Podcasts about retailers

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Retailers managing pricing, marketing, and inventory through separate teams with separate data are losing margin not to market volatility, but to decisions that were never designed to work together. In this episode, Felix Hoffmann, CEO at 7Learnings, examines how predictive, unified commercial decision-making replaces reactive, rules-based approaches — and why most retailers underestimate how much revenue they leave on the table by optimizing each function in isolation. The conversation covers how AI-driven demand simulation enables coordinated pricing, marketing, and reordering decisions, and which commercial use cases enterprise leaders should prioritize first to prove ROI before scaling. This episode is sponsored by 7Learnings. If you offer AI products or services into the enterprise, you need to find enterprise leaders with relevance, and readiness. Emerj attracts VP+ enterprise audiences who are already convinced that they need to move beyond traditional IT. To learn the exact strategies we use to help leading AI brands and startups connect with their ideal enterprise AI buyers, visit: https://go.emerj.com/partner

Retail media has quickly become one of retail's most important growth engines, but Ace Hardware is taking a different approach. One that's built around local ownership, community relevance and real-world customer needs.In this episode of Retail Remix, Kate Robertson speaks with Molly Hjelm, CVP of RedVest Media, Ace Hardware's retail media network, about launching a full-funnel RMN in just six months and what makes the co-op retailer uniquely positioned in the space. Molly shares how Ace is leveraging its network of 5,200 independently owned stores, 70 million loyalty members and deep first-party data to create measurable advertising solutions. She also explains how weather-triggered media, retailer-focused advertising tools and localized customer insights are helping brands connect with shoppers at exactly the right moment.Key TakeawaysHow Ace Hardware launched RedVest Media in just six months by focusing on measurable, full-funnel advertising solutions  Why Ace's co-op structure creates unique opportunities (and challenges) for retail media innovation  How weather-triggered advertising helps brands align messaging with real-time customer needs, from snowstorms to hurricane season  What makes Retailer Reach, Ace's retailer-focused advertising platform, different from traditional retail media offerings  Why first-party data, in-store relationships and local relevance remain critical as retail media evolves alongside AI and changing consumer behavior  Related LinksLearn how RedVest Media helps brands reach Ace Hardware customers through localized, data-driven retail media.Learn more about Ace Hardware and its community-focused retail modelGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Bonjour et bienvenue dans la revue de presse hebdo et audio du secteur retail / e-commerce en France proposée par Les Digital Doers.

Amanda Lai says retail sales continue to defy expectations, with strong growth across categories despite inflation and higher fuel costs. She points to resilient consumers and a sustained shift toward e-commerce, driven by value and convenience. Retailers are competing across channels, from direct-to-consumer to platforms like Amazon (AMZN), Walmart (WMT), and Target (TGT), to capture demand.======== 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

Petri Redelinghuys of Herenya Capital Advisors asks whether consumer stocks are worth a look as fuel prices trend lower and the rate-hiking cycle appears to be over. Kobus Gertenbach, CEO of Premier Group, unpacks strong full-year results, new production capacity and how lower input costs are supporting margins. Sean Ashton from Private Clients by Old Mutual explains why earnings matter more than headlines when assessing investment opportunities.

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from the Global DIY Summit 2026 in Amsterdam, Chris Walton talks with Joost de Beijer, CEO of Intergamma, about what makes DIY retail in the Netherlands unique and how the company is evolving its omnichannel strategy to meet changing customer expectations. Joost explains why Dutch consumers prioritize convenience, how smaller homes and gardens shape the market, and why nearly every DIY project now begins online. He also shares how Intergamma leverages its store network to support fulfillment, click-and-collect, and personalized customer experiences. The conversation explores the role of stores in modern DIY retail, the importance of connecting digital inspiration with in-store expertise, and how sustainability is becoming both a business opportunity and a long-term strategic priority. Key Topics Covered: • What makes Dutch DIY retail different from the U.S. • Why Intergamma believes DIY retailers sell solutions, not products • How convenience shapes the Dutch home improvement market • Why nearly every DIY project starts online • Leveraging stores as fulfillment hubs for bulky products • The future of omnichannel DIY retail • Connecting online inspiration with in-store expertise • Sustainability as a retail growth opportunity • Expanding sustainable assortments and reducing waste • How Intergamma differentiates its Gamma and Karwei banners Thank you to Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from the Global DIY Summit 2026 in Amsterdam. #GlobalDIYSummit #DIYSummit2026 #OmniTalkRetail #Intergamma #DIYRetail #Omnichannel #RetailInnovation #Sustainability #HomeImprovement #Vusion

In this episode, Michelle shares a completely different style of Retail Whore Podcast episode recorded live from the Seattle Mart, where seasoned retailers shared their best advice for new store owners. From learning your numbers and building smarter markdown strategies to creating stronger customer experiences and merchandising with intention, this episode is packed with honest conversations and real retail wisdom.Michelle and Susan also continue the conversation from the road as they dive deeper into store layout, storytelling through merchandising, fixtures that actually support your brand, and why trying to be everything to everyone can hurt your business. Plus, Michelle reflects on a personal Mother's Day trip, balancing work and life on the road, and the emotional realities of family relationships while building a business.We have linked all of the buyers who were kind enough to share their advice in this episode so you can go support and follow their stores:• Jasper – Bashan Island Pharmacy and Gift Store• Beth Rich – Mix It Up Home, Gallery & Gifts (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)• Rochelle – Edit an Olive & Bloom Company (Snohomish, Washington)• Marie – Marie's Boutique & Marmalade Fresh Clothing (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)• Alicia – Paper Delights (Burien, WA)What's Inside:Why knowing your numbers and creating a markdown strategy mattersHow merchandising actually starts during the buying processThe importance of creating a customer experience through layout, fixtures, scent, sound, and storytellingSupport the show

The contemporary landscape of the furniture retail industry is increasingly characterized by the paramount significance of customer experience as a pivotal determinant of consumer loyalty. As articulated in our discussion, the prevailing consensus is that while a myriad of retailers may offer similar products, it is the treatment of customers—whether within a physical showroom or through a digital interface—that ultimately engenders their return. Retailers, such as Taos Lifestyle, exemplify this principle by cultivating a community-centric environment that transcends traditional retailing, thereby creating a unique and engaging shopping experience. Furthermore, industry leaders emphasize that the vitality of customer interactions is intrinsically linked to the quality of personnel on the sales floor, underscoring the necessity of fostering a positive workplace culture that attracts enthusiastic and customer-oriented staff. As we navigate through the complexities of current market conditions, including impending tariffs and evolving trade policies, it becomes evident that a strategic approach to uncertainty and customer engagement will distinguish successful enterprises from those that falter. The latest episode of Furniture Industry News presents an incisive exploration of the evolving dynamics of customer experience within the furniture retail sector, emphasizing its critical role in fostering consumer loyalty. The discourse commences with a straightforward yet profound assertion: customers can purchase furniture from a multitude of venues, yet their return hinges predominantly on the quality of service they receive. This foundational understanding leads to a rich discussion on the varying strategies implemented by retailers to enhance the customer journey and, by extension, build lasting relationships with their clientele. Illustrating these strategies, the episode highlights the case of Taos Lifestyle, where Mary Demito has effectively transformed her retail establishment into a community-centric space, exemplified by the inclusion of a gift shop and a live music venue. This innovative approach serves to engender a sense of belonging among customers, thereby distinguishing the brand from conventional retail experiences. The conversation further examines Slumberland's model, wherein the emphasis is placed on cultivating a motivated sales force. As articulated by John Bleed, the essence of successful retail lies in the human connection—having employees who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely enthusiastic about assisting customers enhances the overall shopping experience. The episode does not shy away from addressing the broader challenges facing the industry, such as the anticipated imposition of tariffs and the resultant implications for supply chains. The insights shared by industry leaders underscore the necessity for retailers to develop comprehensive strategies to navigate this persistent uncertainty, advocating for a proactive stance rather than a reactive one. Ultimately, the episode encapsulates the imperative for retailers to innovate continuously and remain adaptable, as those who can effectively respond to the shifting landscape will emerge successfully in the competitive arena.Takeaways:The paramount significance of customer experience in retaining loyalty cannot be overstated, as it transcends mere transactional relationships and fosters genuine connections.Retailers must adapt to an evolving landscape of uncertainty by implementing comprehensive strategies that facilitate cross-departmental communication and resource allocation.The acquisition of Palliser by Moto Motion exemplifies a strategic partnership designed to enhance operational efficiency and product reliability in the face of market challenges.Honesty and transparency in customer service policies serve as foundational principles that can significantly bolster consumer trust and brand loyalty over time.The integration of artificial intelligence in customer support systems not only streamlines operations but also enhances the overall consumer experience, reflecting a modern approach to retail.As economic conditions fluctuate, retailers must remain vigilant and responsive to consumer behaviors, ensuring that their offerings align with the evolving demands for value and quality.

