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Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Learn how Sergio Tache built Dossier into a million-order fragrance empire by making luxury perfumes affordable for everyone.For more on Dossier and show notes click here. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Andy Ruben is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, a re-commerce technology company that powers branded resale programs for major labels like Patagonia, Lululemon, REI, and Levi's. Before Trove, he spent a decade at Walmart as the company's first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he launched global sustainability efforts, led omnichannel and private-brand strategies, and integrated e‑commerce — including the rollout of grocery delivery. Ruben founded Trove (originally Yerdle) in 2012 and introduced the first branded resale platform with Patagonia's Worn Wear in 2017, helping advance the circular economy across more than 150 global brands. He advises BCG and Earthshot Ventures, serves as Lead Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Zevia, and has been featured on NPR, TED, and testified before Congress on sustainable business practices. In this episode… Most brands sell products once and lose the customer until their next full-price purchase — often years later. In today's economy, that leaves businesses vulnerable to rising acquisition costs, volatile supply chains, and growing consumer demand for sustainability. So, how can companies reclaim the value of their products, strengthen customer relationships, and stay competitive in the circular economy? Andy Ruben, a sustainability expert and retail pioneer, shares how brands can tap into the hidden inventory in customers' closets by implementing buy-back and resale systems. He explains how branded resale builds loyalty and trust, reduces acquisition costs, and attracts new customers. He emphasizes the importance of starting small, using technology to streamline trade-ins, and designing programs that reinforce the brand's core values. Andy also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including hard-earned lessons about building a startup, pivoting business models, and executing founder-led sales in the early stages. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andy Ruben, Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, about transforming retail through branded resale and the circular economy. Andy shares his startup origin story, the evolution from peer-to-peer to B2B, and insights on customer retention. He also discusses business development missteps, his leadership experience at Walmart, and why speed and focus matter most when launching a new venture.
Learn how to defend your Amazon brand from overseas knockoffs. Today's guest shares real IP battles, counterfeiting tactics, and strategies for protecting your e-commerce success. Can your Amazon brand survive the onslaught of 153 knockoffs? Hear from Chris Keef, our expert guest, as he unravels the harrowing tale of an Amazon seller who faced this exact nightmare and navigated the turbulent waters of account suspension despite a fortress of patents and trademarks. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge from his dual experiences in the corporate and e-commerce worlds, offering listeners a roadmap for maintaining a competitive edge through robust intellectual property strategies and unique product offerings." In a world where unauthorized sellers and 'hijackers' lurk around every corner of online marketplaces, protecting your Amazon listing becomes a high-stakes game. We dive into the systemic issues within online marketplaces, shedding light on the stark contrast between e-commerce and traditional retail environments. Through gripping case studies, Chris and Kevin expose how low barriers to entry often lead to shortcuts and unethical practices, and how sellers can strategically plan and fortify their defenses with tools like Amazon's brand registry and the Apex program. Discover strategic approaches for combating false advertising and counterfeit threats while learning how to leverage brand protection services like AMZ Watchdog. Not only do we emphasize the importance of resilience and assertiveness in safeguarding your brand, but we also explore innovative strategies for thriving in the e-commerce landscape. From creating a digital moat around your products to utilizing emerging platforms like TikTok for brand growth, this episode is packed with insights to empower you against unfair practices and position your brand for success. In episode 454 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chris discuss: 00:00 - Protecting Your Amazon Listing Strategies 00:04 - Rising Competition in Online Sales 06:42 - Concerns About Data Security 13:32 - Navigating IP Protection in Global E-Commerce 16:54 - Intellectual Property Rights Across Borders 18:55 - Combatting False Advertising in E-Commerce 20:11 - Retail vs E-Commerce Growth Differences 30:12 - Strategic Approaches to IP Protection 40:32 - Negotiating for Release of Product 41:33 - Navigating Brand Protection in E-Commerce 45:11 - Navigating E-Commerce Challenges and Innovations 47:15 - Competitive Strategies in Global Business 52:48 - Utilizing TikTok for Brand Success 53:59 - Protecting Brands in E-Commerce 59:13 - Supporting Amazon Sellers Through AMZ Watchdog 1:00:40 - Kevin's Words of Wisdom
In this Retail Retold Replay, Chris Ressa dives into the winding path of a complex lease deal at a DLC shopping center in Cheektowaga, NY — where Five Below ultimately took the space, but not before a rollercoaster of negotiations, tenant terminations, and lessons in legal vs. physical possession.The story starts with Office Depot downsizing, a prospective tenant backing out, and ends with a successful Five Below opening. Along the way, you'll hear why contingencies in commercial real estate deals are everything — and how timing, relationships, and flexibility can turn a near-miss into a win.A must-listen for anyone in leasing, development, or deal-making.Takeaways:Buy now, pay later options are on the rise and appealing to younger consumers, and retailers are investing heavily in buy now, pay later platforms.Supply chain challenges can vary based on ordering behaviors. Retailers who continued ordering during the pandemic are better positioned.Five Below's entry into Cheektowaga, NY involved complex negotiations.Possession in commercial real estate can be legally defined but physically contested.The importance of having tenants who are committed to their locations.Understanding the contingencies in real estate agreements is crucial.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold02:47 The Buy Now, Pay Later Craze05:40 Supply Chain Insights08:20 The Five Below Story
Welcome back to another episode of Brands and Barbed Wire. This week we once again record live from the Beef Improvement Federation Convention with some exciting news about expanded consumer demand for quality beef. I'm joined by Brett Spader, Executive Vice President with the American International Charolais Association www.charolaisusa.com, Katie Martin, Director of Communications with the Red Angus Association of American www.redangus.org, Neil Mellers with Ranch 2 Retail www.ranch2retail.com, Jared Wareham with Horizon Venture Management www.horizonventuremanagement.com and Thomas (T.C.) Turner, the Red Beard Butcher at www.redbeardbutcher.com Thanks to our sponsors Allied Genetic Resources www.alliedgeneticresources.com, The Grant Company at www.grantcompany.net, B.R. Cutrer Ranch www.brcutrer.com, Jorgensen Land and Cattle www.jorgensenfarms.com
What sets great brands apart in the age of AI? Maria Carlton, former Under Armour Senior Director and retail strategist, joins host Alan Malcomson live from The Lead Summit in New York. With 20+ years in the industry, Maria shares lessons on agility, authenticity, and leadership, from driving predictive analytics to embracing sustainability and mentoring future talent. ⏱️ Highlights: [01:00] Retail's constant evolution [03:30] How AI is transforming operations [06:00] The secret to brand authenticity [10:00] Agility & future-proof leadership
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the ingredients of Walmart's current recipe for success and the technology that's most likely to propel them into the future. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Analyst Rachel Wolff. 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-reimagining-retail-what-makes-walmart-unstoppable-retail-empire-reinventing-itself © 2025 EMARKETER Quad is a global marketing experience company that gives brands a frictionless way to go to market using an array of innovative, data-driven offerings. With a platform built for integrated execution, Quad helps clients maximize marketing effectiveness across all channels. It ranks among Ad Age's 25 largest agency companies. For more information, visit quad.com.
