Resilient Retail

We wanted to understand how some of the world's most resilient retail communities are dealing with the pandemic, so this week we're shining a special spotlight on the city of Denver with two bonus episodes. In our first bonus episode: we're joined by Alex Bibby, Regional Store Manager of Topo Designs, a Denver and Colorado staple specializing in mountain culture and outdoor living. Alex shares Topo Designs' journey through the pandemic, and the effects he's seen on the Denver retail community.

When the pandemic forced a total halt to all production, restaurant sales, and foot traffic, Great Lakes Brewery needed to think quick to keep getting their craft beer into the hands of customers. Today, Troy Burtch joins us to discuss how the Great Lakes Brewery team launched local beer delivery in less than a week and kept their brewing business afloat.

Before the pandemic hit, 98% of TC Running's business came through in-person, in-store interactions. So when they had to shut down their two Minnesota retail locations, they needed to move their entire business online—fast. Today, brand director Jeff Bull gives us the inside lane on TC Running's sprint towards online selling and why omnichannel is now the foundation of their retail business (including their instant hit loyalty program).

The travel industry has taken a big hit during the pandemic, and cities like Las Vegas, where tourist traffic powers the retail economy, are facing mounting challenges. Doughp recently shut down their flagship retail location on the Vegas Strip—today, founder Kelsey Moreira shares what the cookie dough brand is doing to adapt and how they're continuing to support their mental health-focused mission.

Since the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matters protests, every industry is working to create equality. But has the beauty industry truly embraced the fight for equal representation? Christina Funke Tegbe, founder and creative visionary behind award-winning beauty brand 54 Thrones, shares her thoughts on the push towards equality, partnering with major retailers like Nordstrom, and how she's connecting customers to suppliers who have previously been left out of the conversation.

Since the early 90s, streetwear culture has exploded—and Jeff Staple has been there every step of the way. Jeff designed the first Nike sneaker to cause riots. He launched a retail boutique and art gallery in NYC. He founded a leading visual communications agency. And now, he hosts The Business of Hype podcast on Hypebeast Radio. You can say that Jeff has easily had a hand in just about every facet of streetwear, including its transformative impact on the retail industry. Today, he sits down with us to share how the love story between streetwear and retail started, and where it might be heading next.

Pattern Brands is working to help people enjoy daily life again through their family of lifestyle DTC brands. Emmett Shine, Founder and Chief Creative Officer joins us today to share stories about founding a branding agency in 2007, breaking down traditional barriers, the power of change and what it's like to be kicked out of Adidas' headquarters early in your career.

For Mack Weldon, retail is all about taking a digital-first online shopping experience and bringing it to life in their Hudson Yards store. Brian Berger (CEO and Founder) joins us today to share how direct-to-consumer, omnichannel commerce has fuelled Mack Weldon's breakout performance in a highly competitive market.

Despite very few of us wearing a bra since March, Lively has been able to survive (and thrive) throughout 2020 by focusing on creative, subtle shifts in the business. Michelle Cordeiro Grant, Founder and CEO of Lively joins us today to talk about creating the leisuree category, building a raving community, and staying nimble with Lively's brick and mortar presence.

2020 has been tough for everyone, but micro-retailers have generally been hit the hardest. Between forced closures, lack of government aid, and attempting to navigate eCommerce for the first time, being a two-woman team is far from easy. Steph La Posta, Co-owner of Common Goods Shop in Toronto brings us a real, honest conversation on the struggles (and resilience) they have faced this year.