Retail Is Your Business - retailtech and retail innovation
Retail Is Your Business is a weekly podcast covering the intersection of innovation/technology and business strategy in the world of retail (online and offline, across all industries) -- with a focus on consumer experience. As informed hosts dive deep with insiders -- from industry leaders to cutting edge startup founders -- crucial insights, career journeys, trends, new ideas, and the state and trajectory of the retail industry become accessible with a fun and comfortable morning radio vibe..
Wed, October 27, 2021
Richard Kestenbaum of Triangle Capital LLC: Part Two
Richard is a co-founder and Partner of Triangle Capital and has been an investment banker for over 35 years. Richard has a great deal of experience advising clients in merchandising businesses, particularly in the Retail & Consumer sector. Richard sits down with Rob and Rebecca to talk about the supply chain issues and merger and acquisitions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 20, 2021
Richard Kestenbaum of Triangle Capital LLC: Part One
Richard is a co-founder and Partner of Triangle Capital and has been an investment banker for over 35 years. Richard has a great deal of experience advising clients in merchandising businesses, particularly in the Retail & Consumer sector. Richard discusses the current landscape of retail and what will draw motivate consumers to go back into stores. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 29, 2021
Redefining Lemonade - Bridget Lasda of Calypso
Bridget Lasda is the Chief Customer Officer for King Juice/Calypso. She joins us to discuss the story behind Calypso, the innovation pipeline that is bringing the brand into different categories, and how their team uses data to better tell the Calypso story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 22, 2021
A Return to Normal - Troy Fischer of Bridgewater Commons
Troy Fischer is the Senior General Manager at Bridgewater Commons, a large super regional shopping center in Bridgewater, New Jersey. He joins us to talk about the impact that the pandemic has had on shopping centers, the tenants, the customers, and the vendors. Troy discusses how he has approached the challenges that have come with re-opening, including stores getting access to products and staffing issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 01, 2021
The State of Shopping Centers - Gabrielle Licht of Macerich
Gabrielle Licht sits down with Rob and Rebecca to discuss the current state of shopping centers and office buildings. She talks about how Macerich's Brandbox approaches physical retail for digitally native brands to open and operate stores as as a complement to e-commerce growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 25, 2021
Circle of Protection - Karl Wiley of All State Protection Plans
Karl Wiley, CEO of All State Protection Plans, set out with the goal of adding some much needed innovation to the product protection and extended warranty industry. He sits down with Rebecca and Rob to discuss how they have taken a very different approach to disrupt and turn the industry on its head. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 09, 2021
How Retailers Can Compete In a Fast Moving Environment - Michael Scharff of Evolv
The retail landscape is unforgiving and hyper-dynamic, and Michael Scharff, Co-Founder/CEO of Evolv (a pioneering AI technology whose Ascend platform enables organizations to optimize digital customer experiences and website performance) has witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by the biggest and the best as they navigate it. He has held senior leadership roles at several of America’s largest retail brands including ToysRUs, Staples, Best Buy and Sears, and share his insights on how AI and other technologies are impacting the retail landscape and how retailers can compete in a very fast moving environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 02, 2021
Precision Guided Shopper Acceleration - Mike Provance of 3x3
Mike Provance CEO of 3X3 says retailers need to use digital tools to retain one of their strongest assets, the magic of discovery. 3x3 in a joint venture between several multi-generational alcohol industry veterans and Loeb Enterprises is a digital marketing company. It uses a multi pronged approach to follow customer preferences by incorporating point of sale receipts generated at its exclusive network of 1500 plus stores in 37 states, tracking consumers' interest on social media and analyzing inventory mix, pricing, basket adjacencies, and customer loyalty. Through all this information, 3X3 is better able to understand the preferences and processes behind purchases so retailers/brands can identify and act on emerging trends using digital tools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 26, 2021
Collecting In-Store Insights in Real Time - Maury Blackman of Premise Data
Maury Blackman is CEO of Premise Data, a market intelligence platform that allows businesses to collect in-store insights in real time, thanks to a global network of 2.5 million contributors. The platform is used by many Global 2000 businesses to conduct retail audits and "mystery shopper" exercises. Especially during the pandemic, when brands can't send consultants into stores, the platform has been a lifeline for businesses looking to monitor shelf activity and even check on product "freshness" dates. Premise also pays its gig workers in bitcoin, if that is their preference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 19, 2021
Automated Systems to Scale - Richard Schnitzel of Bow Tie Bots
Richard Schnitzel is founder, head chef and chief bottle washer at his company, Bow Tie Bots, a certified Zapier expert which will leverage the power of software and app integration, to create powerful custom automated workflows -- including marketing and client Intake, client management, fulfillment, and personalized operations training. Richard creates automations responsible for reclaiming thousands of hours in a retailer’s businesses, giving them the systems they need to scale from 6 to 7 figures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 12, 2021
Creating a New Gold Standard in Olive Oil and Vinegar - Aishwarya Iyer of Brightland
From conception, to development, to growth and marketing, Founder/CEO Aishwarya Iyer of Brightland (offering fresher, healthier California extra virgin olive oil and premium double- fermented vinegars, along with scented candles) takes us through the intriguing journey on building a company that sets a new standard for excellence in the oil and vinegar space---and why it actually matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 05, 2021
Headless Checkout - Yvan Boisjoli of Bold Commerce
In the next 12 months brands’ success will be determined by their ability to adapt their checkout to reach customer touchpoints that span online, offline, voice, social, iOT and more. Yvan Boisjoli, CEO and Co-Founder of Bold Commerce, a technology company that builds specialized ecommerce applications for 90k+ DTC retailers, shares how the next phase of ecommerce will be defined by a headless checkout experience. This will allow brands to turn shoppable moments into revenue on any digital channel, without rebuilding or modifying the backend of their platform, or migrating entirely to a new platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 28, 2021
Advancing Personal Commerce - Mahmoud Arram of Bluecore
Mahmoud Arram is Co-founder and CTO of Bluecore, a retail marketing technology that reimagines how retailers communicate with their customers through email marketing and website personalization. He shares how the company is powering retailers to dominate the permanent shift to digital and move at the speed of the consumer through personalized shopper experiences, anywhere, at scale -- and why Bluecore's work with 400+ retailers may have made Bluecore important to the rebound of retail and laying the foundation for long-term stability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 21, 2021
