Retail Today with Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor

WBBM Noon Business Hour interviews Bob Phibbs, CEO of The Retail Doctor, about how Black Friday has transformed — from month-long online deals and softer store traffic to younger shoppers treating it as a social event. He explains why in-store experiences and human connections still drive most sales and what retailers must do to win holiday shoppers.

The conversation also touches on tighter budgets, shifting promotions, and why ret...

Podcast Description:

Some of us aren't looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. Not the travel or the cooking. It's sitting across from people we love who now say things that used to live on the fringe like they're obvious facts.

In this episode, I talk about how we got here. The stories we inherited that taught us "us versus them." How pop culture used to warn us about ignorance instead of celebrating it. And what happened when ...

On Nov 9 the Retail Doc breaks down practical retail strategies: the three customer “switches” (welcome → browse → buy) and how managers can spot and act to convert browsers into purchasers.

The episode also addresses staffing/accountability (weekend sick calls), open-to-buy and merchandise turns, clearing seasonal inventory, pricing vs. discounts, and holiday merchandising tips to create wonder and drive sales.

Includes announceme...

Bob Phibbs (The Retail Doc) hosts a live Q&A covering proven retail fundamentals: how human connection drives sales, why consistent training and accountability matter, and simple greetings that work. He tackles topics like cash vs. card behavior, creative merchandising and packaging, using AI and video for marketing, and ideas to boost traffic and conversions.

Through real examples and listener questions, Bob emphasizes consist...

Discover simple, actionable ways to attract more customers to your store by focusing on experience over discounts. This episode explains visual merchandising, store layout, lighting, staff training, and small exterior touches that draw attention and convert visitors into repeat buyers.

Also learn how to engage loyal customers through targeted CRM, events, and personalized service so you keep full-price shoppers coming back instead ...

Join Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc, as he shares insights from his recent visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he explores the art of engaging customers in retail. Despite visiting several high-end stores, Bob found that effective sales engagement was lacking, leading to missed sales opportunities.

He emphasizes the importance of not making assumptions about customers, addressing the common misconception that most business is done onli...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Life is a Series of Sales Situations," hosted by renowned communication experts Patricia Fripp and Bob Phibbs. Join Patricia as she shares her invaluable insights into enhancing sales through powerful words and engaging communication. From unforgettable customer service anecdotes to groundbreaking sales strategies, this episode covers it all.

Gain an understanding of how simple actions can le...

In this episode of The Retail Doc's live broadcast, the host shares his newfound joy in birdwatching and how stepping away from daily routines can refresh one's perspective. While discussing the importance of finding a hobby, he addresses the common retail challenges many face today, such as customer attraction and market adaptation. The host highlights the pivotal role of systematic approaches like his online training program, Sal...

In this upbeat episode, Bob Phibbs shares insights on how to tackle negativity and improve your mood through physical activity. With the year 2025 bringing unprecedented challenges, it's crucial to turn to movement as a strategy to transform your attitude and find that inner spark.

Bob emphasizes the importance of not waiting for a change in feelings but taking proactive steps by engaging in physical exercise. By doing so, not only...

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked importance of network infrastructure in the retail industry. Discover how a strong network foundation can prevent costly downtime and enhance both customer and employee experiences. We delve into real-world examples of retailers leveraging advanced networking solutions to innovate and stay competitive, from implementing smart mirrors to personalized shopping experiences.

Find out why...

Join Bob Phibbx, the Retail Doc, in this live session as he discusses the current challenges facing the retail industry, particularly in the wake of rising tariffs and their impact on pricing. Bob shares practical advice for retailers on maintaining a positive mindset, encouraging movement to change attitudes, and the importance of looking forward with hope amidst chaotic societal influences.

Discover the concept of 'Let Them' intr...

Join Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doc, for a special New Year’s live stream dedicated to invigorating your retail business in 2025. Bob addresses an audience from around the world, emphasizing the power of community and consistency in building an engaged following. With 350,000 LinkedIn followers and thousands more on other platforms, Bob shares his secrets to creating a strong online presence.

Explore the concept of "premiumization" and...

Essential tips to maintain your sanity during the bustling holiday season. Bob emphasizes the importance of shopping early to avoid the rush and enjoy a better shopping experience.

Understanding parking rules is another vital tip, helping you avoid unnecessary fines or towing incidents. Traffic and weather conditions will likely worsen, so planning your route and knowing alternative parking spots can save you time and stress.

Furth...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bob, the Retail Doc as a guest on WHAM Rochester, as he shares essential advice for small business owners competing with big box retailers. Discover how embracing events like Small Business Saturday and leveraging social media can help increase your customer base.

Learn creative strategies to draw in customers during the holiday season and beyond, focusing on customer engagement and sat...

Join Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doc, for an insightful live session on November 10th. Bob addresses various challenges faced by retailers, offering his expert advice from over 30 years of experience in the industry. From the effective use of QR codes to engaging customers and preventing shoplifting, Bob shares practical tips to enhance your retail operations.

Bob also tackles questions on managing staff, including handling sensitive is...

Join Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, and his special guest, Ben from No Bounds Digital, as they dive into strategies to stop losing online leads. This insightful webinar is packed with actionable tips to enhance your website and CRM, ensuring you convert visitors into loyal customers.

Discover the secrets behind successful email marketing strategies and learn how to fix common website issues that might be hindering your business gro...

Welcome back to another exciting deep dive! In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked yet incredibly powerful practice of customer greetings, guided by the insights of Bob Fibbs, the renowned "Retail Doctor." Discover how these initial interactions can transform a customer's experience in brick-and-mortar stores, creating a lasting impact on their perception and spending behavior.

We delve into Fibbs' six essential rules for...

Join retail experts Bob Phibbs (the Retail Doctor), Paul Landry (Lightspeed Commerce), and Andrew Duffy (SparkPlug) as we unpack the secrets to transforming grumpy retail employees into engaged, high-performing team members. In this eye-opening episode, discover how effective onboarding can set the stage for success, learn to leverage cutting-edge technology for improved employee performance, and explore innovative incentive strate...

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of Christmas decorations appearing in stores well before Halloween. We delve into the reasons behind this trend, driven by retailers eager to capture holiday spending early on. Discover how these early displays tap into consumer psychology, creating a sense of urgency and fear of missing out, ultimately influencing our purchasing decisions.

We discuss the balance retailers must strike to a...