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50 Best Thought Leaders in Retail (2026)

  • Writer: Jonno White
    Jonno White
  • Mar 26
  • 23 min read

The retail industry is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of artificial intelligence and omnichannel commerce to shifting consumer expectations and supply chain reinvention, staying ahead requires insight from the sharpest minds in the business. Whether you are a retail executive navigating digital transformation, an entrepreneur launching a new brand, or a consultant helping clients grow, following the right thought leaders can give you a significant competitive edge.


This guide brings together 50 of the most influential thought leaders in retail for 2026. These are the analysts, consultants, authors, speakers, academics, and industry practitioners who are shaping how the retail world thinks, operates, and innovates. Every person on this list is actively contributing to the retail conversation, whether through published research, keynote presentations, bestselling books, podcasts, or their presence on LinkedIn.


We have included a mix of global retail strategists, customer experience pioneers, technology futurists, and operational experts. If you are serious about understanding where retail is heading, these are the people to watch.



How to Choose Which Retail Thought Leaders to Follow


With so many voices competing for attention, it helps to have a framework for deciding who deserves your time. Here are seven criteria to consider when choosing which retail thought leaders to follow.


Relevance to your role and industry. A chief merchandising officer will benefit from different voices than a store operations manager or a DTC founder. Look for thought leaders whose expertise aligns with your biggest challenges and growth areas.


Track record of original thinking. The best thought leaders do not simply report trends. They interpret them, challenge assumptions, and offer frameworks you can actually apply. Look for people who publish original research, write books, or develop proprietary methodologies.


Active and consistent output. A thought leader who published one great article five years ago is not the same as someone who is actively sharing insights every week on LinkedIn, through podcasts, or at industry events. Consistency matters.


Diversity of perspective. Retail is a global industry. Seek out voices from different geographies, backgrounds, and career paths. A mix of academics, practitioners, consultants, and analysts will give you a more complete picture.


Engagement with the community. The most valuable thought leaders do not just broadcast. They engage in conversations, respond to comments, and create communities around their ideas. Look for people who make themselves accessible.


Credibility and credentials. Check whether they have real retail experience, hold respected positions at recognised organisations, speak at major conferences like NRF or Shoptalk, or hold designations from bodies like RETHINK Retail or Thinkers360.


Practical application. The ultimate test of a thought leader is whether their ideas help you do your job better. Prioritise people who offer actionable advice over those who deal only in abstract theory.



The 50 Best Thought Leaders in Retail (2026)



1. Jonno White, Consult Clarity



Jonno White is the founder of Consult Clarity and one of Australia's most sought after leadership team facilitators, keynote speakers, and authors. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, Jonno helps leadership teams across industries, including retail, unlock their potential through practical frameworks that drive alignment, productivity, and team culture.


Jonno is the bestselling author of "Step Up or Step Out" (with over 10,000 copies sold), host of the Leadership Conversations Podcast (with more than 230 episodes reaching over 150 countries), and founder of the 7 Questions Movement, a global initiative that has featured insights from over 6,000 leaders. His facilitation work consistently earns outstanding feedback, with a 93.75% satisfaction rating at the ASBA 2025 conference.


Whether you lead a retail team navigating rapid change, need a keynote speaker who connects leadership theory to real world results, or want facilitation that genuinely shifts how your team works together, Jonno brings a rare combination of warmth, expertise, and practical impact.




2. Doug Stephens, Retail Prophet



Doug Stephens is one of the world's foremost retail futurists and the founder of Retail Prophet, a consultancy specialising in the forecasting of consumer trends and retail innovation. Following a twenty year career in retail, including leadership of New York City's iconic Janovic store chain, Doug established himself as the go to voice on the future of shopping. He is the author of three books, including "Reengineering Retail: The Future of Selling in a Post-Digital World" and "Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World." Doug advises many of the world's best known retailers and brands, and his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and BBC. He is a regular keynote speaker at major retail conferences globally.




