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.
Welcome to The Backroom, a window into what goes on behind the scenes as the Retail Dive team covers the stories and trends reshaping retail. You can check out all our podcast episodes (past and present) here and listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Spotify.
There isn’t a retailer that hasn’t been inundated with messages about how artificial intelligence can revolutionize most, if not all, business functions. But how much to believe the hype?
As tariffs loom and a promised level of chaos descends, industry expert Doug Stephens talks to Senior Reporter Daphne Howland about what to expect from AI, the important role of businesses like retailers in society and why optimism is possible over the long term.
Thanks for listening and happy new year.
Resource links:
- How retailers are making it harder to shop, just in time for the holidays
- Why more tech in stores shouldn’t mean fewer workers
- Every store is a flagship
Editor’s note: This episode was produced and edited by Caroline Jansen.