International Retail Magazine: Chef Han Sungil of OLHSO Korean BBQ | Spring/Summer | May-August 2025
COVER STORY: ON THE ROAD WITH OLHSO KOREAN BBQ
Shin Starr Presents co-founders, Kish Shin and Jay Shin join with Chef Han Sungil to launch the first automated full-service Korean BBQ restaurant
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Linda Johansen-James, Editor-In-Chief
ONE QUESTION:
CONFERENCE ROUND UP Retail (and Road), Warrior, Linda Johansen-James shares her favorites 5 9 13 17 21 2 25
Is there still value in Face-to-Face events? urbanOvation’s Bill Kistler shares the results of their survey
THE EUROPEAN OUTLET SECTOR THRIVES!
Chris Igwe explores The Who, Where & Why of their success
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF RETAIL Torben Valsted explains the ShopperVerse
Melissa Moore
RETAIL AROUND THE GLOBE
Nick Harbaugh, The Retail Nomad, is living the dream
CHANGE IS ALIVE!
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Shannon Quilty 33 37 41 3
Shannon Flanagan discusses the care and feeding required for success
UNLOCKING AI FOR RETAIL SUCCESS!
Melissa Moore reveals 8 Game Changing Strategies to stay ahead
THE POWER OF POP-UPS
Greg Parsons investigates the allure for High-End brands
PIVOT
Dominick Miserandino makes connections.
The 2nd Annual International Conference Shopping Center & Mall Management returns October 2 & 3, 2025 in Türkiye! 51
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS ParkerJoe’s Mother-Daughter Founders share the journey from new mom/grandmom to boy brand entrepreneurs 45 49 GET READY!!!
CREATIVE DIRECTION, PRODUCTION & DESIGN: Brad Szollose bradszollose.myportfolio.com/
L to R: Charles Kim, COO :: Kish Shin, CEO :: Zenas Bae, GM :: Han Sungil, Master Chef :: Jay Shin, CSO
Letter from The Publisher
What an extraordinary five months it has been. As we celebrate the 10th edition of International Retail Magazine, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve experienced — not just within these pages, but across the global retail landscape.
This season has been a powerful reminder of the pace at which our industry evolves. From being recognized again Top Retail Expert for 2025 to engaging in meaningful conversations at some of the most impactful conferences around the world, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation, collaboration, and tenacity are fueling retail’s next chapter. The energy is real — and it’s contagious.
Retail has always been a mirror of culture, community, and commerce. What stands out to me now more than ever is its resilience. Despite challenges, the industry continues to adapt, transform, and thrive — because of the people who believe in it. And as long as we keep working together, learning from one another, and championing creativity, we’ll continue to build something remarkable.
This 10th edition is a tribute to that spirit. It’s filled with insights, inspiration, and global perspectives from brands, entrepreneurs, shopping centers, and retail leaders shaping what’s next.
To our contributors, cover stories, advertisers, and readers — thank you. Your passion, support, and trust have made International Retail Magazine a platform we’re incredibly proud of.
A huge thank you to our fabulous editor, Shannon Quilty and to Brad Szollose, our brilliant creative director for their incredible work and vision. Their attention to detail has brought every issue to life and has elevated our magazine to a global publication.
Here’s to ten editions… and to many more stories worth telling. Still talking retail, still caffeinated and still fabulous — cheers to 10!
With gratitude,
Linda
Linda Johansen-James, CRX, CLS Publisher International Retail Magazine Founder/CEO
International
Retail Group
RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert
Cell: 702-927-8740
email: ljohansen-james@irg-retail.com
IRG-RETAIL.COM
Linda & Shannon in Istanbul, Turkey
and staying on top of emerging technology is both more difficult and more essential. Artificial Intelligence has long been in the conversation, but few are using it for more than crafting LinkedIn posts. In this issue of The Retail Advisor, Melissa Moore outlines 8 actionable ways to use A.I. to gain a competitive advantage—now.
Our cover story spotlights Shin Starr Presents, founded by Jay Shin and Kish Shin, who teamed up with renowned Korean Chef Han Sungil to revolutionize food delivery. Their A.I.-powered food truck, with automated woks and flavorful Korean cuisine, has paved the way for their successful sit-down venture, Ohlso Korean BBQ a concept that’s quickly gaining popularity.
For deeper insights into technology’s role in retail transformation, Torben Valsted introduces the “SHOPPERVERSE SHIFT.” His company, ImagineerShip, integrates data, strategy, leadership, and “Intelligent Intuition” to build stronger customer-brand bonds, making emotional connection the new marketing frontier.
This issue also explores the relevance of in-person industry events. Our “One Question” segment asks: are face-to-face events still worth attending? urbanOvation founder Bill Kistler shares the results of their member survey.
Meanwhile, Linda Johansen-James reflects on key conferences she attended, and Chris Igwe reports from the Magdus European Outlet Center Conference. Mehdi Elite previews the upcoming 2nd Annual International Shopping Centre & Mall Management Conference in Istanbul, supported by International Retail Magazine.
We also sat down with Shannon Flanagan, a powerhouse behind Retail Women in Tech and retailconnections. A ReThink Retail Expert and member of the Retail Wire BrainTrust, Shannon offers compelling thoughts on navigating organizational and transformative change. As she puts it, “Change is Alive!”
Nick Harbaugh—known as The Retail Nomad on LinkedIn and YouTube—shares his journey and what fuels his unique perspective on global retail trends.
In this issue’s Pivot segment, expert Dominick Miserandino talks about aligning brands and consumers through real, authentic connections. He reminds us that while some pivots are strategic, others are serendipitous gifts.
Pop-up retail specialist Greg Parsons explains why luxury brands have embraced the format and highlights some of the most creative global concepts.
We close by celebrating ParkerJoe's flagship store launch at Rice Village in Houston. This mother-daughter duo, Lisa & Chelsea Hostler delivers fashionable boys’ apparel with flair—and with the help of Linda Johansen-James and International Retail Group handling their real estate strategy. Many thanks to Houstonian Magazine for permission to reprint.
We’re proud to present this 10th edition of International Retail Magazine It may just be our best one yet.
Have a great summer and stay cool,
Shannon Shannon Quilty Editor, International Retail Magazine
Linda and Shannon with Tarkan Iznik, proprietor of Iznik Ceramic Art in the Grand Bazaar.
One Question:
With All The Conferences and Networking events Taking Place Across The Globe, How and Why Do You Choose to Attend?
Real Estate Events - Are The Glory Days Over?
Why do we flock to real estate conferences and exhibitions and how real is the return on the investment for the time and money we spend on them? These were the central questions in the recent urbanOvation Events Survey. The survey didn't rank specific gatherings, but its message was relevant to them all; like the industry they serve, real estate events need to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing market.
The survey captured the opinions of a cross section of 278 senior real estate professionals; agents, architects, consultants, investors and developers, from sole practitioners to large organizations. Predictably, the primary reason for attending events was networking, topping the list at 96%, closely followed by business development.
Yet, despite their enduring appeal, survey results revealed a growing frustration with the actual benefits of events.
The results suggest a significant disconnect between the reasons for attending and the perceived return on investment. Only a mere 29% of respondents reported being ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the ROI of events, leaving a large majority neutral to negative. The comments were telling. One respondent bluntly described events as "money pits, no one needs anymore," while another lamented that "value is increasingly elusive.” A feeling of "stagnating or even negative ROI" was a common thread.
The value attributed to specific events varied greatly. ULI was praised as "multidisciplinary where I’m not being sold to,” and Expo Real deemed "highly efficient.” UKREiiF and ICSC’s RECON were criticized for a "boring with too many events.” MIPIM, was liked for "global reach and informal rapport-building with clients,” but still questioned for its ROI. Smaller, focused events like Square were seen as "tremendously helpful" and providing "guidelines for the year," highlighting the value of targeted, intimate gatherings.
