OFFBounds is a podcast where commerce executives share their perspectives, successes, and lessons learned in their careers to inspire other global leaders in their journey and decision-making. Every week, the host Paula Macaggi meets industry leaders to discuss business strategies, careers, and leadership in one-on-one conversations challenging the limits of borders and boundaries. Paula unveils the person behind the leader and brings to her audience of commerce executives experiences to rel ...
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Retail leadership isn’t what it used to be — and neither are you. After 30+ years of navigating the realities of store floors, boardrooms, restructures, and reinventions, I’ve learned this: the gap between what retail leaders need to grow and what companies actually provide is wider than ever. Promotions don’t come with clarity. Expectations rise, but context disappears. And while the metrics may shift, the pressure never does. This podcast is for the retail leader who's already proven thems ...
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What Brazil Taught Me About Leadership with Paula Macaggi
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41:39Send us a text Many retail leaders operate with a limited perspective, often assuming that their market’s approach is the gold standard. But in a world where consumer behaviors, technology, and retail strategies vary dramatically by region, leaders who fail to think globally risk falling behind. The challenge isn’t just understanding different mark…
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71. East Side Story: Why APAC Is Retail’s Hottest Market
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20:14In this special episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi invites you to Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, the region’s biggest retail event, to explore why Asia-Pacific is the most powerful engine of global retail growth. With 60% of the world’s population and 3.49 billion people expected to join the middle class by 2030, APAC is transforming how the world s…
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Great Stores Still Stop Us in Our Tracks!
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1:17:27Send us a text Some stores just stop you. You walk in, and for a moment—maybe longer—you forget you're in a place built to sell. You're in something more. A feeling. A point of view. A brand that knows who it is. This episode is a love letter to those stores—and the people who know how to spot them. Steve sits down with two of his favorite retail m…
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70. Catalyst Brands' CDO, Mike Dupuis: "AI is changing retail profoundly."
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26:01In this episode, Paula sits down with Mike Dupuis, Chief Digital Officer at Catalyst Brands (Aéropostale, Nautica, Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and JCPenney), to explore the art of digital transformation at scale. We discuss the evolution from 2 brands to 1,700+ stores, the challenge of building unified tech and data platforms, and th…
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69. Hamley's CXO, Paul Porter: "Consumers demand memorable experiences."
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31:26Join me as I sit down with Paul Porter, Global Chief Experience Officer at Hamleys, the world’s oldest and most iconic toy retailer, for a deep dive into the art of creating unforgettable in-store experiences. In this episode, we discuss how Hamleys has captivated generations of shoppers for 265 years, the magic behind its seven floors on London’s …
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BONUS EPISODE: A Quick Fire Chat with Shoptalk's Ben Miller
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20:17Shoptalk Europe - https://shoptalkeurope.com OFFBounds listeners can get a discount using the codes below: 🎟️ Retailers and Brands, use code RBOFFBO20 🎟️ General Attendees, use code GAOFFBO20AD: ----- In this special BONUS episode of the OFFBounds podcast, host Paula Macaggi had a coffee chat with Ben Miller, VP of Original Content & Strategy at Sh…
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In this special episode recorded in London, bestselling author and retail leader Ron Thurston joins Paula Macaggi to launch his new book Human Pride—a bold call to embrace what makes us human in an age dominated by AI. They discuss how frontline retail, purpose-driven leadership, and personal pride are the real future-proofing tools in a changing j…
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67. Selfridges' CTO, Ross Beaumont: “If you don’t notice the tech, that means it’s working.”
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44:20Step inside the yellow-bag world of Selfridges as host Paula Macaggi sits down with CTO Ross Beaumont to reveal how a 1906 department store stays at the cutting edge of luxury retail: from “Selfridges Unlocked” keys that trade spend for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to ReSelfridges buy-back tech fuelling a circular economy, to AI that augments—ne…
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66. Currys' COO, Lindsay Haselhurst: "Profit and purpose go hand in hand."
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43:15In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys, to unpack what it really takes to lead transformation at scale in one of the UK’s largest retailers. From navigating Brexit and pandemic-era supply chain chaos to pioneering innovation in re-commerce, 3D printing, and customer-centric operations, Lindsay shares …
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65. Kingfisher PLC's Global CTO, Christopher Blatchford: "Diversity drives better business outcomes."
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38:03What does it take to digitally transform a £13B retail giant across eight countries and nearly 2,000 stores? In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Blatchford, Global CTO of Kingfisher PLC — the company behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and more — to unpack the tech strategy powering one of Europe’s biggest home improvement groups. We dive int…
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64. Endeavour Group's Head of Insights, Benjamin Thompson: "Innovation is a double-edged word."
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32:45What does it really take to build innovation that scales inside a legacy business? In this episode, Benjamin Thompson, Head of Global Insights & Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Group, shares how one of Australia’s largest drinks and hospitality companies stays ahead by blending strategic foresight with cultural transformation. From global tech …
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63.Schwarz Digital's SVP of Innovation, Mirko Saul: "Sovereignty is really important for the group"
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37:05Mirko Saul, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Schwarz Digital, joins Paula Macaggi to share how Schwarz Group — the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland — drives innovation at a massive scale. From testing the cutting-edge tech in lab stores to building their own cloud and AI infrastructure, Mirko reveals how the group balances speed, sovereign…
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From Sneakers to AI Retail Leadership with Jenna Posner!
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43:34Send us a text AI is transforming retail at an unprecedented pace, and in this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, we explore what leaders need to know now. From sneaker culture to digital transformation, Jenna Flatman Posner shares how her background as an elite athlete shaped her approach to leadership, strategy, and innovation. We br…
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62. Co-op's MD of Ecommerce, Chris Conway: "Our USP was the fact that we've got 2,500 stores"
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48:12Although Co-op entered the ecommerce space later than most, launching its online presence only in 2019, the company rapidly distinguished itself through quick commerce. Today, Co-op delivers an impressive 500,000 online grocery orders weekly, and its loyalty membership has surged by 50%. In this episode, Chris Conway, Managing Director of Ecommerce…
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Send us a text When Retail Stops Growing You, What’s Next? No one tells you what happens when you outgrow your company. You hit every metric, you do everything right, and yet the growth stops. Your company still expects results, but they’re not developing you. They’re not stretching you. And if you’re being honest, you’re starting to feel it. The h…
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61. Rewe Group's Head of Retail Media Connect, Christian Raveaux: "Retail media is the future of advertising."
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30:45In this episode 4th episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, Paula Macaggi sits down with Christian Raveaux, Head of Retail Media Connect at Rewe Group, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of retail media. Christian reveals how Rewe is blending digital and in-store advertising, harnessing first-party dat…
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Retail Leaders Are Doing Innovation All Wrong – Here’s How to Fix It - Matt Mueller
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36:13Send us a text Retail leaders talk about innovation, but are they solving the right problems? Too often, companies chase the latest trends—AI, automation, new products—without stepping back to ask: What actually drives transformation? In this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, we sit down with Matt Mueller, innovation strategist and au…
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60. Tendam's CRO, Javier Figar: "We need to trust and empower the people in the store"
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34:18In this episode of the OFFBounds, you will meet Javier Figar de Lacalle, Chief Retail Officer of Tendam, one of Spain’s largest fashion groups. Javier discusses how technology is empowering frontline employees to provide exceptional customer experiences while driving operational efficiency across Tendam’s global retail network. From the implementat…
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Retail - Stop Making Everything So Complicated!
