Total Retail Talks

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…

In episode 490 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Yanni Hufnagel, founder and CEO of The Lemon Perfect Company, an organic lemon water brand. Listen in as Yanni discusses his unconventional career path, transitioning from a college basketball coach to a beverage entrepreneur (2:20). He describes the inspiration behind Lemon Perfect (3:10), growth…

In episode 489 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Paul Weingard, president and CEO of Schylling, the iconic toy company marking 50 years in the industry this year. Listen in as Weingard provides an overview of the company's history and current business (1:30), his 18-year career at Schylling (3:25), and how the brand…

In episode 488 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kebharu Smith, director and associate general counsel of Amazon.com's Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU), a global team working to investigate, find and launch legal action and criminal referrals against counterfeiters. Listen in as Smith provides an overview of the CCU's work to prevent counterfeit product…

Gregg Brockway, Co-founder and CEO of Chairish, shares insights from his journey creating a marketplace for vintage furniture and decor. He discusses the surge in consumer demand for sustainable and stylish home items, driven by rising tariffs and supply chain challenges. Brockway highlights the importance of personal connections in business and how they tailor their offerings for a diverse customer base. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of home furnishings, focusing on the need for improved services for both consumers and interior designers.

In episode 484 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kamanasish Kundu (KK), senior vice president and head of e-commerce and digital at Kendra Scott, a fashion lifestyle brand of big dreams, colorful confidence, and inspired design, founded on family, fashion and philanthropy. Listen in as Kundu discusses the digital checkout transformation underway at…