March 2026 - Berns and Co.

Agentic AI in Retail: What the Technology Actually Does Now

At Shoptalk, leaders from Attentive, Glance and Narvar outlined how AI agents are already driving revenue, reshaping discovery and redefining the post-purchase experience.

Above the Strip: The Retail Influencer Network’s Shoptalk VIP Penthouse Party

High above the Las Vegas strip, the right people, the right energy, and one unforgettable night. The Retail Influencer Network’s Shoptalk VIP Penthouse Cocktail Party delivered.

At Shoptalk, Retail Leaders Reframe AI as Infrastructure—Not Strategy

At the Retail Influencer Network press breakfast, speakers from Stitch Fix, FedEx, OneRail, Glance and DirecTV pointed to a common theme: AI is reshaping retail—but not replacing its fundamentals.

An Evening with Retail’s Most Influential Leaders at Shoptalk 2026

Leaders from Gap, Wayfair, Revolve, LoveShackFancy, Stitch Fix, Anine Bing, True Religion and more gathered for an intimate dinner at Toca Madera in Las Vegas during Shoptalk 2026.

Stitch Fix CEO Matt Baer: AI Is Only as Strong as the Execution Behind It

In conversation with Jason Del Rey, the CEO made the case that Stitch Fix’s competitive edge isn’t new technology—it’s how effectively the company applies it.

Eye on Media: Jason Del Rey on the Myth of ‘Post-Search’ Shopping and the Reality of Agentic Commerce

Few journalists know the retail tech landscape as well as Jason Del Rey. The founder of The Aisle and author of “Winner Sells All” shares his unfiltered take on AI hype, agentic commerce and why algorithmic price discrimination deserves far more attention than it’s getting.

Eye on the Corner Office: Ricardo LaJoie of Vans on Why Brands Don’t Create Cool

With Vans navigating one of retail’s most compelling repositioning stories, LaJoie shares his philosophy on brand stewardship, the irreplaceable role of human judgment in merchandising, and what it really means to author culture rather than chase it.

Eye on Wall Street: Sonya Brown on Science-Backed Beauty and the Art of Durable Growth

The investment veteran shares how she advises founders to stay agile, why efficacy‑driven brands are outperforming, and how Norwest Ventures approaches long‑term value creation even as the liquidity landscape evolves.

The Trust Arbitrage: Why Gen AI’s Advertising Ambition is a High-Stakes Gamble

As OpenAI rolls out its advertising platform, the industry is watching more than just a new revenue stream. They are watching a real-time stress test of the most fragile asset in the digital age: user trust.

Celebrating 2026’s 25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders

Honorees gathered at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on March 3, where the group was recognized on the iconic Nasdaq board before continuing the celebration at the Baccarat Hotel.

From K-Shape to E-Shape: Retail Expert Stephen Sadove Dissects the 2026 Consumer Divide

The Mastercard advisor and former Saks Inc. CEO has a new way of describing today’s consumer economic dynamics.

Retailers Closed Out 2025 Strong. Now the Macro Clouds Are Rolling In.

A wave of Q4 earnings suggested the American consumer held up. But weakening jobs data, geopolitical tension and an oil shock are already reshaping the outlook. We break down who beat expectations, who stumbled and what it means for retail in 2026.

Meet the Honorees: 25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders in Retail 2026

Meet all 25 honorees of the 2026 Most Inspirational Women Leaders list — full bios, career highlights, and quotes from top executives at Ulta Beauty, Mattel, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, E.L.F. Beauty, and more.

25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders in Retail 2026: Berns & Co. and Women in Retail Leadership Circle Announce Honorees

Berns & Co. and the Women in Retail Leadership Circle reveal the 2026 edition of the 25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders — honoring visionary executives from Ulta Beauty, Mattel, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, E.L.F. Beauty, and more.

Archive for month: March, 2026