June 16, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson talk with Wall Street Journal reporter Jennifer Williams. They discuss how GLP-1s lead to increased clothing returns, costing retailers millions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

À 3 000 € le vélo, le paiement devient un sujet central pour Gaya.Et le parcours d'achat ajoute encore une couche de complexité...Un client découvre un vélo dans un showroom. Il l'essaie, rentre chez lui, poursuit sa réflexion, revient sur le site quelques jours plus tard, choisit son modèle, ses accessoires, son mode de financement, puis finalise sa commande.Ce parcours peut sembler fluide. Il mobilise pourtant bien plus qu'un simple acte d'achat. Le vélo doit être configuré, le budget trouvé ou parfois financé, et la commande peut se construire à différents endroits, à différents moments, avant d'aboutir.  Sur un achat comme celui-là, le paiement ne surgit pas au dernier moment.Il arrive quand on se demande combien on peut mettre, comment on va payer et si c'est le bon choix pour se lancer.C'est le sujet de cet épisode enregistré avec Lucie Brouhard, Head of Customer Experience & Operations chez Gaya, et Paul-Louis Bénard, Head of Alliances Ecommerce chez Payplug.Gaya est une marque française de vélos électriques pensée pour les usages familiaux et urbains. Son modèle concentre une grande partie des enjeux actuels du commerce : panier élevé, parcours omnicanal, financement, personnalisation et services associés.Avec mes invités, nous regardons comment le paiement s'est installé bien plus tôt dans le parcours d'achat, jusqu'à peser sur la conversion bien avant l'encaissement.Bonne écoute, toujours sans coupure !Pour suivre Les Digital Doers :LinkedIn | Insta | Facebook | Tiktok | WhatsApp | Site webHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

As AI-generated content floods the internet, shoppers are increasingly looking for something harder to fake: real human opinions.In this episode of Retail Remix, Kate Robertson speaks with Anna Haffner, Senior Director of Large Customer Sales at Reddit, about how the platform is becoming a powerful force in retail discovery and commerce. Anna explains why shoppers are turning to Reddit for trusted recommendations; how brands and retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, Dove and MAC Cosmetics are showing up authentically in community conversations; and why Reddit's advertising products are evolving to complement the user experience.Key TakeawaysWhy Reddit has become a trusted discovery channel for shoppers researching products and brands  How retailers can participate in Reddit communities without relying on overly polished or disruptive advertising  What campaigns from brands like Walmart, MAC, Home Depot and Dove reveal about Reddit's retail marketing potential  How Reddit's Shopify integration and dynamic product ads are reducing friction for retail advertisers  Why human conversation may become even more valuable as AI reshapes product discovery and searchRelated LinksExplore Reddit's advertising tools for retail brandsGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

A long-time hospitality business owner says Aucklanders need to get out and support local businesses if they don't want them to go under. Tricky Hartley, owner of Wynyard Quarter eatery The Conservatory spoke to John Campbell.

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa  shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.    Also, we all love the thrill of scoring a great deal, but a dangerous retail trap called "spaving"—spending money to "save" money—might be quietly sabotaging your budget. Retailers like Amazon have mastered the art of the impulse buy, using tricks like "buy two, get an extra discount" or free shipping minimums to trigger a dopamine rush that makes us chase the deal instead of the actual value. Even Clark is guilty of it! Know how to recognize when you're being manipulated at checkout, and the simple rules you can use to protect your hard-earned cash from the spaving trap.  All this and more on the June 12, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Defeat This Spending Trap: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: How To Get a Free Credit Report - Clark Howard  How To Monitor Your Credit - Clark Howard  National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Home NAELA Best Free Streaming Services in 2026: Movies and TV for Cord Cutters Streaming TV - Clark.com Are You ‘Spaving'? Why Trying to Save Could Be Costing You More Target Date Funds: Clark Howard's Favorite Retirement Investment 10 Secrets All Shoppers Need To Know About Costco - Clark Howard Warehouse Clubs Archives - Clark Howard  Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off with a massive milestone for autonomous trucking as ⁠Volvo Autonomous Solutions plans to remove safety drivers from its trucks in early 2027⁠ and begin fully driverless operations on U.S. highways. The company currently runs commercial freight daily in Texas with safety drivers aboard, but projects it will have over three hundred autonomous trucks operating by the end of 2027, with industrial scaling beginning in 2028 and revenue approaching three billion dollars within five years. Over on the rails, ⁠agricultural retailers are raising serious alarm bells about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern mega-merger⁠ and its impact on the agribusiness sector. The Agricultural Retailers Association, which represents more than five thousand retail locations nationwide, warns that freight rail rates have risen over forty percent in the past twenty years—seventy percent faster than truck rates—and that further consolidation among the four Class I carriers controlling ninety percent of rail traffic directly threatens supply chain reliability for moving fertilizer, chemicals, and fuel to America's farms. Finally, we explore how ⁠the Transportation Intermediaries Association is pushing FMCSA for federal clarity on approved carrier selection standards⁠ following the landmark Montgomery versus Caribe Transport II Supreme Court decision. With more than ninety percent of authorized motor carriers currently operating without an FMCSA safety rating, the TIA is requesting a federal rulemaking that would establish objective criteria to help brokers and shippers determine whether the use of a given carrier is reasonable based on demonstrable safety performance. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonjour et bienvenue dans la revue de presse hebdo et audio du secteur retail / e-commerce en France proposée par Les Digital Doers.

