Retail Gets Real
Episodes
412. How Brieane Olson is shaping the future of youth retail at PacSun
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brieane Olson has spent nearly two decades helping reshape PacSun. She joins Retail Gets Real to share what it takes to evolve a legacy retail brand w...
411. Redefining JCPenney for today’s customer
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Retail is evolving at an incredible pace, but at its core, it still comes down to people. Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney, joins Retail Gets Re...
410. Inside the art of experiential retail at Hershey’s
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Retail stores remain powerful spaces for storytelling, connection and cultural relevance. José Raul Padron, design lead for the Hershey Experience at...
409. Inside REI’s strategy for trust, community, and growth
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership in retail today requires balancing innovation, culture and purpose. Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op, joins this episode ...
408. How Coach puts the consumer at the center of brand growth
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At a time when retail is being reshaped by technology, generational shifts and changing expectations around authenticity, understanding the consumer h...
407. Inside Sweetwater’s people-first approach to retail innovation
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As retail continues to evolve at the intersection of technology and human connection, Jason Johnson, CIO of Sweetwater Sound, offers a compelling pers...
406. The rise of smart retail merchandising
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Technology is reshaping the in-store experience, and Jake Neiman is helping retailers bring digital innovation into the physical world. The co-founder...
405. The cultural forces shaping tomorrow’s consumer
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing, events and culture forecasting at WGSN, returns to Retail Gets Real to explore what is changing in culture, techn...
404. How Taco Bell uses digital innovation to highlight human connection
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Known for its bold brand, devoted fans and culture of innovation, Taco Bell continues to push the boundaries of what modern retail can be, blending hu...
403. Building a people-first culture in modern retail with Ulta Beauty
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Retail is an industry built on people, emotion and constant reinvention, and few leaders embody that reality more fully than Ulta Beauty President and...
402. How agentic AI is redefining the future of retail
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Live from NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Ali Furman, partner and U.S. consumer markets industry leader at PwC, and Barbara O’Beirne...
401. How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Horacio “Haio” Barbeito, president and CEO of Old Navy, joins Retail Gets Real to reflect on a global career in retail, the responsibility of deve...
400. How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As Retail Gets Real reaches its 400th episode, we’re joined by Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, for a special conv...
399. Inside Retail’s Big Show: Innovation, AI and what’s coming next
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Retail’s Big Show has long been the industry’s can’t-miss gathering.In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we get an inside look at what’s ahead...
398. What Gen Z wants: insights shaping the future of retail
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gen Z is rapidly becoming one of the most influential consumer groups in the marketplace. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we hear from two guests...
397. What’s driving holiday shopping in 2025
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the winter season approaches, families across the country are stepping into the holidays with renewed enthusiasm — and retailers are preparing fo...
396. How iHerb is leading the trillion-dollar wellness market
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The wellness movement has gone global — and few companies embody that expansion better than iHerb. CEO Emun Zabihi explores how they’re transformi...
395. Adapting to the rise of AI shoppers
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the retail landscape, and a new wave of agentic AI shoppers is changing how brands must think abo...
394. How consumers are redefining Halloween
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a full-fledged season of fun, community and record-breaking retail activity. Today we’re joined by Kathe...
393. How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Inc., reflects on 110 years of family legacy, cultural evolution, and the future of off-price retail. As a four...
392. How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From its early beginnings as a digitally native disruptor to becoming a household name in eyewear, Warby Parker has consistently challenged convention...
391. AI, skills-first hiring, and the next era of retail jobs
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the futur...
390. How retailers can stay resilient against cyberattacks
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operation...
389. Purpose-driven retail: Stories of impact from leading brands
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the pl...
388. Replay: How Pinterest wins with personalized content
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer pr...
387. Behind the data: Insights from NRF’s top economists
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets...
386. Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starbucks may be best known for coffee, but its community impact goes far deeper. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we’re joined by Kelly Goodejo...
385. Lessons from a young retail leader
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient ...
384. The digital strategy behind Mack Weldon’s growth
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The story of Mack Weldon begins with a moment many men know all too well — standing in the underwear aisle, overwhelmed by choice and underwhelmed b...
383. Amplifying the voices of small business owners
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political unc...
382. How San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan combats organized retail crime
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Organized retail crime (ORC) is not a victimless crime — it can have a devastating impact on the real people behind retailers. Summer Stephan, San D...
381. The innovators driving the future of retail
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One thing is constant in retail: change. Innovation is the cornerstone of the industry. We’re joined by Seth Webb, executive vice president of Tusk ...
380. How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expan...
379. Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whole Foods places its whole focus on serving and nourishing its shoppers. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Whole Foo...
378. How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Coach is a visionary of visual storytelling and experiences. Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of global visual experience for Coach, joins us to discuss the ...
377. How Pinterest wins with personalized content
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer pr...
376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins u...
375. Tech, trade and taxes: What’s impacting retail in 2025
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025....
