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Melissa Gonzalez

Top Retail Voice, Influencer, and Lead Retail Contributor

Industry-recognized influencer, leader, and storyteller in Retail. Lead Retail Industry Contributor at MarketScale. Principal at MG2 Design. Host of "Retail Refined" Podcast. As a global brand and retail experience disruptor, Melissa possess strong proficiency in consumer insights, experiential design, retail technology integration, and brand innovation. During her career, she have created powerful visual narratives through physical spaces, imprinting complex concepts and ideas to consumers in genuine, tactile, and persuasive manners. She have also served as a consumer engagement trendsetter, “pop-up” industry pioneer, and entrepreneur. Melissa founded and launched a consumer experiential design firm that achieved a successful exit, driving initial client wins, monetization, and exponential revenue growth.


"Melissa brings both her industry knowledge and an approachable and educational point of view to her interviewing skills. With an authentic style, she facilitates an engaging dialogue, one where listeners can walk away from with tangible insights and thought provokers!"

-Jeffrey Roseman, Vice Chairman of Retail at Newmark


"What sets Melissa apart is her ability to cut through the noise and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re a store owner looking to revamp your space or a tech enthusiast curious about the next big thing in retail, you’ll find tangible ideas to build on. From seasoned designers to pioneering tech gurus - ensuring that listeners are always engaged with diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. Retail Refined doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into topics that matter. If staying ahead of the retail curve is important to you, start here."

-Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of GNC

Shopware - Top 20 eCommerce Podcast 2023
NYBJ - Top 10 NYC Executive To Watch In 2023 2023
Path to Purchase - Woman of Excellence 2023
WWD - Top 25 Most Inspirational Woman Leader 2022
LinkedIn - Top 10 Must-Know Retail Writer 2018
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pod Podcast Hosting & Public Speaking

Recent Posts

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2025 Retail Refined

From Heritage to Hospitality: The Faherty Blueprint for Authentic, Community-Centered Branding

Melissa Gonzalez - October 15, 2025

Great clothes may be where it starts, but todays shoppers are looking for something more a sense of connection, belonging, and shared purpose. Research shows that 90% ofconsumers value authenticity when deciding which brands to support: a clear reminder that while quality and design remain vital, meaning has become the new measure of loyalty.

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Business Services

The Gut Reset Revolution: How Food-as-Medicine Became the New Foundation for Wellness

Melissa Gonzalez - October 15, 2025

Gut health has moved from fringe to front page, with consumers overwhelmed by protocols, powders, and miracle cleanses. As interest surges, so do questions about what actually works day to dayand why it matters now.

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2025 Retail Refined

Fashion, Identity, and Digital Life Collide: Why Brands Must Listen, Collaborate, and Co-Create With the Next Generation of Youth

Melissa Gonzalez - October 8, 2025

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Business Services

Creating a Playbook for Pro Athlete's Families: How Ladies Playbook Champions Empowerment for Women Off the Field

Melissa Gonzalez - October 7, 2025

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Articles Business Services

From Classroom to Clinic, How HerMD is Closing the Menopause Gap in Medicine

Melissa Gonzalez - September 24, 2025

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Business Services

Making Meaning Out of Life’s Pause: Billie Whitehouse on Finding Strength, Setting Boundaries, and Leading With Intention

Melissa Gonzalez - September 17, 2025

In June, Forbes profiled Billie Whitehouse, CEO and Creative Director of Wearable X, as she broke her silence about leading through a devastating health crisis. Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 27 while 22 weeks pregnant, Whitehouse underwent emergency surgery that ensured her survival, but came with the profound heartbreak of losing her baby.

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