The Modern Retail Podcast

Last week, DoorDash announced it’s buying Instacart for $17 billion, indicating DoorDash’s ambitions to become an indispensable retail partner. It’s a reminder that companies like DoorDash, Uber and Instacart are now positioning themselves as discovery platforms and not just pure logistics providers.  The apps have come a long way from users opening the app strictly to order from their favorite restaurants. These platforms are now places to go and discover new products, try new brands, and even compare deals. This shift has helped justify expansion into new retail categories and building ad businesses targeted at brands. On this week’s Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporter Gabi Barkho is joined by executive editor Anna Hensel to discuss the implications of the merger. In this episode, they cover: Initial reactions to the DoorDash-Instacart acquisition How DoorDash has been expanding beyond restaurant delivery through strategic acquisitions in recent years  How AI is changing the dynamics of these platforms 

From oral care to shower filters, many categories are bleeding over into the so-called wellness space. That begs the question: What exactly constitutes a wellness product? This episode of the Modern Retail Podcast explores the blurring boundaries of the health and wellness market. To discuss this phenomenon, host Gabi Barkho is joined by Glossy West Coast correspondent Lexy Lebsack and Rachel Hirsch, founder and managing partner at Wellness Growth Ventures, which has invested in brands like BelliWelli and Flaus. The episode breaks down the definition of a wellness product as the category increasingly intersects with food, beverage, beauty and even home gadgets. The panel also delves into growth areas and trends to watch, including hormone health, oral care, gummy supplements and GLP-1 support, highlighting how major retailers and brands are adapting to this convergence. This episode dives into: Why everyone is cashing in on “wellness” How consumers’ longevity goals are driving CPG trends The line between a health product and wellness routines

Halloween is no longer just for children trick-or-treating. The holiday has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar season increasingly fueled by adult consumers.On the latest episode of the Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporter Gabi Barkho explores the "Adultoween" phenomenon alongside Katherine Cullen, senior retail analyst at EY and Danielle Sporkin, senior vp of media & marketing for Ferrero North America.From lawn animatronics to spooky cocktails, adults are spending more time and money celebrating Halloween than ever before. In this episode, we’ll explore what’s driving this trend, how brands and retailers are adapting, and what it means for the broader retail landscape. And this growth is being reflected in the sales figures. According to NRF data, consumer spending on Halloween is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, up from $8 billion in 2012.This episode gets into: How the 'kidult' trend is being driven by millennials and Gen Z consumers as they embrace nostalgia, collectibles and celebrations that extend beyond October 31. The “Adultoween” trend being partly fueled by people seeking real-world connection in an increasingly AI-driven digital world. How brands and retailers are capitalizing on expanded categories, including outdoor lights and indoor decor like candles and pillows.

Peer-to-peer resale platform Depop is trying to differentiate itself from the competition through the power of music.Driven by data showing that 56% of the Depop community attends live music events, the company recognized there is an opportunity to cater to users scrolling its app for secondhand concert looks. To capitalize on this insight, the company scaled its popular shop drop model, in which prominent musicians list items directly from their personal wardrobes. To date, it has collaborated on drops with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Zara Larsson and Olivia Rodrigo.Beyond digital storefronts, the London-based company is also increasingly showing up at global music events, such as sponsoring Rodrigo's 2026 Daisy Chain Fields Festival with an interactive pop-up featuring secondhand apparel and accessories. And this year, the company named Larsson the face of its global 360 campaign.This week, Steve Dool, senior director of brand and creative at Depop, joined the Modern Retail Podcast to break down the company’s music-focused marketing strategy. He discussed: How Depop has positioned itself at the intersection of fashion and music. Working with major musicians who happen to already be Depop users.  Tapping into pop culture and live music in organic ways.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Days has fundamentally altered the retail calendar, turning October into the official kickoff for holiday shopping. What started out as a summer event has expanded into a crucial Q4 marker. The deals are now driving consumers to research and buy earlier each year amid sustained inflation. In just a few short years, the fall event has become a key acquisition channel and testing ground for sellers ahead of Black Friday. Consumers are increasingly researching deals days in advance, comparing prices and deals before making purchases. On this week’s Modern Retail Podcast, executive editor Anna Hensel and senior reporter Gabriela Barkho are joined by Joe O’Connor, senior director of innovation and growth Tinuiti, to discuss the evolution of Amazon's Fall Prime Day. This episode dives into: The rise of earlier holiday shopping. Strategic ad budgeting that targets the right audience. Capitalizing on post-Deals Days momentum until Black Friday.