The survey also highlighted pain points and desired improvements. The most frequent suggestions to increase ROI centered around:
• Reduce costs (61%): The high cost of attending, especially for SMEs, was a major concern, with one consultant questioning “why should small and large companies pay the same?”
• Improve content and speakers (48%): Many criticized the content as "generic, selfpromotion, from the same people," and lamented the lack of participatory formats.
• Add networking opportunities (66%) and better matchmaking: Attendees want more targeted and meaningful connections beyond mere "business card swaps.”
A potentially worrying finding for event organizers was the shift in plans for 2025. 60% of respondents plan to attend fewer events, with 51% focusing on smaller, more local gatherings. This underscores the priority of cost-effectiveness and search for tangible value. Economic uncertainty is undoubtedly a driving force, with events seen as "low ‘hanging fruit’" when budgets need to be cut.
A 2024 Deloitte study even found that 45% of companies require employees to use personal time or funds for conferences.
The survey painted a picture of an industry at a crossroads. While we all value getting away from the office and seeing old friends, in challenging times that’s obviously a luxury. The message is clear: deliver genuine value, reduce costs, innovate content, and enhance networking, or risk being left behind. The days of expensive, generic talk with dubious returns are over!
About Bill Kistler:
As Chief Executive for ULI and ICSC in EMEA, Bill developed a comprehensive understanding of what makes a great event— the kind that comes from being both behind the scenes and on stage. Earlier executive roles at Disney, IBM, and Cushman & Wakefield took him to hundreds of events worldwide, wearing many hats: participant, speaker, exhibitor, and sponsor.
About urbanOvation:
urbanOvation is an innovative platform community created to help urban professionals share insights and unlock business opportunities. We foster meaningful engagement through small-format gatherings — from online ‘Reality Check’ debates to in-person ‘Long Table’ dinners, innovation workshops and tours. These events encourage thoughtful dialogue and high-value connections. In addition, we collaborate with leading associations, conference and exhibition organizers to provide our members with exclusive registration benefits and speaking opportunities.
LINDA JOHANSEN-JAMES
This year has been a whirlwind of insight, innovation, and invaluable connections —thanks to a lineup of powerful global retail conferences that continue to shape not just how we see retail, but how we build it.
As the publisher of a global retail magazine, I’ve had the privilege of attending some of the industry’s most influential events:
The International Conference for Shopping Center and Mall Management Executives (SCMM)
The National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York The dynamic Shoptalk in Las Vegas
And most recently, the incredible Magdus Pan-American Outlet in Paris
Each of these gatherings provided something unique—whether it was discovering emerging retail technologies, unpacking the evolving expectations of today’s shopper, or building meaningful relationships with executives, developers, and disruptors from around the world. These conferences aren’t just about panels and presentations, they’re about conversations that spark collaboration, challenge the status quo, and ultimately shape the retail experiences of tomorrow.
Key Themes and Global Takeaways
At each stop on this conference circuit, one message rang loud and clear: retail is evolving fast—and those who listen, learn, and adapt are the ones who will thrive.
At the International Conference for Shopping Center and Mall Management Executives, I had the honor of delivering a keynote on the evolving role of the shopper. Today’s consumer isn’t just seeking products—they’re seeking connection. My message was clear: bonding is the new branding. Shopping centers must become more than destinations; they must become the heart of the community. We must sense, think, and feel what the shopper wants— and build spaces that respond to those emotional and lifestyle needs.
At the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show, AI took center stage. From procurement and inventory management to customer engagement and data analytics, artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging concept, it’s a present-day tool that’s transforming retail operations. It was clear that brands aren’t just experimenting with AI; they’re implementing it strategically to elevate both efficiency and experience.
Then came Shoptalk, where the energy was as high as the innovation. From startup pitches to powerhouse panels, this was the space to discover what’s next. Unified commerce, personalization, loyalty, automation, every conversation was forward-focused, and every brand there was ready to reimagine the customer journey.
Finally, I traveled to Paris for the Magnus Pan-American Outlet Conference, where I had the pleasure of moderating a panel titled “What the Shopper Wants.” The outlet sector is experiencing incredible growth, but it’s not without its challenges. Our panel dug into the importance of integrating online and offline, creating seamless omnichannel experiences, and ensuring that shoppers feel equally valued whether they’re buying online, browsing in-store, or doing both. The future of outlets lies in unified commerce strategies that prioritize convenience, connection, and community.
Whether you’re an emerging brand, a seasoned retailer, or a shopping center operator, one truth remains constant: the consumer must be at the heart of everything you do. From digital touchpoints to physical spaces, it’s no longer about choosing between channels - it’s about creating a seamless, unified strategy that meets the customer wherever they are. When we center the experience around the shopper and remove friction at every turn, we don’t just stay relevant—we ensure that retail continues to thrive.
“Bonding is the new branding. Shoppers don’t just want a transaction they want a connection.”
Linda at Magdus, Paris.
Roy Horgan of Vusion Group and Linda Johansen-James hangin’ out at NRF in New York
www.igweinternational.com
By Chris Igwe of Chris Igwe International
If there is one sector of retail that is unanimously hailed as the shining star, it is the outlet sector. It continued unchallenged during the pandemic, and has grown ever since. While traditional retail – high street retail, shopping centres, or retail parks – are still challenged, outlets continue to thrive. There are many reasons for this, but what I want to explore is this latest evolution of outlets, what they are offering to the consumer, and why the success.
I have had the privilege and opportunity to visit outlets throughout the world, from China to the United States, and across many European countries. I have advised some of the biggest and best, both on the owner/ operator side or global brands, allowing me a close affinity with the industry.
It has to be acknowledged that the pillars of success lie in having a fundamental and harmonious combination of great brands, engaged and involved owners and operators and a consumer who’s demands are met, even surpassed in the outlet. We have to acknowledge that the main attraction of the outlet is the offer of merchandise at discounted prices, for merchandise from the previous season. However, the consumer has gone beyond that and expects great service, an attractive shopping environment and high quality merchandise.
Bearing in mind that on average people travel 60 – 90 minutes to get to an outlet, they expect their needs to be met, from quality to welcoming staff and the whole experience, as well as amenities.
So where have we seen Europe progress successfully? There are several areas, but here are those which I consider as the most important.
Consumers are not afraid to vote with their feet. The losses incurred by other retail destinations, such as full price, are because they do not offer the consumer the choice, or quality she expects. This in turn means that the outlet operators have to attract the best and most current trending brands to their outlets. Brands that enthuse and excite the consumer.
The brands themselves see the outlet as an integral part of their strategy, and not simply an add-on often seen as a place to redirect unwanted merchandise, which was long the case.
The owners and operators have continued to invest in the upgrading their outlets, from all aspects, from simple housekeeping (cleanliness, parking, lighting) to guest services.
There is a continued increase in new outlets being developed, as there is a recognition that there are many “white spaces”, or opportunities for new outlets to be created to meet a need across the many European markets such as the main markets
of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland. However, the flip side is that brand discussions and negotiations are much longer than before, as the brands themselves are prudent and cannot afford to make mistakes in their strategy.
The owners and operators are now very cognizant of the importance of both leisure, including Food & Beverage, and tourism, whether national or international tourism. In the case of leisure or food and beverage, this has been a long forgotten, even ignored area. However, if consumers are going to travel so far, and have poor or mediocre options and even poorer service, it simply does not work for them anymore.
