Retail Gets Real

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’

Starbucks may be best known for coffee, but its community impact goes far deeper. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we’re joined by Kelly Goodejohn, vice president and chief social impact officer at Starbucks, to explore how the global brand is redefining what it means to serve communities — not just with beverages, but with bold action, local investment, and sustainability at scale.

(00:00:00) Leading with purpose at Starbucks

(00:04:09) How Starbucks turns food waste into community support

(00:06:55) Scaling FoodShare and setting the standard for others

(00:12:07) Finding purpose in retail and coffee culture

(00:15:27) The future of retail’s social impact

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:

• Starbucks Hunger Relief: about.starbucks.com/hunger-relief

• The Starbucks Foundation: about.starbucks.com/the-starbucks-foundation

• 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:

• How digital transformation at Levi’s and Starbucks is improving customer experience

• How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success

Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient and he is now the team manager for Gucci in Tysons Corner, Va.. He joins us to talk about his personal journey in retail, how to “romance a product” and the lessons C-suite executives can learn from up-and-coming retail professionals.

(00:00:00) Davison Long’s retail history

(00:04:44) Romancing the product

(00:06:02) Perspectives of a young leader

(00:13:13) Tools to support young professionals

(00:16:23) Davison Long’s favorite Gucci products

(00:17:38) How C-Suite executives can connect with young leaders

(00:20:33) Davison Long’s 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:

• gucci.com

• 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:

• Championing Leaders in Retail

• NRF Foundation awards top scholarship to Columbia College Chicago junior

The story of Mack Weldon begins with a moment many men know all too well — standing in the underwear aisle, overwhelmed by choice and underwhelmed by experience. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Brian Berger, founder and CEO of Mack Weldon, shares how frustration as a consumer inspired him to reinvent men’s basics with a focus on smart design, technical innovation, and a radically improved shopping experience.

(00:00:00) The origin of Mack Weldon

(00:04:58) The story behind the brand name

(00:07:30) Growing the brand by knowing the customer

(00:12:44) Navigating the AI era as a retail founder

(00:19:53) Father’s Day picks and 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:

• Mack Weldon: mackweldon.com

• 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:

• 336. Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s

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

• 367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets

• 349. How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers