386. Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities
Starbucks may be best known for coffee, but its community impact goes far deeper. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, we’re joined by Kelly Goodejohn, vice president and chief social impact officer at Starbucks, to explore how the global brand is redefining what it means to serve communities — not just with beverages, but with bold action, local investment, and sustainability at scale.(00:00:00) Leading with purpose at Starbucks(00:04:09) How Starbucks turns food waste into community support(00:06:55) Scaling FoodShare and setting the standard for others(00:12:07) Finding purpose in retail and coffee culture(00:15:27) The future of retail’s social impactThe 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:• Starbucks Hunger Relief: about.starbucks.com/hunger-relief• The Starbucks Foundation: about.starbucks.com/the-starbucks-foundation• 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:• How digital transformation at Levi’s and Starbucks is improving customer experience• How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success
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385. Lessons from a young retail leader
Meet one of the young leaders shaping the future of retail. Robert Davison Long was the 2022 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship top recipient and he is now the team manager for Gucci in Tysons Corner, Va.. He joins us to talk about his personal journey in retail, how to “romance a product” and the lessons C-suite executives can learn from up-and-coming retail professionals. (00:00:00) Davison Long’s retail history (00:04:44) Romancing the product(00:06:02) Perspectives of a young leader (00:13:13) Tools to support young professionals (00:16:23) Davison Long’s favorite Gucci products (00:17:38) How C-Suite executives can connect with young leaders(00:20:33) Davison Long’s inspirations 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:• gucci.com• Learn more about 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:• Championing Leaders in Retail • NRF Foundation awards top scholarship to Columbia College Chicago junior
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384. The digital strategy behind Mack Weldon’s growth
The story of Mack Weldon begins with a moment many men know all too well — standing in the underwear aisle, overwhelmed by choice and underwhelmed by experience. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Brian Berger, founder and CEO of Mack Weldon, shares how frustration as a consumer inspired him to reinvent men’s basics with a focus on smart design, technical innovation, and a radically improved shopping experience.(00:00:00) The origin of Mack Weldon(00:04:58) The story behind the brand name(00:07:30) Growing the brand by knowing the customer(00:12:44) Navigating the AI era as a retail founder(00:19:53) Father’s Day picks and the future of retailThe 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:• Mack Weldon: mackweldon.com• 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:• 336. Michelle Gass on leadership, taking risks and her vision for Levi’s• 376. How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success• 367. How Kraft Heinz deploys omnichannel strategies across emerging global markets• 349. How Arc’teryx is reaching new heights while staying loyal to its core customers
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383. Amplifying the voices of small business owners
Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:57) How NRF advocates for small business owners (00:05:33) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses (00:07:27) Aaron Brown’s story (00:08:58) Bob Jones’ story (00:11:04) Lisa-Jae Eggert’s story (00:12:23) Making an impact with policymakers (00:16:41) Cruz’s message to small business owners 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 involved with the NRF Action Center • Learn more about 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:• 5 things to know about tariffs • Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs • Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk
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382. How San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan combats organized retail crime
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 themselves and their employees. (00:00:54) Introductions(00:01:41) Stephan’s Law Background (00:03:41) The Human Price Of Organized Retail Crime (00:09:10) The Reality Of Retail Crime (00:13:13) Initiatives To Combat Organized Retail Crime (00:22:01) The Role Of Local Businesses In Confronting Crime (00:24:47) The Evolution Of Organized Retail Crime 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:• Learn more about NRF Protect• Register for NRF Nexus at nrf.com/nexus and use code RGR20 for 20% off• 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:• Retailers battle nearly $100 billion in shrink • NRF’s FIght Retail Crime Day wins Reed Award for Best Lobby Day • 3 ways to fight retail crimeProduced by Crate Media.
Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
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