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Danielle and Whitney sit down with Annie Jackson, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Credo Beauty, to talk about what it really means to shop, live, and create consciously. Annie shares the story behind Credo's industry-changing clean standards, why greenwashing remains such a challenge, and how transparency and radical honesty are the future of the beauty industry. They dive deep into the evolving consumer mindset, how education plays a vital role in shifting behavior, and why now is finally the right time to connect nutrition and skincare. As Sakara's new Beauty from the Inside Out supplements debut on Credo's shelves, this conversation explores how ingestibles are reshaping the beauty conversation—from gut health and glow to cellular nourishment and long-term wellness. Whether you're a beauty lover, wellness junkie, or simply someone seeking better-for-you products, this one is for you. Annie shares: Why clean beauty still lacks universal standards—and what Credo is doing about it How Credo vets brands with science-backed rigor and radical transparency Why clean beauty is a kindness to your skin, biology, and the planet What makes Sakara's supplements a first-of-their-kind for clean beauty retail The future of beauty: from topicals to nutrition, and everything in between Check out the video version on the Sakara Life YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/zImQTFetj24 About Annie: Annie Jackson is a beauty veteran that has been a key player in the successes of the industry's biggest beauty companies. Annie began her career at Estes Lauder and then was later recruited to be one of the early members of the team that launched Sephora USA and Japan. Annie went on to roles in global product marketing and merchandising for Benefit Cosmetics as well as Sephora inside JCPenney. Annie's unwavering commitment to change the way people think about what they put on their skin, and a quest for cleaner options for everyone has fostered a new generation of beauty brands and fueled a clean beauty movement.
If you're a woman business owner over 40, join the Dear FoundHer... Forum to find support, advice, resources and mentorship—JUST FOR YOU. It's all inside, without the gatekeeping and without the overwhelm.Ashley Thompson transformed cold oatmeal into a powerhouse brand sold in over 12,000 retail locations, scaling MUSH from a farmers market stall to a national favorite with the help of a pivotal Shark Tank deal. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, the MUSH founder shares how she left a fast-track finance career at Goldman Sachs at 24 to build a mission-driven business from the ground up, without a business plan, outside funding, or prior food experience.Ashley recounts the early hustle of handmaking oats in her kitchen, demoing at local shops, and delivering products herself, all while using direct customer feedback to refine the brand. She explains how MUSH landed on Whole Foods shelves, survived a Shark Tank-fueled surge that nearly shut down the business, and ultimately scaled through smart automation and a disciplined, capital-efficient approach.This episode shows what shaped Ashley's choices as MUSH grew, from holding off on new products for years to building a team that could support large-scale growth across Target, Costco, and Kroger. She explains what helped her stay focused, how she made decisions with limited resources, and what she's still learning about leading a brand at scale. If you're building something from the ground up, there's a lot here to sit with… and you won't want to miss it!Episode Breakdown:00:00 From Farmers Markets to 12,000 Retail Locations04:20 Quitting Goldman Sachs to Build MUSH from Scratch14:45 Getting into Whole Foods and Landing a 10-Store Trial19:25 Shark Tank Deal with Mark Cuban and Sudden Growth24:35 Surviving the Post-Shark Tank Chaos29:25 Why MUSH Focused on Retail Over DTC34:05 Launching Protein Bars and Expanding the Product Line39:00 Marketing Strategy Behind a National Health BrandConnect with Ashley Thompson:https://www.instagram.com/mushWe're re-launching our newsletter this summer! Sign up here to have it sent straight to your inbox.Join our online networking community: Dear FoundHer Forum: https://www.dearfoundher.com/dear-foundher-forumFollow Dear FoundHer on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearfoundherPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Season 10 finale of The Remarkable Retail Podcast, Steve interviews Vuori CEO & Founder Joe Kudla live on-stage during the closing keynote of the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York. Steve and Michael also are on-stage for a session gleaning the top retail trends of the year so far and set the stage for what's most important to focus on the balance of the year.Instead of covering the week's headlines, Michael and Steve zoom out to examine the trends that have defined the year thus far. Tariff turbulence remains the dominant storyline, with the July 9th extension deadline looming and limited trade progress made—raising uncertainty about supply chains, pricing, and margins. Retailers are already grappling with rising costs and making difficult decisions about whether to absorb the impact through vendor, consumer, or margin adjustments.They spotlight a troubling acceleration in store closures, forecasting 2025 as a record year for retail contraction, particularly in drugstore and department store categories. Meanwhile, growth continues to concentrate, with Amazon, Walmart, and Costco accounting for over half of all incremental retail gains. Smaller out-performers, such as Vuori and Abercrombie, stand out, but the middle is collapsing through a combination of unremarkable business designs and lackluster execution.The hosts also analyze the contrasting fortunes of Walmart's soaring apparel success versus Target's continued slump and reflect on emerging disruption from agentic AI—potentially reshaping how consumers search, shop, and connect with brands. With luxury contraction predicted for the first time in 15 years and labor dynamics in flux, retailers face a complex and volatile landscape.Then, it's over to an on-stage interview with Vuori CEO & Founder Joe Kudla, who joins Steve live for the closing keynote at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City for a candid and inspirational conversation about scaling a lifestyle brand with purpose. Joe shares how Vuori—rooted in the beachside town of Encinitas, California—pivoted from a near-collapse to a $5.5 billion valuation last year, thanks to an obsessive focus on product quality, fabric innovation, and deep community connection.Kudla walks listeners through Vuori's growth strategy: starting with DTC success, expanding to wholesale, and now operating over 80 physical stores—each serving as a local brand hub. He discusses how in-person retail drives stronger omni-channel customers and why authenticity in influencer partnerships is more important than ever in a crowded media landscape.As Vuori expands globally with new stores in London, Shanghai, and Seoul, Joe remains grounded in his role as the brand's chief product evangelist and men's fit model. His leadership lesson? Stay vulnerable, stay curious, and always lead with great products. 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.
