Future Shop Podcast with WSL

WSL Strategic Retail
  • 5.0 (10)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Our podcast focuses on how shoppers are transforming retail and what you need to do about it. Retail strategist and shopping futurist Wendy Liebmann shares her passionate, unvarnished shopper-centric view of where retail is headed. She interviews experts in retail, marketing, insights, design, education, and more. She and the WSL team regularly share excerpts from WSL’s latest proprietary shopper research about what’s coming next. The Future Shop Podcast is a no-holds-barred view of what shoppers want, what you need to deliver, who’s getting it right, and who’s getting it wrong. And why. In this fast and furious view, you will begin to understand how to anticipate the future that’s emerging right under your nose. WSL Strategic Retail is a leader in shopper insights and retail strategy. It helps clients around the world anticipate change in order to grow in the near and longer-term. It is recognized for its ground-breaking How America Shops® and How the World Shops research. Visit us at: www.wslstrategicretail.com

  1. EP106: The Future of Beauty: K-Beauty, Viral Fragrances, and the TikTok Effect

    FEB 12

    EP106: The Future of Beauty: K-Beauty, Viral Fragrances, and the TikTok Effect

    This podcast episode of Future Shop features WSL’s Wendy Liebmann and Elia Auchane as they recap their recent trip to Cosmoprof North America in Miami. Together, they explore the shifting landscape of the beauty industry, questioning if the sector is “tapped out” while identifying the viral trends, from K-Beauty to Middle Eastern fragrances, that are currently dominating the global market. Through the lens of retail curation and the “toyification” of beauty, they break down how social media and community building have replaced traditional marketing as the primary engines of growth.   Episode Highlights  The Clash of Worlds: Why the “sleepy,” clinical minimalism of K-Beauty and the “glossy,” over-the-top opulence of Middle Eastern fragrances dominated the show floor. The TikTok Feed Come to Life: How trade shows have evolved into live content sets for influencers and social media brands. Fragrance Wardrobing: The shift from having a “signature scent” to collecting affordable, viral fragrances based on mood.Retail as Curator: Why small-footprint, discovery-focused environments like airport shops are becoming the gold standard for beauty retail.Beyond the Desk: The importance of Retail Safaris® and physical immersion to understand where the competition is actually spending.Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    33 min
  2. EP105: TikTok Shop, Agentic AI, and the Future of Retail Trust with Kelsie Johnston

    JAN 28

    EP105: TikTok Shop, Agentic AI, and the Future of Retail Trust with Kelsie Johnston

    Join host Wendy Liebmann as she sits down with Kelsie Johnston, a retail strategist with a career spanning Macy’s, Walmart, Coty, and most recently, TikTok. In this episode of Future Shop, Kelsie breaks down the seismic shift from traditional omnichannel retail to the exploding world of social commerce and the dawn of “Agentic AI.” They discuss why brands and retailers must move beyond transactional selling to build genuine community and trust in an era where algorithms and AI agents will soon curate what we buy. Highlights: From Omnichannel to Agentic: Tracing the evolution of shopping from “buy online, pickup in store” to AI-driven discovery.The TikTok Strategy: Why the platform is less about selling and more about fueling the “trust signals” of the future.Fast vs. Slow: Understanding the modern shopper's desire for friction-free speed or immersive, slow retail experiences.Retailer Advice: Why prioritizing pace and psychological safety is critical for legacy brands trying to survive the next disruption.Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    39 min
  3. EP104: Retail’s Next Act: Human Connection in an AI World with Christi Geary

    JAN 5

    EP104: Retail’s Next Act: Human Connection in an AI World with Christi Geary

    In this episode of Future Shop, Wendy Liebmann sits down with Christi Geary, EVP at Advantage Marketing Partners, to explore the evolving landscape of retail and the enduring power of the human connection. They dive into the intersection of technology and emotion, discussing why physical retail remains vital despite the digital explosion and how brands must shift from simple execution to true transformation. Geary shares her unique perspective on breaking through the "mediocrity middle" by leveraging behavioral science and proprietary points of view to create harmonious shopping experiences.  Highlights include: The Attention Economy: Why breaking through the noise has become a different task in the age of constant technological shifts. Physical Retail’s Reinvention: Why the "race for reinvention" stalled and how retailers can tap into the human thirst for physical connection. AI as Augmentation: Moving beyond mere efficiency to use technology as a tool for enhancing the human shopping journey. Systems Over Silos: The necessity of breaking down corporate barriers to create a cohesive, shopper-centric ecosystem. Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    38 min
  4. EP103: Agentic AI vs. Human Connection: The Future of Retail Explained with Andy Murray

    12/17/2025

    EP103: Agentic AI vs. Human Connection: The Future of Retail Explained with Andy Murray

