By MarketScale
5
22 ratings
The podcast currently has 170 episodes available.
A striking 86% of consumers now prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support, emphasizing the value of transparency, authentic connections, and relevance in today's market. True Religion, remains true to its roots in culture, sports, and music, through authentic partnerships and a modern approach to style. Leading this transformation, Chief Marketing Officer Kristen D'Arcy leverages collaborations with sports figures and cultural influencers to engage a new generation of consumers, maintaining the brand’s cultural legacy while keeping it fresh.
How can a heritage brand maintain relevance in a market dominated by digital-savvy, culture-conscious consumers? What does it take for brands to build authentic connections in today’s landscape?
In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzales discusses these questions with True Religion’s first CMO Kristen D'Arcy, and former NBA star Corey Maggette. Together, they explore True Religion’s unique approach to authenticity, nostalgia, and its integration into modern culture. From sports partnerships to Team True, D'Arcy and Maggette share insights on blending heritage with innovation to deepen consumer loyalty.
Key Points:
Kristen D'Arcy is an award-winning global marketing leader with expertise in the luxury, fashion, and beauty industries, recognized on AdAge's 40 Under 40 and Top Digital Marketers lists. She has held key CMO roles at True Religion, HoMedics, and PacSun, driving digital innovation, content strategy, and high-performing e-commerce. Known for her strategic acumen and collaborative leadership, Kristen has successfully managed global teams and integrated marketing programs to deliver exceptional ROI for top-tier brands.
Corey Maggette is a former NBA player with over 15 years of experience in professional basketball, including stints with the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, and Golden State Warriors. Currently, he co-owns the French basketball team ASVEL Basket alongside Tony Parker and serves as an analyst for Bally Sports, covering the LA Clippers. In addition, Maggette is the founder of Maggette Basketball Academy, where he uses his NBA and European training experience to mentor and develop young athletes.
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and Urban Outfitters is stepping up to meet the challenges of reaching both Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. Gen Z, a generation coming of age amid social and technological shifts, is the first to begin their adult lives in a post-pandemic world. They crave individuality but also a strong sense of community. Urban Outfitters is on a mission to bridge these needs, while also preparing to serve Gen Alpha, a younger cohort that is already exhibiting similar yet more tech-savvy behaviors.
How can a retail brand stay relevant to two distinct, yet interconnected, generations?
On the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez talks with Shea Jensen, President of Urban Outfitters, about how the brand is innovating to cater to both generations. From experiential marketing to community-building initiatives, Jensen shares insights from her vast retail experience, discussing how Urban Outfitters is staying ahead of the curve as they prepare for Gen Alpha’s entry into the retail world.
Key conversation points:
Shea Jensen is the President of Urban Outfitters. With a 30-year career in retail, including senior roles at Nordstrom, Good American, and Press Juicery, Jensen is a leader in customer experience and retail innovation. She has been recognized by the Women in Retail Leadership Circle and the National Retail Federation for her forward-thinking contributions to the industry.
As beauty consumers become increasingly vocal about diversity and inclusivity, brands are being pushed to evolve beyond the traditional definitions of beauty. According to a recent report by Beauty Packaging, 63% of American consumers feel inspired by brands that showcase diversity in their advertising, and 73% agree that the beauty industry still plays on insecurities. With the stakes this high, beauty brands that fail to reflect real-world diversity are at risk of losing relevance.
How are brands like Milani Cosmetics navigating this demand for authenticity and inclusion? What strategies are they implementing to stay ahead in a rapidly changing beauty landscape?
In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez discusses these pressing topics with Milani's CMO, Jeremy Lowenstein, and Kelly Sobol, SVP of North America Sales. Together, they explore how Milani has made inclusivity not just a marketing tactic but a fundamental part of their brand ethos, allowing them to thrive amidst a growing call for change in the industry.
Key takeaways from the episode:
Jeremy Lowenstein, a marketing veteran with experience at Estee Lauder and Sally Hansen, brings expertise in product innovation and consumer engagement. Kelly Sobol, who has driven significant sales growth at Milani over the past seven years, has played a pivotal role in the brand's expansion across North America.
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and brands are redefining their approach to in-store experiences to remain competitive. Victoria's Secret & Co. is at the forefront of this change, focusing on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment through its 'Store of the Future' initiative. This episode explores how Victoria's Secret is leading with curiosity and a commitment to storytelling in the design and execution of its new store formats. As the stakes in retail continue to rise, how can brands maintain relevance and deepen customer connections in an ever-changing market?