Big Name Retailers vs. Instacart - Rick Watson of RMW Commerce Consulting
Instacart may be a necessary component to compete in the grocery space because brands expect this kind of functionality in order to get in front of more consumers. Rick Watson, CEO of RMW Commerce Consulting, whose work is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses, offers insights into the increasingly relevant issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 14, 2021
What Do 200 Brands Say About 2021 Retail Trends? - Stephan Schambach of NewStore
Stephan Schambach, CEO of NewStore (a mobile platform that enables retailers to run their physical stores on an iPhone) discusses his new report that assessed nearly 200 brands – while many retailers have done a good job of implementing services during COVID to make the customer experience more convenient and safe, like BOPIS and curbside pickup, online storefronts and physical locations are not truly integrated. Therefore, they have “paper mache” omnichannel capabilities that will soon fail as they aren’t long-term solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 07, 2021
Physical Retail: MVP - Christopher Ressa of DLC Management
Chris Ressa, Senior Vice President of Leasing, Midwest and Northeast, at DLC Management Corp, offers insights into the state and continued relevance of physical retail, bridging to ecommerce, the importance of creative marketing and storytelling, and how companies like his have supported retailers during and through the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 31, 2021
Seeing the Re-Opening of Retail - Katie Mitchell of Seen Displays
Understanding that this is a nervous time for brands as they prepare for the opening of physical retail and events, Seen Displays works with some of the most exciting global brands within the industry to ensure they are ready for inviting their audiences back into physical spaces. Managing Director, of Seen Displays Katie Mitchell boasts a career within the retail industry that’s spanned between working brand side and agency, and Seen is a Creative Design and Production agency specializing in retail and experiential events, working with some of the biggest names in retail and events, including Nike, Selfridges, Microsoft and Instagram, and creating strategies, design and produce brand activations and experiences such as pop-ups, press and VIP events, windows and creative campaigns all over the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 24, 2021
Is It Time for a Price Strategy Reboot? - Cheryl Sullivan of DemandTec (an Acoustic Company)
A proven retail and CPG innovation executive with 30 years’ experience leading teams delivering high-impact products for retailers worldwide, Cheryl Sullivan (President of DemandTec) has spear-headed retail strategy efforts for leading retailers such as Walgreens, PetSmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Home Depot, Family Dollar, eBags, BJ's, Sally Beauty, Ahold Delhaize, and Douglas. She joins to share how, with a shaky economy and COVID still posing a threat, retailers need to reboot their retail pricing strategies and better understand shoppers’ trust issues with pricing, especially during and post COVID, how to gain a competitive edge with AI-driven pricing strategies and which retailers are “getting it right” during these challenging times, shoppers’ trust issues with pricing explained, leveraging AI-driven competitive pricing for a powerful strategy, and more. With guest host Gary Hawkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 17, 2021
Rebel in the Energy Drink Category - Doug DuMars of Rebellious Beverage Company
For nearly 20 years, Doug DuMars worked in finance, managing portfolios for companies like Kraft and Pepsi. Then two years ago, Doug saw a chance to disrupt the energy drink category with Rebellious Infusions; an all-natural, organic product with high levels of antioxidants and zero to low caffeine. Plus they're designed to boost the immune system -- a far cry from their chemical-filled competitors. Doug is looking to disrupt a highly competitive category: energy drinks. He started Rebellious Infusions because he wanted people to reimagine their idea of energy drinks into something that's actually good for you, plus with added health benefits you won't find in other products. Doug offers insights on how the beverage industry has changed over his career, where it's going, and what can be expected in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 10, 2021
Leading a 230 Year-Old Startup Into the Next Chapter - Co-CEO Karen Colberg of King Arthur Baking Company
What does it take to rebrand an iconic company after more than two centuries of history, operating in some ways like a startup, propelling innovation, and navigating through its second pandemic? Co-CEO Karen Colberg shares the inspiring history, ethos, missions, and challenges of King Arthur Baking Company (formerly King Arthur Flour Company). With guest host Gary Hawkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 03, 2021
Reilly Stephens of Retail Prophet - From There to Here
With a finger on the pulse of all things culture, Retail Prophet’s Director of Insights Reilly Stephens leverages her understanding and network in the music, tech, marketing and advertising industry to keep the team up to speed on grassroots movement and trends. She shares insights on how brands and retailers have navigated the pandemic, opportunities and challenges, along with thoughts on drones, user-generated content, and digital fashion, and the roles of media and content in building better bridges between physical and digital commerce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 24, 2021
Jon Harari of WindowsWear - Visual Merchandising Database
Leading brands, visual creatives, designers, visual merchandisers, architects, vendors and academic institutions worldwide use WindowsWear, reportedly the world’s largest and most comprehensive visual database of retail and e-commerce. Founder/CEO Jon Harari offers insights into how this unique online resource provides competitive research, information, insights, and trends for visual creatives to enhance and coordinate their brand’s physical and e-commerce environments, and the content that includes visual merchandising, window displays, retail & interior design, product packaging, e-commerce, technology and more from the hottest global brands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, February 18, 2021
Author and Retail Leader Ron Thurston - Retail Pride
Retail Pride is about celebrating your accidental career, and the theme of the first book by author Ron Thurston (Vice President of Stores at Intermix, an author and member of the Board of Directors at Goodwill)."Retail Pride: Your Guide to Celebrating Your Accidental Career" is an indispensable guide for every retail employee, manager, and multi-store leader looking to accelerate their potential and grow their career. It's filled with straightforward, practical tips for developing your talents, connecting with customers, and building your leadership skills. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 10, 2021
Kishore Khandavalli of 7T - Integrating Tech Into the Buying Experience
Passionate about transforming the retail industry, specifically the customer’s buying experience, and integrating technology within that journey, Kishore Khandavalli is the founder of 7T, a custom software development firm that works on projects ranging from mobile apps to large enterprise platforms. He shares how his team recently developed the Fit Freedom app , an augmented reality (AR) body measurement application designed to simplify the online apparel shopping experience, and designed the app first for Rebel Athletic , who wanted to use it to allow cheer teams, like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, to shop for athletic wear and custom uniforms within minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 03, 2021