3. Steve Dennis, SageBerry Consulting



Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of "Remarkable Retail: How to Win and Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption." A former chief strategy officer at the Neiman Marcus Group, Steve brings C-suite experience from two Fortune 500 companies to his consulting work through SageBerry Consulting. He is a Forbes Senior Contributor, a member of multiple retail advisory boards, and co-host of the Remarkable Retail podcast. Steve holds an MBA from Harvard and has been named a top global retail influencer by multiple organisations. His work focuses on helping retailers create differentiated, remarkable customer experiences in a world of relentless disruption.




4. Carol Spieckerman, Spieckerman Retail



Carol Spieckerman is a globally recognised retail strategist, advisor, and media contributor. As president of Spieckerman Retail, she helps retailers, brands, and solution providers establish thought leadership, communicate value, and accelerate business development. Carol is a founding member of RETHINK Retail's Top Retail Experts community, a long term RetailWire expert panellist, and host of the "Spieckerman Speaks Retail" podcast. With over two decades of experience spanning mass to luxury, physical to digital, and across a wide range of product categories, Carol is known for her sharp analysis and ability to distil complex retail dynamics into clear, actionable insights.




5. Deborah Weinswig, Coresight Research



Deborah Weinswig is the CEO and founder of Coresight Research, a global research and advisory firm specialising in retail and technology. A former managing director at Citi, Deborah is one of the most frequently cited analysts in the retail industry. She is a bestselling author, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and a sought after keynote speaker at events including NRF, Shoptalk, and the World Retail Congress. Coresight Research provides data driven insights to help clients navigate innovation in areas including AI, live commerce, store technology, and sustainability. Deborah has been recognised as one of the top retail influencers in the world by multiple industry bodies.


Website: coresight.com



Retail Strategists and Consultants



6. Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor



Bob Phibbs is the founder of The Retail Doctor and one of the world's leading authorities on brick and mortar retail. A business strategist, sales trainer, customer service expert, and author of three books, Bob has helped thousands of retailers improve their in-store experience and bottom line. Named a top retail influencer in 2018, Bob combines decades of hands on retail experience with practical strategies that any retailer can implement. His content focuses on the human side of retail, store design, employee training, and customer engagement, all areas where physical retail can create lasting competitive advantage.


Website: retaildoc.com



7. Liza Amlani, Retail Strategy Group



Liza Amlani is the principal and co-founder of Retail Strategy Group, with over twenty years of experience in merchandising, buying, product development, and retail strategy. She has held positions at Holt Renfrew, Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco, Nike, and Walmart. Liza was named one of NRF's Top 50 Retail Voices for 2026, selected from over 400 nominations, and is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. She is a regular contributor to RetailWire, Bloomberg, Forbes, Footwear News, and Sourcing Journal, and her firm advises major brands including Columbia, Under Armour, and Lands' End on profitability and merchandising innovation.




8. Oliver Banks, OB&Co



Oliver Banks is the founder of retail consultancy OB&Co and one of the most influential voices in retail transformation. A LinkedIn Top Voice, Oliver hosts the Retail Transformation Show podcast, consistently ranked among the top retail podcasts globally. He is the author of "Driving Retail Transformation" and a sought after keynote speaker. Originally a Chartered Engineer at Tesco, Oliver brings a systematic, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt approach to helping retailers navigate change. His consultancy works with major retailers and global brands on operating model transformation, efficiency improvement, and strategic change management.


Website: obandco.uk



9. Brittain Ladd, BCL Consulting



Brittain Ladd is a globally recognised supply chain and retail strategy consultant and the founder of BCL Consulting. A former Amazon executive who helped design the company's grocery strategy, Brittain is known for his bold, data backed analyses of retail mergers, acquisitions, and strategic moves. He is one of the most followed retail voices on LinkedIn, regularly publishing detailed strategic breakdowns that attract thousands of engagements. His expertise spans supply chain optimisation, last mile delivery, grocery retail, and digital transformation. Brittain has been named a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and is a frequent speaker at industry events.



