Total Retail Talks

In episode 239 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Michael Markesbery, co-founder and CEO of OROS, a performance outerwear brand that features product inspired by NASA technology. In this wide-ranging interview, Markesbery discusses his inspiration for launching OROS, why product innovation is at the core of the brand's ethos, the digital-native company's decision…

In episode 238 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Gail Buffington, vice president of marketing and analytics at Soft Surroundings, a women's apparel, shoes and accessories retailer. Listen in as Buffington discusses Soft Surrounding's brand history as a cataloger, its expansion into brick-and-mortar retail, and her career at the company. She shares how Soft…

In episode 237 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Steven Borelli, founder and CEO, and Carter Shae, director of finance, both of Cuts Clothing, an online men's apparel brand that's the first to accessorize the basic tee. Listen in as Borelli and Shae share why Cuts Clothing was founded, the brand's history, and how…

In episode 236 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews David Pisker, general manager, customer experience and e-commerce at Officeworks, a big-box Australian retailer providing office supplies and business services. Listen in as Pisker discusses Officeworks use of an in-store traffic tool from Kepler Analytics, which has helped with in-store operations such as merchandising…

In episode 235 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kevin Moffitt, chief retail officer at Office Depot. Listen in as Moffitt discusses Office Depot’s transformation from a B-to-C office supplies retailer to a business services platform, why the brand is making this transition, and how the brand's history plays into that decision. Moffitt shares…

In episode 234 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ian Leslie, chief marketing officer at Industry West, a modern B-to-B and D-to-C furniture retailer. Listen in as Leslie shares the history of the brand, including its long-standing success in the B-to-B space and it's focusing on growing stronger direct-to-consumer relationships. He discusses how…

In episode 233 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jan-Willem Driessen, former vice president of global marketing and direct-to-consumer at Black Diamond Equipment, a global retailer specializing in climbing, hiking and skiing apparel and equipment. Listen in as Driessen discusses Black Diamond Equipment's growing direct-to-consumer business, its transition away from being a primarily wholesale brand, and why the brand is changing its focus to D-to-C.

In episode 232 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Laurie Simpter, senior manager of customer relations at Pier 1 Imports, an omnichannel retailer of unique, decorative home furnishings, decor and gifts. Listen in as Simpter discusses the challenges many retailers face when handling customer service phone calls, including staffing, especially during peak holiday times.…

In episode 231 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Melanie Huet, chief marketing officer at Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America. Listen in as Huet talks about her career background in both global brand and D-to-C marketing, as well as where she hopes to lead SSB's…

In episode 230 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Eli Winkler, chief marketing officer at La-Z-Boy, a leading home furniture manufacturer and retailer. Listen in as Winkler discusses the furniture retailer's history, how the business has adjusted to consumers' changing behaviors, and the technology enhancements La-Z-Boy offers shoppers in its stores and…