VSN enables users to earn rewards, and in the future, owners of VSN may access early launchpad rounds, participate in governance, and benefit from Bitpanda's loyalty programmes. Its tokenomics include a dynamic emission model that will be governed by token holders, a distribution structure designed to prioritise circulating supply and revenue flows, such as buybacks and programme funding, managed by the Vision Web3 Foundation. Together, these components form what Bitpanda describes as a connected Web3 environment where user activity reinforces the growth and utility of the network. Supporting links Stabull Finance Vision Andy on Twitter  Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.  

In this holiday edition of Issaquah Buzz, Autumn Monahan and Alexis Fitzsimmons cover it all—from post-storm business check-ins to major retail news, including J.Crew Factory coming to Gilman and updates on Costco's fuel station expansion. They also highlight newly opened businesses, dog-friendly delights, hot yoga, family-friendly indoor play, and the best spots to shop local this season. Plus, don't miss festive events and what's coming up as Issaquah heads into the New Year.

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Allie Falcon to unpack what it really looks like to build a recognizable brand rooted in story, style, and grit. Allie shares her journey from ranch life and handmade leather goods to manufactured apparel, wholesale growth, and a showroom at Dallas Market Center. They talk wholesale growth, brand consistency, and what successful boutiques do differently when they market brands with a story. Plus: Round Top with Junk Gypsy stories, pricing strategy, learning to say "no," and the legacy Allie hopes to leave. You'll learn: Why cohesiveness matters more than random "good products" when building a line sheet and wholesale presence How to move from handmade/custom work into a more sustainable model without losing your creative identity What boutiques do best when they market story-driven brands (and why displaying collections together matters) How wholesale can stabilize a business when social algorithms shift Two key business lessons: price for future wholesale now + know when to say no   Join The Boutique Hub Best Year Yet Allie Falcon: Website: Alliefalcon.com Instagram: @alliefalconTikTok: @alliefalcon

Coinbase Asset Management's hashrate loans allow miners to borrow against their entire mining facility. Subscribe to the Blockspace newsletter! Welcome back to The Mining Pod! Today, Doug Wilson, Head of Credit Investments at Coinbase Asset Management (CBAM), joins us to talk about their new hashrate backed loans and how they differ from traditional loans for Bitcoin miners. Doug breaks down CBAM's flexible collateral package, which allows miners to post their facilities and bitcoin as collateral. We also discuss the broader capital markets for crypto, the impact of institutionalization and ETFs, the importance of regulatory and tax clarity, and the untapped potential of the stablecoin economy to drive efficiency in payments and finance. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com **Notes:** * LTV typically 50-70% for Bitcoin loans * Up to 50% hash rate collateral * Coinbase Asset Management registered Q1 2023 * Coinbase is a wholly owned subsidiary * Bitcoin mining is a commodity industry with commodity margins Timestamps: 00:00:00  Start 00:02:37  What does CBAM do? 00:03:26  Hashrate Loans 00:06:25  Hashrate definition 00:08:25  Bitcoin industry stigma 00:10:25  Data centers as collateral? 00:12:44  Current & future state of lending 00:14:44  Rates & specifics 00:18:49  Target clients 00:20:08  Retail loans 00:22:07  DeFi? 00:24:30  Competition from TradFi 00:25:56  Stablecoins 00:28:03  Future of stablecoins? 00:28:41  Regulations 00:31:16  Future of capital markets products? 00:32:49  Taxes

Today's episode is a look at what is going on with independent retail shops right now.  I sat down with my friend Jen from Tiny Turns Paperie. She's one of our Paper Camp speakers and a longtime advocate for small businesses. We talk honestly about some of the hardships that shop owners have been facing during 2025: everything from operational curveballs to tariffs and other things that have impacted the way they do business. We did get into some specifics about unpredictable buying patterns, last-minute shopping, the rise of treat yourself, and community-driven products.  We also talked about some of the less glamorous stuff that goes into running a brick & mortar like inventory delays, tariffs, shipping headaches, and things like that. I think it's important for you to hear today's episode because the things that the indie buyers and brick and mortar shops are navigating do impact how they're doing business with you, too, so Jen's perspective is invaluable as always. You'll hear specifically how she's possibly adjusting her buying, why planners are hot right now, and why she's focusing on collaboration across indie businesses to really strengthen customer loyalty. If you want ongoing analysis like this about trends, data, systems, sales, and marketing strategies for your product-based business, come join us in LABS. We break down what's happening across the industry and help you apply it directly to your business REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/423  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp  

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.

