Podcast appearances and mentions of robin lewis

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).After weeks of no work, Joey finally has some jobs on the books. And it's a lot of work, enough to keep a small army busy!If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guests: Lisa Holland, Executive Head Enterprise Analytics at Albertsons CompaniesDan Bonert, Senior Vice President of Retail Media, Merchandising Analytics and Collaborations at NIQWendy Liebman, CEO and Founder/Chief Shopper at WSL Strategic RetailCraig Dubitsky, Founder of Happy CoffeeThe retail apocalypse isn't coming from economic downturns; it's being driven by executives who still believe traditional demographics predict shopping behavior and loyalty.  Customers have moved beyond typical market segment classifications to psychological and emotional influences.  The most successful organizations have abandoned demographic targeting and price wars to focus on earning customer trust through authentic value propositions that solve real human problems. Join Shelley and guests Lisa Holland, Executive Head Enterprise Analytics at Albertsons Companies; Dan Bonert, Senior Vice President of Retail Media, Merchandising Analytics and Collaborations at NIQ; Wendy Liebman, CEO and Founder/Chief Shopper at WSL Strategic Retail; and Craig Dubitsky, Founder of Happy Coffee as they discuss the new state of customer marketing. They reveal how leveraging retail media networks (processing over 2.4 trillion weekly transactions) delivers unprecedented behavioral insights. They also describe how winning companies are transforming physical retail spaces from transactional hubs into community connection centers where human connection creates indispensable relationships that digital alternatives cannot replicate. Breakthrough insights reshaping a competitive advantage are that emotional innovation trumps technical apps. Plus, an authentic brand voice cannot be manufactured by third-party performative marketing campaigns but must emerge organically from genuine values integrated directly into operational decisions.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).We talk to Mark Lilly, the creator of one of the most unique chairs we've seen in ages.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Marks Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mannerfurniture/Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Arick Wierson, Emmy-winning producer and TRR contributor The retail apocalypse isn't coming from Amazon or an economic recession—it's being manufactured in Washington through tariff policy that defies basic business logic. A comprehensive analysis of C-suite perspectives across small, medium, and large retailers reveals an industry caught between political conviction and economic reality, where even a "modest" 10 percent tariff can obliterate the profit margins that grocery and discount chains measure in single digits. Join guest Arick Wierson, Emmy-winning producer and TRR contributor and Shalley as they discuss how the emergence of "Trump majeure" as contractual language signals how deeply trade uncertainty has penetrated corporate planning, forcing executives to treat policy volatility like natural disasters. They analyze how the real crisis will emerge in Q4 when holiday inventory decisions made months earlier collide with tariff reality. Small and medium retailers lack the working capital to front-load inventory or the negotiating power to secure favorable financing terms, while their larger competitors deploy sophisticated hedging strategies. This creates a two-tiered market where scale determines survival, potentially accelerating retail consolidation beyond what digital disruption alone could achieve. The irony is profound: Policies designed to protect American jobs may ultimately destroy the very small businesses that form the backbone of local economies, while benefiting only those retailers with sufficient resources to navigate regulatory complexity.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guests: Sonja Chapman: Associate Professor in the Department of International Trade and Marketing at SUNY Fashion Institute of TechnologyKen O'Brien: CEO and President of Gemini Shippers GroupThe shifting seas of trade policy is creating economic whiplash and ripple effects far beyond immediate cost implications, forcing strategic pivots that impact everything from production timelines to container logistics. While large retailers have invested eight-figure sums to rapidly shift production to alternative markets like Vietnam and Bangladesh, these facilities often struggle to match China's scale and efficiency, producing only about two-thirds of required volume. Join Shelley, Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor in the Department of International Trade and Marketing at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology, and Ken O'Brien, CEO and President of Gemini Shippers Group, as they discuss how the evolving global supply chain landscape demands strategic recalibration by forward-thinking organizations. Retailers and brands must face critical decisions about balancing redundancy with efficiency as traditional supply networks undergo transformation.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).We get into a few updates from Robin, mostly around client work. We also do a live, on screen design session for a quote that Robin's working on. Bryan gives an update on his time so far at Craft Lab 2025 in Ballarat.