The Modern Retail Podcast

P.F. Candle Co.’s Made in America strategy (RERUN)

PF Candle Co founders share how domestic manufacturing helps them navigate supply chain volatility and import tariffs.

Listener mailbag: How AI and Substack are changing affiliate marketing

Learn how AI, shifting consumer habits, and the rise of Substack are forcing brands to rethink affiliate strategies.

Is Prime Day still worth it?

Brands must weigh rising advertising costs and operational hurdles to decide if Prime Day still drives real value.

Why the World Cup is a make or break moment for retail this summer

Retailers are turning the biggest World Cup in history into a major summer revenue driver through local activations.

The next era of Pride Month marketing

Brands are moving away from performative Pride campaigns in favor of long-term strategies grounded in cultural fluency.

Pacsun's CEO on how the brand cracked its Gen Z strategy

PacSun CEO Brie Olson shares how the retailer uses co-creation and community feedback to stay relevant with Gen Z.

Hits and misses from Q1 earnings season

Retailers are navigating a volatile market as earnings reports reveal shifting consumer habits and persistent headwinds.

The tradeoff economy: Why stressed shoppers are still spending

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels are joined by Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute to examine the current state of the retail landscape. The discussion centers on the firm’s latest Consumer Stress Index, which draws from a massive global dataset to analyze how multifaceted pressures—ranging from inflation and geopolitical instability to concerns regarding technology and health—are reshaping purchasing behaviors. The conversation explores the phenomenon of the tradeoff economy, where consumers navigate deep financial anxiety while simultaneously seeking small moments of joy. Listeners will learn why shoppers are currently defying traditional recessionary expectations and how the compounding effect of modern uncertainties is forcing a shift in how people prioritize their spending. This insightful analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex psychological drivers behind today’s evolving consumer habits.

How TikTok Shop is winning over major brands

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels sit down with reporter Allison Smith to explore the rapid ascent of TikTok Shop. As the platform matures, it is increasingly being viewed as a legitimate, high-growth sales channel for both mid-sized companies and major legacy brands. The discussion analyzes the shift in market dynamics, noting that big-name brands are rapidly expanding their presence on the app as sales continue to climb. Listeners will gain insights into the mechanics driving this growth, including the strategic use of affiliate networks and promotional discounts for customer acquisition. The episode also highlights the contrasting experiences of operating on the platform as a large corporation compared to a nimble startup, ultimately outlining the essential strategies required for brands to achieve sustainable success in the evolving landscape of social commerce.

What it takes to build a true lifestyle brand

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, Mandy Fry, president of the apparel brand Z Supply, joins the hosts to explore the evolution of a company from a single-product seller into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. Fry shares her strategic journey of expanding the business beyond its original t-shirt offerings into loungewear, resortwear, and beyond. She emphasizes that becoming a true lifestyle brand requires a dedicated mindset shift focused on meeting customers at every moment of their daily lives. Listeners will gain insight into how Z Supply successfully scaled its product categories while maintaining its core identity. The conversation also covers the challenges of failed product launches, the necessity of adapting marketing strategies for brand positioning, and the reasoning behind a deliberate retail distribution approach that prioritizes smaller boutiques over large-scale retail chains.

The growing debate over digital price tags

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, special projects editor Melissa Daniels examines the increasingly controversial shift toward electronic shelf labels in major grocery chains. While retailers view these digital tags as a way to boost efficiency, improve pricing accuracy, and save staff time, the technology has sparked significant debate. Critics, including the United Food and Commercial Workers union, argue that widespread adoption could jeopardize jobs and lead to questionable practices like surveillance and algorithmic pricing, where costs fluctuate based on consumer data. Listeners will hear from key lobbyists on both sides of the aisle as they discuss the legislative battles currently taking place in state houses and Congress. The conversation provides a deep dive into the intersection of retail automation, consumer protection laws, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future of in-store shopping.

Has the latest sneaker bubble officially burst?

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, host Gabi Barkho and senior reporter Julia Waldow examine the current state of the footwear industry following the dramatic valuation collapse of DTC brand Allbirds. The discussion analyzes whether the broader sneaker bubble has finally burst, as once-dominant darlings like On and Hoka face slowing growth while specialty running brands like Asics and Brooks gain momentum. The hosts explore how shifting consumer trends and intense competition force legacy giants like Nike and New Balance to fight for market share in an increasingly volatile landscape. Listeners will gain insight into the structural challenges facing modern sneaker brands, including rising supply chain costs and complex tariff impacts. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how footwear companies navigate rapid market shifts and the difficulties of maintaining relevance in a fickle, trend-driven retail environment.

Why shoppers can't get enough of limited-edition scents and flavors

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, hosts Gabi Barkho and Melissa Daniels explore the rising popularity of limited-time offers within the consumer packaged goods industry. As brands increasingly rely on seasonal flavors and unique scents to drive sales and foster consistent excitement, these temporary drops have become a vital component of modern marketing strategy. The conversation highlights how both legacy names and emerging brands use product innovation to refresh their assortments and capture consumer attention. Listeners will hear from Dude Wipes co-founder Ryan Meegan, who explains how his brand successfully utilized seasonal scents to attract over 150,000 new households. The discussion covers the strategic importance of developing standout SKUs, planning annual inventory around limited releases, and transforming creative test runs into significant revenue drivers that help revitalize stale categories in the retail space.

