Retail Relates

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Ever wondered how a global retail strategist balances the fine line between human touch and cutting-edge technology? Join us as we sit down with Liza, the dynamic co-founder of Retail Strategy Group, to uncover secrets from her illustrious career spanning iconic brands like Harrods, Ralph Lauren, and Nike. From her early dreams in fashion design to her pivotal roles in buying and marketing, Liza's journey is a masterclass in perseverance and adaptability. Discover her unique approach to retail that prioritizes meaningful change over mere noise, and learn how her extensive travels and global experiences have shaped her visionary outlook.
In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of Liza's career milestones, from navigating failures like a sleepwear line at Club Monaco to mastering the art of customer service and brand localization. Gain valuable insights into building and testing retail trends, and understand the crucial balance between listening to customer feedback and maintaining fundamental business practices. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, Liza's candid reflections offer a treasure trove of lessons and strategies for success in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
But there's more—Liza opens up about the unique challenges faced by women of color in the retail industry and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Hear her inspiring stories of overcoming discouraging advice and transforming negative feedback into powerful motivation. With organizations like the Women of Color Retail Alliance playing a pivotal role, Liza emphasizes how diverse recruitment practices can drive business performance and innovation. Don't miss this empowering conversation that not only highlights Liza's professional achievements but also her passion for promoting a more inclusive and dynamic retail industry.
Liza's Bio:
Liza Amlani is the Principal and Co-Founder of Retail Strategy Group. The firm works with retailers and brands, helping them improve profitability and organizational effectiveness.
Clients span apparel, footwear, luxury, retail tech, and more. Liza is a respected voice and is cited in Forbes, Bloomberg, Chain Store Age, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Sourcing Journal, and Footwear News.
Liza has been recognized by Rethink Retail as a “Top Retail Expert of 2024.” This honor is given to a select group of experts chosen from a group of 400 nominees.
Before founding Retail Strategy Group, Liza was the merchandising expert in Accenture’s retail strategy practice. Before that, she spent 20+ in retail with companies including Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco, Sporting Life and more.
She brings a wealth of global insight to her clients given the number of countries in which she has resided – Liza has moved 29 times in her life from Canada to the UK to Africa. Today, New York City is home as she teaches at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaamlani/

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What happens when you mix high-energy marketing genius with raw authenticity? You get Doug Zarkin. Today, we're bringing you an inspiring conversation with Doug Zarkin, the marketing mastermind behind heavy-hitting brands like Pearl Vision and Victoria's Secret. Doug opens up about navigating the peaks and valleys of his career journey, from high school rejections to pivotal career decisions. He takes us behind the scenes of writing his book, "Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone," sharing his unique blend of art and science in marketing and how his education at George Washington University shaped his path. Doug's stories and insights are for aspiring marketers and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.
Are loyalty programs transforming customer experiences or just another gimmick? Discover Doug's perspective on the evolving landscape of brand loyalty and innovation as we discuss standout programs like Marriott's Bonvoy and Delta's service enhancements. Doug shares how Marriott's flexible check-out times and Delta’s improved service offerings are setting new standards in customer satisfaction. We also touch on the balance between technological innovation and practical customer service solutions, highlighting the future of CRM systems in creating more human-centric business practices.
Authenticity and vulnerability in leadership? Yes, please. Doug’s candid discussion on company culture offers a fresh perspective on first impressions during the interview process and the role of real-time feedback. From self-deprecating leadership to the quirks of daily life, Doug's anecdotes reveal the importance of balancing professional and personal life with humor and relatability. He leaves us with powerful advice on embracing authenticity and using setbacks as stepping stones for success. Tune in for a treasure trove of wisdom from a marketing leader who truly walks the talk.
Doug Zarkin Biography:
Doug Zarkin is a renowned Chief Marketing Officer celebrated for his strategic acumen in brand revitalization, team leadership, and driving significant growth across multiple sectors. With a career that began in advertising, Doug co-founded G-WHiZ!, Grey Advertising’s division focused on youth, entertainment, and lifestyle marketing, crafting campaigns that captivated audiences nationwide. His tenure at Avon Products marked the launch of the “Mark.” brand, achieving $118 million in revenue within 18 months. At Victoria’s Secret PINK, as Vice President of Marketing, he transformed it into a $400 million brand, showcasing his ability to scale brands significantly. Doug’s impactful roles at global apparel giants Warnaco and Kellwood further underscored his marketing prowess. Doug is currently the Chief Customer Officer at Good Feet Holdings and previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Luxottica’s Pearle Vision, where he led a transformative brand overhaul that not only changed the company's market perception from discount to quality care but also sustained double-digit profit growth over eight years. This repositioning helped place Pearle Vision at the top of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise list. His leadership has earned him multiple Effie and Clio awards and a place in a Harvard Business School case study on brand revival. Doug is also the author of "Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone," encapsulating his expertise in crafting influential brand narratives and fostering deep consumer connections.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougzarkin/To purchase "Moving Your Brand Out of The Friend Zone", visit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKD7F4S4