In this episode, we kick things off with a massive milestone for autonomous trucking as Volvo Autonomous Solutions plans to remove safety drivers from its trucks in early 2027 and begin fully driverless operations on U.S. highways. The company currently runs commercial freight daily in Texas with safety drivers aboard, but projects it will have over three hundred autonomous trucks operating by the end of 2027, with industrial scaling beginning in 2028 and revenue approaching three billion dollars within five years. Over on the rails, agricultural retailers are raising serious alarm bells about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern mega-merger and its impact on the agribusiness sector. The Agricultural Retailers Association, which represents more than five thousand retail locations nationwide, warns that freight rail rates have risen over forty percent in the past twenty years—seventy percent faster than truck rates—and that further consolidation among the four Class I carriers controlling ninety percent of rail traffic directly threatens supply chain reliability for moving fertilizer, chemicals, and fuel to America's farms. Finally, we explore how the Transportation Intermediaries Association is pushing FMCSA for federal clarity on approved carrier selection standards following the landmark Montgomery versus Caribe Transport II Supreme Court decision. With more than ninety percent of authorized motor carriers currently operating without an FMCSA safety rating, the TIA is requesting a federal rulemaking that would establish objective criteria to help brokers and shippers determine whether the use of a given carrier is reasonable based on demonstrable safety performance. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it mean for your retail business if — right now, at this very moment — three thousand creators were actively requesting samples to promote your brand? That's not a fantasy for Luke Arnall-Cameron, founder of YAS CLEAN. It's Tuesday. That's just how his business works.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.In this episode, I sit down with Luke Arnall-Cameron — a former John Lewis graduate buyer and marketing director turned TikTok creator and brand founder — to unpick one of the most significant shifts happening in retail right now: discovery commerce. TikTok Shop has fundamentally changed how products reach consumers. Instead of paying for ads, brands are now building creator networks — and the smartest ones are doing it in a way that mirrors exactly what every good retailer already knows about range building, customer loyalty, and repeat purchase.Luke launched YAS CLEAN in November 2024. His first livestream generated £70,000. Within his first year he fulfilled over 650,000 orders across six countries, sold 10,000 bottles of one product in seven days, and achieved 45% repeat customer rates in December — for a cleaning brand, in the hardest trading month of the year. He also won TikTok's Breakout Seller of the Year Award.But what makes this conversation genuinely useful for any product business owner isn't the headline numbers. It's the retail logic behind every decision he made — why virality isn't a strategy, how to think about product range in a world driven by social selling, and what discovery commerce means for anyone selling physical products. If you want to understand whether TikTok Shop belongs in your channel mix, this episode is for you.Chapter Timestamps00:00 — The hook: 3,000 creators waiting to promote one product01:26 — Luke's retail career: From John Lewis buyer to TikTok creator04:12 — YAS CLEAN launch: £70K first livestream and 650,000 orders in year one10:02 — Building a product range vs chasing viral moments15:45 — Discovery commerce explained: How TikTok Shop's creator model works19:34 — Live shopping as real-time customer feedbackUseful LinksYAS CLEAN on TikTok: @yascleanResilient Retail Club: www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast/Catherine on LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

“Ultimately, it's the people that determine the success or the failure of technology, not the technology itself.” The latest report by Arktic Fox and Six Degrees dives deep into why brands and retailers will only win in retail media, personalization, and AI if they pair rising investment with stronger data foundations and better product content. Teresa Sperti, Director at Arktic Fox, sits down with Jeremy Goldman to discuss how achieving these results ultimately requires credible measurement alongside teams capable of turning technology into execution. Inside the episode: - Why brands are shifting away from marketing to humans and moving towards optimizing for AI-driven discovery and decision-making - How brands can shift their tech approach toward loyalty and personalization - Why retailers need to invest in eCommerce and stronger digital shelf capability to defend share and improve performance - Why brands must better prepare their talent, as companies are currently buying technology faster than they are building the organizational skills to run it Don't let your technology investments outpace your team's capabilities. Listen to the full podcast episode above to bridge the execution gap.

In this retail heat map episode, Carol Spieckerman examines the cascading cost crisis reshaping the consumer economy in 2026. From fuel price spikes driven by Strait of Hormuz disruptions to corporate pricing strategies that blur the line between necessity and opportunism, Carol connects seemingly disparate headlines to reveal a structural economic shift affecting every aspect of retail. Through her recent media contributions, including an appearance on China Global Television Network, Carol analyzes how petroleum-embedded supply chains create compounding cost pressures while retailers navigate impossible choices between absorbing increases or passing them to cash-strapped consumers. Plus, insights into Walmart's digital shelf label rollout, GLP-1 medication impacts on retail assortments, and why this inflationary wave differs fundamentally from previous cycles.Key TakeawaysFuel crisis creates retail domino effect across all categories – With gas prices experiencing the largest single-day increase since March 2022 and national averages nearing $5 per gallon, petroleum costs embedded throughout supply chains affect everything from plastic packaging to agricultural fertilizers. Carol explains how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz (handling one-third of global seaborne oil) trigger immediate price spikes that retailers implement within days, creating a 3-6 week lag between crude oil disruption and consumer impact.Corporate profit margins reveal opportunistic pricing during crisis – Analysis of corporate earnings shows many companies maintaining steady or higher profit margins during inflationary periods, raising questions about legitimate cost increases versus margin padding. Carol explores the "honor system" approach to pricing transparency and how some companies use economic chaos as cover for profit expansion while others genuinely struggle with supply chain cost pressures.Walmart's digital shelf label technology enables dynamic pricing capabilities The retailer's chain-wide rollout of digital shelf labels brings operational efficiency gains but also introduces capability for real-time price changes every ten seconds. Despite Walmart's commitment to implementing updates outside shopping hours, the technology infrastructure supports surge pricing models already normalized in e-commerce, flight booking, and ride-sharing platforms.Consumer behavior shifts toward purposeful, consolidated shopping – Rising transportation costs drive preference for one-stop shopping destinations like Walmart and Amazon while penalizing specialty retailers requiring dedicated trips. Lower-income households face disproportionate budget pressure from necessity spending increases, while small businesses lack negotiating leverage to manage supplier cost increases, creating widening competitive gaps in retail marketplace.GLP-1 medication impacts follow cyclical patterns rather than permanent shifts – Weight-loss drug usage affects retail assortments and portion sizing, but Carol's analysis reveals cyclical consumer behavior as users plateau, reach goals, or discontinue medications. Rather than fundamentally reshaping availability for all shoppers, retailers expand assortments to accommodate GLP-1 users alongside traditional options, with larger diversified retailers better positioned to serve multiple consumer segments simultaneously.The Retail RealityCarol identifies this moment as a structural economic shift rather than temporary inflation, with cascading costs affecting petroleum-dependent supply chains, manufacturing processes, and transportation networks simultaneously. The crisis reveals competitive advantages for diversified retailers with multiple revenue streams (marketplace fees, advertising income, membership programs) while exposing vulnerabilities in specialty retail formats requiring dedicated consumer trips. Corporate pricing strategies range from legitimate cost management to opportunistic margin expansion, with long-term customer loyalty implications for companies perceived as exploiting economic hardship. Technology developments like digital shelf labeling accelerate dynamic pricing capabilities while consumer acceptance remains uncertain. The episode concludes that traditional retail assumptions about average consumers with predictable needs no longer apply, as economic pressure creates more calculated shopping behaviors, conditional brand loyalty, and expectations for demonstrable value on every purchase. Retailers must balance transparency about genuine cost pressures with creative value delivery methods that go beyond simple price competition.Want to be a guest on Spieckerman Speaks Retail? Contact team@spieckermanretail.comCheck out more of Carol's retail insights and updates Follow Carol on LinkedInFollow Carol on Twitter

