Retail Gets Real

Creative collaborations have become a powerful and fresh way to connect with consumers, but the most successful partnerships are about far more than celebrity names or limited-edition products. Gigi Guerra, vice president of marketing and creative curation at Target, shares how thoughtful storytelling, guest insights and authentic partnerships come together to create moments that resonate across generations.

(00:00:00) From fashion design to leading iconic retail brands
(00:09:21) The strategy behind Target's biggest collaborations
(00:14:43) Creating collaborations people can't wait to experience
(00:18:19) Why the best collaborations create lasting memories
(00:21:55) How social media shapes modern retail collaborations

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:
• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association
• Learn more from retail’s most innovative leaders at an NRF event.
• Learn about retail education and training from the NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org
• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy
• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:
• 376: How Target’s consumer-first strategy drives success
• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

Hanna Andersson has spent decades building a reputation for quality children's apparel that families trust and pass down from generation to generation. Aimée Lapic, CEO of Hanna Andersson, joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how the company continues to grow while staying true to its mission of championing childhood.

(00:00:00) A customer-first career in retail
(00:03:51) Leadership through teamwork and authenticity
(00:08:50) Designing a brand around childhood
(00:11:20) Turning resale into a competitive advantage
(00:15:32) Building a culture designed for working families
(00:20:24) What keeps customers coming back

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:
• 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:
• 412: How Brieane Olson is shaping the future of youth retail at Pacsun
• 360: How Kendra Scott’s ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision transforms communities

Outlet shopping has come a long way from its origins as a place for manufacturers to sell excess inventory. Today, consumers are looking for much more than a deal, and Tanger is evolving alongside them. Stephen Yalof, president and CEO of Tanger Inc., joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how shopping centers are becoming entertainment destinations, the resilience of today's shoppers and why the future of retail is still very much rooted in physical experiences.

(00:00:00) The evolution of outlet retail
(00:06:15) Reimagining the outlet experience
(00:10:08) Understanding today's retail consumer
(00:13:34) Leadership lessons from the top
(00:16:32) From dealmaker to CEO
(00:19:30) The three notes rule
(00:23:02) What excites Stephen Yalof about retail's future

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:
• 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:
• 411: Redefining JCPenney for today’s customer
• 393: How Bealls is shaping the next era of value shopping

What started as a rugged utility product built for workers and outdoor enthusiasts has evolved into one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in retail: Stanley 1913, part of PMI WW Brands LLC. Matt Navarro, global brand president, PMI WW Brands LLC (Stanley 1913), joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how Stanley balanced explosive viral growth with long-term brand building, global expansion and product innovation.

(00:00:00) Building a career through mentorship and growth
(00:03:59) Reinventing Stanley for a new generation
(00:08:09) Understanding Stanley’s evolving consumer
(00:10:21) The partnerships driving Stanley’s cultural relevance
(00:14:29) Balancing Stanley’s heritage with innovation
(00:16:05) The innovation history behind Stanley’s products
(00:18:09) What leadership looks like inside Stanley 1913
(00:22:01) What’s next for Stanley

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:
• 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:
• 413: Leading Carhartt through growth, culture and change
• 350: Comfort, collaboration and imaginative innovation at Crocs

Retail sales remain strong, consumers are still spending and yet economic anxiety continues to dominate headlines. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the contradictions shaping today’s economy, from record-low consumer sentiment to resilient retail performance.

(00:00:00) Why consumers keep spending despite economic anxiety
(00:05:17) Why family spending stays strong during economic pressure
(00:07:03) What the K-shaped economy actually means
(00:09:15) How retailers are adapting to a new generation of consumers
(00:11:11) Why retail remains one of the most misunderstood industries
(00:15:23) What makes a great economist

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:
• 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:
• 387: Behind the data: Insights from NRF’s top economists
• 400: How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025
• 397: What’s driving holiday shopping in 2025