Retail Remix

In an era of tariff swings, rising costs and AI-powered deal hunting, pricing has become one of the most complex (and consequential) levers in retail.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Revionics’ Matt Pavich about how retailers are using AI-driven pricing to stay competitive without eroding consumer trust. Matt breaks down the difference between dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing, explains why the best retailers use AI to listen more closely to customer behavior rather than exploit it, and shares what guardrails are essential if brands want to move faster on price while still keeping shoppers on their side.Key TakeawaysWhy ongoing disruption, from COVID to inflation to tariffs, has made AI pricing tools a competitive necessity for retailers;  Why the healthiest pricing strategies combine proactive planning with the ability to react quickly when the market shifts;  The critical distinction between dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing, and why consumers view them very differently;  How retailers can use aggregated customer behavior, not personal data, to set smarter prices and promotions; and  Why pricing agility, strong guardrails and a healthy dose of curiosity will define the most successful retail organizations in the years ahead.Related LinksLearn more about Revionics and AI-powered retail pricing solutionsRelated reading: Exclusive Q&A: Why Retailers Should Leverage the Power of Dynamic PricingGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle staring at a wall of “clean,” “natural” or “better-for-you” labels and wondered what any of it actually means, you’re not alone.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Anna Vocino — actor, comic, cookbook author and founder of Eat Happy Kitchen — about what it really takes to build a clean-label CPG brand in a market dominated by food giants.Anna shares how her celiac diagnosis set her on a hunt for better-for-you foods that has evolved into a thriving food business and why breaking into grocery requires far more than a great-tasting product (although that matters). From label confusion and ingredient trickery to slotting pressure, promo costs and the realities of wholesale expansion, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to build a mission-driven food brand from the ground up.Key TakeawaysHow Anna turned her personal health journey into cookbooks, a podcast and the growing CPG brand Eat Happy Kitchen;  Why building a clean-label food brand means constantly pushing back against misleading ingredient claims and grocery aisle “trickery”;  How to navigate the challenge of not just getting on shelves but staying there by driving trial and managing margin pressure;  Why Anna’s direct-to-consumer community remains essential for the brand even as it expands to more than 1,300 retail doors; andWhat Anna’s background in acting and comedy has taught her about pitching, negotiating and surviving the “Walmart wince.”PLUS…Stick around to the end to hear the voice Anna would give one of her best-selling products. Related LinksExplore Eat Happy Kitchen’s sauces, spices and snacksRelated reading- Small Business, Big Ideas: Eat Happy Kitchen’s Recipe for Breaking into a Crowded MarketGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPoints\Subscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Most people know Pandora for its iconic charms, but far fewer realize the company is the largest jewelry brand in the world by volume — producing more than 100 million pieces a year.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with David Walmsley, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Pandora, about how the brand is modernizing its business without losing sight of what it really sells: memory, connection and emotion. David shares how Pandora’s Program Phoenix transformation has helped turn around the business, why the company is investing heavily in digital and omnichannel infrastructure, and where AI is starting to unlock value across service, selling, forecasting and product design.Key TakeawaysWhy the company focused first on building stronger digital channels and stabilizing store tech before chasing bigger transformation bets; How Pandora is using AI in customer service today, and what the agentic future holds for the company;Why jewelry creates a more emotionally complex AI selling challenge than more functional categories; Where AI may have the biggest long-term impact at Pandora: design, service and operational automation; Why omnichannel success depends on brands — not customers — being the “glue” across digital and physical touchpoints; andHow to avoid the tech pitfall of “platformitis.”Related LinksExplore Pandora’s jewelry collections and gifting experienceRelated reading: How Data and Tech Power Jewelry Brand Pandora’s Mission to ‘Give a Voice to People’s Loves’Get more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

After years of hype around live shopping in the U.S., Whatnot looks like it might be one of the first companies to truly make the model stick at scale.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Whatnot’s VP of Categories and Expansion Armand Wilson about why the platform’s community-first approach is resonating with Western consumers. Armand explains how Whatnot evolved from a collectibles marketplace built around trust into a live shopping platform spanning hundreds of categories — everything from trading cards to tomahawk steaks — and how live commerce creates a more human, transparent and personalized shopping experience than traditional ecommerce.Key TakeawaysWhy Whatnot’s model differs from live shopping in China and is built more around community and expertise than mass product pushing; How the platform grew to more than $8 billion in GMV in 2025, doubling year over year; Why trust, transparency and seller expertise are central to the Whatnot’s experience; How the platform’s algorithm blends social engagement signals and purchase intent to surface the right streams to the right buyers; Why categories like beauty and food are opening up new opportunities;  What makes a successful Whatnot seller (hint: it has more to do with business fundamentals than a sparkling personality, although that certainly helps); andWhy Armand believes 2026 could be the year live shopping goes mainstream in the U.S.  Related LinksExplore live shopping on Whatnot and discover sellers across categoriesRelated reading: Gary V on the Shifting Landscape of Attention and the Death of Don Draper MarketingGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

If you still think Snapchat is just for teenagers, you may be missing one of the most underappreciated growth channels in digital advertising.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Sidharth Malhotra, Global VP of SMB at Snap, about why Snapchat is becoming an increasingly important platform for small- and mid-sized brands looking to acquire new customers. Sid explains how Snap’s nearly 1 billion-strong user community has matured into a high-spending audience, why the platform’s engagement patterns differ from that of other social channels and how advertisers are using everything from dynamic product ads to AR to drive measurable results.Key TakeawaysHow brands are using Snapchat to reach incremental audiences they may not be finding on TikTok or Pinterest; The benefit of the kind of active, “two-thumb” engagement that Snap encourages, as opposed to the passive scrolling on other platforms;Why Snap’s AR capabilities function like a “pocket fitting room” for brands of all sizes; What the “Hot Wheels problem” reveals about the limits of last-click attribution; How AI is helping level the playing field for SMBs, enabling them to “out-execute the Goliaths”; Why he believes chat-based commerce will be the next major frontier in performance marketing; and Important tips for nailing chat-based advertising.Related LinksLearn more about Snap’s advertising solutions for brands and retailersRelated reading: L’Oreal Taps Snapchat for AR Hair Color Try-on in Walmart StoresGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

With more than 120 million listings and millions of active sellers, Etsy operates one of the most unique marketplaces in retail. But surfacing the right products for the right buyers requires more than algorithms alone.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Mary Andrews, Head of Global Merchandising at Etsy, about how the company balances human insight and instinct with AI-driven discovery to curate a shopping experience that feels both personalized and culturally relevant.Mary shares how her team identifies emerging trends, translates cultural moments into shopping occasions and uses AI to scale those insights across Etsy’s massive inventory. Key TakeawaysHow Etsy uses a combination of AI and human curation to translate cultural trends and buyer signals into an ever-changing slate of collections and experiences; Why AI will actually make human merchandisers even more valuable; Insight from Etsy’s early experiments using AI answer engines like ChatGPT and Gemini to expand product discovery; Lessons learned from working alongside Depop’s team of merchandisers, who have their finger on the pulse of Gen Z; How AI personalization is helping to amplify niche interests rather than homogenize the internet; and Why the future merchandiser will spend less time programming products and more time shaping taste and culture. Related LinksExplore Etsy and discover one-of-a-kind products from independent sellersRelated reading: Etsy, Shopify Among Early Partners for Microsoft’s Copilot CheckoutRelated reading: Etsy Debuts Ad Campaign in Bid to ‘Keep Commerce Human’Related reading: Ebay to Acquire Depop Resale Fashion Marketplace from Etsy Get more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

