In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot welcomes Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO of J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide and retail industry expert, to discuss the current state and future of retail. Key Topics Discussed: Post-Election Retail Bounce
- Jan predicts a post-election retail bounce, as seen in previous presidential election years
- Discretionary retail is currently running at zero inflation, making it attractive to consumers
Fourth Quarter Outlook
- Despite potential headwinds, Jan expects a strong fourth quarter
- Forecasts 3.5-4% sales growth, similar to last year
- Believes discretionary goods will perform well due to their perceived value compared to inflating services
Walmart vs. Target
- Walmart is outperforming Target significantly
- Walmart is attracting higher-income customers, traditionally Target's demographic
- Walmart's focus on in-store experience and competitive pricing is paying off
Off-Price Retail Sector
- TJ Maxx ranked as the fifth-best retailer in America by Jan
- Concerns about over-saturation in the off-price sector
- Potential challenges for off-price retailers as the market matures
Department Store Future
- Predicts most department stores will go private by the end of 2026
- Cites lower interest rates and increased real estate values as factors facilitating buyouts
- Mentions Nordstrom, Macy's, and Kohl's as potential candidates for privatization
Tariffs and Manufacturing
- Discussion on the impact of potential tariffs, especially on goods from China
- Many retailers have already reduced their exposure to Chinese manufacturing
- Predicts that moderate tariff increases might be absorbed by Chinese manufacturers rather than passed on to consumers
Notable Quotes:
"May the bounce be with you." - Jan Rogers Kniffen on the post-election retail bounce
"I think it's come down to who can do this stuff as opposed to where you happen to be." - Jan Rogers Kniffen on retail performance
Closing Thoughts:
Jan expresses optimism for the retail sector going into the fourth quarter and 2025, despite potential challenges. He emphasizes the importance of execution and adaptation in the evolving retail landscape.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com