The owners and operators are having to focus much more on sustainability as a key part of their strategy. In Europe, we have a strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as part of the mission statement of owners and operators. This is not only to meet international standards on energy efficiency, decarbonization, and so on, but because the consumer expects it and pushes for this to be visible in the operating measures undertaken. This includes addressing the growing second hand market, product recycling and repairs. These can be seen more and more in the stores themselves, but not yet a core feature of the outlet sector as a whole. However, this is growing.
recently visited Belmont Park Village, New York, the latest in The Bicester Collection of Villages portfolio opened late 2025, located not far from JFK airport, or Giverny Designer Outlet, opened two years ago by McArthurGlen, west of Paris, it is evident that there is an even greater need to be aware of, understand, and integrate evolving consumer trends and habits. Both these organizations recognize the importance of this and have plans in place to address these.
Beyond new projects, regular asset management strategies that are long term, such as the redevelopment of poor, or underperforming outlet centres, are key for any portfolio.
Having
Belmont Park Village, New York,
Giverny Designer Outlet, McArthurGlen, Paris, France
We are also seeing the entry of new investors to the sectors, such as FREY, from France, known to date as successful developers and owners in retail parks and shopping centres in France, but who have now invested in outlets by joining, for example with existing operator, Rioja Estates Limited to develop a new project in Malmo, Sweden, or FREY’s recent acquisition of two outlets in Berlin, or indeed their acquisition of specialists, ROS, highly experienced outlet asset managers across Europe to support their growth strategies.
It is interesting to see US mall owner, Simon Property Group (SPG) equally confirm their commitment to Europe through the acquisition from luxury conglomerate, Kering, of two of their outlets in Italy. SPG already has a strong presence in Europe through their partnerships and joint ventures with other groups across the industry. They continue to see the opportunities available in Europe, while still redeveloping or renovating existing outlets in the US and Asia.
In a highly successful Pan European Outlet Conference, called Magdus, held in Paris in April 2025, the vibrancy of the sector as palpable. Two strong keynote conversations with the CEOs of FREY, Antoine FREY, and Compagnie de Phalsbourg, Philippe Journo, confirmed the opportunities that exist for the sector, but recognized the challenges across Europe, especially around not only planning approvals for existing sites and extensions, but also for new projects. However, Europe still has a
lot that is attractive to explore and pursue over the coming years. They stressed the need to continue to instill an approach where the owners and operators work together with the brands to create the best for the outlet, drive sales and therefore profitability for both all.
The three panel sessions in that conference that followed, addressed What The Consumer wants, What The Brands want and What The Owners want. By having an alignment of strategy and awareness, these questions can be more easily answered for the benefit of all.
My business partner, Caroline Lamy, and myself will be hosting the next conference in Spring 2027 and would encourage all interested in learning about this incredible sector to join us.
As the only Pan European, outlet conference, this is where you learn from, and get close to, the industry leaders.
If driving footfall, having the most exciting and best brands, with great store design, offering unrivaled leisure, food and beverage options in an attractive environment are success criteria for the owners and operators as well as brands, then Europe is already addressing these to the benefit of the consumer.
Chris Igwe & Antoine Frey speaking at Magdus 2025
ShopperVerse
Shift
WHY IMAGINEERSHIP
ANSWER
In today’s ultra-connected reality, consumers aren’t following funnels -
They zap from web to store, from reel to real, from intent to impulse. Welcome to the ShopperVerse, where iConsumer Zappers break the rules, teleport across touchpoints, and expect seamless 360° personal experiences on demand.
But here’s the twist: most companies are still structured for yesterday.
Departments split across intel, strategy, and leadership - like ships sailing in different directions. That separation might have worked in the past. It won’t work here. Because in the ShopperVerse, bonding is the new branding. Brands aren’t built by messaging. They’re built by meaning. And meaning grows from connection. If you want loyalty, you need more than data or transactional messaging. You need bonds.
It’s not a buzzword. It’s a unifying, systemic approach to grow your business by growing Good ViiBE consumer bonds - by uniting the three forces that got separated along the way:
• Intel becomes ii – intelligent intuition that helps you SENSE agile consumer connectivity.
• Strategy becomes ViiBE (Virtuous intelligent intuition Bonding Experience): a 360° experience blueprint that lets you THINK consumer bonds across all touchpoints.
• Leadership becomes RiiSE (Relational intelligent intuition Sensing Excellence): the art of cultivating bondability inside your team to FEEL consumers in every engagement.
ImagineerShip Trinity: Sense. Think. Feel. A harmonic flow that transforms fragmented actions into consumer bonding mastery.
Notice the common thread in the ImagineerShip acronyms? ii – Intelligent Intuition.
It’s embedded in both ViiBE and RiiSE because it’s the life force of connectionthe ability to SENSE the intuition of consumers and intelligently translate it into the intuition that feeds every experience along their shopping journeys.
Using ImagineerShip’s lensThe ViiBEpoint Journey - companies can connect with consumers in the ShopperVerse where they touch, feel, browse, decide, trial, buy, share, and bond. But more than mapping them,
ImagineerShip helps you build your brand story into every consumer interaction and meet the four nonnegotiable consumer expectations:
1. A ShopperVerse Journey
Not a funnel
2. Seamless Connection
Online, offline, and humanly intertwined
3. Good ViiBE Engagement
Emotionally resonant, not just efficient
4. 360° Personal Experience
Not just personalization - personal.
When companies unite around this purpose, magic happens: they unleash their collective subconscious geniusthe inner potential flows when minds synchronize. It’s how innovation accelerates, teams ignite, and culture evolves from meeting-driven to meaning-driven.
ImagineerShip isn’t theory. It’s 35+ years of transformational practice - crafted from inside Carlsberg, Nestlé, and Nike –and beyond. It’s a living playbook that has grown bonds, revenue, and team spirit across industries.
So, if your brand is ready to leap beyond slogans and siloes...
If your team is ready to move from campaigns to connection...
If your consumers are teleportingand you want them bonding...
If you want a vision and mission to transcend fancy words and drive purpose through your every action…
Then this is your moment.
You can implement ImagineerShip yourself using the extensive documentation found on www.imagineership.com.
For the ones who want to accelerate, our team is here to help. The fundamental approach is always based in the ImagineerShip Cultiivators.
The 9 step guides driving transformation. The Growth Cultiivator for established companies. The StartUp Cultiivator for new journeys. The Life Cultiivator for personal growth journeys.
They all help you… SENSE opportunity.
THINK experience. FEEL connection.
Great companies grow Imagineers. Imagineers grow Good ViiBE. Good ViiBE grows bonds. Bonds grow Brands…
And your business? It’ll grow itself. Naturally.
Bonding is the New Branding.
The trip was organized with the help of a travel group that handled housing and workspaces, allowing Harbaugh to divide his time into four regional quarters: Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. “I was offered side trips to places like Cuba, and I always said yes,” he says. “My family was astonished, but it was really just me being open to every opportunity.”
That openness didn’t come without challenges. “I probably wouldn’t do it again at that pace,” he admits. “It beats you up a bit, but what I gained was priceless — both professionally and personally. The contact network I’ve built is phenomenal.”
As his travels gained momentum, Harbaugh found people increasingly curious about what retail looked like in different parts of the world. “What’s the same? What’s different?” they’d ask.
Friends and colleagues urged him to document it, so he launched The Retail Nomad — a YouTube channel where he shares weekly videos exploring malls, markets, and retail streets around the globe.
“I had never even taken a selfie before,” he admits, “but I figured it out. Now, three years later, I’m still doing it — showing how international retail compares, and how sometimes, it’s a complete 180 from what we expect.”
In his videos, Harbaugh strives for a balance between globally recognized brands and local, lesser-known treasures.
“At Jockey Plaza in Lima, Peru, you’ll find Crate & Barrel, Michael Kors, Guess — all the major labels,” he says. “But then I’ll show a local shop you wouldn’t know unless you’d been there.”