For over a decade, Canva has made design and publishing more accessible than ever. Now, the company is wrestling with how to harness AI while staying true to its mission of empowering individual creators. Co-founder and COO Cliff Obrecht joins Rapid Response to reveal how Canva is navigating this shift—and why the stakes are so high when it comes to AI-adoptation in the creative industry. He opens up about leading the company alongside his wife and co-founder Melanie Perkins, their decision to give away $100 million to causes in Malawi, and what it means to scale without compromising values. Obrecht also shares Canva's role in the future of technology and how marketing could define the business's next chapter.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.
Wyatt sits down with Bernando Bilotta, founder of Stables.money. In this episode: Stablecoin usage in APAC, for saving, spending, and beyond Retail adoption that bleeds into institutional adoption The forward-looking path for stablecoin finance
Join us for a deep dive into the IVF patient journey with special guest Kelly Gonda, a passionate pharmacist and Fertility Nurse Practitioner. In this episode, we explore how pharmacists can improve safety, outcomes, and access to fertility treatment by understanding the science of in vitro fertilization and the medications involved.
Optimove's Pini Yakuel has a mission: Free the marketer. In this final episode, Phillip and Pini bring theory into practice with Rachel Parker from FDJ United (formerly Kindred), who orchestrated a three-year organizational metamorphosis to shed their assembly-line model for the positionless approach – and become much better suited for tomorrow.If episodes 1-4 were the philosophy, today, we bring you the playbook. Ready to set your marketing department free? Listen to the Decoded season 4 finale now. The Total Football EffectKey takeaways:Small, cautious steps often fail where comprehensive transformation succeeds.Anonymous surveys revealed FDJ's teams were dissatisfied with assembly-line processes and hungry for broader responsibilities.AI enables faster delivery, leading to more opportunities for internal praise and success – and big boosts to team morale.Expertise still matters, but it's about expanding capabilities rather than rigid specialization.In-Show Mentions:Learn more about FDJ United (Française des Jeux)Associated Links:Learn more about Optimove's platformsLearn more about Positionless MarketingCheck 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!
In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Rebekah Kondrat speaks with Victoria Katsarou, VP of Global Retail at Estée Lauder Companies, live from The Lead. Victoria unpacks how Estée Lauder blends luxury, innovation, and humanity to shape the future of beauty retail. From building agile teams to staying laser-focused on the consumer experience, her people-first philosophy drives transformation at scale. We cover: ✔️ Leading with empathy in a global retail org ✔️ How tech enhances, not replaces, the human connection ✔️ Scaling agility across 150+ markets ✔️ What the future of beauty retail looks like
Omni Talk sits down with Krystina Gustafson, co-founder of RetailClub and former Shoptalk content chief, to talk about the new AI Deep Dive Retreat launching this September in Huntington Beach. In this candid conversation, Krystina explains how RetailClub is reinventing the retail event experience—ditching the booths and buzzwords in favor of real conversations, collaborative learning, and hands-on AI training.
For the first episode of the APAC edition of Unpacking the Digital Shelf, Teresa is joined by Paul Brooks, former GM of Retail Media at Coles360 to discuss the retail media scene in Australia. Paul shares his journey building one of Australia's largest retail media networks, the growth phases retailers go through, and the real-world trade-offs that come with scaling these platforms. We also explore how Australia compares to the US, UK, and Asia – and what brands need to focus on to win in this fast growing landscape.
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: I want you to ask yourself this question: “Why wouldn't I be checking in mid-year with my retail business? Is there something I am avoiding? Am I making excuses like I'm ‘too busy'?” (Your words, not mine!) As a retail coach, it's my job to not only teach you the steps you need to take to do a midyear check-in in your retail business but also encourage you to get it done. Trust me: this will make a huge difference in your mindset and in how you run your beautiful business. In this episode I'm walking brick and mortar retail shop owners through a simple yet powerful midyear retail planning process to stay on track for profitability and growth. You'll learn what you need to look at during the review, how to adjust business goals, and how to build a profit plan to keep you flexible yet focused for the rest of the year. (Inner Circle members have access to a quarterly retail planning checklist to review your progress!) Whether you've hit your targets or need to pivot, this actionable framework will help you identify “creep” in your operations, celebrate your wins, and map out the next six months with confidence. “Don't plan for ‘fine.' Plan for awesome. Your business deserves more than mediocre.” - Wendy Batten Timestamped Topics: 03:00 – Flexibility vs. Excuses: Adjusting Your Goals 05:00 – Spotting and Reining in “Creep” 07:00 – Setting Real Profit Planning Numbers 09:00 – Month-by-Month Financial & Inventory Review 12:00 – Profitability Check: Are You Pushing String? 13:00 – Celebrating Achievements & Acknowledging Progress Key Takeaways to Help with Your Midyear Planning Check In: Use a quarterly retail planning checklist to audit goals, revenue, and operations (Inner Circle members: We have one in the mid-year planning masterclass!) Identify and correct “creep” in profits, inventory, team standards, and operations. Use a profit plan template and plug in your numbers, margins, and expenses. This will help you to make sure you are on track to meet your financial goals. (This is a GAME CHANGER and we have one in the Profit Planning Micro-Masterclass for Inner Circle members.) Conduct honest month-by-month reviews of P&L, balance sheet, and personal workload. Always celebrate wins—acknowledging progress fuels motivation for the next quarter. Your Next Steps: First of all, thank you so much for listening. I would love it if you would subscribe & leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation on Instagram! Follow along with me at @wendybatten.biz and share with me your biggest midyear wins. I'd love to hear what you are most proud of in the first 6 months of 2025! Inner Circle members have access to the Midyear Biz Review Masterclass and the Profit Planning Masterclass and Profit Calculator. Make sure you are logged in! If you aren't already a member of the Retailer's Inner Circle, you can join us anytime - the doors are open! Related podcasts we think you'll like: Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink Episode 112: How to do a Midyear Review and Check-up Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!) About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/ For more support from Wendy Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Subscribe & Review on iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes! If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!