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1:03:01Send us a text Retail is more complicated than it needs to be, and in this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, we cut through the noise with Walter Holbrook, a seasoned retail executive with over 60 years of experience—from stockroom to boardroom. Walter shares the hard truths about leadership, execution, and why common sense is missing…
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59. Holland and Barrett's CPO, Katya Denike: "Unlearning is as important as learning"
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41:43In this episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution Series in partnership with Shoptalk Europe, I sat down with Katya Denike, Chief Product Officer at Holland & Barrett. She shares many insights on leading digital transformation within a 150-year-old legacy brand. We explore the true challenge of aligning teams, breaking old habits, and shifting minds…
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58. JD Group's CDO, Arianne Parisi: "Stores are the most important asset for JD"
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33:15This is the first episode of our Europe's Retail Evolution series with Shoptalk Europe, and I sat down with Arianne Parisi, Chief Digital Officer at JD Sports, to discuss the massive digital transformation behind one of the world’s largest sports retailers. With over 4,500 stores across 30+ countries, JD is redefining omnichannel retail, from AI-dr…
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56. Vista Alegre's CDO, Carla Graça: "If brands don’t take advantage of AI, they will be left behind"
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26:56How does a 200-year-old luxury brand stay ahead in the digital era? In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Carla Graça, CDO of Vista Alegre, to explore how AI, automation, and personalization are transforming retail. From running six global e-commerce platforms to leveraging AI for customer experience, Carla shares how Vista Alegre is blendi…
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57. Shoptalk's Head of Content, Joe Laszlo: "It's about balancing inspiration and tactical news"
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26:41Retail is evolving fast, and we’re diving into what’s next! In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Joe Lazslo, Head of Content US at Shoptalk, to explore the biggest shifts in retail—Unified Commerce, Loyalty, Customer Experience, and more. We break down why loyalty is harder than ever, how retailers are redefining customer experiences, and …
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NRF 2025 wrapped up a few weeks ago, this year’s key theme was Game Changer. In this episode, Paula Macaggi breaks down the biggest trends shaping the future of shopping, from the shift toward Generative AI-powered product discovery to the long-overdue RFID breakthrough. We also explore the rise of Social Commerce, the need for brands to foster rea…
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54. Dyson's Global Head of Product, Stuart Frelick: "Not making a decision is the worst thing you can do"
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29:40In this episode of OFFBounds, I chat with Stuart Frelick, Dyson’s Global Head of Product, about the ambitious retail transformation that’s redefining the stores of the brand. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of how Dyson modernized its systems, tackled the challenges of scaling innovation globally, and delivered a seamless customer experience. We …
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53. Former Nike, Greg Merrill: “You can’t cut your way to growth. Companies that thrive invest in building what’s next.”
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33:19This week I’m joined by Greg Merrill, the former Head of Digital Transformation at Nike, for a deep dive into what it really takes to lead change in today’s fast-moving world. From his unconventional career journey to his insights on balancing innovation and operational excellence, Greg shares how transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s abo…
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52. The Retail Events You Should Attend This Year
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10:57In this episode of OFFBounds, I’m sharing my personal guide to the top retail conferences you should attend in 2025. From the bustling halls of NRF’s Big Show in New York to the vibrant Shoptalk events and hidden gems like EuroCIS in Germany, I’ll walk you through the must-attend events and why they’re worth your time. Whether you’re looking to dis…
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51. Larroudé's CEO, Ricardo Larroudé: "The cheapest shoe to make is the shoe that's already sold"
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34:51In this first episode of OFFBounds' second season, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ricardo Larroudé, co-founder and CEO of the innovative footwear brand Larroudé. Launching in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Larroudé has quickly risen to prominence, earning the prestigious "Brand of the Year" award in 2024. Ricardo shares the bold vision and strategie…
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50. Throwback Episode: The Power of Storytelling with Tiago Quaresma
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40:38At the beginning of spring 2024, I interviewed Tiago Quaresma, who runs the Group that owns some of the coolest stores selling Portuguese culture's traditions. For me, O Grupo o Valor do Tempo is a masterclass of value creation through storytelling and customer experience and it was one of the most shared interviews we had in our first season. By o…
