In episode 158 of Total Retail Talks, Total Retail Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Shawn Sweeney, vice president of digital experience at Starbucks, during the Customer Relationship Management Conference (CRMC) in Chicago earlier this summer. Sweeney discusses how the coffee brand is using its popular mobile application to bridge customers’ online and offline experiences, creating stronger relationships…

In episode 157 of Total Retail Talks, Total Retail's Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Julie Lyle, interim chief marketing officer at one of the country's largest retailers and a board member of several marketing technology firms. Lyle discusses the growing influence of technology within retail, particularly as it relates to customer experience. In addition, Lyle…

In episode 156 of Total Retail Talks, Matt Reynolds, co-founder and president of Indigenous, a retailer of organic, fair trade and sustainable fashion, discusses the brand's commitment to being socially responsible, steps it has taken to be more environmentally conscious, and the business benefits associated with this approach.

In episode 155 of Total Retail Talks, Rodger O'Keefe, vice president of retail store operations at Cycle Gear, provides insights into how the omnichannel retailer of motorcycle parts, gear and accessories is using an analytics platform to help it inform staffing decisions at its 130-plus brick-and-mortar stores, resulting in improvements to the company's bottom line.

In episode 154 of Total Retail Talks, Joe Alexander, founder and CEO of Nest Bedding, discusses how the mattress and bedding company is humanizing the in-store shopping experience, and why the strategy is paying dividends. In addition, Alexander offers advice for other retailers that are looking to create a differentiated in-store shopping experience for their…

In episode 153 of Total Retail Talks, Adam Lynch, co-founder and chief operating officer of Marine Layer, discusses the San Francisco-based apparel brand's growth from an online startup into an omnichannel retailer. Lynch details how Marine Layer is trying to differentiate itself in the crowded apparel space through unique and quality product, engaging in-store shopping…

In episode 152 of Total Retail Talks, Stephen Kuhl, co-founder and CEO of Burrow, discusses the startup furniture brand's approach to disrupting the traditional retail furniture business. Kuhl addresses how Burrow is differentiating itself in the increasingly crowded online category, why he believes the future of the furniture industry is direct to consumer, his top…

Pet Supplies Plus opened 33 new franchise stores and 12 new corporate stores in 2017, with plans to add 50 new store this year. In episode 151 of Total Retail Talks, Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, details the brand's brick-and-mortar growth strategy. In addition, Rowland addresses Pet Supplies Plus’ approach to integrating its digital and physical businesses on a local level.  

In episode 150 of Total Retail Talks, Tori Gerbig, co-founder and CEO of Pink Lily, discusses how the women's fashion brand uses social influencers and other digital tactics to grow its community of fans and customers.

In episode 149 of Total Retail Talks, Kerry Gibson-Morris, vice president, merchandising, zulily, discusses the merchandising tactics the online retailer of apparel, home goods and other products uses to target specific customer segments, and millennials in particular. In addition to detailing zulily's strategy, Gibson shares her advice for other retailers looking to optimize their merchandising…