10. Natalie Berg, NBK Retail



Natalie Berg is a retail analyst, author, and founder of NBK Retail, a consultancy that helps retailers and brands navigate disruption. A trusted commentator for BBC, Sky News, Bloomberg, and CNBC, Natalie is known for her clear, incisive analysis of retail trends. She is the author of "Amazon: How the World's Most Relentless Retailer Will Continue to Revolutionise Commerce" and regularly speaks at major industry events. Her work focuses on helping retailers understand the intersection of technology, consumer behaviour, and competitive strategy.


Website: nbkretail.com



11. Martin Newman, Customer Service Action



Martin Newman is a retail and customer experience consultant, author, and speaker. As the founder of Customer Service Action, Martin advises some of the world's leading retailers on customer experience strategy, digital transformation, and omnichannel excellence. He has held senior roles at Burberry, Intersport, Ted Baker, and Harrods, and is a regular contributor to industry publications. Martin is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and is known for his focus on the customer journey from first touchpoint to post-purchase loyalty.



12. Melissa Gonzalez, Lionesque Group and MG2



Melissa Gonzalez is the CEO and founder of the Lionesque Group and a principal at architecture and design firm MG2. She specialises in helping brands create compelling physical retail experiences through pop-up concepts, experiential retail design, and store innovation. Melissa is the host of the Retail Refined Podcast and a sought after speaker at events including Shoptalk, World Retail Congress, NRF, and Vogue Business Summit. She is a leading voice on the future of physical retail and how brands can create memorable, story-driven spaces that drive both engagement and revenue.



13. Ken Pilot, Ken Pilot Ventures



Ken Pilot is a retail and e-commerce executive, investor, and advisor with deep experience across the industry. A former senior executive at Gap, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren, Ken now runs Ken Pilot Ventures, advising and investing in emerging retail and technology companies. He is a trusted voice on retail leadership, digital transformation, and the evolving role of the store. Ken combines decades of operational experience at the highest levels of global retail with a forward looking investment perspective.



Retail Analysts and Researchers



14. Sucharita Kodali, Forrester Research



Sucharita Kodali is a Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, where she covers digital commerce, retail strategy, and consumer behaviour. One of the most cited analysts in the retail industry, Sucharita provides research driven insights that help retail executives make informed technology and strategy decisions. She has been named a top retail influencer by multiple organisations and is a frequent keynote speaker at NRF, Shoptalk, and eTail. Her analysis is regularly featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg.



15. Neil Saunders, GlobalData



Neil Saunders is the Managing Director of GlobalData's retail division and one of the most frequently quoted retail analysts in the media. His commentary on retail earnings, store closures, consumer trends, and competitive dynamics appears regularly in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, and Reuters. Neil provides clear, evidence based analysis that cuts through the noise and helps both investors and retailers understand what is really happening on the ground. He is especially known for his insightful post-earnings commentary on major retailers.



16. Brendan Witcher, Independent Analyst



Brendan Witcher is a retail industry analyst, author, and advisor. Formerly a VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, Brendan is known for his engaging keynote presentations and deep expertise in digital commerce, customer experience, and retail innovation. He has advised many of the world's largest retailers on digital strategy and is a sought after speaker at events including NRF and Shoptalk. Brendan combines analytical rigour with a storytelling approach that makes complex retail trends accessible and actionable.



17. Dana Telsey, Telsey Advisory Group



Dana Telsey is the CEO and Chief Research Officer of Telsey Advisory Group, one of the most respected equity research firms focused on the retail and consumer sector. Dana is a regular guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business, providing analysis on retail earnings, consumer spending, and industry trends. With decades of experience covering the sector from Wall Street, she brings a unique financial and strategic perspective to the retail conversation.