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49. A Year in Retail – OFFBounds 2024 Recap
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17:52In this special year-end episode of OFFBounds, we reflect on 2024—a defining year for retail and the year our podcast journey began. From the meteoric rise of Walmart online to leadership shakeups at Nike and Starbucks, this episode recaps the trends, challenges, and transformations that shaped the industry. We revisit key insights on data-driven d…
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48. Trends | Premiumization: What-Shein-Can’t-Do
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18:51In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi dives into the growing trend of premiumization with retail expert Jack Stratten. Together, they explore how brands like Zara, H&M, and Wegmans are elevating their offerings through immersive store designs, curated products, and enhanced customer experiences to compete with ultra-fast fashion giants like S…
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47. Carrefour Links' MD, Emmanuel Malkor: "It's a way to create a more data-driven ecosystem"
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34:56In this episode of OFFBounds, Emmanuel Malkor, Managing Director of Carrefour Links, shares how this innovative division is transforming retail through advanced data collaboration. Discover how Carrefour centralized its data from eight countries into a unified platform, enabling smarter decision-making and empowering suppliers with actionable insig…
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46. LabelVie Europe's CEO, Brahim Lemseffer: "Atacadão is about having a buying-centric position"
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50:02In this episode, Paula interviews Brahim Lemseffer, CEO of LabelVie Europe, to discuss the groundbreaking Atacadão business model. Originally a Brazilian innovation, Atacadão combines retail and wholesale into a hybrid format that’s now making waves in Europe. Brahim shares LabelVie’s journey—from its roots in Morocco to its latest bold venture: op…
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45.Trends | How Brands Are Embracing the Running Boom
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20:21Have you noticed more people hitting the pavement? You’re not imagining it. Running has surged into a global phenomenon post-pandemic, transforming marathons and run clubs into cultural moments and vibrant communities. From record-breaking numbers at the NYC Marathon to cosmetics giant Maybelline becoming the event’s first cosmetic partner, running…
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44.Markets | Understanding the Chinese Luxury Market
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21:39In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi, fresh from her recent trip to Shanghai, takes you on an eye-opening journey into China's complex and rapidly evolving luxury market. Joined by retail expert Jacques Roizen, a 12-year Shanghai resident with an extensive background in managing top-tier brands like Pandora and Etam China, and today the…
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43. Clarks' CIO, Simon Clarke: "Customer centricity is at the heart of everything"
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27:07Paula Macaggi sat down with Simon Clarke, the Chief Information Officer of Clarks, a legendary British shoe brand with nearly 200 years of heritage. In this episode, Simon shares insights into the digital transformation that Clarks undertook in record time—just 18 months. Discover how Simon led Clarks’ shift from legacy systems to a modern, composa…
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42. OFFBounds Markets | Sharon Gai: "Commerce in China feels a lot more entertainment oriented versus America"
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39:05In this eye-opening episode, host Paula Macaggi, founder of OFFBounds, sits down with renowned retail expert, author, and former Alibaba executive, Sharon Gai, to uncover the unique dynamics shaping commerce in China. As Paula prepares for her first trip to Shanghai, they talk about what Western consumers can expect from China’s advanced e-commerce…
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41. Casper's CEO, Joe Megibow: "Turnarounds like this is wartime and wartime is messy"
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44:40In this exclusive episode of the OFFBounds podcast, host Paula Macaggi interviews Joe Megibow, the new CEO of Casper, to discuss the major turnaround strategy for the iconic direct-to-consumer (DTC) mattress brand. Casper, once a shining star highly backed by VC investors looking into profit in the DTC space, faced challenges after going public and…
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40. [Shoptalk Fall] True Religion's CMO, Kristen D'Arcy: "We could become a billion-dollar brand"
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34:36In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi chats with Kristen D’Arcy, the first-ever CMO of True Religion, about the brand's remarkable turnaround. After two bankruptcies, True Religion is making a big comeback, and Kristen shares how she’s helping lead the charge. From tapping into the brand's rich history in music and culture to launching the Te…
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39. [Shoptalk Fall] Crate & Barrel's President, Alicia Waters: "Omni-channel is about meeting customers where they are."