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Jan Kniffen, CEO of retail consultancy, J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide Today's retail industry faces unprecedented transformation driven by three major forces: tariff restructuring affecting global supply chains, AI implementation across all business functions, and evolving consumer behaviors that reject mediocrity. Industry expert Jan Kniffen, CEO of retail consultancy, J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide says, this is a "retail tectonic shift where the industry isn't simply evolving but "being torn down and rebuilt on a dead sprint.”  Join Shelley and Jan as they discuss how the retail industry stands at a pivotal moment that will determine which organizations thrive in the next decade. They also caution that retailers merely reacting to disruption face increasing irrelevance in a landscape dominated by forward-thinking competitors who manage the onslaught of change.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Maytee Pereira, Managing Director in PwC's US Customs and International Trade practice Regardless of the flipflops of the Trump administration's trade policies, retailers are operating in the middle of a tariff war. When nations retaliate, executive strategies for tariff-driven disruption are thrown into chaos. Retailers face unprecedented challenges managing the transformation of 10-20 percent blanket tariffs into a complex web of constantly changing country-specific penalties disrupting forecasting, sourcing, and pricing strategies. Maytee Pereira, Managing Director in PwC's US Customs and International Trade practice joins Shelley to help deconstruct tariff inequities. Supercenters can leverage scale to minimize shocks while discount retailers, heavily dependent on Chinese imports, face existential challenges. And small businesses have the toughest road without the deep financial pockets of the megabrands. Shelley and Maytee discuss the stark differences in readiness across sectors; apparel companies with years of experience navigating duties demonstrate remarkable adaptability, while other consumer goods retailers are encountering significant tariff impacts for the first time without tested response playbooks. Listen in and learn how forward-thinking organizations are implementing sophisticated approaches to mitigate tariff impacts.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Ol' mate Nick joined us again, this time getting into the weeds of his YouTube journey and process.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Nicks Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pedullastudio/Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Marie Driscoll, a retail analyst, consultant and TRR contributorThe luxury market finds itself at a critical inflection point with industry titan LVMH serving as a perfect case study of resilience buffeted by volatility. As aspirational consumers pull back spending and economic uncertainty prevails, LVMH is making strategic pivots to redefine luxury's trajectory. The recent luxury boom is resetting to sobering realities: price increases, impending tariffs, and the weaking dollar. Join Shelley and Marie Driscoll, a retail analyst, consultant and TRR contributor, as they dive into LVMH's strategies to keep their brands relevant and top of mind for the consumer during a time of major market disruptions. The challenges are steep: LVMH and other luxury powerhouses must reimagine their value propositions by building authentic community through experiential retail. The luxury tool of the future? Digital storytelling that introduces brand essence and value that transcends superficial, fleeting TikTok impressions.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest:  Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy HealthPets are big business; 66% of U.S. households are pet parents. Chewy has been a pioneer in online pet care and is now transforming in-person veterinary care by seamlessly integrating ecommerce convenience with personalized clinical experiences. In fact, Chewy was named a 2024 Crave Retail Radical by The Robin Report. Their digital-first healthcare model has earned high customer reviews by delivering instant access, technological convenience, and exceptional service. Join Shelley and Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health, as they explore how Chewy continues to innovate with a revolutionary in-person veterinary clinic practice. With a stress-free, spa-like clinical environment that calms both pets and humans, Chewy is one step ahead of the market that is hungry for modern, predictable, trusted healthcare that connects physical care with digital convenience. Learn how Chewy consistently exceeds expectations with award-winning customer service and reimagining veterinary care with its deep understanding of how to serve pet parents and their pets.  For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Interviews with entrepreneurs Ally Hongo of Japan Travel Awards & Shiitake Creative, Elly Hirano a sustainably focused freelance entrepreneur & Robin Lewis of Social Innovation Japan & MyMizu

