Live from NRF, Will Eadie sits down with Clay Lute, global merchant for men’s denim at Calvin Klein and a leading voice in the Z Suite—an advisory group helping brands understand Gen Z consumers and workers.
Clay shares how Gen Z is reshaping retail and frontline work, from post-pandemic workforce shifts to the demand for empowerment, fair wages, and career pathways. He discusses why younger workers often see frontline roles as temporary rather than career-launching, and how businesses can change that perception.
The conversation also explores how technology—like self-scheduling, AI, and digital communication—can reduce burnout, improve engagement, and bring back the idea of long-term careers in retail. With insights on workforce flexibility, economic challenges, and the evolving employer-employee dynamic, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of frontline work.
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