Remarkable Retail Podcast

In the latest episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis deliver a powerhouse episode split between urgent retail news and a highly anticipated interview with returning guest Andrew Lipsman, Founder & Chief Analyst Media, Ads + Commerce, one of the world’s foremost authorities on retail media networks.

The episode opens with a comprehensive review of the week’s most pressing economic developments. The retail industry faces mounting challenges as tariffs continue to disrupt supply chains and pricing strategies. Cross-border tourism is in sharp decline—down 37% from Canada alone—impacting major cities like New York, Miami, and San Francisco. Chair of the Federal Reserve Jay Powell warned that proposed tariffs could trigger slower growth and higher inflation, further rattling markets.

The retail response? Stockpiling. Sales of big-ticket items like furniture and autos are surging as consumers rush to beat looming price hikes. Shein and Temu are already raising prices and cutting back on U.S. advertising, signalling early effects of lost de minimis exemptions. Meanwhile, luxury brands such as Hermès are increasing prices. The news also covers Ulta’s paused Target expansion, sluggish leasing activity in retail real estate, and IKEA’s increasing bet on small-format stores.

Shifting gears, the second half of the episode features the first part of an in-depth conversation with Andrew Lipsman, who offers a masterclass on the growth and complexity of retail media networks. Andrew traces the emergence of retail media as the “third wave” of digital advertising—following search (Google) and social (Meta)—and explains how closed-loop measurement and first-party data are transforming the economics of media buying.

He explores how retail media isn’t just stealing share from traditional platforms but unlocking new advertiser segments, particularly among third-party sellers and challenger brands. Andrew also tackles common criticisms, including the effectiveness of point-of-purchase ads and the often-misunderstood ROAS metric.

With retailers like Amazon and Walmart now generating billions in high-margin revenue through media, Andrew argues that retail media is not just an ancillary channel — it’s fast becoming a core growth engine.

This episode is a must-listen for retailers, marketers, and media professionals seeking clarity on the headwinds of today’s economy and the structural shifts reshaping the future of retail.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In Season 10, Episode 14 of the Remarkable Retail podcast, co-hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc deliver a jam-packed episode that blends sharp commentary on today’s global retail turbulence with a thoughtful five-year retrospective on Steve's landmark retail strategy book, Remarkable Retail.

The first half of the episode centers on the mounting global trade tensions, specifically the deepening tariff war between the U.S. and China. Steve breaks down the financial ripple effects of Trump’s temporary tariff pause, from bond market volatility to persistent inflationary pressure. Despite a temporary reprieve, tariffs remain four times higher than pre-war levels, impacting major retail players like Nike, RH, and Lululemon. Smaller retailers are particularly vulnerable, lacking the scale and capital to weather uncertainty.

The hosts also tackle other pressing news stories: consumer confidence plummeting, the fallout from the looming de minimis policy change affecting Chinese factory-direct models like Temu and Shein, and the ripple effect this may have on Canadian exporters to the U.S. They highlight luxury retail turbulence as Prada acquires Versace and Saks Global—parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus—faces vendor shipment cutoffs and empty shelves as seen in a Las Vegas store visti. A brief silver lining emerges in Dallas, where a threatened Neiman Marcus flagship gets a temporary lifeline.

The second half of the episode is a deep dive into Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption, five years after its original release and four years since the COVID-updated second edition. Steve reflects on what inspired him to write the book—observing the collapse of retail’s middle and the rise of bifurcation—and how the Eight Essentials framework continues to shape thinking in the industry. He shares which essentials remain relevant, which are now mere table stakes, and why “radical” as a term can be misinterpreted.

Steve and Michael explore whether new tech, especially AI, can level the playing field—or merely amplify the advantages of already powerful retailers. Steve hints that if there were ever to be a third edition, it would put more emphasis on human-centered retail and leadership adaptability. The episode closes with reflections on the podcast’s role as an evolving extension of the book, helping retail leaders stay agile and ahead in a rapidly shifting marketplace.

