391. AI, skills-first hiring, and the next era of retail jobs
Retail Gets Real · with Lorraine “Lo” Stomski · September 16, 2025 · 33 min
Summary
Talent acquisition and retention in retail are rapidly evolving, driven by AI and a shift towards skills-first hiring. This episode provides actionable strategies for retail leaders to reimagine their workforce development, focusing on nurturing growth and preparing employees for the future. Learn how major players like Walmart are leveraging innovative programs to attract and retain talent in a competitive landscape.
Key takeaways
Implement skills-first hiring to broaden your talent pool and create more equitable opportunities, moving beyond traditional degree requirements.
Invest in robust internal development programs like Walmart's Live Better U to foster employee growth and build clear career pathways, improving retention and internal mobility.
Leverage AI in your talent acquisition strategy to streamline recruitment, identify best-fit candidates based on skills, and enhance the overall candidate experience.
Actively work to change negative perceptions of retail careers by showcasing growth opportunities, advanced skill development, and the impact of technology in modern retail roles.
Develop strategies for continuous upskilling and reskilling your workforce to adapt to technological advancements and evolving job demands, ensuring your team remains competitive and engaged.
Themes
ai & automationfounder & leadershipretail & omnichannel
Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.(00:00:00) Walmart’s first Chief Talent Officer(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AIThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• NRF Foundation's RISE Up Program: nrffoundation.org/rise-up• Walmart's Live Better U: corporate.walmart.com/about/working-at-walmart/live-better-u• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at <a href="https://nrffoundation.org" rel="noopener norefe
Implement skills-first hiring to broaden your talent pool and create more equitable opportunities, moving beyond traditional degree requirements.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Invest in robust internal development programs like Walmart's Live Better U to foster employee growth and build clear career pathways, improving retention and internal mobility.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Leverage AI in your talent acquisition strategy to streamline recruitment, identify best-fit candidates based on skills, and enhance the overall candidate experience.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Actively work to change negative perceptions of retail careers by showcasing growth opportunities, advanced skill development, and the impact of technology in modern retail roles.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Develop strategies for continuous upskilling and reskilling your workforce to adapt to technological advancements and evolving job demands, ensuring your team remains competitive and engaged.