18. Shelley Kohan, Fashion Institute of Technology and Forbes



Shelley Kohan is a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a Forbes Senior Contributor, and a retail industry expert with leadership experience at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Space NK. She hosts the Retail Unwrapped podcast and provides regular analysis on retail trends, data monetisation, and digital transformation. Shelley combines executive retail experience with an academic perspective, making her insights both practical and research informed.



19. Melissa Minkow, CI&T



Melissa Minkow is the Global Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T, where she helps brands develop customer centric digital strategies. A RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, Melissa is a sought after media commentator and speaker. She regularly contributes analysis on consumer trends, retail technology, and digital transformation to major publications and industry events.



20. Hitha Herzog, H Squared Media



Hitha Herzog is the Chief Research Officer of H Squared Media and a widely recognised retail analyst. She is a regular contributor on Fox Business, CNBC, and Bloomberg, providing sharp commentary on consumer trends, retail strategy, and market dynamics. Hitha is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and brings a combination of research depth and media savvy to her analysis of the industry.



Authors, Speakers, and Media Voices



21. Jason Goldberg, Publicis



Jason Goldberg is the Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis and one of the most prolific voices in retail. A fourth-generation retailer who launched his first e-commerce site for Blockbuster Entertainment in 1995, Jason is known as "RetailGeek." He co-hosts "The Jason and Scot Show," one of the longest running and most respected retail podcasts. Jason is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, a frequent keynote speaker, and a contributor to Forbes. His expertise spans e-commerce strategy, omnichannel retail, and emerging commerce technologies.




22. Paco Underhill, Peckshee LLC



Paco Underhill is one of the founding fathers of retail science and the author of the seminal book "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping." As the founder of consulting firm Envirosell and now Peckshee LLC, Paco has spent decades studying how consumers behave in physical retail environments. His research has influenced store design, merchandising, and customer experience strategies for retailers worldwide. Paco's international academic presence spans four continents, and he continues to advise merchants, marketers, and trade associations through strategic advisory work.



23. Robin Lewis, The Robin Report



Robin Lewis is the founder of The Robin Report, a respected retail industry media platform known for its opinionated, provocative, and unbiased analysis. A former executive editor of Women's Wear Daily, VP at VF Corp and Goldman Sachs, and professor at Fashion Institute of Technology, Robin co-authored "The New Rules of Retail." Over twenty years, he built The Robin Report from a newsletter into a multimedia content platform featuring digital content, podcasts, webinars, and consulting. Though Robin retired from The Robin Report in 2025, his body of work remains one of the most influential contributions to retail industry analysis.



24. April Sabral, RetailU and Ask April AI



April Sabral is a leadership and mindset expert, bestselling author, and founder of RetailU and Ask April AI, an AI powered coaching and training platform for retail and service businesses. With over thirty years of experience leading teams at iconic brands including Starbucks, Gap, Banana Republic, and DAVIDsTEA, April has trained thousands of managers to become confident, people focused leaders. She is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and a sought after speaker on retail leadership, employee engagement, and positive workplace culture.



25. Georganne Bender, Kizer and Bender



Georganne Bender is one half of the acclaimed retail duo Kizer and Bender, alongside her partner Rich Kizer. A nationally recognised speaker, author, consultant, and store makeover specialist, Georganne is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. Kizer and Bender are known for their engaging "Retail Adventures in the Real World" keynotes and seminars, which are consistently rated among the best at retail conferences. Their focus on independent retail, visual merchandising, and the in-store experience has made them indispensable guides for retailers of all sizes.



26. Christine Russo, Retail Consultant and Podcast Host



Christine Russo is a digital and physical retail consultant, RETHINK Retail advisor, and host of the "What Just Happened?" podcast. She publishes "Russo's Retail Tech Must-Haves" and is a Thinkers360 ranked retail thought leader. Christine brings a unique perspective that bridges technology and human experience in retail, helping brands understand how digital tools can enhance rather than replace the personal touch that drives loyalty.



