Rethink Retail

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live from our podcast studio at Shoptalk 2023. Guest Host Michael Zakkour sits down with Dimple Rao, Vice President and Head of Digital Product Management & Experience Design at Chicos FAS, a leading American retailer of women's clothing and accessories. Our conversation centers around Dimple's impressive track record for driving customer growth and revenue, and how it has helped her in her current position at Chico's FAS. We also discuss Chico's FAS's digital-first strategy and their ambitious goal of reaching $1 billion in digital sales by 2024. Dimple shares her insights on how the company is working towards achieving this goal and the challenges they face. Finally, we explore the company's strategy for targeting younger customers and whether this is a trend happening naturally or a deliberate strategy. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Dimple Rao, a trailblazer in the retail industry! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us kno

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Carol Spieckerman sits down with John Merris, CEO of Solo Brands. As the CEO of Solo Brands, John leads a leading DTC company with a rapidly growing portfolio of lifestyle brands. These brands include Solo Stove, Oru Kayak, Chubbies, and ISLE. By creating the next generation of DTC brands, Solo Brands is focused on helping customers create good moments and lasting memories. Listen in now as Carol and John discuss creating more personalized shopping experiences, establishing direct relationships with customers, plus Solo Brands' future business plans. - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Carol Spieckerman Produced by Gabriella Bock

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Christine Russo sits down with Michael Mauerer, CEO of Teamwork Commerce. With more than 30 years of experience in designing retail software, Michael is considered a global expert in retail technology and strives to provide "frictionless commerce" for his clients. Listen in now as Michael and Christine explore one of the biggest challenges facing retailers: defining a seamless omnichannel strategy. Plus, learn how retailers and brands can reinvent themselves with omnichannel capabilities that focus on the consumer's point of view, resulting in more personalized shopping experiences. - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Christine Russo Produced by Brooke Frankum Edited by Lawrence Teves

Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine a retailer facing a huge challenge or opportunity and provide actionable steps to revive, revitalize or rebrand them back from oblivion. In this episode, host Gabriella Bock is joined by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Influencer's Brandon Rael & DeAnn Campbell to examine Party City, a retailer that gained notoriety as a go-to destination for party favors and goods. In fact, Party City became the world’s largest designer, manufacturer, and distributor of party goods. But on January 17th 2023, the retailer filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and its stock was delisted. Come for the balloons stay for the retail insights on this week's episode of the Retail Therapy Podcast! This episode of Retail Therapy was brought to you by the Retail Cloud Alliance and Avanade. To see how Avanade can help transform your retail business, visit them at www.avanade.com/retail. Host: Gabriella Bock

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Hitha Herzog sits down with Ryan Ahern, Head of Retail Solutions & Support at Ingenico & Dave Preston, Senior Relationship Manager at Discover. Ryan has been with Ingenico for eleven years where he is responsible for shaping the company’s retail payment application strategy. Whereas Dave has been in the payments industry for 16 years and oversees all Discover Network Supermarket clients. Listen in as we dive into the digital trends transforming the grocery sector and consumers as a whole. This panel explores the challenges grocers face, like frictionless checkout experiences, and the new technology emerging in 2023 dedicated to solving these issues and driving seamless customer experiences. - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Hitha Herzog Produced by Brooke Frankum Edited by Lawrence Teves

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at eTail West 2023. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Alexa Ritacco, Chief Marketing Officer at Jenni Kayne. Alexa shares insights on how Jenni Kayne, a high-end lifestyle brand, has grown, emphasizing the importance of standing by your product. She also talks about how Jenni Kayne has found success by utilizing popular social media platforms and investing in influencer strategy. Throughout the discussion, they discuss the importance of staying true to the brand's values and mission, and how being women-founded and owned has been an integral part of Jenni Kayne's success. Listen in to learn more about the strategies behind Jenni Kayne's growth and their current plans to expand their social media presence. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - - - - - Host: Gabriella Bock Produced by Gabri

