Brompton Bicycles | Dawn Fichot
20 February 2024 | 27 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined in conversation by Dawn Fichot, Head of Marketing North America for Brompton Bicycles. We explore how this most British of companies is adapting its message to move in line with needs of a US audience; the ways Brompton is leveraging digital solutions; and why innovation and loyalty will always be Brompton’s obsession.

Sprinter | Eduardo Recio
13 October 2023 | 25 min listen

We travel to Barcelona to sit down with Eduardo Recio, Creative Director eCommerce & Retail, for leading Spanish multi-sport retail brand, Sprinter. We examine the story behind the retailer’s game-changing new retail concept, the key challenges that retailers in the sports sector face to deliver a winning customer experience, and look back on Eduardo’s own career retail.

Hollister | Jacee Scoular
28 April 2023 | 36 min listen

Host Karl McKeever is joined by Jacee Scoular, Snr Director Brand Marketing Strategy. at Hollister Co., Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. She joins us to discuss why authenticity must lie at the heart of the building successful brand collaborations with content creators, the growing trend for purpose-driven retail, and how brands can stay in tune with their customers.

Neighborhood Goods | Matt Alexander
04 April 2023 | 38 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Matt Alexander, Co-Founder and CEO of Neighborhood Goods, as well as the brand’s President, Ashley Shelton Conger. Recorded live in the heart of New York City during NRF 2023, together we explore the brand’s story and the shift towards community-focused retailing.

Fabletics | Ron Harries
30 January 2023 | 45 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Ron Harries, SVP Head of Retail at US activewear brand Fabletics. He reveals the importance of data-driven retail growth; why digitally-native and established retailers aren’t cut from the same cloth; and why he’ll never step away from the challenge of delivering ‘better retail’.

C&A Europe | Aleix Gonzalez
14 October 2022 | 36 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by Aleix Gonzalez, Director Global Sustainability at C&A Europe to explore how retailers can build momentum behind sustainability initiatives and the secrets to success for retail leaders who are embarking on the journey to cut waste, improve circularity, and achieve Net Zero goals.

LIFVS | Daniel Lundh
13 July 2022 | 36 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by LIFVS co-founder and COO Daniel Lundh to explore the story behind Europe’s largest unstaffed grocery chain; why it classes itself as a technology start-up first and retailer second; and how its business model could teach others a thing or two about how to enjoy retail success in low traffic areas and rural communities.

Zalando | Carsten Keller
21 May 2022 | 36 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by Carsten Keller, VP Direct to Consumer of Zalando. With brands continuing to gear their processes to direct-to-consumer models, the platform has seen a boom in brands collaborations. Carsten explains how Zalando is supporting brand’s DTC ambitions, what he believes will drive the next phase of hyper growth in retail, and why ‘progress, not perfection’ is more crucial than ever.

Pandora | Kate Walsh
04 May 2022 | 36 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by Kate Walsh, SVP Omnichannel Retail for Pandora. She reveals the charm of working for this iconic jewellery brand, how it is repurposing and revitalising its offer for the future, the lessons she’s learned about how to do business better, and her views on whether The Apprentice is as good as it used to be.

BIRA | Andrew Goodacre
04 March 2022 | 48 min listen

In this episode of The Interview series, recorded at Spring Fair 2022, host Karl McKeever is joined by British Independent Retailers Association CEO Andrew Goodacre and Jayne Weldon, ECommerce Manager of new BIRA-backed online trading platform Neartoo. We also talk to Claire Leigh, founder of award-winning independent retailer, Two Ducks.

Kmart Australia | Ian Bailey
13 February 2024 | 30 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever sits down with Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group Australia. We explore how Kmart Australia doubled down on clarity of purpose and innovation to develop a strategic blueprint and operational architecture to transform its business model, moving to become an innovative, modern, hybrid retailer.

Vuori | Andy Lawrence
14 July 2023 | 36 min listen

Host Karl McKeever is joined by Andy Lawrence, VP of International of US-based athletic clothing brand to explore the story behind the SoCal brand, the key challenges that the athleisure sector (and many other DTC brands) face to ‘win’ with consumers, and the company’s secrets to serving up a successful international growth strategy.

IKEA | Seena Strawn
20 April 2023 | 35 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Seana Strawn, Head of Home Furnishing and Retail Design at IKEA US. She discusses the need for retailers to place sustainability at the heart of strategic thinking, its growing influence on retail design and how it resale can increase foot traffic with unique offerings, and boost customer loyalty.

