Joining us for the first of several episodes recorded in the Bambuser remote podcast studio/beach cabana at Mandalay Bay during Shoptalk is leading retail influencer and LinkedIn "Top Voice" David J. Katz, EVP & CMO, Randa Apparel & Accessories, one of the world’s leading fashion clothing and accessories companies, spanning 11 countries, with a portfolio of 35 owned and licensed brands, including Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Columbia Sportswear, Dickies, Tommy Hilfiger. 

David shares his vast experience and perspective as we explore some of the most important evolving and emerging dynamics in retail today. We delve into the great wholesale v. DTC debate, explore how to use customer data to drive growth, and go deep on the outlook for department stores, before wrapping up with a discuss on fast-fashion's global impact.

As usual we open by dissecting the most important news of the week including how the US job market is the gift that keeps giving. Then it's on to Amazon's WTF JWO moment, insight into Shein's growing profitability, and ways the "lipstick index" may be leading us awry. We wrap up with a quick view of how a few of Steve's 2024 predictions seem to be tracking so far.

Check out Steve's Harvard Business Review article on how safe might be the new risky.

Don't miss the Leaders Leap virtual launch event on Monday, April 22nd, featuring special guests Seth Godin, Bridget Brennan, Sally Elliott, and Hal Lawton.

Pre-register here.

There are just a few more days to take advantage of Leaders Leap pre-order freebies. Go here to see the special offers.

And if you are in Dallas don't miss our in-person live fireside chat, networking, and book signing. Pre-register here.

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.