Retail Gets Real

From selling fax machines door to door in India to helping lead some of the world's most recognizable brands, Sandeep Seth has built a career around reinvention, consumer understanding and challenging what's possible. As chief growth officer and president of Tapestry International, Seth brings decades of experience in brand building and leadership to the company behind Coach and Kate Spade.

(00:00:00) A career built on reinvention and taking risks

(00:06:18) Unlocking potential through leadership

(00:11:27) Staying curious in a rapidly changing world

(00:13:50) The future of retail is human connection

(00:18:10) Balancing creativity and data to drive growth

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Read the NRF Foundation’s List of People Shaping Retail’s Future for 2027

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 422: Wayfair’s Fiona Tan on building teams and transforming how customers shop

• 421: How Nuuly is shaping the future of fashion rental

• 408: How Coach puts the consumer at the center of brand growth

• 378: How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling

Technology is transforming how consumers shop, but the most exciting innovations aren't just about making things faster or easier; they're about creating experiences that better reflect what customers actually want. Wayfair Chief Technology Officer Fiona Tan joins Retail Gets Real to discuss the future of retail technology, the importance of building strong teams and how retailers can embrace innovation while keeping customers at the center of everything they do.

(00:00:00) From technology to retail

(00:05:06) Building strong teams through effective leadership

(00:09:00) The rewards of solving problems in retail

(00:10:17) Navigating technology and innovation in retail

(00:14:22) How AI is reshaping shopping and product discovery

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Read the NRF Foundation’s List of People Shaping Retail’s Future for 2027

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 421: How Nuuly is shaping the future of fashion rental

• 414: Building the future of digital commerce at Lowe’s

• 384: The digital strategy behind Mack Weldon’s growth

Fashion rental is changing how consumers think about their closets, and Nuuly has been helping shape that shift since launching in 2019. Kim Gallagher, executive director of marketing and customer success at Nuuly, discusses the origins of the rental business, the importance of staying close to customers, and why moving quickly and decisively matters in retail. She also shares her approach to leadership and what changing consumer behaviors could mean for the future of the industry.

(00:00:00) From the service industry to retail

(00:05:35) Building Nuuly around the customer

(00:13:25) Taking risks and leading through change

(00:23:20) Keeping up with changing customer behavior

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about the NRF Foundation at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 412: How Brieane Olson is shaping the future of youth retail at Pacsun

• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change

• 403: Building a people-first culture in modern retail with Ulta Beauty

Halloween is no longer just one spooky night in October. NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Allison Zeller joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the latest Halloween data, from consumer spending and earlier shopping to costumes, candy and how economic concerns are shaping the season.

(00:00:00) Why Halloween shopping is starting earlier

(00:05:59) When is it too early for Halloween?

(00:09:23) The great Halloween candy debate

(00:13:49) What’s trending in Halloween costumes

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 397: What’s driving holiday shopping in 2025

• 394: Halloween trends: What’s driving record spending

• 410: Inside the art of experiential retail at Hershey’s

Creative collaborations have become a powerful and fresh way to connect with consumers, but the most successful partnerships are about far more than celebrity names or limited-edition products. Gigi Guerra, vice president of marketing and creative curation at Target, shares how thoughtful storytelling, guest insights and authentic partnerships come together to create moments that resonate across generations.

(00:00:00) From fashion design to leading iconic retail brands

(00:09:21) The strategy behind Target's biggest collaborations

(00:14:43) Creating collaborations people can't wait to experience

(00:18:19) Why the best collaborations create lasting memories

(00:21:55) How social media shapes modern retail collaborations

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn more from retail’s most innovative leaders at an NRF event.

• Learn about retail education and training from the NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 376: How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success

• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

Hanna Andersson has spent decades building a reputation for quality children's apparel that families trust and pass down from generation to generation. Aimée Lapic, CEO of Hanna Andersson, joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how the company continues to grow while staying true to its mission of championing childhood.