Organic Garden | Martin Wild
24 March 2023 | 26 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Martin Wild, founder and CEO of Germany-based food-tech start-up, Organic Garden. As Martin prepares to take to the stage at Shoptalk Europe 2023, we sit down together to talk sustainability, explore the brand’s journey, and the story behind an unexpected appearance in Playboy magazine.

Warner’s Gin | Tom Warner
03 November 2022 | 25 min listen

In this episode, host Mark Faithfull is joined by Warner’s Gin CEO and co-founder, Tom Warner. He shares the brand’s story, discusses the gin-naissance boom, the importance of doing good when doing business; as well as his own personal tales of the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurial life and the business celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Majid Al Futtaim | Hani Weiss
06 October 2022 | 33 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined in conversation by Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim – Retail to explore the challenges of operating a successful grocery retail franchise business in the Middle East, and hear his thoughts on what great retail leadership looks like today, and for the future.

Boots | Rich Corbridge
21 June 2022 | 41 min listen

In this episode, we explore the digital initiatives that the retailer has recently spun up to continue offering services to customers; the importance of speed of adaptation; how its omnichannel approach is helping to build a digital ecommerce experience for the future; and why this initiative is so fundamental to their tech talent acquisition, retention, and development strategy.

Unliever | Claire Hennah
13 May 2022 | 51 min listen

In this special episode of The Interview Series, as we look ahead to Retail Week 2022 later this month, host Karl McKeever sits down with in conversation with Unilever Chief Customer Officer Wellbeing, Beauty and Digital Commerce, Claire Hennah. She explains why, when it comes to how consumers goods companies go to market, digital is changing everything. We also look ahead to Retail Week Live 2022.

Little Moons | Vivien Wong
29 March 2022 | 26 min listen

In this episode of The Interview series, host Karl McKeever sits down with Little Moons CEO and co-founder Vivien Wong. In 2010, Vivien and her brother set up Little Moons; making a Japanese-inspired dessert called "mochi”. After enjoying steady growth, the company set up a TikTok account and began posting videos… then things quickly became really interesting.

Green & Black’s | Jo Fairley
26 February 2022 | 30 min listen

In this episode of The Interview series, recorded at Spring Fair 2022, host Karl McKeever is joined by Green & Black’s co-founder Jo Fairley as she shares her experience of founding a business during a recession and discusses the importance of staying true to her core belief that doing good for your people and the planet simply makes good business sense.

Camper | Isabelle Aberman
08 November 2023 | 29 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever travels to Barcelona to sit down with Isabelle Aberman, Global Retail Director of iconic footwear brand, Camper. Isabelle joins us to discuss Camper’s unique approach to retail design, share the inside story of CamperLab and ReCamper, and to look ahead to what the future of retail holds for us all.

Estée Lauder | Ophelia Ceradini
19 May 2023 | 30 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by Ophelia Ceradini Vice President of Digital Technology and Innovation at The Estée Lauder Companies. She explains how, using technology to offer interactive, immersive, and sustainable solutions, brands in the beauty space are creating a solid foundation to solving consumer pain points and firming up loyalty and sales.

FitFlop | Sal Usmani
14 April 2023 | 31 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Sal Usmai, CTO of ergonomic and wellness footwear brand, FitFlop. Recorded live in the heart of New York City during NRF 2023, Sal joins us to discuss the changing face of digital transformation, and explore FitFlop's journey to becoming an AI-driven retailer.

Dickies | Calvin Anderson
21 March 2023 | 36 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by Calvin Anderson, Global VP of Digital Strategy at Dickies. Recorded live in the heart of New York City during NRF 2023, together we explore changing face of digital transformation, and what retailers can learn from Calvin’s experience in the hospitality industry.

Spotify | John Gregory
21 October 2022 | 34 min listen

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined by John Gregory, Head of Industry – Retail Vertical at Spotify. From bombs, to beer, to Bloomingdale’s. Gregory has enjoyed a varied and storied career that has seen him involved in everything from the F-15 fighter program to the role of VP Marketing at the US luxury department store chain.

UGG | Carole Diarra
29 September 2022 | 25 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined in conversation by Vice President of Global Marketing for global lifestyle brand UGG, Carole Diarra to discuss how brands can stay relevant in today’s uncertain times, the enduring principles that make great brands stand out, and the story of her own personal career journey.

Coresight | Deborah Weinswig
06 June 2022 | 32 min listen

In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined by Coresight Research founder and CEO, Deborah Weinswig to discuss the key challenges facing retail leadership teams, the key trends and priorities will be for retailers keen to adapt and prosper in the new retail landscape, and to hopefully provide some answers to the question about the next digital “reality”: the metaverse.

Retail Trust | Andrea Woodside
12 May 2022 | 18 min listen

In this episode, host Mark Faithfull sits down with Retail Trust wellbeing consultant Andrea Woodside joins us to examine whether retail is a happy place, why kindness and empathy is not rocket science (but can be rocket fuel), and why it’s important to give retail leaders permission to focus their energy and efforts on signposting support to make a meaningful difference to employees.

Joe & Seph’s | Paul Sopher
24 March 2022 | 25 min listen

In this episode of The Interview series, recorded at Spring Fair 2022, host Mark Faithfull sits down with Joe & Seph’s co-founder Paul Sopher. He shares the intriguing story of how a trip to the US led to the transformation of the UK popcorn category, his experience of life in a fast-growing family business, and advice for wannabe entrepreneurs.

Mintel | Simon Moriarty
22 January 2022 | 40 min listen

In the latest episode of The Interview series, we look ahead to Spring Fair 2022. Host Karl McKeever sits down with Mintel Director of Trends EMEA Simon Moriarty to discuss post-pandemic consumers trends and the big changes that will impact the world in which we all live and work within in 2022, and beyond.

Pets at Home | Louise Stonier
04 January 2022 | 27 min listen

In our latest episode, we sit down with Pets at Home chief people & culture officer Louise Stonier. She explains explains how the retailer overcame recent challenges, why loving what you do is key to giving it your all, and how meaningful engagement, flexible working and even welcoming furry friends in the office ultimately pays off when it comes to delivering lasting improvements in performance.

BOXPARK x London Designer Outlet
12 December 2021 | 32 min listen

In this latest episode of The Interview Series host Karl McKeever is joined by BOXPARK founder Roger Wade and London Designer Outlet general manager Sue Shepherd. Together, they discuss the importance of creating spaces where concepts and community can flourish. strategies for making neighbourhoods a pleasing place, and the formula that will ensure bricks-and-mortar retail and hospitality doesn’t just survive…but thrives.

The CEOs | Roundtable Discussion
16 November 2021 | 35 min listen

In this special episode of the podcast, recorded on stage at Retail Week Live 2021, we hear from the CEOs of three major UK retail businesses. Retail Week Connect’s Isobel Chillman is joined by The Very Group group chief executive Henry Birch, Wickes CEO David Wood, and Fenwick CEO John Edgar to discuss the future of the ‘store’, of customer experience, and why it’s important for retailers to have a ‘reason to exist’.

Costa Coffee | Adam Dunt
19 February 2021 | 28 min listen

In our latest episode, we sit down with Adam Dunt, Global Creative Design Lead at Costa Coffee. He talks coffee culture and explains how the right kind of design can create a warm, welcoming space that truly connects with the local communities the brand serves.

Hotel Chocolat | Angus Thirlwell
23 October 2020 | 35 min listen

In our latest episode, we sit down with Angus Thirlwell, CEO and Co-founder of Hotel Chocolat. He talks to Martin Popplewell about the business response to the global pandemic, the realities of ‘Retail Darwinism’ and its growing online sales and global appeal.

Falabella | Pamela Lagos
30 July 2020 | 15 min listen

In our latest episode, we bring you a special interview with Pamela Lagos, director of sustainability of Chilean department store chain, Falabella Retail. She shares the inside story of how one of the country’s most famous retail names is investing in a responsible plan for future success, and the steps it is taking to show people and profitability can co-exist in greater harmony.

Birchbox | Pooja Agarwal
18 June 2020 | 40 min listen

In our latest episode, we bring you a special interview with Pooja Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer of beauty subscription brand Birchbox. She explains how this pioneer of the subscription model has evolved and continues to remain on the cutting edge of the customer experience, and look ahead to what lies in store as it embarks on its next exciting chapter.

Enjoy | Ron Johnson
11 May 2020 | 40 min listen

US host Dave Evans brings you a special interview with Ron Johnson, perhaps best known for his work creating and leading Apple Stores, then later as CEO of JCPenney.

Foot Locker | Kambiz Hemati
16 March 2020 | 31 min listen

In this special episode, we sit down with respected retail designer, Kambiz Hemati. Best known for his work with brands such as Foot Locker and Starbucks, he discusses the art of great retail design and looks back on his own storied career.

HEMA | Tjeerd Jegen
28 February 2020 | 20 min listen

In this latest episode of The Interview Series, we talk exclusively to Tjeerd Jegen, CEO of HEMA to explore how a ‘return on value and values’ is helping drive new growth, and to shine a spotlight on his own storied retail career.