In the crowded activewear market, Beyond Yoga has built its brand around something deeper than product: comfort, body inclusivity and the belief that wellness should feel good — not unattainable.In this episode of Retail Remix, Nicole Silberstein speaks with Katie Babineau, CMO of Beyond Yoga, about how the brand has scaled its presence while staying rooted in the values that built its loyal community. From its cult-favorite Spacedye fabric to its long-standing commitment to body inclusivity, Beyond Yoga has focused on building trust with customers rather than chasing short-term trends, even as it evolves following its acquisition by Levi Strauss & Co.Key TakeawaysHow Beyond Yoga differentiates itself in the fast-growing premium activewear category; Why the brand’s “progress over perfection” philosophy resonates with today’s wellness-focused consumers; How the Seek Beyond brand platform guides both marketing strategy and internal culture; What the Levi’s acquisition has enabled in terms of infrastructure, scale and speed to market; Why real-life community experiences and brick-and-mortar expansion are central to the brand’s growth strategy; and How social-first storytelling and user-generated content are helping Beyond Yoga build deep, authentic connections with customers. Related LinksExplore Beyond Yoga’s activewear collections and brand storyRelated reading: Beyond Yoga Expands to East Coast with Connecticut Store DebutGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

AI may be everywhere right now, but for Stitch Fix, it’s been foundational for 15 years.In this episode of Retail Remix, Nicole Silberstein sits down with Tony Bacos, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Stitch Fix, to explore how the brand blends data science and human instinct to power personalized styling at scale — and how that balance is helping fuel a business turnaround.Tony shares how Stitch Fix’s recommendation engine has evolved from early algorithms to today’s generative AI tools, including the new Stitch Fix Vision experience that lets clients see themselves in curated outfits. He also explains how AI is enhancing (not replacing) human stylists, from drafting personalized styling notes to enabling real-time stylist chat.Key TakeawaysHow Stitch Fix blends AI-driven recommendations with input from its thousands of human stylists; How generative AI is improving stylist productivity without sacrificing authenticity; Why bringing stylists “out from behind the curtain” has strengthened customer loyalty; The strategic moves behind Stitch Fix’s recent business turnaround; Why personalization may matter even more as AI reshapes online discovery; and Tony’s take on the ultimate retail question: algorithm or instinct?Related LinksExplore Stitch Fix’s personalized styling experienceRelated reading: Why Stitch Fix is Focusing on its Human Stylists When Everyone Else is Talking About AIRelated reading: Stitch Fix Returns to Growth as Turnaround Strategy Bears FruitGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

In less than five years, launching a third-party marketplace has gone from a questionable move to a strategic imperative for many major retailers. Recorded live at NRF 2026, this episode of Retail Remix digs into that shift with Scott Eckert, CEO of the Americas at marketplace operator Mirakl.Scott explains why retailers are embracing curated marketplaces as an offensive growth strategy — no longer just as a defensive reaction to Amazon — and how brands like Ulta Beauty, Best Buy and Lowe’s are expanding assortment without diluting brand identity.The conversation also dives into how AI answer engines are reshaping product discovery, and why clean, machine-readable catalog data may soon matter more than traditional SEO. Plus, Scott shares Mirakl’s growing role in retail media and the company’s vision of becoming an orchestration layer across emerging AI-driven commerce channels.Key TakeawaysHow the proving power of Amazon and, perhaps more importantly, Walmart has completely shifted retailers’ attitude toward online marketplaces;Why retail media and marketplace strategies increasingly go hand in hand;The important role marketplaces will play in the world of AI commerce, when done right;Why product data must be optimized differently for different AI platforms like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic; andThe essential quality of a truly disruptive product or service. Related LinksLearn how Mirakl powers enterprise marketplaces and retail mediaRelated reading: Mirakl CEO: Marketplaces are ‘Arming the Rebellion’ of Traditional Retail Against Big TechRelated reading:Best Buy’s New Third-Party Marketplace is Now LiveExplore more NRF26 coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26

Resale may be having a mainstream moment on the consumer side — but behind the scenes a much larger B2B engine has been quietly evolving for nearly two decades.Recorded live from the show floor at NRF 2026, this episode of Retail Remix features Nicole Silberstein in conversation with Marcus Shen, CEO of B-Stock, a technology platform and marketplace that helps major brands and retailers efficiently sell excess and returned inventory to a network of small business buyers.Marcus shares how the resale landscape is shifting, why brands increasingly need tighter control over where their excess inventory lands and how AI is helping both sellers and resellers manage volatility, pricing and profitability. The conversation also explores how inflation and changing consumer attitudes have reduced the stigma around secondhand goods, fueling downstream growth in the resale ecosystem.Key TakeawaysHow B-Stock connects major retailers and brands with small business resellers to reduce the financial impact of returns and overstock;Why brands now demand more discretion and control over secondary market distribution;How AI is helping normalize messy inventory data and predict resale value;Why volatility in inventory mix makes technology essential in B2B resale; andHow inflation and shifting consumer sentiment are accelerating resale adoption.PLUS Hear about the craziest products Marcus has seen come through the platform recently.Related LinksLearn more about how B-Stock powers B2B resale and liquidationRelated reading: A Better Return on Returns: How Data is Redefining B2B Resale StrategiesExplore more NRF26 coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26

What makes a great store in 2026? Sometimes, it’s not clarity — it’s curiosity.Recorded live from the show floor at NRF 2026, this episode of Retail Remix features host Nicole Silberstein in conversation with Jack Stratten, Director at Insider Trends and one of the industry’s most well-traveled retail observers. Jack spends his time visiting stores around the world, identifying what works, what doesn’t, and, most importantly, why.From a wellness-meets-retail concept in Soho to immersive flagships in Paris, Jack breaks down the common thread between standout store experiences: a clear ambition, commitment and, sometimes, a willingness to prioritize discovery over efficiency. The conversation also explores why ecommerce’s continued growth is forcing stores to raise their game — and why legacy department stores are having such a difficult time evolving.Key TakeawaysThe most interesting new stores you need to check out;Why the best stores succeed by meeting their ambition, not chasing trends;How discovery, trial and serendipity differentiate physical retail from ecommerce;Why Paris (not New York) is the most exciting city for retail experiences right now;How global markets and historic shopping experiences still influence modern store design;Why the growing ubiquity of ecommerce is having a positive effect on store experience;Why department stores are having such a difficult time tapping into their legacy of innovation today; andTravel hacks from someone who travels the world for a living.Related LinksExplore global retail insights and store safaris from Insider TrendsExplore more NRF26 coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26

