Inside the Modern Retail Marketing Summit: 4 Strategies Brand Leaders Are Betting On

Written By Lesley McIntosh
The Modern Retail Marketing Summit in New Orleans

At The Modern Retail Marketing Summit in New Orleans, I found myself surrounded by smart, curious operators who weren’t there for the headlines — they were there for the real talk. Over seafood gumbo and breakout sessions, we unpacked everything from AI and tariffs to the rising cost of customer acquisition and what loyalty actually means in 2025. The vibe was intimate and friendly.

On the main stage, brands like Tecovas, Claire's, and Saatva showed up with great insights and generous perspectives. I was especially drawn to the conversations that paired innovative with strategic — how to stretch modest budgets, build community without bloat, and partner in ways that surprise and stick. Loyalty isn’t just a tool; it’s a feeling. Collaborations aren’t just content; they’re connection. And while AI was on the docket (of course), the most useful lens was practical: how can this help smaller teams move faster and smarter?

Inside: four themes I’m thinking about — and how brand leaders are making them work.

📝 Read more on Substack: From Jewelry to Mattresses to Cowboy Boots: Brand Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Retail

Lesley McIntosh

A former Revlon VP and founder of Brand Botany, Lesley helps high-potential consumer brands grow smarter. With two decades of experience at L’Oréal, P&G, and Philips, she brings big-brand strategy to founder-led businesses across beauty, wellness, home, and CPG through Fractional CMO and advisory partnerships.
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