#862: Neal and Toby talk about how the Nasdaq and S&P 500 suffered the worst day of the year. Plus, why Americans on GLP-1s are overwhelming retailers with increased returns and why the Bears' Indiana move isn't final despite celebrations. Finally, who won the Tony's? To learn more visit https://www.sage.com/morningbrew Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note⁠⁠⁠  Watch Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow⁠ This is a paid advertisement. Today's episode of the Morning Brew Daily Show is brought to you by Sage — a trusted global provider and leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses. The following commentary reflects general information about Sage and its products. Specific features, capabilities, and availability may vary by product, region, and customer requirements. To find out more, visit sage.com/morningbrew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David's Bridal may be best known for wedding dresses, but the brand's next chapter is about something much bigger: becoming a digital platform for the entire wedding journey.In this episode of Retail Remix, Kate Robertson speaks with Elina Vilk, President and Chief Business Officer of David's Bridal, about how the 75-year-old brand is transforming from a dress retailer into an AI-powered wedding ecosystem. Elina shares how David's Bridal is expanding from “aisle to algorithm,” using tools like the AI-powered Pearl Planner to help brides manage the hundreds of decisions behind every wedding and stay within budget, while also growing wholesale, marketplace and commerce partnerships to serve more of the bridal ecosystem.Key TakeawaysWhy David's Bridal is expanding beyond dresses to support the full wedding planning journey  How expectations toward the modern wedding experience have shifted with added pressures such as social media How the Pearl Planner uses insights from in-store “dream makers” to guide brides through planning tasks  Why David's Bridal now views boutiques, marketplaces and other retailers as partners rather than competitors  How wholesale, AI commerce and smaller-format store concepts are shaping the brand's 2026 growth strategy  Related LinksExplore David's Bridal's wedding dresses, planning tools and Pearl platformGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

This is the full episode of The Morning Show with Preston Scott for Monday, June 8th.Our guests today include:- Dr Joe Camps- Sal Nuzzo- - Follow the show on Twitter @TMSPrestonScott. Check out Preston's latest blog by going to wflafm.com/preston. Listen live to Preston from 6 – 9 a.m. ET and 5 – 8 a.m. CT!WFLA Tallahassee Live stream: https://ihr.fm/3huZWYeWFLA Panama City Live stream: https://ihr.fm/34oufeR Follow WFLA Tallahassee on Twitter @WFLAFM and WFLA Panama City @wflapanamacity and like us on Facebook at @wflafm and @WFLAPanamaCity.

Bonjour et bienvenue dans la revue de presse hebdo et audio du secteur retail / e-commerce en France proposée par Les Digital Doers.

In this episode, we're continuing the conversation from Episode 268 and breaking down what it really means to move from store operator to store owner. If your business still feels heavy—even after years of growth—you're likely operating in "jobby mode" without realizing it. I walk through why growth often feels like more weight instead of more freedom, how the milestone mindset keeps retailers stuck, and what actually needs to shift for your business to run without everything routing through you. This episode will help you identify where you are right now and what needs to change to move into true business mode. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit SavvyShopkeeper.com/Episode276  Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers  

What happens when experience becomes perspective?Every year, thousands of retail real estate professionals descend on Las Vegas looking for answers.Where are rents headed? Who's expanding? What's the next opportunity? Which relationships will create the next great deal?But before the meetings begin and before the convention floor opens, there's a more important question worth asking:What actually separates the people and companies that consistently outperform everyone else?Recorded on the eve of ICSC Las Vegas, this special Retail Retold conversation flips the script. Adam Ifshin steps into the host chair and turns the microphone on Chris Ressa, creating a rare opportunity to go beyond the public persona and explore the experiences, decisions, and leadership lessons that shaped his career.Together, they unpack everything from career-defining pivots and hard-earned management lessons to navigating uncertainty, building high-performing teams, and leading through pressure. The result is a candid conversation about what it takes to grow from dealmaker to operator and why leadership matters more than ever in today's retail real estate environment.The timing couldn't be better.Retail real estate is entering a new chapter. Supply remains constrained. Retailers continue to adapt. Landlords are operating from a position of strength. Yet favorable market conditions alone don't create lasting success.The organizations pulling ahead today are doing something different. They're building teams that trust one another, developing leaders who can perform under pressure, and creating cultures where accountability and ambition coexist.As the industry gathered in Las Vegas for its biggest week of the year, Adam and Chris explored the principles that drive long-term success on the convention floor, in the boardroom, and across the careers of the people leading the business forward.The deals made at ICSC mattered.The people leading them matter even more.What You'll HearWhy Chris left DLC and what brought him back less than a year laterThe lunch conversation that led to his promotion to COOLessons learned from growing from leasing rep to executive leadershipThe leadership mistake Chris still works on todayHow DLC navigated the uncertainty of COVID without layoffsWhy culture and trust matter more than real estate expertise aloneChris's framework for building teams people want to work forThe career advice that shaped his approach to leadership and successChapters00:01 — Adam turns the tablesFor the first time, Chris Ressa takes the guest seat as Adam Ifshin steps in as host.01:56 — Finding the right fitChris reflects on his early career and the decision that brought him to DLC.03:10 — The grass isn't always greenerWhy leaving DLC became one of the most important lessons of Chris's career.05:37 — The second chapterReturning to DLC creates the foundation for years of growth and leadership.06:13 — A lunch that changed everythingThe unexpected conversation that led to Chris becoming COO.07:27 — Learning from a different perspectiveChris shares what he's learned from working closely with Adam Ifshin.09:11 — The leadership mistake that never goes awayThe challenge of letting go, delegating, and leading through others.10:45 — Leading through the unknownHow COVID became a defining moment for DLC's leadership team.13:26 — The age of the operatorWhy execution, culture, and leadership are becoming the industry's greatest differentiators..14:20 — Building teams people want to run through walls forChris's philosophy on trust, accountability, and creating winning teams.16:43 — The hardest worker in the roomThe mindset that shaped Chris's career and leadership style.18:22 — A personal momentThe story behind introducing Adam to Chris's father and why it mattered.19:22 — Looking back before looking aheadReflections on leadership, mentorship, and the people who shape a career.

In this 5 Insightful Minutes episode, Spencer Hewett, CEO and Founder of Radar, joins Omni Talk to discuss the company's recent funding milestone, rapid retail expansion, and how real-time inventory intelligence is transforming store operations. Spencer shares how Radar has grown from 500 to 1,500 stores in just one year, helping retailers achieve greater inventory accuracy, reduce shrink, improve fulfillment rates, and empower store associates with real-time product visibility. The conversation also explores what differentiates Radar's technology, why real-time data is becoming the foundation of the connected store, and where RFID adoption is headed next across retail. Key Topics Covered: • How Radar expanded from 500 to 1,500 stores nationwide • Retailers reporting an 8% lift in sales and a 60% reduction in shrink • Improving online order fulfillment from 70% to 98% • Why 99%+ inventory detection accuracy changes store operations • The importance of real-time location data and low-latency insights • How connected store data can improve staffing and labor allocation • Why Radar builds both its hardware and software in-house • The future of RFID in retail and why consumer electronics could be next

In this episode of Retail Perch, Birdzi's Joseph Dahari, VP of Sales, and Kate McCormick, Director of Solution Engineering, discuss their career journeys and the experiences that led them to Birdzi. They explore the challenge of "dashboard dizziness," the realities behind today's AI buzzwords, and what true innovation looks like in retail. The conversation also examines how siloed data impacts decision-making, the importance of connecting systems across the enterprise, and how retailers can leverage technology to create better shopper experiences, drive growth, and attract more customers.