(00:00:00) A customer-first career in retail

(00:03:51) Leadership through teamwork and authenticity

(00:08:50) Designing a brand around childhood

(00:11:20) Turning resale into a competitive advantage

(00:15:32) Building a culture designed for working families

(00:20:24) What keeps customers coming back

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 412: How Brieane Olson is shaping the future of youth retail at Pacsun

• 360: How Kendra Scott’s ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision transforms communities

Outlet shopping has come a long way from its origins as a place for manufacturers to sell excess inventory. Today, consumers are looking for much more than a deal, and Tanger is evolving alongside them. Stephen Yalof, president and CEO of Tanger Inc., joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how shopping centers are becoming entertainment destinations, the resilience of today's shoppers and why the future of retail is still very much rooted in physical experiences.

(00:00:00) The evolution of outlet retail

(00:06:15) Reimagining the outlet experience

(00:10:08) Understanding today's retail consumer

(00:13:34) Leadership lessons from the top

(00:16:32) From dealmaker to CEO

(00:19:30) The three notes rule

(00:23:02) What excites Stephen Yalof about retail's future

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 411: Redefining JCPenney for today’s customer

• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

What started as a rugged utility product built for workers and outdoor enthusiasts has evolved into one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in retail: Stanley 1913, part of PMI WW Brands LLC. Matt Navarro, global brand president, PMI WW Brands LLC (Stanley 1913), joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how Stanley balanced explosive viral growth with long-term brand building, global expansion and product innovation.

(00:00:00) Building a career through mentorship and growth

(00:03:59) Reinventing Stanley for a new generation

(00:08:09) Understanding Stanley’s evolving consumer

(00:10:21) The partnerships driving Stanley’s cultural relevance

(00:14:29) Balancing Stanley’s heritage with innovation

(00:16:05) The innovation history behind Stanley’s products

(00:18:09) What leadership looks like inside Stanley 1913

(00:22:01) What’s next for Stanley

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change

• 350: Comfort, collaboration and imaginative innovation at Crocs

Retail sales remain strong, consumers are still spending and yet economic anxiety continues to dominate headlines. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the contradictions shaping today’s economy, from record-low consumer sentiment to resilient retail performance.

(00:00:00) Why consumers keep spending despite economic anxiety

(00:05:17) Why family spending stays strong during economic pressure

(00:07:03) What the K-shaped economy actually means

(00:09:15) How retailers are adapting to a new generation of consumers

(00:11:11) Why retail remains one of the most misunderstood industries

(00:15:23) What makes a great economist

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 387: Behind the data: Insights from NRF’s top economists

• 400: How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025

• 397: What’s driving holiday shopping in 2025

Digital transformation in retail is no longer optional, and few leaders have had a front-row seat to its evolution quite like Joseph Cano, senior vice president of digital commerce at Lowe’s. With technology evolving daily and customer expectations rising just as fast, success comes down to one thing — staying relentlessly focused on the customer. That mindset has shaped every step of Cano’s career, with each experience reinforcing the same lesson: When the customer is at the center, navigating new business models and constant disruption becomes easier.

(00:00:00) From retail stores to digital leadership

(00:07:19) Launching Lowe’s Marketplace at speed

(00:10:13) How AI is reshaping the customer experience

(00:16:00) A leadership style built on trust and transparency

(00:18:59) Inside the culture driving Lowe’s forward

(00:21:25) Staying ahead in a constantly evolving retail landscape

(00:23:51) A 10-year prediction for the future of retail

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Lowe’s Mylo AI Shopping Assistant

• Lowe’s Marketplace

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change

• 395: Adapting to the rise of AI shoppers

From a wholesale-only business to a multi-channel global brand, Carhartt has expanded its reach without losing sight of who it serves: hardworking people. Linda Hubbard, president and CEO of Carhartt Inc., shares how one of America’s most iconic brands has grown while staying grounded in its original purpose.