Here is a 10% off code for the CommerceNext Growth Show exclusive to Remarkable Retail listeners: REMARKABLE.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

The episode, recorded live at Shoptalk in the Berns Communications Group media room, opens with Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc surveying a broad sweep of headline-grabbing developments in the retail world. They highlight continued uncertainty around recently imposed tariffs and resulting economic ripples, as major international trade disputes stoke inflationary concerns. Stock market volatility factors heavily into the conversation, with the co-hosts noting how certain retail sectors—particularly home furnishings and high-end goods—may feel the pinch as shoppers tighten budgets.  Target’s declining foot traffic draws focus as the hosts weigh whether brand controversies or stiff competition might be to blame. 

Next meet Barrie Scardina, President, Americas Retail Services at Cushman & Wakefield, who brings a fresh perspective born of decades in the retail industry. Her vantage point on commercial real estate challenges the traditional narrative of a “retail apocalypse.” She explains how, despite headlines about store closings, overall U.S. vacancy rates are incredibly low—largely because new construction has slowed and new types of tenants (from wellness providers to entertainment concepts) are snapping up available space. Barrie describes a rising tide of “experiential” retail, with everything from boutique fitness and medtail services to immersive brand pop-ups fueling a renewed sense of purpose in physical locations. She underscores how mixed-use developments and adaptive reuse—especially of outdated mall anchor spots—are revitalizing communities and increasing foot traffic. By blending residential, office, dining, and retail, these centers offer a lifestyle-oriented experience that resonates with modern shoppers. Ultimately, Barrie’s insights challenge conventional wisdom, suggesting that success in retail real estate hinges on tapping into evolving consumer demands, fostering a community connection, and creating spaces that balance function with memorable experience.

About

Barrie Scardina joined global real estate solutions firm Cushman & Wakefield as Executive Managing Director and Head of Retail Services, Americas, in November of 2019, leading brokerage teams to deliver optimal solutions to retailers and brands. In 2022, Barrie was elevated to the role of Regional President, Northeast, leading brokerage and services across all service lines. In 2023, she took on the challenge of President of Americas Retail Services, Agency Leasing and Alliances, partnering across office, industrial and retail to provide nuanced client solutions. Barrie is consistently focused on delivering value to clients by serving as a trusted advisor and incorporating data, analytics, and business valuation as part of her strategies. This unique approach to client relationships ensures that the firm delivers against client goals, optimizing outcomes and mitigating risk. Barrie is results-oriented and remains focused on transforming the real estate landscape by strategically driving revenue, identifying operational efficiencies, and growing profitability. 

Prior to her appointment at Cushman & Wakefield, Barrie spent three decades leading vital retail initiatives across a variety of world-class organizations, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, The Children’s Place and Tory Burch. She brings more than 15 years of executive experience to her current role with the firm, including expertise in creating long-range strategies, business forecasting, omni-channel inventory management, and system implementation and integration. Most recently, Barrie was with Calvin Klein, where she led the company’s North American Retail Division as President, setting strategic direction for merchandising, consumer experience and operational improvements. 

Throughout her career, Barrie has focused on mentoring and developing talent and creating cultures that foster collaboration and equality. She is the executive sponsor for Cushman & Wakefield’s Women’s Integrated Network and serves on two diversity committees focused on improving the employee experience.