In this episode of SEO 101, Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte cover the May 2024 Google core update, shifting content indexing, Google I/O announcements, Gemini 3.5 Flash, new AI-powered search features, entity maps, Google Merchant Center insights, UK-exclusive AI controls in Search Console, and Google's stance on mentions manipulation and AI attribution in search. It's a big episode!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we unpack the key findings from the newly released Inside Digital & eCommerce 2026 report from Arktic Fox & Six Degrees Executive. The report is a deep dive into how Australian retailers and brand manufacturers are navigating the next era of digital commerce, drawing on insights from more than 100 senior leaders across retail, eCommerce, marketing, digital and retail media. The conversation explores how AI and agentic commerce are reshaping the digital shelf, why loyalty is becoming a bigger strategic priority, and how marketplaces, quick commerce and retail media are intensifying execution complexity for brands. We also examine the growing importance of product content and data foundations in an AI-driven discovery environment, the widening gap between ambition and capability, and where retailers and brands remain misaligned in the race to deliver better connected commerce experiences. From AI readiness and retail media investment to omnichannel execution and product data collaboration, this episode is essential listening for leaders shaping the future of retail and eCommerce in Australia. Download the full report here: https://www.arkticfox.io/inside-digital-ecommerce-2026

The salient point of our discussion today revolves around the critical implications of the recent Section 301 investigation initiated by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative concerning Vietnam's intellectual property protections. This inquiry, which could potentially culminate in new tariffs, underscores the significant shift in sourcing dynamics within the furniture industry, particularly as manufacturers have increasingly turned to Vietnam in their efforts to diversify production away from China. We further explore the ramifications of such trade policies on operational strategies and the necessity for furniture operators to proactively assess the impact on their costs and supply chains. Additionally, we delve into the corporate maneuverings of La-Z-Boy, which has undertaken a strategic divestiture aimed at refining its focus on its core upholstery operations, a decision indicative of broader trends among established brands concentrating their resources. Finally, we analyze the mixed results from the recent Memorial Day weekend sales, highlighting the cautious consumer sentiment influenced by external economic factors, which suggests a need for retailers to adapt their promotional strategies accordingly.Takeaways:The U.S. trade representative's new Section 301 investigation into Vietnam highlights the significant implications for furniture sourcing and tariffs.La-Z-Boy's recent divestment of its wholesale case goods business signifies a strategic focus on core upholstery operations and operational efficiency.The mixed results of Memorial Day sales reflect the broader economic concerns affecting consumer confidence in the furniture market this year.Retailers are increasingly adopting educational approaches to upselling, prioritizing customer engagement over traditional sales tactics, thereby enhancing average transaction values.Current economic pressures, such as rising gas prices, are reshaping consumer spending habits and necessitating strategic adjustments in retail operations.The upcoming Fourth of July weekend is poised to serve as a critical indicator of consumer confidence and retail performance for the remainder of the year.

Pourquoi certaines enseignes réussissent-elles là où d'autres échouent, parfois à quelques centaines de mètres de distance ?Derrière cette question se cache un sujet dont on parle finalement assez peu : les flux.Chaque jour, des millions de consommateurs se déplacent, modifient leurs habitudes, changent leurs parcours et redessinent progressivement la carte du commerce. Pour les enseignes, les investisseurs ou les collectivités, comprendre ces mouvements est devenu un enjeu stratégique.Pour en parler, je reçois Pauline Paris, Chief Marketing Officer de MyTraffic, entreprise française spécialisée dans l'analyse des flux piétons et automobiles à partir de données géospatiales.Au cours de cette conversation, nous explorons ce que l'analyse des flux nous apprend sur les transformations du commerce. Nous revenons sur l'évolution des centres-villes depuis le Covid, l'impact des nouvelles mobilités, les secteurs actuellement en forte croissance comme le pet care, le wellness ou les loisirs, mais aussi sur la manière dont les enseignes utilisent la donnée pour choisir leurs implantations, adapter leur offre et mesurer leur performance.Une discussion passionnante qui montre que derrière chaque ouverture de magasin, chaque succès commercial ou chaque transformation urbaine, il y a souvent une même question : où sont les consommateurs, et comment évoluent leurs déplacements ?Bonne écoute, toujours sans coupure !Pour suivre Les Digital Doers :LinkedIn | Insta | Facebook | Tiktok | WhatsApp | Site webHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

In 1978, Brian Smith quit his accounting job in Australia and headed to California with a surfboard, some savings, and ambition. He figured California was where he'd find an idea or a product to bring back home to Australia to build a business. A year in, he was still looking.But then he saw an advertisement in a surfing magazine for Australian sheepskin boots. Uggs were so widespread in Australia at the time, the name was a generic term - like flip flops - not a brand. Brian was immediately stoked: these boots were virtually unknown in America. If he could get ugg boots for sale in the U.S., they would be a huge success! Almost nobody else agreed.For years, Brian lived on the edge of collapse. He sold boots from the back of his van and worked construction and golf course maintenance jobs to survive. Retailers laughed him out of stores. He lost control of his company twice. At one point, he literally crawled across the floor from stress, ready to walk away forever.And yet…he kept going.What followed was one of the most unlikely brand-building stories in modern retail history — involving surf culture, trademark wars, miraculous timing, brutal financing mistakes, and a product the fashion world initially dismissed.Today, UGG generates more than $2.5 billion a year in sales.You'll hear how Brian:Turned rejection into problems to solveDiscovered marketing insights that changed UGG foreverSurvived years of cash-flow disastersLost control of the company and regained it a couple of times.Used surf culture to build an emotional connection with customersNearly quit… over and over again…And how he eventually sold UGG to footwear giant, DeckerTimestamps:09:51 Brian's eureka moment that led to the birth of UGG12:41 The first sales trip results in ZERO sales21:10 The mantra that kept Brian going while doing odd summer jobs to survive28:32 Brian gets a critical lesson in marketing…from some 12-year-old kids51:59 Brian's most effective strategy for retail: the “Six-Pair Stocking Plan”56:42 On track to regain his ownership - Brian hits a huge snag01:01:57 A midnight phone call from Australia saves the business01:11:28 Brian gets the last laugh in the trademark dispute - and acquires a boot factory01:14:54 Pamela Anderson wears UGGs on the set of Baywatch01:23:39 A chance meeting in the Atlanta airport leads to a deal to sell UGGThis episode was researched and produced by Casey Herman, with music by Ramtin Arablouei, and edited by Andrea Bruce.Follow How I Built This:Instagram → @howibuiltthisX → @HowIBuiltThisFacebook → How I Built ThisFollow Guy Raz:Instagram → @guy.razYoutube → guy_razX → @guyrazSubstack → guyraz.substack.comWebsite → guyraz.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, rookie farmer Colton Simpson of Simpson's Market Garden shares how he brought on a new retailer through an existing client.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

For years, fashion brands chased younger consumers online, but Frances Valentine has found its edge by doing the opposite. Building a vibrant, social-first brand experience around women 50 and up.In this episode of Retail Remix (and the first hosted by new Retail TouchPoints Editor-in-Chief Kate Robertson), Kate sits down with Katherine Brodie, CMO of Frances Valentine, to discuss how the brand is scaling through video-first storytelling, creator-style content and a deeply engaged community built around color, joy and personal connection. Katherine shares how Elyce Arons — who co-founded the brand with her best friend, the late Kate Spade — has become both the face and personality of the brand across social media, why Frances Valentine treats content creation like its own production studio and how the company is balancing digital growth with expanding retail and wholesale partnerships.Key TakeawaysWhy Frances Valentine has found major success by focusing on the underserved and highly affluent 50+ female consumer  How Elyce Arons' authentic social presence has become a powerful customer acquisition and engagement engine  Why the brand treats social content and video production as a separate, always-on marketing track  How Frances Valentine balances owned digital channels with retail stores and wholesale partnerships to deepen loyalty  Why Katherine believes today's marketers need to understand the full business picture — not just impressions and traffic  Related LinksExplore Frances Valentine's colorful fashion and lifestyle collectionsGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks Dis-Chem's latest results – revenue growth, but little else to cheer – and Spar's shock update that sent the share price to multi-year lows. Grant Webster from Ninety One discusses how emerging markets have become increasingly resilient to external shocks and why investors are taking notice. Jonty Sacks from Jaltech explains what happens when a Section 12J investment reaches its mandatory five-year maturity – and the key tax considerations investors need to understand.

