

JF 3881: Tariffs, Tech, and Retail Resilience ft. Greg Katz
Apr 20, 2025
Gregg Katz, the Business and Industry Solutions Director for Esri, shares insights on the influences of tariffs and economic uncertainty on the retail landscape. He discusses how changes in tariffs are reshaping strategies for retailers, particularly discount stores like Dollar General. Katz also explores the experiential shift in retail, driven by Gen Z's preference for in-person shopping. Despite current challenges, he emphasizes the resilience of retail real estate and hints at a potential resurgence as consumers adapt to changing markets.
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Retailers Manage Tariffs Pragmatically
- Retailers focus more on operational efficiencies and technology than tariffs despite media hype.
- Tariffs are managed matter-of-factly and mostly passed to consumers, causing short-term pain but potential long-term gain.
Son's Sprint to Beat Tariffs
- Gregg's son rushed to buy a MacBook fearing price hikes from tariffs.
- The administration reversed tariff plans shortly after, causing buyer regret due to uncertainty.
Uncertainty Paralyzes Growth Decisions
- Economic uncertainty paralyzes businesses, delaying hiring and expansion.
- This paralysis could deepen recession risks by stalling economic activity.