Podcasts
The Backroom: A sit-down with Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson's new book, Shop Different, pays homage to Apple's iconic advertisement, covering his retail innovations at Apple and setbacks at J.C. Penney. In The Backroom podcast, he shares his career journey and retail insights.
The Backroom: How long can the consumer hang on?
Retail Q2 earnings are rolling in, and combined with strong Q1 performance, the industry overall looks positive in the first half. But the reasons for success vary: some brands are proactively boosting competitiveness, while discount stores benefit from consumers' money-saving behavior amid high prices. This episode of The Backroom podcast explores which retailers are thriving and potential variables that may emerge in the second half.
The Backroom: The weight-loss era is not just about selling clothes
As the use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs expands, the apparel industry is undergoing profound changes. Changes in consumer body shapes and side effects lead to "size volatility," posing challenges to merchandise planning. Liza Amlani, head of Retail Strategy Group, talks with Retail Dive's chief reporter Daphne Howland, analyzing how retailers and brands can succeed in this new era.
The Backroom: What’s really happening at Lululemon?
Lululemon's appointment of Nike executive Heidi O'Neill as CEO has caused an uproar. Although she doesn't officially take office until September, skepticism has already been overwhelming, with some analysts believing the reaction is overblown. Meanwhile, founder Chip Wilson is waging a board battle, demanding further leadership changes. All these conflicts are set to come to a head before the annual shareholders meeting in June.
The Backroom: Redefining Pacsun
Ten years after exiting bankruptcy protection, Pacsun, along with retailers like Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Victoria's Secret, strives to regain attention in a changing market. CEO Brieane Olson, with her new book 'Co-Created,' discusses the challenges of transitioning from merchant to CEO and how to make the brand resonate with a younger generation that prefers creating culture over following it.
The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times
The National Retail Federation forecasts retail sales growth of 4.4% this year, but the K-shaped economic framework cannot fully explain consumer resilience. Katie Thomas, head of the Kearney Consumer Institute, shares new findings on this framework, analyzing shifts in consumer spending behavior and the challenges facing 2026.
The Backroom: Walmart and Target are not the same
Although Walmart and Target are often discussed together, they have always had significant differences in product assortment, brand positioning, and pricing strategies. With both companies completing CEO transitions in early February, their performance challenges are starkly different: Target urgently needs to reverse declining sales, while Walmart seeks to sustain growth in the AI era. In the latest podcast episode, Retail Dive reporters break down the similarities and differences between the two giants.
The Backroom: Saks Global and the bankruptcy that everyone saw coming
After completing its $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus in December 2024, Saks Global immediately fell into a vicious cycle of difficulty paying suppliers, inventory shortages, and declining sales. On January 14, 2025, the company formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In this episode of The Backroom podcast, Retail Dive reporters Dani James and Daphne Howland share their on-the-ground observations of Saks Fifth Avenue's Manhattan flagship store and discuss with Debtwire analysts Sarah Foss and Tim Hynes the possible directions of the bankruptcy and its broader implications for the retail industry.
The Backroom: Contemplating retail in 2026 with Doug Stephens
The upheaval and uncertainty of 2025 seem set to continue into 2026. For retailers directly connected to consumers, challenges at the economic, technological, and even social levels can be daunting. Take artificial intelligence, for example: American consumers have complex attitudes toward AI and overwhelmingly support regulation; meanwhile, research shows that AI's business impact is not yet clear. Industry consultant Doug Stephens and veteran journalist Daphne Howland, in this podcast episode, center on trust to explore what retailers and brands should consider in AI and other decisions that could shape the future of retail and beyond.
The Backroom: Tariffs tee up unique holiday season for retail
Rapid changes in U.S. tariff policy have triggered major adjustments in retail supply chains and procurement strategies, with consumer confidence declining and the holiday season facing unique challenges. In this episode of The Backroom podcast, Supply Chain Dive senior editor Phil Neuffer joins to review the impact of tariffs on the industry and preview the free online event on January 28.