Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting...
376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success
Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustrious career. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:19) Gomez’s career journey (00:06:18) His most challenging and rewarding moments (00:08:58) The secrets behind Target’s magic merchandising (00:12:51) Top retail trends (00:15:04) Shifts in consumer shopping habits (00:17:01) Gomez’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• target.com• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• How Target’s people-first culture and leadership programs are driving success• Off-site retail marketing takes off
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375. Tech, trade and taxes: What’s impacting retail in 2025
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:15) The changing retail landscape (00:07:21) 2025 retail trends (00:10:40) NRF’s priorities on policy (00:15:26) Shay’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• NRF Management Team: Matthew Shay • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Why I believe in the power of retail jobs • The state of retail heading into 2024
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374. Get ahead of the future of retail
If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every retailer should know. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:16) Napoli’s career as a trend forecaster (00:04:55) How to forecast trends (00:08:24) Emerging trends for retailers to watch (00:13:11) Embracing strategic joy (00:15:06) The biggest trend no one is talking about (00:19:55) The future of retail is tweens (00:21:37) Napoli’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• wgsn.com/en• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• What’s now, what’s next?: Future tech beyond AI• Retail trends to watch in 2025 • Future trends that will shape consumer behavior and retail operations
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373. How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation
LEGO is a timeless, cherished brand for kids and adults alike. In a very special episode from NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Martin Urrutia, head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO. We talk about how LEGO continues to innovate while remaining true to its core values. We also explore the importance of brand storytelling, creating unique in-store experiences, and building community with consumers. Plus, Urrutia shares highlights from working for LEGO and his most impactful career advice. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:02:30) Urrutia’s career journey (00:06:28) LEGO movies & TV shows (00:08:08) Balancing innovation with timelessness (00:10:12) Exciting innovations for 2025 (00:16:39) Urrutia’s career advice & leadership philosophy (00:20:30) Building community with LEGO The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• lego.com • ideas.lego.com• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com
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372. Retail trends to watch in 2025
We’re ringing in the new year with new retail predictions. In one of our most popular annual episodes, NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda joins us to forecast 2025’s most impactful and exciting retail trends. From innovative AI agents, to the rise of live shopping, to the rebirth of brick and mortar stores, the future of retail is bright. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:48) How Reda makes her predictions (00:03:14) How AI agents will shape 2025 (00:08:51) The future of live shopping & social commerce (00:13:08) The rebirth of retail stores (00:17:17) The influence Of Gen Z & Alphas The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• 25 predictions for the retail industry in 2025 • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacyFind more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• AI and beyond: Retail trends to watch in 2024• What can AI do for retailers and customers? • 7 trends revealed at NRF Nexus Produced by Crate Media.
Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
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