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Wizz Selvey, sits down with Samantha Hornsby, Head of Customer Operations at Marks & Spencer. Samantha shares her extensive retail background and insights into the changes that have taken place at M&S over the last three years, particularly the shift towards a more integrated approach between digital and physical stores. The pair also dive into the post-pandemic operations and the future of digital for M&S, and discuss how the brand has expanded its clothing offering to start selling brands online and in selected stores. Samantha shares her perspective on customer reactions to these changes, and how M&S is anticipating what customers want from their retail experience over the next three years. Listen in for this exciting episode to gain insights into the evolution of M&S and behind the scenes insights from Samantha Hornsby, Head of Customer Operations. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our c

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at eTail West 2023. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Terry Roberts, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer at American Eagle Outfitters. Together they discuss how he started the company's diversity and inclusion department and implemented sustainable change throughout the organization. Roberts shares his insights on creating authentic, from-the-ground-up efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity within the company, while also navigating the challenges of implementing new tactics within an already successful business. Throughout the conversation, Roberts highlights the positive impact that these efforts have had on the company and its employees, as well as the overwhelmingly positive feedback that American Eagle Outfitters has received from its customers. Listen to this thought-provoking episode to learn more about the importance of prioritizing diversity and inclusion within retail organizations,

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at eTail West 2023 on February 28th, 2023. In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Hamid Saify, SVP of Digital Retail at Liquid Death. Since launching in January 2019, Liquid Death has built a list of impressive achievements, including working with Tony Hawk and creating Super Bowl ads. Together, the pair delve into Liquid Death's strategy for engagement and consumer retention, which prioritizes entertainment and curiosity while veering from traditional marketing methods. Additionally, Hamid shares his insights into the company's unique approach to marketing, which includes an internal creative team and a focus on user-generated content. Listen in to discover what Liquid Death is offering for the first time to its consumers and what this product offering means to the brand. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and App

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Ron Thurston sits down with Aaron Sanandres, the CEO and Co-founder of UNTUCKit. Aaron shares his insights on how UNTUCKit has been able to streamline its in-store operations and improve productivity despite the challenges of the past few years amid the pandemic. He also emphasizes the crucial role that employee engagement and satisfaction play in creating a positive customer experience. Throughout the conversation, Sanandres provides valuable tips and strategies for retailers looking to improve their in-store operations and create a more engaged workforce. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today's retailers, as well as the importance of a customer-centric approach to business. Join us for this insightful conversation on the RETHINK Retail podcast with Aaron Sanandres, CEO and Co-founder of UNTUCKit. - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Ron Thurston Produced by Gabriel

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Liza Amlani sits down with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, CEO of Another Tomorrow. Vanessa is the founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, a sustainable luxury fashion brand that provides complete tech-enabled supply chain transparency and embedded resale. Prior to founding Another Tomorrow, Vanessa served as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. For Vanessa, founding Another Tomorrow is kind of a homecoming. Growing up in the Midwest, she was really inspired by this idea of problem solving at the intersection of disciplines. After her time pursuing a degree in energy and environmental policy, Vanessa started putting her time and energy in a direction that was going to be relevant for the future that the world needed to take—never expecting to land in the fashion world. Once spotting the white space in the industry, Another Tomorrow was built on the principles of accessible luxury. Listen in as we dive into Another Tomorrow's brand

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, guest host and Top Retail Influencer Cathy McCabe sits down with Bill Michels, General Manager, Retail Media Platform at Moloco. Bill brings more than two decades of experience in successful leadership across product management, data strategy, and business development at definitive companies like Yahoo!, The Trade Desk, Foursquare and more. Since joining Moloco, Bill helps retailers and brands launch automated ads that can predict the goods and services your audience is most interested in - creating a highly personalized shopping experience for each customer. Listen in as we dive into how Moloco is capitalizing on AI and machine learning technology to help retailers generate memorable experiences! - - - - - - Host: Top Retail Influencer Cathy McCabe Produced by Brooke Frankum Edited by Lawrence Teves

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Gabriella Bock sits down with Stacy All, vice president of product design at Wish.com. Stacy All has more than 20 years of experience in consumer-centered design and experience, and she has led initiatives at NEC, Yahoo, and Walmart eCommerce. With a proven reputation for cultivating enjoyable experiences in the e-commerce space, Stacy joined Wish in June of 2022 as VP of Product design. Shortly after Stacy joined Wish, the company launched its first rebrand since its founding in 2010, introducing a new bold and playful aesthetic, new logo, and mission statement, “Bargains made fun, discovery made easy." Listen in as we explore the role of discovery retail, product design, shoppable videos, and keeping up with trend cycles. - - - - - - Host: Gabriella Bock Produced by Gabriella Bock Research by Maggie Schwenn

