Retail Gets Real

On today’s show, Addison Bay founder and CEO Marguerite Adzick talks about starting the women’s activewear business, the company’s growth and culture, and her advice for other entrepreneurs. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Today’s episode is all about change and evolution: Overstock.com CEO Jonathan Johnson talks about his personal career shift from corporate lawyer to ecommerce CEO, as well as Overstock’s recent transition from a general merchandise retailer to focus solely on home furnishings and how it stands out among other online furniture retailers. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

The Port of Los Angeles (combined with Long Beach) handles about one-third of all container traffic in the United States and operated at 120% capacity during the pandemic. On today’s show, Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, joins NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay to share some of the supply chain lessons learned during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration and early planning, and what the coming year will bring for the retail industry.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Retail veteran and consultant Steve Dennis talks about his career journey, why we should move on from omnichannel thinking, and what it takes to win as the pace of disruption continues to accelerate. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Chris Hardisty started his career in semiconductors before becoming an ecommerce and digital retail leader for brands including Timberland, Clarks and Puma. But he recently hung up his shoes to become a consultant and interim senior vice president for jewelry brand Kendra Scott. On today’s show, Hardisty talks about his career in retail, how Kendra Scott has grown into a billion-dollar business and where it’s headed in 2023 Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As president and chief brand officer of Nordstrom Inc., Pete Nordstrom oversees all the aspects of the luxury retailer’s merchandising and supply chain. Nordstrom joins the show this week to talk about growing up in the family business, what it takes to stay current in a fast-changing industry and what's ahead for Nordstrom in 2023. We'll also get the scoop on his own podcast, The Nordy Pod. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As Retail Gets Real celebrates a milestone 300th episode, we are joined by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and chairman of the NRF Board of Directors, who talks about his 30-year career journey at Walmart from part-timer to CEO, his approach to leadership and risk-taking, and what the retail giant will focus on in 2023.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

How does a 62-year-old jewelry and accessories company keep up with changing tastes and trends? On this episode of Retail Gets Real, we sit down with Claire’s CMO Kristin Patrick to talk about the global brand that has pierced millions, how Patrick has redefined the brand for a new generation and how it is reaching “Gen Z-Alpha” in the metaverse. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic and when new pet parents needed supplies and care for those pets, they turned to retailers like Petco. On this episode, Petco’s Ron Coughlin discusses his decision to take the CEO position, the brand’s transformational journey to a health and wellness company, and the pandemic’s impact on the pet industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this special episode of Retail Gets Real recorded at NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show,  we talk to Christiane Pendarvis, co-president/chief merchandising and design officer for Savage X Fenty, about her career journey, how the brand is disrupting the intimate apparel industry, the drive to increase inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry and what it’s like to work for Rihanna. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this special episode of the Retail Gets Real podcast recorded live at the NRF Foundation Student Program, Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, talks about the latest consumer insights, including the recent holiday shopping season and what to expect from consumers in 2023. She also takes audience questions from students participating in the event.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Recorded from NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show in New York City: Andrea Bell, vice president of Consumer Insights at WGSN, dives into the latest consumer research on what the future of retail looks like, trends that retailers need to be aware of and how to plan for the unknown. From the rise of the “polycrisis” era to synthetic creativity, retailers are looking for ways to future-proof their businesses and navigate global risks.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

From small concept stores to the metaverse and Web3, retail is all about change and adaptation. On today’s show, Susan Reda, NRF’s VP of education strategy digs into the insights and retail trends for 2023 and explains why drones, robotics and Generation Alpha are shaping the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

After weathering the effects of a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and inflation, retailers and consumers are ready for a brighter 2023. National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay joins Retail Gets Real to discuss the industry and how it fared this holiday season, what to expect from retail and NRF in 2023, and what he’s looking forward to at the upcoming NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships and alliances at Planalytics. Gold discusses his career path from Macy’s to weather data analytics, how weather and geography impacts consumers and how they shop, especially during the holiday season, and what retailers can do to be prepared for Mother Nature heading into 2023. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this week’s episode, Barbara Connors, vice president of strategy and acceleration at The Kroger Company’s retail data science, insights and media company 84.51⁰, discusses how shoppers are preparing for the holiday season, looking to spend time together with family and reconnect through family traditions. Listen to learn how inflation is impacting consumers, why even habitual online shoppers visit stores during the holidays, and what to expect into the new year. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Kelly Cook, chief marketing and IT officer for David’s Bridal, talks us through her background in retail before landing at David’s and how the forward-thinking brand is staying fresh and relevant with an expanded TikTok strategy. We also learn how Cook’s team leverages live shopping events with social media influencers and stays on-trend with the latest in bridal fashions and weddings – like colored gowns, grandparent ring bearers and gender-fluid bridal parties. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Shawn Nelson was just out of high school when he designed and produced the first LoveSac. Nearly 25 years later, it’s the fastest-growing furniture brand of the last decade and has reinvented the couch, the living room and even all of retail – forever. He takes us through the company’s journey into physical retail (and right back out) and how it weathered the pandemic with sustained momentum. We also get his take on the modern showroom, once a dirty word, and how LoveSac presents its physical spaces, not as transaction hubs, but as vibe centers that demonstrate the brand’s culture and forward-thinking mentality.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Babies need a lot of stuff, which is why expectant parents spend 40 hours on average building out their baby registry. On today’s show, Lee Anne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Babylist, discusses her career path from babysitter to Babylist, how the company uses TikTok and the metaverse to meet their consumers where they are, and the evolution of Babylist into the leading vertical marketplace and commerce destination for baby. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Halloween is one of Party City’s biggest seasons and is a huge undertaking that includes hiring and training 20,000 new seasonal employees and sourcing costumes and décor more than a year in advance. On today’s show, Odette Welling, vice president of merchandising — and the self-confessed “Halloween queen” at Party City — talks all things Halloween, including the retailer’s most popular costumes for kids, adults, teens and pets.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.