27. Brian Solis, Author and Digital Analyst



Brian Solis is a world renowned digital analyst, author, and keynote speaker who has shaped how businesses think about digital transformation, customer experience, and innovation. Though not exclusively a retail analyst, Brian's work on digital disruption, experience design, and the future of commerce is widely cited by retail leaders. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, a Thinkers360 ranked retail thought leader, and one of the most followed voices on LinkedIn for insight into how technology is reshaping consumer industries.



28. Miya Knights, Retail Technology Magazine



Miya Knights is the Director and Publisher of Retail Technology Magazine, one of the leading trade publications covering retail technology innovation. A well known analyst, author, and speaker, Miya has co-authored books on retail technology and frequently appears at industry events. Her work focuses on helping retailers understand the technology landscape, from point of sale innovation to supply chain automation, and make informed investment decisions.



29. Andrew Busby, BOXTEC



Andrew Busby is a senior industry specialist at BOXTEC and the founder of Retail Reflections, a retail analyst practice that has become well known for its thought leadership and content on the future of retail. Andrew is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, a Thinkers360 ranked thought leader, and a regular contributor to Forbes and other major publications. His analysis covers technology, customer experience, and the evolving relationship between online and physical retail.



30. Ricardo Belmar, Retail Media and Technology



Ricardo Belmar is a retail media and technology strategist, a Thinkers360 ranked retail thought leader, and a frequent voice on the intersection of technology and retail experience. He is active on LinkedIn and at industry events, providing practical analysis on retail media networks, digital transformation, and emerging commerce technologies. Ricardo is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and a trusted voice for retailers navigating the rapidly evolving media and technology landscape.



Academics and Researchers



31. Barbara Kahn, The Wharton School



Barbara Kahn is the Patty and Jay H. Baker Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and one of the most respected academics in retail. She is the author of "The Shopping Revolution: How Retailers Succeed in an Era of Endless Disruption" and a leading voice on retail strategy, consumer behaviour, and competitive dynamics. Barbara is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and regularly speaks at NRF, Shoptalk, and other major conferences. Her research combines academic rigour with practical insights that help retailers compete in an increasingly complex marketplace.



32. Jonah Berger, The Wharton School



Jonah Berger is a Marketing Professor at the Wharton School and a bestselling author whose work on consumer behaviour, word of mouth, and social influence has had a profound impact on how retailers think about marketing and brand building. His books "Contagious: Why Things Catch On" and "The Catalyst" have been translated into dozens of languages and are widely read by retail executives. Jonah is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and a popular keynote speaker.



33. Gary Mortimer, Queensland University of Technology



Gary Mortimer is a Professor at Queensland University of Technology and one of Australia's most prominent retail academics. A RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, Gary is a trusted media commentator on retail trends, consumer behaviour, and the Australian retail landscape. He regularly appears on Australian television and radio and contributes to academic and industry publications. His research spans retail strategy, consumer psychology, and the impact of technology on shopping behaviour.



34. Tom Davenport, Babson College



Tom Davenport is a Distinguished Professor at Babson College and one of the world's leading authorities on analytics, artificial intelligence, and their application in business, including retail. He is the author of more than twenty books, including "Competing on Analytics" and "The AI Advantage." Tom is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and frequently advises retail organisations on how to leverage data, AI, and automation for competitive advantage. His work provides the strategic framework many retailers use when thinking about technology investment.



35. Sridhar Narayanan, Stanford Graduate School of Business



Sridhar Narayanan is a Professor of Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. His research focuses on digital marketing, pricing, and consumer behaviour in retail environments. Sridhar's academic work provides rigorous, data driven insights that help retailers optimise their marketing spend, pricing strategies, and customer acquisition efforts. He is a sought after speaker at academic and industry conferences.



