The wellness movement has gone global — and few companies embody that expansion better than iHerb. CEO Emun Zabihi explores how they’re transforming the way consumers access supplements and natural products worldwide. From humble beginnings in a Pasadena apartment to serving millions of customers in 180 countries, iHerb’s journey is a story of innovation, accessibility, and trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

(00:00:00) The rise of the trillion-dollar wellness economy

(00:08:57) Trends shaping the supplement industry

(00:13:25) Global reach and the fight against counterfeits

(00:18:35) The future of wellness and lessons in leadership

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Website: iherb.com

• Emun Zabihi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emun-zabihi

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 389: Purpose-driven retail: Stories of impact from leading brands

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the retail landscape, and a new wave of agentic AI shoppers is changing how brands must think about data, experience and customer connection. Debra Langley, partner at CAPTIS Ventures, and Greg Merrill, president at Futura Fragua unpack the rapid rise of AI shopping agents and what this evolution means for the future of retail.

(00:00:00) A new era of retail innovation

(00:05:02) The rise of AI shopping agents

(00:10:08) Explaining AI shoppers to traditional retailers

(00:17:06) The promise and peril of AI

(00:20:00) Why human experience still matters

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• CAPTIS Ventures

• Futura Fragua

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 381: The innovators driving the future of retail

• 364: How BJ’s Wholesale Club leverages AI to serve its customers

Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s a full-fledged season of fun, community and record-breaking retail activity. Today we’re joined by Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation, to unpack how consumers are celebrating Halloween this year and why this festive tradition continues to grow in cultural and economic significance.

(00:00:00) Turning homes into haunted experiences

(00:05:59) From one night to an entire season

(00:08:59) What consumers are buying this Halloween

(00:11:25) Costumes that define the season

(00:14:57) Why Halloween matters more than ever

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 369: How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers

• 365: Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends

Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Inc., reflects on 110 years of family legacy, cultural evolution, and the future of off-price retail. As a fourth-generation leader, Matt offers a rare look inside the company’s long-standing commitment to both financial discipline and human-centered leadership — and how those values are shaping its future.

(00:00:00) Early memories and family pressure

(00:05:27) Seeing the store through the customer’s eyes

(00:08:05) The power of the off-price model

(00:14:25) Leading for people, not legacy

(00:16:31) The future of retail

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Website: beallsinc.com

• Matt Beall on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattbeallceo

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience

• 376: How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success

From its early beginnings as a digitally native disruptor to becoming a household name in eyewear, Warby Parker has consistently challenged conventions in retail. Sandy Gilsenan, Warby Parker’s chief retail and customer experience officer, explores how the company is reshaping the customer journey and redefining what it means to be an innovative retailer today.

(00:00:00) Gilsenan’s career path to Warby Parker

(00:05:08) The power of omnichannel retail

(00:07:43) Who is the Warby Parker customer?

(00:10:30) Staying innovative and looking ahead

(00:16:20) Harnessing AI to enhance retail

(00:20:30) Advice for the next generation of retailers

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 384: The digital strategy behind Mack Weldon’s growth

• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail’s future

Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.

(00:00:00) Walmart’s first Chief Talent Officer

(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever

(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers

(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth

(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives

(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times

(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AI

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• NRF Foundation's RISE Up Program: nrffoundation.org/rise-up

• Walmart's Live Better U: corporate.walmart.com/about/working-at-walmart/live-better-u

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 351: The think tank for retail industry talent leaders

Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operational resilience and the bottom line. We sit down with two industry leaders on the front lines of digital risk: Pam Lindemoen, chief security officer and vice president of strategy at the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Christian Beckner, vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity at the National Retail Federation. Together, they unpack the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape facing retailers today, from fraud and social engineering to the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

(00:00:00) Building a united front in retail cybersecurity

(00:04:41) Strengthening trust and evolving partnerships

(00:07:49) Rising threats in retail cybersecurity

(00:12:43) Investing in resilience and readiness

(00:16:51) Looking ahead: cooperation and global expansion

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 366: How to fight back against organized retail crime

• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail’s future

• 344: The future of AI in consumer experience

Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to the next generation, these stories highlight how value-driven strategies create lasting impact.

(00:00:00) Starbucks’ nationwide food rescue program

(00:03:52) Whole Foods’ approach to quality and accessibility

(00:06:59) IKEA’s full-circle sustainability strategy

(00:09:18) Kendra Scott’s model for fashion-driven philanthropy

(00:10:58) LEGO’s community-building through creativity

(00:13:20) Gen Z’s influence on the future of retail

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Learn more about  Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 386: Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities

• 379: Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service

• 368: How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience

• 346: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision

• 373: How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation

• 361: How Gen Z is redefining retail

Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:26) Pinterest’s young and engaged audience

(00:03:04) Hardy’s career journey

(00:06:20) Emerging consumer behaviors

(00:12:16) Pinterest predicts 2025 trends

(00:15:11) Retail challenges and opportunities for 2025

(00:21:24) Hardy’s learnings and inspirations

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• pinterest.com

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• Retail trends to watch in 2025

• What to know about the consumer in 2025

As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF’s top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what’s driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.

(00:00:00) Reflecting on 15 years of economic insight

(00:06:40) Forecasting through uncertainty

(00:08:16) The rise of AI and the future of retail

(00:09:47) The real impact of AI on retail and jobs

(00:12:46) Navigating a globalized retail economy

(00:18:45) Advice for students, book recs and a look back

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook’ for 2025

• NRF Chief Economist Says 2024 ‘Ended on a High Note’

• Economy Still Growing Despite Tariffs But ‘A Lot of People Have Recession on Their Minds’