Affiliations

• Graduate of the Wharton School of Business’ Philips Van Heusen Global Leadership Program (2017)
• Board Member of Safe Horizon (2017-2019)
• Member of Women’s Retail Leadership Circle (WRLC)
• Member of the International Council for Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• Member of CHIEF Private Women’s Network
• Executive Sponsor of Cushman & Wakefield’s Women’s Integrated Network National Chapter
• Member of CREW NY; Participant at National level
• Recognized by Globe St. as a Woman of Influence (2020)

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis return from ShopTalk brimming with insights on the rapidly shifting retail environment. They kick off by breaking down the rollercoaster of consumer confidence, spurred by persistent inflation and ongoing uncertainty. The conversation touches on potential reverberations from looming tariffs that could drive up costs and shake consumer sentiment. Headlines from major brands paint a mixed picture: Lululemon’s cautious optimism contrasts with H&M’s ongoing struggle to redefine its place in fast fashion, while Dollar Tree’s dramatic divestment of Family Dollar underscores the perils of poorly integrated acquisitions. Meanwhile, Chewy’s robust earnings provide a bright spot.

Also fueling industry chatter is the arrival of French department store Printemps in Lower Manhattan, sparking excitement among those who see it as a bold venture amid broader department store decline. The conversation pivots to Canada’s retail landscape, where Hudson’s Bay’s long-anticipated liquidation underscores the challenges legacy retailers face in a hyper-competitive era. 
 

The second half of the show features a conversation with Lowe’s SVP Product and Technology, Data and AI, Chandhu Nair, who outlines the home improvement retailer’s sweeping digital transformation. Aware that their category historically lagged in technology adoption, Lowe’s has accelerated its efforts, focusing on delivering customer-centric solutions while modernizing decades-old infrastructure. With the newly launched MyLow application, shoppers can receive instant project advice, seamless product recommendations, and integrated how-to guidance. For professionals, speed, in-stock reliability, and tailored credit remain top priorities.

Nair emphasizes that data and AI make up only 30% of the equation, with the remaining 70% tied to organizational change and process reengineering. The discussion highlights Lowe’s approach to fostering innovation: start small, iterate quickly, and focus on core customer needs rather than novelty for novelty’s sake. In addition, immersive experiences such as the Lowe’s Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro build on years of research and strategic experimentation. By proactively partnering with leading tech companies and harnessing new capabilities like generative AI, Lowe’s aims to stand out in a competitive retail market. Ultimately, Nair’s insights underscore a cultural shift where failing responsibly is integral to success, and where the ability to adapt quickly defines a retailer’s future. 

About Chandhu

As senior vice president, data, artificial intelligence and innovation, Chandhu Nair leads Lowe’s AI transformation office, data and analytics, and AI products and platforms teams. He also leads Lowe’s Innovation Labs, focusing on emerging technologies and technology investments, and is responsible for the technology enabling marketing, Lowe’s Media Network, personalization and loyalty experiences. He joined Lowe’s in 2020.

Chandhu has more than 20 years of experience in technology transformations. In a prior role at Lowe’s, he was vice president, technology, omnichannel marketing and digital customer engagement, and spearheaded best-in-class technology product launches including Lowe’s Pro loyalty program and media network. Before joining the company, he served as CEO and co-founder of Cognitive Retail Inc., a computer vision AI technology company providing U.S.-based retailers with advanced data analytics. He was also a managing partner and co-founder at Merkatus Partners, a strategy consulting firm focused on emerging technology investment services. Before that, he held global e-commerce and technology leadership roles at Staples Inc and Infosys. 

Chandhu earned a master’s degree in general management and operations from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering – information technology from Bharathiar University, India. He serves on the Board of Industry Leaders at the Consumer Technology Association, as well as the advisory board for United Planet, a non-profit organization connecting volunteers in the areas of education, health and environmental sustainability with opportunities in more than 30 countries.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In the latest episode of Remarkable Retail, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis kick off with a roundup of the week’s most impactful retail news. They dive into the potential liquidation of Hudson’s Bay Company, examining the challenges the iconic retailer faces amid financial turbulence. With speculation swirling around the sale of HBC’s heritage Stripes brand and the struggle to find buyers for prime real estate, the hosts analyze the ripple effects on Canadian retail.

They also discuss Forever 21’s second bankruptcy filing and probable liquidation, attributing the fast-fashion giant’s downfall to a combination of fierce competition from digital disruptors like Shein and Temu, as well as a reliance on traditional mall-based retailing. 

