Saks Global, Amazon and the state of luxury
Fashion Dive Senior Editor Lara Ewen joins to talk about the latest tie-up between the department store conglomerate and the e-commerce giant.
Jun 26, 2025•58 min
The Backroom with Retail Dive
Podcast by Retail Dive
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Episodes
Breaking down Dick's Sporting Goods deal to acquire Foot Locker
Senior Editor Cara Salpini joins The Backroom to discuss what this deal could mean for the athletics retailers and the sector more broadly.
May 29, 2025•37 min
Talking tariffs with Supply Chain Dive
Trade policy is ever-evolving, and hitting the retail industry especially hard. Philip Neuffer, senior editor at our sister publication, talks about covering the issue and where things stand today.
Apr 24, 2025•37 min
Talking wholesale with Liza Amlani
The longtime merchant discusses the myths and rewards of a channel that is getting renewed appreciation in the industry.
Mar 27, 2025•34 min
Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard
Playwright Ken Harris talks about how his experiences in retail loss prevention informed his award-wining solo play, and gives his unique perspective on shrink and theft.
Feb 27, 2025•36 min
A new retail apocalypse?
The team talks about a recent report that U.S. retailers are set to shutter many more stores than they plan to open in 2025, and what that really means.
Jan 29, 2025•20 min
Doug Stephens looks to 2025 and beyond
The retail and brand expert discusses the hype around AI, how marketers can preserve human creativity and his optimism about the future.
Dec 26, 2024•53 min
Amazon Haul and the state of retail: Checking in with Rick Watson
Join Retail Dive Senior Report Daphne Howland and Rick Watson, founder and CEO of RMW Commerce, as they unpack recent retail stories including Amazon’s answer to Temu, Walmart’s progress and Target’s struggles.
Nov 26, 2024•33 min
Retailers creepin' it real
Halloween will drive $11.6 billion in spending this year. Plus, it’s fun!
Oct 31, 2024•26 min
The state of the art of couponing
The team discusses a recent deep dive into a very online movement, led by deal-hunting influencers, and what it means for consumers and retailers alike.
Sep 26, 2024•32 min
Under Armour’s past — and future — under Kevin Plank
The executive earlier this year returned to the athletics brand he founded nearly 30 years ago. What does that mean for the company?
Aug 29, 2024•35 min
All of a sudden, a lot is happening at department stores
The team discusses a barrage of news from several players in a retail space that has been written off many times.
Jul 25, 2024•35 min
What’s going on with Amazon Fashion?
The podcast welcomes Fashion Dive to discuss what the e-commerce giant’s approach to apparel means for brands and consumers, and what could be different.
Jun 27, 2024•33 min
Lee Peterson and the hard truth about retail stores
E-commerce keeps growing because it’s easier to shop online. To survive, brick and mortar needs a good reason, too.
May 30, 2024•40 min
What’s happening at Macy’s
Under a new CEO, the iconic department store is fielding a $6.6 billion takeover offer, closing another 150 stores and fighting to stay relevant.
Apr 25, 2024•34 min
Why it’s so hard for retailers to do the right thing
Businesses face new ethical questions and must act with more transparency in what corporate integrity expert Alison Taylor calls an increasingly turbulent world.
Mar 28, 2024•30 min
The story behind our stories on shrink and theft
When the National Retail Federation retracted a theft claim following our coverage of its special report on crime, the news went viral. Here's what it took to get the story.
Feb 29, 2024•24 min
What’s in store for DTC in 2024?
2023 was rough for many companies. Ahead, the sector could see more bankruptcies and C-suite shakeups as brands continue to grapple with profitability.
Jan 25, 2024•27 min
Doug Stephens’ retail predictions for 2024
The retail and branding expert discusses the state of the consumer, the habits companies should leave behind in 2023 and what lies ahead in the new year.
Dec 28, 2023•49 min
What’s the deal with EBITDA?
The earnings metric is widely used despite critics. But how does its usage vary across brands, and how much leeway do companies have with it?
Nov 30, 2023•25 min
How the 2023 holiday season is shaping up
With the first sales events of the season already come and gone, the team looks at the clues of how it will go this year.
Oct 26, 2023•25 min
Marisa Meltzer and the creation of Glossier
A journalist’s new book "Glossy" makes waves as it pulls back the curtain on Glossier founder Emily Weiss and the beauty brand that changed the industry.
Sep 28, 2023•35 min
A look back on the first half of 2023 for DTC brands
The team talks about the latest second-quarter results from brands as the holidays quickly approach.
Aug 31, 2023•19 min
Jason Del Rey and ‘Winner Sells All’
One of the most prolific journalists covering the retail industry leverages his deep sourcing and lively writing style for an in-depth book about Amazon versus Walmart.
Jul 27, 2023•39 min
Target’s silent Pride Month
The team talks about the realities of the backlash, including who is fomenting it and how other retailers’ Pride campaigns stack up.
Jun 29, 2023•28 min
How the consumer is doing so far this year
Discretionary goods are a low priority amid an uncertain economy and a desire to spend on experiences, but retailers are holding their own. What about the rest of 2023?
May 25, 2023•23 min
Why is Walmart selling off so many DTC brands?
The retailer bought, and sold off, several digital natives including Bonobos and Eloquii. The team discusses what this signals about the company's game plan.
Apr 27, 2023•19 min
The Backroom: Unearthing financial details about J.C. Penney
The team talks about the treasure trove of information on the department store’s financial health, found thanks to a tip from one of its new owners.
Mar 30, 2023•19 min
What the ‘MetaBirkin’ NFT verdict means for art and commerce
The team chats about how Hermès' legal win impacts retail at large, and why Mason Rothschild plans to appeal.
Feb 23, 2023•25 min
What's Going On With DTC This Year?
The team introduces new co-host Dani James and talks about emerging changes in the DTC space and the ongoing importance of brick and mortar.
Jan 26, 2023•21 min
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