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).A light one this episode…is the industry dying? Let's get into it!If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests:Michelle Bellanca, CEO and co-founder of Claros Technologies Arick Wierson, Emmy Award-winning producer and TRR contributorThe retail industry faces a transformative reckoning beyond tariffs and supply chain disruptions: PFAS chemicals. These "forever chemicals" are ubiquitous in everything from textiles and cosmetics to food packaging and electronics. What's more, PFAS compounds have infiltrated 99 percent of all humans' bloodstreams. Regulatory frameworks are tightening worldwide, with Europe leading aggressive restrictions while the U.S. market remains primarily litigation driven. Guests Michelle Bellanca, CEO and co-founder of Claros Technologies and Arick Wierson, Emmy Award winning producer and TRR contributor join Shelley with a call to action about this $13 trillion threat to the retail industry. The technology exists to detect and destroy these compounds, and innovative companies can lead rather than react to eradicate PFAS. Consumers will also put pressure on manufacturers to provide PFAS-free products. We are at a critical juncture to reverse the PFAS tide.  Listen and learn! For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Robin Lewis is the inspiring co-founder of the LESS PLASTIC, MORE FUN startup in Japan called MyMizu. In this talk, Robin reflects on the 5-year Journey to taking the innovative idea of creating a refill network across Japan (and beyond). What's ahead for the venture, and also offers insights and advice for leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.Robin Lewis is also a social entrepreneur, speaker and educator who works as the Representative Director of Social Innovation Japan - one of NIKKEI's ‘100 Companies Building the Future'. Robin Lewis is also the co-founder of MyMizu, an award-winning community-building app listing clean water refill areas across Japan and beyond to improve health, reduce plastic waste and connect with more ethical businesses.It is exciting to talk with Robin on Earth Day this year to talk about the MyMizu 5 year report insights and catch up on his other projects and hear about his hopes and vision of the future for sustainable innovation in Japan. LINKShttps://robin-lewis.com/https://www.mymizu.cohttps://www.socialinnovationjapan.com/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests: Ann Cantrell, small business owner and FIT associate professorLiz Alessi, retail supply chain expertWe're celebrating Earth Day Week early! The fashion industry has an environmental crisis on its hands. It uses an astronomical number of resources (a single T-shirt requires 700 gallons of water to manufacture) contributing 10 percent of global carbon emissions. Fast fashion brands are accelerating production cycles while regulatory rollbacks are threatening progress: understanding sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent for both consumers and brands. In this episode of Retail Unwrapped, Shelley and sustainability experts Ann Cantrell and Liz Alessi discuss innovative solutions in the face of global supply chain challenges and economic headwinds ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability.  Consumers hold significant power through their purchasing decisions while brands can drive change through innovative approaches like "flow fashion,” which is combining the best business practices of fast fashion with the core values of slow fashion, maintaining sustainability principles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 7 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Welcome back for season 7. It's been a slow start to the year but we're excited to be back on the show.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Dominick Miserandino, CEO of Retail Tech Media NexusConsumer attention is the ultimate currency in today's disruptive marketplace. Retailers are becoming publishers as a strategy to forge deeper connections with customers through authentic storytelling. Savvy retailers are leveraging first-party data with insights to create experiences that resonate on a personal level, upending the traditional advertising model. Join Shelley and Dominick Miserandino, a retail media mastermind to learn how the retail media network revolution isn't merely about selling ad space; it's about understanding customer journeys and facilitating meaningful interactions that transform browsing into belonging. As press releases and traditional marketing become less relevant, personalized narratives are emerging as the connective tissue between brands and consumers in an increasingly fragmented marketplace.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Stephanie Cegielski, VP of Research at ICSC The retail marketplace is in the throes of transformation. Despite the popular narrative of a retail apocalypse, commercial spaces are undergoing a renaissance. If developers and retailers are inventive and bold, store closures offer an opportunity for innovative reinvention. Today, vacancy rates hovering around just 4 percent; there's intense competition for those empty spaces. Scarcity, coupled with high construction costs, has created a competitive marketplace where the retailers that are reimagining traditional can thrive. Join Shelley and Stephanie Cegielski, VP of Research at ICSC as they discuss how successful malls have become vibrant ecosystems as technology hubs, dining spots, entertainment venues, and educational facilities. Listen and learn how retailers can successfully transform by taking advantage of new lease structures that have evolved dramatically, with flexible  terms replacing rigid, decade-long commitments. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Sandy Stein, founder of Retail Speak, and TRR contributorWhat makes a retail brand resilient? It starts with visionary leadership that sees the business holistically balancing merchandising expertise and creativity with financial discipline. Urban Outfitter CEO and founder Richard Hayne has a merchant-first mentality and leads the organization with strategic pivots to align with changing consumer preferences while maintaining brand integrity. Join Shelley and strategic visionary Sandy Stein as they discuss how Urban Outfitters has maintained a customer-centric culture, showing patience in stark contrast to aggressive scaling models that have led many other retailers to overexpansion and subsequent painful contraction. Surviving a series of market disruptions, like Amazon's and Walmart's fashion plays into the contemporary market, Urban Outfitters has remarkable agility in navigating both headwinds and tailwinds. It stands as a compelling case study in adaptive strategy and vertical integration. Listen and learn how Hayne's holistic approach to brand management, built on merchandising expertise rather than pure financial orientation, delivers a sustainable future for Urban Outfitters.