Retail
Building consumer brands today requires more than clever marketing; it demands brand trust. Consumers want proof that products work, delivered at prices that feel accessible. That shift has raised the bar for founders, especially as 86% of consumers say authenticity influences which brands they support—with Gen Z placing even greater emphasis on it. Credibility…
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2025 Retail Refined
Scaling A Heritage Brand: Bringing a Local Lens to Growth Strategy
Retail is evolving at a lightning pace, with consumer expectations higher and more informed than ever before. Deloitte research shows that 80 percent of consumers prefer brands that offer personalized experiences, with those customers spending up to 50 percent more. For heritage retailers, this shift presents both opportunity and challenge: how do you honor local…
2025 Retail Refined
A Look at the Rise of Commerce Media Networks: How Nift Helps Brands Own How Their Message Shows Up
As traditional digital advertising struggles to retain consumer trust, brands are exploring new, more authentic ways to connect with shoppers. Platforms like commerce media networks, which weave together commerce, content, and data, are emerging as powerful tools in this shift. Research from MG2 Advisory reveals that only about 37% of consumers feel brands genuinely…
2025 Retail Refined
Bringing Hospitality to Retail as an Authentic Community Anchor: 15 Minutes with Coach’s Giovanni Zaccariello
Luxury retail is no longer confined to storefronts and seasonal campaigns. Brands are bringing hospitality to retail, building deeper emotional connections, and extending their presence beyond the product. Coach, among other heritage labels, is experimenting with cafés, branded bars, and immersive spaces that offer more than a transaction—they offer belonging. According to MG2 Advisory,…
2025 Retail Refined
How LEGO Puts Play to Work Across Retail Experiences: Breaking Down the Formula with PJ du Toit
As in-store experiences become key to brand loyalty, LEGO is doubling down on its core brand essence of play, using it as both a design philosophy and a strategic lever. The company is transforming its physical spaces into destinations that spark imagination, encourage interaction, and strengthen emotional connections with shoppers of all ages. With…
2025 Retail Refined
Building Loyalty Through Generational Evolutions: Inside the Mind of American Eagle CMO Craig Brommers
As Gen Z cements its role as the cultural vanguard and Gen Alpha begins to assert its voice, brands face mounting pressure to not only keep pace but to actively shape youth identity. With social commerce booming and physical retail undergoing reinvention, staying relevant means delivering experiences as dynamic as the customers themselves. One…
2025 Retail Refined
What is Unreasonable Hospitality in EV Environments?
As electric vehicle adoption surges—projected to make up over half of all new car sales in the U.S. by 2030—the expectations around where and how we charge are rapidly evolving. Charging stations are no longer just utility hubs; they are becoming lifestyle touchpoints. Today’s EV drivers seek more than speed and convenience—they want frictionless technology,…
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From Flip Phones to Free-to-Play Empires: How Mobile Gaming Reshaped Business Models, Communities, and Esports
Mobile gaming has quietly become the largest segment of the global gaming industry, generating about $92 billion annually—more than both PC and console games. Yet for decades, many brands and agencies underestimated its reach, focusing instead on arena-filling esports tournaments or blockbuster console titles. With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, however, mobile has become…
Transformation Without Disruption: How Access Healthcare Is Rewiring the Revenue Cycle with Agentic AI
Hospitals are juggling shrinking margins and rising costs while denial volumes remain stubbornly high. In the revenue cycle alone, hundreds of billions are lost annually to preventable errors and inefficiencies—in fact, Access Healthcare CEO Shaji Ravi cites more than $250 billion wasted each year. Meanwhile, payers have accelerated their use of AI to adjudicate…
Making Meaning Out of Life’s Pause: Billie Whitehouse on Finding Strength, Setting Boundaries, and Leading With Intention