What if the fastest way to change your life started with a single question? In this KAJ Masterclass conversation, host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) talks with former Bose executive and author Doug Fleener about his powerful "What If" framework. Learn how to reframe challenges, take action before confidence, and spark immediate growth in your personal and professional life. For more conversations that inspire real change, visit https://kajmasterclass.com=========================================

My chat this week is with Andrew Li of Philadelphia's Franklin & Poe, one of the best shops in the US for serious quality footwear, denim, and more. I got to know Andrew over the last few years the old fashioned way—seeing him in person, sitting down, and chatting entirely too deeply about some boots and shoes and denim. Which is pretty much exactly what Andrew and team have done every day since 2016 with customers in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood, both at their original location and the new shop they had opened only days before we taped this episode. On the episode, Andrew and I chatted about that dedication not just to customer service but also creating a place for enthusiasts to find a real community, how to build out a top notch footwear brand list, the quest for a perfect white t-shirt, where brick & mortar retail is going and how it might thrive again, and his three pairs he'd keep forever if it came down to it. Oh and malls. We talk a lot about malls.Also sandwiches. Philly does good sandwiches.https://franklinandpoe.com/ Support the Shoecast, get full bonus episode access, and join the most interesting shoe-and-boot-loving community on the internet with a Stitchdown Premium membershiphttps://www.stitchdown.com/join-stitchdown-premium/A website. We have one.https://www.stitchdown.com/2026 dates and location for Stitchdown's Boot Camp 4—the world's fair of shoes and boots and leather and more—coming soon.https://www.stitchdownbootcamp.com/

What if store cameras were one of retail's most underused growth assets? In this episode, Martin Bailie (Advisory Board, RETHINK Retail) sits down with Karissa Price, Chief Customer Officer at Dragonfruit AI, and Randy Meadows, Retail Advisor to Dragonfruit AI and former SVP of Asset Protection at Kohl's, to explore how video AI is transforming retail beyond loss prevention. Key takeaways: - Most retailers already have the infrastructure - the opportunity is how they use it - AI is changing the economics of video across stores and supply chain - Buy-in happens when multiple teams see shared ROI - The real shift is moving from passive footage to actionable decisions

This year delivered whiplash: geopolitics, tariffs, and technology all shifting at once. And heading into 2026, the disruption isn't easing up. In this special episode, host Bob Safian distills five hard-won lessons from Rapid Response this year on how to lead when the ground won't stop moving. You'll hear standout moments from Brian Chesky, Clara Shih, Marc Lore, José Andrés, and more, with practical takeaways for turning uncertainty into advantage.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is already reshaping the workforce. What about teenagers?Turns out, they might be more impacted than anyone else. After all, they're usually in low-skill entry-level jobs that AI can replace. The problem ... teens are losing their first experience with working, making money, and establishing an identity outside of their homes.In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier speaks with Karissa Tang, a high school senior and UCLA research assistant, about her new study on how AI will impact teen employment. While most workforce studies focus on adults, Karissa analyzed the top 10 most popular teen jobs from cashiers to fast food workers and found something alarming: AI could reduce teen employment by nearly 30% by 2030.We dig into:• Which teen jobs are most vulnerable to AI and automation• Why cashiers and fast-food counter workers are hardest hit• The role of self-checkout, kiosks, and robots like Flippy• Which teen jobs appear safest (for now)• Why teens may be even more exposed to AI than adults• What schools, policymakers, and teens themselves can do nextThis is a must-watch conversation for parents, students, educators, and policymakers trying to understand how AI is reshaping early work experiences—and what it means for the next generation.