In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields interviews Ann Harrell, Head of Product Enablement at Pacvue, about the evolving landscape of retail media. Harrell explains the challenges of data availability and cross-channel attribution in retail media, highlighting the role of data clean rooms and the blurring lines between retail, social, and traditional search as all become channels for commerce.
Is the economy heading toward a recession… or are we already in one and just don't feel it yet?In this episode, retail real estate economist Garrick Brown breaks down the current economic climate and its ripple effects on consumers, developers, and investors. He tackles quirky contradictions in the market: why retail sales are holding steady despite sky-high credit card debt, how tariffs haven't caused immediate pain but are a ticking inflationary time bomb, and why the construction slowdown might be more self-inflicted than cyclical. From rising interest rates to consumer spending patterns, Garrick dives into key metrics he's watching closely—like year-over-year retail sales, restaurant trends, and credit usage—to predict what's next. He offers sharp takes on howretail is evolving beyond traditional models, the dangers of overreliance on debt-fueled expansion, and how political and policy uncertainty is crippling market momentum. Plus, he reveals where growth might still be found and how investors can reposition themselves smartly in this environment. If you're a commercial real estate investor, broker, developer, or even a retail brand navigating post-COVID uncertainty—this episode is a must-listen. Garrick'sinsights are invaluable for anyone trying to understand where the market is headed in the next 12–18 months and how to spot real opportunity in the noise.Don't miss it.
On this collaborative episode of Mahesh the Geek, Mahesh is joined by Dr. Read Hayes, executive director of the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), as they explore the evolution of loss prevention, emphasizing the importance of prevention over response in public safety. They discuss the integration of technology, such as AI and body-worn cameras, in enhancing crime detection and prevention. The dialogue also highlights the significance of collaboration between retailers and law enforcement, the challenges of data sharing and the behavioral cues that can indicate potential criminal activity. Mahesh and Dr. Hayes also discuss insights into future trends in crime prevention and the role of technology in shaping these developments. Read Hayes, PhD, is a Research Scientist and Criminologist at the University of Florida, and Director of the LPRC. The LPRC includes 100 major retail corporations, multiple law enforcement agencies, trade associations and more than 170 protective solution/tech partners working together year-round in the field, in VR and in simulation labs with scientists and practitioners to increase people and place safety by reducing theft, fraud and violence. Dr. Hayes has authored four books and more than 320 journal and trade articles.
Slam Dunc from S4 Episode 99: Why Do Iwi's Have A Say in This? Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/8MDiE2ZjMpY PLUS… New episodes 7pm weekdays! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chiefInstagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast
In a recent installment of Remarkable People, Yoni Applebaum joins host Guy Kawasaki to reveal the ways in which America's declining mobility is transforming our social fabric and political landscape. Drawing from his unique background as both historian and journalist, Applebaum examines the intersection of housing policy, community dynamics, and democratic resilience, offering fresh perspectives on how to reinvigorate the American dream.Listen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**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.
Think direct mail is dead? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with David, a seasoned direct mail expert who's helped businesses of all sizes use physical marketing to drive real results. David shares how traditional mail is making a comeback—and how you can use it to stand out in a noisy digital landscape.From building smarter (not bigger) mailing lists to launching your first campaign on a $500 budget, you'll get practical, no-fluff advice for turning mail into a powerful marketing channel. David also breaks down whether direct mail works best solo or when paired with email—and the answer might surprise you.This episode is your beginner-friendly guide to using the physical inbox to reconnect with your audience in a more meaningful, memorable way.[6:30] Why direct mail deserves a spot in your marketing plan today [17:24] The real reason their newsletter list is intentionally small [20:18] A great starting point if you're new to direct mail [23:38] Does physical mail work better with email—or on its own? [26:52] How to launch a solid direct mail strategy with just $500Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Love Rooted in Retail? Join IndERA—just $25/month, or go Pro and save $503 with code FM503 by 5/31. Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!
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Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Dan Bonert, SVP of Retail Analytics and Retail Media at NielsenIQ. Dan has a background in media from his days at Amazon and was able to share quite a few insights on today's environment LIVE from the NielsenIQ c360 conference down in Hollywood, FL. Ajay Sharma, VP of ecommerce + omnichannel was our guest co-host for this episode, officially now his 6th appearance on the CPGGUYS.Find Dan Bonert on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbonert/Find NielsenIQ on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Find NielsenIQ online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/Here's what we asked him : What are the key challenges you foresee in the retail media landscape, and how do you intend to address them?How does your experience at Amazon and The Trade Desk inform your approach go forward in retail media?How is NielsenIQ integrating advanced analytics to enhance retail media offerings?What technological innovations are you most excited about in the retail media space?Can you discuss how NielsenIQ's Full View™ platform contributes to retail media strategies?How do you foster collaboration between retailers and brands within NielsenIQ's ecosystem?What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of retail media?What consumer behavior changes have you observed, and how are they impacting retail media? How do you see the role of personalization evolving in retail media strategies? What advice would you give to brands looking to optimize their retail media investments?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.
