Fenty Beauty Goes to the Classics
In an era of dwindling attention spans, modern brands and retailers face the challenge of creating meaningful statements from digital fluff. Classical knowledge is a differentiator in an oversaturated, uninspired market. Savvy, modern consumers distinguish themselves not just by donning specific styles, but by their knowledge of the culture their style reflects. Knowledge is the new currency.
The Latest Retail Industry Insights and Analysis
Signal or Noise? The Grey Swan Problem No One Wants to Solve
A business built around a single geography, a single distribution channel and a single supply chain scenario is not lean.
Pros Give Home Depot and Lowe’s a Lifeline
Two giants continue to serve the average homeowner’s projects, but with the housing market stuck in neutral, Lowe’s and Home
Saks Global: The Robin Report Retail Miss of the Week, 6.6.26
Honestly, after four misses and counting, we’re really not trying to pick on them. But the decision by the new
Listen Up
Retail Unwrapped
Our weekly podcast with Shelley E. Kohan, & guests. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
Experience
Luxury Brands Play the Celebrity Card for Gen Z
Great brands target Gen Z through the celebrities we obsess over, building campaigns designed to go viral and get reposted.
New York Is Experiencing a Retail Sea Change
New York is among the world’s most demanding retail laboratories, a city where brand and corporate strategy are simultaneously executed
The Return to Stores Is About Connection
For years, the primary role of the store was clear; it was a place to transact. Product was displayed, customers
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Opinion
Tariff Chaos and the Widening Gyre
How does a business leader who may have just breathed a sigh of post-Covid-19 relief in early 2026, only to
Retailers Should Be Wary of Trade School Grads
There is a disturbing disconnect between the classroom and performance on a retail sales floor. This is an industry-wide problem.
Tariff Chaos and the Widening Gyre
How does a business leader who may have just breathed a sigh of post-Covid-19 relief in early 2026, only to
Retailers Should Be Wary of Trade School Grads
There is a disturbing disconnect between the classroom and performance on a retail sales floor. This is an industry-wide problem.
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The Retail Unwrapped Podcast
Retail insights on-the-go, with Shelley E. Kohan. Available on your favorite podcast platforms.
From Our Partners
Placer’s 10 Brands to Watch + 3 Surprises
Check out Placer.ai’s latest enlightening report on the 10 Top Brands to Watch in 2025 when it comes to retail
How LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat Are Crushing Consumer Engagement
Watch and learn LoveShackFancy and WeWoreWhat are building engagement and social media strategies that matter to today’s younger consumer.
Technology
Sephora Pioneers BeautyTech
French beauty retailer Sephora is doubling down on stores while simultaneously accelerating its investment in AI, conversational commerce and digital
How Intentional Is the Social Media Divide?
It’s getting harder for social media users to hear from folks on the other side of any party line. Sophisticated
Woolworths’ Chatbot Went Rogue
Research on human-computer interaction has consistently found that people respond positively to interfaces that feel conversational and warm, while younger
Management
Which Future Grads Will Run Your Store?
Most retail talent development programs have not adapted to today’s digital marketplace and are not cultivating the right talent. Whether
Gen Z May Be Your Next Boss
Next gen managers prioritize transparency and workplace flexibility, and their aversion to top-down management models means they’re empathetic and amenable
Operations
Pros Give Home Depot and Lowe’s a Lifeline
Two giants continue to serve the average homeowner’s projects, but with the housing market stuck in neutral, Lowe’s and Home
Are Your ORC Forensics Up to Date?
Join Shelley and Gary Sankary, Retail Lead at Esri, as they discuss risk assessment and reveal the strategies and forensics
What Happened to Doc Martens?
Part of the Doc Martens revival has been driven by fashion’s ongoing focus on authenticity; the brand has benefited from