Retail Gets Real

Gen Z is rapidly becoming one of the most influential consumer groups in the marketplace. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we hear from two guests who sit at the heart of this evolving landscape: Carly Berns, assistant vice president at Berns Communications Group and co-founder of The Z Suite, and Olivia Meyer, a Gen Z retail strategist and Z Suite member. Together, they explore what defines today’s youngest adult shoppers, how...

As the winter season approaches, families across the country are stepping into the holidays with renewed enthusiasm — and retailers are preparing for one of the most meaningful shopping periods of the year. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen breaks down the latest holiday data, uncovers shopping trends and shares the heartfelt traditions that define how America...

The wellness movement has gone global — and few companies embody that expansion better than iHerb. CEO Emun Zabihi explores how they’re transforming the way consumers access supplements and natural products worldwide. From humble beginnings in a Pasadena apartment to serving millions of customers in 180 countries, iHerb’s journey is a story of innovation, accessibility, and trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

(00:00:...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the retail landscape, and a new wave of agentic AI shoppers is changing how brands must think about data, experience and customer connection. Debra Langley, partner at CAPTIS Ventures, and Greg Merrill, president at Futura Fragua unpack the rapid rise of AI shopping agents and what this evolution means for the future of retail.

(00:00:00) A new era of retail innovation

(00:05:02) T...

Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a full-fledged season of fun, community and record-breaking retail activity. Today we’re joined by Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation, to unpack how consumers are celebrating Halloween this year and why this festive tradition continues to grow in cultural and economic significance.

(00:00:00) Turning homes into haunted experiences

...

Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Inc., reflects on 110 years of family legacy, cultural evolution, and the future of off-price retail. As a fourth-generation leader, Matt offers a rare look inside the company’s long-standing commitment to both financial discipline and human-centered leadership — and how those values are shaping its future.

(00:00:00) Early memories and family pressure

(00:05:27) Seeing the store through the cus...

From its early beginnings as a digitally native disruptor to becoming a household name in eyewear, Warby Parker has consistently challenged conventions in retail. Sandy Gilsenan, Warby Parker’s chief retail and customer experience officer, explores how the company is reshaping the customer journey and redefining what it means to be an innovative retailer today.

(00:00:00) Gilsenan’s career path to Warby Parker

(00:05:08) The power of...

Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.

(00:00:00)...

Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operational resilience and the bottom line. We sit down with two industry leaders on the front lines of digital risk: Pam Lindemoen, chief security officer and vice president of strategy at the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Christian Beckner, vice presiden...

Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to...

Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:26) Pinterest’s ...

As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF’s top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what’s driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.

(00:00...

Starbucks may be best known for coffee, but its community impact goes far deeper. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we’re joined by Kelly Goodejohn, vice president and chief social impact officer at Starbucks, to explore how the global brand is redefining what it means to serve communities — not just with beverages, but with bold action, local investment, and sustainability at scale.

(00:00:00) Leading with purpose at Starbucks

(0...

Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient and he is now the team manager for Gucci in Tysons Corner, Va.. He joins us to talk about his personal journey in retail, how to “romance a product” and the lessons C-suite executives can learn from up-and-coming retail professionals.

(00:00:00) Davison Long’s retail history

(00:04:44...

The story of Mack Weldon begins with a moment many men know all too well — standing in the underwear aisle, overwhelmed by choice and underwhelmed by experience. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Brian Berger, founder and CEO of Mack Weldon, shares how frustration as a consumer inspired him to reinvent men’s basics with a focus on smart design, technical innovation, and a radically improved shopping experience.

(00:00:00) The ori...

Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their ...

Organized retail crime (ORC) is not a victimless crime — it can have a devastating impact on the real people behind retailers. Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, joins us to discuss the fight against organized retail crime. We explore laws and initiatives to combat the insidious issue, plus what local businesses can do to protect themselves and their employees.

(00:00:54) Introductions

(00:01:41) Stephan’s Law Backg...

One thing is constant in retail: change. Innovation is the cornerstone of the industry. We’re joined by Seth Webb, executive vice president of Tusk Strategies, and Sucharita Kodali, vice president and principal analyst of Forrester Research, to discuss the transformative trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging solution providers that are shaping the future of retail. We explore generative and autonomous AI, robotics, resale...

Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley’s CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand’s transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail industry. She also shares what she loves most about working in retail and her impactful ca...