retail innovation Archives - WSL Strategic Retail

The Future of Beauty: K-Beauty, Viral Fragrances, and the TikTok Effect | EP106

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann and Elia Auchane recap their recent trip to Cosmoprof North America in Miami. Together, they explore the shifting landscape of the beauty industry, questioning if the sector is “tapped out” while identifying the viral trends, from K-Beauty to Middle Eastern fragrances, that are currently dominating the global market. Through the ... Read more

TikTok Shop, Agentic AI, and the Future of Retail Trust with Kelsie Johnston | EP105

In this episode: Join host Wendy Liebmann as she sits down with Kelsie Johnston, a retail strategist with a career spanning Macy’s, Walmart, Coty, and most recently, TikTok. In this episode of Future Shop, Kelsie breaks down the seismic shift from traditional omnichannel retail to the exploding world of social commerce and the dawn of ... Read more

Retail’s Next Act: Human Connection in an AI World with Christi Geary | EP104

In this episode: In this episode, Wendy Liebmann sits down with Christi Geary, EVP at Advantage Marketing Partners, to explore the evolving landscape of retail and the enduring power of the human connection. They dive into the intersection of technology and emotion, discussing why physical retail remains vital despite the digital explosion and how brands ... Read more

Agentic AI vs. Human Connection: The Future of Retail Explained with Andy Murray | EP103

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In this episode: In this episode, Wendy Liebmann sits down with retail veteran Andy Murray to dissect the conflicting forces impacting the modern shopper. From the bifurcated "K-shaped" economy to the rise of "vibe shopping" among Gen Z, Andy shares insights from his time at Walmart, ASDA, and P&G, and his current work with the ... Read more

The Agentic AI Revolution: What Companies Need to Know for 2026 | EP102

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann and Justin Honaman (Amazon Web Services) dive into the chaotic yet exciting world of retail and technology as 2025 wraps up. From AI’s real-world impact on commerce to the rise of “agentic AI,” they explore what’s truly changing the business—and what’s just hype. They also touch on talent, innovation, loyalty, ... Read more

How to Build a Brand with Purpose, one Retailer at a Time with April Showers | EP101

In this episode: In this episode, Wendy Liebmann sits down with April Showers, the founder of Afro Unicorn®, a brand born from purpose, community, and the need for representation. They discuss how April’s personal passion and smart retail partnerships brought her vision to life. Episode highlights: How Afro Unicorn grew from T-shirts to Walmart shelves ... Read more

How America Shops® in Chaos. What’s Worth It Now? with Rich Kaminski | EP100

In this episode: In this milestone episode, Wendy Liebmann celebrates 100 episodes of Future Shop with WSL’s newest Director of Research & Insights, Rich Kaminski. Together, they unpack the latest How America Shops® in Chaos study — revealing how shoppers are navigating a world defined by constant disruption, rising prices, and shifting trust in retailers. ... Read more

The Future of Category Management with Gina Zilleox, Glanbia Performance Nutrition | EP99

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann talks to Gina Zilleox, Senior Director Category Management, Glanbia Performance Nutrition about the need to make dramatic assumptions about the competitive landscape in order to thrive in the future. Episode Highlights: Whether or not category management, as we know it, is dead. How essential it is to broaden the perspective ... Read more

AI, Pricing, Supply Chain, Loyalty and First Thoughts on 2026 with Justin Honaman, AWS | EP98

In this episode: In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to regular guest Justin Honaman, Global Head, Restaurants, Retail & Consumer Goods Business Development at Amazon Web Services, about what’s now – and next – as technology transforms retail and consumer goods businesses. Episode Highlights: Retail sales and the tension between inflation, tariffs and spending Managing ... Read more

Influencing the Future of Retail, with Kenvue, Kroger and InMarket | EP97

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In this episode: Wendy Liebmann talks to Amanda Coussoule, Chief Customer Officer at Kenvue, Marla Fielder, Health & Wellness Leader at Kroger and Sharon Glass, Global VP, OTC & Pharma at InMarket, about how to transform organizations in challenging retail times. Episode Highlights: Knowing when to use “soft” or “hard” influence to move organizations to ... Read more