Retail Refined

The Future of Shopping: From Virtual Try-On Tech to E-Shopping Chatbots, AI is Revolutionizing Retail

Future of shopping

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the retail industry, and this transformation is already underway: From e-shopping assistant chatbots to virtual fitting tech, AI is revolutionizing retail. The future of shopping was a hot topic at the NRF convention, the industry’s big show, earlier this year — and that’s likely to continue at […]

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Latest

Articles
AI Reshaping the Retail Industry One Personalized Experience at a Time

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is louder than ever. With the National Retail Federation (NRF) recently highlighting AI as a focal topic and its anticipated discussions at ShopTalk, it’s clear that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force reshaping the retail industry. This episode […]

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Podcasts
Brand Trust and Authenticity: Two Essentials that Will Make AI a Valued Resource in the Unified Retail Experience

AI is quickly becoming a leading player in building a unified retail experience. However, that success hinges on retailers’ ability to use the technology to generate brand trust and authenticity. Without those elements, it’s just AI. On the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez chats with Krystina Gustafson, Senior Vice President of […]

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Podcasts
Unpacking the Future of Wellness and Retail in 2024

In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez peers inside the evolving world of wellness and retail in 2024. Joined by Jennifer Walsh, founder of Walk with Walsh, this episode offers a unique perspective on how wellness trends are reshaping the retail landscape. This episode of Retail Refined features an insightful discussion […]

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2023 Retail Refined
GNC’s Omni-Channel Evolution From Brick and Mortar to Commerce Hub

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 […]

Read More
Podcasts
The Power of Consumer Insights: Enhance Performance and Customer Loyalty with Data

In the latest episode of Retail Refined, conducted at the Retail Influencer CEO Forum 2023, host Melissa Gonzalez explores the transformative power of consumer insights with guest Elizabeth Oates, VP of Consumer Insights at Ulta Beauty. They discuss how data-driven insights can enhance performance, foster customer loyalty, and shape the beauty industry’s future. Oates […]

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Latest

Al Purves discusses RenewAire BACNet Fan Controller
BACNet Fan Controller Helps Simplify Ventilation for Building Management
March 18, 2024

The importance of efficient and reliable ventilation systems cannot be overstated as it pertains to smart building management. But as buildings become more intelligent, integrating various systems to work in harmony has become both a challenge and a necessity. This is particularly true for systems that directly impact air quality and energy use.  RenewAire’s […]

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in-vehicle entertainment
Beyond Sound: MTX Audio’s Integration in Polaris Slingshot Pushes the Boundaries of In-Vehicle Entertainment
March 18, 2024

The MTX Audio-enhanced Polaris Slingshot features a groundbreaking audio system that includes two MTX 75 Series 12” subwoofers and MTX Signature Series 3-way component speakers, powered by robust MTX amplifiers. An Apple® iPad® mini, seamlessly integrated into the custom dashboard, acts as the source unit. This high-powered setup ensures an immersive audio experience that […]

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sound system
Unleash the Power of Sound: MTX Audio’s Sound System Takes the Polaris RZR to New Heights
March 18, 2024

The Blue Thunder Edition Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo, a masterpiece crafted by MTX Audio in collaboration with Polaris, showcases an exceptional blend of high-performance off-roading and state-of-the-art sound system integration. The RZR features an advanced MTX Audio system designed to deliver superior sound quality even in the most rugged environments. The Blue Thunder […]

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Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools
The Power of BoxLight Technologies Transforms Clayton County Public Schools
March 18, 2024

The landscape of education has seen much evolution and school districts like Clayton County Public Schools have emerged as a beacon of innovation and commitment to student achievement, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Anthony Smith, district staff, educators, and the BoxLight team. Recognizing the central role of technology in modern learning, the district […]

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Latest 2021 Retail Refined

How Will Sustainability Go Together with the "On-Demand" Economy?
2021 Retail Refined
How Will Sustainability Go Together with the “On-Demand” Economy?
December 21, 2021

Ohi’s mission is to enable every brand to offer instant post purchase experience. Ben Jones, Founder of Ohi, chatted with Melissa Gonzales about Ohi’s origin and values. Jones founded Ohi when he had an injury that left him bedridden, and he realized he couldn’t order any of the products he needed and get them […]