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…
Transforming the ICU Through Technology: Advances in Critical Care Telehealth Delivering Gold-Standard Care Anywhere
Critical care in the United States faces a mounting crisis. With a shortage of board-certified intensivists and younger, less experienced nurses filling ICUs, hospitals often struggle to provide timely, gold-standard care. Studies show that hospitals with board-certified intensivists in their ICUs see a 30% reduction in patient mortality, yet thousands of facilities still lack…
Latest Articles
2025 Retail Refined
Building Loyalty Through Generational Evolutions: Inside the Mind of American Eagle CMO Craig Brommers
As Gen Z cements its role as the cultural vanguard and Gen Alpha begins to assert its voice, brands face mounting pressure to not only keep pace but to actively shape youth identity. With social commerce booming and physical retail undergoing reinvention, staying relevant means delivering experiences as dynamic as the customers themselves. One…
Madewell’s Data Driven Evolution for Today’s Consumer
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. With the rise of digital integration and customer-driven design, the stakes have never been higher for…
Hammer Down at Shoptalk Chicago: Making Deliveries Faster, Cheaper & More Sustainable for Greater Retail Success
As the retail industry prepares for the holiday season, supply chain challenges and innovations are at the forefront of every retailer’s mind. With consumer expectations shaped by giants like Amazon, businesses are scrambling to deliver faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably. At Shoptalk Chicago, supply chain leaders gathered to discuss how logistics are evolving…
Leading With Curiosity, Creating a Playbook of Store Experiences with Victoria’s Secret & Co.
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and brands are redefining their approach to in-store experiences to remain competitive. Victoria’s Secret & Co. is at the forefront of this change, focusing on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment through its ‘Store of the Future’ initiative. This episode explores how Victoria’s Secret is leading with curiosity…
Articles
Netflix House: Can Streamers Turn Their IPs into Successful Experiential Retail?
With the entertainment industry constantly evolving, Netflix is taking a bold step by merging the digital and physical worlds through the introduction of Netflix House, a new experiential retail venture. Set to open in 2025 in Texas and Pennsylvania, Netflix House aims to immerse fans in their favorite shows and movies with interactive experiences,…
The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture and Strategies for Generating Capital with Steward CEO Dan Miller
As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and…
Why U.S. Fashion Retailers Can’t Afford to Miss Online Sizing Technology
As fashion retailers strive to enhance the digital shopping experience, they face significant challenges in implementing consumer-centric digital technologies. Overcoming these challenges requires innovative strategies and technologies that address customer needs and improve the overall shopping journey. One such innovation is Makip’s FaceChange, an advanced online sizing technology. Challenges in Implementing Consumer-Centric Digital Technologies…
Enhancing Retailers’ Personalization with Gamification
In the ever-evolving retail landscape, staying ahead means embracing innovative strategies. This clip from a recent edition of Experts Talk explores the dual power of personalization and gamification in transforming customer experiences. Retailers today are harnessing the magic of personalization, tailoring experiences to individual preferences, and boosting customer satisfaction. Simultaneously, gamification injects fun and engagement…
Articles
Culture and Craftsmanship with Sabah Founder Mickey Ashmore
In an age where mass production dominates, the art of craftsmanship and its profound impact on culture and community is increasingly rare. This rarity has brought craftsmanship into the spotlight, as consumers and creators alike seek authenticity in a digital world. At the heart of this movement is Sabah, a brand that has successfully…
Retail Marketing Gamification is the Battleground for Customer Loyalty and Attention. How Do Retailers Win?
