Total Retail Talks

We’re excited to share a major milestone for Total Retail Talks: the release of our 500th episode! Since launching the podcast in 2015, we’ve spent more than a decade speaking with hundreds of leading retail executives. We've uncovered insights into the strategies shaping the industry. To mark this moment, our 500th episode features curated clips…

Mike Natanshon, Founder and CEO of Marine Layer, shares his journey from recreating his favorite college T-shirt to building a national apparel brand. He discusses the importance of naiveté in his early research and fabric experimentation. Natanshon highlights key growth moments, like capital raising and learning through trial and error. He emphasizes the significance of human connections in shaping company culture and details innovative retail strategies that maintain a friendly store experience. Excitingly, he hints at future personalization plans for 2026!

In episode 498 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Isha Nicole, senior vice president of creative and marketing at Boot Barn, America's largest western and workwear retailer. Tune in as Nicole provides an overview of Boot Barn and her role (1:20) as well as discusses the rise and influence of Americana style (2:15)…

In episode 497 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rene Federico, head of marketing for the U.S. at Primark, a global  fashion retailer founded and based in Dublin, Ireland. Listen in as Federico discusses Primark's growth in the U.S., focusing on marketing strategies to support this expansion (2:25). She details her role at…

In episode 496 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ed Evans, CEO of Consumer Cellular, the top-rated wireless provider that provides cell phones and no-contract service plans primarily to those 50-plus. Listen in as Evans details what's driving Consumer Cellular's brick-and-mortar expansion (1:45), the strategy behind determining new store locations (3:40), and building…

Joe Cano, Senior Vice President of Digital Commerce at Lowe's, shares insights on transforming the digital shopping journey for DIYers and pros. He explains how Lowe's utilizes real-time data for personalized experiences and introduces Milo, an AI tool offering step-by-step guidance and product recommendations. Cano discusses strategies for improving product discovery, vetting sellers in their closed marketplace, and enhancing fulfillment options like two-hour delivery. His insights into loyalty programs reveal techniques to drive repeat business.

Kaitlyn Hebert, Global Chief Marketing Officer for SharkNinja, shares her insights on innovative marketing practices. She introduces Ninja’s unique 'Chasing the Sun' model for product development, emphasizing rapid prototyping and consumer-driven design. Kaitlyn highlights the importance of balancing speed with brand consistency and leveraging platforms like TikTok for social commerce. She discusses the power of user-generated content and the need for autonomy and psychological safety in fostering creativity. Her approach is all about fast decision-making and learning through iteration.

In episode 493 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Liza Lefkowski, vice president and chief merchant of stores at Wayfair,  a leading home and furniture retailer. The interview was recorded at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago last month. Lefkowski discusses Wayfair's strategy of using design, storytelling, and product curation to connect emotionally with customers…

In episode 492 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Debbie Woloshin, chief marketing officer at Stitch Fix, the leading online personal styling service. The interview was recorded at at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago last month. Listen in as Woloshin discusses innovating the product discovery process (1:40) as well as Stitch Fix's "Retail Therapy"…

In episode 491 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jerry Lin, co-founder of Helix, a leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) mattress and sleep brand, part of 3Z Brands. Listen in as Lin discusses starting the business from scratch 10 years ago (1:30), Helix's newest retail partnership with Rooms To Go (4:00), and ensuring that the…