What does it take to craft a store experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations?
In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Albert Gilkey, Senior Vice President of Store Design and Visual Merchandising at Victoria's Secret & Co., to discuss the evolution of the brand's store experiences and the importance of staying curious in retail.
The two discuss...
- Holistic Store Experiences: Albert emphasizes the importance of storytelling in store design, ensuring that every aspect—from layout to visual merchandising—works together to create a cohesive customer journey.
- Customer-Centric Design: The 'Store of the Future' is designed with openness and inclusivity in mind, making customers feel seen and welcomed.
- Continuous Learning: Albert discusses the need for constant curiosity, listening to customer feedback, and adapting store formats to meet diverse customer needs across different markets.
Albert Gilkey is the Senior Vice President of Store Design & Visual Merchandising at Victoria’s Secret & Co. In this position, he spearheads the introduction and execution of the 'Store of the Future', the company’s new store experience. This store experience embraces an open and modern design to amplify product storytelling and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all–a major initiative in Victoria’s Secret & Co.'s overall brand transformation. Albert has overseen the launch of over 150 'Stores of the Future' globally.
Albert is also the executive sponsor of Mosaic, Victoria’s Secret & Co.'s Inclusion Resource Group for Black and African American associates and allies. In this role, he leads the group’s mission to promote a dynamic and culturally enriched work environment that helps recruit, retain and empower diverse associates internally.
Albert has been with Victoria’s Secret & Co. for over five years. Prior to leading Store Design & Visual Merchandising, he was a VP of Visual Merchandising for Victoria’s Secret Beauty. Albert has enjoyed a career in creative environments and storytelling for notable fashion brands, such as Coach, Armani and Cole Haan.
Robert D'Loren, of Xcel Brands and ORME, discussing the transformative impact of live streaming and social commerce on the retail industry.
As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and over $30 million in financing secured, Steward, led by Dan Miller, is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution.
What role can regenerative agriculture play in reshaping our food systems and meeting the rising consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious products?
In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Dan Miller, the founder and CEO of Steward, about the significant impact regenerative agriculture can have on the food industry. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities of this innovative farming practice.
Key Discussion Points:
– The importance of ecosystem health and soil vitality in regenerative agriculture.
– The role of financing in supporting the growth of regenerative farms.
– The long-term vision for integrating regional agricultural networks to ensure sustainable supply chains.
Dan Miller, Founder and CEO of Steward, has a diverse background in finance, real estate, and technology. His passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in his family history, with his maternal ancestors farming in Maryland since the 1880s. Dan’s extensive experience includes co-founding Fundrise, the largest real estate crowdfunding platform in the U.S., and leading Steward to finance nearly 90 regenerative farms. He holds a BS in Economics and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
In today’s dynamic retail landscape, where personalization and self-expression lead consumer trends, Studs is redefining the ear piercing industry by transforming ear piercings into a tailored journey. The company blends aesthetics with comfort, introducing innovative store designs and a diverse earring assortment that underscores its mission—redefining the piercing industry. Amidst a surge in demand for personalized retail experiences, why are companies like Studs pivotal in evolving our shopping behaviors?
On this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez delves into this topic with Anna Harman, Co-Founder and CEO of Studs. The duo explore the inception of Studs, its mission to transform ear piercings into a tailored journey, and how it continues to innovate within the retail sector.
Key discussion points include:
- The concept of 'earscaping' and how it enhances consumer self-expression.
- The strategic integration of physical retail with digital platforms to enhance customer experience.
- Insights on maintaining brand relevance and customer engagement in a rapidly changing retail environment.
Anna Harman brings a rich background in operations, retail, and finance, leading Studs with a focus on safe, stylish, and personalized ear piercing experiences. Since its launch in 2019, Studs has set new standards in retail personalization and customer care.
As the concept of "Motion is Magic" takes center stage in Kizik’s national brand expansion, the footwear industry witnesses a seamless blend of digital and physical retail innovations. This strategic approach, is set against a backdrop of increasing consumer demand for experiential marketing, engages customers uniquely and memorably and establishes a deeper connection with the brand. With Kizik’s introduction of new product lines and an experiential pop-up in NYC, the brand capitalizes on a growing trend reshaping the retail sector. This movement is timely as the global footwear market aims to reach of $472.59 billion by 2028.
How is Kizik leveraging its unique hands-free shoe technology to transform its digital and physical retail presence? This critical question drives the latest episode of Retail Refined.
Hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, Retail Refined features Monte Deere, the CEO of Kizik, and Gretchen Weimer, the Chief Merchandising Officer at Kizik, discussing the brand’s strategic expansion and innovation with “Motion is Magic.” This episode explores integrating experiential retail elements with traditional and digital marketing to enhance customer experience and brand growth.
Key discussion points include:
• Experiential Retail: How Kizik's NYC pop-up and its interactive elements exemplify the future of retail by enhancing customer engagement
• Global Brand Strategy: Insights into Kizik's plans for international expansion and how local cultural nuances influence product offerings
• Product Innovation and Consumer Interaction: Discussion on how Kizik's hands-free technology not only meets functional needs and creates a new lifestyle appeal
Monte Deere, the CEO of Kizik, brings a diverse background to the role, having transitioned from being the company founder’s attorney to its chief executive. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating the brand’s strategic shifts and expansion. Gretchen Weimer, Chief Merchandising Officer at Kizik, previously worked with HOKA and brings significant expertise in product development and brand positioning, aligning new products with evolving market trends.
When businesses invest in building strategies around a sustainability impact report, it’s a win-win for the environment, the company, and the community the business serves.
The architecture and design industries face renewed pressure to innovate sustainably in an era marked by rapid environmental shifts and an escalating climate crisis. As businesses and individuals become more eco-conscious, firms like MG2 showcase their commitment through detailed sustainability reports. MG2’s inaugural sustainability impact report emerges as a pivotal development, aiming to significantly reduce carbon, energy, and water usage across its projects, aligning with the ambitious AIA 2030 Commitment.
How does architectural sustainability affect the long-term viability of urban landscapes? What are the tangible benefits and challenges of integrating sustainable practices in commercial design? These pressing questions form the core of this Retail Refined episode hosted by Melissa Gonzalez.
The episode features Mark Taylor, a Principal and Sustainability Leader at MG2, who brings an in-depth perspective. Gonzales and Taylor’s conversation includes the following:
• MG2’s Commitment to Sustainability: The firm's strategic initiatives include reducing operating energy and embodied carbon, sourcing sustainable materials, and enhancing water conservation
• Impact of the AIA 2030 Commitment: MG2's alignment with this commitment underlines its dedication to public reporting and accountability in sustainability metrics
• Strategic Implementation in Design: Taylor discusses practical applications and innovative approaches to sustainable design in retail and mixed-use developments
Mark Taylor, equipped with a wealth of experience in sustainable architecture, holds a key position at MG2. His work emphasizes community-focused, environmentally responsible design, striving to reintegrate nature into urban spaces. Taylor’s initiatives at MG2 have been instrumental in pioneering new sustainability practices within the industry.
Access MG2's sustainability impact report.
When businesses invest in building strategies around a sustainability impact report, it’s a win-win for the environment, the company, and the community the business serves.
The architecture and design industries face renewed pressure to innovate sustainably in an era marked by rapid environmental shifts and an escalating climate crisis. As businesses and individuals become more eco-conscious, firms like MG2 showcase their commitment through detailed sustainability reports. MG2’s latest sustainability impact report emerges as a pivotal development, aiming to significantly reduce carbon, energy, and water usage across its projects, aligning with the ambitious AIA 2030 Commitment.
How does architectural sustainability affect the long-term viability of urban landscapes? What are the tangible benefits and challenges of integrating sustainable practices in commercial design? These pressing questions form the core of this Retail Refined episode hosted by Melissa Gonzalez.
The episode features Mark Taylor, a Principal and Sustainability Leader at MG2, who brings an in-depth perspective. Gonzales and Taylor’s conversation includes the following:
• MG2’s Commitment to Sustainability: The firm's strategic initiatives include reducing operating energy and embodied carbon, sourcing sustainable materials, and enhancing water conservation
• Impact of the AIA 2030 Commitment: MG2's alignment with this commitment underlines its dedication to public reporting and accountability in sustainability metrics
• Strategic Implementation in Design: Taylor discusses practical applications and innovative approaches to sustainable design in retail and mixed-use developments
Mark Taylor, equipped with a wealth of experience in sustainable architecture, holds a key position at MG2. His work emphasizes community-focused, environmentally responsible design, striving to reintegrate nature into urban spaces. Taylor’s initiatives at MG2 have been instrumental in pioneering new sustainability practices within the industry.
The podcast currently has 170 episodes available.