Retail Gets Real

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

Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:26) Pinterest’s young and engaged audience (00:03:04) Hardy’s career journey (00:06:20) Emerging consumer behaviors (00:12:16) Pinterest predicts 2025 trends (00:15:11) Retail challenges and opportunities for 2025 (00:21:24) Hardy’s learnings and 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:• pinterest.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:• Retail trends to watch in 2025• What to know about the consumer in 2025 Produced by Crate Media.

Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustrious career. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:19) Gomez’s career journey (00:06:18) His most challenging and rewarding moments (00:08:58) The secrets behind Target’s magic merchandising (00:12:51) Top retail trends (00:15:04) Shifts in consumer shopping habits (00:17:01) Gomez’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:• target.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:• How Target’s people-first culture and leadership programs are driving success• Off-site retail marketing takes off

Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:15) The changing retail landscape (00:07:21) 2025 retail trends (00:10:40) NRF’s priorities on policy (00:15:26) Shay’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:• NRF Management Team: Matthew Shay • 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:• Why I believe in the power of retail jobs • The state of retail heading into 2024

If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every retailer should know. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:16) Napoli’s career as a trend forecaster (00:04:55) How to forecast trends (00:08:24) Emerging trends for retailers to watch (00:13:11) Embracing strategic joy (00:15:06) The biggest trend no one is talking about (00:19:55) The future of retail is tweens (00:21:37) Napoli’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:• wgsn.com/en• 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:• What’s now, what’s next?: Future tech beyond AI• Retail trends to watch in 2025 • Future trends that will shape consumer behavior and retail operations

LEGO is a timeless, cherished brand for kids and adults alike. In a very special episode from NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Martin Urrutia, head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO. We talk about how LEGO continues to innovate while remaining true to its core values. We also explore the importance of brand storytelling, creating unique in-store experiences, and building community with consumers. Plus, Urrutia shares highlights from working for LEGO and his most impactful career advice. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:02:30) Urrutia’s career journey (00:06:28) LEGO movies & TV shows (00:08:08) Balancing innovation with timelessness (00:10:12) Exciting innovations for 2025 (00:16:39) Urrutia’s career advice & leadership philosophy (00:20:30) Building community with LEGO 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:• lego.com • ideas.lego.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.com

We’re ringing in the new year with new retail predictions. In one of our most popular annual episodes, NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda joins us to forecast 2025’s most impactful and exciting retail trends. From innovative AI agents, to the rise of live shopping, to the rebirth of brick and mortar stores, the future of retail is bright. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:48) How Reda makes her predictions (00:03:14) How AI agents will shape 2025 (00:08:51) The future of live shopping & social commerce (00:13:08) The rebirth of retail stores (00:17:17) The influence Of Gen Z & Alphas 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:• 25 predictions for the retail industry in 2025 • 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/advocacyFind more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• AI and beyond: Retail trends to watch in 2024• What can AI do for retailers and customers? • 7 trends revealed at NRF Nexus Produced by Crate Media.

Big things are coming at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, taking place in New York City Jan. 12-14. Jill Dvorak,  NRF senior vice president of content, joins us to preview the show. She shares key themes and exciting speakers, tips for attendees, plus her favorite show memories. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:54) Jill’s best Big Show memories (00:04:42) Industry game changers (00:06:18) What attendees need to know about the Big Show (00:09:32) Previewing themes & speakers (00:17:21) What Jill is looking forward to 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 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:• NRF Names Jill Dvorak as New Senior Vice President of ContentProduced by Crate Media.