How Retail Giants Survive Disruption (Ft. Jacob Goldstein)

Episode 215: Today, we step back from the headlines to explore one of the biggest questions in business: How does an industry leader stay on top when the world changes around it? With retailers like Macy's, Victoria's Secret and Lululemon all working to reinvent themselves, we look back at the company that once defined American retail: Sears. At its peak, Sears was the Amazon of its era, reaching two-thirds of American households every quarter before ultimately fading into irrelevance. John sits down with Jacob Goldstein – former Planet Money co-host and host of Business History and What's Your Problem – to unpack Sears' rise and fall, why Walmart was better positioned for the next wave of disruption, and what that history reveals about today's battle between Amazon, Walmart and Costco. Watch the Business History Podcast here:    / @businesshistorypod   CHAPTERS: 00:00 ...And then Sears disappeared. 01:38 Visit: Aflac.com/BrewMarkets 02:21 Jacob Goldstein Joins 🌐 https://www.brewmarkets.com 💸 Subscribe to the Brew Markets newsletter: https://www.morningbrew.com/brew-mark... 🔗 Follow Brew Markets on social: Instagram:   / brewmarkets   TikTok:   / brewmarkets   X: https://www.x.com/brewmarkets 🔗 Follow Ann Berry on social: Instagram:   / annberry_nyc   X: https://www.x.com/AnnBerry_NYC The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Reruns may feature on-screen sponsorships from prior broadcasts. Brew Markets Daily is hosted by Ann Berry and Produced by John Crotteau, Tariq Abdellatif, Avani Laroia and Emily Milliron. Our Technical Directors is Uchenna Nwaogu and the President of Morning Brew Inc. is Devin Emery. The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Brew Markets, Morning Brew and their hosts are not licensed financial advisors. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions or investments. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morning Brew or its affiliates. This podcast may include paid endorsements or sponsorships.