Tobias Buxhoidt of parcelLab - Regaining Control of the Customer Journey
The post-sales consumer experience is an area of the customer journey that's overlooked by many retailers. Tobias Buxhoidt, CEO and co-founder of parcelLab, has worked in logistics and warehouse operations for over 20 years and now helps over 500 retailers including Ikea, H&M, Puma, Farfetch, and Nespresso improve their post-sales operations and related consumer experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 27, 2021
Farzan Dehmoubed of Lotus Sustainables - On a Mission to Eliminate Plastic from Shopping
As the leading manufacturer of reusable bags, Lotus Sustainables has eliminated the need for over 400 million single-use plastic bags. In 2020 the company ranked 144 on the INC 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Founder and CEO Farzan Dehmoube is on a mission to eliminate plastic from shopping with eco-friendly products now available in 15,000+ stores across the US and Canada, as well as on Amazon and Lotus-Sustainables.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 06, 2021
Lauren PIcasso of Cure Hydration - Quenching a Thirst in Wellness
Cure Hydration is the only organic beverage with a science-backed formula, plant-based ingredients, no added sugar and has 4x the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. With 75% of people being chronically dehydrated, and the majority of drinks in the $14.5 billion sports & energy beverage market full of sugar and synthetic ingredients. CEO/Co-founder Lauren Picasso shares insights on a recent funding round, 10x sales growth in 2020, growth of subscription orders, and standing out and achieving shelf space in major retailers in an established but growing market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 16, 2020
Ben Rodier of Salesfloor - Redefining the Role of Store Associates
For the first time, e-commerce will not just be a channel for transactions – people can now actually browse and shop online, just like they did in-store. Ben Rodier, Co-Founder & Chief Client Officer at Salesfloor, shares how the company offers a mobile application platform designed for store associates so they can personalize each interaction with consumers, whether that’s in-store, online, on social – any channel, helping clients get a 10x lift in online conversions and 47% increase in average order values, compared to traditional e-commerce metrics. Salesfloor is enabling store associates to go virtual where consumers are met on retailer and brand websites by an associate from a local store near the consumer and can help guide the shopping experience by offering product / apparel recommendations, can demo items via live video chat, etc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 09, 2020
Ward Kampf of Northwood Retail - Meeting Consumers Where (and How) They Are
Northwood Retail leases, manages, and markets a portfolio of community and mixed-use properties across the United States with a concentration in Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Northwood Retail's president, Ward Kampf, provides important insights into how consumers are shopping to buy and are more decisive in the decision making process, that consumers will be more thoughtful about how they spend and what they are getting since many are saving money from traveling this season, the investment trend that consumers continue to make in their homes and luxury, why retailers must create demand and meet the consumer where they are, and why it is so important to provide a targeted and customized shopping experience to stand out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 02, 2020
Colin McIntosh of Sheets & Giggles - Selling, Giving, Laughing
Sustainable direct-to-consumer bedding brand Sheets & Giggles, based in Denver, Colorado, is famous for their naturally cooling eucalyptus lyocell sheets and comforters, their impressive give-back to charitable causes and plating trees for every purchase, and branding and marketing overflowing with humor. Founder/CEO Colin McIntosh shares the origins and ethos of the company along with what drives its rapid growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 18, 2020
Phil Duffy of Brain Corp - Robots Being Cobots
Brain Corp provides autonomous solutions that enable OEMs to turn their manually driven products into intelligent machines. Phil Duffy, Vice President of Product, Program, and UX Design for Brain Corp, talks through the opportunity to leverage accessible automation, expand workforce capacity, improve facility safety, and how the future of retail robotics and how autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can support retail employees, while providing valuable data insights to managers to optimize store operations (amid the pandemic and beyond). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 11, 2020
Gennady Sirota of StellaLife - Retailing Intelligent Healing
StellaLife is a biotech company on a mission to improve people’s lives by offering innovative, natural products to accelerate the healing process while also helping to relieve oral pain as well as reducing the need for opioids. CEO Gennady Sirota shares the passion StellaLife has for customers, innovation, natural healing and social responsibility, the goal to help combat the significant societal issue and health crisis of opioid abuse, the support for non-profit organizations and offering natural alternatives to current pain medications, working supportively with oral care providers during the pandemic, and how his own entrepreneurial journey has prepared him for this very moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 04, 2020
Keith Lawes of Casper's Ice Cream - Meeting the Demand for Retailers
Brands like legacy ice cream brand Casper's have had to work twice as hard to fulfill orders and demands from their over 10,000 retailers who are selling out of ice cream. Keith Lawes, VP of Sales and Marketing at Casper's Ice Cream, provides insights into the company's long history, diversifying the roster of successful products, what retail strategies work, and how they are able to fulfill these large demands (with safety protocols) even in the face of a pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 28, 2020
Jeff Hall of Second to None - Driving Customer Experience with Empathy
Working with a number of the nation's most prominent grocery and convenience store chains to improve their customer experience and satisfaction efforts and results, Founder and President Jeff Hall shares how empathy plays into the impact Second to None makes, and why we've probably experienced the effect of its work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 30, 2020
Sanjeev Sularia of Intelligence Node - Empowering Growth with Competitive Insights
The global pandemic has created a permanent shift in the consumer shopping experience and the strategies retailers should implement to adapt to this new reality. Sanjeev Sularia, CEO and Co-Founder, Intelligence Node shares the mission to empower retailers to grow in the Age of Amazon using data-driven competitive insights and how Intelligence Node has built the retail product database anywhere, which feeds the growth of more than $600 billion in retail revenue globally, and customers includes major retailers from LVMH to Adidas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 23, 2020
Jonathan Wahl of Abbio - Community, Simplicity, Value
Direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand Abbio is inspiring home cooks through a combination of accessible, professional-grade cookware, unique recipes and educational tools. Co-founder Jonathan Wahl takes us through how Abbio is formulating its path to a meaningful place in the cookware industry, and why the pandemic has offered up an unexpected boost. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, September 17, 2020
Rory Cutaia of Verb Technology - Connecting with Humans
Verb's amazing platform, verbLive, is making it possible for retail shops to provide customers with the part of in store shopping that they miss most - human connection (virtually of course). Founder/CEO Rory Cutaia inspires with what is possible now, and how retail and other industries can be deeply affected by this game-changing technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 22, 2020
Brian Laney of Alert Tech and Fred Maxik of Healthe Lighting - Making Fitting Rooms Safe Again
How do you keep a fitting room safe in a pandemic? As apparel retailers move to re-open physical retail locations in a world ravaged by a pandemic, one challenge is that customers simply don’t feel safe in the fitting room. It's crucial to build confidence in the inshore experience with both customers and associates. Two companies, Alert Tech and Healthe Lighting, have brought together their technologies to provide a solution right now for retailers, using Far UVC lighting. It is an effective visible system that cleans the air and surfaces using existing infrastructure. Alert Tech's VP of Sales Brian Laney and Healthe's CTO Fred Maxik unpack the story and possibilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 08, 2020
Richard Carriere of Cyberlink - Mask Detection Technology for Retail Stores
As physical retail locations reopen, how do you protect customers and employees alike? Not everyone will comply with mask wearing requirements or expectations, creating a complicated path to keeping people safe while maintaining positive consumer experience. Richard Carriere (Senior VP, Global Marketing & General Manager, US Operations for Cyberlink) discusses existing technology that has been transformed into a vital mask detection tool and a real game changer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 01, 2020
Guido Campello of Cosabella and Journelle - Lingerie and Longevity
How does a family owned retail apparel business survive challenge after challenge after challenge, from 9/11 to a hurricane to a pandemic? Guido Campello, Co-Owner of lingerie retailer Cosabella and Journelle, offers insight into a family history of more than 37 years in the lingerie business, and how he took this time to re-evaluate the business while also giving all locations a facelift before a reopening of physical retail locations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 17, 2020
Leslie Voorhees of Anomalie - Custom Wedding Dresses Online
Anomalie is pioneering a new model in retail supply chains uniquely fit for expansive customization at mass scale. Leslie Vorhees brings an extensive background in mechanical engineering, and career in supply chain management for Nike and Apple. She joins Rebecca Fitts and guest host Marc Raco to discuss how Anaomalie is thriving in the face of a pandemic, and why a half million women have already looked to the company for a solution to their wedding dress needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 10, 2020
Jessica Jordan of Jessica Jordan Events - Ready to Mingle
Explore luxury event-planning and how it is navigating a world of pandemic, business and retailers, with Jessica Jordan Events founder Jessica Jordan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 03, 2020
Christiane Lemieux of The Inside - In Search of Frictionless Commerce
One of the leading design entrepreneurs and experts in the US for home décor and furnishings, and author, Christiane Lemieux (Founder of THE INSIDE a new direct-to-consumer home furnishings brand and author of the new book Frictionless ) joins Rebecca Fitts and guest host Marc Raco to share huge lessons on why the "future of everything will be fast, fluid, and made just for you." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 06, 2020
Sandra Makarem of The Collective Child - Disrupting Luxury Shopping
With the visions of disrupting the luxury shopping space, beginning with childrenswear, Venezuela-born CEO/Founder of The Collective Child Sandra Makarem has over a decade of experience in the fashion space, including nearly eight years working as a buyer and a planner at Bloomingdale’s where she managed the performance of several omni-channel departments and led the development of new brands, including launching several successful multi-million dollar departments and private label brands to address the emerging millennial market segment. She launched The Collective Child as a side hustle and has helped members discover emerging limited distribution labels from around the world through an unparalleled personalized service to thousands. Her passion, knowledge, and experience come through in every box shipped. With guest host Rebecca Fitts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 29, 2020
Ayeshah Abuelhiga of Mason Dixie Biscuits - Everyone Needs a Biscuit!
Founder/CEO Ayeshah Abuelhiga shares how demand for the "Best Biscuit in America", women-owned, Washington, DC restaurant Mason Dixie Biscuits to create a completely unplanned product that was inspired by loyal customers, resulting in naturally made, fresh, preservative-free products. She also focuses on retail innovation, what makes her products so different from others out there, creating experience for customers, what she has brought to this company from other high-level career experiences, and the values which have driven success (with biscuits now available in many retails stores nationwide): grit, authenticity, transparency, quality, and advancement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 22, 2020
Dan Bruck of Fasetto - Tech Solutions to Connect the World
Fasetto, Inc. creates technology solutions for an increasingly connected world. CMO Dan Bruck joins the show on location at CES 2020 in Las Vegas to share the possibilities for brands that comes with unlimited connectivity between people, their content and the devices they use—regardless of platform, device or network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 15, 2020
Mark Kohlenberg of WDM Footwear and Accessories - Vertically Integrated Supply Chain
Mark Kohlenberg, CEO and Founder of WDM Footwear and Accessories , which is a premium leather footwear and accessories company offering turnkey development for private label production, discusses how the company's footwear and accessory production is all vertically integrated and 100% at their own factories in India. This has uniquely positioned them away from any fallout due to the coronavirus outbreak and, in fact, has led to them being inundated with many retail, wholesale, and DTC brands looking for assistance . With dozens of name brand clients, WDM’s capabilities include licensing, design and development, sourcing, packaging and full EDI capabilities and integration. WDM also owns its own DTC brand Moral Code , offering premium leather footwear and accessories for men. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 08, 2020
Brandon Hitt of NowMobile - Granting Wishes, Accessorizing Technology
NowMobile’s lines of portable wireless accessories not only allow you to be productive and entertained while on-the-go; they also give back. Brandon Hitt, Managing Partner of Hitt Brands (introducing solution based, trend-forward items that delight customers across all retail channels), joins on location at CES in Las Vegas. Hitt covers how, for every item sold, NowMobile will make a donation to Make-A-Wish; how NowMobile is a global provider of mobile accessories for work, home, and school; and how the subsidiary of Hitt Brands creates products to simplify consumers’ lives and empowers them to fully leverage today's technology without breaking the bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, April 03, 2020