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How CPGs Are Using Retail Sales Data to Set Their Brand Apart in 2022

With the assumption supply chain issues will continue to impact retail for the foreseeable future, how can retailers best optimize their assortments heading into 2022? This question was on Retail Refined’s Melissa Gonzalez’ mind when she spoke with Andrew Criezis, Head of Product for SMB Globally, at NielsenIQ. At NielsonIQ’s SMB segment, Criezis and his […]

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The New Profile of the Store Associate

The role of the store associate continues to evolve. This new profile is entrepreneurial and adaptive, selling to anybody anywhere. Brands with associates that build bonds versus being transactional only can see shopper value increase. Discussing this buzzy topic, Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez welcomed two experts, Bob Phibbs, Founder of the Retail Doctor, and […]

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Data is Shifting the CPG-Retailer Relationship

CPGs and retailers have always had strong ties. With consumer behavior shifts, more competition, and new technology tools, that relationship is evolving. In the center of the CPG-retailer relationship are AI and machine learning. Taking on this topic, Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Ryan Powell, VP Retail Strategy and Consulting, at Insite […]

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One Company Wants to Fix How eCommerce is Built
2021 Retail Refined
One Company Wants to Fix How eCommerce is Built
November 2, 2021

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.   Transactions are the objective of any business. In those moments, whether online or in-store, the brand […]

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Live Streaming Has a Permanent Place in Retail. Here’s Why.

Live streaming adoption is accelerating for a host of reasons and has many applications. Retailers can take advantage of this channel to connect with consumers and sell directly to them. Talking about this emerging trend, Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Kenneth Tan, Co-founder and CEO of BeLive Technology. The company offers live streaming solutions […]

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How Revlon Thinks Through Its Innovation Process

Leveraging retail trends and data are keys to staying on the minds of consumers. This week on Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez talks with Keyla Lazardi, Revlon’s Chief Scientific Officer about how the cosmetics giant utilizes both trends and data when it comes to innovation. The two also discuss the future of the beauty industry and what trends Lazardi is most […]

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The Future of Grocery is Here Live at GroceryShop 2021

What’s the future of grocery? In an industry that’s evolved dramatically since 2020, there are lots of trends to discuss. Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with multiple stakeholders to get their take. First, Gonzalez chatted with George Shaw, CEO of Pathr.ai, a spatial intelligence platform. “We apply data to questions our customers have, which […]

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2021 Retail Refined
Ecommerce Websites Have the Same Basic Structure. Will Higher Consumer Expectations Change That?
September 22, 2021

Ecommerce adoption has never been higher, but that doesn’t mean shoppers want standard shopping experiences. They’re expecting more and for brands to delight them. Many of these companies are investing in experiential ecommerce. Retailed Refined host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Neha Singh, the Founder and CEO of Obsess, about this topic. Singh, a returning guest, started […]

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Exploring Experiential Ecommerce

Ecommerce adoption has never been higher, but that doesn’t mean retailers can rest on their laurels when it comes to creating engaging experiences for shoppers. Engagement is an area where consumer expectations have evolved over the last 18 months. The host of MarketScale’s Retailed Refined, Melissa Gonzalez, spoke with Neha Singh, the Founder and CEO […]

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Will Stores Carve Out More Space for Ecommerce Fulfillment?

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail. Over the past year, ecommerce and online shopping, as well as BOPIS, saw a significant bump. Now, […]

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How Brick and Mortar Stores Will Personalize the Guest Experience

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail. With customer expectations higher than ever before, will brick-and-mortar stores lean more heavily into personalizing the guest […]

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Latest 2022 Retail Refined

Daniel’s Jewelers
2022 Retail Refined
How Daniel’s Jewelers is Utilizing the Recent Successes of the Jewelry Industry
December 20, 2022

The jewelry industry stands unique compared to other retailers for a lot of reasons, and most of that being with how personal a jewelry purchase can be. Despite flourishing over the years, that growth saw a quick decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. But later the industry saw a rapid increase in sales just […]