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Mark A. Cohen Former Director of Retail Studies at the Columbia Business School, and Former CEO Sears Canada.Hudson's Bay, once Canada's proud retail institution, has descended into Chapter 11 restructuring. And the blunt truth is it's not because of recent trade tensions as the company proclaimed, but rather from years of financial neglect, unpredictable customer experiences, and questionable strategic moves. The department store's inconsistent merchandise assortments across different locations undermined The Bay's identity, leaving customers confused about what the retailer actually stood for. Join Shelley and retail veteran Mark Cohen as they discuss how CEO Richard Baker's real estate-focused leadership and lack of retail expertise have led to catastrophic outcomes, reflecting the danger of prioritizing deal-making over operational excellence. His ineptitude doesn't stop at Hudson's Bay. Saks Global is at risk of long-term survival. It's the perfect storm for Saks: The large luxe brands are not going to be bullied by Saks 90-day payment terms and Baker's financial engineering will give market share to Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Lindsey Scheftic, CMO, Owner and Founder, The CMO Sidekick  Fractional CMOs with blue-chip experience are sources of enterprise-level talent accessible even to mid-market companies. Couple that resource with AI tools that are moving at the speed of light, these strategic co-pilots are separating marketing winners from losers. With the explosion of video channel fragmentation creating a measurement nightmare and threatening attribution accuracy, and retail media networks evolving from a "necessary evil" into precision targeting powerhouses – both demand a new level of marketing expertise. Join Shelley and Lindsey Scheftic, CMO, owner and founder of The CMO Sidekick as they explore how marketing expertise is being fundamentally redefined. The traditional career path is dead, yesterday's marketing education is obsolete, and 65 percent of future marketing roles don't even exist today. Listen in to this provocative conversation to get up to speed on the future of marketing.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Warren Shoulberg, Retail Journalist and TRR WriterConsumer spending is increasingly reflecting personal values. In a disruptive, unpredictable marketplace, the rise of grassroots activism presents unprecedented strategic challenges for retail executives. These orchestrated economic blackouts can transform individual purchasing decisions into collective action, triggering a compromised retail brand reputation with financial implications.  While any immediate sales impact is difficult to quantify, brands are still vulnerable. Join Shelley and Warren Shoulberg, retail expert and TRR contributor, as they discuss whether these movements are successful and how the true power of these boycotts may lie in the symbolic expression of shifting the public discourse, particularly fueled by social media. The growing tension between consumer activists and retail brands sits at the heart of the strategic calculus of how the C-suite serves its customers and makes decisions. Now more than ever, retailers need to work harder to earn customer loyalty.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Phil Lempert, consumer behavior analystThe bird flu outbreak has transcended egg producers in the farming industry to become a critical economic disruptor and potential public health threat. With consumers spending 53 percent more on eggs in January 2025 compared to the previous year, this potential pandemic illustrates the fragility of our food systems despite technological advances. Join Shelley and Phil Lempert, expert analyst on consumer behavior, marketing trends and the changing retail landscape, as they discuss how the bird flu crisis is creating complex challenges for retailers, restaurateurs, supply chain executives, and public health officials alike. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Jonathan Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail FederationIn a year of unprecedented economic uncertainty, the possible implementation of widespread tariffs has far-reaching implications for retail markets and consumer behavior. Beyond the immediate impact on pricing, these trade policies could fundamentally alter supply chain strategies, product availability, and market competition. Join Shelley and Jonathan Gold from NRF as they discuss all-things tariffs and how challenging it is for retailers to plan for sudden, unexpected policy changes. While some retailers advocate bringing manufacturing back to the U.S, the infrastructure, skilled labor, and economic conditions required for domestic production cannot be established quickly enough to counteract imminent, imposed tariffs. From a macro perspective, the current trade environment demands a strategic reassessment of supply chain diversity and risk management to thrive in an increasingly volatile global market.