Retail Gets Real

If you’re the type of guy who’s getting rid of your last piece of IKEA furniture, you probably want your clothes to fit properly. Philip Soriano had a career in corporate finance when he discovered that men’s dress shirts just don’t fit as advertised and decided to do something about it. Soriano’s company, Hugh & Crye, has found success by taking a different approach to sizing and listening to what customers want. On this week’s episode, Soriano shares his entrepreneurial journey — from starting an e-commerce business to expanding offline — with co-hosts Bill Thorne and Tony Fontana. Listen to Soriano’s advice on starting a business, growing a brand and deciding where to invest resources.

Shopping is changing, and that means the way retailers do business is changing, too. On this week’s episode, NRF co-hosts Bill Thorne and Jessica Hibbard talk with former Macy’s CMO Martine Reardon and NRF’s Ellen Davis about the evolution of the industry. To successfully compete and offer experiences that delight consumers, retailers are placing an emphasis on recruitment and talent development. The NRF Foundation is helping job seekers connect with these retail career opportunities with an education and credentialing program called RISE Up.

A retail store may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a world-renowned publishing company like National Geographic. But Jill Dvorak, director of merchandising and marketing at National Geographic Partners, loves the challenge of connecting merchandise to the brand’s ethos of exploration. In this week’s episode, Dvorak sits down with NRF’s Artemis Berry, Jessica Hibbard and Bill Thorne to share her retail career story and discuss the connection between content, community and commerce. We also talk about marketing in the digital age, keeping up with online marketing trends and how social media has impacted e-commerce.

For most people, ice cream is an edible treat. For Victoria Lai, it’s a passion and a business. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, co-hosts Bill Thorne and Tony Fontana sit down with the owner and founder of Ice Cream Jubilee, a Washington, D.C., company that has been on more than one list of top ice cream shops in America. Lai shares her experiences developing unique ice cream flavors and growing her small retail business. Lai’s story starts with an enthusiastic headfirst dive into the world of food manufacturing and retail. We hear how her brand’s growth has coincided with the development of her shop’s D.C. neighborhood, and what she’s learned about expansion, customer satisfaction and the importance of social media.

Just when retailers thought they understood Generation X and had figured out how to reach Millennials, here comes Gen Z.   The rise of social media and evolving technologies have ushered in rapid change, and a new generation will bring even more upheaval. On this week’s episode of Retail Gets Real, we look at the latest research on Generation Z and what retailers need to know about these young consumers.   Join our hosts as they chat with Mark Mathews, vice president of research development and industry analysis at the National Retail Federation, about Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Making a doughnut isn't just about following a recipe; baking a delicious pastry requires a bit of philosophy, too. Learn all about it on this episode of Retail Gets Real: NRF's Bill Thorne and Jessica Hibbard discuss entrepreneurship and geek out about food with Greg Menna, co-founder and CEO of District Doughnut in Washington, D.C. Greg shares what he's learned from launching his company.   With a strong focus on quality, Greg and his business partners have created a growing brand seeking to reinvent a beloved treat. From starting the business to refining the menu and opening new locations, Greg talks about the power of passion, craftsmanship and community. We also find out where Greg turns for advice — and why he sometimes ignores it.

Large retailers like Walmart have an international presence, including hundreds of stores in China. No two countries shop alike, but a strong connection with the community is important no matter where you’re opening a business.   Maggie Sans, former senior vice president and chief corporate affairs officer for Walmart in China, joins NRF's Bill Thorne and Sarah Rand for a candid discussion about doing business outside the United States. Maggie shares her retail career story and explains the importance of community relations when it comes to establishing a global retail presence.   The products on the shelves might change, but Walmart maintains a strong, consistent brand regardless of location. Maggie shares the challenges of understanding China’s unique and sophisticated shopping culture, along with the cross-cultural learning experiences of adapting to international markets.

Retail impacts everyone, every day, everywhere. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.