In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein chats with Meera Bhatia, President and COO of Fabletics, on the strategies powering the brand’s impressive momentum.Fresh off hitting the $1 billion revenue milestone, Meera breaks down how Fabletics has driven sustained growth through category expansion, measured store growth and a flexible membership model that delivers both value for consumers and predictability for the business. She also shares how AI is being deployed across the organization — from smart fitting rooms and associate coaching to inventory optimization and loyalty-driving personalization.The conversation offers a candid look at how Fabletics is blending fashion, function, value, and technology to stand out in the crowded activewear market and why comfort-forward “lifewear” is shaping what comes next.Key TakeawaysHow Fabletics scaled past $1 billion in revenue through category, channel and geographic expansion;Why the brand’s membership model drives loyalty, predictability and lower supply chain waste;How physical retail is fueling omnichannel growth, with 120+ stores and more on the way;Inside Fabletics’ AI-powered flagship store, from smart fitting rooms to real-time associate coaching;Why AI is less about replacing fundamentals — and more about delivering them better; andWhat’s next for Fabletics in 2026, including international growth and new category plays.Related LinksExplore Fabletics’ latest collections and retail experienceRelated reading: New Fabletics Flagship Brings AI-Powered Operations to Westfield Century CityRelated reading: Fabletics Deploys RFID-Powered Inventory Management SolutionExplore more NRF26 coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26

AI took center stage at NRF 2026, and few moments underscored its importance more than Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s keynote, where he outlined how shopping is evolving in an increasingly agentic, AI-driven world.This episode of Retail Remix, recorded live from the show floor, features host Nicole Silberstein in conversation with Anil Jain, who leads Global Strategic Industries at Google Cloud. Anil shares how Google Cloud is working with retailers to reimagine everything from product discovery to post-purchase service and why agentic AI represents a fundamental shift in how consumers will interact with brands.Key TakeawaysWhy AI is becoming the great equalizer, helping smaller companies compete with limited resources;How AI experiences in general-use platforms like Google Search are upping the ante for everyone, and how to keep up;What multimodal search unlocks when consumers can shop using not just text, but also voice, images and video;Why hyper-personalization is finally within reach after decades of promise;The change management that will be required as AI shifts the way we all work; How Google and its Cloud division are building for this future.Related LinksRelated reading: Google Launches Direct Checkout in Search, GeminiLearn how Google Cloud is helping retailers adopt AI at scaleExplore more NRF26 coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26

This episode is brought to you by Airia.AI dominated conversations at NRF 2026—but as adoption accelerates, so do the risks. In this Retail Remix Deep Dive bonus episode, host Adam Blair, Editor at Retail TouchPoints, sits down with Kevin Kiley, CEO of AIRIA, to explore how retailers can unlock the promise of AI without exposing themselves to unnecessary vulnerability.Together, they unpack where AI is delivering real value across retail, from store associate enablement to back-office operations, while also addressing the growing challenges around security, governance, reliability, and ROI. Kevin shares why “AI sprawl” is becoming a serious issue, how model outages and hallucinations can derail critical workflows, and why retailers must avoid locking themselves into a single AI provider.The conversation also draws parallels to earlier tech shifts like mobile and e-commerce, offering a grounded look at what retailers should prioritize now—and what to be cautious about—as AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment.Key TakeawaysWhy AI is a strong fit across retail functions, from the store floor to legal and supply chainThe hidden risks of agentic AI, including data access, outages, and model driftHow governance, observability, and auditability are becoming non-negotiableWhy flexibility across AI models is critical as capabilities evolve at breakneck speedWhere retailers are seeing the biggest ROI today—from associate training to contract reviewA realistic outlook on AI’s trajectory through 2026, including where hype may coolRelated LinksLearn how AIRIA helps enterprises govern and secure AI deployments:Explore more retail insights and and NRF26 coverage at  Retail TouchPointsSubscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26. -----Discover how Airia’s no-code AI platform empowers retail teams to automate inventory, customer support, and more—without technical expertise. Ready to make AI work for you? Visit airia.com/retailtouchpoints to learn more.

The NRF Big Show is always a whirlwind and this year was no exception. In this special episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein is joined live from the show floor by her colleagues Adam Blair of Retail TouchPoints and Kate Robertson of Shop Eat Surf Outdoor to break down what stood out while everything was still fresh.From first-time impressions (Kate has never been before) to veteran perspectives (Adam has attended going on 20 years), the trio reflects on the themes that dominated conversations across sessions and booths. Unsurprisingly, AI was everywhere but the editors also dig into the growing emphasis on humanity, trust, authenticity and culture as retailers figure out how (and where) new this technology fits in.This candid, on-the-ground conversation captures what NRF really feels like — and what retail leaders are wrestling with as 2026 gets underway.Highlights from this episode include:How the AI conversation shifted at NRF 2026 from hype to hands-on learnings;The striking quality and confidence of Gen Z voices on stage — and what that says about the future workforce;Why retailers like LVMH are doubling down on the human element, even as automation accelerates;How creators, trust and authenticity are becoming more critical in a world of AI-driven discovery;Leadership lessons from Dick’s Sporting Goods on culture, competitiveness, and rewarding the unglamorous work.Related LinksRelated reading:Dick’s Sporting Goods Chairman Ed Stack on House of Sport, Corporate Culture and Fixing Foot LockerRelated reading: AI in Luxury: Why LVMH Won’t Let AI Eclipse Humanity or CreativityRelated reading: How Inviting Consumers to ‘Ask Ralph’ Deepens Their Connection to the Ralph Lauren BrandExplore ongoing NRF coverage and retail insights from Retail TouchPoints.Subscribe so you don’t miss more episodes of Retail Remix from the show floor of NRF26.

