Retail Refined

In the ever-evolving world of retail, success hinges on understanding the modern consumer's priorities: personalized shopping, timeless quality, and seamless experiences. Madewell, a denim-first brand, has leaned into these trends by redefining its in-store shopping and product strategies. With the rise of digital integration and customer-driven design, the stakes have never been higher for retail leaders to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate across demographics. How does Madewell leverage customer insights and leadership vision to stay ahead in a competitive market? Welcome to Retail Refined. In the latest episode, host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Madewell President Adrienne Lazarus, as they discuss Adrienne's approach to leadership, the evolution of Madewell’s denim-first ethos, and the integration of digital tools to enhance the shopping journey. Key takeaways from the conversation: Leadership That Centers the Customer: Adrienne highlights how clear communication and aligning teams around shared goals foster innovation and success. Denim’s Ongoing Evolution: Madewell has introduced seven new denim fits, balancing classic styles with fashion-forward experimentation to inspire customers. Flagship Store as a Testing Ground: The new Soho flagship incorporates refined design and cutting-edge digital experiences, providing real-time insights into consumer behavior. Adrienne Lazarus, President of Madewell, is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in building and scaling specialty retail and direct-to-consumer brands. She has led growth and transformation across luxury, contemporary, and multi-brand retailers, including as Co-CEO of CUUP and Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, where she drove business transformation for retail and apparel clients. Previously, she served as CEO of Bandier and Frye and President of Intermix, guiding these companies through significant growth and two successful transactions. At Ann Taylor, she spearheaded a large-scale turnaround, achieving record profitability, and played a pivotal role in launching LOFT, growing it into a billion-dollar brand. Adrienne brings a deep understanding of modern consumers and a track record of innovation, positioning her to drive Madewell’s continued success as part of the J.Crew Group.

A striking 86% of consumers now prioritize authenticity when choosing which brands to support, emphasizing the value of transparency, authentic connections, and relevance in today's market. True Religion, remains true to its roots in culture, sports, and music, through authentic partnerships and a modern approach to style. Leading this transformation, Chief Marketing Officer Kristen D'Arcy leverages collaborations with sports figures and cultural influencers to engage a new generation of consumers, maintaining the brand’s cultural legacy while keeping it fresh. How can a heritage brand maintain relevance in a market dominated by digital-savvy, culture-conscious consumers? What does it take for brands to build authentic connections in today’s landscape? In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzales discusses these questions with True Religion’s first CMO Kristen D'Arcy, and former NBA star Corey Maggette. Together, they explore True Religion’s unique approach to authenticity, nostalgia, and its integration into modern culture. From sports partnerships to Team True, D'Arcy and Maggette share insights on blending heritage with innovation to deepen consumer loyalty. Key Points: * True Religion’s “Team True” initiative handpicks brand ambassadors who have a genuine affinity for the brand, promoting organic connections with consumers. * Embracing both nostalgia in fashion and current trends like the return of baggy styles keeps the brand rooted in its legacy while appealing to Gen Z and younger audiences. * Strategic collaborations with sports figures and influencers align the brand with cultural elements, from music to sports, expanding its reach in an authentic way. Kristen D'Arcy is an award-winning global marketing leader with expertise in the luxury, fashion, and beauty industries, recognized on AdAge's 40 Under 40 and Top Digital Marketers lists. She has held key CMO roles at True Religion, HoMedics, and PacSun, driving digital innovation, content strategy, and high-performing e-commerce. Known for her strategic acumen and collaborative leadership, Kristen has successfully managed global teams and integrated marketing programs to deliver exceptional ROI for top-tier brands. Corey Maggette is a former NBA player with over 15 years of experience in professional basketball, including stints with the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, and Golden State Warriors. Currently, he co-owns the French basketball team ASVEL Basket alongside Tony Parker and serves as an analyst for Bally Sports, covering the LA Clippers. In addition, Maggette is the founder of Maggette Basketball Academy, where he uses his NBA and European training experience to mentor and develop young athletes.