That mix, he believes, is what keeps people watching. It’s about finding the tension between the predictable and the unexpected.
When asked what’s surprised him most since becoming The Retail Nomad, Harbaugh doesn’t hesitate. “How similar things can be — and yet how opposite,” he says. Retail concepts translate across borders in sometimes seamless, sometimes wildly creative ways. “You never know what you’ll find around the corner.”
Among the many places he’s visited, two standouts come to mind. The first is Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. “It’s an incredible, multi-purpose facility,” Harbaugh says. “The architecture is iconic, and it’s become a symbol of the city. It starts with retail (i.e., Sephora, Bath & Body Works, etc), but extends to hospitality, entertainment, and more.”
Then there’s a hidden gem in Chiang Mai, Thailand. “I was just wandering around and stumbled on this three- story store,” he recalls.
Harley-Davidson meets Old Navy meets an antique shop.” Inside, a 1950s Coca-Cola machine stood next to a 1919 Shell Oil sign and a hot rod surrounded by racks of jeans.
“It was owned by an antique dealer who blended his vintage collection with modern merchandise. It felt like a mainstream U.S. retailer collided with the coolest vintage shop I’d ever seen. I had to film it.”
Some of the concepts Harbaugh discovers abroad, he believes, could succeed in the North American market.
One example is The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, a Lisbon-based shop devoted entirely to sardines.
“They opened their first U.S. location in New York City in 2023,” he says.
“You walk in, and it feels like a circus tent selling sardines. The cans are labeled by year — so people buy their birth year, or a friend’s, and it becomes this fun, kitschy souvenir. It hits on all the emotional cues. Kids love it, adults think it’s goofy, and it’s a conversation piece. It works.”
When he’s not The Retail Nomad, Harbaugh works for Flexecution, a retail installation company. Surprisingly, his travels have opened doors for that role too. “When I’m in Europe, I meet with headquarters and construction teams for brands we work with,” he explains. “For example, in Spain alone, I’ve visited numerous retailers, vendor partners, etc.”
European brands often prefer to use European vendors — shipping cabinetry and fixtures from familiar suppliers to new store locations around the world.
Harbaugh’s ability to visit vendor offices and headquarters in person has given him an edge. “I’ve probably toured more vendor offices internationally than the majority of of my U.S. competitors,” he says. “People often think you have to be standing on U.S. soil to land U.S. contracts. For me, it’s been interesting as I’ve found equal business by being outside the country.”
Looking back, Harbaugh credits his success to one simple habit: saying yes. “When opportunities come, I take them,” he says. “That’s how I ended up in 22 countries in 2022, how I started The Retail Nomad, and how I’ve built this incredible network. It’s not about having it all mapped out — it’s about being ready when the door opens.”
For Harbaugh, the world of retail isn’t just a business — it’s a passport to adventure, learning, and connection. And from the looks of it, The Retail Nomad has only just begun.
INTERVIEW WITH NICK HARBAUGH
Chef Han Sungil Master Chef OLHSO Korean BBQ
Can AI Grill with Soul?
At OLHSO House, the fire is both literal and philosophical. From the sizzle of ribeye on an intable grill, to the hum of an Autowok spinning behind glass, the space pulses with “heat.”
It smells like caramelized garlic and rendered fat, yes, but also possibilities.
Located just off the bustling B Street pedestrian mall, OLHSO House sits at the heart of vibrant San Mateo, California. Here: a strong local Asian community brings high expectations for
OLHSO Korean BBQ Thinks So With Chef Han Sungil’s flavor instincts baked in, this Korean BBQ house is rethinking what automation can taste like.
Their vision blended Kish’s experience managing the top tier Korean BBQ franchise Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, with CSO Jay’s experience in technology and robotics investments, creating a concept that lives at the cross of heritage and high-tech.
Since OLHSO’s opening, diners have clamored around sleek rectangular tables— some outfitted with golden BBQ grills, others with bubbling electric hot pots. These tables invite talking, shared cooking and eating off each other's plates. The platters of marbled steak, pork and broth-rich seafood are whisked out and grilled table side for you by staff from an almost entirely traditional kitchen.
Kish Shin, CEO, Charles Kim, COO and Jay Shin, CSO.
a la carte dishes that once began their journey on a robotic truck.
That’s actually where OLHSO’s whole story began—not in a traditional kitchen, but inside a vehicle wired with sensors, GPS, and algorithms.
It was a solution born from a limitation: how do you serve sizzling, grilled-to-order BBQ straight to someone’s door—without it going cold and soggy on the way there?
You mobilize the kitchen.
In May 2024, the first two OLHSO trucks hit the road.
These weren’t ordinary food trucks, though. They were fully robotic mobile kitchens, with refrigeration, high-powered automated woks, sensors, and cooking algorithms, all set into motion the moment a customer places an order through the OLHSO app.
Each truck, equipped with four robotic woks and backend serving bots, times its onboard cooking to the minute—taking into account route, traffic, and distance.
(stocked daily). The mix is transferred to the spinning woks which are then cooked to smoky, caramelized perfection—whether it’s the wagyu galbi, dak galbi (chicken with chewy rice cakes), japchae noodles, or the Seoul Food combo of shrimp and pork belly.
As soon as the cooking is finished, the dish is poured into a pre-packed OLHSO bowl, sliding through a service window to a human operator for a final flourish—fresh herbs, sauces, garnishes —and then handed straight to the customer. Meanwhile, the wok gets busy self sanitizing.
The average time a meal is finished cooking to the customer’s hand? Just 3.39 minutes!
That’s not just fast food. That’s as-fast-as-if-it-was-fired-at-thetable-in-front-of-you, food.
And while these autowoks deliver blistering heat and crave-worthy freshness, they also deliver perfectly consistent recipes—every marinade, every bite, every finish—replicated, time after time. Plus custom spiciness level, to boot.
OLHSO’s automated food trucks
Eleven months later, OLHSO has grown from wheels to walls, with the opening of its flagship restaurant—but the heat is still very much alive.
From Truck to Table
Even as the Autowok concept took shape in schematics and software, the team knew that a successful culinary future couldn’t be engineered with tech alone. It needed a heart. It needed heritage.
Enter Chef Han Sungil.
With over two decades of culinary fame in Korea, Chef Han is a food personality with gravitas. Known for his appearances on over 20 television programs and the success of his five Korean BBQ restaurant brands (including the iconic Woosiya), Han has long been a master of precision, execution, and drama.
He’s a specialist in dry-aged cuts, and known for his excellent omakase skills, often selecting and cutting proteins table side for his diners.
"What makes OLHSO different," he said, "is our willingness to treat technology as a true tool—not just a gimmick. From Seoul to Jeju, I've led kitchens that push boundaries, but OLHSO is something else. It's the first time Korean flavors can be delivered with the same heat, freshness, and quality—even when they're not cooked right at the table."
Chef Han worked directly with OLHSO’s engineers and culinary coders to calibrate the Autowok system. Each dish—whether wagyu beef or spicy dak galbi—was tested, tweaked, and tasted again and again to ensure the robotic execution honored the soul of the original recipe. His fingerprints aren’t just on the menu—they’re embedded in the machine.
And when AI is guided by intention— by taste, by soul, and by the people it serves— it becomes an actually viable vehicle for scalable culinary excellence.
That’s the future OLHSO is building: one where flavor doesn’t get diluted by distance, and every dish—no matter where it’s served— is rooted in the same care and creativity as the original.
OLHSO’s automated kitchen in action
in the cafeteria—part of a system that serves over 80,000 employees—replicating traditional recipes with precision and soul. That’s not just efficiency—it’s access to excellence at scale.
OLHSO brings that same philosophy to the streets of the Bay Area and beyond. Chef Han’s recipes aren’t just preserved— they’re programmed with nuance, grilled with precision, and served hot within minutes. Automation, thus, isn’t just a shortcut.
