retail strategy Archives - WSL Strategic Retail

Making Sense of the Modern Shopper Journey with AWS’s Justin Honaman | Ep 114

In this episode: AI is moving faster than ever, and retail leaders are shifting their focus from basic operational testing to real-world customer journey transformations. In this episode of Future Shop, host Wendy Liebmann is joined by Justin Honaman, Global Head for Retail, Consumer Goods, and Food Service Business Development at Amazon Web Services. Live ... Read more

Inside the Creation of the Apple Store, Target Design, JC Penney Failures & The Future of Retail with Ron Johnson | Ep 113

In this episode: In this episode of Future Shop, host Wendy Liebmann sits down with retail visionary Ron Johnson—former Senior VP of Retail at Apple and former VP of Merchandising at Target. Ron opens up about his storied career, including the creation of Target’s groundbreaking "Design for All" collaborations with icons like Michael Graves, and ... Read more

How to Reach the New Frontiers of Beauty & Wellness with Ali Kole | EP108

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann sits down with retail powerhouse Ali Kole to dissect the “accelerated evolution” of the beauty industry. Drawing on her extensive background at McKinsey, Amazon, and Sephora, Kole explores how technology—from back-end logistics to front-end AI—is empowering the modern, information-hungry consumer. They dive into the expansion of beauty demographics, the rise ... Read more

Beyond the Screen: Why Humanity is Retail’s Secret Weapon in 2026 | EP107

In this episode: As we transition into 2026, the retail landscape is being reshaped by two powerful, seemingly opposite forces: the rapid ascent of autonomous AI and a growing hunger for authentic human connection. In this special year-in-review, Wendy Liebmann reflects on a transformative period of “perpetual chaos,” where shoppers are seizing control of their ... 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

Beauty Everywhere: Connecting Brands, Retail and Consumers with Liza Rapay | EP96

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann talks to Liza Rapay, Vice President, Head of Cosmoprof North America, and Founder of Beauty New York, about the importance of bringing industry, innovators and consumers together to grow the beauty business in chaotic times. Episode Highlights: The importance of connecting the industry in-person to build relationships, and drive innovation, ... Read more

How To Grow a Specialty Retail Business in Chaotic Times with Anna Harman | EP91

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann talks to Anna Harman, CEO and co-founder of Studs, the specialty ear piercing and earring retailer, with 33+ stores and e-commerce site, founded in 2019 just in time for Covid. They discuss: Going from corporate law to Walmart innovation lab to opening Studs. Creating a unique brand ecosystem through quality ... Read more

Retail Tension. AI, Retail Media, Pricing. What’s Next? with Justin Honaman, AWS | EP79

podcast with justin honaman and wendy liebmann

In this episode: Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s CEO and Chief Shopper and Justin Honaman, Head of Worldwide Retail & CPG, GTM & Segment Leader for Food & Beverages for Amazon Web Services, continue discussions about emerging technology and the implications for the future of retail. They discuss: The tension points at retail: prices, efficiency and where ... Read more