Retail marketing is undergoing a transformation driven by the experience economy, pushing brands to innovate with engaging and interactive customer experiences. Gamification is at the forefront of this movement, offering a dynamic way to enhance customer loyalty and drive revenue. As brands explore unique loyalty programs, immersive on-site marketing, and in-store pop-up experiences, the question…
Sustainable Trucking Solutions for Small Businesses: Increasing Profitability and Efficiency with Adam Wingfield
The trucking industry is at a pivotal moment, facing significant changes and challenges from regulatory shifts to technological innovations. As one of the backbones of the global economy, the importance of efficient and sustainable trucking solutions cannot be overstated. With the industry grappling with issues like driver shortages, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of…
Transforming Ear Piercings into a Tailored Journey: How Studs is Redefining the Industry with ‘Earscaping’
In today’s dynamic retail landscape, where personalization and self-expression lead consumer trends, Studs is redefining the ear piercing industry by transforming ear piercings into a tailored journey. The company blends aesthetics with comfort, introducing innovative store designs and a diverse earring assortment that underscores its mission—redefining the piercing industry. Amidst a surge in demand…
Latest Retail Podcasts
2025 Retail Refined
Consumer Brand Growth Formula: Value Proposition, Platform Strategy, and Wellness Integration
Building consumer brands today requires more than clever marketing; it demands brand trust. Consumers want proof that products work, delivered at prices that feel accessible. That shift has raised the bar for founders, especially as 86% of consumers say authenticity influences which brands they support—with Gen Z placing even greater emphasis on it. Credibility…
Scaling A Heritage Brand: Bringing a Local Lens to Growth Strategy
Retail is evolving at a lightning pace, with consumer expectations higher and more informed than ever before. Deloitte research shows that 80 percent of consumers prefer brands that offer personalized experiences, with those customers spending up to 50 percent more. For heritage retailers, this shift presents both opportunity and challenge: how do you honor local…
A Look at the Rise of Commerce Media Networks: How Nift Helps Brands Own How Their Message Shows Up
As traditional digital advertising struggles to retain consumer trust, brands are exploring new, more authentic ways to connect with shoppers. Platforms like commerce media networks, which weave together commerce, content, and data, are emerging as powerful tools in this shift. Research from MG2 Advisory reveals that only about 37% of consumers feel brands genuinely…
Bringing Hospitality to Retail as an Authentic Community Anchor: 15 Minutes with Coach’s Giovanni Zaccariello
Luxury retail is no longer confined to storefronts and seasonal campaigns. Brands are bringing hospitality to retail, building deeper emotional connections, and extending their presence beyond the product. Coach, among other heritage labels, is experimenting with cafés, branded bars, and immersive spaces that offer more than a transaction—they offer belonging. According to MG2 Advisory,…
2024 Retail Refined
True Religion Sets the Bar for Legacy Brands Seeking Cultural Relevance and Authentic Connections
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. Leading this transformation, Chief Marketing Officer Kristen…
Urban Outfitters is Shaping the Future of Retail with Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Mind
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and Urban Outfitters is stepping up to meet the challenges of reaching both Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. Gen Z, a generation coming of age amid social and technological shifts, is the first to begin their adult lives in a post-pandemic world. They crave individuality but…
Milani Cosmetics Redefines Beauty Standards with a Commitment to Inclusivity, Innovation, and Cross-Generational Appeal
As beauty consumers become increasingly vocal about diversity and inclusivity, brands are being pushed to evolve beyond the traditional definitions of beauty. According to a recent report by Beauty Packaging, 63% of American consumers feel inspired by brands that showcase diversity in their advertising, and 73% agree that the beauty industry still plays on…
AI Retail Experience Revolutionizes Shopping with Personalized Recommendations, Multilingual Support, and Anti-Counterfeiting Technology
AI is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of our lives, and retail is no exception. Traditional commerce, once dominated by in-store interactions, has shifted toward e-commerce, yet the online experience often lacks the nuanced guidance of a knowledgeable salesperson. With advancements in Generative AI (Gen AI), this gap is closing, transforming the retail experience through…
2024 Retail Refined
The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture and Strategies for Generating Capital with Steward CEO Dan Miller
