In this first episode of OFFBounds' second season, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ricardo Larroudé, co-founder and CEO of the innovative footwear brand Larroudé. Launching in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Larroudé has quickly risen to prominence, earning the prestigious "Brand of the Year" award in 2024. Ricardo shares the bold vision and strategies behind the brand's disruptive approach to fashion distribution, its commitment to filling the mid-market gap with high-quality, accessible footwear, and the entrepreneurial lessons he's learned along the way. Recorded in São Paulo, the conversation is both inspiring and insightful, offering a glimpse into how a young brand has reshaped the industry with their Direct-to-Demand strategy.

At the beginning of spring 2024, I interviewed Tiago Quaresma, who runs the Group that owns some of the coolest stores selling Portuguese culture's traditions. 

For me, O Grupo o Valor do Tempo is a masterclass of value creation through storytelling and customer experience and it was one of the most shared interviews we had in our first season. 

By offering a dreamy environment with stellar service, their tinned fish business can sell a can of sardine for 10x the price of those that are sold in the supermarket. 

As our episode 50 falls on Christmas Eve, I am happy to offer again the opportunity to listen/watch this episode again. 

We, from OFFBounds, wish you Happy Holidays!

In this special year-end episode of OFFBounds, we reflect on 2024—a defining year for retail and the year our podcast journey began. From the meteoric rise of Walmart online to leadership shakeups at Nike and Starbucks, this episode recaps the trends, challenges, and transformations that shaped the industry. We revisit key insights on data-driven decision-making, loyalty programs, AI's role in commerce, and leadership lessons from global executives. Join Paula Macaggi as she looks back on OFFBounds' incredible first year, with highlights from interviews across six continents, and shares what’s next for the #1 Podcast for Commerce Leaders in 2025!

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi dives into the growing trend of premiumization with retail expert Jack Stratten. Together, they explore how brands like Zara, H&M, and Wegmans are elevating their offerings through immersive store designs, curated products, and enhanced customer experiences to compete with ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Discover why premiumization is redefining the retail landscape across industries and what it means for the future of shopping.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Emmanuel Malkor, Managing Director of Carrefour Links, shares how this innovative division is transforming retail through advanced data collaboration. Discover how Carrefour centralized its data from eight countries into a unified platform, enabling smarter decision-making and empowering suppliers with actionable insights. Malkor explains Carrefour Links’ shift to focus exclusively on data collaboration while retail media operations are now managed by Unlimitail, a joint venture with Publicis. From optimizing operations to real-world examples like Procter & Gamble’s success in Romania, this episode dives deep into the future of retail innovation and collaboration.

In this episode, Paula interviews Brahim Lemseffer, CEO of LabelVie Europe, to discuss the groundbreaking Atacadão business model. Originally a Brazilian innovation, Atacadão combines retail and wholesale into a hybrid format that’s now making waves in Europe.

Brahim shares LabelVie’s journey—from its roots in Morocco to its latest bold venture: opening the first Atacadão store in Paris, France. This hybrid model is shaking up the European market by offering everyday low prices, a streamlined SKU selection, and opportunities for both professionals and consumers to save.

Topics covered include:

• The history and evolution of Atacadão, from Brazil to Morocco and now France.
• How this model transforms shopping for both professionals and final consumers.
• The challenges and strategies of introducing this concept in Europe.
• The impact of price-conscious shopping trends post-inflation.
• Why Atacadão could represent the future of retail on a global scale.

Have you noticed more people hitting the pavement? You’re not imagining it. Running has surged into a global phenomenon post-pandemic, transforming marathons and run clubs into cultural moments and vibrant communities. From record-breaking numbers at the NYC Marathon to cosmetics giant Maybelline becoming the event’s first cosmetic partner, running is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that is reshaping the world as we know it.

In this episode, Paula Macaggi explores how the running trend reshapes industries beyond sportswear. With insights from experts Renee Hartmann and Marcel Melzig, discover how brands like On, Hoka, and Bandit capture consumer attention with community-focused strategies, innovative partnerships, and a unique blend of fashion and function.

Learn why running is becoming the new "place to be," how brands leverage this movement to engage with health-conscious and community-seeking consumers, and how this trend influences B2B networking events. Whether you’re a runner, a brand strategist, or just curious about the next big cultural wave, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.

In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi, fresh from her recent trip to Shanghai, takes you on an eye-opening journey into China's complex and rapidly evolving luxury market. Joined by retail expert Jacques Roizen, a 12-year Shanghai resident with an extensive background in managing top-tier brands like Pandora and Etam China, and today the Managing Director of DLG (Digital Luxury Group), Paula and Jacques dive into the unique challenges and opportunities within China's digital ecosystem for luxury brands.

Together, they explore why China’s appetite for luxury remains strong, even amid a slowdown, and how an unprecedented consumer appetite for "newness" impacts brand lifecycles in China. Jacques shares why he believes the current “luxury slowdown” narrative is misleading, breaking down how travel restrictions and economic shifts influence Chinese spending behavior at home and abroad. They also tackle the role of platforms like Tmall and JD in shaping brand perception and sales, and how some brands navigate this distinct ecosystem without sacrificing prestige.

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Timestamps
00:00 Let's learn about RFID technology with Nedap

00:29 Understanding the Luxury Market in China

01:28 Exploring Consumer Behavior in China

03:10 The Appetite for Newness in Chinese Consumers

05:06 Navigating the Unique Chinese Digital Ecosystem

08:11 Luxury Market Dynamics and Consumer Spending Trends

11:29 Analyzing Luxury Expenditure and Market Growth

12:57 The Impact of Economic Pressures on Luxury Consumption

13:51 The Rise of the Gray Market in Luxury Goods

14:50 Challenges of Discounting in Luxury Brands

17:07 Brand Strategy and Consumer Perception

19:08 The Future of Luxury Brands in China

Paula Macaggi sat down with Simon Clarke, the Chief Information Officer of Clarks, a legendary British shoe brand with nearly 200 years of heritage. In this episode, Simon shares insights into the digital transformation that Clarks undertook in record time—just 18 months. Discover how Simon led Clarks’ shift from legacy systems to a modern, composable digital platform, all while keeping the project on budget and on time. Learn about the challenges, strategies, and team culture that drove this inspiring change, positioning Clarks as a digitally empowered brand ready for the next century. Perfect for anyone interested in retail tech, customer-centric transformation, or leading successful change within an established brand.

In this eye-opening episode, host Paula Macaggi, founder of OFFBounds, sits down with renowned retail expert, author, and former Alibaba executive, Sharon Gai, to uncover the unique dynamics shaping commerce in China. As Paula prepares for her first trip to Shanghai, they talk about what Western consumers can expect from China’s advanced e-commerce landscape, from AI-powered shopping to experiential dining and the game-changing super app, WeChat. Sharon, author of E-Commerce Reimagined, shares insights from her time at Alibaba and explores emerging trends like live commerce, drone delivery, and the cultural nuances that drive rapid innovation in Chinese retail.

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Studio: Lobi Studio
Production: Paula Macaggi
Edition: Bicho de Goiaba
Research: Lia Cabrini
Design: Gabriel Fischer