As we kick off 2026, Retail Remix is spotlighting some of the most illuminating moments from last season that bear repeating. In this special episode, host Nicole Silberstein revisits standout insights from 2025 that continue to resonate as the industry navigates AI, shifting consumer expectations and the evolving role of physical retail.Highlights Include:Why retailers must do (beyond optimizing their product data) to stay visible in AI-powered search platforms;How “napkin math,” that is, thinking in orders of magnitude, can help leaders better size opportunities and manage expectations;What truly drives brand value and affinity today, and why investing in brand equity during times of disruption pays off;How PacSun has so successfully created a culture of community and how other brands can do the same;What today’s consumers are really looking for from store experiences; andWhy resale hit a tipping point in 2025 and what that means for brands’ circular efforts in 2026.Full Episodes & Related LinksEpisode 252: What $24B in Prime Day Spending Tells Us About H2Episode 268: AI Reality Check: Klaviyo CEO on What’s Hype, What Matters & What Comes NextEpisode 255: The Experience Equation: What Retailers Need To Get RightEpisode 259: Pacsun’s Formula for Relevance: Youth Culture + Co-CreationEpisode 254: Inside ThredUp’s Surge: What’s Fueling Resale’s SurgeEpisode 246: Lessons from the World’s Top BrandsGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

As a final send-off to the year, host Nicole Silberstein shares some off-the-cuff thoughts on something we forgot to talk enough about this year — the irreplaceable pleasure of shopping in stores, and why AI won’t change that.Happy Holidays from your friends at Retail Remix — see you in 2026!Key TakeawaysMaybe what we all need a little more of right now is in-person shoppingRelated LinksEpisode 258 - Redesigning with Reverence: Inside the New MoMA Design Store ExperienceEpisode 253 - How Primark Is Rewriting the Rules of Value Fashion in the U.S. Related reading: How Printemps’ New NYC Store Supports ‘Democratic Luxury’ with Subtle TechnologySubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

AI is reshaping the retail landscape faster than any technology in recent memory, but with the hype comes confusion — and a lot of big questions about what AI can actually do for retailers today.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Andrew Bialecki, Co-founder and CEO of Klaviyo, to separate reality from speculation and explore how AI is changing marketing, customer service and the entire shopping experience.Andrew shares the origin story behind Klaviyo’s “digital brain for businesses,” explains why retailers will increasingly become hybrid product-and-service companies, and breaks down the AI behaviors already shaping consumer expectations. He also takes a look into his crystal ball to offer a forward-looking perspective on how voice, avatars and in-store AI agents could define the next era of commerce.Key TakeawaysHow retailers will evolve into hybrid product-and-service brands as AI makes information and personalization easily accessible to all;Why multimodal AI — including chat, voice and in-store agents — could propel the next wave of omnichannel experiences;The role humans will continue to play in the AI future through creative direction, brand judgment and defining customer experience goals;What consumers actually want from AI: speed, summarization, better recommendations, and easier product discovery; Why the ability to do “napkin math” is critical for businesspeople of all stripes; andThe hardest thing about going from being a private to a public company.Related LinksExplore Klaviyo’s AI-powered marketing and customer relationship toolsGet more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Independent retailers have always been nimble, but the past few years have demanded even more adaptability. In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein is joined by Jen Burke, Chief Revenue Officer at wholesale marketplace Faire, who helps us dig into how independent retailers are thriving amid so much socioeconomic and technological change.Jen shares how this powerful segment of retailers — which account for more than half of all U.S. retail sales — are shifting buying strategies, navigating economic pressure, responding to fast-moving trend cycles, and using Faire’s tools to better manage cash flow, discover products and respond to customer demand. She also reveals what Faire is building next, from improved platform capabilities to new fulfillment solutions.Key TakeawaysHow independent retailers are adjusting order volume, frequency and sourcing strategies in response to tariffs and other headwinds;What wholesale buying patterns on Faire foretell about the trends and categories that will be hot in 2026;The growing importance of reflecting the cultural zeitgeist on shelves and how to do it;Why curation will remain retailers’ superpower despite the potential of new technologies like AI; andA peek at Faire’s next big move — fulfillment services.Related LinksExplore how Faire supports independent retailers of all sizesRelated Reading: Faire Surpasses 100K Members as Indie Retailers Seek Out Value, VarietyRelated Reading: Inside the Luxury Advent Calendar Boom with DTC Brand Cheese BrothersGet more retail industry insights at Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Private label brands aren’t just supporting acts anymore — many are becoming stars in their own right, and Anthropologie’s Maeve label is proving the point.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Anu Narayanan, President of Women’s and Home at Anthropologie Group, to go inside the decision to elevate Maeve from an in-house favorite to a standalone brand with its own stores, website and social presence.Anu shares how the decision was rooted in clear customer demand — millions of searches, TikTok engagement and a fiercely loyal fan base — as well as a bold vision for how Maeve can evolve while still staying connected to Anthropologie’s DNA. From boutique-style store design to influencer-led storytelling to curated multi-brand assortments, Maeve is charting its own path into the future.Key TakeawaysThe strategic choice to open first stores in markets like Raleigh, N.C. and Atlanta rather than major coastal cities;How Anthropologie is differentiating Maeve’s boutique store aesthetic from its core stores;Inside Maeve’s marketing engine from TikTok and the company’s first Substack to a growing community of influencer “Mavens”; Why Maeve standalone stores are multi-brand and which brands are being brought in;The role of catalogs (yes, catalogs) in modern brand storytelling and customer engagement;PLUS Anu’s top merchandising tip for any kind of store.Related LinksExplore Maeve’s latest collections and campaign storytellingRelated reading: Anthropologie Promotes Maeve to Standalone Brand, Plans Stores and Exclusive Catalog Stay ahead with more retail insights and analysis from Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Google has always played a central role in the shopping journey, but it isn’t a retailer or even a marketplace. In fact, more than 1 billion shopping searches happen on the platform every day, yet Google has never been the endpoint. Now, with the rise of AI, multimodal search and agentic experiences, Google is ready to once again transform how consumers discover and shop for products online.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Lilian Rincon, VP of Shopping Experiences at Google, to unpack the company’s latest innovations — from conversational discovery to virtual Try-on-You to new agentic features that can check stock, call local stores and even buy on your behalf.Lilian shares how Google is approaching AI-powered shopping with a “slow, steady, and user-first” philosophy, why trust and data freshness are non-negotiables, and how Google’s massive Shopping Graph gives it a unique advantage in the evolving AI commerce landscape.Key Takeaways:Why Google still sees itself as an ecosystem, not a retailer — and what that says about its ambitions in the realm of shopping;A look inside Try-on-You, Google’s new personalized virtual try-on that uses a single selfie to visualize clothing on your actual body;Why conversational shopping has officially arrived — and how it is changing the way people search;How Google’s agentic features — including local store calling and automated buying — are tackling real-world shopper pain points; andThe critical role of Google’s Shopping Graph in powering trustworthy AI results.Related Links:Explore Google’s latest AI-powered shopping featuresRelated reading: As ChatGPT Focuses on Checkout, Google Hones its Shopping ExperienceRead more about the future of retail and commerce innovation on Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on more episodes of Retail Remix

DoorDash has come a long way from delivering takeout. Today, it’s a platform for everything local — powering delivery, fulfillment and retail innovation across dozens of categories.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Fuad Hannon, DoorDash’s VP of New Verticals, to unpack how the company is executing its vision to level the local commerce playing field. From the launch of DashMart Fulfillment Services to partnerships with brands like Kroger and Party City, DoorDash is helping retailers of all stripes and sizes compete on speed, convenience and customer experience.Key Takeaways:How DoorDash’s mission to empower local economies has evolved beyond restaurants;How the company’s investments in autonomous delivery are setting the stage for the next generation of 24/7 commerce;What the recent acquisitions of SevenRooms and Symbiosis reveal about DoorDash’s growing reach in technology and services; The growth of DoorDash’s $1 billion+ advertising business and how the company balances merchant ROI with consumer experience; PLUS The most unusual product Faud has seen DoorDash deliver.Related LinksExplore how DoorDash is expanding into retail, fulfillment, and autonomous deliveryRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Fulfillment Services; Party City, CVS Among First to TrialRelated reading: DoorDash Launches Driverless Delivery with Waymo in Phoenix Metro AreaGet more insights on retail innovation at Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

