2023 Retail Predictions (Part 1)

We're back with Season 6 and we kick-off with a two-part episode focused on Steve's annual retail predictions.

In Part 1 we cover his first six, which center on the growing importance of physical store experiences in a digital world, a notable increase in C-suite changes, a profound reset among the digital disruptors, initial growing pains in the retail media space, looming big changes with Amazon's physical store dreams, and an acceleration of "the collapse of the unremarkable middle."

But as is our custom, we kick off with our hot takes on the week in retail news, including what to make of some of the big macro-economic reports that emerged during out brief hiatus and what updated guidance from the likes of Macy's, Lululemon, and others portends for 4th quarter earnings. We then examine the sad story of Bed, Bath & Beyond's probable bankruptcy filing before turning to more upbeat news from Five Below.

We wrap things up with what China's grand re-opening might mean for the world of retail, before making a return visit to the Wobbly Unicorn Corner to discuss the tales of woe from the likes of Stitch Fix, Everlane, Morphe, and Boxed.

Presented by MarketDial.

About Us

Steve Dennis is an advisor, keynote speaker and author on strategic growth and business innovation. You can learn more about Steve on his website. The expanded and revised edition of his bestselling book Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption is now available at Amazon or just about anywhere else books are sold. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior contributor and on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also check out his speaker "sizzle" reel here.

Michael LeBlanc is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail, plus Global E-Commerce Tech Talks , The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and now in its second season, Conversations with CommerceNext! You can learn more about Michael here or on LinkedIn.

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

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.