Best Bob Phibbs Podcasts (2025)

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Finding Ways to Say Yes Always 31:19

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20d ago31:19

31:19

Episode Overview Five conversations with retail entrepreneurs and experts who've built successful businesses by focusing on customer relationships, finding creative solutions, and staying true to their mission. From lumber liquidation to rum cakes, these stories reveal the fundamentals that drive retail success. Featured Guests Tom Sullivan - Found…

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Only 5% of Retailers Are Leaders—How to Fix That 33:42

1M ago33:42

33:42

In this episode, Ann Ruckstuhl, SVP and CMO at Manhattan Associates, to unpack the hard truths and high hopes revealed in the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark. Ann brings her decades of experience—from the sales floor at Burdines to Silicon Valley startups and global tech leadership—to expose the growing gap between shopper expectations and retail e…

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Wisdom Behind the Windows: The Greatest Challenge in Retail is Merging Technology with Human Touch 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

In this podcast episode, host Bob Phibbs, known as the Retail Doctor, discusses the evolving landscape of retail technology and the importance of human connection with guests Nikki Baird, Shep Hyken, Ethan Chernofsky, Lauren McGuire, Dax DaSilva and Dan Hodges. Podcast highlights include the complexities of in-store technology and the need for seam…

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Wisdom Behind the Windows: Unlocking the Secrets to Employee Development and Customer Loyalty in Retail 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," hosted by Bob Phibbs, retail leaders discuss strategies for enhancing customer engagement, employee development, and adapting to change. Mark Fletcher, CEO of News Express, emphasizes experiential retail by creating community spaces in stores. Joy Poynter, CEO of Fleet Feet, highlights the i…

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Wisdom Behind the Windows: How Can Retailers Build Stronger Connections with Their Customers? 32:42

5M ago32:42

32:42

In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, explores the importance of human connection in retail with various guests. Patrick Burke, CEO of a men's clothing store in Ireland, discusses winning a retail excellence award and the value of customer relationships. His wife, Imelda, shares insights from runni…

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Wisdom Behind the Windows: How Can Retailers Foster Genuine Human Connections in a Digital Age? 27:31

6M ago27:31

27:31

In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," hosted by Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, the focus is on the importance of human connection in retail. Bob introduces various guests who share their insights on creating meaningful customer experiences. Martin Lindstrom discusses the concept of tribes and the need for empathy in retail. Chri…

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Building Community Through Comics 35:32

7M ago35:32

35:32

Guest: Paul Landry, Co-owner of Crossover Comics (Montreal) Location: 3560 Notre Dame West, Montreal (St. Henry neighborhood) Key Discussion Points: - Store founded in 2012 by high school friends combining library technology, retail, and comic shop experience - Mission to change comic store reputation from intimidating/judgmental to welcoming - Use…

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The Unexpected Marriage of Luxury Retail and Dining 33:14

8M ago33:14

33:14

In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," host Bob Phibbs, the "Retail Doctor," converses with Charlie Koniver, principal at Odyssey Retail Advisors. They discuss the evolution of luxury retail, emphasizing the need for a human connection and collaborative strategies between developers and tenants. The conversation covers the impact…

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Battling Retail Burnout and Boosting Sales 32:24

8M ago32:24

32:24

In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," host Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, and Carol Leaman discuss the post-pandemic retail landscape, emphasizing the critical role of frontline workers. Carol highlights challenges in hiring and training, revealing that 61% of frontline managers report a decline in applicant quality. They stress…

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Ecom Secrets To Grow Your Sales 43:05

10M ago43:05

43:05

Josh Orr, the founder of Capital Commerce and host of the Retail Initiative Podcast, is one of the leading voices in eCommerce today. He specializes in helping brick and mortar retailers gain traction in their online sales. With his team, he’s helped hundreds of retailers create thriving and profitable eCommerce businesses. Apart from his company’s…

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Teen Trainee to Retail Innovator: An Inspiring Path 32:41

12M ago32:41

32:41

In this episode of Tell Me Something Good About Retail, host Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, and Nicole Leinbach, founder of Retail Minded, delve into their extensive retail experiences. They discuss evolving consumer behaviors, the critical role of community collaboration for small businesses, and the impact of different generations on retail. Nico…

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What Went Wrong At Ted Baker? 59:59

1y ago59:59

59:59

Chris was involved from the very beginning of Ted Baker in 1988 and headed up the Retail Team for over 30 years as the company's Global Retail Director. During this time, Chris was responsible for many aspects of Ted's unique retail style and is considered one of the leading lights of the drive to create 'retail theatre.' Since leaving the brand in…

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From Basement Beanbags to Beloved Brand: Lovesac's Entrepreneurial Saga 37:26

1y ago37:26

37:26

Shawn D. Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in …

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Behind the Magic: Disney Retail Secrets with Jim Fielding 42:35

1y ago42:35

42:35

Jim Fielding is a respected retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world’s largest media compa…

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Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Revolutionizing Retail Experience 31:27

1y ago31:27

31:27

Michael Hinshaw is the founder and president of customer experience consultancy McorpCX and has been recognized on over a dozen "Top Global CX Influencers" lists. He's also co-author of the best-selling book Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Why Only Intelligent Companies Will Thrive and How to Be One of Them. He has been published and quoted in d…

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Retail Podcast 1002: Michael Hinshaw Smart Customers, Stupid Companies 31:27

1y ago31:27

31:27

Bob Phibbs interviewed Michael Hinshaw, author, and president of MCorpCX, about balancing corporate amnesia with relevant customer personalization - and more - on this episode of Tell Me Something Good About Retail.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Differentiate or Die: Standing Out in Retail 37:29

1+ y ago37:29

37:29

Robert Grimmett is a visionary creative leader with over 20 years of experience shaping the retail landscape. Renowned for his work with iconic global brands, he's an award-winning entrepreneur and designer. As a thought leader, Robert frequently shares insights at industry conferences and in publications. At the intersection of innovation and insi…

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Cool Ways Retailers Use AI 36:34

1+ y ago36:34

36:34

Jon Nordmark is co-founder and CEO of Iterate.ai launched in 2013. With an $82,000 marketing budget and no salespeople, Iterate's revenues grew profitably by 543% to more than $10 million over the past five years, landing it on Delloite's 2021 Fast 500 list. 85% of Iterate's 102-person team is technical, and 15% hold PhDs or MS degrees in AI. While…

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It's All In The Data Collection 32:05

1+ y ago32:05

32:05

Renee is the Co-Author of best-selling book Next Generation Retail: How to Use Technology to Innovate for the Future which takes a deep dive into the technologies impacting retail and e-commerce today, including AI, retail media, social commerce, Web3, sustainability, supply chain, loyalty and more. Renee is based in Portugal and is an Advisor to s…

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How to Overcome Theft 38:53

1+ y ago38:53

38:53

CEO and Founder Nolan Wheeler comes from retail loss prevention and store operations with hypermarket, grocery, big box, electronics, and more. Fatigued with the lack of solutions for FLW (frontline worker) and store operations, having watched 25 years of solutions being provided for online shopper, all-while developing few in-store technologies an…

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When Pennies Matter 41:00

1+ y ago41:00

41:00

Robert M. Schindler is Professor of Marketing at Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey. He has researched consumer perception, attitude, and motivation. His papers have appeared in publications such as the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Advertising, and Journal of Consumer Psychology…

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Disarming Unruly Customers 41:26

1+ y ago41:26

41:26

Christine Miles is the founder and CEO of EQuipt, an award- winning author, professional keynote speaker, consultant, executive coach, thought leader, entrepreneur, and world- renowned expert in the field of listening differently.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Invigorating the dignity and loyalty of the frontline 38:48

1+ y ago38:48

38:48

In essence store management is trying to solve the problem of increasing the dignity of working in a physical store. Instead of taking steps to distance customers from employees, Sparkplug helps retailers reward employees for doing the job of making more sales - not just moving merchandise or shipping orders.…

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Bringing a Spark of Joy to Stores 40:28

2y ago40:28

40:28

Colleen Wilson is a retail executive with over two decades of management experience and an established record for driving strategies to increase customer engagement and drive operational and service excellence. In her current role as SVP of Retail and Wholesale at Kendra Scott, Colleen leads the development and implementation of all strategies acro…

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Hear It From The CPAS 40:57

2y ago40:57

40:57

So many retailers buy what they like instead of buying what they need. Discover the four questions to ask yourself before purchasing anything as well as tips for how to get rid of slow moving merchandise and how buying has changed since the pandemic.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Janel Anderson: Banishing Difficult Conversations 32:53

2y ago32:53

32:53

Dr. Janel Anderson is the founder of Working Conversations and a voracious researcher, author, and podcaster. During her conversation with Bob, Dr. Anderson shared insights about her experience of re-engineering dishes from her favorite restaurant. She stated that it was a trial and error process, and getting it right usually takes a few attempts. …

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Shep Hyken: Getting Customers To Return 41:25

2y ago41:25

41:25

Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert and the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations. He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of eight books and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in the speaking profession. Summary of Key Points: Import…

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Kimberly McGlonn: Fashion as Catalyst for DEI Dialogues 39:32

2y ago39:32

39:32

Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is an advocate for justice & environmentalism, an advocacy that informs her approach to leadership in the fashion industry. As Founder & CEO of the manufacturing start-up Grant Blvd®, she oversees the brand's creative direction and growth strategy. Grant Blvd’s mission is to construct stylish, sustainably sourced fashion by cre…

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Follow The Results: YouTube Ninja Nate Woodbury 34:05

2y ago34:05

34:05

Nate Woodbury is a popular YouTuber who creates videos about entrepreneurship and digital marketing. He started his channel in 2016 and has since amassed a large following of over 300,000 subscribers. Nate's videos are informative and easy to understand, making them perfect for beginners who are interested in starting their own businesses. In this …

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Clint Pulver: The Undercover Millennial Shares Retail Stories 42:35

2+ y ago42:35

42:35

From ten years old Clint Pulver knew he had been given a moment. He shares that revelation and how it has informed everything he has done as a speaker, motivator, and performer. Having performed over 1100 undercover interviews with employees in all walks of life, he has culled his learning in to speeches, training, and music. Clint shares the four …

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Emmanuel Probst: Global Lead, Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos 31:39

2+ y ago31:39

31:39

We need products that make an impact on us and the world we live in. But how to understand a roadmap for changing your brand? Tiffany’s has done a great job of moving out of the “Breakfast at Tiffanys” lore of Audrey Hepburn who fewer and fewer customers even know about. Brand strategy and advertising has changed whereby marketing professionals, br…

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Deanna Wallin: Retail Doesn't Have Time For Disaster 33:09

2+ y ago33:09

33:09

Deanna Wallin, a former nurse turned skincare pioneer, founded Naples Soap Company out of her passion for assisting individuals suffering from chronic skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. A Southwest Florida native, Wallin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Barry University. She returned home to earn her LPN certification from Lor…

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Naomi Wheeless: Divising a Seamless Retail Strategy 37:52

2+ y ago37:52

37:52

Naomi Wheeless is the Global Head of Customer Success at Square, a company whose mission is to enable economic empowerment for all. In this position, she leads a team of nearly two thousand associates in 10 countries, each focused on creating stellar customer experiences by marrying technological solutions and fantastic human delivered support. Thr…

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Dan Hodges: Innovation Comes From Store Tours 32:38

2+ y ago32:38

32:38

Dan Hodges is the CEO of Consumers in Motion (CIM Tours) that provides a service which assesses your company’s place in today’s marketplace. We identify opportunities for innovation, performance improvement and revenue growth. Retail Store Tours ( A CIM Company) offers customized, highly time-efficient programs that provide real-time marketplace in…

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Matt Lafone: The Store As Community Builder 35:09

2+ y ago35:09

35:09

Matt Lafone is the president and general manager of The Athlete's Foot (TAF) North, South and Central America. Lafone joined The Athlete’s Foot with strong experience across branding, retail, merchandising, marketing and franchising. The Athlete’s Foot launched StAART, the Strategic African American Retail Track, in 2020 as an initiative to grow di…

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Serge Khalimsky: The Mall is alive and well 21:35

