Retail Riot covers the breaking news in the retail industry by industry veterans Andrew Smith, Alicia Esposito, and Nick McHenry. Our mantro is serious retail news taken seriously in an unserious manner. So strap in, make sure your till is counted, and let's talk retail.
We couldn't avoid it. We need to talk about tariffs. Andrew, Alicia, and Nick try to make sense of the whole thing and how retailers can tackle them.
Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs!
Hosts tackle tariffs in the most unserious way possible.
U.S.-Canada tensions escalate over dairy, lumber, and electricity tariffs.
Trump threatens new tariffs; Canada fires back with retaliatory measures.
Consumers & retailers brace for impact—higher prices, supply chain chaos.
Retailers React to the Chaos:
Business leaders scramble for clarity, but political back-and-forth makes it impossible.
Walmart, Apple, and JPMorgan CEOs meet with Trump—will it make a difference?
Buyers face a nightmare: pricing forecasts are completely blown up.
What’s the Real Impact?
Tariffs hit everything—from auto parts to iPhones to cheese 🧀.
Canadian retailers retaliate by pulling U.S. products from shelves.
Brands with strong loyalty will survive—everyone else? Good luck.
Survival Tips for Retailers:
Control what you can control—your brand, value prop, and customer experience.
Retailers must stay agile—if you’re not an A-player, you’re at risk.
Small businesses: Stay engaged with your community & lean into transparency.
Timestamps:
[00:00:07] Intro – Making tariffs fun (or at least funny)
[00:10:15] Trump’s latest tariff threats & Canada’s response
[00:28:40] What tariffs actually mean for retailers & pricing
[00:45:50] Consumer sentiment – why this feels like economic whiplash
[01:05:30] How brands can adapt & survive tariff turmoil
[01:15:00] Wrap-up – When in doubt, just buy ice cream 🍦
7 Mar 2025
Target Meets Warby
Nick, Andrew, and Alicia are back with another week of retail news. From OnRunning's earnings to Warby Parker launching pop ups in Target, this one's got something for everyone.
Nike vs. On Running – Should Nike Be Worried?
On Running reports 29.4% growth, but stock is down 20% this year.
Hosts debate: Is On really a threat to Nike, or just a trendy niche player?
Key question: Will On Running survive long-term, or is it the next Allbirds?
Target's Big Brand Bets – Warby Parker & Champion:
Target partners with Warby Parker to open five in-store shops, run by Warby staff.
Champion launches a dedicated apparel line at Target.
The team debates: Will these partnerships drive traffic, or is Target struggling with execution?
Walmart’s Gaming Gamble – Walmart Unlimited:
Walmart launches an interactive gaming world on Spatial, blending gaming & commerce.
Hosts discuss: Is this a genius move to engage Gen Z, or just another retail gimmick?
Timestamps:
[00:00:05] Intro & Q4 earnings chatter
[00:10:30] Nike vs. On Running – is On a real threat?
[00:28:45] Target’s Warby Parker & Champion partnerships
[00:50:10] Walmart Unlimited – inside Walmart’s gaming experiment
[01:10:30] Wrap-up & next week's big topic: tariffs!
28 Feb 2025
Joann Fabrics is Done, Forever 21 is Fading—Who’s Next?
The gang is back with another round of retail news! Andrew, Alicia and Nick try to keep it a bit positive with so much bad news in the industry.
Starbucks Shake-Up:
Lays off 1,100 corporate employees in an "efficiency play."
Cuts 13 menu items, including fan-favorite Frappuccinos—efficiency or alienation?
Hosts debate: Can Starbucks balance speed with its community-driven roots?
Joann Fabrics Bankruptcy (Again!):
Second bankruptcy in under a year—this time, it’s lights out.
Stores to be liquidated, raising questions about the fate of the DIY retail space.
The team reflects: Could Joann have survived by building a stronger community?
Forever 21: Forever Over?
Rumors swirl that 200+ stores will close, with bankruptcy looming.
Authentic Brands Group’s classic playbook—strip it down, milk it, and move on.
Can the brand survive, or has fast fashion simply moved on?
Timestamps:
[00:00:06] Intro & Disney retail talk
[00:08:30] Starbucks layoffs & menu cuts debate
[00:25:45] Joann Fabrics bankruptcy & DIY retail’s future
[00:45:20] Forever 21’s struggles & the future of fast fashion
[01:10:15] Wrap-up & commitment to Friday episode drops
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
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