As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and…
Culture and Craftsmanship with Sabah Founder Mickey Ashmore
In an age where mass production dominates, the art of craftsmanship and its profound impact on culture and community is increasingly rare. This rarity has brought craftsmanship into the spotlight, as consumers and creators alike seek authenticity in a digital world. At the heart of this movement is Sabah, a brand that has successfully…
Sustainable Trucking Solutions for Small Businesses: Increasing Profitability and Efficiency with Adam Wingfield
The trucking industry is at a pivotal moment, facing significant changes and challenges from regulatory shifts to technological innovations. As one of the backbones of the global economy, the importance of efficient and sustainable trucking solutions cannot be overstated. With the industry grappling with issues like driver shortages, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of…
Transforming Ear Piercings into a Tailored Journey: How Studs is Redefining the Industry with ‘Earscaping’
In today’s dynamic retail landscape, where personalization and self-expression lead consumer trends, Studs is redefining the ear piercing industry by transforming ear piercings into a tailored journey. The company blends aesthetics with comfort, introducing innovative store designs and a diverse earring assortment that underscores its mission—redefining the piercing industry. Amidst a surge in demand…
Latest Videos Retail
Retail
Sports Retailing with Matt Powell
On this latest episode of What Just Happened? with Christine Russo, industry veteran Matt Powell joins to discuss the shifting dynamics of the sports retail landscape and the evolving role of direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies. Powell, who spent over two decades studying the sports retail sector and recently founded Spur Wink River, brings a unique lens…
The Rise and Rise of Retail Media Networks
Retail media networks (RMNs) are transforming the advertising landscape by enabling retailers to leverage their first-party data to directly connect with consumers. In a recent episode of What Just Happened on MarketScale, host Christine Russo spoke with Brian Gleason, CRO & President of Retail Media at Criteo, and Kristi Argyilan, VP of Retail Media at…
Balancing Customer Desires and Retailer Needs in Personalizing Shopping Experiences
In the contemporary retail landscape, a crucial dynamic exists between what customers desire and what retailers need to achieve. The core of this dynamic revolves around personalizing the shopping experience, enabling customers to find what they need quickly and efficiently. This personalization, however, hinges on the availability of customer data, presenting a significant challenge: the…
Staying Competitive in Retail: Future Success Tied to Adoption of Innovative Tech
In the rapidly evolving retail industry, a wide array of innovative tech is reshaping the landscape, marking a significant transformation in both the shopping experience and the operational aspects of businesses. This video from Datascan, explores a range of innovative technologies transforming the retail industry. It delves into the use of RFID for efficient…
Controltek
Closing the Loop: Our Sustainable Commitment to Circular Economy
This video focuses on EcoLOK4, a groundbreaking product by CONTROLTEK that exemplifies innovation in sustainability. It highlights the process of transforming landfill waste into new deposit bags, with 90% of each bag’s material being repurposed trash. This initiative not only reduces waste but also closes the sustainability loop, demonstrating CONTROLTEK’s commitment to environmentally friendly…
CONTROLTEK’s Design Thinking Workshop with Rite Aid
The video showcases a dynamic workshop titled “CONTROLTEK Method of Design Thinking at Rite Aid,” highlighting the collaborative and innovative efforts between CONTROLTEK and Rite Aid teams. It features scenes of brainstorming, prototype development, and group discussions, emphasizing CONTROLTEK’s customer-centric approach to problem-solving and innovation in retail solutions. The workshop demonstrates how cross-functional teams…
CONTROLTEK Design Thinking Workshop for Burlington Stores
The video captures highlights from the CONTROLTEK Design Thinking Workshop specifically tailored for Burlington Stores. It shows interactive sessions, engaging group activities, and innovative brainstorming, emphasizing CONTROLTEK’s commitment to developing customized retail solutions in collaboration with the Burlington Stores team.
Enhancing Customer Value Through Innovation: The CONTROLTEK and Davis Bancorp Partnership
The collaboration between Davis Bancorp and CONTROLTEK is a shining example of how shared values and commitment can significantly enhance customer interests. This partnership is rooted in a strong foundation of similarities, with both entities being family-owned businesses that prioritize their people, property, and client service quality. CONTROLTEK’s approach is notably innovative and forward-looking….
