Episode Details

Joining us for the second of several episodes recorded at the Wizeline remote podcast studio/beach cabana at Mandalay Bay during Shoptalk 2023 is Carrie Baker, President of  Canada Goose, the performance luxury brand that has grown to more than 50 of its own stores, along with an expansive online and global wholesale presence. 

In a wide-ranging interview we learn about the brand's legendary history and its unique positioning in the luxury retail world. We get Carrie's perspective on the complementary role of direct-to-consumer and whole partnerships in driving growth while maintaining a memorable and authentic experience. We learn the origin of Canada Goose's truly remarkable "Cold Rooms," the role of innovation, and how the company works to assure authenticity. We also discuss its recently launched resale program. 

As usual we kick-off with a fast-paced review of the week in retail news, including the US Census Bureau's monthly sales report which suggests more storm clouds on the horizon.Then we un-pack Amazon CEO Andy Jassey's Annual Letter, which points to expected continued economic headwinds but a commitment to figuring out a physical retail strategy for grocery. Then it's a quick jaunt to the Wobbly Unicorn Corner touching on Walmart's unloading of Bonobo's, Caspers fire sale of its Canadian business, and Rent the Runway's continued profitless prosperity.  We close calling BS on UBS's blaming e-commerce for the predicted shutting of  50,000 stores.

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About Carrie

Recognized as a dynamic and collaborative leader, Carrie oversees the global commercial business, as well as Marketing, Experience, and Insights. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she is responsible for driving the company’s growth and customer engagement. In her previous role as President, North America, she established a high-performance team and led the region’s significant business acceleration. Carrie previously held the roles of Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer, helping lead the company through critical initiatives including its successful IPO and development of its industry-leading Sustainable Impact Strategy. Prior to joining Canada Goose in 2012, she was a Senior Vice President at a North American communications agency specializing in coaching executives and building the brands of some of North America’s largest retail, technology and consumer goods companies. Carrie was named WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women Canada in 2019 and serves on the Board of Directors of Trillium Health Partners Foundation.

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 Retai