Jessica Garbarino of Primark U.S. discusses the challenges and opportunities of building brand awareness in a new country. She highlights the importance of storytelling and making emotional connections with customers. She and Sid dive into in-store experience, local community design, and a measured growth strategy. Welcome to Elevating Brick and Mortar. A podcast about how operations and facilities drive brand performance.Primark is an international fashion retailer employing more than 80,000 colleagues across 17 countries in Europe and the US. It was founded in Ireland in 1969.Guest Bio:Jessica Garbarino leads internal and external communications for Primark in the United States. As a member of the US Leadership Team, Jess is part of the team growing the US business and taking Primark from an unknown brand to a mainstay for American shoppers across the country.Jess has worked across iconic brands in the US to build brand heat and connect consumers with purpose and values. Most recently Jess worked on Reebok's social purpose team, driving storytelling around Reebok's pillar social purpose program BOKS, now Active Kids Active Minds.Timestamps:00:49 - About Primark02:02 - Jessica's journey04:54 - Storytelling as a brand08:00 - Introducing a new brand11:08 - Do Americans shop differently?17:35 - The myth of the mall28:47 - How to focus on your staff33:11 - Digital experiences in stores40:20 - Where to find Jessica41:55 - Sid's takeawaysSPONSOR:ServiceChannel brings you peace of mind through peak facilities performance.Rest easy knowing your locations are:Offering the best possible guest experienceLiving up to brand standardsOperating with minimal downtimeServiceChannel partners with more than 500 leading brands globally to provide visibility across operations, the flexibility to grow and adapt to consumer expectations, and accelerated performance from their asset fleet and service providers.Links:Connect with Jessica on LinkedInConnect with Sid Shetty on LinkedinCheck out the ServiceChannel Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Subscribe to the Blockspace newsletter! Welcome back to The Mining Pod! Today, Doug Wilson, Head of Credit Investments at Coinbase Asset Management (CBAM), joins us to talk about their new hashrate backed loans and how they differ from traditional loans for Bitcoin miners. Doug breaks down CBAM's flexible collateral package, which allows miners to post their facilities and bitcoin as collateral. We also discuss the broader capital markets for crypto, the impact of institutionalization and ETFs, the importance of regulatory and tax clarity, and the untapped potential of the stablecoin economy to drive efficiency in payments and finance. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com **Notes:** * LTV typically 50-70% for Bitcoin loans * Up to 50% hash rate collateral * Coinbase Asset Management registered Q1 2023 * Coinbase is a wholly owned subsidiary * Bitcoin mining is a commodity industry with commodity margins Timestamps: 00:00:00  Start 00:02:37  What does CBAM do? 00:03:26  Hashrate Loans 00:06:25  Hashrate definition 00:08:25  Bitcoin industry stigma 00:10:25  Data centers as collateral? 00:12:44  Current & future state of lending 00:14:44  Rates & specifics 00:18:49  Target clients 00:20:08  Retail loans 00:22:07  DeFi? 00:24:30  Competition from TradFi 00:25:56  Stablecoins 00:28:03  Future of stablecoins? 00:28:41  Regulations 00:31:16  Future of capital markets products? 00:32:49  Taxes

Podcast del programa Imagen Empresarial transmitido originalmente el 16 de diciembre del 2025. Conduce Rodrigo Pacheco. Claudia Lesseur, socia especializada en la industria de Consumo y Retail en Deloitte Spanish Latin America Tema: Estudio de Compras Navideñas 2025

From "digital gold" to programmable money, #Bitcoin is waking up to massive institutional interest.We sat down with Kyle Ellicott of Stacks Asia at Token 2049 Singapore to discuss the next era of Bitcoin. This new age is being built layer by layer to unlock the trillion-dollar potential of the most secure asset in the world.In this insightful interview, Kyle Ellicott explains:

