Retail Gets Real
Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Episodes
Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley’s CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand’s transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail industry. She also shares what she loves most about working in retail and her impactful ca...
Whole Foods places its whole focus on serving and nourishing its shoppers. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Whole Foods Market, joins us to talk about how Whole Foods stays ahead of food trends, builds trust with its customers and leads the industry in high-quality sourcing. She also shares her career journey, what she loves most about working in merchandising and marketing, and her approach to prob...
Coach is a visionary of visual storytelling and experiences. Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of global visual experience for Coach, joins us to discuss the evolution of visual merchandising and how he tells Coach’s story to a global audience. He also shares the moment that changed his career trajectory and his advice for taking risks and following your gut.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:27) Zaccariello’s career journey
(00:07:17) The evo...
Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:26) Pinterest’s ...
Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustrious career.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:19) Gomez’s career journey
(00:06:18) His...
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:15) The changing retail landscape
(00:07:21) 2025 retail trends
(00:10:40) NRF’s priorities o...
If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every reta...
LEGO is a timeless, cherished brand for kids and adults alike. In a very special episode from NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Martin Urrutia, head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO. We talk about how LEGO continues to innovate while remaining true to its core values. We also explore the importance of brand storytelling, creating unique in-store experiences, and building community with consumers. Plus, U...
We’re ringing in the new year with new retail predictions. In one of our most popular annual episodes, NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda joins us to forecast 2025’s most impactful and exciting retail trends. From innovative AI agents, to the rise of live shopping, to the rebirth of brick and mortar stores, the future of retail is bright.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:48) How Reda makes her predictions
(00:03:14) ...
Big things are coming at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, taking place in New York City Jan. 12-14. Jill Dvorak, NRF senior vice president of content, joins us to preview the show. She shares key themes and exciting speakers, tips for attendees, plus her favorite show memories.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:54) Jill’s best Big Show memories
(00:04:42) Industry game changers
(00:06:18) What attendees need to know about the Big Show
(0...
Steven Tristan Young, Poshmark’s chief marketing officer, joins us to chat about how Poshmark is revolutionizing resale with live shopping experiences, AI technology and sustainable gifting. We also chat about Poshmark’s multichannel marketing strategies and Young’s passion for marketing. Plus, he shares details of his career journey and the best leadership lessons he’s ever learned.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:17) Young’s caree...
Consumers have been gobbling up Butterball turkey for decades, and they’re thankful for the company’s connection to its customers. Al Jansen, Butterball’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, joins us to talk about Thanksgiving traditions, the famous Turkey Talk-Line and sharing holiday stories. Food brings people together — and this episode brings together the best of retail, family and fun.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00...
Javier Quiñones, CEO and chief sustainability officer at IKEA U.S., shares his 25-year career journey at the company, what he loves most about his job and how he stays current in the ever-evolving retail industry. We also talk about IKEA’s commitment to sustainability and how it’s good business to be a good business.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:42) Quiñones’ career journey
(00:05:06) IKEA’s commitment to sustainability
(00:14:46...
Cory Onell, executive vice president and chief omnichannel sales and Asian emerging markets officer at Kraft Heinz, talks about how his company adapts and innovates omnichannel strategies for different global markets. He also shares his four-pronged leadership approach, his perspective on work-life balance and the advice that shaped his career.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:46) Cory’s Career Journey
(00:05:06) The Omnichannel Appro...
Organized retail crime is an issue that plagues retailers — and offenders are only getting more sophisticated. Representative Glenn Ivey, D-Md., and Angela Hofmann, head of government relations for JCPenney, explain what organized retail crime really means and how it’s evolved over the years. Plus, we discuss the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act and how it's counteracting this insidious trend.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:25)...
It’s spooky season, and here’s the real treat — Halloween spending is projected to hit nearly $12 billion. Katherine Cullen, NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights, talks about Halloween spending trends, popular costumes, why consumers are shopping early and who is most excited to celebrate this October. Plus, a look at expected winter holiday consumer spending.
(00:00:38) Introductions
(00:02:45) Why People Shop Earl...
Anjana Harve serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, where she leads technology innovation at the high-frequency club store. In this episode, Harve joins us to talk about the BJ’s member experience, how the company is leveraging AI, her personal career journey and what’s on the horizon for tech and retail.
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:01:28) Anjana’s Career Journey
(00:05:45) The Members...
Embracing technology and innovation is key for global active lifestyle brand Fabletics. Chief Operating Officer Meera Bhatia shares how she is driving digital advances at Fabletics, her extraordinary career journey in tech and how AI can be used across functions.
Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Homefield is a collegiate apparel company specializing in vintage-inspired designs that offers licensed t-shirts, fleece, jackets and headwear from more than 200 universities. We talk to Co-founder and CEO Connor Hitchcock about how he started Homefield at age 23, why he doesn’t follow the usual marketing playbook, how the company creates unique customer experiences and his plans for future growth.
Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Born between 1998 and 2012, Generation Z is estimated to encompass more than 2 billion people worldwide and are the first group of consumers to be born entirely within the digital age. Rachel Bonsignore, vice president of NIQ Consumer Life, answers our questions about Gen Z consumers: how they differ from other generations and what retailers can do to connect with this group.
Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
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