The Modern Retail Podcast

In this discussion, industry leaders Alex Tomlin from Bacardi North America and Zach Poelma from Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits dive into the evolving drinking habits of Gen Z. Alex highlights how this demographic emphasizes mindfulness and is urging the alcohol industry towards healthier options, leading to a rise in spritzes and low-ABV drinks. Zach adds insights on premiumization trends, explaining how consumers are trading up in quality without increasing their consumption frequency. Social media's influence on drink trends also gets a spotlight!

Discover how ChatGPT's Instant Checkout is set to transform single-item purchases on platforms like Etsy. Walmart is shaking things up by eliminating synthetic dyes and additives in response to rising consumer demand for cleaner ingredients. The co-founders of Cakes Body share their journey from a TikTok sensation to a $100 million brand, emphasizing their unique company culture that prioritizes employee benefits like child care reimbursement and unlimited PTO. Learn how these strategies are shaping performance and workplace satisfaction in a remote-first environment.

On this week's episode of the Modern Retail Podcast, co-hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels go deep on the much-hyped NikeSkims launch. They discuss the look and vibe of the collections that debuted this week and where it might find a white space in the athleisure market. Then on the featured segment (16:06), Daniels speaks with Modern Retail reporter Mitchell Parton to unpack craft retailer Michaels' new store layouts as it attempts to fill the voids left by Joann and Party City that went bankrupt earlier this year. Parton met with new Michaels' CEO David Boone to discuss how the retailer dedicated a quarter of its floor space to new areas, called The Knit and Sew Shop and The Party Shop. Their conversation gets into the demand and opportunity for this strategy, including how searches for “fabric” on Michaels.com increased by 77% over the past year, and why Michaels' new area called The Party Shop includes lowered prices on party decor items like streamers, napkins and tableware. They also discussed the importance of store associate training and capacity to handle more products, customer inquiries and new responsibilities around balloon filling and fabric cutting.

Kimeko McCoy, a senior marketing reporter at Digiday, dives into the evolving landscape of retail media. She discusses how Affirm is integrating its buy now, pay later service with Apple Pay, enhancing in-store experiences. The revival of paper coupons by Kroger is also a hot topic, appealing to value-oriented shoppers. McCoy explores the rapid growth of retail media networks inspired by Amazon’s success, highlighting the challenges brands face in navigating this crowded space and the potential for new players to emerge.

Kat Cole, CEO of AG1, leads a thriving direct-to-consumer supplement brand that raked in $600 million last year. She discusses AG1's ambitious growth strategies, including the upcoming NextGen reformulation and new sleep product AGZ. Cole emphasizes the rigorous R&D involved in their product development, like triple-blind testing, while navigating the complexities of scaling for wholesale partnerships, particularly with Costco. Listeners will find insights on balancing innovation with quality in the supplement industry.

Jessica Rolph and Rod Morris, co-founders of Lovevery, share insights on their Montessori-inspired toy brand. They discuss successfully launching products at Walmart and the importance of balancing quality with affordability for mass audiences. The duo emphasizes using consumer feedback and insights to develop innovative toys while navigating day-to-day operations. They also touch on the broader trends like Kraft Heinz's split and Starbucks' shift to protein-rich options, showcasing how adapting to consumer behavior is crucial in the retail landscape.

Sonia Lapinsky, an expert at Alix Partners with 20 years in retail consulting, shares insights on this summer's consumer spending. She discusses the rising trend of luxury shopping vacations in Europe and the impact of potential furniture tariffs on U.S. brands. Lapinsky explains how inflation has led shoppers to be more deliberate in their purchases, balancing brand loyalty with price sensitivity. She advises brands on adapting strategies in a market full of uncertainty and high costs, emphasizing the importance of understanding fickle consumer behavior.

Mike Duda, an investor at Bullish with expertise in early-stage consumer brands, joins the discussion. They delve into Target's CEO transition and its implications amid a shifting retail landscape. Duda shares insights on the challenges facing startups, such as fundraising in a tight market and innovative marketing strategies. He emphasizes the importance of reducing reliance on costly digital advertising. The conversation also highlights Amazon's grocery advancements and the effects of changing consumer sentiment on retail brands.

Nicole Portland, the Chief Marketing Officer at Suja Life, shares insights on the revitalization of Slice Soda and its exciting partnership with Sprouts. They discuss how the reimagined Slice has adapted to health trends with reduced sugar while still delivering classic flavors. Nicole highlights Sprouts as a key player in helping emerging brands scale quickly, thanks to initiatives like 'New for You' that drive consumer discovery. This dynamic collaboration is redefining the grocery experience for health-conscious shoppers.

Julia Waldow, a reporter at Modern Retail, discusses the revolutionary moves in retail. She highlights Ikea's pilot partnership with Best Buy, aimed at enhancing customer acquisition. The conversation also dives into Claire's second Chapter 11 filing and the pressures legacy brands face today. A key focus is on how AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming the shopping experience, potentially allowing for immediate product checkouts, and shifting the traditional consumer journey in exciting ways. Brands must adapt quickly to stay relevant.