Retail Gets Real

Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:57) How NRF advocates for small business owners

(00:05:33) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses

(00:07:27) Aaron Brown’s story

(00:08:58) Bob Jones’ story

(00:11:04) Lisa-Jae Eggert’s story

(00:12:23) Making an impact with policymakers

(00:16:41) Cruz’s message to small business owners

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 involved with the NRF Action Center

• 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:

• 5 things to know about tariffs

• Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs

• Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk

Organized retail crime (ORC) is not a victimless crime — it can have a devastating impact on the real people behind retailers. Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, joins us to discuss the fight against organized retail crime. We explore laws and initiatives to combat the insidious issue, plus what local businesses can do to protect themselves and their employees.

(00:00:54) Introductions

(00:01:41) Stephan’s Law Background

(00:03:41) The Human Price Of Organized Retail Crime

(00:09:10) The Reality Of Retail Crime

(00:13:13) Initiatives To Combat Organized Retail Crime

(00:22:01) The Role Of Local Businesses In Confronting Crime

(00:24:47) The Evolution Of Organized Retail Crime

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 NRF Protect

• Register for NRF Nexus at nrf.com/nexus and use code RGR20 for 20% off

• 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:

• Retailers battle nearly $100 billion in shrink

• NRF’s FIght Retail Crime Day wins Reed Award for Best Lobby Day

• 3 ways to fight retail crime

Produced by Crate Media.

One thing is constant in retail: change. Innovation is the cornerstone of the industry. We’re joined by Seth Webb, executive vice president of Tusk Strategies, and Sucharita Kodali, vice president and principal analyst of Forrester Research, to discuss the transformative trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging solution providers that are shaping the future of retail. We explore generative and autonomous AI, robotics, resale, and more top-of-mind topics.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:42) Leaders in innovation and technology

(00:06:48) The most transformative trends for the retail industry

(00:09:15) AI’s profound impact on retail

(00:19:06) The role of robotics in retail

(00:23:00) What excites them about 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:

• NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase

• Reverse Logistics Association

• 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:

• How the NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase can help you drive revenue and build crucial partnerships

• A snapshot into the latest retail tech breakthroughs

Produced by Crate Media.

Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley’s CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand’s transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail industry. She also shares what she loves most about working in retail and her impactful career advice.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:00:39) Highlights of the NRF Big Show

(00:01:39) Ardrey’s career background

(00:07:50) The pace of change in retail

(00:09:30) Vera Bradley’s transformation journey

(00:15:05) Balancing brand loyalty with an expanding customer base

(00:17:49) Facing the unpredictability of consumers

(00:21:39) Ardrey’s best career advice

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:

• verabradley.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:

• What to know about the consumer in 2025

Produced by Crate Media.

Whole Foods places its whole focus on serving and nourishing its shoppers. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Whole Foods Market, joins us to talk about how Whole Foods stays ahead of food trends, builds trust with its customers and leads the industry in high-quality sourcing. She also shares her career journey, what she loves most about working in merchandising and marketing, and her approach to problem-solving in the retail industry.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:31) Oblisk’s career journey

(00:05:45) Why Oblisk loves merchandising & marketing

(00:08:11) Getting to know the Whole Foods customer

(00:11:10) Leading in trends and quality control

(00:13:11) What’s next for Whole Foods in 2025

(00:19:45) Oblisk’s best career advice

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:

• wholefoodsmarket.com

• Find out 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:

• 10 retail experiences you shouldn't miss in New York City

Coach is a visionary of visual storytelling and experiences. Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of global visual experience for Coach, joins us to discuss the evolution of visual merchandising and how he tells Coach’s story to a global audience. He also shares the moment that changed his career trajectory and his advice for taking risks and following your gut.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:27) Zaccariello’s career journey

(00:07:17) The evolution of visual merchandising

(00:10:25) Telling the coach story

(00:13:55) Zaccariello’s proudest career moment

(00:19:09) Zaccariello’s lessons and future learnings

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:

• coach.com

• linkedin.com/in/giovannizaccariello

• 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:

• 10 retail experiences you shouldn’t miss in New York City

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

• 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:

• Retail trends to watch in 2025

• What to know about the consumer in 2025

Produced by Crate Media.

Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustrious career.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:19) Gomez’s career journey

(00:06:18) His most challenging and rewarding moments

(00:08:58) The secrets behind Target’s magic merchandising

(00:12:51) Top retail trends

(00:15:04) Shifts in consumer shopping habits

(00:17:01) Gomez’s best career advice

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:

• target.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:

• How Target’s people-first culture and leadership programs are driving success

• Off-site retail marketing takes off

Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:15) The changing retail landscape

(00:07:21) 2025 retail trends

(00:10:40) NRF’s priorities on policy

(00:15:26) Shay’s best career advice

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 Management Team: Matthew Shay

• 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:

• Why I believe in the power of retail jobs

• The state of retail heading into 2024

If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young consumers. Plus, we learn new terms like “Zalphas” and “ping minimalism” that every retailer should know.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:16) Napoli’s career as a trend forecaster

(00:04:55) How to forecast trends

(00:08:24) Emerging trends for retailers to watch

(00:13:11) Embracing strategic joy

(00:15:06) The biggest trend no one is talking about

(00:19:55) The future of retail is tweens

(00:21:37) Napoli’s best career advice

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:

• wgsn.com/en

• 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:

• What’s now, what’s next?: Future tech beyond AI

• Retail trends to watch in 2025

• Future trends that will shape consumer behavior and retail operations