Retail Riot

Retail Riot covers the breaking news in the retail industry by industry veterans Andrew Smith, Alicia Esposito, and Nick McHenry. Our mantro is serious retail news taken seriously in an unserious manner. So strap in, make sure your till is counted, and let's talk retail.

Retail Riot is a news podcast hosted by Nick McHenry, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Nick McHenry hosts Retail Riot, a news show with 24 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #24

  Tariffs, Tariffs, and More Tariffs

  Mar 14, 202541 minS1

  We couldn't avoid it. We need to talk about tariffs. Andrew, Alicia, and Nick try to make sense of the whole thing and how retailers can tackle them. Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs! Hosts tackle tariffs in the most unserious way possible. U.S.-Canada tensions escalate over dairy, lumber, and electricity tariffs. Trump threatens new tariffs; Canada fires back with retaliatory measures. Consumers & retailers brace for impact—higher prices, supply chain chaos. Retailers React to the Chaos: Business leaders scramble for clarity, but political back-and-forth makes it impossible. Walmart, Apple, and JPMorgan CEOs meet with Trump—will it make a difference? Buye...

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  Episode #22

  Target Meets Warby

  Mar 7, 20251h 3mS1

  Nick, Andrew, and Alicia are back with another week of retail news. From OnRunning's earnings to Warby Parker launching pop ups in Target, this one's got something for everyone. Nike vs. On Running – Should Nike Be Worried? On Running reports 29.4% growth, but stock is down 20% this year. Hosts debate: Is On really a threat to Nike, or just a trendy niche player? Key question: Will On Running survive long-term, or is it the next Allbirds? Target's Big Brand Bets – Warby Parker & Champion: Target partners with Warby Parker to open five in-store shops, run by Warby staff. Champion launches a dedicated appa...

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  Episode #22

  Joann Fabrics is Done, Forever 21 is Fading—Who’s Next?

  Feb 28, 202554 minS1

  The gang is back with another round of retail news! Andrew, Alicia and Nick try to keep it a bit positive with so much bad news in the industry. Starbucks Shake-Up: Lays off 1,100 corporate employees in an "efficiency play." Cuts 13 menu items, including fan-favorite Frappuccinos—efficiency or alienation? Hosts debate: Can Starbucks balance speed with its community-driven roots? Joann Fabrics Bankruptcy (Again!): Second bankruptcy in under a year—this time, it’s lights out. Stores to be liquidated, raising questions about the fate of the DIY retail space. The team reflects: Could Joann have survived by building a stronger community? Foreve...

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  Episode #21

  Treat Yo Self

  Feb 27, 202539 minS1

  Andrew is out with the winter sickness going around but Nick and Alicia are here and breaking down this week's news: Party City Real Estate Auction: Five Below and Dollar Tree grab most of Party City's vacant locations. Off-price retailers like Burlington, Books-a-Million, and La-Z-Boy also jump in. Hosts debate: Will Five Below expand into larger store formats? Saks & Neiman Marcus Shake-Up: Saks Global lays off 100 employees and consolidates headquarters. Neiman Marcus closes its historic Dallas office, a major cultural shift. Vendors must wait until July for unpaid invoices—industry frustration grows. Nike x Skims Collaboration: Kim Kardashian & Nike team up...

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  Episode #20

  Welcome to Party City USA

  Feb 17, 202550 minS1

  The Super Bowl has come and gone but retail keeps moving with Andrew, Nick and Alicia breaking down your weekly retail news. Super Bowl Ad Playoffs: * This year’s ads leaned into unhinged chaos—but did anyone actually remember the brands? * Nike made a big comeback, while Mayo somehow stole the show (yes, really). * Hosts discuss why advertisers are prioritizing viral weirdness over actual brand recall. Netflix Opens a Restaurant in Vegas: * A one-year culinary residency at MGM Grand featuring menus inspired by Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and more. * Will this be the next big move for entertainment brands, or just a so...

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