As AI transforms how people discover and shop, one question looms large: how will payments evolve to keep up?In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Rob Cameron, a self-described “payments nerd” and Global Head of Acceptance Solutions at Visa, to explore how the rise of agentic AI — where intelligent AI agents handle everything from product discovery to checkout — is shaping the future of commerce, and with it payments.Rob shares how Visa is preparing for this shift with its Trusted Agent Protocol, a framework designed to make AI-driven transactions secure, seamless and scalable. From managing fraud and data privacy to redefining consumer trust, this conversation dives deep into the payment infrastructure that will be required to enable this next era of ecommerce. Key Takeaways:How the emergence of agentic commerce will change how payments are processed and protected;Why consumer confidence will determine the pace of AI-driven transactions;What retailers should do now to prepare their websites and systems for shopping that takes place wholly on AI platforms; andHow Visa’s agentic toolkit is empowering brands to experiment with natural language-driven payment experiences.Related LinksExplore how Visa is innovating across AI and digital commerceRelated reading: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal Dive into Agentic Era with Tools that Help Consumers ‘Use AI to Buy’Get more insights on retail innovation and emerging tech on Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Retail media — or should we say commerce media — has exploded into one of the fastest-growing opportunities in marketing. But with so many players, platforms and acronyms, where is it all headed?In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Jeff Cohen, former Principal Evangelist at Amazon Ads and now Chief Business Development Officer at Skai, to unpack how the space has evolved and what’s coming next.Jeff shares how he went from building one of Amazon’s first third-party ad technologies to helping brands navigate a new era of connected, data-driven commerce. He breaks down the shift from retail media to commerce media, the impact of AI-powered shopping on marketing and how brands can move beyond walled gardens to reach today’s omnichannel shoppers.Key Takeaways:How retail media has evolved into commerce media — and why the distinction matters;The role of agentic AI in optimizing campaigns and connecting fragmented data;What brands can learn from Amazon’s retail media dominance and Skai’s cross-channel approach;Why unified, actionable data matters more than endless metrics;Lessons on innovation, adaptation and taking smart risks from Jeff’s eclectic career.Related LinksLearn how Skai is connecting brands and retailers through data-driven mediaRelated reading: New Research Reveals Agency Execs’ True Opinions on Retail MediaExplore more insights on the future of commerce media on Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

For four decades, Ellis Verdi, Founder and President of DeVito/Verdi, has helped shape some of the most talked-about — and often controversial — campaigns in retail advertising. From launching Daffy’s with bold, conceptual creative to working with Macy’s, Kohl’s, Men’s Wearhouse and Meijer, Verdi has built a career on one philosophy: tell the truth, even if it ruffles feathers.Retail Remix host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Ellis to discuss what’s changed (and what hasn’t) about connecting with consumers, the ongoing tension between brand and performance marketing, and why controversy isn’t always a bad thing — if it comes from an honest idea.Ellis shares the stories behind some of his favorite campaigns, including the infamous “straightjacket” Duffy’s ad that sparked protests, and how ads for Macy’s I.N.C. brand and Meijer’s private label spinach redefined how retailers communicate value. He also weighs in on recent campaigns — like Levi’s x Beyoncé and of course, Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle — that signal a welcome return to upper-funnel brand storytelling.Key Takeaways:Why conceptual advertising still matters in today’s performance-driven landscape;How controversy can serve a campaign — when it’s rooted in truth; andThe importance of balancing top-of-funnel branding with down-funnel ROI.Related LinksExplore DeVito/Verdi Advertising’s creative work and legacyWatch the Macy’s I.N.C. ad featuring Heidi KlumWatch the Meijer spinach adRelated reading: The Top 10 Best-Performing Retail Ads from the First Half of 2025Catch up on all episodes of Retail RemixGet more insights from retail industry leaders on Retail TouchPoints

AI is rewriting the rules of online shopping — and it’s happening faster than anyone expected.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein chats with Travis Hess, CEO of the newly rebranded Commerce, about how conversational AI and “answer engines” like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google’s AI Overviews are transforming how consumers discover and shop for products online.Travis shares why these new tools represent the biggest paradigm shift since the dawn of ecommerce and explains why brands that fail to optimize for AI-driven discovery risk disappearing altogether. Key Takeaways:How to capture some of the projected $260 billion in sales AI is expected to drive this holiday season;Why the “customer is the new channel” in our increasingly AI-driven world;How to adapt your ecommerce strategy for contextual discoverability; andWhy a brand’s “content supply chain” matters more than ever, and how to enhance yours.Related LinksLearn more about Commerce (parent company of BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift)Related reading: AI Search is Rapidly Gaining Consumers’ TrustRelated reading: Salesforce Global Holiday Forecast — AI Will Drive $1.6 Trillion in In-Store SalesCatch up on all episodes of Retail RemixLearn more about AI evolutions in commerce on Retail TouchPoints