(00:00:00) Growing Carhartt beyond wholesale

(00:05:50) Leading change inside a legacy family business

(00:10:08) Career growth, mentorship, and asking for more

(00:14:22) How the Carhartt customer has evolved

(00:17:52) Carhartt’s strategy for opening stores

(00:20:12) Inside the Carhartt and Ford collaboration

(00:23:38) The future of retail: AI, resale and direct growth

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Forged In Detroit: Carhartt And Ford Announce Partnership To Strengthen Essential Economy

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

• 349: How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers

Brieane Olson has spent nearly two decades helping reshape Pacsun. She joins Retail Gets Real to share what it takes to evolve a legacy retail brand without losing sight of the customer. With a retail career that began at age 15, her foundation in fashion still shapes how she leads today. The connection point between product and consumer remains an energizing part of her career journey, and influences how she leads people, sets strategy and guides the business through constant change.

(00:00:00) Olson’s path to CEO

(00:07:40) Pacsun’s evolution from retailer to brand

(00:12:58) Inside Olson’s new book, “Co-Created”

(00:15:16) Leading through change and uncertainty

(00:20:20) Why leading mission-first is essential for the future of retail

(00:24:10) What Gen Z and Gen Alpha are saying now

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Preorder “Co-Created” by Brieane Olson

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 411: Redefining JCPenney for today’s customer

• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale

Retail is evolving at an incredible pace, but at its core, it still comes down to people. Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney, joins Retail Gets Real to share her grounded and optimistic perspective on where the industry is headed and why the fundamentals of serving customers remain as important as ever.

(00:00:00) A retail career shaped by customers

(00:06:44) Why physical stores aren’t going anywhere

(00:09:02) Reintroducing JCPenney to a new generation of customers

(00:15:52) The forces reshaping retail right now

(00:17:52) Career advice that changes how you lead and grow

(00:19:54) What will and won’t change in the future of retail

(00:22:24) The joy of shopping beyond just buying

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Yes—JCPenney: Their Boldest Campaign Yet

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale

Retail stores remain powerful spaces for storytelling, connection and cultural relevance. José Raul Padron, design lead for the Hershey Experience at The Hershey Company, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how thoughtful retail design transforms everyday shopping into memorable experiences. From immersive brand homes to viral product moments, he says physical retail continues to evolve in a digital-first world.

(00:00:00) From chocolate legacy to retail design leadership

(00:06:04) Why physical retail still matters in a digital world

(00:11:17) Building immersive retail moments that capture culture

(00:14:07) Where creative inspiration for retail design comes from

(00:16:31) Inside the Hershey’s creative hub in Pennsylvania

(00:17:49) Career advice for the next generation of retail creatives

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 394: Halloween trends: What’s driving record spending

• 367: How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets

Leadership in retail today requires balancing innovation, culture and purpose. Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share lessons from a career spanning some of the most influential brands in retail and explain how she is guiding REI into its next chapter. She discusses her career journey, the role of mentorship and how the co-op is evolving its strategy while staying rooted in its mission and values.

(00:00:00) From consulting to leading iconic retail brands

(00:05:51) Leveraging REI’s unique strengths for growth

(00:07:37) Navigating culture at an 87-year-old retailer

(00:09:25) REI’s strategy for the next chapter of growth

(00:11:09) Turning strategy into action at REI

(00:15:37) Leading retail in the age of AI

(00:18:23) Keeping purpose at the center of the business

(00:20:31) Building a culture that embraces change

(00:24:01) The evolving future of retail

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience

• 380: How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand

At a time when retail is being reshaped by technology, generational shifts and changing expectations around authenticity, understanding the consumer has never been more critical. Jennifer Yue, senior vice president of strategy and consumer insights at Coach and Tapestry, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how deep listening and human-centered insight are driving growth at one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands.

