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 episode brings together the best of retail, family and fun. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:02:45) The Butterball Team(00:04:06) Butterball’s core value of togetherness (00:08:33) Talking about the Turkey Talk-Line(00:14:17) The joys & challenges of marketing (00:16:50) Al’s best career advice The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• butterball.com• storycorps.org• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Inside the 2024 holiday trends that will impact retail in 2025Produced by Crate Media.

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 (00:01:42) Quiñones’ career journey  (00:05:06) IKEA’s commitment to sustainability  (00:14:46) What Quiñones loves most about his job  (00:20:59) Creating a core IKEA experience across the globe  (00:23:26) Staying current in an ever-evolving industry  The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • ikea.com/us/en • NRF2025: Retail’s Big Show: nrfbigshow.nrf.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • NRF Foundation Announces The List Of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2025 • Goldman Sachs Chairman & CEO to Speak at Retail’s Big Show • Creating a circular retail economy

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.  (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:46) Cory’s Career Journey (00:05:06) The Omnichannel Approach In Emerging Markets  (00:09:46) Kraft Heinz’s Online Presence  (00:13:28) The Essential Impact Of The Food Industry  (00:15:27) Cory’s Approach To Leadership  (00:18:15) Finding Work-Life Balance  (00:22:38) Cory’s Career Advice  The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • kraftheinzcompany.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Top 3 retail trends driving industry transformation in 2024 • A snapshot into the latest retail tech breakthroughs  Produced by Crate Media.

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 Act and how it's counteracting this insidious trend.  (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:25) What Is Organized Retail Crime?  (00:06:02) The Evolution Of Organized Retail Crime  (00:09:30) Introducing The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act  (00:12:46) Social Media Awareness Of ORC  The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • ivey.house.gov • jcpenney.com • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Join the movement to combat retail crime  • Thank You, Retail Crime Fighters

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 winter holiday consumer spending. (00:00:38) Introductions (00:02:45) Why People Shop Early  (00:04:39) Halloween Spending Projections  (00:07:28) The Year’s Most Popular Costumes  (00:09:21) Where Consumers Are Shopping  (00:10:49) Who Is Halloween For?  (00:12:31) Early Predictions For The Holiday Season  The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • Consumer Trends in Halloween Shopping and Celebration  • Halloween Spending to Reach Record $12.2 Billion As Participation Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels • Nearly Half of Halloween Shoppers to Start Purchasing Items Before October

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 retail. (00:00:00) Introductions (00:01:28) Anjana’s Career Journey (00:05:45) The Membership Model (00:08:27) How BJ’s Is Leveraging AI (00:16:10) Women’s Representation In STEM Leadership Roles (00:21:00) What’s Next For BJ’s? (00:25:04) Anjana’s Career Advice (00:26:44) The Exciting Future Of Tech And Retail The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • BJ’s Wholesale Club • Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • BJ’s Chris Baldwin on what keeps this CEO up at night • NRF Retail Leadership Series: Chris Baldwin, Executive Chairman, BJ's Wholesale Club • Value, partnership and peanut M&M’s: BJ’s Wholesale Club aligns with Mars Produced by Crate Media.

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.

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 customer experiences and his plans for future growth.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 to connect with this group. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 leading the business. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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.

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.

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 Planalytics’ most recent report, “Climate-Proofing Retail.” We’ll also discuss the practical steps individual companies can take to manage the related opportunities and risks. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 for the group of outdoor lifestyle brands.   Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 to when NRF hosts an even bigger Big Show APAC next year, June 3-5, 2025. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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.

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.

Replay from Retail Gets Real episode 326:  As SVP of Leadership & Organizational Development, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and Community Impact for Burlington Stores, Mecca Mitchell leads efforts to cultivate a culture that leverages diversity, inclusion and equity best practices to drive business objectives, while responding to the diverse needs of its workforce, its customers, and the community. We’re talking to Mecca about her unconventional career journey, creating inclusive communities and leading with passion and authenticity. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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.

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.

