Keeping the Soul in the Sole: Birkenstock Americas President & Managing Director, David Kahan on Constantly Reinventing a 250-Year-Old Icon

The podcast addresses retail industry news, focusing on the potential economic impact of a U.S. government shutdown, new tariffs on furniture and kitchen cabinets, and the evolving situation with TikTok. The hosts examine recent earnings reports from Costco and Nike, noting Costco's continued strong performance and strategic adjustments, and Nike's turnaround efforts amidst tariff-related challenges. David Kahan, president and CEO of Birkenstock Americas, discusses the brand's 250-year history, its strategy of maintaining brand equity through engineered distribution, and its unique approach to direct-to-consumer retail. The conversation emphasizes Birkenstock's commitment to its core product and its focus on creating a community experience in its stores. The hosts also explore concerns about holiday hiring trends and the potential impact of AI on the workforce.