Joining us for our first episode recorded at last week's Shoptalk is Craig Brommers, Chief Marketing Officer at American Eagle Outfitters. We took the stage in front of a live audience for our inaugural voyage on Shoptalk TV to hear Craig's wisdom on a wide variety of topics including: the keys to their AEO's recent performance, how to understand the Gen Z customer, the role of digital in driving physical store performance, how sustainability does or doesn't affect consumer choice, and a whole lot more. We also learn that the death of physical retail has been greatly exaggerated (though he might be preaching to the choir!).

But we kick-off things off with a quick rundown of our big take-aways from our busy, busy time in Las Vegas. Then it's on to our analysis of the most important retail news of the week, including reports that Nordstrom is considering going private, largely disappointing earnings outlook from both Lululemon and Nike, and continuing robust growth from breakout brand Five Below.

Vuori CEO Joe Kudla Episode.

About Craig

As the Chief Marketing Officer of American Eagle, Craig oversees all marketing and creative for American Eagle (AE), the #1 jeans brand for men and women 15-25 and women of all ages in the US. Leading the strategic and creative engine of AE, Craig’s mission is to simultaneously build the brand, customer base and business while positioning AE at the heart of youth culture and digital innovation. Since joining AE, Craig has led successful partnerships with TikTok, Snap, and Twitch placing the brand at the fingertips of Gen Z.

Craig’s passion for purpose is rooted in research, ensuring alignment with what his customers care about most. Craig has supported partnerships with Bring Change 2 Mind, Surfrider and America’s Food Fund. Most notably Craig spearhead Gap’s RED campaign to increase awareness and inspire action toward the fight against AIDS. Craig’s ability to cultivate success driven global teams is a result of his relationship driven approach to leadership. Craig resides in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.

Previously, Craig served as Global Marketing executive for Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Calvin Klein. Craig’s leadership successfully positioned these brands for digital, geographic, and category expansion. Combining the art and science of modern marketing in a data obsessed world, Craig’s strategies remain laser focused on the customer.   

Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets:  Your code is "REMARKABLE" .  See you in the Big Apple!

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.