In this episode of Retail Disrupted, Natalie Berg shares her 2026 outlook and insights from the KPMG Retail Think Tank. She is then joined by international logistics expert Becky Lombardo to unpack how retailers can build resilient, flexible, and profitable supply chains in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Becky shares practical insights on global trade disruption, nearshoring, returns, AI in logistics, sustainability, and why doing less - not more - may be the smartest strategy for retail leaders in 2026.

🎙️ Ideal for: retail executives, e-commerce leaders, supply chain professionals, brand founders, and investors.

00:00 – Introduction to Retail Disrupted
00:28 – Retail trends and challenges shaping 2026
02:48 – Geopolitical risk, weak demand & supply chain pressure
05:10 – AI, personalization & the risk of cognitive complacency
07:05 – Meet Becky Lombardo: global logistics & supply chain expert
08:25 – Why unpredictability is the biggest threat to retail planning
09:45 – Tariffs, geopolitics & global trade uncertainty
10:35 – Sourcing risk, China dependency & supply chain blind spots
12:47 – Nearshoring, profitability & smarter sourcing strategies
14:58 – Doing more with less: cutting complexity in supply chains
16:54 – What luxury retailers get right about customer experience
18:58 – Customer expectations vs speed, service & reliability
20:57 – Logistics, fulfilment & treating every customer like a VIP
23:02 – AI in logistics: efficiency vs human touch
24:39 – Returns, serial returners & charging for returns
26:49 – Sustainability, cost control & smarter supply chains
29:00 – Fixing fit, reducing fashion returns & new technology
31:07 – Direct-to-consumer vs wholesale: hidden operational costs
33:19 – Final advice for brands navigating retail disruption
34:10 – Where to find Becky Lombardo & closing remarks

🔗 KPMG Retail Think Tank: 2026 Outlook (LinkedIn post)
🔗 More about Becky and Londra Consulting

Retail in 2026: Natalie Berg's Outlook & a Deep Dive into Global Logistics with Becky Lombardo

Retail Disrupted