In this episode of The I.A.D.S. Retail Park 🎙️, Maya welcomes back Dr. Christopher Knee to make sense of how retail jobs are being completely reimagined. From the automation of routine tasks to the rise of the “workforce ecosystem,” today’s department stores are deconstructing old roles and inventing new ones—sometimes on the fly. Dr. Knee shares research, real-world examples, and post-pandemic context as he and Maya discuss which roles are disappearing, what skills retailers need next, and how leaders can prepare their teams for the unknown. Hear why adaptability, upskilling, and a test-and-learn mindset now matter as much as salesfloor experience, and what it means for the future of stores and staff alike.

For more insights and updates, follow us on LinkedIn at International Association of Department Stores - IADS, check out our Substack for all our exclusives, visit our website at www.iads.org for additional resources, and learn more here!

Get full access to IADS’ Exclusive Insights at iads.substack.com/subscribe