Melissa Moore chats with Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland, the luxury brand known for premium footwear and lifestyle apparel. Michael shares how Dubarry evolved from a niche sailing boot maker into a global lifestyle brand while staying true to Irish heritage and craftsmanship.

They discuss:

• Retail innovation, including pop-ups, flagship stores and direct-to-consumer strategies.
• Customer-driven product design, from sailing boots to country boots.
• Digital marketing, sustainability and creating unforgettable in-store experiences.
• Expansion plans and upcoming collections in equestrian, dog accessories and performance footwear.

Key Takeaways:

• Heritage brands can evolve while staying true to craftsmanship.
• Direct engagement with consumers can overcome challenges like price perception and brand awareness.
• Retail associates are educators, not just salespeople, enhancing customer loyalty.
• Listening to customers drives meaningful product innovation.

Whether you’re a retail professional, brand enthusiast, or simply curious about how heritage brands adapt in 2025, this episode offers a masterclass in evolution, innovation, and customer-centric retail

Visit Dubarry of Ireland’s website www.dubarry.com

Catch up on past episodes on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

Huge thanks to RevLifter for sponsoring this episode. Test drive RevLifter for 90 days for free. Request a demo to see how machine learning, smart targeting and personalised promotions can transform your eCommerce strategy. Find out how they help retailers boost conversions and increase revenue:

• RevLifter website: https://www.revlifter.com/
• RevLifter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlifter/
• RevLifter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlMg7QUHJnHC8KyhW93Z_A

Season 9 of the award-winning Retail Tea Break Podcast is here!

This season, host Melissa Moore brings conversations with trailblazing retailers, industry experts and global brands covering the latest insights and innovations shaping the retail industry.

Topics include:

• Discovery commerce, live shopping & TikTok Shop
• The fundamentals of successful retail stores
• Store traffic as a driver of sales success
• Scaling challenges faced by growing retailers
• Evolution of family businesses across four generations
• Craftsmanship, heritage & innovation in retail experiences
• AI and technology transforming customer journeys
• Insights into holiday shopping trends and so much more.

Of course, there’s plenty of tech and AI in the mix too, because it’s transforming the way we all connect with customers. So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen in.. to the season 9 of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

In the meantime, catch up on the past 8 seasons on your favourite podcast platform and hit follow for weekly updates! Subscribe on YouTube at The Retail Tea Break, share your favorites and tag me, Melissa Moore and The Retail Tea Break on social media. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

In this bold and brilliantly candid Retail Room 101 edition of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by one of the most outspoken voices in the industry, The Retail Maverick Andrew Busby. The well-known retail industry expert, speaker and writer,  has extensive experience and knowledge in the retail sector, particularly in areas such as retail technology, customer experience, and emerging trends. 

In this episode Andrew tackles these trends, terms and technologies that might sound impressive in boardrooms… but often fall flat on the shop floor! From industry jargon to shiny new tech, he doesn’t hold back as he shares what he’d banish from the retail world and what’s actually worthy of our attention. This episode is packed with healthy provocation, a few laughs and some home truths every retailer needs to hear. It’s a fantastic final episode of season 8!

In this episode we discuss:

•  The retail buzzwords that have lost all meaning
• The importance of context in customer experience
• Why Net Promoter Scores might be misleading
• The human edge in the age of AI
• What might come after the smartphone
• Retail’s cybersecurity wake-up call
• Tech that’s truly transforming in-store experiences

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: Andrew Busby | LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your retail insights.

And don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the 100th episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by the storytelling legend, Charlie Boyle. The customer experience expert champions the powerful message: human skills are still the heartbeat of retail.

Charlie describes why emotional intelligence, empathy and effective communication are not just “soft skills”, they are critical, measurable and trainable capabilities that define great customer and team experiences in today’s retail landscape. Human skills aren’t an optional extra, they’re the foundation of the experience economy. Whether in a flagship store or behind a screen, retail success depends on authentic connection, emotional intelligence, and purpose-led culture.

We discuss:

• Why it’s time to stop calling them “soft skills” — and start building them strategically
• The underestimated power of emotional connection in both physical and digital retail
• How AI and automation are freeing us to lean into our most human strengths
• Recognition vs. reward: the free leadership tool that transforms culture and retention
• Creating a frictionless, feel-good environment for staff and customers alike
• Real-life examples from retail, Amazon, the car industry and beloved Irish brands including Magee’s of Donegal.

Thank you to our listeners for supporting 100 episodes of insights, stories and retail wisdom. Here's to the next 100! Grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

🔗 Resources:

• Customer Experience Excellence Ireland – Customer Experience Excellence Ireland | CX | Home
• 
  
• Charlie book: The Future is Human– Amazon

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast we explore how modern retail leaders are blending passion, people and purpose to drive meaningful growth. George Sullivan is the Founder and CEO of The Sole Supplier, a shopping platform and marketplace connecting sneakerheads with hard to find products. Through the use of innovative tech, engaging content and strategic partnerships, the brand drives over £50 million gross merchandise value (GMV) annually, to global brands like Nike, Adidas and ASOS. Over the past decade, George has bootstrapped the company from a bedroom blog to a UK powerhouse, driven by an amazing team of 30 at their Shoreditch hub in London!

