Retail Gets Real

Ali Furman, a partner at PwC specializing in AI strategy for retailers, joins Barbara O’Beirne, Stripe's global head of industry and value consulting, to explore the rise of agentic AI at NRF 2026. They discuss how this next-gen AI can make decisions and transact, marking a structural shift in retail. Both emphasize the importance of brick-and-mortar adaptations as stores become more experiential, and share insights on navigating AI implementation and maintaining consumer trust in this evolving landscape.

Horacio “Haio” Barbeito, President and CEO of Old Navy, brings nearly 30 years of international retail experience to the discussion. He emphasizes the importance of leaving comfort zones to foster growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Barbeito highlights Old Navy’s Opportunity Program, which transforms lives through youth employment, and argues that investing in people is both a social responsibility and a smart business strategy. He also shares insights on navigating AI while maintaining a human touch and offers advice for future retail leaders.

Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, shares insights on the transformative year of 2025. He discusses the critical impact of trade policy and tariffs on retail stability. Consumer sentiment is examined, revealing that despite anxiety, spending continues across income levels. Shay also delves into practical AI adoption strategies for retailers, emphasizing its role in enhancing workforce dynamics and supply chains. Additionally, he highlights the importance of investing in retail education and leadership for the industry's future.

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 for NRF 2026, straight from the leaders who bring the event to life. We’re joined by Susan Newman, senior vice president of event strategy at the National Retail Federation; Jill Dvorak, senior vice president of content; and Scot Case, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability and executive director of NRF’s Center for Retail Sustainability, to preview what attendees can expect at the retail industry’s most influential event.(00:00:00) What “The next now” means for retail(00:04:42) Inside the NRF Expo experience(00:07:03) Keynotes, AI and must-see content(00:10:20) Networking, celebrations, and shared experiences(00:11:29) Introducing NRF Rev and the circular economy(00:13:27) Insider tips for navigating Retail’s Big ShowThe 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• Learn more about the all new NRF Rev• 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:• 371: NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail’s Big Show• 375: Tech, trade and taxes: What’s impacting retail in 2025

Carly Berns, AVP at Burns Communications Group, and Olivia Meyer, a Gen Z retail strategist, dive into the evolving world of Gen Z consumers. They discuss how this generation prioritizes values like uniqueness and storytelling in shopping. Carly highlights the importance of brand transparency and actively listening to customers, while Olivia explains Gen Z’s affinity for AI and social media in their shopping journey. They also explore future trends, predicting community-focused retail spaces and the rise of sustainable practices.

Katherine Cullen, Vice President at the National Retail Federation, dives into the holiday shopping trends for 2025. She reveals that consumers are projected to spend over $1 trillion this season, with traditions rooted in family and nostalgia. Discover the hottest toys like Legos and Squishmallows and where shoppers are finding their gift inspirations—from in-store experiences to social media. Cullen also shares heartwarming insights on how simple gifts like coffee and hugs resonate most with families, emphasizing the emotional value of the holidays.

The wellness movement has gone global — and few companies embody that expansion better than iHerb. CEO Emun Zabihi explores how they’re transforming the way consumers access supplements and natural products worldwide. From humble beginnings in a Pasadena apartment to serving millions of customers in 180 countries, iHerb’s journey is a story of innovation, accessibility, and trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace. (00:00:00) The rise of the trillion-dollar wellness economy(00:08:57) Trends shaping the supplement industry(00:13:25) Global reach and the fight against counterfeits(00:18:35) The future of wellness and lessons in leadershipThe 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:• Website: iherb.com• Emun Zabihi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emun-zabihi• 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:• 389: Purpose-driven retail: Stories of impact from leading brands

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the retail landscape, and a new wave of agentic AI shoppers is changing how brands must think about data, experience and customer connection. Debra Langley, partner at CAPTIS Ventures, and Greg Merrill, president at Futura Fragua unpack the rapid rise of AI shopping agents and what this evolution means for the future of retail.(00:00:00) A new era of retail innovation(00:05:02) The rise of AI shopping agents(00:10:08) Explaining AI shoppers to traditional retailers(00:17:06) The promise and peril of AI(00:20:00) Why human experience still mattersThe 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:• CAPTIS Ventures• Futura Fragua• 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:• 381: The innovators driving the future of retail• 364: How BJ’s Wholesale Club leverages AI to serve its customers

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 Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation, to unpack how consumers are celebrating Halloween this year and why this festive tradition continues to grow in cultural and economic significance.(00:00:00) Turning homes into haunted experiences(00:05:59) From one night to an entire season(00:08:59) What consumers are buying this Halloween(00:11:25) Costumes that define the season(00:14:57) Why Halloween matters more than everThe 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:• 369: How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers• 365: Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends

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 fourth-generation leader, Matt offers a rare look inside the company’s long-standing commitment to both financial discipline and human-centered leadership — and how those values are shaping its future.(00:00:00) Early memories and family pressure(00:05:27) Seeing the store through the customer’s eyes(00:08:05) The power of the off-price model(00:14:25) Leading for people, not legacy(00:16:31) 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:• Website: beallsinc.com• Matt Beall on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattbeallceo• 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:• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience• 376: How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success