Ron Bonacci of Weis Markets - Keeping Pace with Change as a Grocery Retailer
Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Marketing and Advertising for Weis Markets (a large regional grocery chain headquartered in Sunbury, PA with more than 200 stores in 7 states) shares insights on innovation, eduction, and keeping pace with change as a grocery retailer with Marc Raco and Sterling Hawkins on location at NGA in San Diego. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, March 23, 2020
Brand Marketing and Media in a World with COVID-19
Jason Schulweis, SVP and Head of Brand Partnerships and Integrated Marketing for Morning Brew, offers crucial insights about current trends within media and marketing due to the impact of COVID-19, how marketers can authentically connect with consumers, and the importance of brand purpose in the face of this new reality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 21, 2020
Social Distancing and Business in a World with COVID-19
Aside from the physical health risks stoked by COVID-19, there's another byproduct of the pandemic that's potentially terrifying: the social impact of isolation and quarantines. Given the number of people directed and electing to work from home, social distancing becomes both a personal challenge as well as an important business concern. From London, Julia Hobsbawm (social entrepreneur and author of The Simplicity Principle) shares important insights, strategy, and perspective, along with useful plays, for business leaders facing the realities of social distancing amongst their workforce and customers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, March 20, 2020
Gig and On-Demand Businesses and Workers in a World with COVID-19
How do you protect on-demand or gig workers, their fleets, and their customers, during the COVID-19 crisis? How can companies like Postmates, which rely on going workers for their business model, succeed and survive, what particular concerns and considerations are in play, and what happens as restaurants and other suppliers close and face hard times? Vikrum Aiyer, Vice President of Public Policy & Strategic Communications at Postmates and Former Obama White House Senior Advisor, joins from San Francisco with perspective, insights, solutions, and a go-to enter to the playbook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, March 19, 2020
Raffaella Camera of Accenture Interactive - Extended Reality
At CES, VR and AR are on full display. But what about full implications of XR (extended reality - all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables)? Raffaella Camera, Global Head of Innovation & Strategy, XR (Extended Reality) at Accenture Interactive (who leads global strategy, development of new solutions in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, direct and indirect sales, creation of ecosystem partnerships and opportunities for the Accenture Extended Reality group, globally), joins Marc Raco to explore the possibilities for fashion and other industries in the years ahead. Recorded on location at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, March 19, 2020
Human Resources Challenges in a World with COVID-19
If trying to keep the doors to a business open isn’t challenging enough, especially when you don’t know how long you have to do it for, diligent consideration of the productivity, safety, care, morale, and profitability of your employees may be even more daunting. Dr. John Sullivan (internationally known Human Resources thought-leader from the Silicon Valley and Professor at San Francisco State) and Celeste Thompson (Chief People Officer/Founder at TRIBE Human Resources Consulting) join from California and New Jersey to walk through some crucial Human Resources concerns and considerations in the new business realities of COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 18, 2020
Retail Realities and Strategy in a World with COVID-19
SPECIAL REPORT: Wendy Liebmann , Founder, CEO, and Chief Shopper of WSL Strategic Retail , shares critical considerations for brands and retailers to manage the new realities of a retail landscape during and after the COVID-19 crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, March 10, 2020
Tim Ryan of Modobag - Bagging a Ride
Modobag is the world’s first motorized, smart and connected carry-on that gets you to your destination up to three times faster than walking. CMO Tim Ryan offers insight into one of the most innovative and exciting advancements to hit the travel industry since rolling suitcases were introduced in the 1970's, on location at CES 2020. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 04, 2020
Michele Dupre' of Verizon - Unlocking Retail's CX Future with Technology
At NRF Big Show, Michele Dupre' (VP for Retail at Verizon) offered insights on customer experience in retail and other retail trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 26, 2020
Peter Weedfald of SHARP Home Appliances - Innovating and Growing with Emotional Capital
One of the true centers to find innovation for content and retail product is CES in Las Vegas. And one of the biggest exhibitors at CES is Sharp, the global electronics brand. Marc Raco (MouthMedia Network) talked with Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing (who oversees all sales and marketing of SHARP's home and commercial appliance categories along with the CE and TV products thru a variety of retail, reseller, buying groups and distribution channels), in a conversation simply chock full of insights, wisdom, and education on everything from how 5G and 8K technology can impact everything from better medicine to safer self driving cars, how Sharp’s focus shift from what they make to why they make it is so important for makers of content, why smart appliances and homes demand attention, and why breakfast and lunch may be optional. It’s one of our favorite interviews ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 19, 2020
Angela Gearhart of Sleep Number - Selling Sleep, Health, and Data
At CES 2020, Sleep Number (offering adjustable beds, memory foam mattresses, kids beds, bedding, pillows & more) unveiled an award-winning new bed that uses advanced technology to create a personalized microclimate, gathers data, and advances sleep health, making it achievable for those who suffer from sleep deprivation. To offer insight into the thought process behind products, commerce strategy, delivering customer experience, and response to the changing retail industry, Angela Gearhart (Vice President of Brand Experience with Sleep Number), joins host Marc Raco and guest host Joe Yakuel (CEO of Agency Within) on location at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 12, 2020
Morgan Chemij of HP - Making Life Better With Next Gen Technology
At CES 2020, HP unleashed next generation computing innovations to enable more freedom to work, live, and play -- including the newest PCs, displays, and accessories. Host Marc Raco and special guest host Joe Yakuel, CEO of Agency Within, sat down with Morgan Chemij, Director of Marketing/CRM at Hewlett Packard, to talk about how HP is working to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere — every person, every organization, and every community around the globe. They also discussed how HP is aiming that vision at a changing commerce landscape. Recorded on-location at CES in Las Vegas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 05, 2020
Keith Kranepool of Sennheiser - Hear What You've Been Missing