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29:36In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Alicia Waters, the President of Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids, to explore how the brand has perfected the art of "Design with Purpose." Alicia shares insights into Crate & Barrel's seamless omnichannel experience, innovative store transformations, and the brand's commitment to sustai…
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38. [Shoptalk Fall] ThredUp's CEO, James Reinhart: "A leader needs to love the problem"
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26:20In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi interviews James Reinhart, co-founder and CEO of ThredUp, to discuss how the company is revolutionizing the secondhand fashion industry through the power of AI. Learn how ThredUp uses technology to streamline the resale process, from item inspection to online merchandising, making sustainable shopping mor…
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37. [Shoptalk Fall] Build a Bear Workshop's CTO, Dara Meath: "If you want to have a great experience, you've got to make it simple, easy, and effective"
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37:38In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi sits down with Dara Meath, Chief Technology Officer at Build-A-Bear Workshop, to explore how the iconic brand is embracing digital transformation while staying true to its heartwarming, in-store experience. Dara shares insights on Build-A-Bear’s seamless integration of technology across channels, the…
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36. [Shoptalk Fall] Pandora's President of North America, Luciano Rodembusch: "We are performing better than the US market for 10 quarters in a row"
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36:00In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Luciano Rodembusch, President of Pandora North America, to explore how Pandora is redefining the jewelry industry. Discover how Pandora is making diamonds accessible to all with their innovative lab-grown diamonds while staying committed to sustainability. Luciano shares insights into Pando…
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35. [Shoptalk Fall] Vera Bradley's CMO, Alison Hiatt: "Rebranding can be exhilarating and terrifying at the exact same time"
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28:33In this episode of our new Retail Innovation Series with OFFBounds and Shoptalk Fall, I sit down with Alison Hiatt, the Chief Merchandising and Growth Officer at Vera Bradley, who stepped into her role in 2023 with the mission of leading a rebranding and turnaround for the beloved American brand. Known for its vibrant, patterned bags, Vera Bradley …
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34. What Does the Future Hold for Starbucks and Its New CEO?
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19:37In episode 35 of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi dives deep into the future of Starbucks under the leadership of its new CEO, Brian Niccol. Joined by top retail experts DeAnn Campbell and Brandon Rael, the episode explores whether Niccol, known for his successful turnaround of Chipotle, is the right person to steer Starbucks back to its growth trajec…
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33. How Former Athletes Excel as Successful Business Leaders w/ Jenna Posner and Brian Librach
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20:09In this special episode of OFFBounds, inspired by the recent 2024 Olympic Games, we explore the remarkable connection between athletic grit and business success. Host Paula Macaggi is joined by two former athletes who have transitioned into successful business leaders—Jenna Posner and Brian Librach. Together, they dive into how the qualities that d…
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32. 8 Books for Commerce Leaders Read This Summer
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19:50In this episode of OFFBounds, host Paula Macaggi brings you a curated list of 8 essential books that every commerce leader should read this summer. Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or simply looking to enhance your leadership skills, these books will inspire and equip you with the insights needed to thrive in today’s competitive l…
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31. OFFBounds Trends | The Rise of Recommerce
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25:05OFFBounds Summer Series - Episode 01/04 Today we dive into one of retail's hottest trends: Recommerce. As the urgency for sustainable business practices grows, recommerce—repairing, recycling, and reselling—is becoming a vital strategy for many retailers and brands. Driven by consumer preferences and regulations, the market is projected to grow fiv…
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30. H2O Retailing's CIO & CDO, Toru Koyama: "Integrated data should be a value to support the customer's next needs and wants"
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15:43Today, you'll meet the CIO and CDO of the H2O Retailing Group, a Japanese group that owns department stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets in West Japan. Toru Koyama joined the group about three years ago to lead the midterm and long-term digital strategies to become a communication retailer and develop direct communication with customers and de…
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29. AEON Group Malasya's CMO, Ngai Yuen Low: "We are always asking, where is the differentiation? Where is exclusivity?"
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23:31In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ngai Yuen Low, the Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at AEON Group Malaysia and an advisory board member of NRF APAC. AEON Group, originally founded as Jusco in Japan in 1969, has grown significantly and played a pivotal role in modernizing Malaysia's retail industry. Yuen shares her insights on…
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