Podcast

Retail Visionaries

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TD Cowen’s Retail Visionaries Podcast Series features thought leaders across retail, new platforms, and luxury on the most pertinent topics in these industries. Discussions include the evolution of consumer retail, athletic apparel, luxury brands, e-commerce, re-commerce, and wellness.

Retail Visionaries Podcast Series

Episode 1: The New Luxury Vision with Saks CEO Marc Metrick

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Marc Metrick, Saks Fifth Avenue President & CEO speaks with Oliver Chen, Cowen Retail and Luxury Goods analyst. They discuss what New Luxury means for stores, customers, product, and experience innovation. They also speak about new platforms, the connected retail experience, COVID-19’s impact on luxury goods, and the department store experience in the new normal.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 2: Trove & CaaStle CEOs on the Recommerce Revolution

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Christine Hunsicker, CEO & Founder of CaaStle, and Andy Ruben, CEO & Founder of Trove, speak with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Goods Analyst. They discuss the state of the recommerce market and its growing importance to brands and consumers. They also discuss the explosive growth ahead for resale and rental markets and how brands are navigating new marketplaces in order to adapt to the consumer revolution.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 3: Can Sustainability Intersect with Luxury? | Julie Wainwright, TheRealReal CEO

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Julie Wainwright, CEO & Founder of The RealReal speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss the state of the recommerce market and its implications on the growing focus of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) standards, drivers of growth in the resale market, and top priorities for sustainability. They also discuss inclusion & diversity and the role stores play in sales & eCommerce.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 4: Automating Online Grocery | Elram Goren, CEO, Fabric

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Elram Goren, CEO of Fabric speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss the future of online grocery, the role of robotics, automation & software in on demand supply chain management and how this impacts financial sustainability & operational scalability. They also discuss the benefits of micro-fulfillment centers and the future of labor amid the rise of automation.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 5: Inclusive & Disruptive Beauty for the Next Generation | e.l.f. Beauty CEO, Tarang Amin & CMO, Kory Marchisotto

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Tarang Amin, Chairman & CEO of e.l.f. Beauty & Kory Marchisotto, CMO of e.l.f. Beauty & President of Keys Soulcare speak with Oliver Chen, Cowen’s Retail & Luxury Goods Analyst. They discuss how e.l.f. navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging their digital strength. They also speak about e.l.f.’s focus on clean beauty & sustainability through Project Unicorn, which has reduce over 650,000 pounds of packaging waste, and their adherence to EU cosmetic standards, which bans over 1,300 ingredients. Lastly, they highlight how sustainability, diversity & inclusion continue to drive success with Gen Z consumers and how they continue to seek new audiences.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 6: The Future of Retail with QVC, Livestreaming’s O.G.

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Mike George, President & CEO and Jeff Davis, CFO of Qurate Retail Group (QVC, Zulily, HSN) speak with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Goods Analyst. Qurate Retail is a pioneer in livestreaming and virtual shopping, which were key communication methods during COVID-19.

They discuss Qurate at the forefront of live shopping, initially on television and now on platforms including ecommerce, digital and social, the influencer model, and buy now pay later. They also speak about sustainability priorities including corporate social responsibility, commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste within the supply chain, and use of sustainable materials.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 7: The Future of Luxury is Digital with Michael Kliger, President & CEO, Mytheresa

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Michael Kliger, President & CEO of Mytheresa speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss online luxury retail, frictionless & efficient customer service, and exclusive capsule collections. They also speak about sustainability including carbon offsets, recommerce, and offering upcycled or recycled products. Lastly, they highlight the importance remaining responsive to consumer needs through digital improvements such as augmented reality, curating customer events, deepening the personal shopper network, and growing regional teams to satisfy customer nuances.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 8: Why Hydrow Is the Tesla of Fitness

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Bruce Smith, CEO and Founder of Hydrow speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss the future of at-home fitness and Hydrow’s competitive positioning as the at-home space is gaining consumer interests across all age groups. They also discuss growth opportunities, customer acquisition, retention strategies, and pricing dynamics.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 9: Menswear Moves “Forever Forward” with Rhone

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Nate Checketts, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhone speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss how Rhone pioneered premium men’s performance lifestyle, changes in men’s apparel trends, and increasing lifetime value with the brand’s customers. They also discuss Rhone’s efforts around sourcing and production in a more responsible manner, and the company’s focus around men’s mental health.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 10: Future of Sustainability Is Collaboration

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Martijn van der Zee, Chief Merchandising and Sustainability Officer of C&A speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst about key advances in apparel manufacturing sustainability, consumer insights, and expectations for progress in the industry.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 11: Reinventing Retail as a New Ecosystem with Macy’s CEO

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Jeff Gennette, CEO and Chairman of Macy’s speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail & Luxury Analyst on Macy’s investments in next-generation omni capabilities, the transformation of it’s digital platform, and how they engage new and younger customers. They also discuss how Macy’s is working to develop a complete personalized shopping ecosystem fit for every customer, diversity and inclusion imperatives, and how the retail landscape is changing to fit modern demands.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 12: FlexIt Pioneers Virtual Personal Fitness Training