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Julia Hare sits down with Mike Keech, CEO of the popular hydration drink taking the internet by storm, Liquid I.V. Mike joined as the CEO of the functional hydration brand, Liquid I.V., in December 2020, and under his leadership, the brand has grown 400%. Mike supported in the growth of several well-respected companies, including Coca-Cola, Diageo, L'Oréal, and Kao.    He joined Unilever in 2012 leading the beverages category in Asia-Pacific. His work in these companies resulted in his extensive global background, an understanding of international consumer trends, and the entrepreneurial skills needed to scale growth. Prior to joining Liquid I.V., he spent three years as COO of Ben & Jerry’s, then led the e- commerce division for Unilever’s personal care division in North America.   Mike's broad range of business experiences make him a fantastic leader to lead a brand like Liquid I.V., a hyper-growth startup. His years of experience with several corpor

In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Paula Macaggi sat down with Matt Bradley, co-founder and director of the Retail Technology Show, to discuss the upcoming April event and why YOU should be planning to attend. Hint: not only will this event boast an impressive roster of retail speakers and exhibitors, but RETHINK Retail will be throwing another BIG RETAIL BASH for our friends across the pond. We will also be hosting an afternoon of Store Tours with Top Retail Influencer Ian Scott — need we say more? Tune in to hear more about RTS’ upcoming event held in London from April 26-27 and how you can attend this unforgettable event! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - - - - - Host: Paula Macaggi Produced by Gabriella Bock

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023. In this episode, host Julia Raymond Hare sits down with Jacee Scoular, senior director of brand marketing strategy at Hollister following her stage session on purpose driven retail with fellow brand executives from Chobani and Nordstrom. Together they discuss trends that are dominating 2023 as well as how the retailer is leaning into purpose with its Hollister Confidence Project and activating social good campaigns focused on anti-bullying and cultivating teen confidence. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - - - - - Host: Julia Hare Produced by Gabriella Bock

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023. In this episode, host Julia Raymond Hare sits down with Matthew Kaness, CEO of GoodWillFinds, who leads the expansion of the Goodwill Network's recently launched e-commerce site. Together they discuss the retail and sustainability trends that will dominate 2023 as well as how Generation Z has helped the non-profit expanded into the digital world. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - - - - - Host: Julia Hare Produced by Gabriella Bock

This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023. In this episode, guest host Melissa Minkow sits down with Martin Urruita, global head of retail innovation and experience at Lego, following his packed session at the Big Show. Together they discuss digital innovation and the role digital is playing in Lego's physical store experience, as well as how Lego differentiates its DTC experience strategy from its retailer partner experience. Martin also reveals the projects he most excited about in 2023 as well as what else we can expect from his team of master builders. If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. - - - - - - Host: Melissa Minkow Produced by Gabriella Bock

Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine a retailer facing a huge challenge or opportunity and provide actionable steps to revive, revitalize or rebrand them back from oblivion. In this episode, host Gabriella Bock is joined by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Influencer's Andrew Smith and Liza Amlani to examine Forever 21, a fast fashion retailer that lost market dominance almost as quickly as it gained it. This episode of Retail Therapy was brought to you by the Retail Cloud Alliance and Cognizant. To see how Cognizant can help transform your business, visit them at www.cognizant.com. Host: Gabriella Bock Research by Maggie Schwenn

Retailers are feeling the weight of competition now more than ever. Combine that with tight margins, continued supply chain, inflation and labor challenges, and it becomes abundantly clear that brands and retailers are in a race to remain relevant. But what does relevancy actually mean to today's consumers, and does the idea of relevancy vary depending on who you ask and what they're buying? And what about where they're buying from? To dive into these questions and more, I spoke with Brian McGlynn, general manager of commerce at Coveo, who came armed with the answers I was seeking. For listeners who don't already know about Coveo, it's an AI-powered software-as-a-service search engine that recently announced the launch of its Merchandising Hub, a new product developed as a result of the company's acquisition of Qubit, a leader in AI powered merchandising. They're doing some really cool stuff in the omni space so be sure to check them out and say hello at Booth 209 if you are attending NRF 2023 - you