Another key story involves Wayfair’s decision to expand its physical retail presence despite years of online focus. Opening its second large-format store in Atlanta, Wayfair seems to be testing the waters of omnichannel retail, blending digital convenience with tangible customer experiences. The episode also touches on earnings updates from Nike, Williams-Sonoma, and Five Below.

After covering the latest retail news, the hosts continue their engaging conversation with Jason “Retail Geek” Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis. Goldberg dives into Amazon’s ongoing challenges in breaking into the grocery market despite the tech giant’s e-commerce dominance. Amazon Fresh stores, while improved, still lack a clear competitive differentiator against industry leaders like Walmart. Goldberg notes that despite Amazon’s long-term strategy and willingness to experiment, their grocery ventures remain more experimental than groundbreaking.

Goldberg also explores the evolution of social commerce, with a particular focus on TikTok Shops. Unlike past social selling failures on platforms like Facebook, TikTok Shops have managed to build momentum, but only for specific product categories. Goldberg argues that social commerce’s real value lies not in direct sales but in product discovery. Brands need to adapt by creating content that fosters discovery rather than pushing for immediate transactions.

The conversation also covers the rise of retail media networks, with Goldberg emphasizing Amazon’s transformation into a high-margin ad powerhouse. By monetizing third-party seller ads, Amazon has outpaced traditional retail models in profitability. While Walmart and others are catching up, Amazon’s ability to leverage its marketplace for advertising revenue puts it in a unique position.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

The latest Remarkable Retail podcast delivers a compelling mix of current market news and expert analysis from returning guest Jason "Retail Geek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis.

Hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis kick off with the week's headlines, spotlighting the chaos caused by shifting tariff policies. They note that consumer confidence has plummeted amid economic uncertainty, creating leadership challenges across the retail landscape. Steve reflects that while the COVID crisis taught resilience, today's volatility requires leaders to embrace agility as "the New Black" while avoiding recklessness.

The retail news segment highlights several struggling players, most notably Kohl's with its disastrous twelfth consecutive quarter of sales decline. The hosts detail how new CEO Ashley Buchanan is pivoting back to private labels after previous leadership had emphasized national brands, while also apparently abandoning the once-touted Amazon returns program. Steve recounts visiting Kohl's stores filled with heavily discounted merchandise, describing them as "a train wreck" requiring both strategic and executional overhauls.

The hosts continue with Ulta Beauty posting modest growth, signaling a slowdown in a category that had performed exceptionally well post-pandemic. Dick's Sporting Goods delivered strong quarterly results but projected significantly slower future growth, reflecting a broader trend of caution across retail.

In what the hosts call the "wobbly unicorn corner," they examine former high-flyers facing existential challenges. Allbirds has lost nearly all its market value since IPO, with declining revenue despite shifting from direct-to-consumer to wholesale. Meanwhile, Stitch Fix shows modest signs of recovery under CEO Matt Baer's strategy of focusing on core customers rather than casting too wide a net.

When Jason Goldberg joins the conversation, he identifies three dominant client concerns: retail media networks (which he views skeptically), artificial intelligence (both transformative and overhyped), and economic uncertainty creating both challenges and opportunities.

Goldberg then provides illuminating analysis of retail market data, revealing that a small handful of giants—primarily Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and Chinese newcomers like Temu and  Shein—capture the vast majority of all growth. While e-commerce growth has slowed from pandemic highs, it still significantly outpaces brick-and-mortar retail.

Most significantly, Goldberg explains retail's "bifurcation" between digital winners and losers, and between two successful business models: massive "everything stores" and highly curated specialty retailers. The traditional wholesale model caught in between—particularly department stores—is struggling regardless of execution quality or market position.

The episode ends with a teaser for part two, promising Goldberg's insights on the future of wholesale, Amazon's grocery ambitions, social commerce, and TikTok Shops—compelling reasons for listeners to return for the continuation of this insightful conversation.

