The Backroom with Retail Dive

Hosted by Retail Dive

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112

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Podcast by Retail Dive

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August 27, 202644 min

A sit-down with Ron Johnson

The retail veteran shares his journey with Apple, the short stint with J.C. Penney and more ahead of the release of his memoir, “Shop Different."

July 30, 202627 min

How long can the consumer hang on?

Discretionary retail sales have been surprisingly strong so far this year. The team discusses the reasons why and what that might mean for the rest of 2026.

June 25, 202637 min

The weight-loss era is not just about selling clothes

Liza Amlani, principal at Retail Strategy Group, joins us to discuss how retailers and brands can successfully grapple with what she calls “fit volatility.”

May 21, 202637 min

What’s really happening at Lululemon?

The team breaks down what's behind the pushback against the incoming CEO, founder Chip Wilson’s battle with the board and more.

April 30, 202625 min

Redefining Pacsun

Brieane Olson talks about her book, “Co-created,” and her work as a merchant and now CEO in redefining the retailer for a new generation.

March 26, 202639 min

Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas, lead of the Kearney Consumer Institute, joins The Backroom to discuss consumer sentiment, economic pressures and more.

February 26, 202634 min

Walmart and Target are not the same

The team discusses how different the companies are, despite ushering in new executive leadership at the same time.

January 29, 202654 min

Saks Global and the bankruptcy that everyone saw coming

The team chats about their recent visits to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan flagship and brings in Debtwire analysts to discuss the retailer’s Chapter 11 process.

December 22, 202558 min

Contemplating retail in 2026 with Doug Stephens

The retail strategy adviser talks about trust in the age of emerging AI and the industry’s potential in shaping our society.

November 19, 202542 min

Tariffs tee up unique holiday season for retail

Retail Dive’s reporters touch base with Supply Chain Dive to examine how shifts in U.S. tariff rates have affected the industry ahead of its most important quarter.