This episode features an interview with Jim Weinberg, Chief Merchandising Officer at DSW. As a turnaround and restructuring specialist, Jim has spent his career responding to shifting consumer behaviors, and now oversees merchandising and marketing strategies for the $3 billion shoe giant.
On today’s episode, Jim discusses DSW’s transition into the athletic and athleisure space, changing store layouts, and how technology is transforming their business.
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“We’re not selling anything anyone needs. This is not a pharmaceutical situation. You’re creating an emotional connection with your consumers through marketing and product, and that’s the magic that happens.” -Jim Weinberg
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Show Notes
- (1:37) Tony’s takeaways on the conversation
- (4:55) Jim’s background and finding his niche as a turnaround and restructuring specialist
- (8:30) A history lesson: how massive changes lead to a “new next”
- (12:50) DSW’s transition into athletic and athleisure and the restructuring of their stores
- (18:18) Experiential retailing: new store concepts and a focus on storytelling
- (24:15) How technology is transforming DSW’s business from store to site to merchandising
- (29:18) The challenges of change management
- (32:48) Lightning round
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Sponsor
Dell Technologies & Intel will be exhibiting at the National Retail Federation 2022 New York City, January 16-18th. Join Dell at booth #5059 where they will showcase their Retail solutions to demonstrate Retail Value Chain transformation across Design, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Inventory, Fulfillment & Logistics, Store & Online experience, and Delivery.
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Links
Connect with Jim on LinkedIn
Connect with Tony on LinkedIn
Connect with Tony on Twitter
Tony Saldanha - Transformant