🚀 Announcing the Retail Innovation Series with Shoptalk Fall | OFFBounds Podcast Get ready, commerce leaders, innovators, and trailblazers! OFFBounds, your go-to podcast for groundbreaking insights, is partnering with Shoptalk Fall to bring you an exclusive series on retail innovation. Starting September 10th, join Paula Macaggi as she sits down with industry visionaries transforming the U.S. retail landscape. 🎙️ Featured Guests Include: - Alison Hiatt, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer of Vera Bradley - Luciano Rodembusch, GM, SVP, North America of Pandora - Dara Meath, SVP, CTO of Build-a-Bear Workshop - James Reinhart, Co-founder and CEO of ThredUp - Alicia Waters, President of Crate & Barrel and Crate & Barrel Kids - Kristen D'Arcy, CMO of True Religion From exploring cutting-edge strategies to overcoming industry challenges, these conversations are set to be transformative. Plus, discover the pioneering initiatives at Shoptalk Fall 2024, including the All Women Mainstage keynote lineup, in-person meetups, and a commitment to gender parity. 🔔 Mark your calendars! The series kicks off on September 10th—don’t miss out on this chance to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of retail. 20% Ticket Discounts: 🔹 Brand and Retailers 🔹 General Attendees

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Welcome to Episode 28 of OFFBounds! Join Paula Macaggi as she sits down with Nicole Sheffield, Managing Director of Wesfarmers OneDigital and President of the Australian Retailers Association in Singapore while we were visiting the NRF APAC event last month.

In this insightful episode, we delve into Australia's retail landscape, Wesfarmers' diverse operations, including OneDigital which was founded in 2022 and brings together the Group's digital ventures like the OnePass membership program, the Catch marketplace, and the Group's data assets.

OneDigital fuels the Group's digital and data-driven growth, aiming to make shopping across the Group's retail businesses smoother, more rewarding, and valuable for customers. The team is about 600 strong, all working to enhance your shopping experience.

Connect with Us:

🔗 Follow OFFBounds on LinkedIn

🔗 Learn more about Wesfarmers OneDigital

🔗 Explore the Australian Retailers Association