This episode features an interview with Jim Weinberg, Chief Merchandising Officer at DSW. As a turnaround and restructuring specialist, Jim has spent his career responding to shifting consumer behaviors, and now oversees merchandising and marketing strategies for the $3 billion shoe giant.

On today’s episode, Jim discusses DSW’s transition into the athletic and athleisure space, changing store layouts, and how technology is transforming their business.

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“We’re not selling anything anyone needs. This is not a pharmaceutical situation. You’re creating an emotional connection with your consumers through marketing and product, and that’s the magic that happens.” -Jim Weinberg

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Show Notes

• (1:37) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation
• (4:55) Jim’s background and finding his niche as a turnaround and restructuring specialist
• (8:30) A history lesson: how massive changes lead to a “new next”
• (12:50) DSW’s transition into athletic and athleisure and the restructuring of their stores
• (18:18) Experiential retailing: new store concepts and a focus on storytelling
• (24:15) How technology is transforming DSW’s business from store to site to merchandising
• (29:18) The challenges of change management
• (32:48) Lightning round

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Sponsor

Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery.

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Links

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

Connect with Tony on LinkedIn

Connect with Tony on Twitter

Tony Saldanha - Transformant