374. Get ahead of the future of retail
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Cassa...
373. How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 U...
372. Retail trends to watch in 2025
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Susa...
371. NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail’s Big Show
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
370. Poshmark’s new take on secondhand retail
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steven Tristan Young, Poshmark’s chief marketing officer, joins us to chat about how Poshmark is revolutionizing resale with live shopping experienc...
369. How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Consumers have been gobbling up Butterball turkey for decades, and they’re thankful for the company’s connection to its customers. Al Jansen, Butt...
368. How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 jo...
367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cory Onell, executive vice president and chief omnichannel sales and Asian emerging markets officer at Kraft Heinz, talks about how his company adapts...
366. How to fight back against organized retail crime
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Organized retail crime is an issue that plagues retailers — and offenders are only getting more sophisticated. Representative Glenn Ivey, D-Md., and...
365. Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s spooky season, and here’s the real treat — Halloween spending is projected to hit nearly $12 billion. Katherine Cullen, NRF's vice presiden...
364. How BJ’s Wholesale Club is leveraging AI to serve their customers
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anjana Harve serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, where she leads technology innovation at the high...
363. Why Fabletics remains an early adopter in a fast-paced industry
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embracing technology and innovation is key for global active lifestyle brand Fabletics. Chief Operating Officer Meera Bhatia shares how she is driving...
362. How Homefield builds a loyal fanbase
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Homefield is a collegiate apparel company specializing in vintage-inspired designs that offers licensed t-shirts, fleece, jackets and headwear from mo...
361:How Gen Z is redefining retail
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 bor...
360. Replay: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 346: Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry company in Austin, Texas, 22 years ago with a clear vision in pla...
359. Replay: LePrix is reinventing how retailers source pre-owned luxury
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 314: LePrix co-founder and CMO Emily Erkel shares how she took the leap to start her own business, the importance...
358. Replay: 32 ways to order a Big Mac: Leading the digital transformation of McDonald’s
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 340: Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, ...
357. How retailers can stay ahead of weather-related challenges
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The increase in both the severity and the unpredictable nature of weather has significant ramifications for retailers on multiple fronts, including sa...
356. How Solo Brands builds passionate fans one product at a time
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Solo Brands is a leading outdoor lifestyle company offering innovative products designed to bring people together and make memories. We talk to Michae...
355. Highlights and hot topics from the inaugural Retail’s Big Show: Asia Pacific 2024
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first-ever Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific 2024 successfully wrapped up in Singapore with stellar attendance and a resounding impact on the futur...
354. Exploring modern resale with ThredUp CEO James Reinhart
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is estimated that by 2028, the global secondhand market will reach $350 billion. ThredUp co-founder and CEO James Reinhart talks about the rising d...
353. Futurist Kate Ancketill on what AI means for retailers
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Ancketill, CEO and founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, talks about the current trends in technologies impacting retail, the impressive pace of ...
351. Cultivating the next generation of retail talent
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to Adam Lukoskie, SVP and Foundation Executive Director of the National Retail Federation, about current topics and trends in talent acquisiti...
350. Replay: The Crocs story of reinvention, innovation and modern marketing magic
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 328: Crocs SVP and CMO Heidi Cooley shares how she got into retail, how Crocs connects with consumers everywhere,...
349. How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, and over 20 years of global experience in retail and vertical premium brands, Stuart Haselden says...
348. How Ikea is leading the way on sustainability
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ikea is on track to cut its pollution by half by 2030, and thanks to responsible sourcing and energy efficiency improvements, it has already reduced i...
347. From student to mentor: How retail got real for two young professionals
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s graduation season and all across the country, students are transitioning from college students to young professionals. We’re talking to two y...
346. How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry company in Austin, Texas, 22 years ago with a clear vision in place: to create a fashion-for-philanthropy b...
345. Gourmet granola and advocacy: A conversation with 2022 America’s Retail Champion Margaret Barrow
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
NRF’s America’s Retail Champions program celebrates small retailers who are exceptional champions for retail and the communities they serve. On to...
344. The future of AI in consumer experience
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and as consumers become more and more comfortable with generative AI, retailers will have to find new and innov...
343. How Saks OFF 5TH is crafting customer-centric experiences
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With 100 stores in the United States and Canada, 4 million loyalty program members and a robust online platform, Saks OFF 5TH continues to reimagine t...
342. Celebrating women in retail
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Women's History Month, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations with inspiring and trailblazing women in retail. Fro...
341: From Peeps to wreaths: Easter shopping insights with NRF’s Katherine Cullen
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the holiday falling in late March this year, consumer spending this Easter is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion, according to NRF’s...
340: 32 ways to order a Big Mac: Leading the digital transformation of McDonald’s
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, talks about his career journey, McDonald's...
339. Made By Gather’s Shae Hong on innovation, kitchenware and collaborating with Drew Barrymore
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Made By Gather designs and manufactures kitchenware for a modern generation of makers with premium design, innovative functionality and headline-grabb...