A replay from VISIONS Summit: NYC featuring Future Commerce Co-Founder Phillip JacksonWhat happens when you bury the essence of an entire civilization fifty feet underground? Live from VISIONS Summit: NYC, Future Commerce co-founder Phillip Jackson takes us on an archaeological journey through time capsules—from the monuments of the Westinghouse's World's Fair to NASA's Golden Record floating through space. Through the lens of these cultural artifacts, we explore a provocative thesis: that commerce is culture, and in five thousand years, only brands will survive to tell our story.What We Buy Buys Us BackKey Takeaways:Commerce is culture: What we buy literally buys us back, shaping who we become as individuals and societiesBrands as time capsules: Companies like Westinghouse and Panasonic have created some of history's most comprehensive cultural documents through their time capsule projects, and brands are the most central figures in these critical containersThe psychology of consumption: Repeated exposure through performance marketing mirrors the spreading activation theory that drives curiosity and attitude formationCultural permanence: In an era of synthetic reality and AI, time capsules may represent the last authentic artifacts of human civilizationIn-Show Mentions:More from VISIONS Summit: NYCWestinghouse Time Capsules (1938 & 1968) - World's Fair, Flushing Meadows, QueensTime Capsule location in Flushing Meadows-Corona ParkPanasonic (Matsushita Electric) Time Capsule EXPO '70NASA's Voyager Golden Record ProjectThe "Story of the Westinghouse Time Capsule" bookVoyager Golden Record contents and imagesThe supermarket image on the Voyager Golden RecordAssociated 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!
In this episode of Rethink Retail, host Sharon Yourell sits down with Dr. Michael Schulte from Diebold Nixdorf and Reghu Kutikat from Lulu Group to explore how strategic partnerships and advanced retail tech are transforming in-store experiences. From smart checkouts to data-driven loyalty, discover how retailers are using personalization, automation, and AI to future-proof their businesses and deepen customer engagement.
Yahoo is at a critical inflection point. Despite a big user base—from Yahoo Finance to Yahoo Sports to Yahoo News—the media company hasn't reclaimed the buzz of its early days. CEO Jim Lanzone joins Rapid Response to talk about the fear of being “left behind” and how he's pushing the brand to shed its skin. He explains the wide-ranging implications as AI remakes search engines into answer engines and shares insights about the line between fantasy sports and gambling. Plus: lessons he brought to Yahoo from his time as CEO of Tinder.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.
Luke Gromen, founder of FFTT, joins the Julia La Roche Show for episode 269 for his latest macro update. Gromen argues the US government is in fiscal dominance, spending over 100% of tax receipts on entitlements and interest payments alone. He says Fed Chair Powell faces a binary choice between crushing the dollar through inflation or crushing the bond market through higher rates. Gromen notes that funding currency relationships between the yen and dollar have broken down, signaling both central banks are cornered. He advocates getting out of government bonds and into hard assets like gold and Bitcoin, predicting that retail investors holding long-term Treasuries will be the biggest losers. Gromen believes Trump officials are "begging" for rate cuts because they know the fiscal math doesn't work without negative real interest rates.Sponsors: Monetary Metals: https://monetary-metals.com/julia Kalshi: https://kalshi.com/julia Links: website: https://fftt-llc.com/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/lukegromen00:00 Introduction and welcome back Luke Gromen01:01 Funding currency relationships breaking down 07:58 Meta trade: exit government bonds, buy hard assets 12:27 Gold still early - central banks driving demand 14:47 Trump officials begging for rate cuts - Fed cornered 16:56 Stablecoin plan requires much higher Bitcoin 20:33 Dollar/bond correlations broken - foreigners selling Treasuries 27:11 Powell's binary choice: crush dollar or bonds 34:14 Fiscal dominance: interest expense >95% of receipts 37:08 DOGE failed - needed dollar devaluation first 39:25 Portfolio: overweight gold, Bitcoin45:18 Two scenarios: Powell cuts vs. doesn't cut rates 48:54 Retail investors stuck holding long-term bonds 52:04 Closing remarks
“I would not be a buyer of [NKE] at all,” warn Ed Butowsky. He says it'll take a billion-dollar hit from tariff impacts and it can't easily move its manufacturing. He also isn't enthusiastic about its innovation attempts. Giving up shelf space at retailers really hurt the company, he argues, and it has to overcome that self-inflicted wound. “Most retail I think is just dying,” he says, though he likes Mercado Libre (MELI).======== 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 must-listen episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by seasoned retail strategist Jim Okamura, Partner at McMillan Doolittle and Co-Founder of the Global E-commerce Leaders Forum (GELF). Recorded live at the CommerceNext show in New York City, the two Canadians delve deeply into the current and future state of retail, blending global expertise with practical insights from the ground up.The conversation begins with Jim's background and a look at McMillan Doolittle's role in driving innovation across various retail formats. Known for their globally respected annual Retail Innovations report, Jim explains how international partners nominate the most forward-thinking concepts, regardless of whether they achieve commercial success. From trailblazing store formats, such as Printemps' architectural marvel in Manhattan, to localization strategies that shape international brand launches, Jim shares examples that reflect where retail is headed next.The duo then shifts to a frank discussion about the collapse of Hudson's Bay and what it signals for the broader department store format. Comparing North American challenges with the success of Japanese models that utilize a leased brand approach, Jim highlights how changing consumer behaviour—especially in beauty and apparel—has fragmented traditional retail categories. He argues that the decline of department stores is less a retail apocalypse and more a natural part of the lifecycle of formats.As the conversation moves to unified commerce and digital transformation, Jim emphasizes that success isn't just about tech—it's about culture. Companies that embrace a testing and analytics-driven mindset have a competitive edge. He also discusses the generational shift in expectations, including the normalization of paid same-hour delivery via platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.The episode wraps with insights from GELF's work helping global brands expand across borders. Jim reveals how localization, unified commerce strategies, and innovative partnerships with distributors are fueling cross-border growth—even amid global trade uncertainty. With AI, logistics disruptions, and rising tariffs reshaping the terrain, Jim calls for nimble thinking and sharper execution from brands and their ecosystems.This rich, wide-ranging discussion offers a panoramic view of retail's past, present, and future—making it essential listening for anyone navigating the changing commerce landscape. 