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving retail landscape and what it really takes to lead with heart and innovation.So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

Key themes include:

• People-First Leadership: Creating supportive, ego-free team cultures
• Authentic Community: Building real connections that drive loyalty
• Creative Content: Human-led storytelling amplified by AI tools
• AI + Human Insight: Using tech to enhance, not replace creativity
• Retail Trends: Shoppers want stories, transparency and values
• Passion-Led Projects: Solving real problems with purpose
• What’s Next: New content, podcast relaunches and brand collabs

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by an industry veteran who has brought measurable value to companies operating in the publishing, advertising and technology space. Dominick Miserandino is CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus.

Having held various C-Level and leadership roles, he has successfully worked and turned around over 100 eCommerce and digital businesses. Today’s guest achieved a 24x increase in monthly traffic at RetailWire.com, propelling it from 50,000 to 1.2 million visitors and transformed its market presence. So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

 We discussed:

• How do you see those retail and media are all about storytelling
• How retailers need to focus on content and customer engagement
• Digital strategy in 2025?
• Lessons learned  from the media industry that retailers could apply 
• The best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a leader?

Check Dominick out here: https://miserandino.com/

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by  two guests to explore incredible store experience.

Brendan Boyle is COO and CO-Founder of TapCreative, who partners with forward thinking companies to define their customer experience design. His ethos is that it’s how well you engage emotively with your customer and communicate how your brand aligns with their lifestyles.

Emily Miller is Petmania’s Sales and Marketing Manager with a passion for innovation with purpose. She has evolved Petmania’s consumer offering over the years to push beyond retail and give Petmania’s customers access to meaningful, educational and supportive campaigns that support their mission to create a world of happier, healthier pets.

During this episode we discussed:

• Creating a foundation to drive the brand forward
• The design process
• Why the award winning Athlone store works so well
• Considering the pre-store, instore and post-store experience
• The importance of upskilling the team
•  Commercial and financial investment 

So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

Visit TapCreative: https://tapcreative.ie/

Shop online with Pet Mania: https://www.petmania.ie/

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today!

Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by a strategic advisor on growth and transformation. Steve Dennis is a world renowned keynote speaker, author, and former C-suite executive at two large retailers. 

His groundbreaking book--Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption is a perennial international bestseller. His provocative ideas on the future of commerce and consumer behavior are regularly featured in the media in his role as a Forbes senior contributor and as co-host of the award-winning Remarkable Retail podcast. Last year he was named retail's top global influencer by two different organizations and this year he was part of the NRF's inaugural class of retail's top voices.

We discuss his latest book Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption, the collapse of the ‘un-remarkable’ middle and why retail leaders may be struggling to keep pace. He also kindly shares his two top pieces of advice for all retail leaders! So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]

Purchase Leaders Leap: https://stevenpdennis.com/leaders-leap/

Purchase Remarkable Retail: https://stevenpdennis.com/remarkable-retail/

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today! Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by a guest who is a true expert in Irish retail! Anne Harrison is the  Buying Director at Carraig Donn. Her deep understanding of the Irish customer and ever-evolving trends has been central to her employer’s growth and success. Since joining the team, she has played a pivotal role in the brand’s transformation, from just four stores in 1990 to 43 locations across Ireland today, along with a thriving multi million-euro online platform.

 As Carraig Donn celebrates 60 years in retail, today's guest believes the best is yet to come. With exciting new brands, upcoming expansions, and continuous innovation, the business shows no signs of slowing down.

 We talked about:

• Carraig Donn’s 60 years in business.
• Diversifying  from a tourist-focused business countrywide retailer.
• Being a buyer; determining what to buy? 
• The success of developing private labels.
• Affordable, quality fashion that fits.
• Why has Carraig Donn been so successful?
• What’s next for the business?

So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

Visit Carraig Donn online:https://www.carraigdonn.com/

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

A huge thank you to our sponsor, International Retail Magazine. Make sure you subscribe today!

Read the latest edition here: https://irg-retail.com/international-retail-magazine/

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast I’m joined by an industry expert in Merchandising, Buying, Product Development and Sourcing with luxury and mass merchant retailers in both regional and global markets. Liza Amlani, the Principal and Co-Founder of Retail Strategy Group brings the end-to-end expertise that retail brands need. 

In the episode we talk about her new book, The Whole Sale, profitable wholesale strategies for brands. We discuss everything from pricing to the common mistakes that brands make. So grab that cup of tea, sit back and listen to the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast.

Grab your copy of The Whole Sale here: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Sale-Profitable-Wholesale-Strategies

Sign up to The Merchant Life newsletter here:

https://www.themerchantlife.com/

Catch up on previous episodes on your favourite podcast platform and while you’re there please hit that follow button so that you get to listen to it first every week. Follow for weekly updates and watch us on YouTube by subscribing to The Retail Advisor. Sharing is caring—share episodes with your network and tag me, Melissa Moore, and The Retail Break podcast on social media.

If you’d like to get involved in the next season of the podcast, as a guest or a sponsor please email [email protected]