OKA | Sarah Clark
21 February 2020 | 37 min listen

In this special episode of The Interview Series, our host Ben Bland looks ahead to Retail Week Live 2020 with Sarah Clark – Advisory Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer of luxury homewares retailer OKA.

Rituals | Richard Lems
18 December 2019 | 26 min listen

Recorded exclusively at Future Stores 2019, Richard Lems, Director of Format and Design at body and home cosmetics retailer Rituals sits down to discuss the importance of rituals and extol the virtues of ’slow retail’.

Macy’s | Roya Sullivan
28 November 2019 | 30 min listen

In this special festive episode, we explore the story of this year’s Macy’s Christmas window campaign. Guest host Karl McKeever travels to New York for an exclusive interview with the retailer’s national director of window presentation, Roya Sullivan, to learn more about the challenge of managing windows for one of the world’s most iconic department stores.

Allbirds | Travis Boyce
26 November 2019 | 48 min listen

In this special episode, we explore the story of footwear brand Allbirds. Guest host Karl McKeever travels to San Francisco for an exclusive interview with the brand’s head of global retail operations, Travis Boyce, to learn more about this increasingly popular shoe brand with sustainability at its heart.

HSBC | Josh Bottomley
14 November 2019 | 26 min listen

In this special episode, recorded at Tech. Festival 2019, we meet Josh Bottomley, global head of digital, data and development at HSBC. He sits down with guest host Jason Bradbury to explore the tech challenges for retail banking in the digital world.

V-Mart | Samir Misra
12 November 2019 | 20 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, host Ben Bland talks to Samir Misra, chief operating officer of Indian fashion retailer V-Mart. He shares the story behind the retailer’s high velocity growth and gives a glimpse into its blueprint for delivering sustained retail success.

Samsung KX | Tanya Weller
17 November 2019 | 27 min listen

In this special episode, recorded at Tech. Festival 2019, we meet Tanya Weller, director of Samsung Showcase. She reveals the story behind the new Samsung KX concept, and explores her own career highlights.

Cheil UK | David Coombs
06 November 2019 | 22 min listen

Special guest host Jason Bradbury sits down with David Coombs, head of strategic services at Cheil UK to talk about the changing face of brand loyalty, the issue of consumer data rights ownership, and sort tech myths from the reality.

thredUP | Anthony Marino
31 October 2019 | 52 min listen

In this special episode, we explore the story of thredUP, the world’s largest online thrift store. Guest host Karl McKeever travels to San Francisco for an exclusive interview with president Anthony Marino, while in London we talk to the brand’s co-founder and CTO, Chris Homer.

Three UK | Graham Johnston
24 October 2019 | 23 min listen

Recorded exclusively at Future Stores 2019, Graham Johnston, Head of Omnichannel & Digital First at Three UK sits down to discuss the importance of delivering a seamless customer experience.

Unrobe | Daan Ubachs
04 October 2019 | 16 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, The Retail Exchange talks exclusively to Daan Ubachs, founder of Dutch-based sustainable fashion label Unrobe. He discusses the growing consumer shift away from fast fashion with host Ben Bland, and explains brand’s mission to dress people by ‘undressing’ the fashion industry.

Happy Socks | Aleks Milenkovic
23 September 2019 | 30 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, Happy Socks’ head of retail, Aleksander Milenkovic sits down with Ben Bland to talk about the brand’s story – one that’s full of colourful designs, celebrity collaborations and exceptional charm, that’s guaranteed to make you smile.

Riverford | Guy Singh-Watson
06 September 2019 | 16 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, Riverford Organic Farmers founder, Guy Singh-Watson sits down with Ben Bland to share the story behind this award-winning food subscription business and to give his frank assessment of the challenges facing the sector.

UXUS | George Gottl
16 August 2019 | 23 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, The Retail Exchange talks exclusively to Daan Ubachs, founder of Dutch-based sustainable fashion label Unrobe. He discusses the growing consumer shift away from fast fashion with host Ben Bland, and explains brand’s mission to dress people by ‘undressing’ the fashion industry.

BRC | Helen Dickinson
06 August 2019 | 18 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, British Retail Consortium chief executive, Helen Dickinson, sits down with Ben Bland to discuss the challenges facing British retailers.

Rapha | Future Stores Special
18 July 2019 | 21 min listen

Recorded exclusively at Future Stores 2019, Rapha’s Director of Retail & Development, Caroline Crosswell, and Head of Retail, Darren Read, explore our growing love of all things two-wheeled.