CES is the epicenter of tech innovation. It seems nothing short of perfect to sit down with the Keith Kranepool , Vice President of Sales for the Global Retail Channel of Sennheiser -- a family owned, 75-year company with a history of innovation, and one of the world’s leading producers of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission technology. Sennheiser operates its own plants in Germany, Ireland and the US and is active in more than 50 countries worldwide. Yet part of the message here is about introducing a well known brand and a staple of content making to an uncertain market, and the mission to translate the success of Sennheiser’s signature approach to ecommerce into physical spaces in the US. Joe Yakuel, Founder/CEO of Agency Within, joins Marc Raco on the floor of CES 2020 in Las Vegas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 29, 2020
Chris Briglin of Samsung and Tracy Hansen of ProGlove - A Wearable Scanner Fits Like a Glove
Chris Briglin, Director, Enterprise Mobile Product Marketing at Samsung, and Tracy Hansen, President, North America and Global CMO of ProGlove, Inc, join Marc Raco on location at NRF Big Show to announce and discuss the need and applications for their partnership and the launch of their combined solution consisting of ProGlove’s MARK product family of wearable barcode scanners and Samsung’s latest ruggedized smartphone for business – the Galaxy XCover Pro. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 22, 2020
Julie Lyle of Zytara - Brand-Building and Loyalty Marketing with Blockchain
It seems in retail that commerce channels are coming back to together, and making sure reaching customers where they want when they want is key. Julie Lyle, CEO of Zytara, Inc., a startup company in stealth mode, focused on blockchain aimed at retail consumer package goods, and brand building and loyalty marketing, joins Rob Sanchez and Agency Within CEO Joe Yakuel, on location at Commerce Next in New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 15, 2020
Paul Greenberg and Dominique Lamb - Australian Retail
Recently MouthMedia was on location at NRF Big Show in New York. Marc Raco and Rob Sanchez caught up with Paul Greenberg about his new role as Vice Chair of the Federation of International Retail Associations, and Dominique Lamb, the CEO of Australia's National Retail Association, for a remarkable discussion about the Australian bush fires and how Australian retailers have responded and the implications of such significant disaster, on that nation’s retail, the Australian delegation to the NRF Big Show, and the state of retail in Australia overall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, December 20, 2019
Matt Kaden of MMG Advisors and Ann Marie Stephen of Fabric - Innovating Retail
MouthMedia partnered with Macerich, a real estate investment trust that invests in shopping centers, to hold a roundtable discussion about DTC-first brands and physical retail spaces with the Retail Innovation Lounge. During this discussion, Matt Kaden (Managing Partner for MMG Advisors), Anne Marie Stephen (Sales Director, US Retail + Commerce for Fabric) and Rob Sanchez (CEO for MouthMedia Network) had a dynamic conversation about disruption, transformation, and the future of retail. . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, December 19, 2019
Rick Egan of US Auto Parts - Creating Digital Connection Between Consumer and Brand
Rick Egan, SVP Marketing for US Auto Parts (who is responsible for day to day Marketing Operations for US Auto Parts, a $300M online retailer of aftermarket auto parts in North America) shares insights into digital commerce stagey and what other industries can learn from the auto parts industry. Recorded on location at CommerceNext. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 04, 2019
Garrett Leight of Garrett Leight California Optical + Mr. Leight -
Can a focus on physical retail create a competitive edge, swimming upstream in a retail business that is moving primarily toward online? Garret Leight’s designer eyewear brand has placed this bet, and it’s working well. He’s deconstructed today’s usual model, by starting with brick and mortar retail first with an e-commerce play that follows. Gerrett joins Rebecca Fitts to share why hiring for longevity is a key to creating great in-store experience, the value of great product design (and a place to showcase it), evaluating ideal locations for a brand’s physical presence, and strategizing what’s next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 20, 2019
Kambiz Hemati of Foot Locker - Store Design and Consumer Experience
If you talked with someone in charge of a major aspect of retail at Foot Locker, you’d think the conversation would have something to do with sneakers. And although the topic of "sneakerheads" was unavoidably mentioned, the real focus is: the critical impact Store Design has on customer experience. And how even basics such as lighting and sound can have a major effect on retail success. Kambiz Hemati, VP of Global Retail Design for Foot Locker (a leading global athletic footwear and apparel retailer, which caters to the sneaker enthusiast), shares the importance of learning from retail concepts outside of your sector — the ones who have best in class experiences with customers — and how they can inspire next-level design. He also shares why Starbucks may have played a meaningful role on the Foot Locker store design, and why success with technology might rely more on what’s coming into a store than what’s already in it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 13, 2019
Katie Hunt of Showfields and Andrew Smith of Think Uncommon - Retail as a Service
Retail as a service is a huge idea these days, and there are a few leading players. One of them, which has been called the most interesting store in the world, is Showfields. It’s a retail concept that invites you to discover and engage with the online-only brands of tomorrow in wellness, home, & design. Katie Hunt (Co-founder and CRO of Showfields) and Andrew Smith (Co-founder of Think Uncommon), offer an inside look at what’s working — and what’s not — in this concept; what brands can do to make the most of an opportunity like this; what Showfields has in mind to take the idea to the next level; and whether this experience really is “everything”. Plus, what Hootie and the Blowfish have to do with a play for “cool”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 30, 2019
Corey Shuster and Matthew Bauer - Madison Avenue: The Past, Present, and Future of Retail
Three important words for the success of any physical retail business? Location, location, and location. But, not only is retail constantly evolving, so are the locations retailers depend on for traffic, infrastructure, and economic stability. What better example to explore this topic than one of the most famous retail corridors anywhere , Madison Avenue in New York City. Two experts, Matthew Bauer (President of Madison Avenue Business Improvement District) and Corey Shuster (a senior member of the Faith Consolo team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate), join a roundtable about the past, present and future of retail — on Madison Avenue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 16, 2019
Dana Glaeser of Slightly Alabama - Building a Retail Brand, Inside-Out
Slightly Alabama is a line of leather wallets, bags, iPad and iPhone cases, computer cases, belts, bracelets, watch straps, and accessories, designed and manufactured in our West Village, NY studio where we focus on developing expertise in design through traditional techniques and processes. But it is the community-based, brand-building, event-embracing ,brand-first-growth-later retail strategy led by founder Dana Glaeser that might just be the real story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 09, 2019
Dorie Smith of Of Mercer - Selling a Work/Life Balance