Links:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevendennis/2017/12/04/retail-reality-its-death-in-the-middle/

Jason's 2024 Retail Year End Recap

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300023069450936322/

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In this episode of Remarkable Retail, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis break down a high-stakes week of retail headlines before reprising a conversation recorded two years ago with Canada Goose President, Carrie Baker. Carrie touches on the brand's unique positioning, DTC growth strategy, sustainability initiatives, and product line extensions.

Retail News Breakdown:

• Tariff Whiplash – The Trump administration’s latest on-again, off-again tariffs are leaving retailers scrambling. What’s the real impact on pricing, inflation, and supply chains?
• Walgreens Goes Private – Sycamore Partners is taking over the struggling pharmacy giant in a $10 billion deal, but is this a turnaround or just a temporary fix?
• Retail Earnings Mixed Bag – Target unveils a $15 billion growth plan, Best Buy braces for tariff-related costs, and Macy’s fights for relevance. Meanwhile, Nordstrom posts its last earnings as a public company.

Revisiting Canada Goose: Then & Now
After the news, we rewind to an insightful conversation with Carrie Baker, President of Canada Goose, recorded at ShopTalk two years ago. At the time, Canada Goose was expanding its direct-to-consumer strategy, battling counterfeit products, and rolling out immersive store experiences like the Cold Room. She also touches on their store expansion plans, resales intiatives, and product-line extensions.

By blending past insights with today’s updates, this episode offers a unique look at retail strategy in motion. Whether you’re tracking market volatility, retail M&A, or long-term brand positioning, this episode connects the biggest industry shifts with lessons from one of Canada’s most iconic brands.

Subscribe, listen, and stay ahead of retail’s twists and turns!

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Steve will be back on stage at Shoptalk coming up in Las Vegas at the end of March. Listeners can save on registration by using our discount codes below:

For Retailers & Consumer Brands go here and use code RBREMARK549
For General Admission go here and use code GAREMARK1399

Steve's 2025 Retail Predictions

About Carrie

Recognized as a dynamic and collaborative leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, Carrie is responsible for Canada Goose’s global commercial business, driving the company’s growth and customer engagement. She oversees the Regional Business units, Marketing & Experience, Public Affairs & Communications, Merchandising & Pricing, and Corporate Citizenship. In her previous role as President, North America, she established a high-performance team and led the region’s significant business acceleration. Carrie has also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer, helping lead the company through critical initiatives including its successful IPO and development of its industry-leading Sustainable Impact Strategy. Prior to joining Canada Goose in 2012, she was a Senior Vice President at a North American communications agency specializing in coaching executives and building the brands of some of North America’s largest retail, technology and consumer goods companies. Carrie was named WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women Canada in 2019 and serves on the Board of Directors of Trillium Health Partners Foundation.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

The retail industry is once again in flux, with store closures predicted to more than double this year, leaving many to wonder: is this a retail apocalypse or just a market correction? In this compelling episode of Remarkable Retail, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis dive deep into the state of physical retail, exploring the reasons behind the latest surge in store closings, the impact of e-commerce growth, and what it all means for retailers, brands, and consumers in 2025.

Backed by fresh data from Coresight Research, Michael and Steve break down which retailers are expanding, which are contracting, and why. With 15,000+ store closures projected for 2025, the conversation covers everything from the collapse of the unremarkable middle to the rise of value-driven retail (think TJX and Dollar Stores) and the resilience of luxury retail. They analyze how major economic uncertainties—tariffs, inflation, consumer confidence, and shifting shopping behaviors—are influencing retail strategies.

