Christine Russo, host of the What Just Happenedpodcast, sits down with Peter Pernot-Day Head of Strategic and Corporate Affairs for North America and Europe for a wide-ranging discussion.Pernot-Day shares that Shein’s “secret sauce” lies in its ability to match supply precisely with demand—something made possible by their demand-driven model and relentless focus on the consumer. He explains that Shein isstructurally aligned to operate with speed and efficiency, with systems in place to test and scale products based on real-time data. This agility, pairedwith deep consumer insight, enables Shein to avoid overproduction and reduce waste. Pernot-Day also highlights the company’s innovative approach to apparelproduction, including small-batch manufacturing and data-informed design processes that differ markedly from traditional fashion retail models.

In this episode of What Just Happened, Christine Russo interviews Sucharita Kodali, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, to unpack the ever-evolving dynamics of digital transformation in retail. Kodali shares her perspective on how retailers should approach innovation with caution, emphasizing the importance of testing and two-way-door decisions—those you can reverse—especially in areas like generative AI and emerging tech. She advises brands not to blindly follow Amazon’s lead, but to embrace its spirit of calculated experimentation and long-term thinking.

The conversation explores the cyclical nature of retail brand equity, using Target and Gap as case studies. Kodali argues that strong cultural equity, even when dormant, can be revived with the right leadership and strategy. Target’s recent stumbles, she believes, are more operational than existential, while Walmart’s recent success is attributed to strategic CapEx and improved store design. She notes that Target’s fatigue is reversible, and predicts leadership changes could be a catalyst for revitalization.

Russo and Kodali also dive into innovation in physical retail, including Urban Outfitters' Re/Reclectic concept, and the nuanced state of live shopping in the U.S. versus China. Kodali suggests that Americans lean toward short-form, influencer-led, asynchronous content rather than livestream commerce. She highlights Nordstrom’s quiet but promising use of vertical video by store associates and the challenge of inventory keeping pace with demand driven by social media. The episode ends with a nod to the importance of automation, retail media, and ongoing trend analysis as retailers navigate what's next.

Christine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, sits down with Evan Armstrong of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to discuss the organization's role in shaping retail policy. Evan explains that RILA represents the country’s largest and most innovative retailers, focusing on public policy, advocacy, and industry events. He highlights key legislative issues affecting the retail sector, including tariffs, trade policy, and workforce regulations, noting how RILA works proactively to support its members in navigating these challenges.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of workforce policy, particularly in the wake of shifting government regulations. Armstrong discusses RILA’s commitment to advocating for policies that support flexibility and career growth within the retail industry. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad and diverse talent pool, touching on initiatives such as tuition assistance, leadership development, and skilled trades programs. He also addresses concerns around AI in the workplace, explaining that while technological disruption is inevitable, it also presents opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Russo and Armstrong also explore broader industry concerns, including retail crime, regulatory challenges, and the impact of emerging players like TikTok Shop and Temu. Evan clarifies the distinction between RILA and the National Retail Federation (NRF), explaining that RILA exclusively represents the largest retailers with aligned policy priorities. He underscores RILA’s role as a serious policy player, maintaining bipartisan engagement to ensure retail leaders have a voice in Washington. The discussion concludes with an invitation to keep an eye on RILA’s events, research, and ongoing advocacy efforts shaping the future of retail.

Christine Russo, Host of What Just Happened, sits down with Hugh Forrest, President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest, to explore how SXSW is the ultimate gathering for creatives and also serves as a melting pot for innovators across industries. From music, film and multi-media, SXSW is where the world's leading brands, marketing, technology, and activations collide with groundbreaking advancements in AI and now, quantum computing. SXSW has solidified itself as a mecca for creative minds, where emerging trends are not just discussed but actively shaped, making it the go-to destination for those looking to stay ahead of the curve.

As innovation continues to accelerate, SXSW is doubling down on future-focused content, introducing dedicated programming for quantum computing on March 12th and 13th. With AI now seamlessly embedded into everyday life, quantum computing represents the next frontier—one that is still complex but poised to redefine industries. From immersive brand activations to the intersection of culture and commerce, SXSW remains the epicenter for those who don’t just follow trends but create them.

Christine Russo, host of What Just Happened, has Tim Fehr from Happy Returns as her guest. Tim discusses the company's rapid growth and how its partnership with UPS has accelerated automation in the returns process. He explains how Happy Returns successfully integrated robotics into their facilities before the peak holiday season, reducing transit times and loss rates to record lows. The company has doubled its productivity through automation in 2024 and is now developing a new plan to further enhance efficiency in 2025. Fehr also highlights the importance of optimizing outbound transit times and leveraging cross-dock programs to reduce delays, ensuring that retailers receive returned merchandise as quickly as possible.

Regarding e-commerce, Fehr believes that consumer expectations for convenience will continue to rise, especially as Gen Z shoppers—who have grown up with digital-first experiences—become a larger share of the market. He notes that practices like bracketing and showrooming, where customers order multiple items with the intention of returning some, are more prominent than ever. While some in the industry express concerns about sustainability and return costs, Fehr takes a pragmatic approach, arguing that returns are an inherent part of modern retail. Rather than resisting this shift, retailers need to develop smarter policies, such as differentiating return policies based on customer behavior, to manage costs effectively.