(00:00:00) From investment banking to consumer insight leadership

(00:04:26) Why growth starts with the people who are not buying

(00:08:40) Turning human insight into a competitive advantage

(00:15:02) Why physical retail is becoming more important again

(00:17:28) What keeps a long retail career exciting

(00:19:22) The future of retail is both digital and deeply human

(00:21:02) Why curiosity is a leadership advantage in retail

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 378: How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling

• 401: How Old Navy is building opportunity at scale

• 360: How Kendra Scott’s ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision transforms communities

As retail continues to evolve at the intersection of technology and human connection, Jason Johnson, CIO of Sweetwater Sound, offers a compelling perspective on what it means to lead with both innovation and heart. On this episode of “Retail Gets Real,” Johnson discusses how Sweetwater has grown into one of the most distinctive retailers in the industry by treating technology not as a back-office function, but as a core driver of growth — especially with its team of more than 700 commissioned sales engineers building off the founder’s core mission of deeply personal service

(00:00:00) Inside Sweetwater’s rock ‘n’ roll retail model

(00:04:46) From Navy service to CIO leadership

(00:11:10) Innovating at scale with AI and education

(00:16:30) Bringing the in-store experience online

(00:19:40) Leading with radical transparency and trust

(00:23:12) Building a culture where people truly thrive

(00:26:34) The future of retail in an AI-powered world

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Visit https://sweetwater.com/

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience

• 364: How BJ’s Wholesale Club leverages AI to serve its customers

Technology is reshaping the in-store experience, and Jake Neiman is helping retailers bring digital innovation into the physical world. The co-founder and CEO of BIG Digital joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how immersive kiosks, smart merchandising solutions, AI-powered interfaces and next-generation ePaper displays are transforming how customers engage with brands inside stores.

(00:00:00) Powering live events with interactive kiosks

(00:04:38) Building BIG Digital during a global shutdown

(00:07:04) Bringing immersive technology onto the sales floor

(00:11:26) What limits retailers from adopting new tech

(00:12:56) What’s next for digital retail innovation

(00:17:34) The future of retail belongs to immersive experiences

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, the NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 399: Inside Retail’s Big Show: Innovation, AI and what’s coming next

• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience

Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing, events and culture forecasting at WGSN, returns to Retail Gets Real to explore what is changing in culture, technology and consumer behavior. Recorded live from NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, she discusses the evolving nature of human connection and what retailers can do to future-proof their businesses in a world shaped by uncertainty, fragmented identities and competing demands for attention.

(00:00:00) When disruption reshapes the future overnight

(00:04:25) How uncertainty is shaping the next consumer generation

(00:07:35) Loneliness, community and the return of shared experiences

(00:12:07) Why niche communities and creators are redefining influence

(00:16:29) Where AI helps and where it hurts the retail experience

(00:18:41) Why the next big disruption is going offline

(00:23:49) How culture, entertainment and moments are driving what’s next

(00:29:03) Rapid fire insights on media, habits and attention

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, the NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org/

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com/

Related:

• 400: How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025

• 374: Get ahead of the future of retail

Known for its bold brand, devoted fans and culture of innovation, Taco Bell continues to push the boundaries of what modern retail can be, blending human connection with digital transformation to create memorable experiences for both consumers and team members. Dane Mathews, global chief digital and technology officer at Taco Bell joins guest host David French of NRF for this wide-ranging conversation on innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of technology in retail, recorded live at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York City.

(00:00:00) From fandom to digital transformation

(00:05:05) Turning loyalty into human connection

(00:08:57) When AI changes the customer mindset

(00:10:39) Scaling meaningful moments in 2026

(00:13:55) Managing risk at the edge of innovation

(00:16:53) Rethinking the human and technology equation

(00:20:04) Leading with connection, curiosity and momentum

(00:22:47) Why volatility is retail’s greatest opportunity

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at https://nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at https://nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at https://retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 386: Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities

• 358: How McDonald’s enhances customer engagement and loyalty