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Elie Y. Katz, Founder, President & CEO of National Retail Solutions (NRS), to discuss how payments, telecom, and point-of-sale technology are converging to reshape small and independent businesses. Katz explained how NRS, incubated within IDT, was created to give independent convenience stores and small merchants the same tools and insights long available to large national chains. At the center of NRS's success is its integrated point-of-sale platform, now deployed in more than 38,000 locations nationwide. Katz described how NRS combines POS, credit card processing, payroll, cash advance services, and telecom products into a single system. “We didn't just build a register,” Katz said. “We built a platform that lets independent merchants compete with corporate America.” The conversation highlighted the accelerating shift away from cash toward cards, mobile wallets, and peer-to-peer payment apps such as Venmo and Zelle—especially among younger consumers. Katz noted that safety, efficiency, and cost are driving merchants toward cashless or low-cash environments. “The phone has become the bank,” he said, pointing to how mobile payments are now central to everyday commerce. Katz also outlined the opportunity this shift creates for telecom channel partners, MSPs, and resellers. By leveraging existing customer relationships, partners can expand into POS, payment processing, payroll, and cash advance services through NRS. “If you didn't pivot, you went out of business,” Katz said. “Our platform gives channel partners a new stream of recurring revenue using relationships they already have.” Finally, Katz detailed NRS's growing ecosystem of integrations, including DoorDash, Grubhub, and NationsBenefits, which help independent merchants increase revenue and compete more effectively. With offerings like NRSPay and flexible, no-penalty credit card processing, NRS is positioning itself as a long-term partner for small businesses navigating the transition to a digital, cashless economy. For more information, visit https://nrsplus.com/.

A candid 2025 recap with Destaney and Alex on what it actually took to scale BTR, from investing in A-players and internal tech to protecting culture in a fast-moving industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  The latest economic data out of China is flashing warning signs everywhere. Retail sales are barely growing, industrial production is slowing, fixed asset investment is falling, and property investment has collapsed nearly 16%. Home prices are sliding, millions have their wealth tied up in unfinished or overbuilt real estate, and confidence in the future is evaporating.China is running a massive trade surplus—nearly $1 trillion so far this year—but that export dominance is masking much deeper problems at home. Consumer spending remains weak, unemployment among young people is high, the population is aging, and there's no real social safety net to fall back on. Without exports flooding global markets, the situation would look far worse.In this episode, Chris discusses why command-and-control economics never work, how Xi Jinping reversed years of liberalization, and why governments—whether in Beijing or Washington—fail when they try to pick winners and losers. From China's real estate bust to the dot-com era lessons of pets.com versus Amazon, the message is the same: when government micromanages the economy, bad outcomes follow. The free market, not central planners, is what drives real growth.

Video of this episode is here TakeawaysThe 2026 sector outlook provides insights into consumer spending trends.Second order thinking is crucial for understanding market dynamics.Walmart's strategic positioning highlights the importance of being a tech company.Sustainability initiatives can lead to profitability in retail.AI is reshaping consumer behavior and retail strategies.Navigating tariffs requires strategic planning and adaptability.Advanced manufacturing techniques are revolutionizing sustainability efforts.Investment strategies must consider timing and market inflection points.Change management is essential for businesses adopting AI technologies.The future market outlook for 2026 suggests potential volatility but also growth opportunities. Chapters00:00 Connecting the Dots: Insights from Experience03:58 The Evolution of Retail: AI and Market Strategies07:54 Navigating Consumer Preferences: Lessons from Starbucks and Beyond10:43 Resilience in Business: Learning from Failures15:09 Cultural Insights: The Impact of Geography on Business18:19 Innovations in Sustainability: The Future of Apparel21:13 Investing in the Future: AI and Market Trends24:52 Beverage Trends: The Shift in Consumer Habits26:39 The Ritual of Chocolate and Consumer Behavior29:52 AI's Impact on Investment and Business Models32:57 Transforming Workflows with AI36:34 Lightning Round: Insights and Reflections41:56 AI's Role in Daily Life and Future Outlook

Kentucky continues to recommend Hepatitis B vaccines for infants, a new overdose alert system is launched, bird flu is detected in a backyard flock in Central Kentucky, and Sen. Rand Paul discusses hemp legislation and the U.S. government's role in Syria.