It’s how we scale integrity, flavor, and experience, especially in places that lack the infrastructure for full-service kitchens or labor budgets.
Think: delivery zones, 24/7 airports terminals, retail spaces that once went unfed.
And it’s all due to the constant OLHSO cornerstone: that human touch remains crucial alongside innovation. While the Autowoks continue to spin in their illuminated viewing chamber of OLHSO House, Chef Han leads a bustling kitchen, guiding the staff with the same sharp eye and passionate energy that
your first bite.
The Heartbeat of The House
On the trucks: the Autowok system reads GPS data, traffic patterns, and customer order flow to calculate when to begin cooking en route.
That same intelligence can now evolve into a restaurant setting: tracking dine-in orders, optimizing prep sequences, and ensuring every bite of dak galbi or japchae glass noodles hits the table consistently hot, saucy, and just as Han intended.
“It’s not just about automating the stir-fry,” Jay Shin, CSO explains. “It’s about capturing Chef Han’s rhythm—how long he lets the meat caramelize before tossing, when to spike the heat... It’s about bottling his instincts into a process that can repeat magic without losing meaning.”
In that way, OLHSO’s AI is less about automation and more about amplification. The robots free up the kitchen staff to focus on artistry, hospitality, and premium service— which comes in spades at OLHSO House.
OLHSO’s Executive Team: Charles Kim, COO :: Kish Shin, CEO :: Zenas Bae, GM :: Han Sungil, Master Chef :: Jay Shin, CSO
Each cut on the signature OLHSO platters are grilled by hand at the table by your server, with individual timing that coaxes out just the right char, smoke, and tenderness.
They’ll swap grill tops mid-meal to ensure a pristine sear, explain sauces and banchan (traditional Korean sides) as they serve them, and even mill rice over the fire at the table for peak freshness. Each course is delivered with thoughtful background facts or chef-selected details that make the entire meal feel delightfully intentional.
Such attentive and personal service is made possible by the automation of OLHSO’s highcraft à la carte dishes, prepared by the robotic woks—seamlessly turning out plump, chewy tteokbokki (rice cakes), and tender marinated chicken.
“Each OLHSO iteration strikes a different balance between human and machine,” says Jay Shin, CSO. “But in every case, it’s a thoughtful blend designed to preserve heat, freshness and quality. OLHSO House is our most human-touch experience yet.”
This harmony—between chef and circuit— is what sets OLHSO apart in a landscape increasingly flooded with tech-first food concepts. Here, the food still matters more than the mechanics. The flavor is still the story.
Designing for Emotion
It would’ve been easy for OLHSO House to lean into the novelty of its robotic roots. Throw a few futuristic touches onto the wall, crank out meals with mechanical precision, and call it innovation. But the team wanted more. They wanted warmth.
That’s why every element of the dining room is designed not just for function, but for emotional resonance. The projection walls don’t flash with kinetic tech visuals—they glow softly with atmospheric light and traditional silhouettes. The materials are tactile: marbled floors, ceramic plates, light wood boxes and fresh milled-at-the-table rice.
The goal was to preserve something sacred in Korean food culture: ritual. Cooking at the table. Eating together. Savoring the transitions between dishes. OLHSO’s layout encourages lingering. It’s built for laughter, for steam rising from hot pots, for eating off each other's plates. It’s not a conveyor belt.
Even the menu reflects that emotional design. Signature feasts arrive in wooden square platters, with nine porcelain boxes containing unique cuts of beef hand-selected to show a different flavor profile, texture, or marinade. They’re a nod to both bento culture and the Korean word “Olhso”—which roughly
The subtle beauty and warmth of OLHSO
means “that’s right,” but can also refer to embracing *every* part of the cow. It’s a wink and a promise: we see the whole, and we serve it with care.
By intertwining sensory richness with algorithmic reliability, OLHSO sets a new bar for tech-integrated dining. Not for spectacle. But to turn up the heat.
Feed the Future Without Forgetting the Past
Chef Han’s recipes, whether by machines or from memory and muscle, are proof that technology doesn’t have to erase tradition. It can elevate it.
That philosophy feels especially radical in the age of ghost kitchens and AI-generated menus. OLHSO isn’t trying to remove humans from the process — it’s trying to give them a better stage. One where labor is valued, creativity is protected, and even in the most futuristic moments, something ancient still holds steady underneath.
As the restaurant landscape evolves, OLHSO’s greatest innovation might not be the Autowok or the predictive cooking algorithm. It might be the fact that it never loses sight of the people it’s feeding—or the people making the food.
It’s not just about what’s served, but how. And more importantly: why?
While others in food robotics raced toward novelty, OLHSO moved with intention — learning from the industry’s early stumbles to build something more lasting.
As the founders often joke about in their early days: “Why build such an expensive robot to make bad food?”
Today, after years of development, OLHSO delivers culinary excellence at scale — frequently surprising guests with restaurantquality meals that are piping hot, deeply flavorful, and far better than anything they expected from AI.
Because when you're seated at one of those grill tables—steam rising, stories unfolding— it doesn’t matter whether your meal began in a wok spun by gears or a hand stirring broth.
What matters is that it tastes like someone cared. At OLHSO, someone always does.
Faces of Rice Village:
At ParkerJoe, MotherDaughter Founders Lisa & Chelsea Hostler
Bring Style to Your Boys’ Closets
Houston’s walkable garden district, the iconic Rice Village, hosts a tapestry of oak-lined streets bustling with local boutiques and national brands, community experiences from farmers’ markets to live music, and buzzy bars and restaurants, including ParkerJoe, a modern boys’ boutique dedicated to curating stylish, high-quality clothing in sizes from newborn to young adult.
Meet The Dream Team: Lisa and Chelsea Hostler are all smiles inside ParkerJoe—where cool clothes for boys (finally!) take center stage.
IMAGE: ALEX MONTOYA
Presented by Rice Village April 8, 2025. Reprinted by Special Permission from Historian Magazine.
While chic girls’ boutiques are everywhere these days, finding a shop dedicated solely to well-made, thoughtfully-designed boys’ clothing is a different story. That’s exactly what mother-daughter team Lisa and Chelsea Hostler discovered while shopping for Chelsea’s son, Parker, then two years old.
As Lisa recalls, “When Parker was born, he was the first boy in two generations, so we had no idea how hard it was to find really cute, stylish boy stuff. We searched and searched, but it was all the same—cartoon characters or basics. We visited a local boutique and Chelsea was like, ‘Look, you can go to all the children’s booths here, and it’s 100% girl stuff, with nothing for boys at all.’ That’s when we started talking.”
Instead of settling, they decided to change the game. Diving into the world of boys’ retail, the duo found that most retailers catered to small sizes, leaving older boys with limited options. They were determined to fill that gap and got to work curating a collection of high-quality, distinguished threads that would cover all stages of a boy’s life, from newborn to size 16 and beyond.
In 2021, ParkerJoe took its first steps at Painted Tree Boutiques in Champions. “Boy moms would walk by, stop, and come back again, saying, ‘Wait, it’s all boys?!’
They were so excited,” Chelsea shares. The success led to more pop-ups across Houston, including Sugar Land, Stafford, the River Oaks Shopping Center, and Memorial City Mall (where they are currently open through June 30).
Now, ParkerJoe is gearing up for its biggest milestone yet—its handsomely outfitted flagship store in Rice Village, with a grand opening planned for the third weekend of May and a soft opening expected in *fingerscrossed* late April. Chelsea—the shopper of the family—had long had her sights set on Rice Village, drawn to the energy and foot traffic of the walkable shopping district. When the pieces fell into place, the flagship dream was finally becoming a reality.
