The Modern Retail Podcast

Uri Minkoff knows a thing or two about getting a brand off the ground. Beginning in 2005, he and his sister built the luxury brand Rebecca Minkoff, ultimately selling a majority stake two years ago. During those early years, he also launched his own technology company, Fortis Software, that he led for about a decade until he went back to focusing on his joint venture with his sister. And, it turns...

This week on the Modern Retail Rundown we start with the news of Shein and Forever 21’s new partnership, in which the companies will sell each other's merchandise. Next, Subway sells to a private equity firm after months of rumors -- after decades of family ownership. Finally, a look at Rolex's new acquisition of legacy watch retailer Bucherer. News cited: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/24/shein-str...

Georgia-Pacific is a company most everyone in the U.S. has interacted with. It's a paper conglomerate behind some of the biggest names, such as Brawny and Dixie. But even though the products are ubiquitous, when is the last time a shopper has really thought about such a brand? This conundrum is what Laura Knebusch thinks about every day. Knebusch is the CMO of Georgia-Pacific, and is in charge of...

This week on the Modern Retail Rundown we discuss the latest reports of Instacart’s approaching IPO, which can come as soon as September. Next is a look at Aldi’s acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harvey's parent company -- a major expansion in the Southeast for the German grocer. Finally, a new story outlines Everlane’s new goal to shed its image and become a top apparel brand. Stories cited: https:/...

The U.K.-based retailer has become synonymous overseas with value-based apparel. But the company has been steadily growing its U.S. fleet with the hopes of becoming a powerhouse retailer in North America, as well. Its first store opened in 2015 and it currently has 20 open. Over the last 12 months alone, the company opened up seven new locations. And, according to Primark's president of U.S., Kevi...

On this week’s Modern Retail Rundown, we discuss the growing consolidation in the Tapestry’s big acquisition of Michael Kors owner Capri. Next, why brands are reducing the rewards in their rewards program to improve margins. Finally, we talk about Amazon scrapping a majority of its apparel private labels amid growing anti-trust ridicule. Stories referenced: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/busin...

U.K.-based fashion brand Kurt Geiger has been around since the 1960s, but has big plans to further expand its U.S. presence. The brand entered the U.S. around six years ago. "The U.S. is our number one market, it's bigger than the U.K.," said CEO Neil Clifford. "It will be north of $200 million this year… I think next year, comfortably, we'll be north [of] $300 million." Meanwhile, this year the b...

On this week’s episode of the Modern Retail Rundown, the staff dissects various news coming out of the retail industry. This was a busy week for earnings reports -- and we’ll start out by breaking down Amazon’s blockbuster quarter following mass layoffs. Next, we take a look at E.l.f.'s hyper-growth path, courtesy of Gen Z adoration. And lastly, a look at how Diamond Crystal is trying to position...

Coffee shops may have seen a dip during the pandemic, but they’re back and booming. That's especially true for the coffee chain Bluestone Lane. The company is ten years old, but has really kicked business into gear over the last few years. The coffee shop has over 60 locations and has seen its business grow 350% since the pandemic. Its founder and CEO Nick Stone joined the Modern Retail Podcast th...

Correction: At the top of the episode we erroneously say that the cause of the Daily Harvest recall was "manufactured derived bacteria." The actual cause was from the ingredient tara flour, with which customers had adverse reactions. On this week's Modern Retail Rundown, we discuss a report by Bloomberg detailing how Daily Harvest handled its recall last year. Next, a look at Bud Light’s decline a...

For high-end bedding brand Boll & Branch, the secret to growth has been on direct sourcing and keeping profitability always in mind. That's according to founder and CEO Scott Tannen. Boll & Branch first launched in 2014, and is currently bringing in more than $200 million in revenue a year. He chalks up this success to the way he built out his supply chain. While most DTC companies claim to cut ou...

On this week's Modern Retail Rundown, we begin with a discussion of a new Wall Street Journal report dissecting how DTC footwear company Allbirds lost its way. Next, we take a look at the latest acquisition headlines. Over the past week, Keurig Dr. Pepper announced a $300 million investment in exchange for 33% equity in coffee company La Colombe. And on the direct-to-consumer side, the 6-year-old...

