Best James Gass Podcasts (2025)

1
382. How San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan combats organized retail crime 29:45

10d ago29:45

29:45

Organized retail crime (ORC) is not a victimless crime — it can have a devastating impact on the real people behind retailers. Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, joins us to discuss the fight against organized retail crime. We explore laws and initiatives to combat the insidious issue, plus what local businesses can do to protect t…

1
381. The innovators driving the future of retail 26:48

24d ago26:48

26:48

One thing is constant in retail: change. Innovation is the cornerstone of the industry. We’re joined by Seth Webb, executive vice president of Tusk Strategies, and Sucharita Kodali, vice president and principal analyst of Forrester Research, to discuss the transformative trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging solution providers that are sh…

1
380. How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand 24:49

1M ago24:49

24:49

Vera Bradley, the beloved purse, travel and accessory retailer, recently refreshed their brand look and strategy to increase brand awareness and expand their consumer profile. Vera Bradley’s CEO, Jackie Ardrey, joins us to discuss the brand’s transformation, the Vera Bradley customer and how the company stays ahead in the ever-evolving retail indus…

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379. Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service 24:12

2M ago24:12

24:12

Whole Foods places its whole focus on serving and nourishing its shoppers. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Whole Foods Market, joins us to talk about how Whole Foods stays ahead of food trends, builds trust with its customers and leads the industry in high-quality sourcing. She also shares her career journey, what …

1
378. How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Coach is a visionary of visual storytelling and experiences. Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP of global visual experience for Coach, joins us to discuss the evolution of visual merchandising and how he tells Coach’s story to a global audience. He also shares the moment that changed his career trajectory and his advice for taking risks and following your g…

1
377. How Pinterest wins with personalized content 27:42

3M ago27:42

27:42

Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI op…

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376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

Target hits the bullseye when it comes to serving its customers. Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about Target’s winning merchandising strategy, his favorite consumer trends and how shopping habits have evolved in recent years. He also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned in his illustr…

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375. Tech, trade and taxes: What’s impacting retail in 2025 18:31

4M ago18:31

18:31

Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, joins us to explore the retail outlook, landscape and trends that are shaping 2025. We discuss how a new administration impacts retail and the economic policies NRF has its pulse on. Plus, Shay shares the best career advice he’s ever received. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:15) The…

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374. Get ahead of the future of retail 25:08

4M ago25:08

25:08

If you had a crystal ball to forecast retail’s future, what would you see? Coming to you from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Cassandra Napoli, head of marketing and events at WGSN, to tackle that question. We talk about emerging trends that may surprise you, ways to future-proof your business and how to get into the minds of young con…

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373. How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation 24:38

4M ago24:38

24:38

LEGO is a timeless, cherished brand for kids and adults alike. In a very special episode from NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show, we’re joined by Martin Urrutia, head of Global Retail Experience and Innovation at LEGO. We talk about how LEGO continues to innovate while remaining true to its core values. We also explore the importance of brand storytelling,…

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372. Retail trends to watch in 2025 22:05

4M ago22:05

22:05

We’re ringing in the new year with new retail predictions. In one of our most popular annual episodes, NRF Vice President of Education Strategy Susan Reda joins us to forecast 2025’s most impactful and exciting retail trends. From innovative AI agents, to the rise of live shopping, to the rebirth of brick and mortar stores, the future of retail is …

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371. NRF 2025 preview: Big things are coming to Retail’s Big Show 20:03

5M ago20:03

20:03

Big things are coming at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, taking place in New York City Jan. 12-14. Jill Dvorak, NRF senior vice president of content, joins us to preview the show. She shares key themes and exciting speakers, tips for attendees, plus her favorite show memories. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:54) Jill’s best Big Show memories (00:04:4…

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370. Poshmark’s new take on secondhand retail 26:28

6M ago26:28

26:28

Steven Tristan Young, Poshmark’s chief marketing officer, joins us to chat about how Poshmark is revolutionizing resale with live shopping experiences, AI technology and sustainable gifting. We also chat about Poshmark’s multichannel marketing strategies and Young’s passion for marketing. Plus, he shares details of his career journey and the best l…

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369. How Butterball builds Thanksgiving traditions with customers 19:22

6M ago19:22

19:22

Consumers have been gobbling up Butterball turkey for decades, and they’re thankful for the company’s connection to its customers. Al Jansen, Butterball’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, joins us to talk about Thanksgiving traditions, the famous Turkey Talk-Line and sharing holiday stories. Food brings people together — and this ep…

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368. How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience 28:33

6M ago28:33

28:33

Javier Quiñones, CEO and chief sustainability officer at IKEA U.S., shares his 25-year career journey at the company, what he loves most about his job and how he stays current in the ever-evolving retail industry. We also talk about IKEA’s commitment to sustainability and how it’s good business to be a good business. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01…

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367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets 26:33

7M ago26:33

26:33

Cory Onell, executive vice president and chief omnichannel sales and Asian emerging markets officer at Kraft Heinz, talks about how his company adapts and innovates omnichannel strategies for different global markets. He also shares his four-pronged leadership approach, his perspective on work-life balance and the advice that shaped his career. (00…

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366. How to fight back against organized retail crime 17:58

7M ago17:58

17:58

Organized retail crime is an issue that plagues retailers — and offenders are only getting more sophisticated. Representative Glenn Ivey, D-Md., and Angela Hofmann, head of government relations for JCPenney, explain what organized retail crime really means and how it’s evolved over the years. Plus, we discuss the Combating Organized Retail Crime Ac…

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365. Halloween spending tricks, treats and trends 16:20

7M ago16:20

16:20

It’s spooky season, and here’s the real treat — Halloween spending is projected to hit nearly $12 billion. Katherine Cullen, NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights, talks about Halloween spending trends, popular costumes, why consumers are shopping early and who is most excited to celebrate this October. Plus, a look at expected win…

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364. How BJ’s Wholesale Club is leveraging AI to serve their customers 29:29

8M ago29:29

29:29

Anjana Harve serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, where she leads technology innovation at the high-frequency club store. In this episode, Harve joins us to talk about the BJ’s member experience, how the company is leveraging AI, her personal career journey and what’s on the horizon for tech and reta…

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363. Why Fabletics remains an early adopter in a fast-paced industry 25:26

8M ago25:26

25:26

Embracing technology and innovation is key for global active lifestyle brand Fabletics. Chief Operating Officer Meera Bhatia shares how she is driving digital advances at Fabletics, her extraordinary career journey in tech and how AI can be used across functions. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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362. How Homefield builds a loyal fanbase 28:11

8M ago28:11

28:11

Homefield is a collegiate apparel company specializing in vintage-inspired designs that offers licensed t-shirts, fleece, jackets and headwear from more than 200 universities. We talk to Co-founder and CEO Connor Hitchcock about how he started Homefield at age 23, why he doesn’t follow the usual marketing playbook, how the company creates unique cu…

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361:How Gen Z is redefining retail 25:10

8M ago25:10

25:10

Born between 1998 and 2012, Generation Z is estimated to encompass more than 2 billion people worldwide and are the first group of consumers to be born entirely within the digital age. Rachel Bonsignore, vice president of NIQ Consumer Life, answers our questions about Gen Z consumers: how they differ from other generations and what retailers can do…

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360. Replay: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision 27:14

9M ago27:14

27:14

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 346: Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry company in Austin, Texas, 22 years ago with a clear vision in place: to create a fashion-for-philanthropy business. In this episode, Kendra Scott CEO Tom Nolan talks about his first Kendra Cares event, his extraordinary career journey and why he took a role in lead…

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359. Replay: LePrix is reinventing how retailers source pre-owned luxury 18:28

9M ago18:28

18:28

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 314: LePrix co-founder and CMO Emily Erkel shares how she took the leap to start her own business, the importance of authentication in luxury resale and her focus on smart growth. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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358. Replay: 32 ways to order a Big Mac: Leading the digital transformation of McDonald’s 30:34

9M ago30:34

30:34

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 340: Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, talks about his career journey, McDonald's extremely popular app and how McDonald's uses digital strategies to keep customers of all generations coming back. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.…

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357. How retailers can stay ahead of weather-related challenges 20:54

10M ago20:54

20:54

The increase in both the severity and the unpredictable nature of weather has significant ramifications for retailers on multiple fronts, including sales, infrastructure and supply chains. Evan Gold, executive vice president, global partnerships and alliances at business weather intelligence firm Planalytics, shares findings from NRF and Planalytic…

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356. How Solo Brands builds passionate fans one product at a time 22:48

10M ago22:48

22:48

Solo Brands is a leading outdoor lifestyle company offering innovative products designed to bring people together and make memories. We talk to Michael McGoohan, chief growth officer at Solo Brands and president of Solo Stove, about his career background spanning multiple industries, his new position at Solo Brands and what growth will look like fo…

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355. Highlights and hot topics from the inaugural Retail’s Big Show: Asia Pacific 2024 27:05

10M ago27:05

27:05

The first-ever Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific 2024 successfully wrapped up in Singapore with stellar attendance and a resounding impact on the future of retail. Martine Reardon, senior advisor for retail insights and content creation for NRF, discusses the exciting inaugural event, key insights from the programming, and what she’s looking forward t…

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354. Exploring modern resale with ThredUp CEO James Reinhart 22:56

11M ago22:56

22:56

It is estimated that by 2028, the global secondhand market will reach $350 billion. ThredUp co-founder and CEO James Reinhart talks about the rising demand for resale, the outlook for the secondhand industry in America and around the world, and his uniquely formed approach to leadership. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.…

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353. Futurist Kate Ancketill on what AI means for retailers 26:22

11M ago26:22

26:22

Kate Ancketill, CEO and founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, talks about the current trends in technologies impacting retail, the impressive pace of innovation in the industry, and what gives her hope for the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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351. Cultivating the next generation of retail talent 26:45

12M ago26:45

26:45

We talk to Adam Lukoskie, SVP and Foundation Executive Director of the National Retail Federation, about current topics and trends in talent acquisition—delving into best practices, new ideas and how retailers are investing in talent for the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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350. Replay: The Crocs story of reinvention, innovation and modern marketing magic 24:54

12M ago24:54

24:54

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 328: Crocs SVP and CMO Heidi Cooley shares how she got into retail, how Crocs connects with consumers everywhere, and the strategies she and her team used to make Crocs one of the most popular brands in footwear. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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349. How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers 19:45

1y ago19:45

19:45

With a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, and over 20 years of global experience in retail and vertical premium brands, Stuart Haselden says leading high-performance outerwear company Arc’teryx is a “dream job.” On this episode, Haselden talks about how he went from an Army officer to retail CEO, his lessons in leadership and how he has h…

1
348. How Ikea is leading the way on sustainability 22:22

1y ago22:22

22:22

Ikea is on track to cut its pollution by half by 2030, and thanks to responsible sourcing and energy efficiency improvements, it has already reduced its climate footprint by 22% since 2016. On today’s show, Mardi Ditze, country sustainability manager for Ikea U.S., talks about her passion for environmental stewardship, Ikea’s impressive sustainabil…

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347. From student to mentor: How retail got real for two young professionals 28:03

1y ago28:03

28:03

It’s graduation season and all across the country, students are transitioning from college students to young professionals. We’re talking to two young retail leaders — Courtney Nash, manager of footwear planning at Allbirds, and Eugene Choi, ecommerce merchandising manager at Munchkin — about what it’s like to start their first jobs in retail, the …

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346. How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision 27:07

1y ago27:07

27:07

Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry company in Austin, Texas, 22 years ago with a clear vision in place: to create a fashion-for-philanthropy business. Today, CEO Tom Nolan continues to honor that vision while leading the company to even greater growth and revenues. On today’s show, Nolan talks about how he started his career in classified a…

1
345. Gourmet granola and advocacy: A conversation with 2022 America’s Retail Champion Margaret Barrow 25:57

1y ago25:57

25:57

NRF’s America’s Retail Champions program celebrates small retailers who are exceptional champions for retail and the communities they serve. On today’s show, we’re celebrating NRF’s 2022 Retail Champion Margaret Barrow, founder and CEO of It’s NOLA. Barrow talks about starting her plant-based snack company, the impact of mentoring and why she think…

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344. The future of AI in consumer experience 23:36

1y ago23:36

23:36

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and as consumers become more and more comfortable with generative AI, retailers will have to find new and innovative ways to reach shoppers. Jane Cheung, global research leader, consumer industry, IBM Institute for Business Value, joins the show to talk about IBM’s 2024 consumer study, how she got into consume…

1
343. How Saks OFF 5TH is crafting customer-centric experiences 26:20

1y ago26:20

26:20

With 100 stores in the United States and Canada, 4 million loyalty program members and a robust online platform, Saks OFF 5TH continues to reimagine traditional off-price retail with a digital-first model focused on delivering a superior customer experience. On today’s show, President and CEO Rob Brooks discusses his career in retail, his leadershi…

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342. Celebrating women in retail 17:31

1y ago17:31

17:31

In honor of Women's History Month, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations with inspiring and trailblazing women in retail. From how to champion diversity to great career advice and how to grow as a leader, we've highlighted these insights worth resharing from some of retail's smartest people: • Michelle Gass, CEO, Levi Strau…

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341: From Peeps to wreaths: Easter shopping insights with NRF’s Katherine Cullen 12:29

1y ago12:29

12:29

Despite the holiday falling in late March this year, consumer spending this Easter is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion, according to NRF’s annual survey — the second highest in the survey’s history. On today’s show, Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights at NRF, shares insights from NRF’s latest Easter data, in…

1
340: 32 ways to order a Big Mac: Leading the digital transformation of McDonald’s 30:20

1y ago30:20

30:20

Live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City—Caleb Pearson, VP of US customer engagement at McDonald's, talks about his career journey, McDonald's extremely popular app and how McDonald's uses digital strategies to keep customers of all generations coming back. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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339. Made By Gather’s Shae Hong on innovation, kitchenware and collaborating with Drew Barrymore 27:28

1y ago27:28

27:28

Made By Gather designs and manufactures kitchenware for a modern generation of makers with premium design, innovative functionality and headline-grabbing collaborations. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Made By Gather’s founder and CEO Shae Hong joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial career path, the philo…

1
338. Improving the front-line associate experience at PetSmart 27:42

1y ago27:42

27:42

PetSmart recently rolled out its new employee-focused communications app, called Central Bark, to give associates a place to share ideas, collaborate, ask questions and troubleshoot. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, PetSmart’s Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy Theresa Lee joins us to talk about …

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337. Inside the digital transformation of Abercrombie & Fitch 25:57

1y ago25:57

25:57

American lifestyle retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is in the midst of an enterprise-wide digital transformation. On today’s show, recorded live from Retail’s Big Show in New York City, A&F Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Technology Officer Samir Desai joins us to talk about A&F’s new digital strategy and the future of retail technology. Le…

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336. Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s 29:39

1+ y ago29:39

29:39

Today’s guest has recently taken the reins at one of the world’s most iconic apparel brands. Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., joins the show live from NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City to talk about her incredible career journey, forward-looking vision for the company and what the future of retail looks like. Learn…

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335. LIVE: Monica Royer on bringing Monica + Andy to Walmart 33:32

1+ y ago33:32

33:32

Monica + Andy was born in a delivery room, not a boardroom. As Monica Royer held her newborn daughter in her arms, she wanted nothing more than complete confidence that what touched her baby’s skin was the softest, safest fabric available. On today’s episode, Monica Royer, co-founder and CEO of Monica + Andy, joins the show live from the NRF Founda…

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334. Saks CEO Marc Metrick on the evolving luxury consumer 16:56

1+ y ago16:56

16:56

Today’s luxury consumer market is growing with a vibrant continuum of shoppers who expect expertly curated fashions and highly personalized service. On today’s episode, Saks CEO Marc Metrick joins us during NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show to talk about Saks’ strategy to build lasting and meaningful customer relationships, and the company’s goal to evol…

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333. Walmart’s Anshu Bhardwaj on AI and the retailer’s role as a global tech leader 26:09

1+ y ago26:09

26:09

In her 14 years with Walmart, Anshu Bhardwaj, vice president and COO of Walmart Global Technology, has seen the global retailer go through three different transformations to become the technology leader that it is today. Live from NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Bhardwaj joins host Bill Thorne to talk about those transformations, expl…

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332. The state of retail heading into 2024 with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay 22:38

1+ y ago22:38

22:38

Coming to you live from NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show in New York City, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay joins the podcast to talk about how the retail industry fared this holiday season, the current retail landscape and what to expect looking ahead into 2024. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.By National Retail Federation

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