The predictions that looked a lot more like reality on the show floor.Everyone arrives at ICSC with predictions. The real question is which ones survive contact with 25,000 people on the show floor.Chris Ressa and CBRE's Karly Iacono weren't just attending ICSC Las Vegas. They were in the middle of it. Between meetings, deal discussions, and serving as panelists at the inaugural ICSC+PROPTech event, they had a front-row seat to the conversations shaping retail real estate in 2026.One of the biggest takeaways? The relationship between cap rates and interest rates is no longer as straightforward as many expected. Despite elevated borrowing costs, strong demand for retail assets continues to support pricing. With more capital chasing a limited supply of quality opportunities, retail fundamentals are increasingly driving investment decisions.That reality reinforces another trend both hosts have been watching closely: the rise of the operator. Rather than relying on financial engineering, investors are focused on creating value through leasing, rent growth, and hands-on asset management. In today's market, execution matters.The conversation also turns to AI, which surfaced in meeting after meeting throughout the week. Surprisingly, the most interesting discussions weren't about corporate technology initiatives. They were about how people are using AI in their daily lives to improve productivity, make better decisions, and create more balance between work and life.Karly also highlights the growing influence of healthcare tenants in retail real estate, comparing today's medical and wellness concepts to the rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants a decade ago. Above all, ICSC 2026 underscored the enduring value of being together in person. With more than 25,000 attendees, packed events, and nonstop networking, the energy was impossible to ignore. In an increasingly digital world, the appetite for real-world connection may be one of the strongest signals yet for the future of brick-and-mortar retail.What You'll HearWhy the mood at ICSC felt fundamentally different this yearWhat 25,000 people in Vegas signaled about retail real estateWhy retailers are doubling down on physical storesHow the return of the operator is reshaping the marketWhy AI moved from buzzword to business conversationWhat the demand for in-person experiences means for retail's futureChapters00:00 — The energy coming out of ICSC VegasWhy this year's conference felt bigger, busier, and more optimistic than expected.02:40 — Did we get our predictions right?Chris and Karly revisit their pre-ICSC outlook and compare it to what actually happened on the ground.03:50 — Retailers are spending againThe surprising scale of capital flowing back into physical stores and what it signals about retailer confidence.05:40 — Why store investment matters nowHow retailers are shifting resources away from infrastructure and back into the customer experience.06:45 — The net effective rent storyWhy tenant investment is becoming one of the biggest drivers of value creation for landlords.09:35 — A landlord and broker debate underwritingChris and Karly challenge each other's views on NOI, value creation, and long-term ownership economics.14:40 — The return of conviction in retailWhat retailer spending says about the future of physical stores and why confidence appears to be growing.15:25 — Cap rates, operators, and a changing investment landscapeWhy execution matters more than ever and how investors are evaluating retail assets differently.25:25 — AI enters the mainstream conversationHow artificial intelligence moved from buzzword to everyday discussion across the conference.28:40 — Healthcare's growing role in retail real estateWhy medical and wellness users are becoming increasingly important retail tenants.33:25 — What 25,000 people tell us about physical retailThe broader takeaway from ICSC and why in-person experiences remain a powerful force in the market.

Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa just came back from ICSC Las Vegas — 25,000 attendees, non-stop energy, and conversations that signal exactly where retail real estate is headed.In this episode, they break down the five themes that dominated:▶ Retailers are deploying BILLIONS into physical stores ▶ Cap rates and interest rates have decoupled ▶ AI was in every conversation ▶ Healthcare is the new QSR ▶ The hunger for in-person experience at a 25,000-person conference is a leading indicator for the future of physical retailWhether you were at the conference or watching from the sidelines, this is the fastest way to get up to speed on where the industry stands right now.

In the early 20th century, some retailers would advertise a product at an attractively low price to lure customers into the store, claim the item was out of stock or of poor quality then pressure customers to buy a more expensive alternative. The practice became known in the public vernacular as "bait and switch" in the 1920s. This week, we look at three modern bait and switches pertinent to our beat. First, Julian looks at “free speech patriot” Chud the Builder's slimy social media tactics. Then Derek investigates RFK Jr's SNAP benefits now you see them, now you don't. Finally, Matthew looks at how Mark Carney is bait and switching the Canadian political body. Show Notes SNAP Restrictions Raise Prices for U.S. Retailers and Consumers, Rather Than Improving Diets State-Level SNAP Food Restrictions: Assessing Long-Term Profitability and Policy Risks for Grocery Retailers SNAP Enforcement Changes Risk Limiting Food Access for Vulnerable Communities USDA outlines retailer compliance for state SNAP waivers EBT, SNAP, and Food Retail Compliance: A Complete Explainer for Small Grocery and Convenience Store Owners FRAC Urges USDA to End Harmful SNAP Food Restriction Waivers Bank of England — Mark Carney biography UN — Carney Special Envoy appointment Council for Inclusive Capitalism — Carney Amnesty International Canada — Bill C-12 CBC News — Bill C-233 defeated Government of Canada — CERB eligibility CBC News — CRA COVID benefit clawbacks Parliamentary Budget Officer — federal housing spending CBC News — oil and gas emissions cap scrapped CBC News — F-35 contract review CBC News — Defence Security and Resilience Bank confirmed CBC News — Indigenous Services Canada budget cuts CCPA — Bill C-15 corporate exemption CBC News — Grassy Narrows, "I can outlast her" Guardian — Carney climate record Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:AWS launches the Agentic Shopping Assistant (aka ASA), packaging the technology and learnings behind Amazon's Alexa for Shopping so third-party retailers can deploy their own conversational AI shopping experiences in roughly 60 days.Dick's Sporting Goods beats Q1 estimates with 4.1% same-store comp growth and $5.17B in sales, as Foot Locker posts its first positive comparable sales quarter since Q4 2024.Walmart rolls out its Prepaid Consolidation Program, allowing suppliers to ship under a single purchase order to one location while Walmart handles distribution across 42 regional centers.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.

This podcast episode delineates the prevailing dynamics within the furniture industry, elucidating the pivotal finding that consumer confidence remains an essential determinant in the sector's recovery trajectory. The latest consumer confidence index has exhibited a modest decline, underscoring the sensitivity of furniture purchases to economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, particularly those related to energy prices. Furthermore, we explore the recent unveiling of the Furniture Today Top 100 report, revealing that, despite previous hardships, a significant number of major retailers have begun to experience sales growth, an encouraging signal amidst a landscape of mergers and acquisitions that further consolidate market share. The discussion also highlights emerging consumer trends, particularly the burgeoning interest in tactile textures and nostalgic room concepts, which present both challenges and opportunities for retailers. As we navigate this complex milieu, the overarching theme persists: the most successful operators will be those who strategically position themselves for future growth rather than merely striving for survival. The current landscape of the furniture industry is characterized by intricate dynamics influenced by macroeconomic factors and evolving consumer sentiments. Recently released data from the Conference Board indicates a slight decline in consumer confidence, with the index dropping by approximately 0.7 points to 93.1 for May 2026, reflecting mounting concerns regarding inflationary pressures, particularly stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These pressures have engendered a palpable sense of caution among consumers, making furniture purchases—often deemed as deferable—subject to postponement when economic anxieties loom large. Retailers must therefore brace themselves for a marketplace where price sensitivity prevails, necessitating a strategic pivot towards enticing financing options and doorbuster deals that resonate more profoundly with consumer apprehensions than aspirational marketing strategies. The subtle uptick in the forward-looking Expectations index, albeit still below the recession-risk threshold, suggests a potential resurgence in consumer engagement should energy prices stabilize—a crucial consideration for retailers in the upcoming quarter.Takeaways:The recent downturn in consumer confidence highlights the critical relationship between economic conditions and furniture purchasing decisions, particularly in a deferable purchase market.The Furniture Today Top 100 report reveals a significant shift where over half the retailers experienced sales growth, indicating a potential recovery in a previously beleaguered industry.Noteworthy acquisitions, such as Tempur Sealy's merger with Mattress Firm, exemplify a trend towards consolidation that could reshape market dynamics and competitive landscapes.Emerging consumer trends suggest a preference for warm earth tones and tactile textures, compelling retailers to adapt their merchandising strategies to align with evolving aesthetic preferences.The rise of digital-first brands transitioning to brick-and-mortar stores signifies a pivotal moment in retail, necessitating traditional retailers to enhance their service offerings and customer experiences.The overarching theme throughout the episode emphasizes that companies must strategically position themselves for future growth rather than merely survive the current economic challenges.