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Austin Cohen, Founder and CEO of FlexIt speaks with Max Rakhlenko, Cowen’s Retail & Fitness Analyst. They discuss the future of the fitness industry, and how FlexIt is positioned to lead the increasingly hybrid industry model. Other discussion topics include FlexIt’s suite of virtual training solutions, expansion into wellness, growth of the flywheel, strategies around marketing and growth, and plans ahead.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 13: Shop Chairish’s Upscale Vintage Furnishings & Decor

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Gregg Brockway, Co-Founder and CEO of Chairish joins Max Rakhlenko, Retail & Fitness Analyst on the Cowen Insights podcast. They discuss the growth of the online vintage furniture and décor industry, and factors driving the rise of furniture re-sale. They also discuss secular tailwinds supporting growth, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, Chairish’s relationship with the design community, recent acquisition of Pamono, and plans ahead.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 14: Beauty Innovation & Leadership with Supergoop!’s CEO

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Amanda Baldwin, CEO of Supergoop! speaks with Oliver Chen, Retail and Luxury Goods Analyst. They discuss the brand’s innovation, distribution footprint, and future growth opportunities. They also discuss Ms. Baldwin’s views on entrepreneurship, leadership, and current consumer trends.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 15: Building a Fewer, Better, and More Responsible Wardrobe with Cuyana’s CEO

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Cuyana’s CEO and Co-Founder, Karla Gallardo, speaks with Cowen’s Retailing, Broadline and Department Stores Analyst, Oliver Chen. on building a brand with a mission of sustainability and elegant design in mind. The podcast covers topics such as responsible material sourcing, educating the consumer, and managing growth while maintaining product quality and the shopping experience.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 16: Quality & Performance at a Fair Price: Thoughtful Men’s Product at Harry’s

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TD Cowen’s Retailing, Broadline, and Department Stores Analyst, Oliver Chen hosts Jeff Raider, Co-Founder, and Co-CEO of Harry’s, a brand focused on high-quality men’s shaving and grooming products. Key topics include areas of growth opportunities for the brand such as verticalization, product innovation cycles, new brands, and platforms. They also discuss how Harry’s is defining innovation in the direct-to-consumer space, their customer acquisition strategy, and channel & distribution strategies.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 17: Recover’s Recycled Cotton Fiber Unlocks Sustainability

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Chief Sustainability Officer Helene Smits and board member Samir Shah of Recover, a leading material science company and global producer of low-impact, high-quality recycled cotton fiber, join TD Cowen’s Retailing, Broadline, and Department Stores Analyst, Oliver Chen. They touch on areas of growth, manufacturing & verticalization, product innovation, sustainability & circularity, and customer sentiment towards recycled cotton.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 18: The Intersection of Non-Fungible Tokens & Retail with Blockskye CEO Brook Armstrong

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Retailing Broadline and Department Stores Analyst, Oliver Chen speaks with Brook Armstrong, CEO and Co-Founder of Blockskye. Brook gives listeners an introductory deep dive into NFTs, cryptocurrencies, intellectual property risks, and the metaverse. The discussion also covers ideas and tips for starting your Web3 journey and how retailers can incorporate NFTs into their strategy.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 19: Parachute Brings Premium & Accessible Comfort Home

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Ariel Kaye, Founder & CEO of Parachute, joins Max Rakhlenko, Cowen’s Retail & Fitness Analyst. They discuss the recent growth of the home décor and furniture industries, opportunities to maintain that momentum, and the company’s sustainability goals & targets.

Other topics include the benefits of opening physical stores to create a retail experience that improves digital sales and having a consumer-first mindset.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 20: Authenticity and LGBTQ+ Allyship with Macy’s CEO and Cowen’s Co-President

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On this episode of Cowen Insights, released in conjunction with Pride Month, Jeff Gennette, Macy’s Inc. Chairman and CEO, and Larry Wieseneck, Co-President of Cowen and Executive Sponsor of OUTperformers, Cowen’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, join Oliver Chen, Cowen’s Retailing Broadline and Department Stores Analyst. They discuss the collective effort to bring awareness and cultivate discussion around allyship, inclusion & diversity, and the current professional environment for LGBTQ+ employees. This podcast is aimed at helping answer the question: “What can I do to make my workplace more inclusive?”

For the full transcript click here

Episode 21: Digitization of Luxury with Neiman Marcus Group CEO

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Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, joins Cowen’s Retailing Broadlines and Department Stores Analyst Oliver Chen. They discuss how Neiman Marcus integrates digital touch points throughout the shopping experience. A business transformation that helps them engage with the younger luxury consumer. We also release this episode in conjunction with Pride month. To help bring increased awareness to diversity and inclusion strategies among CEOs.

