Retail Gets Real

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

Sandy Gilsenan, Warby Parker’s Chief Retail and Customer Experience Officer, shares insights from her impressive career in retail, spanning major brands. She discusses the power of omnichannel strategies that connect digital and physical experiences. Sandy reveals how Warby Parker caters to a diverse customer base and stays innovative with unique in-store services and tech integration. She also highlights their partnership with Google to create AI-powered smart glasses. Lastly, she offers valuable advice for aspiring retailers to embrace risks and think long-term.

Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.(00:00:00) Walmart’s first Chief Talent Officer(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AIThe 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 Foundation's RISE Up Program: nrffoundation.org/rise-up• Walmart's Live Better U: corporate.walmart.com/about/working-at-walmart/live-better-u• 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:• 351: The think tank for retail industry talent leaders

Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operational resilience and the bottom line. We sit down with two industry leaders on the front lines of digital risk: Pam Lindemoen, chief security officer and vice president of strategy at the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Christian Beckner, vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity at the National Retail Federation. Together, they unpack the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape facing retailers today, from fraud and social engineering to the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence.(00:00:00) Building a united front in retail cybersecurity(00:04:41) Strengthening trust and evolving partnerships(00:07:49) Rising threats in retail cybersecurity(00:12:43) Investing in resilience and readiness(00:16:51) Looking ahead: cooperation and global expansionThe 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:• 366: How to fight back against organized retail crime• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail’s future• 344: The future of AI in consumer experience

Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to the next generation, these stories highlight how value-driven strategies create lasting impact.(00:00:00) Starbucks’ nationwide food rescue program(00:03:52) Whole Foods’ approach to quality and accessibility(00:06:59) IKEA’s full-circle sustainability strategy(00:09:18) Kendra Scott’s model for fashion-driven philanthropy(00:10:58) LEGO’s community-building through creativity(00:13:20) Gen Z’s influence on 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:• 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:• 386: Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities• 379: Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service• 368: How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience• 346: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision• 373: How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation• 361: How Gen Z is redefining retail