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To kick off our first season, in this episode, we introduce ourselves and discuss our experiences, successes and failures, lessons learned, and motivations. This is not highly edited or polished; it is real and hopefully relatable. We hope you enjoy this episode and stay with us through the journey. We have some incredible guests lined up that we hope you enjoy meeting and learning from.
What is 'Retail Relates?'
It is not just a podcast; it's a journey into the heart of retail and commerce. Our episodes traverse the path from traditional marketplaces to digital platforms, highlighting the successes, trials, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. We're conversing with those shaping the industry—from the front lines to behind the scenes, the creative minds to the global strategists - offering a diverse 360-degree perspective. We're revealing the relationships and personal narratives that make retail engaging and accessible. 'Retail Relates' is an invitation to explore the world's interconnectedness through the lens of retail, encouraging listeners to discover the personal journeys and stories of those who drive innovation and unite us across cultures and continents.
Retail Relates is hosted by Paula Gean, a tech leader who is passionate about building connected communities and telling stories; Gautham Vadakkapett, a marketing professor with a Ph.D. and a deep curiosity for the retail industry; and Rich Honiball, a retail executive who loves history and is inspired by diversity.
Why did we come together to start this podcast? Fame? Fortune? Occupy our spare time? Hardly! We came together with this combined goal.
"Our success is not measured by the number of conversations we have with industry leaders or the number of talented individuals we meet. It's about the impact we make. If even ONE person finds value in our platform and perspectives and decides to pursue retail as a career choice, we consider our efforts worthwhile. Every journey matters to us."
In this series of conversations, we look forward to talking with those driving the retail industry today from every vantage point, introducing you to the diversity of talent and experiences, and discovering how the essence of retail is not just in transactions but in the meaningful connections and relatable stories that energize the industry.
If you have feedback or ideas or want to connect with us, email us at [email protected].
In the meantime, thank you for tuning in, & enjoy!
Paula, Gautham, & Rich

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Can European retailers teach their American counterparts a thing or two about customer service? Join us as we uncover insights from Ghalia Boustani, PhD, a leading retail expert based in Paris, who has a wealth of knowledge about the future of retail. From her early fascination with the industry to becoming a respected author and consultant, Ghalia's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares her pivotal moments and critical questions that fueled her rise in the retail world.
Navigating the balance between human touch and technology, Ghalia discusses the common pitfalls that retailers face when they over-rely on tech solutions. She illustrates with real-life examples how poor integration can lead to negative customer experiences, such as failed QR code promotions. We also explore the differences between American and European retail practices, highlighting the significance of adapting strategies to local markets and maintaining basic customer service. Ghalia emphasizes the growing trend in Europe towards sustainable consumption and secondhand markets, setting a benchmark for future retail landscapes.
As we delve into the new metrics shaping retail success, Ghalia sheds light on the limitations of traditional KPIs and the necessity of adopting a holistic approach. From the challenges of measuring omni-channel strategies to integrating physical and digital experiences, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the retail industry. For newcomers, Ghalia offers sage advice on the importance of hands-on experience, teamwork, and keeping a human-centric approach amidst the technological tide. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that promises to redefine your understanding of retail.
Ghalia's Bio:
Ghalia Boustani is a multifaceted professional with a diverse skill set encompassing retail consultancy, curation of insights, speaking, authorship, and podcast hosting. Her career in retail gained momentum within the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, a journey she embarked upon in 2005. Over the years, Ghalia has forged close collaborations with various fashion brands, operating at both retail and management echelons.