For the full transcript here

Episode 22: Recurate’s CEO On The Growth Of Brand Based Resale Channels

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Adam Siegel, Co-Founder & CEO of Recurate, joined Cowen’s Retailing Broadlines and Department Stores Analyst Oliver Chen to discuss how Recurate sets itself apart by offering a tech-enabled peer-to-peer resale service to help brands launch their own resale channel. They also explored the differences in branded resale vs. peer-to-peer marketplaces, resale’s financial and lifetime value benefits, and Recurate’s key priorities ahead.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 23: Understanding The Hair Color Revolution With Madison Reed

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Amy Errett, CEO & Founder of Madison Reed, joins Cowen’s Retail, New Platforms, & Luxury Analyst Oliver Chen for a podcast focusing on trends in the haircare industry. Amy offers her perspective on bringing transparency and convenience to consumers across different channels while providing insights into Madison Reed’s core competencies, business structure, and growth prospects.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 24: Why Lovevery Is the Future of Children’s Toys

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Rod Morris, Co-Founder & President of Lovevery, joins Cowen’s Retail, New Platforms, & Luxury Analyst Oliver Chen for a discussion focusing on Lovevery’s revolution of child development through innovative playtime essentials rooted in neuroscience. The podcast also highlights consumer centricity and retention in Lovevery’s subscription model, which carries an impressive net promoter score of 85.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 25: Pivotal & Phygital – The New Digital Imperative With EON

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Natasha Franck, Founder & CEO of EON, joins Cowen’s Retail and Luxury Analyst, Oliver Chen. Together they explore the inevitable merger of the digital and physical worlds in the future of retail and discuss EON’s mission to change the way consumers buy, sell, own, and connect with products by bringing physical goods to the cloud with digital ID’s.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 26: Artificial Intelligence & Real Application in Retail With Focal Systems

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Francois Chaubard, Founder and CEO of Focal Systems, joins Oliver Chen, Cowen’s Retail & Luxury Analyst to discuss artificial intelligence applications in retail. They touch upon how artificial intelligence can optimize reordering, locate products in stores, reduce waste, and reinvent how retailers approach inventory planning.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 27: Democratizing Access to Health Care with Hims and Hers

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Andrew Dudum, CEO & Founder of Hims & Hers Health Inc., speaks with Jonna Kim, Vice President, Apparel, Footwear & Textiles Retailing/Specialty Store Research. They discuss Hims and Hers evolution as a lifestyle brand and innovation across various categories. They also discuss  growth opportunities at the forefront of the consumerization of health and wellness.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 28: Wellness Technology Revolution With Therabody

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Benjamin Nazarian, Co-Founder & Executive at Therabody, joined Max Rakhlenko, Cowen’s Retail & Fitness Analyst, to discuss Therabody’s growing wellness ecosystem and innovative product launches shaped by customer insights and wellness goals. They also discuss hardware, proprietary software, digital content, and biometrics, which shape many of Therabody’s new category-creating products.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 29: Empowering Skincare Journey With MATTER OF FACT’s Founder & CEO

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Jonna Kim, Vice President of Apparel, Footwear & Textiles Retailing/Specialty Store research, speaks with Paul Baek, Founder & CEO of MATTER OF FACT, a disruptive emerging skincare brand. They discuss how MATTER OF FACT provides simplified ingredients that translate to effective results and how the brand highlights the importance of delivering clean ingredients to consumers. They also discuss current beauty trends and potential growth opportunities.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 30: K18 Hair – Simplifying Haircare with Patented Technology

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Jonna Kim, Vice President, Apparel, Footwear & Textiles and Retailing/Specialty Store research, speaks with Suveen Sahib, Co-Founder and CEO of K-18 hair, which has disrupted the haircare space. They discuss K-18’s unique patented peptide technology that repairs damage from bleach, color, chemical services, and heat – restoring strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce to hair. They also discuss K-18’s growth strategies and core competitive advantages in the market.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 31: Ultra-Fast Retail, Ultra-Fast Learning on SHEIN

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Peter Day, Global Head of Strategic Communications at SHEIN, joins Oliver Chen, TD Cowen’s Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss how SHEIN aims to create more accessible styles for shoppers across the globe and how they’re taking steps to operate with a more sustainable lens. They also discuss how the company is taking corrective actions to position the business for long-term growth.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 32: How to Catapult Customer Centricity at a Retail Haircare Leader Sally Beauty

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Denise Paulonis, CEO of Sally Beauty, a global hair care retail leader with the #1 market share in color and professional hair care distribution, joins Oliver Chen, TD Cowen’s Retail & Luxury Analyst. They discuss how Sally Beauty drives customer centricity and engagement across their brands and key initiatives such as Salon HQ, Virtual Color Experts, and Studio by Sally.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 33: The Evolution & Scalability of Retail Marketplaces with Cortina

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Keith George, co-founder & CEO of Cortina speaks with Oliver Chen, retail & luxury analyst. They discuss eCommerce as the next chapter for retail marketplaces, as influencers, creators, and brands seek alternatives to the traditional affiliate marketing model.

For the full transcript click here

Related Topics
Apparel, Footwear & TextilesConsumereCommerceHealth & WellnessHealthy LivingLuxury BrandsRecommerceResearchRetail & Consumer BrandsRetailing – Broadlines & Department StoresRetailing – Specialty Stores
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