Retail Gets Real

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

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• 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:• Retail trends to watch in 2025• What to know about the consumer in 2025

Jack Kleinhenz, NRF's chief economist for over 15 years, and Mark Mathews, Executive Director of Research, dive into the forces shaping the U.S. economy. They discuss the critical role of accurate forecasting amid economic uncertainty and the transformative power of AI on retail operations and consumer behavior. The conversation also tackles the shift toward a global retail landscape and how evolving shopping habits are influenced by technology. Insights on literature and advice for students round out this engaging exploration of economics and retail.

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