Defining Premium: How Merchants Turn Price into Perception and Loyalty
What really makes something feel premium? Veteran merchant Paul Sklar joins Manyell, Tom, and Bill for a conversation on turning “premium” from a price point into an experience. From Ralph Lauren to Ashley Retail, Paul shares how craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotion create products that resonate—and keep customers coming back. The team breaks down the art and science of merchandising, the danger of the “lazies,” and how data meets instinct in the modern retail landscape.
Inside Off-Price Retail: Why Value Still Wins and What’s Next for TJX, Rack & Burlington
Tom Ott sits down with Nancy Mair, longtime off-price merchant and former Burlington and Nordstrom Rack executive, for a candid conversation on what’s driving the category’s strength in 2025. Nancy breaks down why TJX remains the benchmark, how Burlington and Ross are refining their customer focus, and why Rack continues to own the “better off-price” space. They also discuss the growing role of club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club in moving branded goods. A grounded look at value, merchandising discipline, and what’s next for the off-price industry.
Retail Crossroads: Pundits, Discounters, Macy’s Momentum & Armani’s Legacy
Season 3 kicks off with the big question: who do you trust when it comes to retail insight, the pundits or the practitioners? Tom, Manyell, and Bill unpack the difference between commentary from boardroom academics and lived-in experience from the sales floor to the buying desk. From Macy’s rebound to discounters thriving , they break down why context matters more than hot takes.