For Solo Brands, being DTC represents more of a state of mind than it does an exclusive sales channel. "A lot of people have in the last five years equated DTC to e-commerce," said John Merris, CEO of the portfolio company that owns Solo Stove, Oru Kayak and Chubbies, among other brands. "We believe that direct-to-consumer is focused on the relationship… All direct-to-consumer is actually talking...

On this week’s Modern Retail Rundown, we give a recap of the influencer-led Amazon's Prime Day, which for the first time included deals on travel. Next is a look at the fallout a UPS strike can have, and the impact it can have on online retailers and brands' fulfillment. Lastly, we talk energy drinks backlash in light of Logan Paul's Prime facing an FDA investigation into its caffeine content.

Shein has been around for nearly a decade, but we're just beginning to learn more about the brand now. Over the last two years, the e-commerce platform has taken the world by storm. In 2021, it caught most people by surprise when it became the most downloaded U.S. iPhone shopping app. Today, it is the number three top app on App Store. But with this rise to fame has come a lot of questions. For on...

This week's Modern Retail Rundown starts out with a discussion about brands rushing to Threads. Then, we dive into the state of homeware retail in light of The Christmas Tree Shops going out of business. Finally, the show discusses why Claire's is putting off its IPO after revamping its business for Gen Z. News links: https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/06/threads-wont-be-fun-but-it-will-give-brands-a-...

For frozen food startups, direct-to-consumer is a difficult channel to make work. But for MìLà, which makes food products like Chinese soup dumplings and noodles, being able to ship directly to customers is a core part of its business strategy. "DTC is very important to us because we do have a direct connection to our customers," said Jennifer Liao, co-founder and president of MìLà. She joined thi...

Tattoo care brand Mad Rabbit has a mission to make a growing niche of body care mainstream. The company, which first launched in 2019, makes products for people with tattoos. That includes body washes, balms and other aftercare needed to make sure the ink doesn't fade. And while it's recorded large sales growth year-over-year, seeing over 100% sales growth over the last two years (with the help of...

This week’s Modern Retail Rundown starts off with a check-in on Daily Harvest and its planned retail launch, following a tumultuous year of lawsuits. Next, a look at TikTok testing a digital store selling its own products. Lastly, we discuss a Wall Street Journal story about the changing return policies among online retailers — and how it’s impacting shoppers’ behaviors. Stories cited: https://www...

"International foods are having a moment," said Miguel Leal, co-founder and CEO of Somos Foods. Indeed, that's the thesis of his startup, which makes Mexican food products currently sold in over 6,000 stores including Whole Foods and H-E-B. The company has been around for two years and sells products like chips, salsas as well as rice and bean packs. It first started as an online brand but quickly...

On this week's Modern Retail Rundown, we discuss why Amazon is not including shopping app Temu in its competitive pricing algorithm. Then, a look into the state of food delivery apps in the wake of reported layoffs at Grubhub. Finally, we look into the news that Instant Brands -- the maker of the Instant Pot -- is filing for bankruptcy. News cited: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/...

Athleticwear brand Legends wants to be the Lululemon of professional sports. The company -- which sells products like basketball shorts, swim trunks and athletic tees -- launched in 2019 with a slew of professional athlete investors. Since then, the company has brought on more influencers to its program and -- thanks to these partners -- has seen sales consistently grow, even though it hasn't focu...

In this week’s episode of the Modern Retail Rundown, our staff dissects all various changes and announcements coming out of the retail industry. First we start with the news that Nike is walking back the decision to sever ties with previous wholesale partners like DSW and Macy’s. Next, an announcement of GameStop CEO’s firing — and replacement with board member Ryan Cohen as executive chairman — h...

Kids' apparel brand Hanna Andersson is four decades old but in the midst of a huge business transformation. In 2019, it decided to close all of its stores and focus solely on its online business. The company says this strategic shift has helped stay focus and grow in new ways. "We're 100% direct to consumer and are frankly much more profitable because of that -- and, honestly, much more attuned to...

This week's Modern Retail Rundown starts out with an analysis on why digital fast fashion players like Shein and Temu lose money on orders despite their popularity. Next, recent earnings reports show that dollar store chains like Dollar General and Dollar Tree are struggling as customers cut back on spending. Finally, we take a look at big companies like PepsiCo. continuously raising prices to inc...