Retail Gets Real

Shekar Natarajan, Chief Supply Chain Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, joins this episode to discuss the company's supply chain strategy, including its vision for a shared “internet of packages,” how current challenges are impacting the business and what the future of the retail supply chain looks like. Natarajan expands on opportunities in the industry to unify, optimize and improve the outcome for everyone involved by sharing supply chain resources. He explains that, with an open platform model, as demonstrated by the internet, supply chain efforts in every corner of the world could work together for a real, tangible benefit all the way down the producer-to-consumer chain. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this episode, Carlos Londono, Vice President & Head of Supply Chain at Chipotle Mexican Grill, shares insight into the company’s supply chain strategy, how current challenges are impacting the business and what the future of the retail supply chain looks like. The promise of fresh ingredients with no preservatives or additives means that Chipotle’s supply chain team needs to operate at the top of its game. It's through a devotion to its people, an openness to technology and an organizational commitment to efficiency that Londono and his team are able to adapt in today’s marketplace while staying true their values around running a sustainable business. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

After starting in wholesale and moving into ecommerce, Goodlife Clothing is now investing in physical stores. Andrew Codispoti, Co-CEO of Goodlife Clothing, joins Retail Gets Real to add a front-line perspective on how and why his, and other digitally native brands, are seeing success in physical retail spaces. Codispoti outlines the history of the brand and how the store has proven to be a cost-effective acquisition channel that not only brings in new customers but keeps them coming back. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As we hit the mid-point of 2022, we’re still dealing with the impacts of a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and inflation, yet the consumer and retailers remain resilient. National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay joins Retail Gets Real to share insights about the state of retail coming off his recent conversations with industry and world leaders at the World Economic Forum and the White House.  He also shares the solutions NRF is advocating for as part of its Lower Inflation Now campaign, which include repealing tariffs and addressing the broken immigration system that contributes to an ongoing labor shortage and workforce challenges. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, CEO/Founder, Sustainable Brands, joins the show to share what retailers are doing to become more sustainable, how consumer behaviors are evolving and what the future of retail looks like through a sustainability lens. Sustainable Brands is a global community of changemakers who are working together to shift the global economy toward a more sustainable future. She’s committed to pooling data and experiences from across industry in order to position business as the hero of the future, not its destructor.  Starting in the sustainability space in 2004, she’s seen, and directly participated in, a total shift in how businesses and the consumer view it. As she puts it, the train has left the station, so to speak, and today’s brands better get on board or be left behind. Tune in for yet another expert perspective on how our industry continues to thrive during a period of rapid change. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Olaplex CEO JuE Wong talks about growing a fan favorite brand, harnessing the power of social media and what's next for the company and the future of the retail industry. She shares her unique career journey and the advice that helped her find success after success. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

After separating the digital business from stores in June 2021, Saks OFF 5TH has invested heavily in creating an unparalleled digital experience for the luxury bargain hunter. In this episode, Saks OFF 5TH President and CEO Paige Thomas shares insights into the digital strategy, leading through difficult times and where the future of retail is headed.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.  

Jill Thomas is the CMO of PGA TOUR Superstore. The company, and the sport, have both seen a recent surge of growth due to COVID-19 and golf’s unique position as an outdoor activity that is social distancing-friendly and connection fostering. We talk about how PGA TOUR Superstore is expanding the world of golf to a broader audience, impacting not only the future of retail but of the sport as well.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

When Krista Bourne started in the mailroom at Verizon twenty years ago, she didn’t imagine that she would someday be in the C-suite. Today, as COO of Verizon Consumer Group, she joins the episode to talk about how she’s navigated her incredible career journey, what it takes to build effective teams and the future of retail.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Kimberly Lee Minor is the CEO of Bumbershoot, a firm that helps businesses rethink their cultures for inclusivity. In addition to being a thought leader and advocate for the advancement of women and people of color in the workplace, Kimberly is also the President and Chief Commercial Officer at women’s apparel brand, Bandier. We talk about how companies are rethinking their values and how to nurture diversity and inclusion, not just with customers and branding, but in the workforce. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.