Retail Gets Real artwork

408. How Coach puts the consumer at the center of brand growth

Retail Gets Real · with Jennifer Yue · March 3, 2026 · 27 min

Summary

In a rapidly changing retail landscape, Coach's SVP of Strategy and Consumer Insights, Jennifer Yue, reveals how deep consumer understanding fuels brand growth. This episode highlights why analyzing non-customers provides crucial insights for innovation and how physical retail is transforming into immersive brand experiences. Operators will learn to leverage human-centered data to build enduring brands that resonate with evolving consumer expectations.

Key takeaways

Themes

retail & omnichannelbrand & contentfounder & leadership

Topics covered

consumer-centric growthhuman-centered insightsluxury brand strategyevolving role of physical retailbalancing digital and human experiencescuriosity in retail leadership

Episode description

At a time when retail is being reshaped by technology, generational shifts and changing expectations around authenticity, understanding the consumer has never been more critical. Jennifer Yue, senior vice president of strategy and consumer insights at Coach and Tapestry, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share how deep listening and human-centered insight are driving growth at one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands.(00:00:00) From investment banking to consumer insight leadership(00:04:26) Why growth starts with the people who are not buying(00:08:40) Turning human insight into a competitive advantage(00:15:02) Why physical retail is becoming more important again(00:17:28) What keeps a long retail career exciting(00:19:22) The future of retail is both digital and deeply human(00:21:02) Why curiosity is a leadership advantage in retailThe 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:• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 378: How Coach captivates consumers with visual storytelling

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Actively seek insights from individuals who are not currently purchasing your products; their 'outsider' perspective can unlock critical innovation and strategic positioning.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Re-evaluate physical retail spaces beyond transactional points, focusing on transforming them into immersive brand experiences that foster deeper consumer connections.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize curiosity as a key leadership trait to effectively navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving retail landscape.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Integrate digital innovation with deeply human connections in your retail strategy to thrive in a future where authenticity and experience are paramount.

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