    In this episode of Future Shop, Wendy Liebmann sits down with retail veteran Andy Murray to dissect the conflicting forces impacting the modern shopper. From the bifurcated "K-shaped" economy to the rise of "vibe shopping" among Gen Z, Andy shares insights from his time at Walmart,  ASDA, and P&G, and his current work with the University of Arkansas. Together, they explore a critical paradox: as technology like Agentic AI advances, the human need for physical touch and sensory retail experiences is growing stronger. Key Highlights: The Muddy Middle: How the economy has split shoppers into value-seekers and luxury buyers, leaving a complex "middle" that is harder to define.Gen Z & Transparency: Why younger shoppers are using apps like Yuka to demand total ingredient transparency and how they are leading the charge back to physical stores.The KPI Problem: Why traditional channel-based metrics are stifling innovation and why retailers must shift to a total customer view.AI vs. Humanity: The danger of using AI solely for efficiency and the urgent need to develop "humanist" skills to coexist with Agentic AI. Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    41 min
  5. EP102: The Agentic AI Revolution: What Companies Need to Know for 2026 with Justin Honaman

    11/11/2025

    EP102: The Agentic AI Revolution: What Companies Need to Know for 2026 with Justin Honaman

    In this episode, Wendy Liebmann and Justin Honaman (Amazon Web Services) dive into the chaotic yet exciting world of retail and technology as 2025 wraps up. From AI’s real-world impact on commerce to the rise of “agentic AI,” they explore what’s truly changing the business—and what’s just hype. They also touch on talent, innovation, loyalty, and what brands should expect heading into NRF 2026. Highlights: How retailers and brands are preparing for Q4 2025 and beyondWhat “agentic AI” really means for commerce and customer experienceWhy data, not just technology, is key to resilience and growthThe talent challenge: hiring and training in the age of automationInnovation meets pragmatism—how to balance AI efficiency with human connectionWhat to expect at NRF 2026 and the next wave of retail transformationSend a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    35 min
  6. EP101: How to Build a Brand with Purpose, one Retailer at a Time with April Showers

    10/29/2025

    EP101: How to Build a Brand with Purpose, one Retailer at a Time with April Showers

    In this episode, Wendy Liebmann sits down with April Showers, the founder of Afro Unicorn®, a brand born from purpose, community, and the need for representation.  They discuss how April’s personal passion and smart retail partnerships brought her vision to life. Highlights: How Afro Unicorn grew from T-shirts to Walmart shelves and national recognitionWhy purpose and community are central to building modern brands at retailThe role of retail partners like Walmart and CVS in nurturing new voicesLessons for retailers on inclusion, authenticity, and growthApril’s lessons on staying true to your “why” Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    34 min
  7. EP100: How America Shops® in Chaos. What’s Worth It Now?

    10/07/2025

    EP100: How America Shops® in Chaos. What’s Worth It Now?

    In this milestone episode, Wendy Liebmann celebrates 100 episodes of Future Shop with WSL’s newest Director of Research & Insights, Rich Kaminski. Together, they unpack the latest How America Shops® in Chaos study — revealing how shoppers are navigating a world defined by constant disruption, rising prices, and shifting trust in retailers. From Gen Z to Boomers, everyone’s learning how to stay afloat in an endless wave of change. Episode highlights: The evolving shopper mindset after two decades of “Black Swan” eventsThree shopper groups: Drowning, Treading Water, and Safely AfloatWhy trust and emotional connection now drive retail loyaltyHow shoppers are adapting their spending without cutting retailers outThe psychology of chaos — and what brands must do to stay on the listSend a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    32 min
  8. EP99: The Future of Category Management with Gina Zilleox, Glanbia Performance Nutrition

    09/23/2025

    EP99: The Future of Category Management with Gina Zilleox, Glanbia Performance Nutrition

    In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Gina Zilleox, Senior Director Category Management, Glanbia Performance Nutrition about the need to make dramatic assumptions about the competitive landscape in order to thrive in the future.  They discuss: Whether or not category management, as we know it, is dead.  How essential it is to broaden the perspective of what a category is, especially – but not only -- if you are in the health and wellness spaceThe importance of building a needs-based segmentation approachThe challenge of pricing transparency in a world of AIWhere and how to look for white space growth opportunitiesWhat it takes to build individualized strategies for retail partners to ensure mutual successHow the only way to succeed is with an omni-channel approach to category management  Send a text Visit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Our podcast focuses on how shoppers are transforming retail and what you need to do about it. Retail strategist and shopping futurist Wendy Liebmann shares her passionate, unvarnished shopper-centric view of where retail is headed. She interviews experts in retail, marketing, insights, design, education, and more. She and the WSL team regularly share excerpts from WSL’s latest proprietary shopper research about what’s coming next. The Future Shop Podcast is a no-holds-barred view of what shoppers want, what you need to deliver, who’s getting it right, and who’s getting it wrong. And why. In this fast and furious view, you will begin to understand how to anticipate the future that’s emerging right under your nose. WSL Strategic Retail is a leader in shopper insights and retail strategy. It helps clients around the world anticipate change in order to grow in the near and longer-term. It is recognized for its ground-breaking How America Shops® and How the World Shops research. Visit us at: www.wslstrategicretail.com

Information

  • Creator
    WSL Strategic Retail
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Future Shop Podcast with WSL
  • Show Website
    Future Shop Podcast with WSL

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