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 Episode 83 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez is joined by Ken Burke, founder and CEO of Microcasting, to explore the next frontier in direct-to-consumer ecommerce innovation: AI shopping agents. As AI rapidly evolves beyond chatbots, Ken shares a vision for an “agentic” future—where AI doesn't just assist but actively guides customers through highly personalized and conversational buying experiences. Ken unpacks how Microcasting's crawl-walk-run strategy empowers brands to experiment with AI shopping agents, replace outdated customer service tools, and ultimately integrate consumer product discovery, checkout, and post-purchase interactions into a seamless flow. Drawing on early results and real-world implementations, he reveals how AI is reshaping engagement and conversion rates through smarter, data-driven insights gather from live shopping journeys. Whether you're a brand marketing executive, digital marketer, or tech leader, this episode delivers practical and forward-looking insights on AI shopping integration that can enhance customer experience and grow revenue. ****** Get a Free 30-Day Trial of Our AI Shopping Assistant ****** Listeners of the Digital Velocity podcast can try the AI-powered eCommerce Shopping Assistant free for 30 days—boost conversions, reduce support load, and guide customers to the right products faster. Just email ken@microcommerce.ai and mention “Podcast Friends” to get started. Contact Ken at: Website : MicroCommerce.ai email: ken@microcommerce.ai (personal) Ken Burke | LinkedIn
Kevin Chin, CEO of VivoPower, and Adam Traidman, Chairman of the Board of Advisors for VivoPower, joined me to discuss VivoPower's XRP Treasury Strategy.Topics: - VivoPower(VVPR) Overview - Why XRP was chosen as a Treasury Asset - Building a DeFi ecosystem with XRP and Flare - Using BitGo for custody - Future of Crypto Treasury Strategy - Risks with market downsides - Holding and using the RLUSD stablecoin Show Sponsor -
Upstream's Sydney Harris is joined by the US Plastics Pact's Olivia Merritt Fitzgerald and Sustainable Packaging Coalition's Olga Kachook to discuss the growing drive for reuse among consumer brands. They share the details of two recent reports that map a path for bringing reuse to the retail setting and which product lines are best poised for the switch—plus the USPP's initiative to turn these findings into action. The key to success? Standardization and pre-competitive collaboration—both of which, our guests are happy to report, are in the works.Resources: Sustainable Packaging Coalition: Framework for Scaling ReuseClosed Loop Partners & US Plastics Pact: Getting Ready for Reuse in RetailUSPP Retail Reuse Initiative one-pagerListeners interested in participating in the US Plastic Pact's retail reuse initiative should contact Olivia Merritt Fitzgerald: OMFitzGerald@usplasticspact.org Listeners interested in exploring refill models should contact Olga Kachook: olga.kachook@greenblue.org Upstream: Embracing Reuse in U.S. Packaging EPR ProgramsPR3 StandardsEpisode 88: Setting the Standard for Reuse with PR3Episode 180: The Quest for a Universal Reuse SymbolGet involved:Join the Reuse Solutions NetworkSupport Upstream to make sure these stories continue to be heard and the reuse economy continues to grow — thank you!
Welcome to the second episode of the General Manager series here on Stories from the River! Heather Greenwood sits down with two esteemed General Managers from Broad River Retail: Mitch Dixon of Rock Hill Raiders and Chris Morrell of Team Gold Rush. Both share their journeys within the company, discussing what it means to translate the company's vision into reality at their stores. Chris emphasizes the importance of having seasoned, passionate Memory Makers on his roster, highlighting how the General Manager role focuses on turning strategy into daily action and nurturing a supportive environment. Mitch, fresh off the grand opening of Rock Hill, underscores success not just by numbers, but by the happiness and growth of the Memory Makers he leads, driving home the point that people are at the center of everything they do. The discussion dives into what makes Broad River's culture unique—especially the emphasis on empowering Memory Makers as intrapreneurs, fostering a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit at every level. Both Chris and Mitch recount standout moments—from success stories where Memory Makers doubled their earnings and made life-changing purchases, to heartfelt guest interactions, such as the story of an Ashley sofa saving lives during Hurricane Helene. Through candid reflections, they explain how leadership, resilience during challenging days, and a caring, driven culture have shaped their own careers and those of the Memory Makers around them. The episode wraps up with advice for those in the industry: Broad River is a place where you're truly valued, supported by Leaders who care about people as much as results. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
CRE Exchange: Commercial Real Estate, Property Valuations, Real Estate Analytics and Property Tax
We share the key macroeconomic signals and policy decisions affecting commercial real estate as we move into the second half of 2025. From declining retail sales and builder sentiment to insights from the latest FOMC meeting, we explore how economic headwinds are influencing CRE strategy, pricing gaps, and transaction volume. Tune in for analysis on capital access, operational priorities, the evolving definition of real assets, and takeaways from the recent CREFC Annual Conference. Key Moments:01:16 Economic indicators: Retail sales05:02 Economic indicators: Housing data10:26 FOMC meeting highlights14:26 Summary of Economic Projections15:15 Major themes: Higher for longer16:20 Major themes: Price vs. value17:23 Major themes: Operations and cash flow18:38 Major themes: Lumpy transactions20:59 Major themes: Real asset merge24:23 CREFC Annual Conference Insights31:12 Upcoming Episodes and Data Releases Resources Mentioned:Advance retail sales: https://www.census.gov/retail/sales.html NAHB Housing Market Index: https://www.nahb.org/News-and-Economics/Housing-Economics/Indices/Housing-Market-Index FOMC Summary of Economic Projections: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcprojtabl20250618.htm CREFC Annual Conference 2025 – Key takeaways: https://www.altusgroup.com/insights/crefc-annual-conference-2025-key-takeaways/ Email us - altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property
Retail tire pricing has been "volatile" and "turbulent," says JP Brooks, chief revenue officer at Fitment Group. He explains why in this episode of The Modern Tire Dealer Show.
