In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Claudia Lloreda, founder and general manager of Blush-Bar, the Latin American beauty specialty retailer about creating a unique beauty experience for Gen Z shoppers. They discuss: How to create a unique beauty retail experience for Gen Z, by challenging the established order Why sustaining a clear shopper-led vision – and passion – is so critical to success The importance of creating an experience that reflects the values and needs of younger shoppers (e.g., sustainability, mental health) The importance of the in-store beauty advisor and service for y ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Lindsey Braun, Vice President of Research & Operations at HABRI (the Human Animal Bond Research Institute) about the power of pets to positively impact the health and wellbeing of people – and retail. They discuss: The science behind the pet–human connection and the power pets have to change lives.  (It’s real.) How having a pet can improve overall health and wellbeing, including mental health, autism, and medical outcomes With the ageing of America, the role pets can plan in reducing loneliness, even caregiving The positive effects of pet fri ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s CEO and Chief Shopper talks to Helena Foulkes, current board member of Costco & Harry’s, former president of CVS Pharmacy and CEO and Board Member of the Hudson’s Bay Company, amongst other roles.   They discuss: Her reflections on the pandemic: What she has learned about retail, leadership and the future.   How and why the power dynamic shifted from manufacturer to retailer to technology -- and now to consumers. The lasting effects of the pandemic. (It’s not technology.) The power of community, and the role retail.   How companies ca ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s CEO and Chief Shopper talks to Mara Sipzener, General Manager of Loyalty at CVS Pharmacy about what’s driving all the recent activity and upgrades to retail loyalty programs.   They discuss: What shoppers expect to be loyal today Why CVS, Walmart, Target Bath & Body Works, and others have upgraded their programs recently How loyalty programs need to focus on not only delivering affordability (discounts) but also convenience and personalization How the new shopper journey (and all the many touchpoints) needs to be part of a meaningful program Be ..read more

Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s CEO and Chief Shopper and Justin Honaman, Head of Worldwide Retail & CPG, GTM & Segment Leader for Food & Beverages for Amazon Web Services, continue discussions about emerging technology and the implications for the future of retail. They discuss:  How quickly companies are integrating generative AI into operating systems Efficiency plays that are delivering better access to information and images faster The intense focus on stores and how new technologies are impacting in-store experience, through physical store technology  The implications for l ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Craig Dubitsky, founder of Happy™ products, about his recent launch of Happy™ Coffee, his partnership with Robert Downey Jr., and how philanthropy is embedded in reinventing the category at retail.  They discuss: What it takes to be a serial entrepreneur (a clue: it’s being obsessed with people) How to disrupt massive, CPG categories, including home care, lip care, oral care and now coffee Building a unique business model based on bringing happiness to everyday categories at affordable prices Finding the right retailers who understand and can arti ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to WSL Retail Strategy Consultant, Elia Auchane, and Retail Innovation Manager, Allie Chilicki, about curating a Retail Safari® at the inaugural Cosmoprof Miami event.  And the power of connecting in store and on the convention floor. They discuss: A behind-the-scenes view to customizing the perfect Retail Safari®  Best-in-class retailers in the Latin-inspired Miami market The power of people to build emotional engagement at retail, at Nike and at Aesop How Amazon and Ulta unlocked the challenges of doing business today The excitement of seeing ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Alex Gourlay, Executive Chair of Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading wellness retailer, and formerly Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and President of Walgreens about the future of health care retailing.  They discuss: The generational opportunities in health care (from food to pharmacy) How younger people are much more proactive in taking care of their health, and how longevity means opportunity to support older people with solutions for a continued healthy life  The power of the pharma ..read more

In this Cloud Chat episode, Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s CEO and Chief Shopper and Justin Honaman, Head of Worldwide Retail & CPG, GTM & Segment Leader for Food & Beverages for Amazon Web Services, continue Cloud Chat, a short, sharp take on emerging technology and the implications for the future of retail. They discuss: The year ahead: the yin and yang of the economy, technology and how companies – and shoppers -- are responding, and will How slow some companies have been to respond to personalization. The urgency to test generative AI and its power to enhance customer experience, and ..read more

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Maly Bernstein, CEO, Bluemercury, the luxury specialty beauty retailer, about her vision for the future of beauty retail and how her strategy is coming to life neighborhood by neighborhood. They discuss: What makes Bluemercury shoppers unique  The focus on personalized skincare – both products and services  The importance of new categories and private brands  The new store format, with its “modern residential” focus, in-store service bars, master classes and other events that are driving shopper engagement and loyalty How wellness is del ..read more