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guests: Mickey Alam Khan, CEO of Luxury RoundtablePam Danziger, TRR contributor and founder Unity MarketingThe shift in luxury retail's competitive landscape through the Saks-Neiman Marcus merger could have a domino effect on the operational synergies of both companies, unlocking fundamental questions about the sustainability of the luxury department store model. At stake is the state of personalized luxury retail when longstanding customer relationships and local market expertise are at odds with the impersonal efficiencies of large-scale consolidated operations. As the evolving dynamics of signature, singular brand stores and large multi-brand retailers unfold, it is evident that luxury brand houses are increasingly gaining control their own destiny through direct-to-consumer channels. Join Shelley, Mickey Alam Khan, CEO of Luxury Roundtable, and Pam Danziger, TRR contributor and founder Unity Marketing, as they dive into Richard Baker's acquisition track record and question whether Saks Global can gain strides against global luxury brands which have become its largest competitors. Or is the Saks model the demise of luxury department store retail? For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guests: Evan Gold, EVP of Global Partnerships & Alliances at PlanalyticsMatt Flentge, Director of Category Marketing at Ace Hardware Inc. Let's move beyond Punxsutawney Phil's shadow and his Spring 2025 prediction into the sophisticated world of weather-driven retail strategy. The ritual is a convergence of folklore and cutting-edge analytics that has implications for the $7 trillion U.S. retail market. Join Shelley, Evan Gold, EVP of Global Partnerships & Alliances at Planalytics and Matt Flentge, Director of Category Marketing at Ace Hardware as they discuss the weather; last year marked the fifth warmest spring in 130 years, setting a challenging benchmark for 2025 performance comparisons. While Phil's prediction of a late spring captured the headlines, the real story lies in how modern retailers are transforming weather forecasting into actionable business intelligence. Weather influences over $1 trillion in annual retail sales, with spring weather sensitivity affecting retail traffic by up to 5 percent annually. Learn how retailers like Ace Hardware are leveraging hyperlocal weather data to optimize everything from inventory management to digital transformation. Successful retailers are using advanced analytics to transform climate challenges into strategic advantages that optimize forecast accuracy, drive top-line sales, and enhance service levels for physical and digital retail.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!The Robin Report Experts · Mark A. Cohen, Former Director of Retail Studies at Columbia Business School and Former CEO Sears Canada.· Phil Lempert, SupermarketGuru® expert analyst on consumer behavior, marketing trends, new products and the changing retail landscape.· Jasmine Glasheen, a go-to retail and SaaS content strategist, also well-known for insights on generational purchasing behaviorThe convergence of geopolitical tensions, technological revolution, and changing consumer behaviors are creating strategic challenges and reshaping retail, all which demand immediate C-suite attention. Join Shelley and her roundtable of TRR contributors (Jasmine Glasheen, Mark A. Cohen, and Phil Lempert) as they discuss how to navigate unprecedented disruption and anticipate the short-term future. Listen in to learn how emerging trends suggest a fundamental restructuring of retail economics that will require agile leadership and innovative approaches to maintain competitive advantage.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests:Dominick Miserandino, CEO RetailwireBeverley Kobe, Chief Executive Officer at Goodwill Industries Ontario Great LakesSulabh Jain, Chief Analytics Officer Impact AnalyticsThe future of retail is undergoing a transformation and artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful partner for humans in the process. Join Shelley with three industry leaders: Dominick Miserandino, CEO of Retailwire; Sulabh Jain Chief Analytics Officer of Impact Analytics; and Beverley Kobe Chief Executive Officer at Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes, as they tackle some of the most complex aspects of the AI evolution that are reshaping traditional retail value propositions. Dominick explores the mindset around how AI is leveraging retail-tech not as a job eliminator, but as an extension of human capabilities -- AI with a humanistic approach. He also discusses the dramatic shifts in consumer behavior defined by immediate gratification and convenience. Bev shares how sustainability initiatives are empowered by insightful analytics that optimize processing 6 billion pounds of goods flowing through innovative reuse and recycling channels annually. Sulabh reveals how forward-thinking retailers are leveraging AI-powered decision systems to remodel traditional pricing and inventory strategies into sophisticated, data-driven operations. And the experts weigh in on the impact of potential global trade policies and tariffs in 2025. The convergence of AI, sustainability, and adaptive pricing strategies represent a fundamental shift in retail operations, amplifying the power of resilience in an increasingly interconnected marketplace. Listen and learn from our experienced experts.