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Bubble Skincare Refreshing and Authentic Consumer-Centered Products

As any good entrepreneur knows, starting a new business should address a consumer gap. For Bubble Skincare CEO and Founder, Shai Eisenman, she identified the need of affordable skincare that was accessible, made with clean ingredients, and centered around its target consumers – Generation Z teens. With such a refreshing approach to business, host […]

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Why Retailers are Using Computer Vision to Help Customers Find the Perfect Shoe

Currently, the customer journey for shoe shopping is quite involved and tedious. Consumers shop for shoes, read reviews and shoe sizing graphs, maybe even go in store to try shoes on, and often buy multiple pairs in various sizes. Sometimes they even buy the same product in different sizes — only to ultimately return […]

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Behind WorkJam’s Mission to Improve Retention and Training in Retail

Steve Kramer, CEO at WorkJam, is a twenty-year veteran in e-commerce. His specialty is finding the gaps in how organizations manage their frontlines. He founded WorkJam in 2014 as a digital frontline workplace to solve retail industry issues. “Our platform essentially helps retailers and companies and other industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and distribution, […]

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2022 Retail Refined
Platform Unification Is More Important Than Ever for Retailers
August 23, 2022

Successful retail requires flexibility. Recently, omnichannel was groundbreaking, but Retail Dive now reports it as a consumer baseline expectation. Let’s say a consumer is shopping on their mobile device. They transfer to their laptop to complete the transaction only to find an empty cart. These disconnections create enough friction for shoppers to jump and abandon […]

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How Buy Now Pay Later is Impacting the Store Experience

The popularity of BNPL (buy now, pay later) has grown tremendously over the past decade. The attraction of breaking purchasing payments up over weeks without interest or late fees is undeniable. In fact, “BNPL spending in the US is up 230% since 2020, per a September report by Accenture… [and] it’s estimated to total ~$226 billion this year, […]

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How Retailers Are Rethinking Their Space to Maximize Experience and Flow

Retail in 2022 and surviving as a brick-and-mortar store means keeping up with the consumers and consistently improving the customer’s experience. Keeping up with the consumers means being able to know what is convenient for them and what drives a consumer to make a purchase. In this episode of Retail Redefined, hosted by Melissa Gonzalez […]

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Moving Online to Brick & Mortar Has Helped UNTUCKit Thrive

With over 12K retail locations closing in 2020, leaving 159M square feet of retail space unoccupied, many might be thinking that the future of brick and mortar retail locations is permanently on the decline. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, retailers opened more stores than they closed in 2021, “with a nearly […]

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How American Eagle Outfitters Went by Acquisitions to Fill Logistics Gaps
2022 Retail Refined
How American Eagle Outfitters Went by Acquisitions to Fill Logistics Gaps
April 12, 2022

At a time when the supply and demand chain is experiencing growth in the retail sector, companies are focusing now more than ever on their efforts to keep up with the increasing pressures. Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez sat down to talk about the matter, and with her, Shekar Natarajan, Chief Global Supply Chain Officer […]

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IBM Study Shows a Growing Portion of Consumers Embrace Hybrid Shopping

It’s the age-old question advertisers ask themselves: How do I ensure the brand is placed at the right place and right time to successfully engage our target audience throughout the customer journey? Discussing this loaded topic with Retail Refined Host, Melissa Gonzalez, is Karl Haller, partner of the consumer center of competency at IBM. One […]

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$40 Million in Funding Allows HugePOD to expand to the US

The Head of Global Expansion at HugePOD discusses custom apparel with Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez. HugePOD is a global leader in print-on-demand apparel design and manufacturing. Formally launched in 2021, HugePOD includes a worldwide network of diverse manufacturers and has developed a flexible fashion supply chain for world-class retailers, including Steve Madden, Forever New, Landmark, […]

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Having Funding Isn’t Enough, Entrepreneurs of Color Need an Ecosystem of Resources

Making a difference for black-owned businesses is Kendra Bracken-Ferguson. Bracken-Ferguson’s establishment of BrainTrust, an innovative social, digital, and influencer marketing agency focused on growing brands from organic communities since 2016, recently launched BrainTrust Founders Studio. This membership-based community platform creates inclusive economic opportunities for Black Beauty and Wellness Founders, increases business performance, and builds […]