Looking ahead, Fehr acknowledges that the competitive landscape for e-commerce is becoming increasingly challenging, with major players like Amazon setting high standards for delivery speed and convenience. He emphasizes that smaller retailers must leverage technology and partnerships to keep up, as the gap between industry leaders and smaller businesses continues to widen. The conversation also touches on AI-driven shopping experiences and how Happy Returns is providing retailers with valuable data on customer return behavior. With continued innovation in automation and logistics, Fehr believes that Happy Returns is well-positioned to help retailers navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape.

Christine Russo, host of What Just Happened, leads a thought-provoking conversation with Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed, about the evolution of point-of-sale (POS) systems into comprehensive business solutions. Russo sets the stage by emphasizing how a poor checkout experience can undermine an otherwise excellent store experience. She introduces the idea of rebranding POS highlighting its role in empowering associates to enhance customer interactions. Dasilva elaborates on Lightspeed’s evolution into a "light ERP" solution for medium-to-high complexity retailers, integrating inventory management, e-commerce, social channels, and analytics. Russo pitches alternative terms like "point of synergy" and "point of synthesis," which Dasilva thoughtfully considers while underscoring the need for seamless solutions in retail.

Throughout the discussion, Russo probes into Lightspeed’s focus on specific industries like golf, jewelry, bikes, and apparel.

Dasilva speaks of Lightspeed’s ability to address operational challenges for retailers managing large inventories and multiple locations. And how Lightspeed integrates appointment management, service scheduling, and real-time inventory visibility to save retailers significant time.

DaSilva's take on Gen Z shopping behaviors and loyalty programs. provides a fresh perspective by comparing VIP experiences at festivals or airlines, which resonates with with Gen Z's willingness to pay for exclusivity and self-care-driven experiences.

Join Russo, host of What Just Happened, as she delvesdeeply into the concept of newness in her conversation with Helen LambertKennedy, founder of Lambert Associates and The Style Pulse.

The interview examines the role of newness driving business,department stores, and how newness manifests across different global markets,emphasizing its importance for customer loyalty and retail innovation. LambertKennedy discusses the delicate balance between risk and reward in adopting newbrands, noting how department stores and smaller retailers approach thechallenge differently. She also highlights The Style Pulse's use of technology,such as their AI avatar Julia, which enhances the discovery process for buyers.

The conversation underscores how newness is not only aboutintroducing fresh brands but also about rethinking how products are curated and presented to create inspiring retail experiences.

Christine Russo, the host and creator of What Just Happened, hosted Michael Zakkour and Brandon Rael for the retail industry year-end recap. The discussion highlighted many key initiatives and strategies like the evolution of video commerce, which has transitioned from a niche concept to a mainstream strategy, as evidenced by significant contributions to sales during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Zakkour emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive "v-commerce" strategy that integrates various forms of video content, while Rael discussed how consumer behavior has reshaped retail, with influencers and social platforms like TikTok driving engagement and conversions. They agreed that video commerce must be supported by robust supply chain systems and technological infrastructure to sustain its growth.

The conversation shifted to the critical role of supply chain resilience amid ongoing disruptions, such as tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Zakkour and Rael stressed the importance of diversifying production and embracing technologies like AI and cloud systems to optimize inventory and logistics. They noted how retailers must adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach to ensure operational stability in an unpredictable global market. The need for adaptability and foresight was highlighted, as companies increasingly face challenges that demand innovative solutions, including nearshoring production and leveraging advanced technologies.

Russo concluded the discussion by examining the strategies of major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Macy’s, and McDonald’s. The panel explored how these companies have navigated challenges by building ecosystems that blend physical and digital experiences. They also touched on AI's transformative role in retail, from personalization to supply chain efficiency. While companies like Walmart and Amazon have maintained dominance through innovation, the conversation acknowledged the struggles of legacy brands like Macy’s, emphasizing the need for agility and customer-centric approaches to remain relevant in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Christine Russo, host and creator of What Just Happened, engages in an insightful conversation with Mariana Sotinas, President of Hanro USA. The discussion explores the strategic considerations behind Hanro's distribution channels, their focus on quality and customer loyalty, and the importance of a feedback-driven approach to continuous improvement. Mariana shares insights on the brand's transition to Shopify, successful customer-centric initiatives like in-store events, and the launch of their winter capsule collection. They also delve into leveraging Hanro's heritage and luxury positioning to acquire new customers, expand into travel retail, and maintain a loyal, generational customer base. The episode emphasizes innovation and adaptability in preserving a brand's legacy while driving growth.

Christine Russo, the host and creator of What Just Happened, recently welcomed Brian Wright, Director of VolShop at the University of Tennessee, to discuss his approach to campus retail leadership. With a sprawling operation across 14 locations, VolShop handles everything from books and tech supplies to sports concessions and partnerships with renowned brands like Lululemon. To optimize customer experiences during peak demand, such as during product launches, Wright deployed innovative measures like the Wait while system. This system, inspired by pandemic-era shopping adaptations, required customers to reserve shopping slots, ensuring efficient service and inventory management.

By emphasizing purpose over profits, Wright aims to align retail operations with the needs of students and visitors, fostering a positive and memorable experience.

Wright's leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, a concept he adopted early in his career thanks to a mentor. He views his role as an opportunity to serve and support students, employees, and the broader university community. This approach translates into both professional development and meaningful interactions with his team, enabling them to grow individually. Through a combination of innovation and a people-first mindset, Wright balances the demands of retail fundamentals with the evolving needs of a tech-driven world, positioning VolShop as a model for integrating retail, education, and community impact.