Retail Gets Real

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and as consumers become more and more comfortable with generative AI, retailers will have to find new and innovative ways to reach shoppers. Jane Cheung, global research leader, consumer industry, IBM Institute for Business Value, joins the show to talk about IBM’s 2024 consumer study, how she got into consumer research and how AI can help improve the experience for both customers and retailers.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

With 100 stores in the United States and Canada, 4 million loyalty program members and a robust online platform, Saks OFF 5TH continues to reimagine traditional off-price retail with a digital-first model focused on delivering a superior customer experience. On today’s show, President and CEO Rob Brooks discusses his career in retail, his leadership style and what’s next for the company. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

In honor of Women's History Month, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations with inspiring and trailblazing women in retail. From how to champion diversity to great career advice and how to grow as a leader, we've highlighted these insights worth resharing from some of retail's smartest people: • Michelle Gass, CEO, Levi Strauss & Co (#336) • Jennifer Gandia, Co-owner, Greenwich St. Jewelers (#320) • Prama Bhatt, Chief Digital Officer, Ulta Beauty (#321) • Heidi Cooley, Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs (#328) • Megan Crozer, Executive Vice President & Chief Merchant, Sam's Club (#309) • Mecca Mitchell, Senior VP & Chief DEI Officer, Burlington Stores (#326) • Christiane Pendarvis, Co-CEO, Pattern Beauty (#297) • Theresa Lee, Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy, PetSmart (#338) Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Despite the holiday falling in late March this year, consumer spending this Easter is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey — the second highest in the survey’s history. On today’s show, Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at NRF, shares insights from NRF’s latest Easter data, including the top categories and activities consumers are indulging in this holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, talks about his career journey, McDonald's extremely popular app and how McDonald's uses digital strategies to keep customers of all generations coming back. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Made By Gather designs and manufactures kitchenware for a modern generation of makers with premium design, innovative functionality and headline-grabbing collaborations. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Made By Gather’s founder and CEO Shae Hong joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial career path, the philosophy behind his portfolio of kitchenware brands and his exciting partnership with Drew Barrymore. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

PetSmart recently rolled out its new employee-focused communications app, called Central Bark, to give associates a place to share ideas, collaborate, ask questions and troubleshoot. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, PetSmart’s Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy Theresa Lee joins us to talk about the company’s unique culture and how PetSmart has successfully revamped the front-line experience for its 50,000+ associates. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

American lifestyle retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is in the midst of an enterprise-wide digital transformation. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, A&F Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Technology Officer Samir Desai joins us to talk about A&F’s new digital strategy and the future of retail technology. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Levi's CEO Michelle Gass discusses leadership, taking risks, and her vision for the company. Topics include her career journey, navigating disruption, driving purpose in retail, and reflections on family and leadership.

Monica + Andy was born in a delivery room, not a boardroom. As Monica Royer held her newborn daughter in her arms, she wanted nothing more than complete confidence that what touched her baby’s skin was the softest, safest fabric available. On today’s episode, Monica Royer, co-founder and CEO of Monica + Andy, joins the show live from the NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City to talk about her incredible career journey, growing her organic baby clothing and accessories brand, partnering with Walmart and what the future of retail looks like. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.