Start with Wow

"People buy the story before they buy the product."

This week we go sans guest to unpack one of Steve's "mind leaps" from his latest book: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption. In a world of infinite choice, 24/7 access, intense competition, and an epic battle for attention, more and more it's critical to "start with wow."

By improving our aim in the customers we seek to serve and by aiming higher in the value we deliver, brands can become the compelling signal amid all the noise and deliver a remarkable experience. In addition to offering up tips on how to find your wow, we get into what it takes to own the real estate of the mind and discuss examples of what remarkable brands do to create a story that spreads.

But we kick things off with our hot-takes on the most important retail news of the week, including how to avoid falling into the hype-y holidays trap. Then we take on who's winning the Walmart v. Target battle, dissect what's behind TJX's consistent ability to rise above the rest, and wonder whether Gap's earnings reveal a case of premature celebration. We also explore the potential impact of tariffs and why retailers are often telling customers to "just keep it."

Leaders Leap

Steve on Bluesky

Michael on Bluesky

The Ticking Time Bomb of e-Commerce Returns

More Retailers Are Saying 'Just Keep It.'

Registration is open for a special webinar featuring Steve in conversation with Placer AI's Head of Analytical Research RJ Hottovy. From changing shopping patterns to emerging market opportunities, shifting consumer demand continues to reshape the industry. So don't miss this data-driven session unpacking the most important trends defining today’s marketplace and the strategies leading brands are using to win retail's future. It's all brought to you by Placer.AI and It all happens on Tuesday September 29 at 1pm ET..

Register here today:

https://www.placer.ai/discover-events/discover-shifting-consumer-demand

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.