Retail Gets Real

J.C. Penney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a plan to spend more than $1 billion by the end of 2025 to revive the 121-year-old chain. On this episode, we’re speaking with Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Michelle Wlazlo about the department store’s historic $1 billion reinvestment project, the evolution and debut of several private labels and exclusive partnerships, and what’s ahead for the holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Small business consultant, boutique co-owner and podcaster Kathy Cruz is already a very busy woman. But recently, she added retail advocate to her title. This summer, Kathy flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress in support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which would enhance credit card competition and choice in order to reduce excessive credit card fees. On this episode, NRF’s Senior Director of Grassroots Meghan Keivel Cruz talks to Kathy about her growing business, supporting her fellow business owners and why she’s passionate about the retail industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Ulta Beauty has been reinventing beauty retail since opening its first five “beauty destination” stores in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago in 1990. More recently, the company has focused on transforming the customer experience digitally and online. In this episode, NRF’s Susan Reda speaks with Chief Digital Officer Prama Bhatt about her career journey, how the beauty retail brand has used digital tools to continue to innovate and personalize the customer experience, and what’s next in experiential shopping. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Greenwich St. Jewelers has been a Manhattan mainstay for almost 50 years, providing customers with superlative service and luxury without pretension. Founded by Puerto Rican immigrants, the family business has overcome obstacles including 9/11, the financial crisis and the pandemic. On today’s episode, we’re speaking with Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of the family business she runs with her sister, about the process behind rebranding a legacy brand while maintaining its heritage and growing from a traditional bricks-and-mortar store to an omnichannel business. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey, and a record number of people (73%) will participate in Halloween-related activities this year, up from 69% in 2022. To get us in the Halloween spirit, we’re talking to Katherine Cullen, NRF’s vice president of industry and consumer insights, for insights into what’s driving Halloween spending trends and factors that might impact winter holiday spending. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Untuckit was born when Chris Riccobono couldn’t find a shirt that looked good when he wore it untucked. Riccobono founded the American casual men’s apparel company in 2010; today the brand is about to sell its 12 millionth shirt. Now Riccobono has launched a new venture: Greatness Wins was created as a response to Riccobono’s dissatisfaction with athletic and performance wear. Chris joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial background, the growth strategies for his two brands, the importance of stores and his advice for young entrepreneurs and retailers. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

If the adage “All politics are local” is true, then state retail association executives really are the first line of defense for retail public policy and government relations activity in state capitols across the nation. On today’s special episode, recorded live at the Council of State Retail Associations meeting, three state retail association executives, including Gordon M. Gough of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Rachel Michelin of the California Retailers Association and Scott Shalley of the Florida Retail Federation, talk about the important role state retail associations play in state legislatures and local government, what SRA executives are doing on the issues of organized retail crime and credit card swipe fees, and how they draw on their membership to build relationships with policymakers that create impact. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As Congress returns from August recess, it will be considering policies that could have a profound impact on retailers, their employees and their communities. David French, NRF’s senior vice president of government relations, returns to the show to provide an update on important policy issues and legislation currently making its way through Congress, including bills to fight organized retail crime and tame excessive credit card swipe fees, as well as the prospects of immigration reform and the looming threat of a potential government shutdown. Get involved at nrf.com/takeaction. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

For 46 years, The Vitamin Shoppe has been helping customers be their best selves, however they define it. Innovation and technology have played a major role in the company’s growth, and on today’s episode, Andrew Laudato, EVP and COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, talks about that growth and adding stores through franchises, today’s definition of omnichannel and why technology is just a tool for creating better customer experiences.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Emily Erkel, Co-Founder and CMO and LePrix, talks about the resale landscape, starting and evolving her unique business for today's demands, her team's focus for the coming year and what the future of retail really looks like.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.