
Total Retail Talks
Total Retail Talks is for retail executives who crave the knowledge and insights needed to stay successful in today's fast-paced industry. Through engaging talks and focused interviews, listeners take away useful information and practical advice from a full roster of retail experts, influencers and leaders.
Latest episodes

Feb 17, 2025 • 18min
Digital Innovation is Core to Mondelēz's Growth Strategy
In episode 475 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kostas Georgakopoulos, chief technology officer and chief information security officer at Mondelēz International, one of the largest snack companies in the world offering iconic global and local brands in over 150 countries. Listen in as Georgakopoulos describes the Mondelēz organization and his role (1:40),…

Feb 3, 2025 • 19min
How In-Store Advertising Sweetens the Experience for Hershey's Customers
In episode 474 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Brad Santanna, head of omnichannel marketing at The Hershey Company, an industry-leading snacks company, and Steve Triplett, senior vice president of advertising sales at Vibenomics, an in-store digital advertising provider. Listen in as Santanna and Triplett provide insight into the benefits of in-store advertising…

Jan 20, 2025 • 25min
Inside Primark's US Store Expansion Strategy
In episode 473 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kevin Tulip, president of Primark U.S., the international value retail chain. Listen in as Tulip provides insight into his 22-year career journey with Primark (1:05), the brand's history and mission (3:05), and its continued expansion into the U.S. market (4:55). He discusses the European…

Jan 6, 2025 • 23min
How True Religion's Influencer and Brand Partnerships Made for Holiday Magic
Kristen Darcy, Chief Marketing Officer at True Religion, dives into the brand's innovative holiday marketing strategies. She discusses the power of strategic partnerships with influencers and celebrities, revealing how these collaborations enhance sales and customer engagement. Kristen details the success of the 'Where Holiday Wishes Come True' campaign and the creation of Team True, an influencer network that boosts social media interactions. She also hints at exciting upcoming initiatives, including an expansion of the influencer program and a new spring campaign.

Dec 16, 2024 • 37min
John Fluevog Shoes' CMO on Selling Unique Soles to Unique Souls
Stephen Bailey, the Chief Marketing Officer of John Fluevog Shoes, shares insights from his journey at a brand renowned for its unique footwear. He discusses the importance of personal service and adaptability in navigating inventory management during challenging times like the pandemic. Bailey emphasizes nurturing relationships with customers and employees as key to brand loyalty. He also highlights innovative marketing strategies, including unique holiday offerings, and the power of human connection amid emerging technologies.

Dec 2, 2024 • 26min
How EVEREST is Bringing its Home Storage 'Beautility' Vision to Life
On episode 470 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Heidi Hurst, head of product development and marketing at EVEREST, a new home organization and storage brand that elevates the potential of every room with stylish and customizable solutions. Listen in as Hurst describes the brand's product and its "beautility" vision to offer beauty…

Nov 18, 2024 • 22min
Why LVMH and TAG Heuer Launched an Apprenticeship Program in the US
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…

Nov 4, 2024 • 21min
Macy's Execs Share its Bold New Chapter in Menswear
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…

Oct 31, 2024 • 10min
2024 Retail Technology Report Key Findings: AI Usage and Investments Trend Upward
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…

Oct 21, 2024 • 33min
Northern Tool + Equipment Execs on its Witty New Marketing Strategy
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.