Podcast

The Backroom with Retail Dive

What you read on Retail Dive is only part of the story. Our reporters and editors are constantly researching, reading and talking about the retail industry. Here’s a peek behind the curtain to what we are discussing in our newsroom. Welcome to the Backroom. Stay tuned for more episodes by following us on iTunes or on Stitcher.

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    The Backroom: Talking tariffs with Supply Chain Dive

    Trade policy is ever-evolving, and hitting the retail industry especially hard. Phil Neuffer, senior editor at our sister publication, talks about covering the issue and where things stand today.

    By Retail Dive Staff • April 24, 2025
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    The Backroom: Talking wholesale with Liza Amlani

    The longtime merchant discusses the myths and rewards of a channel that is getting renewed appreciation in the industry.

    March 27, 2025
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    The Backroom: ‘Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard’

    Playwright Ken Harris talks about how his loss prevention experience informs his award-winning play, and gives his unique perspective on shrink and theft.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 27, 2025
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    Kendall Davis/Retail Dive
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    The Backroom: A new retail apocalypse?

    The team discusses 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2025
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 26, 2024
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    The Backroom: Amazon Haul and the state of retail

    Join Retail Dive Senior Reporter 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Nov. 28, 2024
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    The Backroom: Retailers creeping it real

    Halloween will drive $11.6 billion in spending this year. Plus, it’s fun!

    By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 31, 2024
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    The Backroom: The state of the art of couponing

    The team discusses a recent deep dive into the movement, led by deal-hunting influencers, and what it means for consumers and retailers alike.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 26, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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?

    By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 29, 2024
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    The Backroom: What’s going on with Amazon Fashion?

    The podcast welcomes Fashion Dive to discuss what the e-commerce giant’s approach means for brands and consumers, and what could be different.

    By Retail Dive Staff • June 27, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • May 30, 2024
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    The Backroom: With more closures ahead, what’s next for Macy’s?

    Under a new CEO, the iconic department store is fielding a $6.6 billion takeover offer, shuttering another 150 stores and fighting to stay relevant.

    By Retail Dive Staff • April 25, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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 a “turbulent world.”

    By Retail Dive Staff • March 28, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 29, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 25, 2024
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 28, 2023
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    The Backroom: What’s the deal with EBITDA?

    The earnings metric is widely used despite criticism that it can cloud the true picture. What companies emphasize it, and why?

    By Retail Dive Staff • Nov. 30, 2023
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    The Backroom: How the holidays are 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 26, 2023
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    The Backroom: Marisa Meltzer and the creation of Glossier

    The 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 28, 2023
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    The Backroom: A look back on the first half of 2023 for DTC brands

    The team talks about the latest financial results from various players as the holidays quickly approach.

    By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 31, 2023
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    The Backroom: Jason Del Rey and ‘Winner Sells All’

    One of the most prolific journalists covering the retail industry leverages his deep sourcing for an in-depth book about Amazon versus Walmart.

    By Retail Dive Staff • July 27, 2023
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • June 29, 2023
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    The Backroom: 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?

    By Retail Dive Staff • May 25, 2023
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    Kendall Davis/Retail Dive
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    The Backroom: 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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • April 27, 2023
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    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.

    By Retail Dive Staff • March 30, 2023