OFFBounds Retail

In 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 explore the importance of bold leadership, the s...

This 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 about people, strategy, and building a culture that...

In 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 discover cutting-edge tech, connect with industry le...

In 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 strategies behind the brand's disruptive approach to fashio...

At 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 offering a dreamy environment with stellar servic...

In 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 decision-making, loyalty programs, AI's role in co...

In 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 Shein and Temu. Discover why premiumization is...

In 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 insights. Malkor explains Carrefour Links’ shift to foc...

In 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: opening the first Atacadão store in Paris, France ....

Have 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 is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that is res...

In 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 Managing Director of DLG (Digital Luxury Group),...

Paula 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, composable digital platform, all while keeping the projec...

In 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 landscape, from AI-powered shopping to experienti...

In 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 went back to being private. Now, with Joe at the...

In 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 Team True influencer program, Kristen talks about w...

In 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 sustainability and thoughtful design. They a...

In 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 more accessible and efficient. James also shares in...

In 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, their innovative venture into the virtual world of R...

In 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 Pandora's Phoenix Strategy, their journey from being...

In 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 had touched the hearts of many since the 80s bu...

In 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 trajectory. The discussion touches on the challenges N...

In 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 drive Olympians to excel—resilience, discipline, a...

In 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 landscape. What You'll Learn: 📖 Why reading is a...

OFFBounds 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 five times faster than overall retail by 2025, rea...

Today, 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 deepen relationships. For that, it's necessary to c...