Legacy brands from the Y2K era are back — but the smartest ones aren’t just trading on nostalgia, they’re reinventing themselves for today’s digital-native youth.Pacsun is the poster child for this kind of strategic reinvention, and in this episode of Retail Remix the brand’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Richard Cox, unpacks how the company is doing it. From activations at music festivals and college football games to its new Youth Advisory Council, Pacsun is co-creating its future alongside the very customers it serves. Listen in to hear:Why Pacsun’s resurgence is about more than Y2K nostalgia;How the brand has transformed into a purpose-driven, youth-focused powerhouse;Insights from Pacsun’s first-annual Youth Survey illuminating what matters to today’s youth, with mental health and music topping the list;What co-creation looks like behind the scenes and how Pacsun pulls it off; andThe power of “anemoia” (and what it is). Related LinksExplore the latest collections and campaigns from PacsunDig into the results of Pacsun’s Youth Survey, conducted with GlobalDataRelated reading: Pacsun Takes Co-Creation to the Next Level with New Youth Advisory CouncilRelated reading: Pacsun Follows the Music with Capsule Collection and Pop-Up at NYC’s Governors BallLearn about Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s shopping behaviors and how to connect on Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Gift shops are more than a post-museum pit stop — they can be retail destinations in their own right.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Jesse Goldstine, Chief Retail Officer at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), to discuss the recent redesign of the MoMA Design Store in SoHo and the unique nuances of museum-affiliated retail.Jesse shares how the iconic museum is connecting culture with commerce in its retail experiences through storytelling, product curation and immersive design. 🎨 Key Takeaways:What makes museum-affiliated retail different from traditional retail;Why storytelling and product curation are essential elements of the new MoMA Design Store in SoHo;Why reducing SKU counts was essential to creating a store “worthy of” the products it sells; andInsights into MoMA’s global retail strategy, from its stores in Japan to licensing collaborations with brands like LEGO and Vans.Related LinksExplore the latest collections and collaborations from the MoMA Design StoreLearn more about the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibitions and mission Read more from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Sports retail is moving fast — and sometimes sideways. This week, Shop Eat Surf Outdoor Editor in Chief Tiffany Montgomery and long-time industry analyst Matt Powell join Retail Remix for a candid discussion about what’s really happening with the biggest names in sports and activewear — and what retailers can learn from both their wins and missteps.Listen in to hear:Why Dick’s Sporting Goods’ acquisition of Foot Locker is both a bargain and a big bet on Nike’s turnaround;The operational edge that’s helped Dick’s pull away from competitors;Nike’s strategic missteps and why recovery will take longer than Wall Street hopes (but is in the cards); Why lagging in grocery and losing its sense of fun have been just as harmful to Target as its recent DEI reversal;Lessons from Vuori’s cross-category and cross-gender success — and what legacy players like Lululemon can learn; andWhy executives shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security following relatively rosy Q2 earnings.From footwear giants to big-box chains, this episode pulls no punches in looking at the forces reshaping retail.RELATED LINKS:Learn more about the strategy and advisory work of Matt Powell at BCE ConsultingExplore more coverage of the active outdoor industry from Shop Eat Surf OutdoorRelated reading: Dick’s Sporting Goods to Acquire Foot Locker in $2.5 Billion DealRelated reading:The Evolution of Journeys Under New President Andy GrayRead more from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Cracked screen? Dead battery? Most of us are quick to ditch our broken electronics — but what if there were a smarter, more sustainable alternative?In this episode of Retail Remix, Nicole Silberstein chats with Steven Proust and Eric Helgason, Co-founders of PayMore, a brick-and-mortar resale franchise that’s changing the way we buy, sell and trade electronics. Since launching in 2011, they’ve grown their business to 100 locations — and counting — by leaning into a resale model that’s community-focused and planet-friendly.Steven and Eric share:Why today’s consumer is more open to buying used devices — and what’s driving that shift;How PayMore ensures customer trust through modern stores, smart pricing and rigorous data privacy;Why they chose franchising as their growth engine and how it supports their community-driven ethos;The challenges of scaling a brick-and-mortar resale model — and the tech they’ve developed to power it; andHow they’re staying ahead of the curve as new devices (and resale trends) keep evolving.This isn’t just resale — it’s retail innovation in action. For executives navigating the next era of store experience, PayMore is one to watch.RELATED LINKS:Explore the PayMore model and find a location near youRelated reading: PayMore Opens 19 North American Locations in Q2, Moving Closer to 150-Store GoalRead all about the evolution of resale on Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

This episode is brought to you by Appriss RetailProduct returns are often seen as a necessary evil — but when return fraud enters the mix, things get a lot more costly, and complicated.In this Retail Remix Deep Dive bonus episode — brought to you by Appriss Retail — guest host Adam Blair (Editor, Retail TouchPoints) takes a closer look at how retailers can cut down on fraudulent returns without sacrificing customer experience.Joined by Vishal Patel and Pedro Ramos of Appriss Retail, the conversation covers:Why the scale of returns fraud is rising—and how it’s evolving;The growing tension between consumer expectations and loss prevention efforts;How retailers can adjust return policies without alienating loyal shoppers;Key findings from Appriss Retail’s latest Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry report;Real-world success stories from retailers tackling this issue head-on.If you’re rethinking your return policy or struggling with increasing return rates, this episode offers strategic insights backed by real data.RELATED LINKS:Explore the latest ORC report from Appriss RetailLearn more about Appriss RetailRead more from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix -----Reduce returns, stop abuse and fraud, and protect your bottom line. Visit ApprissRetail.com to learn more.

In an age of instant delivery, why are so many consumers still making the trip to the store?In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Melissa Gonzalez, Principal at the design firm MG2, to explore why the in-store experience is still such a powerful tool for connection and conversion. Melissa shares how she helps clients turn physical retail spaces into strategic assets and digs into new MG2 research that explores the motivations and behaviors of Gen Z — spoiler: they’re showing up to stores with purpose.What you’ll learn:Why grouping all Gen Zers together as one cohort is a myth (there’s are big differences between the older and younger ends of the spectrum);Why inter-departmental communication and modularity in store design are crucial to omnichannel execution;Why co-creation is a must, especially as Gen Z cedes territory to Gen Alpha;Why, even when consumers don’t follow through with higher ideals like sustainability in their purchasing, those values are an opportunity for brands; andExamples of stellar store experiences from Coach, Lego and Nordstrom.RELATED LINKS:Learn more about MG2Related reading: Williamsburg’s the Spot for Third NYC-Area Nordstrom ‘Local’ StoreRelated reading: LEGO’s New NYC Flagship Inspires Customer Creativity, Brick by BrickExplore more insights from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Resale has officially moved from the margins to the mainstream. As economic pressures push consumers to seek value and sustainability gains steam, resale marketplaces like ThredUp are poised for massive growth.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Alon Rotem, Chief Strategy Officer at ThredUp, to discuss the company’s impressive recent growth and what it says about the broader retail landscape. They dive into:Why economic headwinds like tariffs and the removal of de minimis have been tailwinds for resale;How ThredUp has finally been able to achieve profitability in the U.S. and what it plans to do with that capital;Why AI advancements are poised to "disproportionately benefit” secondhand retail;Details of the company’s forthcoming peer-to-peer offering;PLUS what everyone gets wrong about lawyers. Whether you’re a retail exec or a resale-curious consumer, this episode breaks down why the resale model is no longer a trend — it’s the future.RELATED LINKSCheck out what ThredUp is up toRelated reading: ThredUp Makes Resale Technology Free for All, Plans New Peer-to-Peer OfferingRelated reading: Tariffs, AI, Social Trends Create ‘Powerful New Pathways’ for ResaleRelated reading: ThredUp Nixes Rewards Points as Struggle to ‘Improve Unit Economics’ ContinuesExplore more episodes of Retail Remix

