The Retail Focus Podcast

Kimco earnings lead off our show, and for good reason—not only do their financials underscore a successful brick-and-mortar retail portfolio, but they also give us a tiny glimpse into the success of Albertsons. We look at how pet-related sales are helping TSC’s revenues, how O’Reilly might have hit the brakes on the auto parts skid, and why Aaron’s might be hoping for an economic downturn. Our sponsor for this podcast is Lightspeed’s speaker series; find out more at https://www.lightspeedhq.com/speaker-series/.

After first discussing Lidl’s response to Kroger’s trademark infringement lawsuit, we turn our attention to activist investor Jana Partners, who sells off their stake in Whole Foods at a handsome profit. We take on a recall at Justice and liquor delivery for Meijer after our interview with Leah McGrath, Corporate Dietitian at Ingles Markets, who discusses the evolving role of the retail dietitian. Our sponsor for this podcast is Lightspeed’s speaker series; find out more at https://www.lightspeedhq.com/speaker-series/.

Aside from looking into numbers from Amazon’s most recent Prime Day, we take a glance at the ripples it made throughout the e-commerce world, boosting sales at other online retailers as well. We discuss the potential of a True Value sale, Albertsons’ delayed IPO, back-to-school retail dynamics, and are joined by Racked senior writer Eliza Brooke, who discusses her recent article about the prevalence of the “French Girl” in U.S. retail.

Convenience store operator Quiktrip announces their largest round of expansion in some time, entering into the Austin and San Antonio markets.  We discuss this and the potential eight-point test judges may use in the trademark violation case brought against Lidl by Kroger. Our interview guest is KidZania’s U.S. CEO Keith Rubenstein, who talks of the company’s goal to fuel traffic increases in malls through experiential learning opportunities for youth.

After over 18 months of waiting, we finally get a new Rite Aid-Walgreens deal altogether--and fred’s gets left out of the mix.  We discuss Target’s trial run of next-day delivery, Staples’ potential deal to go private, and Pier 1 Imports earnings as well. Our interview guest is Aaron Moulton, Director of Design at TreeHouse, who joins us to discuss the construction and opening of the first energy-positive retail location in the U.S.