Inside David's Bridal's post-bankruptcy turnaround

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, special projects editor Melissa Daniels interviews David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook to explore the iconic retailer’s strategic evolution following its recent bankruptcy filings. After downsizing its store footprint significantly, the company is now focused on a comprehensive transformation plan dubbed Aisle to Algorithm. Listeners will gain insight into how the brand is leveraging artificial intelligence to drive internal efficiencies and enhance the customer acquisition process. The discussion highlights the company’s shift toward a more robust omnichannel experience and the introduction of new services like the Pearl Planner, which aims to provide comprehensive wedding support beyond traditional gown sales. Furthermore, Cook addresses the complex human element of the business, candidly discussing the challenges of maintaining employee morale and company culture during a period of intense organizational change and financial restructuring.

AI-generated review summaries could upend online shopping

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporter Gabi Barkho explores how generative AI is fundamentally reshaping the online shopping experience through automated review summaries. Joined by Borghese COO Dawn Hilarczyk and growth marketing expert Nick Lafferty, the discussion examines how major AI search engines like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Rufus are aggregating and condensing customer feedback. The guests highlight the potential risks of this technology, particularly how bot-generated summaries can strip product details of necessary context and misrepresent key features. Beyond the technical implications, the conversation provides actionable insights for brands looking to maintain control over their digital narrative. Listeners can expect a deep dive into how businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to ensure that customer feedback remains accurate and influential as AI continues to transform the way consumers discover and evaluate products online.

What’s in and out in food and beverage for 2026

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, special projects editor Melissa Daniels and senior reporter Gabriela Barkho analyze the shifting landscape of the food and beverage industry for 2026. Following their insights from Expo West, the hosts break down the latest trends defining consumer habits and product development. Listeners will explore the ongoing popularity of functional coffee and protein sods, alongside the rising consumer pushback against seed oils in favor of alternatives like beef tallow and avocado oil. The conversation also highlights significant emerging shifts, including the rise of high-protein and fiber-focused products, the trend of combining daily wellness routines like creatine supplementation into morning beverages, and the expanding influence of the MAHA movement. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the specific products and categories that are currently dominating the market and shaping the future of retail.

The art and science of product pricing

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, host Melissa Daniels sits down with Kris Malkoski, president of learning and development at Newell Brands, to explore the complex landscape of product pricing. Focused on the iconic baby gear brand Graco, the discussion delves into how a legacy company maintains affordability while navigating modern retail challenges like tariffs, inflation, and shifting consumer behavior. Listeners will gain insight into how Graco integrates advanced AI to better understand customer personas and refine pricing strategies. The conversation also highlights the collaborative relationship between brands and retailers, emphasizing how shared data helps inform layout and assortment decisions. By detailing the role of product development teams in cost management, the episode offers a practical look at the balance between scientific data analysis and the art of maintaining brand value in a volatile market.

Marketing is experiencing an AI reckoning

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, co-hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels sit down with executive editor Anna Hensel to explore the profound impact artificial intelligence is having on the marketing industry. As brands face the dual pressures of climbing customer acquisition costs and increasingly discerning shoppers, the conversation delves into how AI is being deployed to optimize targeting strategies and accelerate creative workflows. The panel examines the delicate balance between embracing innovation and maintaining brand integrity, highlighting the growing apprehension surrounding the automation of mission-critical tasks. Listeners can expect a thoughtful discussion on the future of the creative workforce, the risks of over-reliance on emerging tools, and the shifting dynamics of digital engagement. This episode provides essential insights for professionals navigating the integration of new technology within their marketing operations.

An emergency tariffs episode

In this emergency episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, executive editor Anna Hensel, special projects editor Melissa Daniels, and senior reporter Gabriela Barkho examine the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down President Trump’s sweeping international tariffs. The team analyzes the 6-3 decision, which found that the administration exceeded its legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Listeners will hear a detailed breakdown of what this legal development means for the retail sector, specifically addressing the difficult question of whether companies might be eligible for refunds on tariffs paid over the past year. The hosts also explore the broader implications for the push toward domestic manufacturing and discuss what industry leaders should watch for as the administration seeks alternative paths to enforce its trade agenda. It is a critical update for any retailer navigating this uncertain economic landscape.

The dawn of DTC 3.0

In this episode of The Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporter Gabriela Barkho examines the evolution of the direct-to-consumer retail landscape alongside industry veterans Nate Checketts of Rhone and Melissa Mash of Dagne Dover. As the term DTC faces shifting perceptions within the startup ecosystem, the guests explore the emergence of DTC 3.0, a model focused on long-term sustainability and profitability rather than rapid, venture-backed scaling. The conversation reflects on the lessons learned from the early DTC boom, analyzing how global events like the pandemic and changing trade policies forced brands to mature. Listeners will hear insights into the transition from early-phase growth to the development of enduring, resilient businesses. By contrasting past strategies with current market realities, the episode provides a roadmap for building brands that prioritize stability and intentional growth in an increasingly complex retail environment.