338. Improving the front-line associate experience at PetSmart
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
PetSmart recently rolled out its new employee-focused communications app, called Central Bark, to give associates a place to share ideas, collaborate,...
337. Inside the digital transformation of Abercrombie & Fitch
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
American lifestyle retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is in the midst of an enterprise-wide digital transformation. On today’s show, recorded live from Re...
336. Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest has recently taken the reins at one of the world’s most iconic apparel brands. Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co...
335. LIVE: Monica Royer on bringing Monica + Andy to Walmart
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Monica + Andy was born in a delivery room, not a boardroom. As Monica Royer held her newborn daughter in her arms, she wanted nothing more than comple...
334. Saks CEO Marc Metrick on the evolving luxury consumer
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s luxury consumer market is growing with a vibrant continuum of shoppers who expect expertly curated fashions and highly personalized service....
333. Walmart’s Anshu Bhardwaj on AI and the retailer’s role as a global tech leader
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In her 14 years with Walmart, Anshu Bhardwaj, vice president and COO of Walmart Global Technology, has seen the global retailer go through three diffe...
332. The state of retail heading into 2024 with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Coming to you live from NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay joins the podcast to talk about how the retai...
331. Retail trends to watch in 2024
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More than 200 million people shopped online and in stores over the holidays, but will that spirited spending carry over into 2024? On today’s show,...
330. A preview of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More than 40,000 retailers of all kinds are getting ready to come together in New York City’s Javits Center for NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show on Jan...
329. Checking in on 2023 winter holiday shopping trends
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
NRF expects spending to reach record highs this holiday season, hitting $957 billion. What are gift-givers buying, where are they shopping, and what i...
328. Crocs: A story of reinvention, innovation and modern marketing magic
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As recently as 2016, the No. 3 Google search trend for Crocs was ‘Crocs memes’ — memes to make fun of the not-yet-cool clog. Today, Crocs is an ...
327. It’s slime time: Unboxing a whole new toy experience with Jungmin Kang of Snoopslimes
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Retail Gets Real, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jungmin Kang, teen entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Snoopslimes. She's also one of th...
325. Understanding the impact of ORC (Organized Retail Crime) and fighting back
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to David Johnston, NRF’s VP of Asset Protection & Retail Operations, about an issue that’s impossible to ignore: organized retail crime. I...
324. How reverse logistics makes the retail cycle go around
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Retail Gets Real episode 324: Tony Sciarrotta, executive director of the Reverse Logistics Association, talks about where our returns go, how reverse ...
323. A look at J.C. Penney’s $1 billion reinvestment project
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
J.C. Penney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a plan to spend more than $1 billion by the end of 2025 to revive the 121-year-old chain. ...
322. Taking on credit card swipe fees with the Savvy Shopkeeper
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Small business consultant, boutique co-owner and podcaster Kathy Cruz is already a very busy woman. But recently, she added retail advocate to her tit...
321. Ulta Beauty’s innovative approach to customer connection
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ulta Beauty has been reinventing beauty retail since opening its first five “beauty destination” stores in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago in 199...
320. How Greenwich St. Jewelers has thrived through 46 years of change and challenges in NYC
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Greenwich St. Jewelers has been a Manhattan mainstay for almost 50 years, providing customers with superlative service and luxury without pretension. ...
319. 5 things to know about how consumers are shopping for Halloween
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, according to NRF’s annual sur...
318. Untuckit founder Chris Riccobono on persevering through challenges
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Untuckit was born when Chris Riccobono couldn’t find a shirt that looked good when he wore it untucked. Riccobono founded the American casual men’...
317. Telling the retail story: Live from the Council of State Retail Associations
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If the adage “All politics are local” is true, then state retail association executives really are the first line of defense for retail public pol...
316. Retail advocacy update with NRF’s David French
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Congress returns from August recess, it will be considering policies that could have a profound impact on retailers, their employees and their comm...
315. The path to unified commerce with The Vitamin Shoppe’s Andrew Laudato
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For 46 years, The Vitamin Shoppe has been helping customers be their best selves, however they define it. Innovation and technology have played a majo...
314. LePrix is reinventing how retailers source pre-owned luxury
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Erkel, Co-Founder and CMO and LePrix, talks about the resale landscape, starting and evolving her unique business for today's demands, her team'...
313. The back-to-school shopping habits of Gen Z and the parents of Gen Alpha
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Back-to-school spending is expected to reach an unparalleled $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year; back-to-college spending is expected to h...
312. Replay: How Domino’s delivers on innovation
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 281: Christopher Thomas-Moore, senior vice president of customer and store experiences at Domino’s, joins the s...
311. What can AI do for retailers and customers?
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s show, Nasrin Mostafazadeh, co-founder of AI company Verneek, talks about building AI platforms for retailers to enhance the customer expe...