36. Koen Pauwels, Northeastern University



Koen Pauwels is the Vice Dean of Research at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business and a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. He is a leading researcher on marketing effectiveness, retail analytics, and the impact of promotions and pricing on consumer behaviour. His books, including "It's Not the Size of the Data, It's How You Use It," provide practical guidance for retailers looking to make better data driven decisions.



Retail Technology and Innovation Leaders



37. Greg Buzek, IHL Group



Greg Buzek is the President of IHL Group, a global research and advisory firm specialising in retail and hospitality technology. Greg is one of the most cited sources on retail technology trends, store technology investment, and self-checkout economics. A RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, he provides data driven analysis that helps retailers and technology vendors understand market dynamics, adoption patterns, and the return on investment of technology deployments.



38. Tony D'Onofrio, TD Insights



Tony D'Onofrio is the founder of TD Insights and a widely recognised thought leader on retail technology and innovation. A former senior executive at Zebra Technologies, Tony is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and a Thinkers360 ranked thought leader. He regularly publishes research and analysis on global retail trends, technology adoption, and the future of the store. Tony is known for his comprehensive annual retail predictions and his ability to connect macro trends to practical technology implications.



39. Nikki Baird, Aptos



Nikki Baird is the Vice President of Strategy at Aptos, a retail enterprise solution provider. A former co-founder of Retail Systems Research, Nikki has been a top global retail industry influencer for many years. She is a regular contributor to Forbes and has been quoted as a retail subject matter expert in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio. With nearly fifteen years as an industry analyst, Nikki brings deep expertise in retail technology, store operations, and omnichannel strategy.



40. Lee Peterson, WD Partners



Lee Peterson is the Executive Vice President of Thought Leadership and Marketing at WD Partners, a global retail design and strategy firm. Lee brings an innovative approach to modern retail by understanding cultural trends, consumer demographics, and buying behaviour across multiple industries. He has led creative teams working on branded experiences for Best Buy, Whole Foods, Walmart, The Home Depot, and many others. Lee has been quoted and featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fast Company, and Bloomberg. He is a regular keynote speaker at NRF and other major retail events.



41. Tom Enright, Gartner



Tom Enright is a Research Vice President at Gartner, where he covers retail technology strategy and digital commerce. As one of the most senior retail analysts at Gartner, Tom provides strategic guidance to chief information officers, chief digital officers, and technology leaders at major retail organisations. His research focuses on omnichannel enablement, store technology, and the strategic role of IT in retail competitiveness. Tom is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and a regular speaker at Gartner conferences and retail industry events.



Industry Leaders and Executives



42. Kasey Lobaugh, Deloitte



Kasey Lobaugh is the Chief Futurist for Consumer Industry at Deloitte and one of the most respected strategic thinkers in retail. He is the lead author of Deloitte's annual retail industry outlook and has conducted extensive research into the future of the consumer, the changing economics of retail, and the impact of technology on shopping behaviour. Kasey's work is frequently cited by retail executives, investors, and media, and he is a regular keynote speaker at NRF and other industry events. His analysis combines macroeconomic perspective with deep retail industry knowledge.



43. Becca Coggins, McKinsey and Company



Becca Coggins is a Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company, where she leads the firm's global work in the retail and consumer goods industries. Based in Chicago, Becca has extensive experience in driving performance transformations for retailers, including work on strategy, pricing, promotions, assortment, multichannel experience, and operations. She was recognised as one of The Consulting Report's Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants for 2025. Becca's strategic advice shapes how some of the world's largest retailers approach growth and efficiency.



44. Kelly Pedersen, PwC



Kelly Pedersen is a Partner and Global Retail Leader at PwC, where she leads strategic initiatives with apparel and retail companies focused on growth and operational effectiveness. Kelly helps develop merchandising strategies and implement customer experience initiatives for major brands. She was named one of The Consulting Report's Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants for 2025 and brings a combination of strategic vision and practical implementation expertise to her work with retail clients.



