Bonus Episode: Hopes & Fears for Fashion’s Future
In this short, bonus episode, Jordana Guimaraes discusses the hopes and fears that fashion industry professionals are grappling with during the Covid-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the real issues the pandemic has created, she posits that a time of crisis creates opportunity to design innovative solutions.
Conversation with Kevin Thompson, Chief Brand Strategist
Kevin Thompson shares his perspective on the changing landscape of retailing, particularly as it relates to brick & mortar operations and design. He also discusses the marketing needs of a fashion brand and how communication is a two-way street, wherein customers must have a voice.
Conversation with Lauren McGuire, President, Man Made Music
Lauren McGuire discusses sonic branding and the use of sound overall in retail environments, online and onsite. She focuses on how sound impacts the shopping experience, and shares her insight on how sound might be used after we reach the end of the pandemic.
Conversation with Claire Mitchell, Design & Innovation Consultant
Claire Mitchell discusses the evolving role of technology in fashion retailing, sharing her predictions for their term. She also discusses the implications of technology in fashion, everything from how customer's shop to issues of sustainability
Conversation with Dr. Niz Safrudin, Design Engagement Lead, SAP
Dr. Niz Safrudin shares her insight regarding the intersection of physical and digital space and the real challenges of “omni-channel” retailing. She also discusses the potential opportunities brands may have to reset after the pandemic.
Conversation with Stacy Graiko, Managing Director, Qualitative Research, Kantar
Stacy Graiko shares her perspective on customer shifts and expectations for retailers, from a psychological perspective with a focus on Millenials and GenX, as well as short term considerations related to Covid-19. She also discusses the need for more gender parity and representation of woman in the fashion and retail industries.
MPS Fashion Management Course Pivots to Online Learning, Complete with New Podcast and Experts
For “Retailing and Service Design,” the final 5-week course in the MPS Fashion Management program in the School of Fashion at Parsons School of Design, professors Joshua Williams and Christopher Lacy had always planned to teach students about retail from an omnichannel perspective in order to help them find spaces to innovate after graduation. The current global health crisis has forced them to alter the curriculum, which now includes lecture videos, a weekly online seminar, and a podcast, “Retail Revolution,” where they interview experts about the impacts of Covid-19.
Bonus Episode: Communities of Scale
In this bonus episode, we share our perspectives on the Covid-19 pandemic and how it’s effected our personal and work lives. We discuss the opportunities that may emerge from this crisis, with a hope that businesses will think more humanistically and instead of rushing to build economies of scale, consider creating communities of scale.
Podcasts, A Corporate Opportunity
Externally, companies are struggling to figure out how to connect with the changing marketplace. Millennials, as well as Gen Z customers, are no longer responding to the traditional “one size fits all” marketing efforts of the past. They want to feel as if they’re connecting with each brand and service they choose, one-on-one. They require more personalization as well a sense of authenticity and transparency when engaging with a brand. What’s more, they seek brands that share their values and offer a sense of community.
Podcasts are an opportunity to connect, engage and energize employees.
Conversation with Yasmine Sayed, Senior Consultant, Newmine
Yasmine Sayed discusses the shift in retail towards a more coordinated effort across all channels. She focuses on how e-commerce is driving change, especially as it relates to inventory management and returns.
Conversation with Ron Thurston, VP Stores, Intermix
Ron Thurston shares his unique perspective on developing a luxury retail business in the US market, with a focus on analytics, sales planning and empathetic and curious leadership.