The state of malls & P.F. Candle Co.'s Made in America strategy
Modern Retail Podcast
· with Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger
· July 26, 2025
· 50 min
Summary
This episode offers a dual focus for ecommerce operators: understanding the evolving role of physical retail spaces, particularly malls, and navigating the complexities of Made in America production. Learn how brands are adapting to consumer shifts in brick-and-mortar and the strategic advantages and hurdles of domestic manufacturing amidst global tariff policies.
Key takeaways
Malls are actively reinventing themselves by focusing on experiential retail and modern designs; examine opportunities for pop-ups or innovative physical presences in these evolving spaces.
Producing goods domestically can be a powerful marketing message, resonating with consumers seeking locally sourced products.
Tariffs directly impact the cost and availability of raw materials and components sourced overseas; regularly audit your supply chain for exposure to reciprocal tariffs and explore domestic alternatives.
Securing raw materials overseas presents increased challenges; diversify your sourcing strategies and consider partnerships with domestic suppliers to mitigate risks.
On this week’s Modern Retail Podcast, senior reporters Melissa Daniels and Gabriela Barkho are joined by Modern Retail reporter Mitchell Parton. The team discusses a package that ran on Modern Retail this week, called The State of the Mall. The package highlights how malls are under pressure to continuously reinvent themselves, with topics spanning American Dream's delayed Miami expansion and Tanger's modern take on outlet mall design.
Later in the episode, Daniels and Barkho are joined by Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger, owners of P.F. Candle Co., to talk about how brands with Made in America products are still being affected by ongoing tariff policies. They discuss the increased challenges of securing raw material overseas, how reciprocal tariffs impact components such as candle jars and packaging, the upsides of producing goods domestically, and leaning into "Made in America" as a marketing message.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about brand positioning?
Malls are actively reinventing themselves by focusing on experiential retail and modern designs; examine opportunities for pop-ups or innovative physical presences in these evolving spaces.
What does this episode say about retail strategy?
Producing goods domestically can be a powerful marketing message, resonating with consumers seeking locally sourced products.
What does this episode say about supply chain management?
Tariffs directly impact the cost and availability of raw materials and components sourced overseas; regularly audit your supply chain for exposure to reciprocal tariffs and explore domestic alternatives.
What does this episode say about brand positioning?
Securing raw materials overseas presents increased challenges; diversify your sourcing strategies and consider partnerships with domestic suppliers to mitigate risks.