Highlights from Talkback. William Crawley and guests discuss the news headlines.

By Doug Green “AI, cloud communications, and mobile-first design are reshaping what voice means in a retail setting, and why this shift represents a major opportunity for the telecom channel,” says Paul Birkin, Chief Technology and Product Officer at VoCoVo. In this Technology Reseller News podcast, Paul Birkin of VoCoVo discusses how retail communications are moving beyond the traditional telephone system and becoming part of a broader connected-store environment. In that model, voice is no longer just a way to make or receive calls. It becomes the real-time interface between frontline retail associates, AI platforms, inventory systems, customer service tools, security systems and store operations. Birkin explains that retail associates often need immediate answers while they are standing in front of a customer. A shopper may ask whether an item is in stock, whether a product is vegan-friendly, whether a garment is made of cotton, or whether a promotion applies. Traditionally, the associate might need to leave the customer, find a terminal, check with a manager, or search for someone with more experience. VoCoVo's approach is to bring that information directly into the associate's ear. The associate asks a question by voice. VoCoVo converts that voice into text, connects into the retailer's AI platform, receives the answer, converts it back into voice, and delivers it to the associate in near real time. The result is a more informed associate, a better-served customer, and a faster retail interaction. The conversation also explores how this same connected voice layer can support broader store operations. Birkin describes VoCoVo as sitting at the heart of the connected store, linking associates to call points, stock systems, automated alerts, refrigeration systems, cameras, and other store technologies. A failed fridge, a low-stock alert, a customer request, or a security notification can all be routed to the right person at the right time. For telecom resellers and channel partners, the opportunity is clear. Retailers are looking for ways to improve customer service, make frontline teams more productive, and integrate AI into real-world operations. VoCoVo shows how voice can become the practical bridge between AI systems and the people working on the shop floor. Learn more at www.VoCoVo.com

The retail real estate industry is entering ICSC Las Vegas with momentum, confidence, and a fundamentally different supply-demand dynamic.Recorded live from the SiriusXM Studios at Wynn Las Vegas ahead of ICSC Las Vegas 2026, this special episode of Retail Retold brings together two of the industry's most influential voices: Tom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC, and Adam Ifshin, Founder and CEO of DLC.The conversation dives directly into the biggest themes shaping retail real estate today, including the unprecedented strength of the open-air shopping center sector, the ongoing supply and demand imbalance in retail space, the rise of PropTech and AI, and the resilience of the American consumer.McGee shares why this year's ICSC Las Vegas feels different from previous years, pointing to the launch of ICSC+PropTech and ICSC+Women in CRE as major new initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. With more than 180 technology companies participating in year one, the discussion highlights how AI, operational technology, and data-driven decision making are rapidly changing how landlords and retailers operate.Adam and Tom also explore why retail fundamentals remain exceptionally strong despite economic uncertainty. They discuss rising traffic at value-oriented shopping centers, the lack of new retail construction, the importance of employment stability, and how retailers have become more operationally disciplined since the pandemic.The episode closes with a forward-looking conversation about AI's impact on the shopping journey, why physical stores remain central to retail, and how consumer expectations will continue to evolve in an increasingly tech-enabled world.Whether you are attending ICSC Las Vegas or following the future of retail real estate from afar, this episode offers a timely look at where the industry is heading next.What You'll Hear Why ICSC Las Vegas 2026 feels different from previous yearsThe launch of ICSC+PropTech and ICSC+Women in CREWhy retail real estate fundamentals remain historically strongThe ongoing supply and demand imbalance in retail spaceHow AI is reshaping retail operations and consumer behaviorWhy physical stores remain critical in an omnichannel worldThe resilience of the American consumer despite inflation concernsHow retailers became stronger and more disciplined after the pandemicWhy value-oriented shopping centers continue gaining trafficWhat the future of retail development and leasing may look likeChapters00:00 – Welcome from the SiriusXM Studios at Wynn Las Vegas02:15 – Why ICSC Las Vegas 2026 feels different05:48 – The launch of ICSC+PropTech and the future of retail technology11:32 – Leveraging ICSC's scale to drive innovation14:05 – The state of the American consumer20:40 – Why value retail continues to outperform24:12 – Retailers becoming more disciplined and resilient post-pandemic29:08 – The supply and demand imbalance in retail real estate