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Latest 2023 Retail Refined

commerce hub
2023 Retail Refined
GNC’s Omni-Channel Evolution From Brick and Mortar to Commerce Hub
November 29, 2023

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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
retail experiences
2023 Retail Refined
The Impact of Wellness in Retail Experiences
July 17, 2023

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, […]

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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 […]

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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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Brand-To-Consumer: The Evolving Landscape of D2C Strategies and Experiential Retail

As retail evolves, so do many of the business models and strategies that are crucial to its success. Direct-to-consumer, or D2C, is the model that ensures that retailers sell and distribute their products directly to consumers. This allows them to avoid any other parties in the process. As a result, many brands are also shifting […]

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2023 Retail Refined
How Clientelling Technology is Transforming the In-Store Experience for Customers and Retailers
April 17, 2023
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The Future of Social Commerce and Content Creation Via AI

Social commerce may be a newish idea for U.S. retail brands, but it is a trendy marketing tool in China. How popular? Sales in China from social commerce platform purchases reached $363 billion in 2021. Compare that with the U.S., where social commerce sales were $36.6 billion in the same year. The trend is growing, […]

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How Stylitics’ Technology Can Benefit Brands and Retailers

How exactly are companies like Stylitics entering the fashion field and helping to expand fashion customization and personalization in today’s world? Fashion is part of who we are—it is a silent form of self-identity for an individual that portrays beliefs, preferences, religion, occupation, social class, and so much more. And fashion is ever evolving; trends […]

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Latest Live Events

Live Events
The Digitization of Offline Retail: Taking Your Store Online
November 10, 2020

MarketScale’s Retail Refined, with host Melissa Gonzalez, is leading the discussion around retail in the new normal and beyond — and it’s going live. On this live episode, Gonzalez will be joined by Radius8 CEO and Founder Sandeep Bhanote, DeepNorth AI CEO and Co-Founder Rohan Sanil and Pilot Consulting Founder Ken Pilot, who will […]

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Latest NRF 2021

NRF 2021
Location Analytics Are Reshaping Offline Retail’s Future
January 22, 2021

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.   Data-driven retail delivers insights that lead to better decision-making. On the digital side, retailers […]

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The Blending of Brick-and-Mortar and Online and the Rise of ‘Dark Stores’

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail. Steve Hornyak oversees Fabric’s global sales, marketing, business development and customer success business functions. He […]

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How Personalization and Supply Chain Efficiency are Driving Retail Resurgence

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.   Melissa Gonzalez, host of MarketScale’s Retail Refined, knows what’s at the top of everyone in the […]

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How Big Data Changed Fulfillment and Inventory in Retail

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.   Retailers learned many lessons in 2020 relating to the “new” in-store experience. This knowledge now shines […]

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Latest NRF 2022

Studies Show Consumers Spend More Time Shopping in Digital Realities Versus a Digital Page
NRF 2022
Studies Show Consumers Spend More Time Shopping in Digital Realities Versus a Digital Page
March 15, 2022

The convenience of online shopping means those crowded malls are no longer. No more waiting in a long line to purchase an item, no more pushing through crowds. But also, no longer being able to see the item in a room, on display. No more walking into a store and seeing the products incorporated […]

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Why Virtual Dressing Rooms Will Be Key for Differentiating in Retail

The days of retail clothiers needing to stock multiple garment sizes could be drawing to a close. NOBAL Technologies developed a product poised to revolutionize the customer retail experience with its interactive iMirror solution. Daniel Maher, VP of Technology at NOBAL, joined Retail Refined’s Melissa Gonzalez at NRF to talk about the positive impact iMirror […]

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How Fast Fashion Can Fix Its Sustainability Reputation Through the Supply Chain

While at the world’s largest retail conference and expo, Retail Refined Host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Chris Georgen, Founder and Chief Architect of Topl, a company that sits at the intersection of sustainability, deep-technology, and innovation. Topl, whose mission is to build trust between consumers and products, is set largely within an industry which […]

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Bringing One-click Checkouts to Merchants of All Sizes

