The Backroom with Retail Dive

The team breaks down what's behind the pushback against the incoming CEO, founder Chip Wilson’s battle with the board and more.

Brieane Olson talks about her book, “Co-created,” and her work as a merchant and now CEO in redefining the retailer for a new generation.

Katie Thomas, lead of the Kearney Consumer Institute, joins The Backroom to discuss consumer sentiment, economic pressures and more.

The team discusses how different the companies are, despite ushering in new executive leadership at the same time.

The team chats about their recent visits to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan flagship and brings in Debtwire analysts to discuss the retailer’s Chapter 11 process.

The retail strategy adviser talks about trust in the age of emerging AI and the industry’s potential in shaping our society.

Retail Dive’s reporters touch base with Supply Chain Dive to examine how shifts in U.S. tariff rates have affected the industry ahead of its most important quarter.

The creepy, crawly event has grown into a months-long celebration and a $13 billion business. But is it a harbinger for the holidays?

Heading into the season, shoppers and retailers alike are getting squeezed by tariffs and mounting economic uncertainty.

Debtwire’s global head of legal, Sarah Foss, joins Retail Dive Senior Reporter Daphne Howland for a discussion of retailer bankruptcies – in 2025 and beyond.

Join Retail Dive reporters Daphne Howland and Dani James for a discussion about the mass retailer’s unique history, the ups and downs of its differentiation, and where it may be headed.

Fashion Dive Senior Editor Lara Ewen joins to talk about the latest tie-up between the department store conglomerate and the e-commerce giant.

Senior Editor Cara Salpini joins The Backroom to discuss what this deal could mean for the athletics retailers and the sector more broadly.

Trade policy is ever-evolving, and hitting the retail industry especially hard. Philip Neuffer, senior editor at our sister publication, talks about covering the issue and where things stand today.

The longtime merchant discusses the myths and rewards of a channel that is getting renewed appreciation in the industry.

Playwright Ken Harris talks about how his experiences in retail loss prevention informed his award-wining solo play, and gives his unique perspective on shrink and theft.

The team talks about a recent report that U.S. retailers are set to shutter many more stores than they plan to open in 2025, and what that really means.

The retail and brand expert discusses the hype around AI, how marketers can preserve human creativity and his optimism about the future.

Join Retail Dive Senior Report Daphne Howland and Rick Watson, founder and CEO of RMW Commerce, as they unpack recent retail stories including Amazon’s answer to Temu, Walmart’s progress and Target’s struggles.

Halloween will drive $11.6 billion in spending this year. Plus, it’s fun!

The team discusses a recent deep dive into a very online movement, led by deal-hunting influencers, and what it means for consumers and retailers alike.

The executive earlier this year returned to the athletics brand he founded nearly 30 years ago. What does that mean for the company?

The team discusses a barrage of news from several players in a retail space that has been written off many times.

The podcast welcomes Fashion Dive to discuss what the e-commerce giant’s approach to apparel means for brands and consumers, and what could be different.

E-commerce keeps growing because it’s easier to shop online. To survive, brick and mortar needs a good reason, too.

Under a new CEO, the iconic department store is fielding a $6.6 billion takeover offer, closing another 150 stores and fighting to stay relevant.

Businesses face new ethical questions and must act with more transparency in what corporate integrity expert Alison Taylor calls an increasingly turbulent world.

When the National Retail Federation retracted a theft claim following our coverage of its special report on crime, the news went viral. Here's what it took to get the story.

2023 was rough for many companies. Ahead, the sector could see more bankruptcies and C-suite shakeups as brands continue to grapple with profitability.

The retail and branding expert discusses the state of the consumer, the habits companies should leave behind in 2023 and what lies ahead in the new year.

The earnings metric is widely used despite critics. But how does its usage vary across brands, and how much leeway do companies have with it?

With the first sales events of the season already come and gone, the team looks at the clues of how it will go this year.

A journalist’s new book "Glossy" makes waves as it pulls back the curtain on Glossier founder Emily Weiss and the beauty brand that changed the industry.

The team talks about the latest second-quarter results from brands as the holidays quickly approach.

One of the most prolific journalists covering the retail industry leverages his deep sourcing and lively writing style for an in-depth book about Amazon versus Walmart.

The team talks about the realities of the backlash, including who is fomenting it and how other retailers’ Pride campaigns stack up.

Discretionary goods are a low priority amid an uncertain economy and a desire to spend on experiences, but retailers are holding their own. What about the rest of 2023?

The retailer bought, and sold off, several digital natives including Bonobos and Eloquii. The team discusses what this signals about the company's game plan.

The team talks about the treasure trove of information on the department store’s financial health, found thanks to a tip from one of its new owners.

The team chats about how Hermès' legal win impacts retail at large, and why Mason Rothschild plans to appeal.

The team introduces new co-host Dani James and talks about emerging changes in the DTC space and the ongoing importance of brick and mortar.

What retailers should know about the realities of the metaverse and more futuristic observations from the retail prophet.

The team sits down to discuss what recent events suggest about this year's unpredictable shopping season.

What can we learn about the industry as a whole by looking at its weakest players?

Retailers are taking on a new challenge likely to define the 2022 season: inflation.

Backroom co-host Ben Unglesbee discusses his recent trip to one of the few remaining Sears stores in the country.

Retailers know they have an important role in addressing climate change. But navigating sustainability is riddled with challenges.

Led by former J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson, the “commerce-at-home” company has suffered from constrained supply and high costs. Note: This conversation was recorded prior to Enjoy Technology's June 30 bankruptcy filing.

Rising food and gas prices are causing consumers to pull back on discretionary spending. That hurt retailers in the first quarter.

The e-commerce giant is grappling with many challenges, including union efforts and its Prime delivery promises.