A torn Meniscus – that is what they say… now what? The beginning of UBI as a response from the AI boom? Black in packaging – byproduct of war Markets – – Up up and away! – New inflation data is in… – The Circular Economy – Great chart…. – Some inflation facts PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Torn Meniscus - that is what they say... now what? - The beginning of UBI as a response from the AI boom? - Black in packaging - byproduct of war - Insights into consumer confidence reports Markets - Up up and away! - New inflation data is in... - The Circular Economy - Great chart.... - Some inflation facts - From the TACO trade to the NACHO trade The new CTP for Salesforce is open for entries! From TACO to NACHO - Not A Chance Hormuz Opens - - New phrase being used in the oil pits and trading floors Life Support - President Trump tells reporters that ceasefire with Iran is on "massive life support"; says Iran's peace proposal was a "piece of garbage" Going to CHYNA - President Donald Trump has invited executives from some of the biggest U.S. companies — including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg — to join his trip to China this week, according to a White House official. - Also expected to join Trump's delegation for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping are Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman, Cargill's Brian Sikes, Citigroup's Jane Fraser, Coherent's Jim Anderson, GE Aerospace's H. Lawrence Culp Jr., Goldman Sachs's David Solomon, Illumina's Jacob Thaysen, Mastercard's Michael Miebach, Meta Platforms executive Dina Powell McCormick, Micron Technology's Sanjay Mehrotra, Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon and Visa's Ryan McInerney, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the list has not been announced. - Jensen Huang supposedly not invited Inflation Report Today - Total CPI increased 0.6% month-over-month in April, as expected, following a 0.9% increase in March. That left total CPI up 3.8% year-over-year versus 3.3% in March. - Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, jumped 0.4% month-over-month (Briefing.com consensus: 0.4%) following a 0.2% increase in March. That left core - CPI up 2.8% year-over-year versus 2.6% in March. ----Key Factors - The food index was up 0.5% month-over-month and up 3.2% year-over-year. - The energy index was up 3.8% month-over-month and up 17.9% year-over-year. - The shelter index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 3.3% year-over-year. - The used cars and trucks index was flat month-over-month and down 2.7% year-over-year. - The apparel index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 4.2% year-over-year. - The services index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 3.4% year-over-year (services less rent of shelter was up 3.5% year-over-year). - The all items index less food, shelter, and energy was up 0.2% month-over-month and up 2.3% year-over-year. Consumer Confidence - Surging gas prices due to the Iran war sent consumer sentiment to a new low in the early part of May, according to a University of Michigan survey Friday. “Taken together, consumers continue to feel buffeted by cost pressures, led by soaring prices at the pump,” the survey's director, Joanne Hsu, said. - The latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment preliminary reading for May came in at 48.2, below the 50.5 consensus estimate and below the prior 49.8 final reading for April. ---Note: Conference board's consumer confidence reading was actually better than last month so there is a discrepancy in reports. - Conference Board measure as highly important because it is widely followed and often tied closely to labor-market perceptions, while the Michigan survey is also closely watched for inflation-sensitive consumer attitudes. Thwarted! - Google's Threat Intelligence Group said hackers are using AI models such as OpenClaw to uncover and exploit zero-day software vulnerabilities. - GTIG said it has “high confidence” that it recorded hackers using an AI model to find and exploit a zero-day vulnerability, or a software flaw unknown to developers, creating a way to bypass two-factor authentication. -The group said in a report that it had uncovered and likely thwarted an AI-developed attack. - Anthropic delayed its Mythos model rollout due to cybersecurity concerns, but current models are being used by hackers. - How are we going to stop the hackers from using powerful AI models to hack? Circular Economy - Great Graphic Circular Always Money to be made... - US derivatives exchange CME Group Inc. and index provider Silicon Data are teaming up to create a futures market for computing power. - The futures will help traders, financial firms, AI builders and cloud providers manage volatility and price swings, according to a statement. - CME CEO Terry Duffy said compute is "the new oil of the 21st century" and creating a futures market can help make the costs more transparent. ----- One more way to pump this as now there is ways to further inflate costs through a leveraged futures market Private Credit Transparency? - Faster mark-to-market plans - Apollo Global Management Inc. has been stepping up efforts to provide liquidity and price transparency in the private-credit market, where assets don't typically change hands. - Last week, the firm said more than $830 billion of its credit assets will be priced daily by the end of September. " - Others in the industry are not so happy about this. - Most say that this is little more that lipstick on a pig No Problem - Congress is looking to suspend the federal gas tax for a few months - Trump backing - $0.18 per gallon tax in a effort to reduce gas prices that are now approx $4.40 average per gallon higher than before the war - War not changed, Iran still stringing us along. - Under/Over how long it will take until next Ceasefire bombings start? - Will a sprinkle of warfare prior to China visit be in the cards as a show of strength? AI Jobs - Kevin Hassett says that AI isn't costing anybody their jobs rights now - EVEN THOUGH TECH CONTINUES LAYOFFS - Why bother even listening to these guys? - Major deep discussion on this on TDI Podcast this week -- WORTH THE LISTEN Asian Markets - Continuing to brush off any worries about oil prices, escalation or valuations that are in the stratosphere - Korea - as we discussed this would be the case is up a staggering 78% last year and already up 81% this year - Market cap has increased $2.7 trillion over the past year - The massive wealth increase has been heavily concentrated. Tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix accounted for the vast majority of the gains, with individual rallies of up to 382% over the year. Strange - The retail trades added nearly 22,000 jobs in April, accounting for almost one-fifth of total job growth. - In March, retailers posted their largest number of monthly job openings since 2023. - Retailers are more confident after seeing consumers keep their wallets open in the face of an uncertain economy and higher gas prices. - Nearly 15.5 million employees now hold retail industry jobs, the most since July 2024. - What is strange is the UMich confidence hit another all-time low last Friday for the latest prelim reading for the month ANALlysts - The earnings upgrades for tech are not just incremental - Examples: -  Seagate Tech target raised to $1000 from $750 at Evercore ISI, cites HAMR-driven multi-year HDD growth, pricing power, and strong AI/data center demand backdrop - AMD - Goldman Sachs upgraded to Buy and raised its price target dramatically (e.g., to $450 from $240). Other firms like Bernstein (to $525), Barclays, KeyBanc, TD Cowen, and Baird also hiked targets significantly (many by $200+) - Several other names upgrades with big ranges of price increases UBI Starting...? - South Korea should consider institutional ways to redistribute potential excess tax revenue generated by the AI infrastructure boom to help ease inequalities that could deepen in an AI-driven era, a top presidential policy aide said. - President Kim proposed the principle, tentatively named a “national dividend,” underlining that gains from AI infrastructure should be understood as the product of South Korea's collectively built industrial foundation. - In his Facebook post on Monday, Kim explained that "the central question of the AI era is not simply about growth rates, but about how to socially stabilize excess profits." Black ink - Calbee to switch its brightly colored packaging to black and white because war has disrupted supply of certain raw materials used in ink - Calbee, whose potato chip brands in particular are known for brightly colored bag designs, said 14 of its products would switch to monochrome branding by the end of May. - Printing ink requires naphtha, an oil derivative for which Japan relies on imports from the Middle East for about 40% of its consumption. Black Ink Printing HantaVirus - Tristan da Cunha, home to only around 200 people, is halfway between South Africa and South America. It is the world's remotest inhabited island, more than 2,400 km and a six-day boat ride from St Helena, its nearest inhabited neighbor. - It usually relies on a medical team of two people for its health needs, and is normally only accessible by boat as it has no airstrip. - A British man was dropped from the death ship was there and has the symptoms - so "out of an abundance of caution...." - "The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies from the sky has hopefully reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha," said Brigadier Ed Cartwright, Officer Commanding 16 Air Assault Brigade. - Does this give comfort that paratroopers dropping in with hazmat suits?     Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Announcing the THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SALESFORCE (CRM)   Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

Retailers have spent 25 years trying to make in-store picking profitable. Most are still struggling because fulfillment is managed as an afterthought. In this episode, Top Retail Expert Vinny O'Brien sits down with Xavier Pym, Partnerships Development Manager at Vusion and Kristofer Browall, Head of Solution Sales at StrongPoint, to bridge the gap between digital strategy and operational reality. Discussion Highlights: - The Design Conflict - Direction Over Data - The Human Factor - The Connected Advantage Stop managing the store as a side project. Start building a real-time fulfillment engine.

15/16: Gene Marks observes steady business for construction and safety industries across the US. He notes that raw material costs have surged significantly. Despite inflation, consumer spending remains vigorous, with major retailers like Amazon reporting their strongest retail growth since the pandemic.1900

Bad news for your next smartphone purchase: An extended memory chip crunch is upon us, warns Apple CEO Tim Cook. New artificial intelligence projects are outspending the consumer electronics sector on memory, and manufacturers have limited output capacity. Retailers will likely pass those higher costs onto consumers. Also in this episode: A retiree focuses on charitable giving, specialty movie ticket prices climb to $50, and America's biggest energy port benefits from the Middle East oil tie-up.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

4. George Fox: The Rise of an Ambitious Merchant Tailor George Fox exemplifies the entrepreneurial ambition inherent in many Irish immigrants. Trained as a tailor, he initially earned a pittance sewing for major retailers but eventually opened his own shop on Broadway. Fox became a master of self-promotion, advertising extensively and providing free, high-quality clothing to President Millard Fillmore and prominent senators to build his reputation. This transition from journeyman to master was a primary goal for many skilled Irish artisans. Since New York was rapidly expanding, carpenters, masons, and tailors were rarely out of work, allowing them to accumulate savings and provide social mobility for their children. 41880 ACHILL

In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I sit down with the Hobby Nonsense crew to discuss the massive shift happening in the trading card world. I dive deep into why I believe fictional character "rookie cards" are the most undervalued assets in the hobby today and why a character like Spongebob has more staying power than a retired athlete. I also share the strategy behind the new VeeFriends Super Sticker Spectacular launch and why supporting local card shops is the key to long-term success.You'll learn about:The launch of the VeeFriends Super Sticker SpectacularWhy I'm prioritizing local retail stores over direct salesThe massive upside of vintage fictional character cardsMy 40-year vision for building VeeFriends into a global IP