The Rice Village brick-and-mortar will house ParkerJoe’s cherry-picked collection of styles that blend quality with personality and boyish charm. “We have everything a boy needs,” says Chelsea. “A lot of moms love all-natural fabrics, so we carry bamboo, organic cotton, and classic cotton. We also offer seasonal and made-to-order suits, lifestyle wear, and basics. My mom always says, ‘We can dress your boys from underwear to formalwear, all the way to size 16—and even some [brands to] 18s and 20s.’”
The cool boy’s shop carries everything— Meripex Apparel golf and tennis shirts to funky skater and surfer styles, boutique exclusives from major brands like Janie and Jack and Under Armour (something the tweens much-appreciate), and charming Daddy & Me or Big Bro/Little Bro sets perfect for family photos and special occasions. ParkerJoe also offers boys’ suits in Euro-cut and traditional styles, complete with dress shirts, jackets, tuxedo options, leather belts, ties and bowties, and dress socks and shoes. A personal touch? In-store measurements and custom orders with a quick two-week turnaround.
From playtime to picture day—ParkerJoe’s got your little dudes covered with suits, ties, tuxes, and all the dapper extras. Image: Alex Montoya
Texans will adore the shop’s Lone Starinspired selections, including its best-selling Texas PJs from Nola Tawk, Astros-colored polos, Rodeo-ready Western wear, Texasthemed books and gifts, and adorable Wild Republic stuffed animals, including armadillos, alligators, and diamondback rattlesnakes. “We can’t keep the armadillos in stock!” Chelsea laughs.
Located between Vuori and Paper Source, ParkerJoe’s nearly 2,000-square-foot space is designed for both shopping and gathering. A plush play area keeps kids entertained while parents can relax in cozy seating. They even added a beverage fridge at the front desk. “Come shop and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, water, or soda while you browse!” Lisa says.
Folks can also shop online to find everything they sell in-store, with nationwide shopping and in-store pickup available.
In the future, they plan to host community gatherings in the space, from school fundraisers to author visits and small group events with shopping discounts. Next month, ParkerJoe is a proud sponsor of the Amazing May Campaign, a citywide fundraiser for Texas Children’s Hospital. In addition to in-store charitable promotions throughout the month, you can find them at the
Rice Village Farmers Market on the first weekend of May, offering Wild Republic stuffies with the proceeds going straight to the cause.
While busy building their family legacy and gearing up for their flagship opening, Lisa and Chelsea still find time to enjoy Rice Village’s dynamic dining scene. “The restaurants here are phenomenal. I haven’t found a bad one yet,” says Lisa, favoring Hamsa. Chelsea, on the other hand, is on a Hopdoddy kick. “Their margaritas are amazing—but you have to stop at one!”
With a growing customer base and a strong team that “feels like family” behind them, ParkerJoe is just getting started. Lisa and Chelsea hope to expand their unique boys’ boutique concept to more locations across Houston and beyond.
And as for Parker Joseph, the boutique’s namesake? Now seven years old, Chelsea smiles and says, “My son thinks he owns the place.” Someday, he just might.
Street parking for ParkerJoe is available throughout Rice Village, along with free parking in the Rice Village Garage for up to two hours.
ParkerJoe, 5515 Kelvin Drive, Suite 95, Houston, TX 77005
From Astros polos to armadillo stuffies and Rodeo-ready fits, ParkerJoe brings all the Lone Star charm. Image: Alex Montoya
With a cozy gathering area and even a fridge stocked with drinks for parents, this isn’t your average boys’ boutique—it’s a family hangout spot with great style to boot.
Image: Alex Montoya
Change Management
ACHIEVING THE RESULTS YOU SEEK: CHANGE MANAGEMENT IS
Change is hard in our personal lives so it goes to follow that is also true at work. People, by their very nature, want things to get better. But too many organizations don’t appreciate the reality that the change they want to actualize requires something most underestimate: intentional, humancentric and sustained focus.
In a world being rapidly transformed by AI, automation, and shifting market dynamics, businesses know they need to change. Yet research shows that only 30% of strategic transformation projects are successful. That number hasn’t improved in decades. So, what’s going wrong?
Let’s dive into what change management really is, where organizations fall short, and how we can do better—especially as AI reshapes how we live and work.
What Is Change Management, Really?
Change management was first formally coined in the 1960s, emerging from organizational development practices. True change management is whole systems thinking—it means understanding how one change affects the entire organism of your business.
At its core, change management is a systematic approach to shifting mindsets, behaviors, structures, and
processes to achieve a new future state. And that future state has to be tied to real, desired outcomes— not vague ideas of transformation.
To do this well, you need to examine and often evolve your operating model—the structure that determines how work gets done.
This includes:
• Your people and their roles
• How decisions are made
• The tools and systems in place
• The processes that connect departments and outcomes
• The way value flows to customers
Active sponsorship from leaders is critical, but it’s not enough. You also
need bottom-up buy-in—people who believe in the change and are equipped to drive it.
Ambassadors throughout the org help spread the vision, reinforce behaviors, and provide real-time feedback.
A helpful equation I use is: Potential – Interference = Performance
Every person and team has incredible potential. But if you're not actively removing interference—conflicting priorities, siloed efforts, unclear roles— you won’t see performance improve. Change management is about clearing the runway so people can do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
The Common Pitfalls
Why do so many organizations fail to achieve their transformation goals?
1. They mistake communication and training for change management. These are tools—not the strategy.
2. They avoid operating model work. It’s complex, but avoiding it means you're just putting a new engine in the same broken car.
3. They’re not iterative or nurturing. Change is not a one-time rollout. It’s a process that needs space to evolve and adapt.
4. They focus on the tech, not the people. New tools don’t mean better outcomes without behavior change.
5. They work in silos. One team makes a change, but the ripple effects aren’t considered across departments.
Change in one area affects the whole system. If you don’t thread the needle across functions, your change efforts will fray.
AI: The Ultimate Case Study
No space illustrates our change management blind spots more than artificial intelligence.
Organizations are investing heavily in AI—from personalized marketing to automation in supply chains.
But ROI is lagging. Why?
• The focus is on data and tools, not people.
• Use cases are siloed. One team generates product descriptions. Another plays with customer segmentation. But there’s no integrated approach.
• The change is incremental, not transformative.
• The way work is changing is being minimized.
Adopting AI isn’t just about tech implementation—it’s a shift in how decisions are made, how people collaborate, and how value is delivered.
If you’re not changing the operating model alongside the tech, you’re not really changing.
My Advice to Leaders
So, how do we get better?
1. Lead with the customer. Ask: What experience do we want to create? Then work backwards to what employees need to make that happen.
2. Understand the real blockers. What do teams need? What’s in their way? What frictions exist that slow down innovation and collaboration?
3. Apply change management to every change—not just tech. New structures, roles, or strategies all require human adaptation. Treat them accordingly.
4. Prioritize people-first planning. Every initiative should ask: How will this feel to the people experiencing it? Do they have clarity, support, and agency?
5. Remove barriers and reconcile competing priorities. Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Cross-functional misalignment kills momentum.
6. Decentralize change management. Don’t build a massive change team. Instead, teach your teams how to lead change themselves. Enlist change practitioners as coaches, not executors. They guide, enable, and shepherd—not own the work entirely.
7. Be thoughtful, comprehensive, and realistic. Change takes time. It requires listening. It requires agility. And above all, it requires humility.
The Takeaways
Build change management as a muscle, not a side project. It needs to be embedded into how your org runs— not just something you pull out for big launches.
Don’t overcomplicate it. At its heart, good change management is about:
• Thinking through the ripple effects of a primary change
• Connecting dots across teams
• Ensuring buy-in and active sponsorship
• Holding ongoing discussions and feedback loops
It’s not a “start and end” thing. Change is not linear. It's not a checklist. It's alive. It breathes. It requires attention, adaptation, and care.