Her expertise is centered around ephemeral retail formats, the creation of captivating physical store atmospheres, and a deep understanding of consumer behaviors within omnichannel contexts. At the strategic level, Ghalia excels in guiding brands through transformative processes, contributing to the evolution of their development strategies. On an operational level, she actively engages in formulating procedures, crafting comprehensive training manuals, and conducting impactful team member training sessions.

Ghalia holds a Ph.D. from the prestigious “École Supérieure des Affaires” in Lebanon, a master’s degree from the “London College of Fashion” in London, and a Bachelor of Arts (hons) from the esteemed “Notre Dame University”, along with a diploma from the “École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode”. Her academic pursuits manifest in rich research and publications, covering topics ranging from traditional and ephemeral retail to fashion management and customer experiences. Her influence extends globally, as she brings her wealth of knowledge to various educational institutions and business schools in cities such as Beirut, Istanbul, London, and Paris. Since 2011, she has been actively involved in teaching marketing and retail, participating in over 25 conferences and webinars. Through these platforms, Ghalia consistently shares her insights and contributes to the discourse shaping the future of retail.

Connect at:
https://linktr.ee/gboustani

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What happens when you mix Wall Street savvy with creative retail innovation? In this episode, Melissa Gonzalez, principal at MG2, takes us through her extraordinary career journey. From navigating the aftermath of 9-11 to pioneering the integration of physical and digital retail spaces, Melissa’s story is a testament to resilience and visionary thinking. We'll uncover how she transitioned from finance to spearheading transformative retail strategies and working with major brands to reinvent consumer experiences.
Ever wondered how shifting from a hands-on founder to a visionary coach can revolutionize your business? Melissa breaks it down, emphasizing the importance of understanding where your highest value lies and the evolving landscape of consumer behavior. Younger generations are redefining expectations, pushing the move from product-centric to experience-led retail design. Hear Melissa’s insights on how intuitive technology is becoming crucial for creating seamless, engaging customer journeys, and why pop-up stores are not just a trend but a powerful tool for market testing and consumer connection.
COVID-19 has made brands rethink their real estate strategies, and Melissa provides thought-provoking examples like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Nordstrom, which are leading the way with unique, localized flagship experiences. She also shares personal stories about mentors who've influenced her path, offering sage advice for students and professionals alike. Whether it’s the wisdom of curiosity, the power of mentorship, or the strategic use of technology, Melissa’s insights promise to inspire and educate, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of retail.
Melissa Gonzalez Biography:
Melissa Gonzalez is a principal at MG2, a leading global design and architecture firm, where she heads the MG2 Advisory Group. With a robust background as a Wall Street executive and seasoned entrepreneur, Melissa has become a key advisor to some of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer companies and well-established brands. Her expertise lies in blending innovative strategies with actionable insights from concept through implementation, continually pushing the boundaries of experiential retail environments. Melissa and her team have pioneered the integration of physical and digital retail spaces, creating cutting-edge concepts that enhance consumer engagement for major brands like Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, and Kizik. She is the author of "The Pop-up Paradigm: How Brands Build Human Connections in a Digital Age" and has produced over 200 brick-and-mortar experiences nationwide. These projects focus on creating immersive moments that drive ROI and allow clients to convey compelling stories to their audience. Her significant contributions to the field have garnered prestigious recognitions, including being named one of the Top 10 Executives in New York City to Watch by the New York Business Journal, one of WWD’s “25 Most Influential Women Leaders of 2022”, and consistently recognized as one of the leading ‘Women In Design’ and ‘Top Retail Design Influencers of the Year’. Additionally, Melissa is a prolific speaker and has been featured in publications like The New York Times and Forbes. She is the creator and host of the Retail Refined podcast, which explores future in-store technologies and has spoken at major industry events such as Shoptalk and NRF’s Retail’s Big Show. Melissa finds inspiration in adventurous activities outside her professional pursuits, such as skydiving from 10,000 feet.