The Modern Retail Podcast

Renais has lofty ambitions to be the leading global ultra-premium gin brand.The company, which launched in 2023 in Europe and expanded to the U.S. last year, just raised a fresh round of capital and is working on expanding even further. It was founded by CEO Alex Watson and his sister, actress Emma Watson. Renais Gin isn't cheap -- it retails for around $60 a bottle. But it offers a product that reuses pressed wine grapes from the Watson family's vineyard in France, ultimately making a more sustainable and higher-level gin offering.According to Alex Watson, who joined this week's Modern Retail Podcast, Renais' growth comes at a fortuitous time. "Martinis are having a moment right now," he said. And while people are drinking less -- especially this month -- they are seeking better options. "People generally are consuming less alcohol these days, but they're trading up," Watson said, "so the volume and the share is all shifting into higher value products."That gives Renais a clear path to growth. Still, Watson admitted, there are some big competitors in the space. "Some of the headwinds that we face [are] both going up against the likes of the big boys and hundreds-of-years-old brands," he said.However, he thinks gin may be the best place to introduce a new higher-end product. "Although there's been a lot of innovation in gin -- and there are a lot of gins out there -- there are very few in what we would call the ultra-premium segment of the category," Watson said.

Joann's struggles deepen with a shocking second bankruptcy, as the retailer grapples with massive debt and inventory issues. Meanwhile, Walgreens seeks innovative solutions to counteract theft, realizing that locking products is hurting sales. In the world of food, the FDA pushes for clearer health labels while banning the controversial Red 3 dye, raising questions about consumer transparency and food safety. These developments signal significant shifts in the retail and food industries that could redefine consumer experiences.

With New Year's resolutions in full force, brands are trying to cash in on Dry January.Cannabis-infused beverage brand Cann, in fact, usually sees its sales jump every January due to more people teetotaling."I just got these numbers earlier today," co-founder and CEO Jake Bullock said on this week's Modern Retail Podcast. "So online -- where we get the data the fastest -- this first week of January is up 75% from where it was this week last year."That's because the six-year-old company is investing in content related to Dry January -- or what the company likes to call Cannuary. But Cann has also been on a big growth streak. The company is now selling its beverages in liquor stores in about 20 states. A year ago, it was only in around three states with this channel.Bullock explained that the reason for this growth is changing legislation and more people testing out THC-infused beverages. He also spoke more broadly about the state of cannabis products in the U.S. Cann, he said, has expanded to states "that we would have never imagined we would be selling -- Cann in North Carolina or Tennessee. And not only are we selling there, it's selling really well, and consumers love these products," he said.Getting more people to try it out is another hurdle. While people who smoke marijuana may be comfortable with trying to drink, others might not be. That's why expanding to liquor stores has been so crucial to Cann's success."We've always said we sit at this intersection of sober curiosity and cannabis curiosity," Bullock said. "And that curious customer maybe isn't as comfortable going into a dispensary."

A notable merger is underway as J.C. Penney teams up with Sparc Group, aiming to revitalize its brand in a tough retail climate. Amazon unveils a pioneering Retail Ad Service, empowering other retailers to create their own ad networks using Amazon's tech, marking a new era in retail marketing. Meanwhile, Target is making waves by launching 2,000 new wellness products, positioning itself in the health market while emphasizing affordability. The discussions highlight the evolving landscape of retail and the creative strategies brands are adopting to thrive.

Gregory Zamfotis, the Founder and CEO of Gregory's Coffee, delves into the unique approach of his rapidly growing café chain. He discusses how the brand balances craft coffee quality with convenience, adapting to market demands while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Gregory shares insights on overcoming expansion challenges and the integration of AI in espresso production, highlighting the innovative shift in coffee culture. The conversation also touches on fostering community connections in a post-pandemic world, shaping the future of coffee shops.

Retail return fraud is skyrocketing, costing businesses a staggering $103 billion last year. In a bold move, Nordstrom is going private through a buyout with family backing, aiming to escape public scrutiny. Meanwhile, Big Lots unexpectedly secures a lifeline from an investment firm, aiming to keep hundreds of stores operational despite recent liquidations. The discussions reveal strategies retailers are adopting to tackle these pressing challenges in an evolving marketplace.

The future of retail in 2025 takes center stage with predictions on an uptick in IPOs and mergers, especially in the CPG space. Tariffs loom large, complicating logistics and pricing strategies for brands. Companies grapple with the math behind supply chain costs amidst inflation. Meanwhile, social commerce, especially through platforms like TikTok Shop, is reshaping consumer behavior and driving impulse buying. As the landscape evolves, startups must navigate significant hurdles in deal-making, especially in the beauty sector.

Dive into the fascinating world of retail as executives share insights on the impactful role of AI in customer experiences. Discover how brands like Violife and Oatly are reshaping marketing strategies in the plant-based sector. Explore the influence of cultural shifts, particularly country music, on retail trends and location strategies. The discussion also covers innovative logistics solutions and the transformation of businesses like registry platforms into dynamic media entities. Join the conversation on navigating growth in a changing market!

In November, U.S. retail sales saw a promising increase of 0.7%, buoyed by strong holiday shopping. Meanwhile, Big Lots announced plans to close all stores in 2025 after struggling with sales and debt. On a more positive note, DTC brand Vuori achieved a whopping $5.5 billion valuation following a successful fundraising round, stirring speculation about an upcoming IPO. The podcast dives into the shifting retail landscape, contrasting the challenges faced by traditional retailers with the growth of emerging brands.

Ivan Dashkov, Head of Emerging Marketing Tech at Puma, shares insights on how the brand embraces cutting-edge technologies. He discusses Puma's innovative use of generative AI, allowing fans to design Manchester City kits. Dashkov reflects on his time at the NBA and the parallels with today’s AI landscape. The conversation highlights Puma's proactive approach to Web3, AR, and creating personalized sports gear, emphasizing engagement with youth culture and the importance of metrics in evaluating new marketing initiatives.