Economist-strategist David Woo says investors are mis-pricing everything: Trump's soon-to-be revived tariff war, China's rare-earth dominance, and an AI bubble that's ripe to burst. Betting on U.S. equities while ignoring these risks, he argues, is the fastest way to get burned. In this explosive interview with Maggie Lake, Woo explains why: Higher tariffs will crush corporate margins and crush stocks, not simply raise inflation. Trump's aggressive new tariffs are his only weapon against America's twin deficits. Retail traders are driving a bubble built on false assumptions. Bonds are undervalued and offer better risk-reward than equities. The AI boom is overhyped, with China catching up fast, and Tesla & Nvidia in the crosshairs. Crypto donations, not policy, are behind Washington's sudden Bitcoin embrace, risking the dollar and Treasuries. Tariff Volatility got you concerned? Get a free portfolio review with Wealthion's endorsed financial advisors at https://bit.ly/44zABoh Hard Assets Alliance - The Best Way to Invest in Gold and Silver: https://www.hardassetsalliance.com/?aff=WTH Chapters: 0:24 - Iran Strike Fallout: Can Markets Handle the Heat? 1:55 - David Woo's Crystal Ball: How He Called the Attack 5:20 - Did Trump Torch the “Taco”? 13:15 - Tariff Whiplash: Will American Wallets Feel the Pain? 21:06 - Risk-Off Alarm: Should You Dump Equities Now? 30:05 - “Go Crazy” Tariffs: Trump's Wild Card or Real Threat? 38:59 - Triple Crash Setup: Stocks, Bonds, and the Dollar 47:24 - Crypto War Chest: When Donations Become Power 50:10 - Wealthion's Golden Nugget: AI Bubble - The Monster Lurking in Silicon Valley Connect with us online: Website: https://www.wealthion.com X: https://www.x.com/wealthion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthionofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthion/ #Wealthion #Wealth #Finance #Investing #DavidWoo #TradeWar #Tariffs #StockMarketCrash #Bonds #AIbubble #RareEarths #Macro #Geopolitics #TrumpEconomy ________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTE: The information, opinions, and insights expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Wealthion. They are intended to provide a diverse perspective on the economy, investing, and other relevant topics to enrich your understanding of these complex fields. While we value and appreciate the insights shared by our esteemed guests, they are to be viewed as personal opinions and not as investment advice or recommendations from Wealthion. These opinions should not replace your own due diligence or the advice of a professional financial advisor. We strongly encourage all of our audience members to seek out the guidance of a financial advisor who can provide advice based on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Wealthion has a distinguished network of advisors who are available to guide you on your financial journey. However, should you choose to seek guidance elsewhere, we respect and support your decision to do so. The world of finance and investment is intricate and diverse. It's our mission at Wealthion to provide you with a variety of insights and perspectives to help you navigate it more effectively. We thank you for your understanding and your trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Bird & Blend, so chatting with co-founder Mike Turner at Retail ROAR was a real treat. From a single market stall to 25+ shops across the UK, Mike and his co-founder Krisi have built something truly unique. In this episode—a sneak peek from our Retail ROAR 2025 summit—Mike shares how Bird & Blend grew from iced tea samples and hand-packed blends into a beloved national brand, all while staying people-focused and rooted in community. We cover: What “experiential retail” actually looks like (and what it doesn't) How thinking omnichannel from day one set them up for growth The joy of unexpected blends (think rhubarb and custard tea!) Using crowdfunding, customer feedback, and team ideas to scale Why real loyalty comes from inclusion—not discounts Whether you're planning your first shop, growing your brand, or simply after a dose of retail inspiration—this one's worth a listen.
Would you be surprised to hear that your favorite shoe brand is neither family-owned nor as punk as it portrays itself to be?Did you know that wealth inequality and shoes are directly connected? Could your latest shoe purchase be subsidizing lobbying efforts to fight a rise in the minimum wage or reduce taxes for the wealthiest people?Amanda is joined by Ariel, the founder of Cobbled Goods to talk about how shoes, wealth inequality, and politics are entangled. He will introduce us to his Billionaire Boycott List. In this episode, we will also cover the following topics:The environmental and ethical impacts of shoe productionCommon greenwashing tropes used by the shoe industryWho really owns a lot of the shoe companies that we might think of "heritage" brands or "countercultural"How you can make better decisions when shopping for a new pair of shoesAnd how where, when, and how often you shop are political decisions!And guess what? Ariel has a reading list for you:Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today's CrisesOne of my favourite books, written by Marjorie Kelly. She really has her finger on the heart of the issue. I'd recommend listeners start by checking out her podcast interviews. I also have to add my first encounter with her work, which rocked my world — The Architecture of Enterprise: Redesigning Ownership for a Great Transition.Foot Work: What Your Shoes Tell You About GlobalisationAn incredible first-person look into shoe production around the world. Tansy Hoskins also has a great newsletter.Imagining a Decentralised Footwear Industry at the Global Fashioning AssemblyI didn't mention this but I hosted a speculative fiction workshop last fall with Tansy and few other footwear founders where everyone shared their ideas on what the industry would look like in a world with big businesses. It ties in nicely with our conversation and the boycott list.Dispatches: The truth about Nike and AdidasThe Channel 4 investigation into recycled ocean plastic. I actually confused Nike and Adidas on the episode. Both brands are covered but the ocean plastic bit was about Adidas. The original broadcast is not available on demand: But there is an article with part of the video here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10821693/Channel-4s-Dispatches-reveals-greenwashing-trainer-brands.html License to Greenwash: How certification schemes and voluntary initiatives are fueling fossil fashionA very compelling report on greenwashing through certifications and standards. I alluded to it a bit with the HIGG index, but I meant to dive deeper because it is highly prevalent.Money Heist: COVID-19 Wage Theft in Global Garment Supply ChainsA report on how big brands dodge accountability to the workers making their products. It gives estimates on how many millions of dollars different brands owe the workers that were laid off without severance due to their cancelled orders during Covid.Nowhere to Hide: How the Fashion Industry Is Linked to Amazon Rainforest DestructionA thorough report mapping out leather supply chains connected to Amazon deforestation.ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After10/26 Portland, OR @ HoloceneGet your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it's a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.worldDid you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorseClotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy.The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.comSt. Evens is an NYC-based vintage s...
