2023 Retail Refined
The transformation from a traditional brick-and-mortar store to an integrated commerce hub is crucial in the fast-evolving retail landscape. GNC’s omni-channel evolution epitomizes this shift, blending in-person and digital experiences to meet the contemporary consumer’s demands. But what does this mean for the future of retail? “Retail Refined,” hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, welcomes Nate…
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2023 Retail Refined
The Power of Machine Learning and AI for Carriers
With powerful tools like machine learning and AI, could retail logistics headaches be a thing of the past? With the rise of e-commerce, especially during the pandemic, the logistics and delivery sector has seen a significant uptick in activity. As consumers increasingly rely on online shopping, the need for efficient and sustainable delivery solutions…
2023 Retail Refined
Blending Digital and Physical Realms for the Future of Retail
The future of retail is not just a question of digital versus physical; it’s about creating a seamless, multi-dimensional experience that speaks to consumer emotions as much as it does to their needs. Melissa Gonzalez, Host of Retail Refined, and Principal, MG2 and Founder of The Lionesque Group, underscores the enduring power of brick-and-mortar…
2023 Retail Refined
Understanding Current and Incoming College Students and Their Generation is Vital for Company Growth
Personalization and DIY are now a mainstay in today’s world, but striking disruption comes in the form of Dormify, the ultimate solution to bland and uninspiring dorm rooms. What started as a mother-daughter quest to find chic dorm room décor turned into a business dedicated to helping college students and first-apartment dwellers design a…
2023 Retail Refined
The Impact of Wellness in Retail Experiences
In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez converses with Dawn Clark, Co-Founder of Osean Studios, a design strategist, and retail design expert. The spotlight of the conversation is the impact of wellness in retail experiences, delving into Clark’s professional journey that spans eminent brands like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nike, Amazon,…
2023 Retail Refined
Locus CEO Nishith Rastogi Wants His AI Tool To Help Meet Customer Demands
Consumer behavior continues to change in the wake of the pandemic. One trend found by 6 River Systems is that consumers demand “omnichannel” retail experiences that are consistent across channels. It can be very difficult for retailers to bridge the gap between brick-and-motor and online delivery of their products. How can retailers create seamless experiences…
2023 Retail Refined
Activating the Power of Brand
Toys “R” Us is an unforgettable part of many Americans’ childhoods, bringing back nostalgic memories of aisles upon aisles stacked high with all the toys a little mind could imagine. That’s why it was saddening for many who grew up with the chain to hear they filed for bankruptcy in September of 2018. It’s quite…
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Lights, Camera, Authenticity: Why Trusting Your Voice Is the Most Radical Move in Film Today
The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, where questions of access, authorship, and technological disruption are reshaping who gets to tell stories—and how those stories get made. From the rise of AI-assisted tools to ongoing conversations about representation and gatekeeping, filmmaking today is as much about identity and equity as it is about craft….
May the Agentforce Be With You: AI in Energy Services
Generative AI has moved past being a shiny demo and into the messy reality of enterprise operations—where data lives in different systems, customers expect instant answers, and security teams (rightfully) say “prove it.” In energy services specifically, even small efficiency gains matter: many retail energy providers operate on thin margins, and operational blind spots—billing…
Nightmare on Revenue Street: Energy Billing Edition
Energy billing is one of those things most people only think about when something goes wrong—an unusually high charge, a missing bill, a surprise shutoff notice, or a rate plan that suddenly doesn’t make sense. With smart meters, more complex pricing options, and different rules in regulated vs. deregulated markets, even a small breakdown…
Work-Based Learning & Career Coaching with Strada Education: Closing the Gap Between Education and Opportunity
As higher education faces mounting pressure to demonstrate clear career outcomes, institutions are rethinking how learning connects to work and the role of career coaching in that process. Employers continue to report skills gaps, students are questioning the return on investment of a degree, and states are demanding stronger alignment between postsecondary education and…
