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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Recent Posts

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2024 Retail Refined

APL Is Redefining Retail in the Digital Age with Tech-Infused Luxury Footwear

Melissa Gonzalez - March 27, 2024

In an era where fashion and technology intersect more seamlessly than ever, particularly within the context of retail in the digital age, the discussion around innovation in the luxury footwear market is gaining momentum. This conversation comes at a crucial time when consumers are increasingly looking for products that not only offer aesthetic appeal but also incorporate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

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2024 Retail Refined

Domino's Leads the Pack in Digital Innovation by Embracing AI Across All Operations for Unmatched Efficiency

Melissa Gonzalez - March 22, 2024

As technology continues to reshape the retail landscape, digital innovation, especially through artificial intelligence (AI), takes center stage. Its transformative power over store operations and customer experiences positions AI at the forefront of industry evolution, driving businesses to explore how these tools can refine efficiency, enhance personalization, and redefine the shopping experience.

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2024 Retail Refined

AI Reshaping the Retail Industry One Personalized Experience at a Time

Melissa Gonzalez - March 12, 2024

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.

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2024 Retail Refined

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

Melissa Gonzalez - February 20, 2024

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.

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2024 Retail Refined

Unpacking the Future of Wellness and Retail in 2024

Melissa Gonzalez - January 31, 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.

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Articles

Touchless Instant Checkout Perfectly Aligns with Consumer Desires, Offering the Ultimate Convenience and Seamless Shopping Experience

Melissa Gonzalez - January 22, 2024

As retail evolves to meet modern consumer demands, Melissa Gonzalez, host of Retail Refined takes a deep dive into the game-changing impact of touchless instant checkout on traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This insightful discussion sheds light on the intersection of consumer preferences and innovative retail technology.

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