OFFBounds

Jill Dvorak, MBA, SVP of Content at the National Retail Federation, had an engaging conversation with our host, Paula Macaggi. They talked about retail (of course), but also personal challenges, consumer behavior, tariffs, policy uncertainty, supply-chain, and even a hopeful holiday forecast. This is a must-watch if you're passionate about the industry. Find the conversation on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or catch the links right here: https://lnkd.in/dznzsgmb #offbounds #paulamacaggi #nrf #nrf2026 #retail #retailpodcast #tariffsretail

Where are all the Retail Runners of my LinkedIn? Most of you know I love running. Some of you even follow my questionable pace updates on Strava. I always enjoy connecting with people in our industry who share this very healthy and slightly crazy habit. After chatting with Christian Raveaux and Jules Carrell, I had a thought. What if we all go for a run together in New York in January when everyone is in town for NRF? Yes, it will be cold. Yes, we will need to be brave. But if we can survive retail during peak season, we can certainly survive a morning jog in Central Park. 📍 Where? Central Park 📆 When? January 11th, 12th, 13th or 14th ⏱️ What time? Early morning, before NRF starts Let me know if you are in. I promise good company and great bragging rights. PS: Caleb Campbell you must participate! #RetailRunners #RetailCommunity #HealthyLeaders

🛍️ In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Jill Dvorak, MBA, SVP of Content at the National Retail Federation, for a closer look at the forces shaping retail in 2025. From shifting consumer behavior to an increasingly unpredictable economic environment, Jill shares how NRF is reading the moment across its global network. Retailers are navigating tariffs, policy uncertainty, and supply-chain pressures, all while preparing for a holiday season expected to cross the one-trillion-dollar mark. Yet the real story is how these dynamics are reshaping strategy, resilience, and priorities for brands worldwide. They also explore: • The affordability pressure is redefining pricing decisions. • The rise of AI-powered innovation at NRF 2025. • Why reverse logistics is becoming a critical margin driver. • What global markets like APAC and Europe reveal about the U.S. retail outlook. • How new regulations are influencing long-term planning. Find the full interview on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Catch the links here: https://offbounds.tv/ Going to NRF? We’ll be there with Enactor, make sure you visit them. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dQF8t3E3 #offbounds #paulamacaggi #nrf #nrfevent #retailpodcast #retailevent

Martin Lien, Chief Commercial Officer at Norrøna, joins Paula Macaggi to share how the brand has expanded into a global community of skiers, climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor lovers who view Norrøna as part of who they are. While the company is known for high-performance gear tested in places from Antarctica to Norway’s tallest peaks, its true strength is how it connects people through meaningful outdoor experiences. Catch the links to your favorite podcast provider here: https://lnkd.in/dHH2_jvQ #norrona #offbounds #paulamacaggi #community #retailpodcast #retail

At Web Summit Lisbon, Rui Pedro Silva, Ph.D, Global VP, Digital & Transformation at adidas, delivered one of those sessions that reminded us why sport goes far beyond performance. It shapes culture, behavior, identity, and even what we choose to wear every day. He opened with a simple truth: sport teaches us how to live. And from there, he showed how athletes and product heritage continue to influence modern culture in ways few industries can replicate. Rui used Messi’s move to Miami as an example of this cultural impact. A moment on the pitch turned into a global fashion wave, and the now-iconic pink jersey became a phenomenon far beyond football itself. He then explored sneaker culture, a world deeply rooted in sport. Models like the Samba, Stan Smith, and Spezial were born on courts and fields, but today represent lifestyle and self-expression. As Rui said, 👟"Consumers aren’t just wearing a product; they’re wearing heritage." 👟 They’re carrying decades of stories, victories, and cultural movements. Signature collaborations extend this influence. Anthony Edwards, Pharrell Williams, and Bad Bunny show how shoes move “from the pitch to the street,” blending performance with style. A basketball shoe becomes a nightlife style. A marathon-winning running shoe becomes daily streetwear. A cultural icon turns a sneaker into a symbol of belonging. 👉 This the idea of belonging also lies at the core of adiClub, adidas’s global loyalty program. By joining adiClub, members gain access to some of the best adidas offers: exclusive products, early access to hype drops, special events, and valuable rewards like vouchers, discounts, and free shipping. It includes VIP experiences, athlete meet-and-greets, and limited-edition releases that celebrate sport and culture. Rui closed with a reminder: sport isn’t just something we do; it’s something we live. And when brands understand that consumers seek meaning, not just merchandise, they become part of people’s lives in a deeper way. #websummit #websummitlisbon #adidas #adiclub #offbounds

ŌURA’s CEO, Tom Hale, had a busy agenda at Web Summit Lisbon and used his sessions to reinforce the company’s long-term vision: becoming a lifelong partner in health by combining science, technology, and human understanding. In his first session, Hale reflected on the brand’s marketing journey. Early on, Ōura invested heavily in influencer partnerships to build awareness. Today, the brand still works with influencers, but the best marketing, he said, comes “on the lips of your customers”, genuine word of mouth. When asked about international expansion, Hale said Ōura is very deliberate about the markets it enters: “We want to be intentional.” He added that key challenges include logistics, customer education, and details such as adapting ring sizes for different regions. Ōura’s business model is subscription-based. Hale mentioned revenues around $1 billion and 10% year-over-year growth. One of their most talked-about campaigns, “Give us the finger,” encouraged people to show they care about their well-being, though it required cultural adaptation since the gesture varies globally. In a later fireside chat with Amy O'Brien, Tech Editor at Vogue Business, Hale explored how Ōura’s product connects science and behavior. He highlighted women as drivers of health awareness and described the company’s mission as: 👉 Making health data more accessible 👉 “Giving your body a voice” 👉 Developing the “symptom radar,” which identifies physiological changes that may indicate early signs of illness Product development, he explained, always starts with science. The company works with physiologists and researchers to ensure insights are valid and actionable. He also pointed out different user motivations: men tend to focus on longevity, while women often prioritize daily well-being. Ōura recently redesigned its app interface to integrate AI-generated insights, helping users interpret their health data more intuitively. Hale emphasized that the goal is not to replace doctors or nurses but to support them by providing meaningful data. He also mentioned Ricky Bloomfield, MD, Ōura’s first Chief Medical Officer, who joined the company after serving as Clinical and Health Informatics Lead at Apple. Bloomfield now works closely with Ōura’s team of scientists and physiologists to ensure clinical reliability. #oura #ouraring #websummit #websummitlisbon #tomhale

⛷️ In this episode, we welcome one of the world’s most respected outdoor brands. Martin Lien, Chief Commercial Officer at Norrøna, joins Paula Macaggi to discuss how the company has built a global community of skiers, climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts who view the brand as an integral part of who they are. Norrøna is recognized for its high-performance gear, tested from Antarctica to the peaks of Norway, but the real story is how the brand connects people through meaningful outdoor experiences. They also explore: • How Norrøna brings people together through festivals, events, and weekly meetups. • Their product development approach with their most dedicated users. • The role of Norrøna Adventure in expeditions and guided trips. • How hospitality and new lodges strengthen the brand. • Global expansion and their upcoming 100th anniversary. Find the full interview on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Catch the links here: https://lnkd.in/dHH2_jvQ #offbounds #paulamacaggi #norrona #retailpodcast #community