Retail Gets Real

As Retail Gets Real celebrates a milestone 300th episode, we are joined by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and chairman of the NRF Board of Directors, who talks about his 30-year career journey at Walmart from part-timer to CEO, his approach to leadership and risk-taking, and what the retail giant will focus on in 2023.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

How does a 62-year-old jewelry and accessories company keep up with changing tastes and trends? On this episode of Retail Gets Real, we sit down with Claire’s CMO Kristin Patrick to talk about the global brand that has pierced millions, how Patrick has redefined the brand for a new generation and how it is reaching “Gen Z-Alpha” in the metaverse. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic and when new pet parents needed supplies and care for those pets, they turned to retailers like Petco. On this episode, Petco’s Ron Coughlin discusses his decision to take the CEO position, the brand’s transformational journey to a health and wellness company, and the pandemic’s impact on the pet industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this special episode of Retail Gets Real recorded at NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show,  we talk to Christiane Pendarvis, co-president/chief merchandising and design officer for Savage X Fenty, about her career journey, how the brand is disrupting the intimate apparel industry, the drive to increase inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry and what it’s like to work for Rihanna.Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this special episode of the Retail Gets Real podcast recorded live at the NRF Foundation Student Program, Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, talks about the latest consumer insights, including the recent holiday shopping season and what to expect from consumers in 2023. She also takes audience questions from students participating in the event.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Recorded from NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show in New York City: Andrea Bell, vice president of Consumer Insights at WGSN, dives into the latest consumer research on what the future of retail looks like, trends that retailers need to be aware of and how to plan for the unknown. From the rise of the “polycrisis” era to synthetic creativity, retailers are looking for ways to future-proof their businesses and navigate global risks.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

From small concept stores to the metaverse and Web3, retail is all about change and adaptation. On today’s show, Susan Reda, NRF’s VP of education strategy digs into the insights and retail trends for 2023 and explains why drones, robotics and Generation Alpha are shaping the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

After weathering the effects of a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and inflation, retailers and consumers are ready for a brighter 2023. National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay joins Retail Gets Real to discuss the industry and how it fared this holiday season, what to expect from retail and NRF in 2023, and what he’s looking forward to at the upcoming NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships and alliances at Planalytics. Gold discusses his career path from Macy’s to weather data analytics, how weather and geography impacts consumers and how they shop, especially during the holiday season, and what retailers can do to be prepared for Mother Nature heading into 2023. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

On this week’s episode, Barbara Connors, vice president of strategy and acceleration at The Kroger Company’s retail data science, insights and media company 84.51⁰, discusses how shoppers are preparing for the holiday season, looking to spend time together with family and reconnect through family traditions. Listen to learn how inflation is impacting consumers, why even habitual online shoppers visit stores during the holidays, and what to expect into the new year. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.