Designed for women, by women, Of Mercer is an apparel brand building a community of women professionals whose combined voice is a very effective ambassador in the entrepreneurial world. Aligning with successful executives, business leaders, influencers, and innovators, Of Mercer has taken an effective and bold approach to the growth of the brand. Co-founder Dorie Smith offer insights into the brand's retail strategy so far and looking forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, October 03, 2019
Mark Ghermezian of Fourpost - Opening a Door to Plug-and-Play Physical Retail
If you've ever needed an office for a new company, you might have gone to a company like WeWork. If you were looking for a retail space, an intriguing option is Fourpost, a company taking something that is commoditized and turning into something that is elevated and transforming it by integrating content, customer experience, and what looks like a white glove, plug and play retail opportunity. CEO and Founder Mark Ghermezian, who’s deconstructing the retail space into a kind of incubator for brick and mortar, shares how Fourpost looks at creating experiences, seeks out innovation, and why this model could play an important role in the next generation of physical retail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 25, 2019
Timothy Aquino of Institchu - Suiting Up for Custom Fit
Two words that hold increasing real estate in the vocabulary of retail are commerce and personalization (a.k.a customization). One of the challenges of buying high-end apparel and accessories online (whether it be eyeglasses, footwear, or even tailored suits) is the confidence in both the accuracy of fit and the quality of the workmanship. Tim Aquino, the Head of Sales North America for Institchu (offering tailored made suits both online and in their showroom here in New York) came into the studio looking about as dapper as one would expect, and if that’s any indication, this company might just be onto how to make personalized commerce work. He shares with Chris Hansen and Rebecca Fitts about why fears about the quality of work in China may be misguided, and how this retail company brings their in-person store experience to the online customer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, September 19, 2019
Steven Garcia of Papaya King - Launching the Next 86 Years
There are iconic brands whose customers not only expect, but demand, that the brand not change. When you think of New York institutions, legendary frankfurter and tropical juice restaurant chain Papaya King (and their neon sign) very well comes to mind. For 86 years this retail business has kept a following, been featured in movies, TV and print, and has remained a part of the cultural fabric that makes New York "New York". So, how do you stay true to the brand you’ve always been, while being mindful and smart about what tomorrows consumers need -- with an eye on health and saving the planet? Steven Garcia , COO of Papaya King, joins Chris Hansen and Rebecca Fitts to share how the business is getting ready for the next 86 years by implementing an overhaul of its offerings, enlarging its footprint, and heading down the path of franchising -- all while keeping the loyalty of their patrons intact. Plus, how Steven's own need to rethink what he eats has inspired the path forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 11, 2019
Diane Burley of Lucidworks - Bridging a Data Gap in Retail
From the global digital workplace to the digital commerce experience, companies need to build powerful search and data discovery solutions for employees and customers. Diane Burley, VP of Content for Lucidworks a a Leader in Cognitive Search, with an AI enabled internal and external search solution, talks with Rob Sanchez on location at eTail East in Boston. She covers how companies in and out of the mason industry can bridge the a gap between people and their data. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 04, 2019
Chris Victory of Rokt - A Buying State Of Mind
It’s been said there is such a thing as a "buying state of mind." What could be possible if you could start a meaningful conversation with customers right at the moment they're making a purchase? At eTail East in Boston, MouthMedia Network CEO Rob Sanchez sat down with Chris Victory, SVP of Strategic Partnerships for Rokt (a global leader in e-commerce marketing technology, at the intersection of digital media and commerce) to talk about how companies can grab the maximum return on investment every time a customer engages a marketing offer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 28, 2019
Heather Marie Udo of Shoppable - Changing the Shopping Paradigm
Will you need a website in the future to sell your products online? If you ask Heather Marie Udo, online retail expert and Founder and CEO of Shoppable (a distributed commerce technology company with a patented, universal checkout API), she’ll tell you the answer is likely “no”. After all, the retail consumer is changing, and the focus is shifting from pulling the consumer to the brands to bringing the brands to where the consumer already is. And retailers are following and creating commerce experiences there instead of through their own channels. Heather joins Chris Hansen and Rebecca Fitts to discuss how commerce is everywhere; about trends in social shopping.why there is so much disruption in the buying process that’s actually changing the shopping paradigm; why collaborations between solutions like Shoppable, and social platforms like Pinterest, are a big deal; and the Cheesehead brings cheese. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 21, 2019
Ran Reske of Resident - The Entire Home Under One Umbrella
What if you could get everything you need for your home, online, from one company that has everything, from bedding, linens, lighting, furniture, and more…but each category is actually its own brand, managed by the umbrella company. It’s all seamless and coordinated, with the consumer getting the benefit of buying from multiple brands—-when those brands are all talking to one another. Ran Reske, Co-Founder of Resident, joins Rebecca Fitts and Chris Hansen, and he shares how this isn’t just a great consumer experience that can change your life -- it’s a fascinating retail concept in motion with Resident that makes the most out of the hardest part of retail: customer acquisition. If you can outpace, and out-experience, the competition by keeping all the needed brands under one umbrella, you’ve got a great chance of more sales with that customer once they’ve been acquired. What’s more, like a hive mind, internal partners act as agencies, and talk to one another in a. coordinated way. With this model, and the fact that the direct to consumer online furniture and home goods market is still wide open and ready to be conquered, the opportunity is massive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 14, 2019
Katia Beauchamp of Birchbox - Staying On Mission
How do you continue to grow, to be relevant, and innovate to stay a leader — without going off mission? A lot of companies are compared to the innovators of their space—"the WeWork of such and such", "the Casper of this", and "the Birchbox of that". But when you are one of those companies -- in this case, Birchbox -- eventually the space will have those other players. Katia Beauchamp, CEO and founder of the very successful subscription beauty service Birchbox, joins Rebecca Fitts and Chris Hansen to offer some great insights on how she has evolved with her company, how she thinks about retail , and why the journey toward a customer should never actually end; how the recently revamped subscription model that focuses on customer loyalty, despite criticism from some, is actually on-mission , and has been more successful than anticipated; what she learned about the physical store and the importance of passion from those who work there; learning’s about agility from retail partners; creating the reality you want to live; and, how one of the quickest ways to Katia’s heart might just be if you know about food wrapped in food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 07, 2019
