Retail Gets Real National Retail Federation

Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry company in Austin, Texas, 22 years ago with a clear vision in place: to create a fashion-for-philanthropy business. Today, CEO Tom Nolan continues to honor that vision while leading the company to even greater growth and revenues. On today’s show, Nolan talks about how he started his career in classified ad sales, the future of Kendra Scott and how philanthropy is at the heart of everything the brand does.
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NRF’s America’s Retail Champions program celebrates small retailers who are exceptional champions for retail and the communities they serve. On today’s show, we’re celebrating NRF’s 2022 Retail Champion Margaret Barrow, founder and CEO of It’s NOLA. Barrow talks about starting her plant-based snack company, the impact of mentoring and why she thinks it’s important to advocate for small businesses.
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Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and as consumers become more and more comfortable with generative AI, retailers will have to find new and innovative ways to reach shoppers. Jane Cheung, global research leader, consumer industry, IBM Institute for Business Value, joins the show to talk about IBM’s 2024 consumer study, how she got into consumer research and how AI can help improve the experience for both customers and retailers. 
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With 100 stores in the United States and Canada, 4 million loyalty program members and a robust online platform, Saks OFF 5TH continues to reimagine traditional off-price retail with a digital-first model focused on delivering a superior customer experience. On today’s show, President and CEO Rob Brooks discusses his career in retail, his leadership style and what’s next for the company.
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In honor of Women's History Month, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations with inspiring and trailblazing women in retail. From how to champion diversity to great career advice and how to grow as a leader, we've highlighted these insights worth resharing from some of retail's smartest people:
• Michelle Gass, CEO, Levi Strauss & Co (#336)
• Jennifer Gandia, Co-owner, Greenwich St. Jewelers (#320)
• Prama Bhatt, Chief Digital Officer, Ulta Beauty (#321)
• Heidi Cooley, Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs (#328)
• Megan Crozer, Executive Vice President & Chief Merchant, Sam's Club (#309)
• Mecca Mitchell, Senior VP & Chief DEI Officer, Burlington Stores (#326)
• Christiane Pendarvis, Co-CEO, Pattern Beauty (#297)
• Theresa Lee, Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy, PetSmart (#338)
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Despite the holiday falling in late March this year, consumer spending this Easter is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey — the second highest in the survey’s history. On today’s show, Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at NRF, shares insights from NRF’s latest Easter data, including the top categories and activities consumers are indulging in this holiday season.
Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.