EP 222: Trade Talks: NRF’s Big Show (Part 1 of 2)

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Guests: Suni Shamapande, PwC's Consumer Markets LeadKimberly Lee Minor, CEO, WOC Retail AllianceLiza Amlani, Founder and Principal of Retail Strategy GroupNikki Baird, VP of Aptos Strategy and ProductsNRF’s 2025 show was a panoramic view of the retail industry and a preview of its near-term future. Retail Unwrapped took the podcast on the road to gain insights from forward thinking experts about key industry takeaways from the NRF 2025. They weighed in on how the convergence of artificial intelligence, human talent and market insight is fundamentally reshaping the retail landscape. Effective AI implementation is focused on processes to augment systems and human decision-making in all retail operations. Join Shelley for a cross-disciplinary perspective on retail from AI operational integration and implementation (Suni), the need for diversity in retail leadership (Kimberly), merchandising strategy (Liza) and retail tech and the in-store experience (Nikki). These experts reveal how successful retailers are embracing a future where technology enhances human connection, market insight challenges conventional wisdom, and enlightened leadership drives innovation supported by diverse perspectives.For more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.