Final Thought
Gone should be the days of slow adoption and acceptance. Creating the conditions for your teams to deliver on the experiences you want for your customers and the business results you want requires us to move beyond seeing people’s needs as obstacles in the way and instead treat them as the very core of what makes change succeed.
Transformation isn’t about forcing people to move faster—it’s about helping them move forward, together. That’s how you achieve the results you seek.
About Shannon Flanagan
Shannon Flanagan is a retail veteran and recognized industry expert with 18+ years of experience across Sephora, Gap Inc., Macy’s Inc., Accenture, Slalom, Talkdesk, and Writer. Founder & CEO of retailconnected, Shannon's firm equips retailers, brands and tech companies with actionable strategies to achieve the results they seek. She is also the founder of Retail Women in Tech, a community of women and allies, whose vision is to see women thrive, to elevate the next-gen of leaders and to drive even great impact across all aspects of the retail industry.
Ways That Retailers Can Harness Generative AI
IT’S NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK
MELISSA MOORE
The Retail Advisor and Host of The Retail Tea Break Podcast
The retail industry has always been shaped by innovation, but in recent years few technological shifts have made as much noise or held as much promise as generative AI. While many associate artificial intelligence with big-name retailers and big budgets, the reality is far more exciting. Generative AI is now accessible, practical and increasingly essential for small and medium-sized retailers aiming to stay competitive and connected with customers.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can create content such as text, images, videos, code and more based on prompts or patterns. It opens the door to content generation that is fast, scalable and surprisingly human-like. For busy retail owners and teams already wearing multiple hats, generative AI can serve as a creative assistant, a digital copywriter and even a customer service colleague, all rolled into one.
How can it work for my business?
Seventy-five percent of retailers say AI agents will be essential for a competitive edge by 2026, (Salesforce’s Connected Shoppers Report). For small and medium-sized retailers, the most valuable question isn’t what is AI?, but rather, how can it work for me? The good news is, generative AI can deliver real value in several high-impact areas.
1. Marketing Made Easy
Creating engaging marketing content can be time-consuming and resource heavy. With recruitment issues and a spirally operating costs, many retailers don’t have the budget or people to invest the way they would like to. However generative AI platforms like ChatGPT or Jasper can draft email newsletters, write catchy product descriptions, generate SEO-friendly blog posts and craft tailored social media captions, all in a consistent brand tone.
According to Adobe, during the 2024 holiday season, traffic from generative AI tools to U.S. retail sites increased by an incredible 1,300% compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing influence of AI-generated content in driving customer engagement.
2. Smarter Customer Service
AI-powered chatbots are increasingly being used to handle customer queries, track orders and even process returns. By integrating generative AI into websites or messaging apps, retailers can provide 24/7 support, improving customer satisfaction while easing the pressure on human staff. An ideal situation for our online and social shoppers who are engaged all day, every day. A recent report from Deloitte stated that retailers that offered generative AI tools like chatbots during the Black Friday weekend noted a 15% better conversion rate!
3. Visual Content Creation
Do you need product mock-ups, lifestyle imagery, or campaign graphics? AI image generators like Midjourney, or Canva’s AI tools can help create compelling visuals without the cost of a photographer or designer.
4. Personalization at Scale
Customers expect personalized experiences but creating them manually, at scale is a challenge. Generative AI can help analyze customer data and generate individualized product recommendations, tailored emails, and personalized offers. Not only will this drive sales, but it will increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Operational Efficiency
Generative AI isn’t a full-scale inventory solution, but it can be used to draft reorder alerts or generate natural language summaries from stock data. I’ve spoken to many retailers who use ChatGPT to analyze the data from their POS system to identify trends. This gives them clarity and confidence before they consider re-ordering.
6. Cost Effectiveness
The beauty of generative AI is that many tools are either free or affordable for small businesses. Retailers don’t need to overhaul their operations to benefit, they just need to start small. Consistent experimentation builds confidence and reveals where AI adds the most value to your business.
7. Responsible and Ethical AI Use
As with any powerful tool, it is important to approach generative AI with awareness. Retailers should be mindful of data privacy, ensure transparency in customer interactions and avoid overreliance on AI-generated content that lacks a human touch.
We must always drive the Emotional Connection.
Your use of AI should enhance your brand’s voice, not replace it. Used well, it can amplify creativity, free up resources and allow teams to focus on higher-value work, like building relationships with customers.
8. Leveling the Playing Field
In an era where customer attention is hard-won, generative AI offers smaller retailers a genuine opportunity to stand out. With the right mindset and a willingness to experiment, even modest businesses can harness the same creative tools once reserved for the retail giants.
Retail has always been about connection, understanding people’s needs, telling stories and building community. Generative AI doesn’t change that. Instead, it offers retailers a new language to express what they have
Melissa Moore, Chris Igwe and Linda Johansen-James at Swarovski’s Flagship Store, NYC
Why High-End Brands Are Embracing Temporary Stores
While Affordable Brands Hold Steady
In recent years, the retail landscape has undergone seismic shifts, with brands of all kinds vying for consumer attention in an increasingly competitive environment. One notable trend capturing the imagination of marketers and shoppers alike is the rise of high-end pop-up stores. Luxury brands are turning to these temporary spaces as powerful tools for brand growth and consumer engagement. Meanwhile, affordable
brands are largely sidestepping the pop-up phenomenon, opting for steadier strategies rooted in accessibility and mass appeal. I dive into the "why" behind these differing strategies and explore what makes pop-ups such a lucrative opportunity for high-end retailers.
The Lure of Exclusivity
Luxury brands thrive on exclusivity. For them, the pop-up store is not just a retail space, it’s a curated experience that aligns perfectly with their ethos of rarity and privilege. By creating temporary, limited-time events, high-end brands tap into the psychology of scarcity, a powerful motivator that drives consumers to act quickly for fear of missing out (FOMO). The ephemeral nature of pop-ups also enhances the allure of their products, making them feel more valuable.
Prada Beauty’s pop-up takeover of Covent Garden in London, or Bergdorf Goodman’s collaboration with online design marketplace, Charish.
These experiences are less about selling products and more about deepening the emotional connection between brand and consumer. It’s a golden opportunity to engage shoppers in an unforgettable way, leaving lasting impressions that translate into loyalty and advocacy.
A Stage for Innovation
High-end pop-ups offer brands a playground for experimentation. These temporary spaces allow luxury companies to test new product lines, designs, and marketing tactics without the long-term commitment of a permanent store. It’s a low-risk, high-reward strategy that can unveil insights into consumer preferences.
For instance, Texas-based luxury cowboy boot brand Fraulein tested their first retail store in Houston in conjunction with the popular rodeo event this past Spring.
Having never opened a traditional storefront, everything they did was an experiment and a learning experience. They met new clientele while allowing the brand to explore nontraditional revenue streams.
Temporary stores can become hubs for creativity, innovation, and a touch of fun —a stark contrast to the expected formality of flagship stores.
Amplifying the Brand Story
Storytelling is at the heart of high-end brands’ marketing strategies, and popups serve as ideal canvases for creativity. Every detail of a pop-up, from the interior design to the product displays, tells a story that resonates deeply with a brand’s target demographic. By offering an immersive, sensory experience, luxury brands can communicate their heritage, craftsmanship, and values in ways that digital ads or traditional retail stores cannot.
For example, Bvlgari’s “Le Gemme High Perfumery” pop-up at the Istanbul International airport pop-up took visitors on a sensory journey and explored the connection between Italy and Turkey. The temporary kiosk highlighted an interactive fragrance bar surrounded
by marble, jasmine and blue carpet reminiscent of the brand’s Mediterranean roots. It wasn’t just a retail space; it was a living, breathing embodiment of Bvlgari’s identity.