Ian Leslie, Senior Director of Retail Advocacy at Bolt, joined Retail Refined for a live chat at NRF 2020. Bolt is a San Francisco-based one-click checkout solution powering checkout across e-commerce merchants across the internet. “We’re trying to bring one-click checkout to all merchants whether they’re big or small,” Leslie said. “Give them a best-in-class […]

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How Will A Decrease in Foot Traffic Impact the In-Store Environment?
NRF 2022
How Will A Decrease in Foot Traffic Impact the In-Store Environment?
February 15, 2022

What is the social and economic impact of declining foot traffic at malls around the country? To get insight into this question the Host of Retail Refined, Melissa Gonzalez, sat down with Karen Bomber, the Vice President of Global Marketing for Honeywell, at NRF 2022 to discuss the direct correlation between foot traffic and the […]

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Pop-Up Retailers Will Finally Have Analytics to Chart Success

This episode of Retail Refined explored the emerging spatial intelligence technology that provides pop-up stores the opportunity to utilize real-time analytics to enhance the buying and selling experience. George Shaw, founder of Pathr.ai, and Melissa Gonzalez of The Lionesque Group discussed the technology that is set to transform retail environments throughout the world. “We’ve […]

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Latest NRF 2023

Video Analytics
NRF 2023
How AI Video Analytics is Helping Retailers Deliver Better In-Person Experiences
February 13, 2023

In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez, Principal at MG2/ Founder of The Lionesque Group sits down with Tracy Benaman, Deep North VP of Retail Sales, at NRF’s Big Show to discuss how AI video analytics is revolutionizing the retail industry. Tracy shares how retailers are using AI video analytics to gain valuable […]

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Latest Retail Influencer CEO Forum

power of consumer insights
Podcasts
The Power of Consumer Insights: Enhance Performance and Customer Loyalty with Data
September 26, 2023

In the latest episode of Retail Refined, conducted at the Retail Influencer CEO Forum 2023, host Melissa Gonzalez explores the transformative power of consumer insights with guest Elizabeth Oates, VP of Consumer Insights at Ulta Beauty. They discuss how data-driven insights can enhance performance, foster customer loyalty, and shape the beauty industry’s future. Oates […]

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Adapting to a Constantly Changing Market: Leadership and Impact with Warby Parker’s Co-Founder

During the recent 2023 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, Retail Refined’s Melissa Gonzalez sat down with Neil Blumenthal, co-CEO and co-Founder of Warby Parker, to discuss the brand’s journey and its innovative approach to leadership in the eyewear industry. Blumenthal highlighted Warby Parker’s commitment to providing affordable eyewear while also making a positive impact with […]

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Innovation Through AI is Helping Major Shifts in the Retail Landscape

The retail landscape is not just shifting—it’s making monumental changes at an astonishing rate, thanks to advances in technology like artificial intelligence, better known as AI. Companies like Meta are at the forefront of this change, driving innovation through AI, mobile optimization, and an ever-evolving array of social platforms. For retail brands, adapting to this […]

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Latest Retail Influencer CEO Forum - Featuring The Z Suite

Brands
Articles
How Retail Brands Can Embrace Authenticity, Accessibility and Inclusivity Across Generations
November 8, 2022

Generation Z, better known as Gen Z, is the generation that is increasingly drawing more attention from brands and companies. With this in mind, brands are ensuring they are not only meeting the spending needs of Gen Z, but also addressing the social issues and concerns that they care about. As a demographic, their […]

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Study Finds 60% of Consumers Take Advantage of Loopholes in the Return System

Building brand loyalty is about putting the customer first, in every aspect. Tuned into this idea of proactive communication, Amit Sharma founded Narvar, a pioneering platform that helps brands engage with consumers beyond their purchase. In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with CEO and Founder Amit Sharma about engaging customers […]

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The Importance of Sustainable Fashion for Gen Z with Maya Penn

Generation Z likes their fashion to be sustainable. A Forbes Study found that 62% of Generation Z prefer to purchase from sustainable brands. And this generation is backing that pledge with their wallets—they are willing to pay more for ethically produced goods. Utilizing the powerful influencing tools of social media, Generation Z makes known […]

