Retail Gets Real

As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF’s top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what’s driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.(00:00:00) Reflecting on 15 years of economic insight(00:06:40) Forecasting through uncertainty(00:08:16) The rise of AI and the future of retail(00:09:47) The real impact of AI on retail and jobs(00:12:46) Navigating a globalized retail economy(00:18:45) Advice for students, book recs and a look backThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook’ for 2025• NRF Chief Economist Says 2024 ‘Ended on a High Note’• Economy Still Growing Despite Tariffs But ‘A Lot of People Have Recession on Their Minds’

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 Goodejohn, vice president and chief social impact officer at Starbucks, to explore how the global brand is redefining what it means to serve communities — not just with beverages, but with bold action, local investment, and sustainability at scale.(00:00:00) Leading with purpose at Starbucks(00:04:09) How Starbucks turns food waste into community support(00:06:55) Scaling FoodShare and setting the standard for others(00:12:07) Finding purpose in retail and coffee culture(00:15:27) The future of retail’s social impactThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Starbucks Hunger Relief: about.starbucks.com/hunger-relief• The Starbucks Foundation: about.starbucks.com/the-starbucks-foundation• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• How digital transformation at Levi’s and Starbucks is improving customer experience• How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success

Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient and he is now the team manager for Gucci in Tysons Corner, Va.. He joins us to talk about his personal journey in retail, how to “romance a product” and the lessons C-suite executives can learn from up-and-coming retail professionals. (00:00:00) Davison Long’s retail history (00:04:44) Romancing the product(00:06:02) Perspectives of a young leader (00:13:13) Tools to support young professionals (00:16:23) Davison Long’s favorite Gucci products (00:17:38) How C-Suite executives can connect with young leaders(00:20:33) Davison Long’s inspirations The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• gucci.com• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Championing Leaders in Retail • NRF Foundation awards top scholarship to Columbia College Chicago junior

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 by experience. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Brian Berger, founder and CEO of Mack Weldon, shares how frustration as a consumer inspired him to reinvent men’s basics with a focus on smart design, technical innovation, and a radically improved shopping experience.(00:00:00) The origin of Mack Weldon(00:04:58) The story behind the brand name(00:07:30) Growing the brand by knowing the customer(00:12:44) Navigating the AI era as a retail founder(00:19:53) Father’s Day picks and the future of retailThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Mack Weldon: mackweldon.com• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 336. Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s• 376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success• 367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets• 349. How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers

Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:57) How NRF advocates for small business owners (00:05:33) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses (00:07:27) Aaron Brown’s story (00:08:58) Bob Jones’ story (00:11:04) Lisa-Jae Eggert’s story (00:12:23) Making an impact with policymakers (00:16:41) Cruz’s message to small business owners The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get involved with the NRF Action Center • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 5 things to know about tariffs • Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs • Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk

Organized retail crime (ORC) is not a victimless crime — it can have a devastating impact on the real people behind retailers. Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, joins us to discuss the fight against organized retail crime. We explore laws and initiatives to combat the insidious issue, plus what local businesses can do to protect themselves and their employees. (00:00:54) Introductions(00:01:41) Stephan’s Law Background (00:03:41) The Human Price Of Organized Retail Crime (00:09:10) The Reality Of Retail Crime (00:13:13) Initiatives To Combat Organized Retail Crime (00:22:01) The Role Of Local Businesses In Confronting Crime (00:24:47) The Evolution Of Organized Retail Crime The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Learn more about NRF Protect• Register for NRF Nexus at nrf.com/nexus and use code RGR20 for 20% off• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Retailers battle nearly $100 billion in shrink • NRF’s FIght Retail Crime Day wins Reed Award for Best Lobby Day • 3 ways to fight retail crimeProduced by Crate Media.

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 Strategies, and Sucharita Kodali, vice president and principal analyst of Forrester Research, to discuss the transformative trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging solution providers that are shaping the future of retail. We explore generative and autonomous AI, robotics, resale, and more top-of-mind topics. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:42) Leaders in innovation and technology(00:06:48) The most transformative trends for the retail industry (00:09:15) AI’s profound impact on retail (00:19:06) The role of robotics in retail (00:23:00) What excites them about the future of retailThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase • Reverse Logistics Association • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• How the NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase can help you drive revenue and build crucial partnerships • A snapshot into the latest retail tech breakthroughs Produced by Crate Media.

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 career advice. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:00:39) Highlights of the NRF Big Show (00:01:39) Ardrey’s career background (00:07:50) The pace of change in retail (00:09:30) Vera Bradley’s transformation journey (00:15:05) Balancing brand loyalty with an expanding customer base (00:17:49) Facing the unpredictability of consumers (00:21:39) Ardrey’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• verabradley.com• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• What to know about the consumer in 2025Produced by Crate Media.

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 problem-solving in the retail industry.(00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:31) Oblisk’s career journey (00:05:45) Why Oblisk loves merchandising & marketing (00:08:11) Getting to know the Whole Foods customer (00:11:10) Leading in trends and quality control (00:13:11) What’s next for Whole Foods in 2025 (00:19:45) Oblisk’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• wholefoodsmarket.com• Find out more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 10 retail experiences you shouldn't miss in New York City

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 evolution of visual merchandising (00:10:25) Telling the coach story (00:13:55) Zaccariello’s proudest career moment (00:19:09) Zaccariello’s lessons and future learnings The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• coach.com• linkedin.com/in/giovannizaccariello• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 10 retail experiences you shouldn’t miss in New York City