45. Lori Zumwinkle, Accenture



Lori Zumwinkle is a Senior Managing Director at Accenture, where she leads the firm's North America Retail Practice. Lori focuses on digital transformation across retail operations, merchandising, marketing, and customer experience. She was named one of The Consulting Report's Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants for 2025. With deep experience advising the world's largest retailers, Lori is a leading voice on how consulting firms can help retailers navigate technology led transformation at scale.



Independent Voices and Emerging Leaders



46. Stacy Widlitz, SW Retail Advisors



Stacy Widlitz is the President and Chief International Store Hunter at SW Retail Advisors and a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. Stacy specialises in global retail trend analysis, store experience evaluation, and international market insight. She travels extensively to evaluate retail concepts around the world and provides unique on the ground perspective on global retail innovation. Stacy is a frequent media commentator and conference speaker, bringing a truly international lens to the retail conversation.



47. Bruce Winder, Bruce Winder Retail



Bruce Winder is the President of Bruce Winder Retail and a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert. A Toronto-based retail analyst and strategist, Bruce is a regular media commentator on Canadian and global retail trends. He provides analysis on competitive dynamics, consumer behaviour, and retail strategy across multiple channels and formats. Bruce combines strategic consulting expertise with a sharp eye for the practical realities of retail operations.



48. George Minakakis, Inception Retail Group



George Minakakis is the founder of Inception Retail Group and a Thinkers360 ranked retail thought leader. A retail executive, author, and consultant, George brings decades of global retail experience to his advisory work. He is the author of "Trying Times: Rethinking Retail in an Age of Growing Cynicism" and a sought after speaker on retail strategy, leadership, and the future of the customer relationship. George is especially known for his analysis of how consumer trust and authenticity are reshaping retail.



49. Michael LeBlanc, M.E. LeBlanc and Company



Michael LeBlanc is the founder of M.E. LeBlanc and Company and a leading voice in Canadian retail. He is a retail advisor, keynote speaker, and host of multiple retail podcasts, including The Voice of Retail. Michael is a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and is known for his sharp commentary on retail trends, digital transformation, and the Canadian retail landscape. He combines consulting experience with media production expertise to create content that resonates with retail professionals.



50. Ashley Dudarenok, China Retail and Marketing Expert



Ashley Dudarenok is a globally recognised retail keynote speaker and expert on China's retail and marketing ecosystem. She brings deep expertise in omnichannel strategies, conversational commerce, extended reality, personalisation, and the technologies reshaping how consumers shop in Asia and beyond. Ashley is a sought after conference speaker and advisor to global brands looking to understand and enter the Chinese retail market. Her insights into digital-first retail models and super-app ecosystems provide a valuable perspective for any retail leader looking beyond Western markets.




What to Expect When Following Retail Thought Leaders


Following retail thought leaders is not a passive exercise. The best voices in the industry will challenge your assumptions, introduce you to new frameworks, and help you see around corners. Here is what you can expect when you actively engage with the people on this list.


Fresh perspectives on emerging trends. From AI driven personalisation to social commerce, retail media networks, and sustainability, these thought leaders will keep you informed about the trends that matter most. Many of them are among the first to identify and analyse new developments, giving you an early signal advantage.


Frameworks for decision making. The best thought leaders do not just describe what is happening. They provide mental models and strategic frameworks you can use to make better decisions. Whether you are evaluating a new technology platform, redesigning your store experience, or rethinking your supply chain, the insights from these leaders can guide your thinking.


Networking and community. Many retail thought leaders actively build communities around their work through LinkedIn, podcasts, conferences, and online platforms. Engaging with their content can connect you with other retail professionals who share your interests and challenges.


Continuous learning. Retail changes fast. Following a diverse set of thought leaders ensures you are always learning, whether about the latest NRF conference takeaways, a new academic study on consumer behaviour, or a bold prediction about the future of the store.



