Total Retail Talks

In episode 468 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Gena Smith, chief human resources officer at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leading luxury goods group, and Beatrice Goasglas, president of TAG Heuer Americas, a luxury timepiece brand. Listen in as Smith discusses why LVMH expanded its Métiers d’Excellence (ME) apprenticeship program in…

In episode 467 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Emily Erusha-Hilleque, senior vice president of private brand, and Sam Archibald, general merchandise manager of apparel at Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. and the style source for generations of customers. Listen in as Erusha-Hilleque and Archibald share why the retailer is…

In this bonus episode of Total Retail Talks, Total Retail's Kristina Stidham and Joe Keenan discuss the brand's recently released 2024 Retail Technology Report. Listen in to learn about this annual report, including how data is collected, key findings to emerge from this year’s survey of technology decision-makers from across the industry, and implications for…

In this discussion, Frank Croson, CMO at Northern Tool + Equipment, shares insights from his extensive background in retail marketing at major brands like Target and Best Buy. Joining him is Jim Nelson, a creative director known for work with iconic brands such as Harley Davidson and Porsche. They delve into Northern Tool's unique marketing strategy aimed at tradespeople, emphasizing humor and rugged identity. The duo explains how customer loyalty drives their advertising efforts and how they leverage relatable experiences to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Kelly Cook, President of Brand Technology and Finance at David's Bridal, leads discussions on the innovative 'Anywhere Commerce' strategy reshaping bridal retail. She highlights how AI and social commerce are revolutionizing customer engagement, especially on platforms like TikTok. Cook delves into the emotional journey of wedding dress shopping, emphasizing the importance of empathetic service. She also discusses future strategies for integrating technology with personalized experiences to enhance the bridal shopping process.

Ellen Webb, Vice President of Shopper Analytics and Insights at PepsiCo, dives into the PepViz initiative, aimed at understanding Gen Z shoppers. She discusses their unique shopping behaviors, blending digital and in-store experiences. The conversation also highlights the need for brands to build authentic connections with this generation. Webb shares insights on enhancing retail partnerships through data integration and the role of AI and machine learning in optimizing data analytics for better consumer insights.

Discover the fascinating origins of a retail technology platform born from experiences at Target. Dive into the rise of Generative AI in streamlining retail operations and inventory management. Explore the latest advancements in retail tech, including robotics and electronic shelf labels, while addressing labor shortages. Uncover shifting consumer behaviors as wealthier shoppers flock to Walmart, leaving specialty retailers facing tough times. Get insights into the future of familiar brands in an evolving market.

In episode 463 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rah Mahtani, head of marketing, North America at Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Listen in as Mahtani discusses the launch of Alibaba Guaranteed (0:55), how the solution addresses global sourcing challenges (2:45), and the process of incorporating feedback from buyers…

In episode 462 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Lauren Benton, general manager, U.S. at Back Market, a verified refurbished technology marketplace. Listen in as Benton provides an overview of the business (1:00), its process for sourcing quality used devices (1:55), and Back Market's first Impact Report showcasing its sustainability efforts (3:55). She…

In episode 461 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Maya Baluschak, director of digital marketing and loyalty at Rexall, a leading Canadian pharmacy and drugstore chain. Listen in as Baluschak provides an overview of the Rexall business (0:45), her role at the company (1:15), and digital marketing efforts to differentiate the pharmacy chain…