J.C. Penney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a plan to spend more than $1 billion by the end of 2025 to revive the 121-year-old chain. On this episode, we’re speaking with Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Michelle Wlazlo about the department store’s historic $1 billion reinvestment project, the evolution and debut of several private labels and exclusive partnerships, and what’s ahead for the holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

323. A look at J.C. Penney’s $1 billion reinvestment project

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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. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

346. How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision

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. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

345. Gourmet granola and advocacy: A conversation with 2022 America’s Retail Champion Margaret Barrow

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.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

344. The future of AI in consumer experience

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. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

343. How Saks OFF 5TH is crafting customer-centric experiences

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) Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

323. A look at J.C. Penney’s $1 billion reinvestment project

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