The holiday gift-giving time is when many retailers make a bulk of their annual profit. Several Native entrepreneurs have just opened their doors and are hopeful that this season will propel them forward, despite some indications that shoppers are cautious. Others are veterans of the business world, but are also pinning a lot of hope on the public's ability to make the most of holiday shopping. We'll hear from both rookies and long-time Native retailers about what it takes to start and stay in business. GUESTS Amy Denet Deal (Diné), founder of 4KINSHIP Ruth-Ann Thorn (Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians), entrepreneur and owner of Native Star Jeremy Arviso (Diné, Hopi, Akimel O’odham, and Tohono O’odham), artist, designer, and entrepreneur Break 1 Music: Dat One (song) The Delbert Anderson Trio (artist) MANITOU (album) Break 2 Music: Hug Room (song) Chuck Copenace (artist) Oshki Manitou (album)

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Josh Myerberg breaks down the 2026 real estate outlook, why quality assets and operational excellence matter, and where savvy investors are finding opportunity now. Don't miss these timely insights from one of the industry's top portfolio strategists.J.P. Morgan Asset Management is optimistic about 2026, driven by expectations of lower interest rates and resilient real estate fundamentals.Quality matters more than ever—top-performing assets and strong operators are expected to outperform, while tertiary markets and lower-tier properties carry greater risks.Retail real estate has made a strong comeback, and high-quality office space is showing positive momentum, especially in major markets like San Francisco and New York.Operational excellence and risk management—including attention to emerging risks—are critical for long-term portfolio success.Diversification remains key: even the best assets need to fit together strategically to reduce volatility and capture growth opportunities.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss our “very specific but highly unlikely” predictions for 2026: sports team sponsorships pushing the envelope, the ceiling for TikTok Shop, and a budding relationship between creators and retail media networks. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes, Senior Forecasting Analyst Oscar Orozco, and Principal Analyst Max Willens. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+, go to EMARKETER.com   Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/   For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com   For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/   Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com    For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-what-if-sports-team-sponsorships-tiktok-shop-s-ceiling-creator-retail-media-network-marriage   © 2025 EMARKETER   Campaigns take flight with Viasat Ads. Unlock access to over 250 million passengers annually across leading global airlines, with high-engagement ad formats and real-time delivery. Viasat Ads provides access to a verified audience in a captive environment, so your message reaches passengers when they are ready to  engage. Join their journey with Viasat Ads. 

1:40:48 – Frank in New Jersey, plus the Other Side. Topics include: Celebrities at a quarry, Captain Marvel, cool flea market, cruise ship, dark spirits, presidential video at a park back in time, light rail weirdness, snow, a mall and two hotels in Las Vegas, dangerous elevator, The Partridge Family’s store, Mrs. Partridge told me off, dangerous […]

Derek Macpherson, CEO of West Point Gold (WPGCF), talks about gold's glimmering 60% rally in 2025 that nearly brought the commodity back to a record high Monday. Derek says central banks are the biggest buyers but notes retail investors adding it to portfolios on concerns of economic fragility. While he's not confident we'll have another 60% year anytime soon, Derek offers a bull case to gold's continuing outperformance in 2026. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

This episode is brought to you by Commerce.AI is reshaping the retail landscape faster than any technology in recent memory, but with the hype comes confusion — and a lot of big questions about what AI can actually do for retailers today.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Andrew Bialecki, Co-founder and CEO of Klaviyo, to separate reality from speculation and explore how AI is changing marketing, customer service and the entire shopping experience.Andrew shares the origin story behind Klaviyo's “digital brain for businesses,” explains why retailers will increasingly become hybrid product-and-service companies, and breaks down the AI behaviors already shaping consumer expectations. He also takes a look into his crystal ball to offer a forward-looking perspective on how voice, avatars and in-store AI agents could define the next era of commerce.Key TakeawaysHow retailers will evolve into hybrid product-and-service brands as AI makes information and personalization easily accessible to all;Why multimodal AI — including chat, voice and in-store agents — could propel the next wave of omnichannel experiences;The role humans will continue to play in the AI future through creative direction, brand judgment and defining customer experience goals;What consumers actually want from AI: speed, summarization, better recommendations, and easier product discovery; Why the ability to do “napkin math” is critical for businesspeople of all stripes; andThe hardest thing about going from being a private to a public company.Related LinksExplore Klaviyo's AI-powered marketing and customer relationship toolsGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix -----How to Win Customers Across Every ChannelThis guide from BigCommerce brings you expert insights on data, branding, and marketing to help you grow sales across every major channel. Read the Guide.

