353. Futurist Kate Ancketill On What AI Means For Retailers Retail Gets Real podcast

27:42

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 young and engaged audience (00:03:04) Hardy’s career journey (00:06:20) Emerging consumer behaviors (00:12:16) Pinterest predicts 2025 trends (00:15:11) Retail challenges and opportunities for 2025 (00:21:24) Hardy’s learnings and inspirations The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • pinterest.com • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Retail trends to watch in 2025 • What to know about the consumer in 2025 Produced by Crate Media.…

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376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success 19:58

18 days ago19:58

19:58

Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustrious career. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:19) Gomez’s career journey (00:06:18) His most challenging and rewarding moments (00:08:58) The secrets behind Target’s magic merchandising (00:12:51) Top retail trends (00:15:04) Shifts in consumer shopping habits (00:17:01) Gomez’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • target.com • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • How Target’s people-first culture and leadership programs are driving success • Off-site retail marketing takes off…

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375. Tech, trade and taxes: What’s impacting retail in 2025 18:31

5 weeks ago18:31

18:31

Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:15) The changing retail landscape (00:07:21) 2025 retail trends (00:10:40) NRF’s priorities on policy (00:15:26) Shay’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • NRF Management Team: Matthew Shay • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Why I believe in the power of retail jobs • The state of retail heading into 2024…

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374. Get ahead of the future of retail 25:08

6 weeks ago25:08

25:08

If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every retailer should know. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:16) Napoli’s career as a trend forecaster (00:04:55) How to forecast trends (00:08:24) Emerging trends for retailers to watch (00:13:11) Embracing strategic joy (00:15:06) The biggest trend no one is talking about (00:19:55) The future of retail is tweens (00:21:37) Napoli’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • wgsn.com/en • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • What’s now, what’s next?: Future tech beyond AI • Retail trends to watch in 2025 • Future trends that will shape consumer behavior and retail operations…

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373. How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation 24:38

7 weeks ago24:38

24:38

LEGO is a timeless, cherished brand for kids and adults alike. In a very special episode from NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Martin Urrutia, head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO. We talk about how LEGO continues to innovate while remaining true to its core values. We also explore the importance of brand storytelling, creating unique in-store experiences, and building community with consumers. Plus, Urrutia shares highlights from working for LEGO and his most impactful career advice. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:02:30) Urrutia’s career journey (00:06:28) LEGO movies & TV shows (00:08:08) Balancing innovation with timelessness (00:10:12) Exciting innovations for 2025 (00:16:39) Urrutia’s career advice & leadership philosophy (00:20:30) Building community with LEGO The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • lego.com • ideas.lego.com • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com…

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372. Retail trends to watch in 2025 22:05

8 weeks ago22:05

22:05

We’re ringing in the new year with new retail predictions. In one of our most popular annual episodes, NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda joins us to forecast 2025’s most impactful and exciting retail trends. From innovative AI agents, to the rise of live shopping, to the rebirth of brick and mortar stores, the future of retail is bright. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:48) How Reda makes her predictions (00:03:14) How AI agents will shape 2025 (00:08:51) The future of live shopping & social commerce (00:13:08) The rebirth of retail stores (00:17:17) The influence Of Gen Z & Alphas The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • 25 predictions for the retail industry in 2025 • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • AI and beyond: Retail trends to watch in 2024 • What can AI do for retailers and customers? • 7 trends revealed at NRF Nexus Produced by Crate Media.…

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371. NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail’s Big Show 20:03

9 weeks ago20:03

20:03

Big things are coming at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, taking place in New York City Jan. 12-14. Jill Dvorak, NRF senior vice president of content, joins us to preview the show. She shares key themes and exciting speakers, tips for attendees, plus her favorite show memories. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:54) Jill’s best Big Show memories (00:04:42) Industry game changers (00:06:18) What attendees need to know about the Big Show (00:09:32) Previewing themes & speakers (00:17:21) What Jill is looking forward to The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • NRF Names Jill Dvorak as New Senior Vice President of Content Produced by Crate Media.…

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370. Poshmark’s new take on secondhand retail 26:28

14 weeks ago26:28

26:28

Steven Tristan Young, Poshmark’s chief marketing officer, joins us to chat about how Poshmark is revolutionizing resale with live shopping experiences, AI technology and sustainable gifting. We also chat about Poshmark’s multichannel marketing strategies and Young’s passion for marketing. Plus, he shares details of his career journey and the best leadership lessons he’s ever learned. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:17) Young’s career journey (00:05:28) The Poshmark customer (00:07:38) The journey of buying and selling on Poshmark (00:10:19) Poshmark’s stack of marketing strategies (00:11:46) The live shopping experience (00:15:03) Poshmark’s vision for AI (00:17:13) Holiday shopping trends and sustainable gifting (00:21:29) Authenticating resale products (00:23:19) Young’s leadership lessons The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • poshmark.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Retailers stay ahead as GenAI transforms the industry • 2024 Holiday Spending Expected to Reach New Record…

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369. How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers 19:22