Key discussion points include:

• The “Retail Apocalypse” Myth: Is physical retail actually in decline, or is the landscape simply evolving?
• Who’s Thriving Amid the Closures? Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, warehouse clubs, and specialty brands continue to expand, proving that physical stores still have a critical role in today’s retail ecosystem.
• E-Commerce vs. Brick-and-Mortar: While online shopping keeps growing, it’s not the death knell for stores—brands like Warby Parker, Sephora, and Aritzia are doubling down on physical retail.
• Strategic Store Closures vs. Brand Decline: Why some retailers are pruning their store networks to optimize profitability while others are collapsing due to outdated business models.
• The Role of Retail in Customer Acquisition: How brick-and-mortar locations remain essential for brand discovery, experiential shopping, and omnichannel success.

With exclusive insights from leading retailers and industry experts, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating today’s turbulent retail landscape. Whether you’re a brand leader, an industry analyst, or a retail enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into what’s really happening in the world of brick-and-mortar retail in 2025.

Tune in now and stay ahead of the retail transformation!

#RetailTrends #RetailApocalypse #StoreClosures #Ecommerce #BrickAndMortar #RetailStrategy #RetailNews #ConsumerTrends #RetailInnovation #Retail2025 #RetailGrowth

Thanks to Deb Weinswig and  Coresight Research for providing data on store openings and closings.

Steve will be back on stage at Shoptalk coming up in Las Vegas at the end of March. Listeners can save on registration by using our discount codes below:

For Retailers & Consumer Brands go here and use code RBREMARK549
For General Admission go here and use code GAREMARK1399

Steve's 2025 Retail Predictions

Lockie Andrews episode

Neil Blumenthal (Warby Parker) episode

How the Internet Made In-Store Shopping Miserable (WSJ)

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In this compelling episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis welcome Ashley Kechter, Global President of Fabletics, to explore the rapid expansion of the athleisure powerhouse. Since its 2014 launch, Fabletics has evolved into a billion-dollar brand, leveraging an innovative membership model, proprietary fabrics, and a growing network of 100+ physical stores. Ashley shares insights into Fabletics’ omnichannel retail strategy, international expansion, and wholesale partnerships, including its upcoming collaboration with Nordstrom.

The episode also unpacks some of the biggest retail industry headlines:

• Saks and Neiman Marcus merger: A seismic shift in the luxury retail landscape, with Saks Global trimming its vendor base by 25% and extending payment terms—sending shockwaves through the industry.
• Walmart’s strong earnings: While Walmart posted 5%+ growth and a booming ad business, the retailer warned of slowing future sales due to consumer uncertainty and potential tariff impacts.
• Wayfair’s struggles: Despite cutting losses, the home retailer’s growth remains stagnant, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
• Luxury retail resilience: Hermès continues its impressive momentum, with 15% sales growth, proving that high-end consumers remain active even in economic uncertainty.
• Nike x Kim Kardashian: A strategic Skims x Nike collaboration signals a fresh take on the women’s activewear market.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods store strategy: While the retailer is scaling back on Outdoor Voices, it is doubling down on its experiential retail concept, House of Sport, with 15 new store openings planned for 2025.

Forbes article.Steve's Forbes article

https://www.costar.com/article/255276922/end-of-an-era-neiman-marcus-to-close-downtown-dallas-flagship-store

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

We're joined by fellow Retail Voices by NRF honoree Kevin Ervin Kelley to unpack some of the key lessons from his remarkable book Irreplaceable: Creating Extraordinary Places That Bring People Together and his recent NRF "Big Show" talk.

We discuss how physical retail must dramatically evolve in an ever more digital world, the "Bonfire Effect," his key principles for connecting more powerfully with customers though design, and much, much more. You won't see your stores the same way after this powerful interview.

But before our interview, we unpack the week in retail news starting with fears that we haven't quite licked inflation and that job losses might accelerate. Then it's on to try to explain January's unusually strong US retail sales numbers, the tale of two cities that characterizes luxury retail of late, and JC Penney's attempt to off-load a bunch of store leases. We conclude wondering just what the heck Amazon is doing opening a pharmacy in Milan.

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 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.