If you’ve shopped in Europe, chances are you’ve been to Primark — and if you haven’t, you’ve probably heard someone rave about it. But in the U.S., the value fashion giant is still writing its origin story. This week, Nicole sits down with Kevin Tulip, President of Primark U.S., to talk about the brand’s expansion across the states, what makes its business model so unique, and how the company is adapting to American consumers — without abandoning its global blueprint. Listen in to learn:How Primark balances its centralized inventory model with regional flexibility;What makes the brand’s no-ecommerce, no-discounting approach work;Why initiatives like repair workshops and sustainable sourcing are priorities — even at a $12 price point; andWhat to expect from the upcoming NYC flagship (Kevin promises it’s going to be “unlike anything else”).RELATED LINKSExplore Primark’s latest store openingsRelated reading: Primark Pens Contract for Penn District NYC FlagshipRelated reading: Primark Aims to Extend Clothing’s Lifecycle by Bringing Repair Workshops to the U.S.Related reading: Inside Primark’s Mecca for All Things Disney and MarvelCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Prime Day gave us more than just deals — it delivered critical clues about what consumers want now, and what they’ll expect this holiday season.In this episode of Retail Remix, Vivek Pandya, Director at Adobe Digital Insights, joins host Nicole Silberstein to unpack the numbers behind this year’s record-breaking Prime Day performance — and what they signal about consumer behavior heading into the back half of the year.You’ll Learn:How essential goods drove surprise growth during Prime Day and whether those same patterns will repeat during the back-to-school and holiday periods;Why affiliate traffic is outperforming paid search;What the data says about shopper price sensitivity and demand headed into holiday; andThe ways in which generative AI is already impacting how — and where — consumers shop.RELATED LINKSCheck out Adobe’s latest retail insightsRelated Reading: Prime Day Again Breaks Sales Records — and Offers Insight into Current Consumer MindsetExplore more consumer behavior coverage from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix

Alibaba may be known for its massive scale — but at the heart of its U.S. strategy is something much more focused: empowering small businesses.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Justin Liu, U.S. Country Manager at Alibaba.com, to explore how the global B2B marketplace is helping American entrepreneurs source more efficiently, build more resilient supply chains and take advantage of cross-border opportunities.With experience at Amazon, Meituan and streetwear marketplace Poizon, Justin brings a global lens to today’s most pressing retail topics — from digital discovery to de-risking the sourcing process. Together, they discuss:How global supply chain disruption has changed brands’ sourcing timelines and strategies;How Alibaba is evolving to better serve U.S. small businesses;The company’s strategy for simplifying product discovery and vendor relationships; andThe role of trust, transparency and tech in the future of B2B ecommerce.RELATED LINKSExplore Alibaba.com’s offerings for U.S. small businessesTry out Alibaba’s new AI-powered sourcing platform Accio.com Read more about the Alibaba-Wix partnership on Retail TouchPointsLearn about Alibaba’s efforts to support SMBs, including Olympic athletesListen to more episodes of Retail Remix

True Religion is back — and it’s not just about nostalgia. In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Tina Blake, Creative Director at True Religion to explore the brand’s impressive comeback with Gen Z.Tina shares her approach to evolving True Religion’s design language, building a bolder women’s assortment and leveraging partnerships — from celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion to Latinx brands like Bella Doña — to create moments that resonate with young consumers.They also discuss:How True Religion blends street-level style insights with its heritage brand image;How trend data and cultural cues guide True Religion’s product and creative strategies;The brand’s rapid growth in women’s and its plans to expand the category even further; andWhy authenticity is key to celebrity and cultural collaborations.RELATED LINKSExplore True Religion’s latest drops and digital experienceRead more about brand reinvention on Retail TouchPointsListen to more episodes of Retail Remix

For Patrick Ta Beauty, the key to growth isn’t just great marketing — it’s an experience that educates, inspires and converts.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein chats with Heidi Lim, VP of Ecommerce at Patrick Ta Beauty. With experience leading digital growth at brands like ThirdLove, Estée Lauder and Fashion Nova, Heidi shares how she’s now helping Patrick Ta Beauty stand out in the crowded, trend-driven beauty market. From breaking through the noise on TikTok to building smarter marketing flows, she reveals what it really takes to scale a prestige beauty brand today.Together, they discuss:How the brand turns product education into a powerful driver of conversion and trust;Why a diversified channel mix — DTC, Sephora, TikTok Shop — is key to building both reach and resilience;What makes creator partnerships work — and how to keep them aligned with your brand story;How the team achieved 8X year-over-year growth during BFCM by doubling down on retention;PLUS the beauty trend you’ll be hearing about all summer. RELATED LINKSExplore Patrick Ta Beauty’s latest products and digital experiencesRead more about ecommerce innovation at Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

In today’s market, trust isn’t just a differentiator — it’s a requirement. But proving your brand lives up to its claims? That’s where things get complicated.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Kimberly Shenk, Co-founder and CEO of Novi Connect, to explore how consumer trust is evolving. Drawing from her unique background as a U.S. Air Force data scientist, Kimberly shares how Novi is helping brands and retailers like Amazon, Target, Sephora and Ulta back up products’ health, safety and sustainability claims with real data — and why it matters more now than ever. Together, they discuss:Why traditional brand trust is no longer enough — and what’s replacing it;What consumers today actually care about when it comes to ESG — and how to communicate it;The measurable impact of verified product claims on discovery, conversion and loyalty; andHow AI and large-language models are reshaping online merchandising in the digital age.RELATED LINKSLearn more about Novi Connect’s work with retailersCheck out the NYU Stern Sustainable Market Share IndexRead more about shifting trust dynamics in the article from McKinsey: Consumers care about sustainability—and back it up with their walletsExplore trends in values-based commerce from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

Surviving 100 years in retail is rare — thriving for 110 is something else entirely.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein speaks with Tianne Doyle, President of off-price retail chain Bealls, which is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. With over 30 years at the company, Tianne shares what has given Bealls such enduring appeal, how it continues to evolve in a rapidly changing market and why its people-first culture might be its most powerful asset. Together, they explore:How a commitment to financial discipline and customer connection has fueled Bealls’ longevity;The company’s pioneering new ambassador program, which puts loyalty members from across the country in the spotlight;The role of culture, leadership and loyalty in building a purpose-driven retail organization; andBealls’ growth plans for the next decade — including new formats, store expansion and digital strategy.RELATED LINKSDiscover how Bealls brings value and brand-name style togetherSee pictures of Bealls’ localized store design in Roswell, N.M.Dig deeper into Bealls’ history and secrets to success in this recent RTP feature storyExplore the latest retail success stories from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

What does it take to become a household name — and why does it matter?In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein is joined by James May and Barry Thomas from global data and analytics firm Kantar to unpack the findings from the 20th annual BrandZ Report, which ranks the top 100 most valuable global brands. They dive into the forces shaping brand value today, why retail brands are on the rise and what lessons others can learn from this year’s leaders. Together, they explore:Why brand is a company’s most valuable asset and the common traits of the world’s most valuable brands;Whether the era of U.S. economic exceptionalism is nearing an end;Why disruption is such a powerful brand-builder, as evidenced by brands like Amazon and ChatGPT; andHow retailers can follow the playbook of brands like Walmart and Costco to build stronger, more meaningful connections with consumers.RELATED LINKSExplore key takeaways from Kantar’s 2025 BrandZ Report Check out the full 2025 BrandZ ReportLearn more about KantarExplore the latest marketing insights from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

