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Retail is in an age of perpetual reinvention. From navigating online strategies in the early 2000s to mobile adoption in the mid-2000s and now grappling with tariffs and supply chain disruptions, retailers must continuously evolve to survive and thrive. According to Dominick Miserandino, CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus, the fundamental truth remains constant amid this change: "You are selling an emotion, the emotion of that thing."

Dominick brings a unique perspective to retail, having transitioned from mainstream media to mentoring over 200 e-commerce startups before creating his current venture connecting tech companies, retailers, and media partners. His insights reveal a fascinating dichotomy in today's retail landscape. While giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Apple leverage their vast resources to create seamless digital experiences, nimble small businesses find success through authentic personal connections – like the retailer who phoned every customer to thank them, inadvertently creating a viral marketing strategy that cost nothing but time.

The conversation explores how retailers are adapting to economic challenges, particularly the impact of tariffs on supply chains. For some small businesses with tight margins, these disruptions represent an existential threat: "I do not have the margin. I cannot cover these tariffs in any way. Period, I'm dead." Yet others find ways to innovate through efficiency, implementing solutions like virtual shopping experiences that reduce costs while enhancing customer convenience.

As digital transformation continues reshaping retail, Dominick cautions against getting caught in technology hype cycles without clear implementation strategies. Many retailers collect vast amounts of data without effectively analyzing it, while others struggle to balance personalization with authenticity. "We personalize to the point of almost numbness," he notes, suggesting that consumers increasingly value genuine connections over algorithmic recommendations.

Connect with Dominick on LinkedIn, where he maintains over 30,000 professional connections, to learn more about navigating retail's ever-changing landscape and to discover how businesses of all sizes can build meaningful customer relationships in an increasingly digital world.

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Tariffs, Tech, and Transformations: A Retail Reality Check 24:47 Share

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Tariffs, Tech, and Transformations: A Retail Reality Check