What if the retail apocalypse was just bad PR? In this episode of REady2Scale, we dive into the misunderstood world of retail and mixed-use real estate with Babak Ziai, founder of BrandView Inc. With over $2.5B in transactions and decades of experience transforming overlooked properties, Babak offers a grounded, data-informed perspective on where the real opportunities lie in today's evolving retail landscape. If you've ever written off retail as yesterday's asset class, this conversation may change your mind. Key Takeaways: - Retail is not one thing: Babak breaks down the diverse categories of retail such as malls, grocery-anchored centers, and street retail, and explains why each responds differently to market forces. - Why e-commerce didn't kill retail: Retail isn't disappearing; it is evolving into a service and experience-based model where human interaction, wellness, and dining are central. - What makes mixed-use properties work: Learn how thoughtful integration of secondary uses like office or residential around retail can create stronger, more resilient assets. - How to revitalize overlooked assets: Babak shares his “rent roll 2.0” strategy and explains what types of tenants and experiences drive long-term NOI growth in challenging markets. - Real-world operations insight: From activating vacant space with pop-ups to building trust with tenants, hear how hands-on property management can become a competitive advantage. - Misconceptions investors still have: Babak reflects on why retail remains misunderstood and where sophisticated investors are finding opportunities that others miss. Whether you are active in commercial real estate or simply curious about what's next for physical retail, this episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced look at an asset class that is far from obsolete. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 Meet Bobak Zai: Retail Investment Expert 01:44 Understanding Retail Segments 03:58 The Future of Retail in an E-commerce World 07:20 Transforming Overlooked Properties 26:15 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts Are you REady2Scale Your Multifamily Investments? Learn more about growing your wealth, strengthening your portfolio, and scaling to the next level at www.bluelake-capital.com. Credits Producer: Blue Lake Capital Strategist: Syed Mahmood Editor: Emma Walker Opening music: Pomplamoose *
In this episode of Leaning In, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi sits down with Steve Rouman, SVP of Real Estate at RH, to talk about his journey from the landlord side of the business to leading real estate strategy for one of retail's most design-driven brands.They dive into RH's transformation into a luxury lifestyle brand, the future of retail site selection, post-COVID consumer behavior, and how physical retail and e-commerce can work together. Steve also shares advice for industry newcomers and why human connection still sits at the heart of retail.
Episode 138 of “The Trusted Advisor” features four RSPA members discussing networking best practices for retail IT channel trade shows and conferences: Melissa McGrath of VAR Value Systems, Megan Farley of VAR Electronic Office, Crystal Barrineau of ISV OrderCounter, and host Christine Antonson of VAR Synovus. McGrath, Farley, Barrineau, and Antonson are graduates of the RSPA's Leading Conversations Bootcamp, an education program launched in 2024 to help women build the skills and confidence to moderate panels at shows and lead conversations inside their organizations. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software providers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org. The RSPA is North America's largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, and grocery verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.
Ever wonder what it takes to turn a family passion into a thriving business? Join us as we chat with Kasey & Kaitlyn Widmyer, the dynamic duo behind Marmalade, a boutique inspired by their mother, Marie Widmeyer, and her fashion dreams. From childhood lessons to steering the business through the storms of the 2007-2008 recession, they share how these experiences crafted their resilience and work ethic. Get ready to be inspired as they recount their journey from playtime in the boutique aisles to orchestrating its expansion after college, proving that perseverance and adaptability can indeed breed success even in the most challenging economies. Resources: Kasey & Kaitlyn Widmyer (Marmalade): Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
In the latest episode of Remarkable Retail, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis return with a their hot takes on the week's top retail headlines.The duo begins with a macroeconomic update, including political gridlock in the U.S. over the "Big Beautiful Bill," the Fed's inflation outlook, and uncertainty surrounding consumer spending. They then break down TikTok's extended 90-day reprieve, speculate on Amazon's motivation behind extending Prime Day to four days, and assess the e-commerce giant's recent shift in tone regarding AI impacts on future hiring needs The hosts also spotlight Walmart's surprising 23% growth in online apparel sales, consider the luxury sector's first contraction in 15 years, and dig into a new Profitero study that reveals digital channels now influence 64% of retail transactions—emphasizing the needs to break down silos and implement a harmonized shopping experience.Then it's over to this week's featured guest: Mark Irvin, Best Buy's Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. With more than 12 years at the retailer and a deep background in logistics, Irvin pulls back the curtain on what it takes to operate one of the world's largest and most complex retail supply chains. From visibility and speed to adaptability, Irvin outlines the three pillars of Best Buy's evolving logistics strategy. He explains how they leverage AI-driven sourcing to reduce delivery errors, digital twins to simulate future supply networks, and a growing control tower to dynamically reroute inventory in response to global disruptions—like the Panama Canal's low water levels or shifting geopolitical challenges.He also details Best Buy's commitment to sustainability, including partnerships for electrified freight and aggressive reverse logistics programs to refurbish or responsibly dispose of aging tech. The conversation wraps with a preview of his upcoming keynote at NRF's Big Show Europe in Paris, September 16-18., where he'll explore the future of retail supply chains and what it takes to deliver exceptional customer experiences by 2030. 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.
Scott returns from Prosper to share some personal updates and Amazon insights. Prime Day is expanding to four days this year — a move that makes sense as Amazon tries to give shoppers and sellers more time to take advantage of the buzz. Scott also talks about the return of Sellers United this October near New York City, a conference built for resellers of all sizes. Plus, he gives a casual rundown of what's new at SmartScout. From tools that help track where your products get mentioned online to ways of better understanding pricing trends. It's a laid-back, behind-the-scenes update with a bit of everything for Amazon sellers. Episode Notes: 00:15 - New developments and Upcoming Announcements 01:14 - Amazon Prime Day – Strategy and Insights 02:30 - Sellers United Conference Announcement 05:57 - New Tools: Traffic Links 09:43 - Pricing Intelligence 14:40 - Content Marketing and Brand Awareness Related Post: Who Competes with Circana? The Top Alternatives for Retail and CPG Data Intelligence Scott's Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog
In this podcast, top industry experts share how retailers can unify their in-store technologies to drive growth and improve customer experience. Featuring: