Retail Corner: New Normal in Retail Technology & Business
A deeply informative podcast on New Normal in Retail Industry. We cover current retail landscape, best of breed products and retail business best practices. Tune in to listen to retail experts and community thinkers on retail industries current trajectory as well as future projections.
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Episodes
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Listen to Chris Gerbig, co-founder and president of Pink Lily, in this episode of Retail Corner on how to focus on growing the brand naturally. The story of Pink Lily is very inspiring and a must for entrepreneurs to get some insights. You will listen to our host talking with Chris on the following points:
Would you mind sharing a bit about your background with the audience and how Pink Lily came to be?
How did Pink Lily manage to achieve $4 million in sales within its first year of launching? What strategies or factors contributed to its rapid growth and profitability?
How has technology influenced the fashion and retail industries, and what specific advancements have had the most significant impact?
Can you explain the role of retail e-commerce in the fashion industry, and how companies can leverage data to derive meaningful insights for their businesses?
When considering the impact of social media on a brand, what are some key benefits that come from integrating brand ambassadors into the business model?
Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the fashion and retail industries, both in terms of technology adoption and consumer behavior?
About our guest, Chris Gerbig:
As a self-proclaimed business and finance nerd, Chris Gerbig’s professional journey started as you might expect. He earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from Western Kentucky University, then spent nearly a decade in personal finance and banking, corporate finance, and global supply chain management for companies that include Bank of America, Fruit of the Loom, and Dollar General Corporation. But he became tired of corporate America, wanting more time with his family and fewer hours spent in a cubicle. Simultaneously, as he and his wife, Tori, began selling items on online marketplaces to pay off student loans, inspiration struck, and they decided to take a risk.
In 2014, the two founded Pink Lily to bring women an ever-changing assortment of apparel, footwear, and accessories, and the lifestyle brand quickly became one of the fastest-growing online retailers in America. In the years since, Pink Lily has continued to bring fashion, positivity, and community to its customers as a family-owned and family-run business. As president, Chris is responsible for finance/accounting, recruiting, IT, operations, supply chain, and legal. Even while working full-time at Pink Lily, Chris also completed his MBA at Tennessee Technological University, graduating magna cum laude.
Chris is most proud of profitably growing a side hustle into a mega lifestyle brand without any outside funding or investments. To date, Pink Lily has sold over $200,000,000 worth of products online, and Chris has invested in and managed over 120,000 square feet of real estate. These accomplishments have earned him a spot on the Inc. 5000 list three times. Chris has a wealth of experience, education, and real-life knowledge that he loves to share with other aspiring entrepreneurs. He has written multiple articles for Forbes' Business Development Council. He is open to speaking engagements on business and entrepreneurship topics such as e-commerce, startups, finance, technology, and real estate.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gerbig-mba-a1a68451/
Website: https://pinklily.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Listen to Kiera Ganann, a seasoned merchandising and commercial executive, in this episode of Retail Corner, focusing on various retail aspects that drive brand loyalty, from product innovation to consumer expectations. You will listen to our host talking with Kiera on the following points:
Could you provide the audience with some insights into your background and your roles and responsibilities as the Chief Commercial Officer at Bolt Threads?
How can companies effectively engage consumers through their products and experiences to build brand loyalty?
What strategies can businesses employ to create regional or customized assortments that cater to diverse consumer preferences?
In what ways can brands express their power and values through their products and in-store experiences to create a memorable and impactful brand image?
What are some key considerations for brands looking to improve their direct-to-consumer (DTC) business and leverage wholesale partnerships simultaneously?
About our guest, Kiera Ganann:
Kiera Ganann has over 25 years of experience in the apparel and accessories industry, leading sales and merchandising teams for large global brands. She currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for Bolt Threads, where she leads the sales and marketing teams for the biomaterials company focused on mycelium-based leather, Mylo.
Prior to joining Bolt, she established a global merchandising function for Connect Fitness Company, iFIT, owner of NordicTrack and Proform, among many other fitness brands. Previously, she was the VP of Merchandising for Levi Strauss Americas, where she led wholesale and retail merchandising teams across all categories and genders. Before that, she held various leadership positions in sales and merchandising at Ralph Lauren in the men’s and women’s wholesale divisions.
Ganann serves on the Board of Directors for the Fashion Scholarship Fund and has a strong understanding of consumers around the globe as well as a passion for products.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieraganann/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast
or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Bradford and Bryan Manning, Co-founders of Two Blind Brothers, as they share their life stories and discuss their philanthropic entrepreneurial journey while being blind. Their mission is to help the blind community by donating 100% of their profits back to research for eye disease through the Foundation Fighting Blindness. You will listen to our host talking with Bradford and Bryan on the following points:
Could you provide some insight into your personal backgrounds and what motivated you guys to establish the company, Two Blind Brothers?
Can you share an overview of your company's mission and the approach you are taking to cure blindness?
What are some of the biggest challenges or obstacles your team has encountered since the company was founded in 2015?
What kind of support or partnerships do you seek from the public, government bodies, or philanthropic organizations to further advance your mission?
Can you share any inspiring stories or testimonials from individuals who have benefited from your company's efforts to restore vision?
About our guests, Bradford and Bryan Manning:
Bradford and Bryan Manning are two blind brothers on a mission to cure blindness. At a young age, they were diagnosed with an eye disease that causes blindness over time. To fight back, they left their former careers to start Two Blind Brothers, a small charitable clothing and accessories company that donates 100% of its profits to drive life-changing research for a cure for blindness. Their condition inspired a special attention to details, a passion that carries over into the construction of their products. Two Blind Brothers focuses on quality, comfort, and "sense of touch."
Linkedin:
Bryan Manning: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-manning-0b390070/
Bradford Manning: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-manning-0b7b3139/
Website: https://twoblindbrothers.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Audrey Tourangeau, Director of Planning & Allocation at Frank And Oak, who focuses on sustainable retail and how the fashion industry is adopting this change for the betterment of the world. You will listen to our host talking with Audrey on the following points:
What is sustainability for a fashion brand? What does it entail?
How does your role as Director of Planning help with that?
Did you see the same engagement at the other companies you worked for?
What can we do to help, as consumers of the fashion industry?
About our guest, Audrey Tourangeau:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-tourangeau/
Website: https://ca.frankandoak.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://proxima360.com/retail-corner.podcast or https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Maria McDonald, Director of Sustainability at United By Blue, who focuses on the circular economy, sustainable retail, responsible consumption, and ethical shopping. You will listen to our host talking with Maria on the following points:
Could you tell me about your professional journey to where you are today?
What motivated or inspired you to pursue involvement in sustainability?
What are some of the initiatives that United by Blue is taking in order to reduce its environmental impact
What are some of the responsibilities that you have in your current position as sustainability director?
What is your approach to prioritizing your work?
For those who don't know, could you fill us in on what a B-corp is and what it stands for?
Can you tell me about how the company was founded? It is my understanding that the founders have close ties to the ocean.
What key message do you hope our listeners will take away from this conversation?
About our guest, Maria McDonald:
Maria McDonald is a sustainability professional on a mission to transform business models to prioritize people and the planet alongside profit. Maria comes from a background in helping small and medium-sized businesses achieve innovative sustainability goals.
Maria currently serves as the Director of Sustainability for United By Blue, leading their entire sustainability footprint, from their B Corp certification to their product sustainability, and their one-for-one business model. She has also consulted for businesses of all sizes on cutting-edge sustainability plans through her private consulting practice and with leading sustainability consultancy, the Anthesis Group. She is well versed in sustainable business tactics, such as B Corp certifications, sustainability reporting metrics, product and supply chain management, climate target setting, impact reporting, and sustainability communications.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University and a Master's in Sustainability Planning and Management from the University of Colorado Boulder. Maria resides in Boulder, CO, and enjoys hiking, camping, and music.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-mcdonald-41986363/
Website: https://unitedbyblue.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Lee Anne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Babylist, talk about how Babylist has been successful in simplifying baby registries with an inspired growth mindset. You will listen to our host talking with Lee Anne on the following points:
Seeing Babylist’s growth in the past couple of years, it is obvious it is inspired by a growth mindset.
How do you foster that kind of environment and take advantage of the momentum?
How agile would you consider your team when it comes to change?
Do you think your team adopts ideas faster than the industry, and is there anything that really excites you about what's coming down the line?
How has eCommerce evolved in the past decade, and what do you see as the most significant trends shaping its future?
Babylist is primarily an eCommerce business. What are some of the biggest challenges that eCommerce businesses like Babylist face today, and how can you overcome them?
Does Babylist have brick-and-mortar locations? If so, what are the key challenges in creating a successful phygital strategy, and how can businesses overcome them?
How do you see the role of technology evolving in the phygital space, and what impact do you think this will have on consumer behavior?
About our guest, Lee Anne Grant:
Lee Anne Grant is the Chief Growth Officer at Babylist – the leading vertical marketplace and commerce destination for babies, driving purchase decisions for more than 9 million people each year – responsible for driving profitable revenue through growing our community, deepening merchant and brand partnerships, and developing new product and partnership businesses.
Previously, she was the vice president of marketing and revenue. She manages the sales and marketing team and is responsible for driving profitable revenue through growing the community, deepening merchant and brand partnerships, and developing new businesses. She uses her deep experience in performance and brand marketing to optimize an eight-figure marketing budget with content and brand strategies that support an industry-leading NPS score.
Babylist is the generational brand in baby, leading the $88 billion baby products market as the trusted go-to solution for growing families, driving $900 in attributable commerce in 2022. Before Babylist, Lee Anne held executive roles at fast-growing media and consumer brands such as ShopStyle (acquired by Rakuten Inc), POPSUGAR (acquired by Group Nine Media), and Brandless.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeannegrant/
Website: https://www.babylist.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Podcast Sponsor: Proxima360
Listen to other podcasts at: https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Jim Loden, Chief Research Officer at Mulligan, talk about effective omnichannel strategies in today's retail world. You will listen to our host talking with Jim on the following points:
How has omnichannel become the hero of new sectors?
How have you approached change—Amazon listings and shifting customer bases?
What do you think is key when it comes to setting up solid partnerships with retailers?
How have you overcome all the modern supply chain and multinational sourcing challenges?
How have you had to adjust your practices to adapt to changing forecasts in the retail world?
What is the key to managing the diversity of geography and favored tastes across the country in an omnichannel supply chain?
About our guest, Jim Loden:
A tenured executive who has worked for years in the retail and distribution industries, driving explosive growth over and over. Helped conceptualize and develop the Apple Store model. Have grown sales from $300M to over $1.5B in 30 months.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimloden/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Listen to other podcasts at: https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: https://www.retailcorner.live/guests/intake/ or email podcast@retailcorner.live
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
In this episode of Retail Corner, listen to Rosaland Jones, Director of Digital Marketing, at Rack Room Shoes, talk about the power of digital marketing strategies within the retail space. You will listen to our host talking with Rosaland on the following points:
The source of PR and the voice that comes along with it, and how does Rack Room Shoes manage to guide that overall voice.
With budgets tightening across the marketing space, how is Rack Room Shoes adapting to make the most of each dime?
How does Rack Room Shoes balance the short-term results of “boosted posts” vs the long-term effect of brand building? SEO?
How does the communication Rack Room Shoes produces affect its brand? The associate? The customer experiences?
How does Rack Room Shoes keep track of all the different angles of its marketing effort?
How is Rack Room Shoes using the data at hand to make the right decisions?
About our guest, Rosaland Jones:
Rosaland Jones leads the digital marketing team at Rack Room Shoes with a focus on paid digital, social media, SEO and marketing analytics. Rosaland has spent most of her career in eCommerce (Dillard’s, Timex, Rack Room Shoes) and non-profit digital fundraising (Save the Children). She holds a Master’s in Applied Mathematics.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalandjones/
Website: https://www.rackroomshoes.com/
About Retail Corner Podcast:
Host: Carlos Diaz
Producer: Sachin Kumar Bhate
Listen to other podcasts at: https://retailcorner.live
Subscribe our Podcast: Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/3eoeUdT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dvjpDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3DFHXHw
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3tkbhk1
Interested in being on our podcast?
Submit request at: https://www.retailcorner.live/guests/intake/ or email podcast@retailcorner.live