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 helped guide the wholesale, niche company into a global, vertical brand. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 sustainability efforts and goals, and the role of retail in the circular economy. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 early lessons they’ve learned along the way, and their best advice for graduating seniors navigating their next steps. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 ad sales, the future of Kendra Scott and how philanthropy is at the heart of everything the brand does. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 thinks it’s important to advocate for small businesses. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 consumer research and how AI can help improve the experience for both customers and retailers.  Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 leadership style and what’s next for the company. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 Strauss & Co (#336) • Jennifer Gandia, Co-owner, Greenwich St. Jewelers (#320) • Prama Bhatt, Chief Digital Officer, Ulta Beauty (#321) • Heidi Cooley, Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs (#328) • Megan Crozer, Executive Vice President & Chief Merchant, Sam's Club (#309) • Mecca Mitchell, Senior VP & Chief DEI Officer, Burlington Stores (#326) • Christiane Pendarvis, Co-CEO, Pattern Beauty (#297) • Theresa Lee, Vice President, HR Talent, Culture, and Strategy, PetSmart (#338) Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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, including the top categories and activities consumers are indulging in this holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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.

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 philosophy behind his portfolio of kitchenware brands and his exciting partnership with Drew Barrymore. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 the company’s unique culture and how PetSmart has successfully revamped the front-line experience for its 50,000+ associates. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 Foundation Student Program in New York City to talk about her incredible career journey, growing her organic baby clothing and accessories brand, partnering with Walmart and what the future of retail looks like. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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 evolve the luxury experience for today’s online luxury shopper. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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, explain why the retailer is actually 17 technology companies rolled into one, and share how Walmart is using emerging technologies to help every generation of shopper save money and live better. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

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.

More than 200 million people shopped online and in stores over the holidays, but will that spirited spending carry over into 2024? On today’s show, Susan Reda, NRF’s vice president of education strategy, digs into insights and retail trends for 2024 and gives a preview of what's in store at Retail’s Big Show in New York City next week. Read Reda’s full 2024 retail trends forecast. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

More than 40,000 retailers of all kinds are getting ready to come together in New York City’s Javits Center for NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show on Jan. 14-16. On today’s special episode, we’re talking to NRF’s Susan Newman and Eric Olson about what attendees can expect to see, hear and do at the event. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

NRF expects spending to reach record highs this holiday season, hitting $957 billion. What are gift-givers buying, where are they shopping, and what is motivating them to buy? To get us in the holiday spirit, we're talking to Katherine Cullen, NRF’s vice president of industry and consumer insights, to learn more about what’s driving this year’s winter holiday spending trends. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As recently as 2016, the No. 3 Google search trend for Crocs was ‘Crocs memes’ — memes to make fun of the not-yet-cool clog. Today, Crocs is an iconic, global footwear brand garnering partnerships with Balenciaga, Bad Bunny and Takashi Murakami. On today’s episode, we’re talking to Crocs SVP and CMO Heidi Cooley about 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 footwear brands on this planet, and maybe across the metaverse. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Today on Retail Gets Real, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jungmin Kang, teen entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Snoopslimes. She's also one of the dynamic leaders on NRF’s list of people shaping retail's future in 2024. We talk to Jungmin about starting her popular slime toy business at only 13 years of age, the massive role social media has played in her company's growth and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

As senior vice president of leadership and organizational development, DEI and community impact for Burlington Stores Inc., Mecca Mitchell leads efforts to create supportive and equitable institutional structures, foster welcoming and inclusive environments that promote growth and development, and cultivate a culture that leverages diversity, inclusion and equity best practices to drive business objectives, while responding to the diverse needs of its workforce, its customers, and the community. On today’s episode, we’re talking to Mecca about her unconventional career journey and leading with passion and authenticity. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

We talk to David Johnston, NRF’s VP of Asset Protection & Retail Operations, about an issue that’s impossible to ignore: organized retail crime. In recapping Fight Retail Crime Day, David explains how the issue continues to impact retailers and how brands are advocating for meaningful action. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Retail Gets Real episode 324: Tony Sciarrotta, executive director of the Reverse Logistics Association, talks about where our returns go, how reverse logistics fits into the circular economy, and what retailers need to know about this increasingly important area of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

J.C. Penney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a plan to spend more than $1 billion by the end of 2025 to revive the 121-year-old chain. On this episode, we’re speaking with Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Michelle Wlazlo about the department store’s historic $1 billion reinvestment project, the evolution and debut of several private labels and exclusive partnerships, and what’s ahead for the holiday season. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.

Small business consultant, boutique co-owner and podcaster Kathy Cruz is already a very busy woman. But recently, she added retail advocate to her title. This summer, Kathy flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress in support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which would enhance credit card competition and choice in order to reduce excessive credit card fees. On this episode, NRF’s Senior Director of Grassroots Meghan Keivel Cruz talks to Kathy about her growing business, supporting her fellow business owners and why she’s passionate about the retail industry. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.