Retail Gets Real

COVID-19 has accelerated retail and shaped behavior for all consumers, from gen-Z to baby boomers. In just a few short months, we've seen soaring demand for essential products like toilet paper and we've stocked up on merchandise like toys and cooking supplies that brought us comfort and entertainment while in quarantine. We opted for contactless payments, increased shopping via mobile apps, and celebrated holidays like Easter and Mother's Day from a social distance. We also saw retailers expand digital offerings to help us get the items we need right now through methods like curbside pickup and buy online, pick up in store. As retailers continue to create omnichannel experiences that transform the way we buy, how are consumers changing? And what trends are here to stay? Susan Reda, Vice President of Content Strategy, and Jill Dvorák, VP of Content and Retail Strategy at NRF, join us to examine the retailer and consumer journey since the onset of the coronavirus and what these noteworthy trends could mean for

The early weeks of the pandemic led consumers to experience unprecedented supply shortages and retailers to experience delays in essential inventory that was in high demand. With the holidays just around the corner, how will the ongoing pandemic affect what has traditionally been retailer's busiest time of the year? And what are retailers doing to diversify sourcing options to reduce supply chain disruptions?   In a previous episode with experts from PwC, we discuss how retailers can leverage demand sensing to predict consumer trends that will determine sales. This week, we're going to take a step further to look at how retailers are making decisions about what kinds of items to have in stock and other areas for investment. Jon Gold, the Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, discusses how supply chain and customs issues are impacting the industry and how retailers are responding.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

In January at retail's Big Show, we spoke with the Enjoy Technology, Inc. CEO, Ron Johnson, about his journey establishing the mobile retail startup that reproduces the in-store experience in the comfort of customer's homes. When the pandemic hit, personal shopping experiences were impacted as retailers prioritized social distancing, and the health and safety of employees and consumers. Today, Ron discusses how the Enjoy experience has changed since the start of the pandemic, as well as how retailers can continue to deliver personal and memorable experiences at a time when it matters most.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

The approaching holiday season will look very different for many retailers this year as the coronavirus upends and accelerates the retail industry. At a time when so many things are uncertain, understanding the rapidly changing needs of consumers is paramount in helping supply chain leaders better forecast demand and effectively manage inventory. That’s why retailers should be leveraging demand sensing, which uses supply chain information in real time to more accurately predict trends that will improve sales, make production more effective, and optimize inventory. Two experts from PwC, Kurt Staelens and Paul Leinwand, share how retailers are using demand sensing to reveal patterns that better predict behavior and what retailers can be doing right now to prepare for the busy holiday season ahead.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

While looking to entertain themselves in quarantine, many consumers have taken up new hobbies. A go-to place for creative hobbies is Michaels Stores, an arts and crafts retailer specializing in all types of supplies for creative endeavors. At the onset of the pandemic, Michael's responded by launching new programs like curbside pickup and same-day delivery, as well as expanding how-to content on their website as customers were scrambling to entertain kids (and themselves). Steve Woodward, Senior Director of Digital Experience at Michaels, joins us to share how the retailer is innovating to accommodate the consumer since the onset of the coronavirus. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As the next generation of consumers comes of age, it’s important to look at the habits of Gen Z, commonly referred to as the digital native generation. Katherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation's research team shares some recent data on what to expect from this group of young people. They are the first generation to truly grow up completely connected—not only with the internet but with smartphones and social media as well. They are ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting new technology and they are quickly becoming the experts of new tools and channels. Find out how their shopping habits—and their use of technology—affects retailers of the future.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Gen Z and Millennials get all of the attention, but there are some interesting trends emerging in how Boomers have adjusted their shopping habits due to the pandemic. Katie Jordan from the NRF research team shares some recent data about how that generation is shopping today. Unlike millennials and Gen Z, Boomers aren’t known for being tech-savvy. But with social distancing mandates, they have been forced to move more of their lives online. This has resulted in a large boom in the use of online shopping, curbside pick-up, contactless pay, and more.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

It's back-to-school time, but not like we’re used to. Confusion about what school looks like this year also means uncertainty around back-to-class shopping. NRF’s Katherine Cullen talks about how implications of the pandemic are impacting family budgets, how retailers are adjusting their back-to-school shopping experience for online shopping and how kids are contributing to their own school shopping.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Eric Kinariwala, the founder and CEO of Capsule shares how the business is designed to improve the pharmacy experience, how it’s growing rapidly to meet the health needs of customers, and how the pandemic has impacted its business.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

SKDKnickerbocker consultant and media strategist Bill Knapp describes how the issue of requiring face coverings became a contentious one and shares what messaging resonates best when communicating safety policies with customers.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Ramunda and Derrick Young run MahoganyBooks, an independent bookstore specializing in African American literature that operates online and from its Washington, D.C. location. In this episode, the Youngs share how they’ve navigated the pandemic as a small business and the recent surge in demand for books about the Black experience and racism following global protests against racial inequality. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Sarah Friar, CEO of the social networking platform Nextdoor, shares what retailers can learn from how people are engaging on the app, whether it's offering a helping hand, supporting a local business, or fostering community. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

How are current crises and the cultural environment impacting shopping behavior? Rachel Bonsignore, a senior consultant at GfK Consumer Life, says now is a critical time for companies to make their values clear in an authentic way as shoppers are more savvy than ever.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Throughout the last few months, Sam's Club has been innovating at a rapid pace, offering new tools to help customers and associates fulfill their needs and maintain a high level of service during very difficult times. Eddie Garcia, senior vice president and chief product officer for Sam's Club discusses how the company is adapting to members' needs, and what he expects will continue to change when the pandemic is behind us. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Karl Haller, the leader of IBM's Consumer Industry Center of Competence, who has been checking the consumer pulse regularly during the pandemic shares the most important things for retailers to know about consumers right now. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

In January, at NRF 2020, Retail's Big Show, we talked with Crate and Barrel CEO Neela Montgomery about her journey to retail and becoming the head of one of America's most popular home brands. And just a few weeks ago, Neela joined us for a virtual event as part of our NRF Retail Leadership series. Today, we're going to bring you highlights from both of those conversations. Neela's path to retail leadership, how so much changed virtually overnight amid the pandemic, and what the future of retail will look like. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Companies across the nation are collaborating in creative ways to lend a hand where needed during the pandemic. Saskia van Gendt, the head of sustainability for Rothy's, talks about how the Open Innovation Coalition is bringing together like-minded brands to share resources to support COVID-19 relief efforts, with the goal of helping one million people by July 1, 2020.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Sandra Oh Lin took her knack for creating fun STEM activities for her kids and turned it into KiwiCo, a monthly subscription box business that fuels kids’ passion for creativity. On this episode, Oh Lin describes how she went from engineer to entrepreneur and the lessons she learned the hard way as demand for the popular kids’ activity boxes quickly grew. Originally released July 1, 2019. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Food52 was created with the vision of celebrating a love of food with a like-minded community. With more people staying at home during the pandemic and turning to cooking for comfort, Food52’s massive community of engaged followers has grown even more. Listen to learn more about how the brand turns fans into customers with crowdsourced product launches that sell out in days and why consumers connect with their human approach to cooking.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

The pandemic of COVID-19 is hitting everyone hard, the retail industry included. Despite that, many retailers are coming together to find creative ways to help each other, their customers, and their communities. Today, we’re sharing the stories of some of those companies and how they are innovating to accommodate. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.