Ann Gehan

Ann Gehan, a retail reporter from The Information, joins the discussion on the reinvention of soda. She explores how health-conscious brands like Poppi and Olipop are challenging traditional giants by offering flavorful alternatives without the sugar crash. Gehan highlights their innovative marketing strategies, focusing on influencer collaborations to engage younger consumers. The conversation dives into the evolving perception of soda, questioning whether these brands signify a genuine shift in consumer preferences or just another passing trend.

Ann Gehan, a retail reporter at The Information, and Elizabeth Segran, a senior staff writer at Fast Company, delve into the rise and fall of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe brand once valued at $4.1 billion. They discuss Allbirds’ innovative approach to comfort and sustainability, its battle against Nike, and the challenges of declining sales post-IPO. The conversation explores the broader struggles faced by direct-to-consumer brands amidst economic shifts and digital marketing pressures, raising questions about the future of retail.