Podcasts
The Backroom: Doug Stephens looks to 2025 and beyond
In the latest episode of The Backroom podcast, retail industry expert Doug Stephens talks with Retail Dive senior journalist Daphne Howland, analyzing the reality of the AI boom, retailers' social responsibilities, and reasons for long-term optimism amid uncertainties like tariffs.
The Backroom: Amazon Haul and the state of retail
Amazon recently launched a low-cost shopping platform called 'Amazon Haul,' directly competing with ultra-low-cost Chinese e-commerce sites like Temu and Shein. In this episode of The Backroom podcast, e-commerce technology entrepreneur Rick Watson joins Retail Dive senior reporter Daphne Howland to analyze the strategic intent behind this move and the situation of Walmart and Target amid current retail difficulties.
The Backroom: Retailers creeping it real
Halloween is evolving from a mere holiday into a significant commercial opportunity for the retail industry. The National Retail Federation predicts Halloween spending will reach $11.6 billion this year, with nearly half of consumers starting their shopping before October. Spirit Halloween has set a new record with 1,525 stores and is attempting to replicate its seasonal model for the Christmas season.
The Backroom: The state of the art of couponing
As traditional paper coupon channels decline, online coupon communities and influencer-led extreme couponing trends are on the rise. In the latest podcast episode, Retail Dive reporter Xanayra Marin-Lopez and senior reporter Daphne Howland analyze the latest evolution of coupon usage and its dual significance for both consumers and retailers.
The Backroom: Under Armour’s past — and future — under Kevin Plank
Four years ago, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank stepped down as CEO, and the market had high hopes for the new leader. However, successor Patrik Frisk left after just two years, and Stephanie Linnartz also departed abruptly after more than a year on the job. Now, Plank is back at the helm. This podcast episode will dissect the reasons behind the turmoil at the top of this athletic apparel giant and its future direction.
The Backroom: All of a sudden, a lot is happening at department stores
As a century-old retail model, the department store industry has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including the impact of e-commerce and the decline of shopping malls. However, recently, major players such as Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom have successively reported major news, including acquisitions, privatization attempts, and store adjustments. Southern retailer Belk also gained a new owner and cut nearly $1 billion in debt after the recording of this podcast episode. Senior editors and reporters from Retail Dive delve into the significance behind these developments and the future direction.
The Backroom: What’s going on with Amazon Fashion?
Wells Fargo analysts estimate that Amazon and its third-party sellers sold over $68 billion in clothing and footwear in the U.S. last year, making it the largest apparel seller in the country. However, Amazon's ambitions in fashion seem to have waned, with its Amazon Style stores closing and Prime Wardrobe being renamed "Try Before You Buy." In this podcast, Fashion Dive senior editor Lara Ewen discusses the current state and future of Amazon Fashion.
The Backroom: Lee Peterson and the hard truth about retail stores
This episode of The Backroom podcast features WD Partners Executive Vice President Lee Peterson, who said at NRF that 'shopping is dead.' Drawing on his retail experience, he analyzes the challenges facing physical stores and offers suggestions for transformation.
The Backroom: With more closures ahead, what’s next for Macy’s?
Macy's announced the closure of 150 additional stores, sparking industry discussions about the future of traditional department stores. This article reviews its historical expansion and current contraction, analyzing store closure criteria and transformation challenges under investor pressure.
The Backroom: Why it’s so hard for retailers to do the right thing
Social media drives public opinion and high consumer expectations, leaving retailers facing backlash on both marketing and policy fronts. NYU Stern professor Alison Taylor, author of the new book 'Higher Ground,' joins veteran journalist Daphne Howland on the podcast to explore the real-world challenges retailers face on issues such as diversity, sustainability, and unionization.