OFFBounds Retail

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 insights on the growing trend of circular fashion, ThredUp’s brand partnerships, and what the future holds for the resale market. Tune in for a fascinating look at how innovation is transforming the retail industry.James will also speak at Shoptalk Fall this October in Chicago. If you represent a brand or retailer and haven't booked your ticket yet, our listeners have 20% discount on this link.Timestamps:00:00 The Rise of Re-commerce01:15 Building ThredUP: A Journey Through Time04:00 The Seller and Buyer Experience08:01 Technology and Operations in Re-commerce12:28 Partnerships with Brands16:10 Leadership and Innovation in Fashion20:33 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs---Studio: Podstream StudiosProduction: Paula MacaggiEdition: Bicho de GoiabaResearch: Lia CabriniDesign: Gabriel FischerPartnership: Shoptalk Fall ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 Roblox, and her leadership approach with the T90 philosophy. Tune in to discover how Build-A-Bear is shaping the future of experiential retail and engaging the next generation of consumers.Dara Meath will also speak at Shoptalk Fall this October in Chicago. If you represent a brand or retailer and haven't booked your ticket yet, our listeners have 20% discount on this link.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to OFFBounds with Paula Macaggi01:12 - Introducing Dara Meath, CTO of Build-A-Bear Workshop03:30 - Build-A-Bear’s experiential retail and customer journey07:40 - The role of digital and tech in enhancing the customer experience16:10 - Build-A-Bear’s presence in Roblox and gamification strategy22:00 - Empowering women in tech and Dara’s leadership journey27:20 - Dara’s T90 Leadership model and its impact on retail innovation38:35 - Closing and what's next at Shoptalk Fall 2024---Studio: Podstream StudiosProduction: Paula MacaggiEdition: Bicho de GoiabaResearch: Lia CabriniDesign: Gabriel FischerPartnership: Shoptalk Fall ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 known for charms to being known as a full jewelry house, and the power of storytelling in creating lasting customer connections. Whether you're a fan of Pandora, interested in retail innovation, or curious about sustainable luxury, this episode offers valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss.Luciano will be on stage at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago from October 16th to 18th and if you haven't booked your tickets yet, you can get a 20% discount with the links below:20% Discount for Brands and Retailers20% Discount for General AttendeesTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Pandora's Legacy03:06 The Emotional Connection of Jewelry05:50 Pandora's Evolution Beyond Charms09:04 The Phoenix Strategy: Rebuilding and Expanding11:54 Creating Unique Customer Experiences15:03 The Journey of Continuous Improvement17:50 Sustainability and Lab-Grown Diamonds21:04 Democratizing Diamonds for Everyone24:00 Leadership and Transformation26:49 Empowering Women in Leadership30:07 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations---Studio: Podstream Studios Production: Paula MacaggiEdition: Bicho de GoiabaResearch: Lia CabriniDesign: Gabriel FischerPartnership: Shoptalk Fall  ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 but struggled to stay relevant with newer generations. Alison shares her journey of taking on this challenge, discussing the brand's rich heritage, the strategic decisions behind the rebranding efforts, and the innovative approaches being implemented to reconnect with both loyal fans and new customers. We delve into the importance of authenticity, the cultural shifts within the company, and what this transformation means for the future of Vera Bradley. If you're interested in the intricacies of brand revival and what it takes to refresh an iconic name in today's competitive market, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to join us at Shoptalk Fall in Chicago, where Alison will share more insights on stage.20% Discount for Brand & Retailers20% Discount for General AttendeesTimestamps:0:00 Introduction1:02 Why Alison Accepted the Challenge for This Rebranding3:34 The Process of Rediscovering the Brand6:40 Understanding the New Customer8:20 Changing Everything at Once10:50 What People Should Feel When They See The Brand13:10 How to Change the Culture15:36 The Metrics and User-Generated Content19:51 Shoptalk Fall and Gender Parity 21:34 Passionate About Marketing24:00 What Makes a Good CMO26:02 A CEO Alison Admires28:12 Advice To Someone Who Is Starting29:25 Final Remarks---Studio: Podstream StudiosProduction: Paula MacaggiEdition: Bicho de GoiabaResearch: Lia CabriniDesign: Gabriel FischerPartnership: Shoptalk Fall ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 Niccol faces, from revitalizing the iconic third-place experience to balancing operational efficiencies with maintaining Starbucks' brand identity. The episode also examines the implications for Starbucks' global market, particularly in China, and what it will take for the company to regain its former glory. ----Sponsored by VTEX

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, and determination—are the same traits that can lead to success in the corporate world.Listen in as Jenna, a former U.S. national rugby player, and Brian, who honed his skills on the baseball field, share their personal journeys from sports to the boardroom. They discuss how their athletic experiences shaped their leadership styles, decision-making, and ability to overcome challenges in the fast-paced retail industry.Whether you're a business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply inspired by the Olympic spirit, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to apply the principles of teamwork, mental toughness, and perseverance to your professional life.Tune in to discover why so many Fortune 500 CEOs have a background in sports and how you can harness athletic principles to elevate your career and achieve your business goals. ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 critical skill for leaders, enhancing abilities like critical thinking, communication, and storytelling. 📖 How Netflix’s culture of creativity and autonomy, as described in No Rules Rules, can transform your organization. 📖 The timeless principles from Good to Great that separate exceptional companies from the rest. 📖 The inspiring journeys behind Nike’s success, told through Shoe Dog and Emotion by Design. 📖 Leadership lessons from Panera Bread’s founder, Ron Shaich, in Know What Matters. 📖 Insights from Disney CEO Robert Iger on navigating corporate challenges and leading with vision in The Ride of a Lifetime. 📖 The rise of Glossier, a beauty brand that redefined digital commerce, from Glossy by Marisa Meltzer. 📖 The power of creating unforgettable customer experiences, as explored in The Experience Economy. ----Sponsored by VTEX

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, reaching 120 billion euros in Europe. In this episode, we explore the pressures behind this shift and showcase innovative practices from around the globe. Experts Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Steve Lister, and Andrew Smith join us to discuss regional adaptations, successful examples like Nudie Jeans, Veja, and Selfridges, and practical steps for businesses to embark on their sustainability journey. Recommerce is more than a trend; it's the new normal. Are you prepared to lead this revolution? Tune in and get inspired! ----Sponsored by VTEX

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 create an IT infrastructure with integrated data.This episode was recorded in Singapore during NRF APAC which Toru is an advisor.  ----Sponsored by VTEX

 In 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 the unique challenges and opportunities in the retail sector, drawing from her extensive background in media. She discusses how her ability to understand and engage audiences has been a crucial asset in her retail career, helping her navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. Tune in to hear about Yuen’s journey, the dynamic retail environment in Asia, and how AEON Group continues to innovate and meet the needs of modern consumers. ----Sponsored by VTEX