
Retail Gets Real
Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Latest episodes

Aug 17, 2021 • 27min
233. Diversity is in Nordstrom’s DNA: How the retailer creates a more inclusive environment
While the retail industry is very competitive, improving diversity across the industry is one area where retail companies are working together, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. We're talking with two leaders from Nordstrom about the company's diversity, inclusion, and belonging strategy. Fanya Chandler is SVP of the Southwest Region and Personal Styling, and Gemma Lionello is Executive Vice President, General Merchandising Manager of Accessories and Beauty. They share the progress they're making in DE&I, and why the strategy is important for the business as a whole. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Aug 10, 2021 • 24min
232. Article COO on redesigning the online furniture business
Article is an online furniture company that is reimagining the furniture-buying process from design and manufacturing all the way through to delivery. We chatted with co-founder and COO, Andy Prochazka, earlier this summer about the company's journey. Whether you never thought you’d buy furniture online or are thrilled by the idea of it, Article has much to share about how they are impacting the industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Aug 3, 2021 • 31min
231. Grove Collaborative CEO on making sustainable products mainstream
With its debut on Target store shelves in the spring, a whole new group of consumers has been introduced to Grove Collaborative this year. We're talking with Grove Collaborative Co-Founder and CEO Stu Landesberg about the evolution of the natural products company, from starting as a direct-to-consumer retailer, to developing new products, to teaming up with one of the biggest retailers in the country. We'll hear from Stu about the efforts to grow the business and help consumers live a more sustainable and planet-friendly lifestyle. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jul 27, 2021 • 28min
230. How David’s Bridal Survived the Wedding Drought of 2020
As more of the country gets vaccinated against COVID-19, weddings are starting to fill the calendar once again. Some are even predicting that we're entering a wedding boom. No one has their finger on the pulse of weddings more than our guest today, Jim Marcum, CEO of David's Bridal. We're going to talk about how the company approached digital innovation during the pandemic and the company's focus as more couples gather their friends together, along with their families, to say, “I do.” Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jul 20, 2021 • 25min
229. How retail industry executives take breaks to recharge
It’s the time of year for out-of-office notifications. Since it's vacation season, we're going to talk about how to turn off work and recharge. We all know it's important, but this is something a lot of people just don't do very well. It's also something our friends at the NRF Foundation have been asking industry executives about in their 20 questions episodes over the past several months. We’re going to explore some of those answers now to see how different successful people manage to turn off work and take a break. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jul 13, 2021 • 27min
228. Why the resale market is great for retail
As shopping for secondhand goods becomes increasingly popular, the resale market continues to grow quickly, and more and more retailers are leaning into the trend. Our guest today is Andy Ruben, Founder and CEO of Trove, which enables retailers such as REI, Lululemon, Patagonia, and Levi's to offer what they call “circular shopping.” We'll talk to Andy about the resale market and about how organizations like his are making the retail industry more sustainable. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jul 6, 2021 • 32min
227. Navigating the return to offices
While many retail workers were on the frontlines throughout the pandemic, other corporate employees have been working from home for more than a year. We're talking with Organizational and Workforce Transformation Advisory Partner, Elizabeth Yates, and Deals Partner at PwC, Sushil Ahuja, about how retailers can navigate return-to-office plans in their organizations. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jun 29, 2021 • 23min
226. Crafting the future of physical retail experiences with The Lion’esque Group
We hear so much about the death of physical retail, but are the reports of retail’s death greatly exaggerated? We’re talking about the future of physical retail with Melissa Gonzalez, CEO of The Lionesque Group, and a principal at MG2. The Lionesque Group specializes in strategy and retail design. We'll find out what trends Melissa is watching as she works with leading retailers across the country to create fresh and engaging customer experiences. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jun 22, 2021 • 28min
225. How brands are leveraging TikTok for community engagement
With more than 689 million users across the world, TikTok has emerged as a social media app that brands and consumers can’t ignore. Our guest today is Matt Cleary, TikTok's Vertical Director for Retail and Restaurants. We're going to ask him to share how retailers are using TikTok, what works for brands, and how consumers are engaging with the platform. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Jun 15, 2021 • 31min
224. Adapting to the “Out Here” lifestyle with Rob Mills of Tractor Supply Company
Rob Mills, Exec VP/Chief Technology & Strategy Officer at Tractor Supply Company on retail acceleration, family and what’s next for Tractor Supply Company. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.