As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF’s top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what’s driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.

(00:00:00) Reflecting on 15 years of economic insight

(00:06:40) Forecasting through uncertainty

(00:08:16) The rise of AI and the future of retail

(00:09:47) The real impact of AI on retail and jobs

(00:12:46) Navigating a globalized retail economy

(00:18:45) Advice for students, book recs and a look back

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Resources:

• 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/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook’ for 2025

• NRF Chief Economist Says 2024 ‘Ended on a High Note’

• Economy Still Growing Despite Tariffs But ‘A Lot of People Have Recession on Their Minds’