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Taking a Metaverse and Web3 Approach to Retail

Retail brands recognized the need for dominance in the eCommerce space, but omnichannel today means there is a new world to embrace, the Metaverse. Brands that fail to embrace the Metaverse could miss out on millions of consumers who spend hundreds of hours a month on virtual platforms.  One retailer who understands the value […]

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Gen Z
Articles
Why Gen Z’s Collaboration With Retail Brands Will Fashion the Future
October 21, 2022

When the C-Suite needs to know the hot retail fashion trends, they check into the Z Suite. At the recent Retail Influencer CEO Forum featuring the Z Suite on September 12, 2022, C-suite retail and brand leaders came together to discuss this critical demographic with an exclusive network of diverse Gen Z voices. But […]

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Latest Retail Refined Live Events

Live Events
The Digitization of Offline Retail: Taking Your Store Online
November 10, 2020

MarketScale’s Retail Refined, with host Melissa Gonzalez, is leading the discussion around retail in the new normal and beyond — and it’s going live. On this live episode, Gonzalez will be joined by Radius8 CEO and Founder Sandeep Bhanote, DeepNorth AI CEO and Co-Founder Rohan Sanil and Pilot Consulting Founder Ken Pilot, who will […]

Read More
Other Retail Refined
Adapting to a Constantly Changing Market: Leadership and Impact with Warby Parker’s Co-Founder
September 21, 2023

During the recent 2023 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, Retail Refined’s Melissa Gonzalez sat down with Neil Blumenthal, co-CEO and co-Founder of Warby Parker, to discuss the brand’s journey and its innovative approach to leadership in the eyewear industry. Blumenthal highlighted Warby Parker’s commitment to providing affordable eyewear while also making a positive impact with […]

Read More
Innovation Through AI is Helping Major Shifts in the Retail Landscape
September 19, 2023

The retail landscape is not just shifting—it’s making monumental changes at an astonishing rate, thanks to advances in technology like artificial intelligence, better known as AI. Companies like Meta are at the forefront of this change, driving innovation through AI, mobile optimization, and an ever-evolving array of social platforms. For retail brands, adapting to this […]

Read More
Blending Digital and Physical Realms for the Future of Retail
September 2, 2023

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 […]

Read More
Understanding Current and Incoming College Students and Their Generation is Vital for Company Growth
August 1, 2023

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 […]

Read More
Bridging the Gap Between AI and Retailers
July 26, 2023

The intersection of AI and retailers comes into focus In the latest episode of Retail Refined. Host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Purva Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Lily AI. Their conversation centers on how Lily AI bridges the gap between ‘merchant speak’ and ‘consumer speak’ regarding AI and retailers. Gupta explains how Lily […]

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Prioritizing Customers Needs Enhances Every Shopper’s Buying Experience
July 26, 2023

Every retailer strategizes in prioritizing customers needs differently, but it remains a focal point. As digital retail often overshadows brick-and-mortar stores, Saatva, the luxury mattress, bedding, and furniture brand, proves that the tangible retail experience still holds significant value. The key lies in harmonizing online and physical retail platforms, optimizing customer experience, and tailoring […]

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Retailers Are Moving More Towards a ‘Digital-First’ Strategy. It’s Greatly Improving D2C Numbers
July 24, 2023

Brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms are rapidly blending, adopting a digital-first strategy is crucial for retail giants. Straddling the evolving terrains of customer preferences and technological advancements, companies are faced with a monumental task of transforming their operations end-to-end, effectively marrying their wholesale brands with a direct-to-consumer operational model.  Amid this challenge and opportunity, businesses […]

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The Impact of Wellness in Retail Experiences
July 17, 2023

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, […]

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Global Retail Brands: The Relevance of Being Local, Yet Remaining Global with Giovanni Zaccariello from Coach
June 29, 2023

Global retail brands have a reputation for going big. But how do the best brands find a way to make a powerful consumer impact globally while maintaining that local feel so crucial to long-stranding relevancy? As technology advances and consumer behavior shifts, brands face the challenge of creating unique, immersive experiences that resonate with […]

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