The Retail Focus Podcast

Retail Focus 9/21/16 – Yet More Kmart Closures, Lidl Announces U.S. Expansion Plans

Sears Holdings moves to close around 7% of their remaining Kmart stores by next January, and we go beyond the headlines to diagnose what this could mean for the company and their REIT. We explore whether or not there is room in the U.S. grocery market for Lidl, seasonal hiring for Kohl’s, and future prospects for Ascena Retail Group after an earnings miss.

Retail Focus 9/14/16 – Reading Into Kroger’s Earnings, Target Pilots Cartwheel Rewards

Kroger’s quarterly earnings brought about a slew of news takes on the grocery industry…we explore what the statement means for the grocery giant.  We also glance at a new e-commerce study, Target’s Cartwheel reward program pilot, and BJ’s rolling out a store pickup option for their e-commerce customers.

Retail Focus 9/7/16 – Updates from Fashion Retailers, Holistic Digital Marketing in Retail

We check in north of the border with Dollarama’s solid quarterly results, and then jaunt around the world of fashion, discussing Chico’s strong potential, Lululemon’s slowing growth, and news from mall retailers The Buckle and Aeropostale. Our guest is retail marketing consultant Kaleb Clark, who talks about holistic digital retail marketing approaches in his quarterly appearance.

Retail Focus 8/31/16 - Sears Continues Downward Spiral, Dollar Stores Give Mixed Results

After a steep decline in year-over-year second quarter sales, Sears reveals plans to take on more debt to turn things around. Additionally, we explore the world of dollar stores, and why it appears as though Dollar Tree’s place in the market may be more secure than their counterparts. We’ll also talk Amazon’s latest brick-and-mortar plans.

Retail Focus 8/24/16 - Walmart Impresses with Earnings, Strength in Off-Price

Walmart showcased stronger-than-expected earnings last week—we discuss where the retail giant is having the most success.  Additionally, we look at Foot Locker’s push to market towards female consumers, a retirement at Office Depot, positive news from off-price retailer Ross, and a surge in outlet mall shopping.

Retail Focus 8/17/16 - Long-Term Strategy for Macy's, Earnings from Home Depot, JC Penney, and More

Macy’s has been in the news lately after announcing planned closures of 100 stores…we glance at their long-term strategy, and if closing cash-positive brick-and-mortar stores is their best option. Additionally, earnings from Home Depot, JC Penney, and TJX are strong, while Target and Lowe’s disappoint, and discussion of Aldi’s private-label baby products rollout.

Retail Focus 8/10/16 - Walmart's Acquisition of Jet.com, Logo and Packaging Design in Retail

Walmart enters into an agreement to purchase upstart e-commerce retailer Jet.com, and we seek to find the synergies in the deal. We explore news that retail hiring continues to rise, a merger between grocery distribution co-ops, and Natural Grocers’ earnings. Our guest is Armin Vit of the graphic design firm Under Consideration, LLC and the blog “Brand New.” He provides input on what makes a good retail logo, and how one section of the grocery store could use a little design help. 

Retail Focus 8/3/16 - CVS & O'Reilly's Show Strong Earnings, Toys "R" Us Looks to Off-Price

Both CVS and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts released earnings this last week…we discuss what each set of numbers means for those retail sectors. We’ll also talk Toys”R”Us’ investment into outlet stores and the off-price model, and a potential new method of processing milk that could increase its retail shelf life.

Retail Focus 7/27/16 - Strength at Tractor Supply Co., GameStop's Pokemon Bump

Tractor Supply Company released earnings last week—we look into TSCO’s growth plans and their changing marketing strategies. Additionally, we discuss the sales boost GameStop is seeing from the Pokemon Go excitement, and the final days for Hastings Entertainment. We revisit our January interview with Rachael Rogers of Prophit Marketing, who joined us to dissect the process of retail ad creation.

Retail Focus 7/13/16 - Validity of #PrimeDayFail, Fine Lines, and Independent Grocery in the Digital Age

We discuss how smoothly this year's Amazon Prime Day went, Kroger's sustainability goals, and hhgregg's expansion of their Fine Lines locations. Our interview guest is independent grocer and retail veteran Ron Rhodes, who talks about how his company competes with grocery giants in the digital age.

