Total Retail Talks

In episode 520 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Stephen Nesle, chief marketing officer at Bob's Discount Furniture, one of the nation’s fastest-growing furniture brands with more than 200 showrooms across the United States. Nesle discusses why he believes entertainment and creator-led content deserves investment right now (1:35), including what the Bob's team…

In episode 519 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jillian Cueff, chief merchandising officer at Claire's, a global specialty retailer known for tween and teen fashion accessories, costume jewelry, and iconic ear-piercing services. Listen in as Cueff shares how she's implemented her own vision for the brand's merchandising organization (1:25) and how Claire's…

In episode 518 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-In-Chief Joe Keenan Interviews Bear Mayer, founder and CEO of BRUCE BOLT, a family-owned sports equipment brand based in Austin, Texas. Mayer looks back on his entrepreneurial beginnings, touching on the valuable business lessons his father imparted on him (00:55). He discusses the rapid growth of BRUCE BOLT…

In this episode of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Chris Hurt, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a beloved multigenerational brand focused on its mission to "add a little more heart to life," known for its stuffed animals. Hurt discusses his career start at Polo Ralph Lauren and American Eagle Outfitters, and the…

In episode 516 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Drew Cook, president of organic, sustainable apparel brand Pact, and Matthew Merrilees, CEO, North America at global e-commerce platform Global-e. Cook delves into the challenges of maintaining a successful international business amidst rising tariffs (3:36), while Merrilees discusses the common mistakes made amongst brands…

In episode 515 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Andy Hunter, founder and CEO of Bookshop.org, a certified B Corp online book retailer supporting independent bookstores. Listen in as Hunter explains the book retailer's mission and revenue-sharing marketplace model (0:47), his career journey that led to launching Bookshop.org (2:40), and what's driven its…

In episode 514 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Lorenzo De Plano, co-founder and CEO of ALP, the leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) nicotine pouch brand, valued at over $1 billion. Listen in as De Plano discusses the genesis and growth of the company (2:15), why launching DTC first provided a sandbox to test and…

In episode 513 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jim Corso, director of real estate at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a Texas-based vertically integrated, family-owned company offering finely crafted jewelry designs for men and women. Listen in as Corso provides an overview of the jewelry brand and his role (0:55), the catalyst for…

In episode 512, Total Retail Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Allison Cullman, senior vice president of marketing at Hint, one of the largest unsweetened flavored water brands in the U.S. Listen in as Cullman discusses Hint's refreshed brand positioning and its new “MMMMM Water™” marketing campaign that leans into emotional branding, cultural relevance and desire (1:00).…

In episode 511, Total Retail Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Alex Faherty, co-founder and CEO of Faherty, a certified B Corp™ premium lifestyle apparel brand known for its quality craftsmanship and surf-inspired coastal style. Alex launched the brand in 2013 with his twin brother, Mike, bringing their childhood dream to life (1:00). He shares how Faherty…