S17 E06: Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll

Scott Kerr is joined by Debbie Propst, president of global retail at MillerKnoll, a design collective of high-end furniture, interiors, and lifestyle brands formed in 2021 by the merger of American design giants Herman Miller and Knoll. Some of their most iconic designs include the Aeron chair, Noguchi table, Eames Lounge Chair, and Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. Debbie discusses joining MillerKnoll right before the pandemic and how her direct experience with digital-first home retail and e-commerce gave her an edge in accelerating the company’s digital and omnichannel transformation during the crisis. She also talks about why the Herman Miller-Knoll merger made strong strategic sense, how it protects distinct brand identities within a broader design collective, how MillerKnoll managed through the post-pandemic correction in home-office and furniture demand, and why luxury consumers are shifting toward fewer, better things. Plus: Why storytelling, education, and design literacy are central to MillerKnoll's retail growth.

Featuring: Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll (millerknoll.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.

Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

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