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests: Suni Shamapande, PwC's Consumer Markets LeadKimberly Lee Minor, CEO, WOC Retail AllianceLiza Amlani, Founder and Principal of Retail Strategy GroupNikki Baird, VP of Aptos Strategy and ProductsNRF's 2025 show was a panoramic view of the retail industry and a preview of its near-term future. Retail Unwrapped took the podcast on the road to gain insights from forward thinking experts about key industry takeaways from the NRF 2025. They weighed in on how the convergence of artificial intelligence, human talent and market insight is fundamentally reshaping the retail landscape. Effective AI implementation is focused on processes to augment systems and human decision-making in all retail operations. Join Shelley for a cross-disciplinary perspective on retail from AI operational integration and implementation (Suni), the need for diversity in retail leadership (Kimberly), merchandising strategy (Liza) and retail tech and the in-store experience (Nikki). These experts reveal how successful retailers are embracing a future where technology enhances human connection, market insight challenges conventional wisdom, and enlightened leadership drives innovation supported by diverse perspectives.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Bayard Winthrop, CEO and founder of American Giant Bayard Winthrop, CEO of American Giant, is dedicated to American made and has a transformative partnership with Walmart that could redefine the power of American manufacturing. Winthrop launched his collaboration with Walmart with a $12.98 American-made T-shirt in 2023, expanding to sweatshirts in 2025. The partnership is a compelling story about how premium brands can maintain integrity through mass-market collaboration. Walmart's unprecedented $350 billion, 10-year commitment to American-made products scales up onshoring, supports American jobs, meets customers' expectations and lowers costs. Join Shelley and Bayard as they discuss global trade tensions, looming tariffs, and provide insights into the broader implications of reshoring for national security, community vitality, and workforce development. He challenges prevailing assumptions about manufacturing costs, believing strategic retail partnerships can democratize access to American-made quality without compromising standards. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!As we enter 2025, what's the imperative for retail going forward? We've identified three key shifts that are shaping the future of retail. Join Shelley in a review of Retail Unwrapped podcast highlights that preview retail things to come. In hot topics of the moment, tariffs are top of mind for CEOs and CFOs and retail leadership is anticipating uncertain changes with the new administration. The industry faces a pivotal moment as tariff policies create a complex economic balancing act between manufacturing costs at home and consumer price surging for global sourcing. Discover more with Bayard Winthrop, Founder and CEO American Giant and Arick Wierson, award-winning journalist and TRR contributor in a Post-Election Recap for Retail.  AI is raising its head, a sleeping giant with integration emerging as the defining factor separating market leaders from laggards. Its impact on the retail industry will be broad and deep and brands that stay ahead of the technology and implement AI strategies that resonate with their target markets are better positioned to win.  Learn more with The Next Frontier: Agentic AI Smart Shopping; The AI-Powered Merchant: Creativity Meets Retail Technology; and the Future of Retail Returns: Automation Meets Human Intelligence.Effective retail leadership will shift as it adopts modern skillsets and strategies to manage a disruptive marketplace. Find out what right stuff is required to win with customers and an evolving workforce: Behind the CEO Curtain: What Modern Leadership Really Looks Like; Succession Planning in Retail…Pepsi Has It Right Four Female CEOs with Unique Retail Strategies; and John Venhuizen, President and CEO of Ace Hardware: A 2024 Crave Retail Radical.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Sharon Price John, CEO Build-A-Bear WorkshopBuild-A-Bear Workshop is the evolution of a metamorphosis of a beloved brand. What began as a mall-centric experiential retailer transformed into a global powerhouse by understanding the shifting dynamics of consumer behavior, digital commerce, and destination retail. Join Shelley and Sharon as they reveal how questioning traditional retail assumptions led to breakthrough insights about tourist locations, hospitality partnerships, and multi-generational appeal. This strategic pivot wasn't about changing direction but rather reinterpreting the mission of founder Maxine Clark who created memorable family experiences. Listen in to learn how experiential excellence has made Build-a-Bear a retail renaissance.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests: Bridget Johns, co-founder and CEO at To&From, John Andrews co-founder and CEO of Cimulate.The future of retail is being fundamentally transformed by artificial intelligence, moving far beyond basic search functionality to create intuitive, personalized shopping experiences. Learn how AI is evolving from simple keyword matching to sophisticated understanding of consumer context and intent. The key to success lies in striking the perfect balance between AI automation and human expertise. Join Shelley, Bridget and John as they discuss how the emergence of Agentic AI -- autonomous shopping assistants that can understand complex requirements and preferences -- represents the next frontier in retail technology. The human element will remain crucial, particularly when deep product knowledge and curation are required. The most successful implementations will combine AI's processing power with retail domain expertise to enhance rather than replace the human touch in shopping experiences. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!In a bold reimagining of mass-market fashion, Walmart is spearheading a transformation that challenges traditional retail paradigms. A 2024 Crave Retail Radical, Denise Incandela, EVP of Walmart Fashion U.S. declares, "Disruption enables breakthrough ideas and redefines standards." This strategic evolution isn't about changing perception – it's revolutionizing how America can access and experience fashion. Join Shelley and Denise in our Retail Radical podcast as they explore how Walmart has transformed its role as a fashion destination. Denise underscores Walmart's commitment to democratizing fashion without compromising style. The transformation extends beyond product to encompass a reimagined store experience, with over 600 modernized locations featuring branded shops and discovery zones that position fashion as a halo for the brand. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!John Venhuizen's leadership and radical innovation over the past decade have fueled Ace Hardware's growth. His strategy is a masterclass in scaling up while maintaining brand integrity and strong community ties. His success in attracting experienced retailers to its cooperative model demonstrates the enduring value of combining local expertise with global resources. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guest: Ken Pilot of Ken Pilot Ventures, a retail advisory and technology investment firm. The convergence of traditional retail expertise with technological innovation is at a critical juncture for industry leaders. The retail-tech landscape is rapidly advancing beyond basic digitization into practical applications that directly impact the bottom line. Join Shelley and Ken as they dive into the next-gen technologies that are changing the retail landscape. They discuss how conversational commerce is revolutionizing the way customers discover products and how new technologies are transforming in-store operations by empowering associates with AI-driven styling tools and inventory insights. What will define the next level of retail success? The ability to harness retail-tech tools while maintaining brand authenticity and merchant creativity. Listen in to a tech-infused, stimulating conversation.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Better late than never was the alternate title for this episode. Bryan had a health scare recently so we had to put the show on hold. I'm sure you'll agree it was the right choice after listening to the episode. It's also the last episode of the season and 2024, before we take a break for Christmas.A big thank you to all the guests we had on the show this season, and thank you to everyone who listened in. We'll see you all in 2025.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Tim Fehr, COO of Happy ReturnsThe complexities of modern returns management include processing hundreds of thousands of SKUs and demand both technological precision and human insight. As retail continues to evolve, the ability to efficiently manage returns while preventing fraud has become a critical factor in maintaining profitability and customer loyalty. As a pioneering force in returns management, Happy Returns has revolutionized the industry through its innovative approach to combining human verification with robotics automation. Join Shelley and Tim as they discuss how the Happy Returns system achieves a remarkable 35 percent improvement in processing speed while maintaining rigorous fraud prevention standards and how their automated processing centers ensure rapid inventory recovery for retailers. Their returns process is also netting a lifetime 93 Net Promoter Score. Their acquisition by UPS has further enhanced their capability to provide enterprise-level returns management solutions and the ability to scale innovation efforts. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Rebekah L. Matheny, NCIDQ, IIDA, Associate Professor | Interior Design | Department of Design, The Ohio State University; Founder & Director | REBEL Sustainable Futures LabThe retail industry stands at a pivotal crossroads where sustainability, inclusivity, and profitability are converging to create a new model for growth. As consumer preferences evolve and environmental consciousness continues to rise, traditional retail operations are being challenged by a more circular, purpose-driven approach that promises both economic and environmental advantages. Circularity also includes store design with compelling supporting data: Circular retail models can generate up to four times higher profits per item while reducing environmental impact by 80 percent. Join Shelley and Rebekah as they unpack why circular design is not just about sustainability, it's about creating a resilient business model. The imperative for change is clear: As Gen Zers and Alphas gain more purchasing power, their expectations for sustainable and inclusive retail experiences will reshape the industry. Retailers who pivot now will be better positioned to capture this growing market while contributing to a more resilient retail future.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Arick Wierson, Emmy award-winning television producer, political analyst and Robin Report ContributorThere is much speculation about how the recent election will impact the economy, shape the future of America and direct its influence throughout the world. Join Shelley and Arick in a wide-ranging conversation about the potential after-effects of the national election on the American consumer, retail and the business world. They also discuss how retailers can learn lessons from the campaigns about how to use strategic marketing and media to best resonate with consumers, and how research and polling can be misleading. Arick cautions the need for businesses to adapt to a new socio-political landscape, suggesting hiring geopolitical analysts and better understanding how to manage broader geopolitical dynamics as a result of a breakdown of separation between business and politics. There is a lot to unpack in the first days of a President-Elect Trump administration.