Chad Lusk

Chad Lusk, a retail and consumer industry executive at A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Chris and Anne to share bold predictions for 2026. Chad believes OpenAI will launch a game-changing payment platform for agentic commerce, while Chris suggests Starbucks will shift to mobile-focused ghost cafes, eliminating traditional seating. Anne anticipates that agent-influenced shopping will surge during the 2026 holiday season. The trio dives into these intriguing forecasts, setting the stage for the retail evolution ahead.

Chad Lusk, a retail and consumer sector expert from A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Chris and Anne to dissect some hilariously misguided retail headlines. They hilariously critique Starbucks for claiming mobile pickup lacks "warmth," and Chad shares a laugh over Liquid Death's absurd pit diaper incident. Chris also questions Target's strategy for small-town expansions, dubbing it a desperate PR move. The playful banter reveals just how outlandish some industry thoughts can get!

Chad Lusk, a retail and consumer sector advisor at A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Chris and Anne to debate the top retail partnerships of 2025. They explore Walmart's innovative Rebag tie-up, aiming to tap into luxury resale and attract higher-income shoppers. Chris is intrigued by the unexpected presence of Gucci on Walmart's site. Anne champions the strategic Walmart and Avery Dennison partnership for perishables tracking to enhance grocery margins, while Chris highlights IKEA's clever collaboration with Best Buy to showcase kitchen installations.

Chad Lusk, a retail expert from A&M Consumer and Retail Group, shares insights on successful retail turnarounds. He praises Gap's KATSEYE denim campaign for its effective blend of nostalgia and cultural relevance. The discussion also highlights Macy's strategic focus on core stores and private branding, alongside Tony Spring's improvements to the shoe department experience. The question arises: can advertising alone revive a brand, or is execution key? Tune in for fascinating takes on marketing and brand comebacks!

Chad Lusk, a retail and consumer sector advisor with A&M Consumer and Retail Group, joins Chris and Anne to pitch imaginative retail-inspired movie concepts. Chris envisions a dramatic film set during Shein protests in Paris, starring Léa Seydoux. Chad dives into a chilling Black Mirror-esque thriller about a robot servant with a sinister twist. Meanwhile, Anne proposes true-crime narratives around mysterious CEO departures at Kohl's and Kroger. The team ultimately agrees that Chad's chilling robot tale deserves a spot on the big screen!