3y ago21:35

21:35

Serge Khalimsky serves as the Senior General Manager of Westfield Old Orchard. In this role, Serge is responsible for delivering Old Orchard’s long-term revenue growth for parent company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), in addition to leading the asset’s day-to-day business operations, managing complex tenant relationships with more than 150 proper…

1
Elizabeth Herbst-Brady: Keep your customer at the center 32:46

3y ago32:46

32:46

Elizabeth Herbst-Brady is currently Head of Global Revenue & Client Solutions at Yahoo.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Bruce Winder: Trends in Retail 27:57

3y ago27:57

27:57

Bruce Winder a Toronto-based retail analyst, business instructor and author of the book, Retail Before, During & After COVID-19.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Steve Cook: Over-communicating to keep trust with your customers 38:05

3y ago38:05

38:05

Steve Cook, business owner of Cook Feed and Outdoor and podcast host of The Better Business Podcast.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Helen Herrick: Creating The Best Retail Stores 32:11

3y ago32:11

32:11

Helen Herrick is the Studio Director of MBH Architects in New York. She has a focus on cultivating a culture of creativity, engagement and connection for retailers, hospitality, and other commercial businesses.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Soon Yu: The Value of Friction In Retail 41:50

3y ago41:50

41:50

Soon Yu is the former global VP of innovation officer at VF corporation home to over 30 global apparel companies. He advises startups how to grow and innovate. In addition, he is a popular speaker and the author of the new book Friction.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Howard Prager: Making Kindness a Priority with Howard Prager 29:22

3y ago29:22

29:22

Howard Prager is a speaker, author and leadership consultant. He recently wrote a book about how you show up for others called Make Someone's Day: Becoming a Memorable Leader in Work and Life.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Mark Quinn & Mark Kinsley: Celebrating A Good Sleep 35:26

3+ y ago35:26

35:26

The be-back bus travels in one direction and it's not to your store. You have a choice every time someone comes in the door: There's a chance to just get a transaction on the register or to help someone improve their life. Although rooted in the mattress industry, this wide-ranging discussion has implications for all retailers.…

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Neely Tamminga: A year of vindication for retail 36:38

3+ y ago36:38

36:38

What lens should retailers use when reading so many different messages about the consumer economy? With retail stores being vindicated as not just viable but critical in 2021, where should retailers look for 2022?By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Phil Thorne: What people do in stores is what matters 27:41

3+ y ago27:41

27:41

What does a consumer want when visiting a retailer? How can retailers hold onto employees? What can a guy who writes poetry tell us about physical retail?By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Greg Buzek: The Retail Orphan Initiative 32:34

3+ y ago32:34

32:34

Data is all the rage but what does it actually tell retailers? Our guest today has been on a quest since his early days with NCR and others. Hear what he believes the next big battle will be in retail.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Brent Hollowell: The mental shift to growing sales with technology 34:40

3+ y ago34:40

34:40

There is a certain intimidation factor when customers see all you offer. This especially true with footwear. Hear how this onetime customer became an advocate for cutting edge technology used in brick and mortar stores.By Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc

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Robert Christie: There's So Much Opportunity Right Now 47:54

3+ y ago47:54

47:54

Robert Christie is President of A&G Central Music, a school service company with two stores in Southeast Michigan. Robert received degrees in music and business from Valparaiso University and was a NAMM Music Business Scholarship recipient. He is an active member of NASMD and has served on the association's board of directors. Robert is deeply invo…

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Ron Thurston: Changing the Way We Talk About Retail 32:56

3+ y ago32:56

32:56

Ron Thurston loves retail. And he's proud of it. Ron has led the retail teams for some of America's most prominent brands, inspired thousands of store employees, and traveled relentlessly across the country to sit and listen to what they have to say. From a part-time sales associate to a Vice President of Stores, Ron has put in the hard work that a…

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Melissa Gonzalez: The Fabulous Opportunities in pop-up retail 18:08

3+ y ago18:08

18:08

Continually pushing the boundaries of experiential retail, Melissa Gonzalez is an award-winning innovator, seasoned visionary, and brand storyteller. She is the CEO of The Lion’esque Group and Principal and Shareholder at MG2. Always pioneering the integration of physical environments and cutting-edge technologies she works with companies such as N…