This episode is brought to you by BIgCommerceWith tariffs dominating headlines and reshaping global retail strategy, brands are navigating one of the most complex trade landscapes in recent memory.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein is joined by Rathna Sharad, CEO and Founder of cross-border logistics platform FlavorCloud. With a background spanning Microsoft, UPS, and three decades of global trade experience, Rathna offers expert guidance on navigating tariffs, streamlining international operations, and building supply chain resilience. Together, they explore:The biggest friction points brands face when scaling internationally — and how to solve them;Key markets and categories showing rapid growth in global ecommerce;Lesser known implications of the de minimis rule change and what it means for U.S. merchants; andWhy now is the time to double down on international expansion, not pull back.RELATED LINKSRead the FlavorCloud 2025 State of Cross-Border reportSee how FlavorCloud is helping brands go globalExplore the latest retail supply chain insights from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix———Tired of rigid ecommerce platforms and hidden fees? BigCommerce gives you the flexibility to build and scale your store your way — with no extra fees for using the tools you love. Whether B2C or B2B, BigCommerce powers ecommerce that works for you. Learn more at bigcommerce.com/retailremix

As the retail marketing playbook continues to evolve, staying relevant takes more than just keeping up — it means rethinking how and where you engage your audience.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Sarah Crockett, Global Chief Marketing Officer at DSW, to talk shop. With experience leading marketing at brands like Vans, REI and Backcountry, Sarah brings a wide-angle lens to what’s working — and what’s changing — in the world of retail marketing. Together, they unpack:How DSW is navigating the latest shifts in consumer expectations and retail strategy;The challenges of marketing during unpredictable economic periods;How to keep pace with rapid technological evolutions across search and social; andHer secret weapon for staying on top of social trends. RELATED LINKSGet a closer look at DSW’s brand in action.Explore the latest marketing insights from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

The retail industry has already packed a decade’s worth of disruption into just the first few months of 2025. From bankruptcies and tariffs to shifting consumer behaviors and market volatility, staying ahead of the curve is more challenging — and more critical — than ever.So in this episode of Retail Remix, your new host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Melissa Minkow, Retail Strategist at CI&T, to help retailers make sense of it all. Together, they unpack:The biggest headlines and shake-ups shaping the retail landscape in 2025 so far;How brands are adapting to continued economic uncertainty and evolving consumer habits;Which emerging opportunities retailers should be prioritizing right now; andThe importance of taking a strategic pause to reassess the path forward.RELATED LINKSLearn more about CI&TExplore the latest retail insights from Retail TouchPointsCheck out past episodes of Retail Remix

More than 50% of brands plan to increase budget spend on creators in 2025. While brand execs across categories agree that creators help boost awareness and product consideration, their tactical goals and priorities vary. During this episode of Retail Remix, Rodney Mason of LTK and Frank Dudley of Northwestern University dig into their latest research report focused on how brands are tapping creators to:Develop long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that meet specific goals and objectives;Build their content arsenals for omnichannel engagement;Level up their retail media strategies; andExperimenting with new and emerging channels like Connected TV (CTV) advertising. RELATED LINKSLearn more about LTKDownload a copy of the Annual Creator Marketing StudyWatch the CMO’s Creator Guide webinar on-demandSign up for the Influencer Marketing Strategy Course.

Amina Pasha has been in the CPG space for more than 20 years. While a good portion of that time was with P&G, her career went into new, exciting territory when she joined The Honest Company, a challenger brand that, from the beginning, doubled down on its mission and values. She has spent the last five years applying her learnings with the brand at Thrive Market, which is a values-based, challenger brand in its own right. Now, with the brand reaching its 10th birthday, Amina has some lessons to share. Listen to this episode of Retail Remix to get her thoughts on: The evolution of values-based brands and the influence marketing has on driving brand differentiation; How she balances brand and performance marketing to accomplish organizational goals; Ways to adapt and tailor marketing focal points based on persona behaviors and lifestyles; and What’s top-of-mind for Thrive Market for the next five years. RELATED LINKSLearn more about Thrive MarketConnect with Amina on LinkedIn

Mars, Inc. has embarked on a digital transformation that encompasses ecommerce experience and in-store activation. Throughout this journey, which began with the M&M’S brand, the company has successfully embraced experience innovation that has composable technology and agile processes at the center of it all. During this episode of Retail Remix, Kyle Barz of Mars, Inc., shares how he helped drive this new era for the business alongside Casper Rasmussen and the Valtech team. Together they break down:What inspired Mars to begin its transformation journey, and the challenges that Kyle and his team had to tackle early on to ensure success; How composable technology accelerates innovation and empowers teams to better spot and respond to new business opportunities; and The end-to-end transformation process for M&M’S, including the lessons that will be applied for other brands. RELATED LINKSSee the original case studyLearn more about ValtechLearn more about MarsConnect with Casper and Kyle on LinkedIn

You may think shopping online for a car (especially a used car) is overwhelming, even frustrating. But Jim Lyski is trying to change that. As EVP and Chief Growth & Strategy Officer for CarMax, Jim has helped drive the company’s AI efforts, which span various touch points and all stages of the buying journey. Listen to get details into how CarMax is: Evolving its value proposition to align with the new needs and expectations of consumers; Investing in chat agents that provide proactive and reactive support to shoppers;Creating opportunities for virtual, high-touch discovery and customization; and Embedding personalization into the entire journey.RELATED LINKSLearn more about CarMaxSee CarMax coverage on Retail TouchPointsDownload the ultimate guide to Gen AI

Livestreaming was said to completely transform retail as we knew it. A commerce staple in Asia, experts claimed it was only a matter of time before it took the west by storm. Although the hype cycle has slowed, companies like Orca are working to turn livestreaming and social commerce into highly effective and scalable sales channels. During this week’s Retail Remix, Orca co-founders Max Benator and Lauren Stevens share: How their TV roots inspired the mission and vision for Orca;Details on the Orca business model and how the company supports both brands and creators;   Why brands like e.l.f. Beauty, Samsung and Zappos are working with Orca to level up their social commerce strategies; andHow they are thinking about the evolution of AI and its role in content creation. RELATED LINKSLearn more about OrcaGet the scoop on Orca’s SoCom eventRead the latest content on all things social commerce

Over the past year, retail executives have had to navigate many forces: the rise of disruptive tech like generative AI, ever-changing consumer spending patterns and economic volatility. How did these and other issues drive C-level decision-making? And at the end of the day, what really kept retail leaders up at night? To find out how all this impacted retail leader's strategies this year, we went straight to the source at three top brands. Listen to hear executives from BaubleBar, Boisson and Sloomoo Institute discuss:How to balance strategic vision and tactical execution;Challenges with growing and scaling a business; Tips for fostering a culture of innovation; andHow to maintain your brand’s position as a category leader or disruptor. RELATED LINKSLearn more about Boisson’s journeyGet more details on BaubleBar’s expansion strategyExplore Sloomoo Institute’s newest location in LA