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The Modern Retail Podcast

The Modern Retail Podcast is a podcast about all the ways the retail industry is changing and modernizing.

Podcast · By Digiday · English · Official site

Indexed episodes, last 90 days
9
Latest publication
Sep 12, 2026
Audience
Checking…
Earliest in this view
Jul 18, 2026

Latest episodes

  1. Episode · Sep 12, 2026

    Where Boll & Branch draws the line on AI-generated advertising (opens the original)

    Episode notes

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    These days, it is borderline expected that brands will use artificial intelligence in at least some capacity as part of their marketing. But they also have to tread carefully; otherwise, consumers may slam them with “AI slop” allegations. As a result, more companies are creating playbooks for how they approach these tools in consumer-facing campaigns. Some, like Coca-Cola, have doubled down on using AI-generated ads despite initial backlash. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s REI, which p

  2. Episode · Sep 5, 2026

    Why fragrance is the new key to commanding a premium price tag (opens the original)

    Episode notes · Neutral tone

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    Fragrance continues to dominate the beauty sector in 2026, but it's increasingly showing up as a differentiator in other sectors like personal care and household essentials.This week on the Modern Retail Podcast, special projects editor Melissa Daniels speaks with Diana Melencio, general partner at XRC Brand Capital Fund, about the ways companies are using fragrance to set themselves apart.“On the shelves of Target and Walmart in the traditional laundry and household cleaning aisles, you're goin

  3. Episode · Aug 29, 2026

    The new life cycle of a brand ‘cancellation’ (opens the original)

    Episode notes · Critical tone

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    In an era where a brand's reputation is tethered to the relentless cycles of social media, silence is no longer a defensive strategy for brands and can even become a liability. In this episode of the Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporter Gabi Barkho is joined by crisis PR consultant Sam Gauchier to break down why the old-school public relations tactic of trying to sweep a major scandal under the rug is increasingly failing major brands. The latest example came this week, when Target quickly scr

  4. Episode · Aug 22, 2026

    The big business of dorm decor (opens the original)

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    This year, back-to-college spending is estimated to cross $100 billion for the first time, according to data from the National Retail Federation. About $14 billion of that, or about $194 per shopper, is in dorm and apartment furnishings. It’s the second-highest category after electronics, and some data suggests it's growing: Research from CTV ad platform MNTN last year shows that advertisers in dorm-adjacent categories saw average revenue grow 73.65 year over year during the peak purchase window

  5. Episode · Aug 15, 2026

    The pros and cons of taking on private equity (opens the original)

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    For many founder-led brands, the transition from a scrappy, bootstrapped startup to a major retail player is the ultimate test of sustainable growth. For some, that means taking on more debt or venture capital; for others, it means bringing on private equity investors to shoulder the costs. This week, senior reporter Gabi Barkho is joined by Andrea Faulkner Williams, co-founder and president of baby care brand Tubby Todd, to discuss her strategic decisions behind that evolution. After launching

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