Levi’s | Marc Rosen
31 May 2019 | 19 min listen

Recorded at World Retail Congress 2019, Levi’s EVP/President of Global Direct to Consumer, Marc Rosen, talks to Ben Bland about how the iconic US denim brand is reimagining its retail experience.

Leica | Jason Heward
26 April 2019 | 28 min listen

Leica Camera UK managing director, Jason Heward, sits down with Ben Bland to discuss the brand’s vision for the future and why ‘experience’ is the focus in its new London flagship store.

LEGO | Simone Sweeney
27 November 2018 | 20 min listen

Simone Sweeney, vice president – global retail development for LEGO joins host Ben Bland to explain why discovery, joy and play are so important in physical retail experiences.

Leon | John Vincent
16 October 2018 | 25 min listen

In this edition of The Interview, John Vincent, co-founder of Leon Restaurants joins host Ben Bland to discuss the story of the brand, its ethos and future plans.

Neal’s Yard | Calum Mackay
14 August 2018 | 14 min listen

Simone Sweeney, vice president – global retail development for LEGO joins host Ben Bland to explain why discovery, joy and play are so important in physical retail experiences.

Juventus F.C. | Silvio Vigato
12 July 2018 | 17 min listen

Juventus F.C. head of brand licensing and retail, Silvio Vigato, joins Ben Bland to discuss the power of fan loyalty and the retail challenges of promoting one of the world’s biggest clubs.

L’Estrange | Co-Founders
25 June 2018 | 28 min listen

In this edition of The Interview, L’Estrange co-founders Tom Horne and Will Green join Ben Bland to discuss the story of the brand, the challenges for fashion start-ups, and the rise of ‘Essentialism’.

Rockar | Simon Dixon
24 May 2018 | 25 min listen

In this edition of ‘The Interview’, Rockar founder Simon Dixon explains how car retailing is moving up a gear with the launch of a new concession concept for Ford within fashion retailer Next.

Grupo Cortefiel | Jaume Miquel
16 April 2018 | 17 min listen

Ahead of the World Retail Congress we preview the key trends likely to dominate the agenda and talk retail transformation in a special interview with Jaume Miquel, CEO of Grupo Cortefiel.

Supremebeing | Gavin Aldred
13 April 2018 | 22 min listen

In a special interview with Gavin Aldred, owner on Supremebeing.com, we get to grips with the challenges of online and physical retailing, and discuss why taking an ethical stance matters.

Ahold Delhaize | Jason Breazeale
02 March 2018 | 16 min listen

Ahold Delhaize’s director of innovation talks about the challenges that lie ahead as grocery retailers seek to redefine the category and why the shopper must remain at the heart of innovation.

NRF | Cristina Ceresoli
02 March 2018 | 16 min listen

A special interview from New York with the National Retail Federation’s Senior VP for Retail Strategy. We discuss the state of the industry and the prevalent themes set to dominate 2018.

L’Occitane | Jamie Taylor
23 February 2018 | 20 min listen

L’Occitane retail director Jamie Taylor talks about the brand’s new London flagship store, the role of artisans, and explores the complex and interesting theme of retail transformation.

WRC | Ian McGarrigle
08 February 2018 | 14 min listen

In this edition, Ben Bland sits down with Ian McGarrigle of the World Retail Congress to discuss the challenge of retail transformation and look ahead to what’s in store during 2018.

O2 | Bridget Lea
29 November 2017 | 15 min listen

In this edition, Declan Curry chats to O2 director of stores Bridget Lea as she discusses the art of creating Stores of the Future and looks ahead to the innovations still to come.

HoF | Dr Dorothy Maxwell
26 September 2017 | 19 min listen

In this first edition, host Declan Curry meets House of Fraser’s Dr Dorothy Maxwell, who reflects on the retailer’s new department store and efforts to make retailers and stores more sustainable.

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The Retail Exchange podcasts series.

Essential listening for anyone who cares about retail, The Retail Exchange is a dedicated podcast series that throws the spotlight on key issues affecting the industry. Our podcasts feature insight and opinion from senior industry professionals and thought-leaders, opening the door to knowledge and insight to help retailers and brands on their journey to success.

We talk about retail leadership. We unpack the issues dominating the retail agenda. We tell the stories of people shaping the industry. We talk about making retail better. From technology and supply chain to customer experience and frontline retail teams, this is the podcast you need to hear to make sense of a dynamic and fast-moving world of retail.

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