1:40:48 – Frank in New Jersey, plus the Other Side. Topics include: Celebrities at a quarry, Captain Marvel, cool flea market, cruise ship, dark spirits, presidential video at a park back in time, light rail weirdness, snow, a mall and two hotels in Las Vegas, dangerous elevator, The Partridge Family’s store, Mrs. Partridge told me off, dangerous […]

A big seasonal order might look like a win—but it can quietly crush your margins if you're not careful. In this episode, Mark and Justin break down the real mechanics of seasonal (in-and-out) retail: how timing, payment terms, inventory risk, and retailer behavior can make or break your business. They share practical insights from real CPG brands, plus hard-earned lessons on managing product life cycles across retail sectors. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to evaluate seasonal opportunities—and how to protect your bottom line while still seizing growth. • Why "Pay on Scan" isn't always what it seems • How retailers shift inventory risk back to YOU • What most brands get wrong about replenishment • The markdown strategy you should plan before you ship Listen now to avoid costly seasonal missteps.

Ever wonder why so many vehicle burglaries happen quietly, in minutes, and often on the same street? On this episode of the Cape CopCast, we sit down with Property Crimes Unit Sergeant Jeremy Niland to map the patterns behind vehicle break-ins, stolen cars, and retail theft, and the small, repeatable steps that stop them. From late-night patrol catches to detective follow-ups, you'll hear how camera clips, serial numbers, and neighbor tips merge into a clean timeline that recovers stolen gear and holds people accountable.Sgt. Niland walks us through a recent case near Oasis Boulevard where coordination led to a search warrant and a pile of stolen property returned, including a kid's softball equipment. That human side drives the work, but so does smart process: parking under your security camera, keeping valuables out of sight, locking doors, and recording serial numbers for bikes, tools, and electronics. We also dig into why many offenders are teens acting on impulse and what truly makes a car a target.Retail theft gets a spotlight too. We break down barcode switching, booster crews, and the statewide networks that treat stolen goods like inventory. You'll hear how loss prevention teams share intel across stores and why “it's just a big-box loss” is a myth—those costs reappear in higher prices. Along the way, social media plays a starring role, with community IDs turning anonymous faces into names, and the occasional viral moment—like a man in Batman pajamas stopping a burglar—reminding us that neighbors still make the difference.If you want fewer crimes on your block, this conversation gives you the playbook: simple habits, fast calls when something feels off, and a community-first mindset that makes theft a losing bet. Listen, share with a neighbor, and subscribe for more practical safety insights. 

Despite logging a record trade surplus, economic data for November showed China's domestic woes are deepening. Retail sales grew at their slowest pace in three years and investment slowed sharply, signalling that Chinese consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly cautious. Plus, Roomba maker iRobot has filed for bankruptcy after struggling with competition, debt, tariffs and Amazon's buyout offer later being called off. It's now being taken private by its main Chinese supplier. 

This is the final episode of Rooted in Retail 2025, where Crystal Vilkaitis, the Wolf of Main Street, reflects on the year and shares exactly what retailers should bring into 2026—and what to leave behind. From elevating in-store experiences to mastering live selling, paid ads, and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your retail business thrive in the new year.Crystal breaks down practical strategies to make 2026 your most successful year yet![2:18] - Events are exploding as people crave connection.[5:28] - Consistency in customer experience starts with employee support & training[9:04] - Organic reach isn't enough; strategic ads grow visibility, foot traffic, and email lists.[17:21] - A fast-growing retail channel; plan ahead with product themes, pre-ads, and post-event marketing.[19:20] - Posting imperfect content builds trust, connection, and consistency.[24:46] - AI is here to stay—tools for automation, customer insights, and efficiency.Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

Lancaster County's Economic Divide and Holiday Retail: Colleague Jim McTague reports from Lancaster County, highlighting the economic divide between flush Baby Boomers and struggling younger generations, observing strong holiday retail activity exemplified by crowded venues like Shady Maple and a proliferation of Amazon delivery trucks, suggesting the economy remains afloat despite challenges. 1959