16 weeks ago19:22

19:22

Consumers have been gobbling up Butterball turkey for decades, and they’re thankful for the company’s connection to its customers. Al Jansen, Butterball’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, joins us to talk about Thanksgiving traditions, the famous Turkey Talk-Line and sharing holiday stories. Food brings people together — and this episode brings together the best of retail, family and fun. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:02:45) The Butterball Team (00:04:06) Butterball’s core value of togetherness (00:08:33) Talking about the Turkey Talk-Line (00:14:17) The joys & challenges of marketing (00:16:50) Al’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • butterball.com • storycorps.org • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Inside the 2024 holiday trends that will impact retail in 2025 Produced by Crate Media.…

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368. How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience 28:33

17 weeks ago28:33

28:33

Javier Quiñones, CEO and chief sustainability officer at IKEA U.S., shares his 25-year career journey at the company, what he loves most about his job and how he stays current in the ever-evolving retail industry. We also talk about IKEA’s commitment to sustainability and how it’s good business to be a good business. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:42) Quiñones’ career journey (00:05:06) IKEA’s commitment to sustainability (00:14:46) What Quiñones loves most about his job (00:20:59) Creating a core IKEA experience across the globe (00:23:26) Staying current in an ever-evolving industry The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • ikea.com/us/en • NRF2025: Retail’s Big Show: nrfbigshow.nrf.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • NRF Foundation Announces The List Of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2025 • Goldman Sachs Chairman & CEO to Speak at Retail’s Big Show • Creating a circular retail economy…

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367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets 26:33

19 weeks ago26:33

26:33

Cory Onell, executive vice president and chief omnichannel sales and Asian emerging markets officer at Kraft Heinz, talks about how his company adapts and innovates omnichannel strategies for different global markets. He also shares his four-pronged leadership approach, his perspective on work-life balance and the advice that shaped his career. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:46) Cory’s Career Journey (00:05:06) The Omnichannel Approach In Emerging Markets (00:09:46) Kraft Heinz’s Online Presence (00:13:28) The Essential Impact Of The Food Industry (00:15:27) Cory’s Approach To Leadership (00:18:15) Finding Work-Life Balance (00:22:38) Cory’s Career Advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • kraftheinzcompany.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Top 3 retail trends driving industry transformation in 2024 • A snapshot into the latest retail tech breakthroughs Produced by Crate Media.…

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366. How to fight back against organized retail crime 17:58

20 weeks ago17:58

17:58

Organized retail crime is an issue that plagues retailers — and offenders are only getting more sophisticated. Representative Glenn Ivey, D-Md., and Angela Hofmann, head of government relations for JCPenney, explain what organized retail crime really means and how it’s evolved over the years. Plus, we discuss the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act and how it's counteracting this insidious trend. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:25) What Is Organized Retail Crime? (00:06:02) The Evolution Of Organized Retail Crime (00:09:30) Introducing The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (00:12:46) Social Media Awareness Of ORC The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • ivey.house.gov • jcpenney.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Join the movement to combat retail crime • Thank You, Retail Crime Fighters…

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365. Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends 16:20

21 weeks ago16:20

16:20

It’s spooky season, and here’s the real treat — Halloween spending is projected to hit nearly $12 billion. Katherine Cullen, NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights, talks about Halloween spending trends, popular costumes, why consumers are shopping early and who is most excited to celebrate this October. Plus, a look at expected winter holiday consumer spending. (00:00:38) Introductions (00:02:45) Why People Shop Early (00:04:39) Halloween Spending Projections (00:07:28) The Year’s Most Popular Costumes (00:09:21) Where Consumers Are Shopping (00:10:49) Who Is Halloween For? (00:12:31) Early Predictions For The Holiday Season The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Consumer Trends in Halloween Shopping and Celebration • Halloween Spending to Reach Record $12.2 Billion As Participation Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels • Nearly Half of Halloween Shoppers to Start Purchasing Items Before October…

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364. How BJ’s Wholesale Club is leveraging AI to serve their customers 29:29

22 weeks ago29:29

29:29

Anjana Harve serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, where she leads technology innovation at the high-frequency club store. In this episode, Harve joins us to talk about the BJ’s member experience, how the company is leveraging AI, her personal career journey and what’s on the horizon for tech and retail. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:28) Anjana’s Career Journey (00:05:45) The Membership Model (00:08:27) How BJ’s Is Leveraging AI (00:16:10) Women’s Representation In STEM Leadership Roles (00:21:00) What’s Next For BJ’s? (00:25:04) Anjana’s Career Advice (00:26:44) The Exciting Future Of Tech And Retail The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • BJ’s Wholesale Club • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • BJ’s Chris Baldwin on what keeps this CEO up at night • NRF Retail Leadership Series: Chris Baldwin, Executive Chairman, BJ's Wholesale Club • Value, partnership and peanut M&M’s: BJ’s Wholesale Club aligns with Mars Produced by Crate Media.…

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363. Why Fabletics remains an early adopter in a fast-paced industry 25:26

23 weeks ago25:26