Retail Gets Real

In January at retail's Big Show, we spoke with the Enjoy Technology, Inc. CEO, Ron Johnson, about his journey establishing the mobile retail startup that reproduces the in-store experience in the comfort of customer's homes. When the pandemic hit, personal shopping experiences were impacted as retailers prioritized social distancing, and the health and safety of employees and consumers. Today, Ron discusses how the Enjoy experience has changed since the start of the pandemic, as well as how retailers can continue to deliver personal and memorable experiences at a time when it matters most.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

The approaching holiday season will look very different for many retailers this year as the coronavirus upends and accelerates the retail industry. At a time when so many things are uncertain, understanding the rapidly changing needs of consumers is paramount in helping supply chain leaders better forecast demand and effectively manage inventory. That’s why retailers should be leveraging demand sensing, which uses supply chain information in real time to more accurately predict trends that will improve sales, make production more effective, and optimize inventory. Two experts from PwC, Kurt Staelens and Paul Leinwand, share how retailers are using demand sensing to reveal patterns that better predict behavior and what retailers can be doing right now to prepare for the busy holiday season ahead.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

While looking to entertain themselves in quarantine, many consumers have taken up new hobbies. A go-to place for creative hobbies is Michaels Stores, an arts and crafts retailer specializing in all types of supplies for creative endeavors. At the onset of the pandemic, Michael's responded by launching new programs like curbside pickup and same-day delivery, as well as expanding how-to content on their website as customers were scrambling to entertain kids (and themselves). Steve Woodward, Senior Director of Digital Experience at Michaels, joins us to share how the retailer is innovating to accommodate the consumer since the onset of the coronavirus. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As the next generation of consumers comes of age, it’s important to look at the habits of Gen Z, commonly referred to as the digital native generation. Katherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation's research team shares some recent data on what to expect from this group of young people. They are the first generation to truly grow up completely connected—not only with the internet but with smartphones and social media as well. They are ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting new technology and they are quickly becoming the experts of new tools and channels. Find out how their shopping habits—and their use of technology—affects retailers of the future.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Gen Z and Millennials get all of the attention, but there are some interesting trends emerging in how Boomers have adjusted their shopping habits due to the pandemic. Katie Jordan from the NRF research team shares some recent data about how that generation is shopping today. Unlike millennials and Gen Z, Boomers aren’t known for being tech-savvy. But with social distancing mandates, they have been forced to move more of their lives online. This has resulted in a large boom in the use of online shopping, curbside pick-up, contactless pay, and more.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

It's back-to-school time, but not like we’re used to. Confusion about what school looks like this year also means uncertainty around back-to-class shopping. NRF’s Katherine Cullen talks about how implications of the pandemic are impacting family budgets, how retailers are adjusting their back-to-school shopping experience for online shopping and how kids are contributing to their own school shopping.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Eric Kinariwala, the founder and CEO of Capsule shares how the business is designed to improve the pharmacy experience, how it’s growing rapidly to meet the health needs of customers, and how the pandemic has impacted its business.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

SKDKnickerbocker consultant and media strategist Bill Knapp describes how the issue of requiring face coverings became a contentious one and shares what messaging resonates best when communicating safety policies with customers.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Ramunda and Derrick Young run MahoganyBooks, an independent bookstore specializing in African American literature that operates online and from its Washington, D.C. location. In this episode, the Youngs share how they’ve navigated the pandemic as a small business and the recent surge in demand for books about the Black experience and racism following global protests against racial inequality. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Sarah Friar, CEO of the social networking platform Nextdoor, shares what retailers can learn from how people are engaging on the app, whether it's offering a helping hand, supporting a local business, or fostering community. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.