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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

Building Loyalty Through Generational Evolutions: Inside the Mind of American Eagle CMO Craig Brommers

Melissa Gonzalez - May 15, 2025

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2025 Retail Refined

What is Unreasonable Hospitality in EV Environments?

Melissa Gonzalez - May 8, 2025

As electric vehicle adoption surgesprojected to make up over half of all new car sales in the U.S.

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Live Events

Celebrating Women's History Month: From Opening Bell At Nasdaq To Tea With Gloria Steinem

Melissa Gonzalez - March 20, 2025

This Womens History Month, Retail Refineds host joined The DealMakeHers for a series of transformative moments from opening and closing the Nasdaq to sharing an intimate tea with trailblazer Gloria Steinem.Across several days of meaningful conversations and landmark events, we celebrated womens leadership, innovation, and resilience.

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2024 Retail Refined

A Look into Anthropologie's AnthroMagic: The 'What, So What, Now What' Approach with CMO Elizabeth Preis

Melissa Gonzalez - February 18, 2025

Anthropologie has long been a destination for customers seeking unique fashion, home decor, and lifestyle products. But what makes the brand stand out isn't just its product offeringsits the magic woven into every store visit, online interaction, and shopping experience.

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2024 Retail Refined

Madewell’s Data Driven Evolution for Today’s Consumer

Melissa Gonzalez - December 19, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of retail, success hinges on understanding the modern consumer's priorities: personalized shopping, timeless quality, and seamless experiences. Madewell, a denim-first brand, has leaned into these trends by redefining its in-store shopping and product strategies.

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2024 Retail Refined

True Religion Sets the Bar for Legacy Brands Seeking Cultural Relevance and Authentic Connections

Melissa Gonzalez - November 1, 2024

A striking 86% of consumers now prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support, emphasizing the value of transparency, authentic connections, and relevance in today's market. True Religion, remains true to its roots in culture, sports, and music, through authentic partnerships and a modern approach to style.

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