Emily Culp of Cover FX - Customer, Team, Data
Customer, team, and data. No matter the order of priority, getting these things right is essential to the success of any retail operation. An expert in all of these is Emily Culp. Before leading beauty brand Cover FX Skincare as CEO, Emily’s work managing call centers and in executive positions with brands such as Keds, Rebecca Minkoff, Clinique, and Unilever, has demonstrated she is the perfect blend all three areas of expertise. Emily joins Rebecca Fitts and Chris Hansen to share career-focused advise on being a CEO in the retail sector, why data is queen, and why customers have driven her decisions, why KPI's are such a focus, and building the right team is everything, and -- the power of bench pressing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 31, 2019
Kabeer Chopra of Burrow - Reimagining Supply Chain
Some of the greatest companies have come from solving a need the founders had themselves—“there must be a better way”. Fast-growing, direct to consumer furniture brand Burrow is one of them. When a co-founder couldn’t get what he wanted, when he wanted, he and his partners created a company that did things differently — including tapping into existing delivery services like FedEx and UPS in an industry where that just wasn’t being done. Kabeer Chopra, Co-founder and CPO of Burrow, shares the company's journey with Rebecca Fitts and Chris Hansen, including how growing this company wasn’t about following a path of interest, but instead about solving a problem; the way Burrow developed new advantageous and game-changing paths to supply chain; and why really listening to the customer has resulted in some of the best product ideas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, July 23, 2019
Rob Smith of The Phluid Project - The Balance of Gender-Free Shopping
Is this the birth of a totally new kind of retail concept — and a sign that retail, 20 years from now, might look (and feel) completely different? It’s The Phluid Project —the "Ph" references "balance". Founder/CEO Rob Smith shares his vision with host Chris Hansen (IgnitionOne) and Rebecca Fitts, along with a look inside this unique apparel concept that reflects realities of identity within today’s changing society -- retail with no gender attached to it -- no gender or size, everyone shops in the same section. It is nothing like the retail norms we know -- a kind of "choose your own retail adventure", and it is a direct result of what the customer brings to it. In this episode: How Phluid challenges boundaries and societal norms to let people be their authentic selves, and the challenges a retail company faces when its core ethos is about shaking up societal norms Rob breaks down how he built up the Phluid brand to be welcoming to all potential customers by not creating products for a specific gender, and to avoid sizing systems that could be body-shaming and discouraging to customers How an experience at Burning Man opened Rob’s eyes, led him to quit his job and go on a spiritual trip where he found his calling to start a non-binary clothing store inspired by the concept of the third gender two-spirit shamans The interest piqued by putting up a sign in the window of the first SoHo location that stated “The World’s First Gender-Free Store” Why Rob focused on building a community and a group of people who embodied the brand’s vision, and to build trust to ensure that it was clear that Rob, a white cis-gender gay man, was not trying to capitalize on a movement How Rob built the store with the intent of creating not just a storefront, but also a non transactional space where people can meet and feel safe and part of a larger community where events and activism groups can meet The Gen-Z mentality of finding brands that stand for issues with conviction, and how Phluid found this market organically when many brands are trying to find ways to build that perception around their already established brand Phluid’s plans for the future, creating its own branded content, and building the online presence to make the online community feel connected to the community built around the brick and mortar store How Rob keeps engaged with the Phluid community, and how that community that is employed by the company and the brand’s identity have found a common voice, and why the generational gap isn’t the big deal people make it out to be Why Rob doesn’t see turnover as a bad thing, and how the community around Phluid has grown and continues to grow because it is a built around people working together to create something new What it means for a brand to be “Phluid-ready” and how Rob and his team decide whether or not a brand is inclusive and givi
Wed, July 17, 2019
Melissa Ben-Ishay of Baked by Melissa - Mad Scientist of Retail
It's true -- she’s real. There really is a Melissa at Baked by Melissa, the popular and unique New York born bakery known for its seemingly endless varieties of tiny cupcakes— with 14 retail locations and a burgeoning ecommerce business that now outpaces the brick and mortar. She’s a mom, a company president, and a self-described mad scientist——and rarely do you see the leader of a successful brand, much less one that has weathered the bursting of a trend bubble, who remains so in love with their business and continually creates new and exciting recipes, product concepts, and inventive marketing and partnership strategies. Melissa Ben-Ishay shares her journey and insights with hosts Chris Hansen (IgnitionOne) and Rebecca Fitts. In this episode: How Baked by Melissa has grown and adapted from a small retail store at the tail end of the recession of 2008 to a company that has grown its reputation in retail as well as growing its e-commerce presence Baked by Melissa’s origin as an e-commerce company operating out of Melissa’s apartment after she was fired from her marketing job, where you could PayPal Melissa and she would bake and deliver cupcakes around New York City How Melissa solved a problem she faced picking up cupcakes on her way home from work every day and turned it into an instantly recognizable brand identity, with 70% of customers having discovered Baked by Melissa through word of mouth What the future looks like for Baked by Melissa, and why they are putting a focus on e-commerce and pop-ups in the coming year The challenges of selling a product that has a relatively short shelf life span, and what the company is doing to reduce the amount of time the product spends exposed to air so customers receive their cupcakes as fresh as possible Melissa shares some upcoming cupcakes for summer 2019 How Melissa has found a balance between taking suggestions from customers and fans about what they want to see as future flavors and staying true to her own values and taste Why the tie-dye cupcake is the most popular BbM offering The importance of aesthetically pleasing cupcakes, and the thought process behind the designs and the recipes to make them as enticing as possible How Baked by Melissa is able to scale at the rate it has and still offer hand-baked cupcakes made with the best ingredients The team behind Melissa that has helped build the brand, from CEO Seth Horowitz to Ashley Shears, who has become the brand’s photographer since working with Melissa on her cookbook The three principles that customers love about Baked by Melissa, and how the future marketing and branding directions plan to emphasize that the cupcakes are handmade, in a variety of flavors, and that Melissa is a real person How Baked by Melissa is using new technologies to link the customer experience in store and online and to educate the custo
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