Retail Focus 7/6/16 - Prime Day, Changes at The Container Store, Retail Use of New Social Media Formats

Amazon’s Prime Day is fast approaching…we discuss this year’s big e-commerce event, as well as legal proceedings for Abercrombie and Kroger, and leadership changes taking place at The Container Store. Our guest is small business consultant Sydney Anselmi, who helps to explore ways in which retail stores of all sizes are using Snapchat and Instagram to drive consumer loyalty.

Retail Focus 6/29/16 - Bed, Bath & Beyond and Finish Line Earnings, Macy's CEO Transition

We discuss earnings reports from Bed, Bath & Beyond, Finish Line, and Barnes & Noble, as well as what those reports mean for the retailers. Additionally, growing grocer HyVee launches a partnership to include clothing boutiques in stores, and Sam’s Club makes a play for Costco members. 

Retail Focus 6/22/16 - Costco's Credit Card Shift, Developments in Colorado Liquor Retail

We look at Staples’ expansion of their same-day delivery experiment, good news for Lumber Liquidators, and Costco’s shift from AmEx to Visa.  Jake Laxen, food and beer reporter for the Coloradoan in Fort Collins, joins us to talk about upcoming changes in liquor retailing laws and 3.2 beer in Colorado, as well as a split in the Colorado Brewers Guild.

Retail Focus 6/15/16 - Walgreens Awaits FTC Guidance, RH Struggles, Bringing Back the U.S. Variety Store

Walgreens makes the headlines twice this week…we talk Theranos and the latest FTC input on their merger with Rite Aid. Other topics include Restoration Hardware’s poor earnings showing and entertainment retailer Hastings’ decision to file Chapter 11. Our guest is retail veteran John Seward, who co-owns AMP Variety in Oklahoma City…he discusses his family's attempt to assist American manufacturing in a variety store format.

Retail Focus 6/8/16 - The 2016 Walmart Shareholders Meeting, Five Below's Continued Expansion

Non-Walmart topics include Five Below’s excellent earnings report and scheduled store openings for off-price retailer Tuesday Morning, as well as Chick-Fil-A’s new mobile app. We thoroughly cover topics at Walmart’s 2016 Shareholders Meeting, and talk to Erika Hall, reporter at KNWA/Fox 24 in Northwest Arkansas about how the yearly event impacts the Northwest Arkansas metro area.

Retail Focus 6/1/16 - Target Ends Curbside Pilot, Ulta's Growth, Retailing Fireworks

We look into Target's decision to exit their partnership with Curbside, strong earnings numbers from Ulta and Big Lots, and GameStop's future. Our interview guest is Jason Marietta, Retail Sales Director at industry leader Jake's Fireworks, who discusses the intricacies of the $800 million U.S. fireworks retail industry.

Retail Focus 5/25/16 - Sports Authority Liquidation, Retail Recovery in Joplin, MO

We take a closer look at bankruptcy proceedings from Sports Authority (along with their liquidation schedule), Ross' steady Q1 growth, and the announcement of a new Victoria's Secret CEO. Our interview guest is Kirstie Smith, Director of Communications for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, who details the retail recovery process in Joplin, MO five years after a devastating tornado hit the city.

Retail Focus 5/18/16 - Amazon's Private Label Expansion, Looking Ahead to Earnings Calls

We discuss Amazon’s efforts to expand their private label offerings, the acquisition of Rona by Lowe’s, and solid sales growth for T.J. Maxx. Additionally, we look ahead to the important first quarter earnings releases this week.

Retail Focus 5/11/16 - GAP's Sales Decline, Retailing Agriculture

We discuss GAP’s shrinking sales, an IKEA QR code pilot, and get a history lesson on Krispy Kreme donuts. Our guest is Kerry Wefald, Marketing Director with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, who joins us with insights on how farmers market their products, and ways large grocers are partnering with local producers.

Retail Focus 5/4/16 - Dunkin' Donuts' Growth, Rumors Surround GNC

We take a glance at what is driving revenue growth at Dunkin' Donuts, Sports Authority's possible new bankruptcy route, GNC's increasing shift towards franchised stores, and new bankruptcy filings from Aeropostale and Fairway Market.