The Modern Retail Podcast

This week on the Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporters Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels chat about Ikea's new pilot partnership with Best Buy, and why the first-ever partnership with a a third party retailer could become a meaningful new acquisition channel. And they unpack how tween mall staple Claire's wound up filing for Chapter 11 for the second time in seven years -- and why they may be not be the last legacy retailer to get pushed over the edge by tariff policy. Later in the episode (14:50), Daniels is joined by reporter Julia Waldow to discuss her recent story on how some brands are readying themselves for a potential checkout tool native to ChatGPT. They get into how AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and more are blowing up the traditional consumer funnel, and how brands are trying to get ahead of the curve.

Julia Waldow, a reporter at Modern Retail, co-hosts with insights from Sarah O’Leary, CEO of Willow Innovations, and Jen Saxton, founder of TotSquad. They discuss the shifting landscape of U.S. trade deals and the backlash against American Eagle’s controversial ad featuring Sydney Sweeney. O’Leary and Saxton dive into the burgeoning postpartum care market, spotlighting innovative products like wireless breast pumps and platforms supporting new parents. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of empathetic branding and the need for better resources for moms.

Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger, owners of P.F. Candle Co., dive into the complexities of running a brand focused on Made in America products. They discuss the challenges posed by ongoing tariffs, especially regarding raw materials and packaging. The conversation highlights the benefits of local sourcing and how it shapes their marketing strategies. They also reflect on the evolving candle market, addressing consumer interests and the importance of adapting to maintain quality while navigating pricing pressures.

Lexy Lebsack is a West Coast correspondent for Glossy, specializing in beauty trends and M&A. She discusses Ulta's recent acquisition of Space NK and its implications for the beauty landscape. Cassey Ho, founder of Popflex Active, shares her experiences with fashion design theft, including her patented skort worn by Taylor Swift. They dive into the rise of lawsuits over beauty dupes and the complexities of protecting intellectual property in a world driven by imitation, exploring the emotional challenges creators face amidst such struggles.

Allison Smith, an e-commerce platforms reporter at Modern Retail, discusses the troubling decline in Modelo beer sales, influenced by cultural and economic shifts affecting the Hispanic consumer base. She delves into how brands must adapt to these changes, emphasizing the significant spending power of Hispanic Americans. The conversation also covers the slow start of Prime Day, exploring evolving consumer behaviors and strategies adopted by sellers in response to competition and pricing fatigue, revealing insights on the retail landscape.

This week, exciting developments in retail take center stage. Unilever’s massive acquisition of Dr. Squatch signals a shift in the men’s grooming sector. Meanwhile, DTC brand Parachute closes most of its stores to concentrate on e-commerce. The discussion also highlights changing consumer behavior, with deal-seeking shoppers and emerging retail trends impacting sales strategies. Plus, the challenges of navigating boycotts and tariffs reveal the complexities brands face in a rapidly evolving market.

Julia Waldow, a reporter at Modern Retail, dives into the burgeoning world of private labels, revealing how these store brands are transforming consumer shopping habits. Despite a slump in retail sales, nearly 70% of shoppers are attracted to private labels for better value. Waldow discusses Kraft Heinz’s initiative to eliminate artificial dyes by 2027, showcasing a broader shift towards cleaner products. The conversation also highlights how retailers are leveraging these brands to enhance profitability and attract trend-focused consumers.

Lee Mayer, Co-founder and CEO of Havenly Brands, Jiake Liu, Co-founder of Outer, and Nicole Chaloux-Pinette from Perigold join to discuss the Labubu doll craze and its impact on retail trends. They explore how viral collectibles are reshaping consumer behavior and driving resale markets. The conversation shifts to the retail employment landscape, highlighting significant job losses and challenges in the furniture sector amid a housing slump. Together, they share innovative strategies to adapt, engage customers, and thrive in today’s shifting market.

Julia Waldow, a reporter at Modern Retail, dives into the dramatic drop in Temu's U.S. user base and its implications for the e-commerce landscape. Graham Nearn and Kate Ridley from PMI Worldwide discuss Stanley 1913's evolution, focusing on their successful transition from outdoor gear to modern lifestyle products. They explore the impact of viral trends like Dubai chocolate on brand strategy and consumer engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability and fostering connections with consumers in today's retail challenges.

Anna Hensel, Executive Editor at Modern Retail, joins for an engaging discussion on the latest retail news. Nike is making a comeback on Amazon after six years, along with price hikes on its premium items. E.l.f. Beauty is also raising prices while acquiring Hailey Bieber's skincare line, Rhode, for a whopping $1 billion. Hensel debunks myths around recession indicators like the Lipstick and Men's Underwear Index, revealing how these quirky metrics reflect consumer behavior during economic uncertainty.