The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and Urban Outfitters is stepping up to meet the challenges of reaching both Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. Gen Z, a generation coming of age amid social and technological shifts, is the first to begin their adult lives in a post-pandemic world. They crave individuality but also a strong sense of community. Urban Outfitters is on a mission to bridge these needs, while also preparing to serve Gen Alpha, a younger cohort that is already exhibiting similar yet more tech-savvy behaviors. How can a retail brand stay relevant to two distinct, yet interconnected, generations? On the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez talks with Shea Jensen, President of Urban Outfitters, about how the brand is innovating to cater to both generations. From experiential marketing to community-building initiatives, Jensen shares insights from her vast retail experience, discussing how Urban Outfitters is staying ahead of the curve as they prepare for Gen Alpha’s entry into the retail world. Key conversation points: * Urban Outfitters’ Spaceshift initiative: How immersive, multifunctional sanctuaries are designed to meet Gen Z's desire for individuality and community, while also engaging the future Gen Alpha audience. * The rise of experiential retail: In-store concerts, local partnerships, and college-centric strategies that resonate with both current Gen Z shoppers and the emerging Gen Alpha demographic. * Preparing for Gen Alpha: Jensen discusses how Urban Outfitters is strategically evolving to meet the needs of this digitally native, highly informed generation. Shea Jensen is the President of Urban Outfitters. With a 30-year career in retail, including senior roles at Nordstrom, Good American, and Press Juicery, Jensen is a leader in customer experience and retail innovation. She has been recognized by the Women in Retail Leadership Circle and the National Retail Federation for her forward-thinking contributions to the industry.

As beauty consumers become increasingly vocal about diversity and inclusivity, brands are being pushed to evolve beyond the traditional definitions of beauty. According to a recent report by Beauty Packaging, 63% of American consumers feel inspired by brands that showcase diversity in their advertising, and 73% agree that the beauty industry still plays on insecurities. With the stakes this high, beauty brands that fail to reflect real-world diversity are at risk of losing relevance. How are brands like Milani Cosmetics navigating this demand for authenticity and inclusion? What strategies are they implementing to stay ahead in a rapidly changing beauty landscape? In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez discusses these pressing topics with Milani's CMO, Jeremy Lowenstein, and Kelly Sobol, SVP of North America Sales. Together, they explore how Milani has made inclusivity not just a marketing tactic but a fundamental part of their brand ethos, allowing them to thrive amidst a growing call for change in the industry. Key takeaways from the episode: * Authenticity in product development: Milani's commitment to catering to all skin tones and its focus on multicultural consumers has kept the brand ahead of the curve. * The rise of social media influence: With Gen Z leading the charge, Milani leverages platforms like TikTok to engage cross-generational consumers authentically. * Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with influencers and athletes amplify the brand’s message of inclusivity and resilience. Jeremy Lowenstein, a marketing veteran with experience at Estee Lauder and Sally Hansen, brings expertise in product innovation and consumer engagement. Kelly Sobol, who has driven significant sales growth at Milani over the past seven years, has played a pivotal role in the brand's expansion across North America.

The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and brands are redefining their approach to in-store experiences to remain competitive. Victoria's Secret & Co. is at the forefront of this change, focusing on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment through its 'Store of the Future' initiative. This episode explores how Victoria's Secret is leading with curiosity and a commitment to storytelling in the design and execution of its new store formats. As the stakes in retail continue to rise, how can brands maintain relevance and deepen customer connections in an ever-changing market? What does it take to craft a store experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations? In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Albert Gilkey, Senior Vice President of Store Design and Visual Merchandising at Victoria's Secret & Co., to discuss the evolution of the brand's store experiences and the importance of staying curious in retail. The two discuss... - Holistic Store Experiences: Albert emphasizes the importance of storytelling in store design, ensuring that every aspect—from layout to visual merchandising—works together to create a cohesive customer journey. - Customer-Centric Design: The 'Store of the Future' is designed with openness and inclusivity in mind, making customers feel seen and welcomed. - Continuous Learning: Albert discusses the need for constant curiosity, listening to customer feedback, and adapting store formats to meet diverse customer needs across different markets. Albert Gilkey is the Senior Vice President of Store Design & Visual Merchandising at Victoria’s Secret & Co. In this position, he spearheads the introduction and execution of the 'Store of the Future', the company’s new store experience. This store experience embraces an open and modern design to amplify product storytelling and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all–a major initiative in Victoria’s Secret & Co.'s overall brand transformation. Albert has overseen the launch of over 150 'Stores of the Future' globally. Albert is also the executive sponsor of Mosaic, Victoria’s Secret & Co.'s Inclusion Resource Group for Black and African American associates and allies. In this role, he leads the group’s mission to promote a dynamic and culturally enriched work environment that helps recruit, retain and empower diverse associates internally. Albert has been with Victoria’s Secret & Co. for over five years. Prior to leading Store Design & Visual Merchandising, he was a VP of Visual Merchandising for Victoria’s Secret Beauty. Albert has enjoyed a career in creative environments and storytelling for notable fashion brands, such as Coach, Armani and Cole Haan.