Strategic Localization
As with all real estate, location is everything in the world of pop-ups, and luxury brands know how to capitalize on this. By selecting prestigious or trendy locations, they reinforce their exclusivity and cater directly to their desired clientele.
Pop-ups in high-traffic areas like New York’s SoHo or Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive attract affluent shoppers while creating a buzz that spreads across social media platforms.
This localization strategy contrasts sharply with affordable brands’ approach, which prioritizes broad accessibility over niche exclusivity.
Affordable brands often focus on permanent stores in suburban shopping centers or online platforms, where they can reach a wider audience without the need for constant relocations or event planning.
Affordable Brands: Accessibility and Stability
So why aren’t affordable brands jumping on the pop-up bandwagon with the same enthusiasm? The answer lies in their core business strategies. Affordable brands are built on principles of accessibility, consistency, and mass appeal. Their target consumers value convenience and affordability over spectacle and exclusivity.
Pop-ups, by nature, involve higher costs, from renting premium spaces to designing elaborate installations. These expenses are justified for high-end brands, where the return on investment is substantial due to higher margins.
Affordable brands, however, operate with tighter profit margins and need strategies that emphasize economies of scale. For them, the cost of pop-ups may outweigh the benefits.
Moreover, affordable brands rely on stability to foster trust and loyalty. Their consumers appreciate knowing that they can find their favorite products easily and repeatedly, whether at a local store or online. A pop-up’s temporary nature can clash with the expectations of accessibility and dependability that affordable brands cultivate.
Rodeo Drive, LA
SOHO District, NYC
The Role of Digital Engagement
Another key factor is the role of digital platforms. Affordable brands have mastered the art of engaging consumers online, leveraging e-commerce and social media to deliver products directly to their audience.
The digital-first approach minimizes the need for physical retail spaces, allowing these brands to invest more in virtual experiences that are accessible to all.
Luxury brands, on the other hand, use pop-ups as complementary strategies to their digital efforts. While they have a strong online presence, they understand the importance of physical spaces in creating unforgettable, high-touch experiences that align with their exclusivity.
The Future of Pop-Ups in Retail
As retail continues to evolve, the role of pop-ups is likely to expand further—but not necessarily for all brands. High-end retailers will continue to refine their popup strategies, blending innovation, storytelling, and localization to captivate their elite clientele. Affordable brands, while less inclined to adopt pop-ups, may explore hybrid approaches, such as temporary online-exclusive collections or experiential events that bridge the gap between physical and digital.
Ultimately, the success of pop-ups lies in their ability to align with a brand’s identity and goals. For high-end brands, these temporary spaces are much more than storefronts—they are stages, canvases, and laboratories that inspire both consumers and creators. For affordable brands, the pop-up wave may not be a perfect fit, but it serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and adaptability in an evolving environment.
Banana Republic, BR Home Collection
The Street Store: Pop-Up Clothing Store for The Homeless, South Africa
Dominick Miserandino
Pivots
I originally started my career in retail by being on the other side of the mirror. While most people in retail begin on the sales floor, I started in the media world— where we weren’t focused on how many AirPods were sold, but on why people wanted to buy them in the first place. I began in a world that asked: “what emotions told the story that sold the product?”
And throughout this business journey, through all of the companies I built, I’ve always been a connector—whether it was connecting retail to the consumer or connecting businesses to each other.
When it came to retail, I was on the storytelling side of the mirror. The job was to speak to the customer’s experience, to connect emotionally, to explain why the product mattered. That journey pulled me deeper into the retail world.
I had a stint as CEO of RetailWire, which was an incredible crash course in the inner workings of the industry. Later, we launched Retail Tech Media Nexus—a central meeting point for my three intersecting worlds: retail, tech, and media.
We created the company because people kept reaching out, asking two things: “You know 30,000 people—can you connect me with someone?” and, “How are you getting on stage or on TV? Can you help me get there too?”
So we built the company to answer those needs. One arm focuses on connecting people who do you want to meet?
We have an entire team working on events and other ways of getting you in front of the audience you need.
The other, a B2B PR division, helps elevate voices and create visibility through conferences and media opportunities. A dedicated group here reaches out to conferences and media outlets to help build your brand.
And what I’ve learned is that real progress happens at the intersection of these three spaces. Retail is the product. Tech is the delivery mechanism. Media is the story that brings it all to life. Why do people choose one product over another? It’s the story. It’s always the story. And while this column is called Pivot— and yes, change can be scary—I’ve found that every twist and turn has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I’ve been lucky to land speaking opportunities, board roles, and TV appearances, all of which have helped the business and shaped my life.
If you had told me at 52 I’d be making another big pivot, I wouldn’t have believed you. It wasn’t something I planned— or even wanted. Some decisions you make. Some are made for you. But this one? This pivot has been an unexpected gift.
Sometimes, the best pivots in life are the ones you never see coming.
Coming Soon! SCMM 2025
In a world saturated with drab, routine conferences, the International Conference on Shopping Center & Mall Management - SCMM 2025 - stands out as a premier event dedicated to the evolution of shopping center and mall management. Organized by Mehdi and Pegah Elite, longtime professionals in the meeting and event industry, SCMM 2025 takes place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 2 & 3, 2025. This conference is set to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe. More than just a networking opportunity, SCMM 2025 is a dynamic platform designed to drive innovation and excellence in mall and shopping center management.
Recognizing the growing complexity of mall operations, Mehdi and Pegah saw an opportunity to create a conference that would have organized events and conferences throughout the Middle East and having had their own experience as entrepreneurs in the mall space, Mehdi and Pegah saw an opportunity to create a forum specifically speaking to shopping center and mall management professionals. With the goal of addressing the challenges of the industry, fostering innovation, and elevating industry standards, they have curated a line-up of speakers and topics sure to invite lively discussion and provide takeaways that can be used right now!
Mehdi & Pegah Elite
Audra Lamoon and Linda Johansen-James
SCMM 2025 is designed to attract a diverse range of professionals within the shopping center and retail industry, including:
• Mall Developers, Owners, and Investors
• Mall Management Companies and Operators
• Facility Managers and Marketing Specialists
• Retailers, Franchisors, and Food Court Operators
• Architects, Designers, and Smart Solution Providers
With an international focus, SCMM 2025 will bring together professionals from around the world, offering unparalleled networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities and discussions.
Attendees will gain valuable insights from top industry leaders through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions.
Key takeaways include:
• Learning from real-world experiences and challenges faced by top professionals
• Expanding professional networks and discovering new business opportunities
• Gaining knowledge on best practices, technological advancements, and market trends
• Developing career-enhancing skills and exploring potential mentorship opportunities
Keynote Speakers
Fellowship and Networking
Meet and Greet with Colleagues
Moreover, attendees will have the chance to explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, a destination rich in history and culture, adding an extra layer of value to their participation.
Unlike many industry conferences that focus on regional markets, SCMM is a truly global event. While most shopping center conferences are organized by national or regional associations, SCMM brings together experts from across the world to discuss emerging trends, innovations, and best practices. The inaugural SCMM 2024 event in Antalya, Türkiye, attracted participants from 25 countries, solidifying its status as a leading international conference.
Mehdi, Pegah and the entire organization behind SCMM 2025 extend their gratitude to the esteemed speakers, panelists, sponsors, and exhibitors who contribute to the success of SCMM 2025. A special thank you goes to Linda Johansen-James and IRG for their continued support as a Gold Sponsor.
To all attendees: "Let’s build new connections, ignite innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Host City of Istanbul
Darawan Rasul and Yad Abdulaziz with Family Mall Sulaymaniyah with Linda Johansen-James and Shannon Quilty