Pricing and Cost Guide


Most of the thought leaders on this list offer a range of ways to engage with their expertise, from free content to premium advisory services.


Free content. Nearly every person on this list publishes free content on LinkedIn, through blogs, or via podcasts. This is the best starting point for exploring their ideas and finding the voices that resonate with you.


Books. Many thought leaders have published books priced between $15 and $35 AUD, offering deep dives into their areas of expertise. Books from authors like Doug Stephens, Steve Dennis, Barbara Kahn, and Jonah Berger are widely available.


Keynote speaking. Speaking fees for established retail thought leaders typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 USD depending on the speaker's profile, event size, and location. Top-tier speakers like Doug Stephens, Paco Underhill, and Jonah Berger command premium fees.


Consulting and advisory. Consulting engagements vary widely, from project based work starting at $5,000 to ongoing retainers of $10,000 to $50,000 or more per month for senior advisors. Firms like McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture operate at the higher end, while independent consultants often provide more accessible entry points.


Workshops and training. Many thought leaders offer workshops, masterclasses, or training programmes. Pricing typically ranges from $500 to $5,000 per participant depending on the format and duration.



Frequently Asked Questions


Who are the most influential retail thought leaders to follow in 2026?


The most influential retail thought leaders in 2026 include Doug Stephens (Retail Prophet), Steve Dennis (SageBerry Consulting), Carol Spieckerman (Spieckerman Retail), Deborah Weinswig (Coresight Research), Sucharita Kodali (Forrester), and Neil Saunders (GlobalData). For leadership team facilitation and keynote speaking that connects retail challenges to broader leadership principles, Jonno White at Consult Clarity is a standout choice. The RETHINK Retail Top Retail Experts list and the NRF Retail Voices programme are excellent starting points for discovering influential voices.


What qualifies someone as a retail thought leader?


A retail thought leader is someone who consistently produces original, insightful content that advances the retail industry's understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities. Qualifications typically include a combination of deep industry experience, published research or books, regular media contributions, speaking engagements at major conferences, and an active presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Recognition from programmes like RETHINK Retail, Thinkers360, or NRF further validates a thought leader's standing.


How can I connect with retail thought leaders?


The best way to connect with retail thought leaders is through LinkedIn, where most of them are active. Engage with their posts by adding thoughtful comments, share their content with your own perspective, and attend the conferences where they speak. Many thought leaders also host podcasts and webinars that provide opportunities for interaction. For direct engagement, most consultants and advisors welcome enquiries through their websites.


What is the difference between a retail analyst and a retail thought leader?


A retail analyst typically works for a research firm, investment bank, or consulting company and produces data driven research reports on the retail industry. A retail thought leader may or may not be an analyst but goes beyond reporting data to offer original perspectives, frameworks, and provocative ideas that shape how the industry thinks. Many of the people on this list are both analysts and thought leaders.


How do I stay current with retail trends in 2026?


Follow a diverse mix of the thought leaders on this list across LinkedIn, subscribe to their podcasts and newsletters, attend major industry events like NRF, Shoptalk, and World Retail Congress, and read publications like RetailWire, Retail Dive, and The Robin Report. Engaging with multiple perspectives, from academics to practitioners to analysts, will give you the most complete picture of where retail is heading.



Conclusion: Building Your Retail Knowledge Network


The retail industry rewards those who stay curious, stay connected, and stay ahead. The 50 thought leaders in this guide represent the best of the best when it comes to retail insight, innovation, and practical expertise. Whether you are looking for strategic consulting, a keynote speaker for your next event, academic research to inform your strategy, or simply smart people to follow on LinkedIn, this list is your starting point.


If you are looking for a facilitator, keynote speaker, or leadership team consultant who can help your retail leadership team work better together, increase alignment, and drive results, reach out to Jonno White at jonno@consultclarity.org. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author, Jonno brings practical, proven frameworks to help leadership teams in every industry, including retail, operate at their best.



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