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest: Jay Hakami, CEO and Founder, Skypad, CEO, SkyIT Group What's a retailer's worst nightmare? Not having the right retail insights and analytics to manage inventory. In an era where retail success hinges on speed to insight, the industry faces a critical intelligence gap stemming from outdated data sharing practices between retailers and brands. Operational efficiency can be crippled by inventory misalignment, yet so many businesses still struggle with the lack of accurate, granular and timely visibility into inventory levels that leads to stock discrepancies. What's more, inefficient communication and lack of transparency between brands and retailers causes delays in inventory replenishment and excess stock in some locations while others face shortages. Join Shelley and Jay as they take a deep dive into the critical role of data transparency and communication between brands and retailers, examining how top performers are bridging the information divide. Speed to insight is the new currency in retail performance.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Special Guest Tom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC, the International Council of Shopping Centers Physical stores still function as strategic assets in today's era of retail store transformation. New research from ICSC shows 92 percent of consumers plan in-store purchases this holiday season, reflecting the resilience and attraction of physical retail. Join Shelley and Tom as they explore what's up for Holiday 2024 and how the in-store experience can create a powerful connection with shoppers. Despite the popularity of digital commerce, what may surprise you is there's an acute shortage of physical retail space, particularly in suburban markets. Listen and learn about the future of physical store planning and retail's ongoing transformation. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Joey had an unexpected call back this week, but it might've been unwarranted…If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests: Kim Kitchings - Senior Vice President, Consumer Marketing, Cotton IncorporatedAnna Copilevitz – Lead Program Manager, Zappos for GoodIn a global consumer marketplace where sustainability is no longer optional, two unexpected partners are redefining sustainable fashion initiatives. Join Shelley, Kim, and Anna as they unveil how Cotton Incorporated and Zappos are turning sustainability rhetoric into tangible action, challenging the status quo and setting new benchmarks for industry collaboration. Discover how these industry giants are transforming post-consumer denim into valuable resources, leveraging ecommerce infrastructure to make sustainability accessible to all consumers, and educating the next generation about circularity and its impact on their future. This isn't just another conversation about sustainability—it's a masterclass in innovative partnerships, consumer engagement, and future-focused business strategies. For retail executives looking to stay ahead of the curve, listen in and learn how to harness collective industry power, align in sustainable fashion initiatives and turn potential competitors into powerful allies for global impact. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests:Jonathan Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation.Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor International Trade and Marketing at Fashion Institute of Technology.What's the aborted port strike impact on the retail industry? Although the strike may be over, the real battle could be beginning. Beyond the longshoremen's passalong salary hikes, a sticking point with the union is protection against automation. They are threatened by technology that can help build a more productive and profitable business model at the expense of union jobs. Join Shelley, Jonathan and Sonja as they look at the post-port strike landscape and discuss how CEOs can stay afloat for the all-important holiday selling period and beyond. Retail businesses and brands should be prepared for the next round of challenges with forward-thinking strategies for supply chain solutions to anticipate port closures, cargo piracy, labor disputes, and weather disruptions like hurricanes. For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Some good updates from the boys; Bryan's shed is getting close to completion, Robin takes on his first vanity build, and Joey's got more work than he can manage.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).We might have a NEW new theme song.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).We might have a new theme song.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/kingposttimberworks/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/

Welcome to season 6 of The Shop Stool Podcast, a podcast for woodworkers and the maker community in general. Hosted by Robin Lewis (RobinLewisMakes), Joey Chalk (King Post Timber Works), and Bryan Cush (Sawdust Bureau).Nathan has been building beautiful furniture for the last 10 years and in this episode he goes through his story from using pallet wood, to creating some incredible pieces.If you would like to donate to the show you can find out more here.Nathan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heimurdesign/Robin Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewismakes/Joey Chalk: https://www.instagram.com/joey__chalk/Bryan Cush: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustbureau/