LinkedIn Top Voices 2018: Retail

These are the 10 must-know writers and creators breaking down everything about the present and future of retail.

Every day, over 2 million posts, videos and articles course through the LinkedIn feed, generating tens of thousands of comments every hour — and tens of millions more shares and likes. So, who stood out in 2018 — and who should you be following to stay ahead?

We dug into the data to reveal our 4th annual LinkedIn Top Voices list, uncovering today's must-follow professionals in finance and the economy.

To find standout voices, we use a combination of data and editorial signals. We screen for engagement among professionals sharing in their area of expertise, looking at what kind of conversations — measured by engagement, including comments and re-shares — their original content is creating. We track relative follower growth, too: Are these professionals attracting dedicated fans in their particular sector? Finally, we emphasize quality and diversity; the list should reflect the world we work in.

These voices stood out most because of their consistency in sharing valuable expertise about major retail news and trends, from store closures by big name brands to new technologies that could change how customers shop. 

Here are this year’s 10 #LinkedInTopVoices in retail.

Lauren Thomas | Reporter, CNBC

What she talks about: Very few major stories within the retail industry pass without Thomas addressing her audience on LinkedIn. From FAO Schwarz making its New York comeback to Amazon testing brick and mortar, Thomas is constantly detailing her own reporting and adding behind-the-scenes snapshots of her travels in between.

Favorite conversation starter: In September, Thomas reported how Sears tried to avoid bankruptcy, prompting a lively discussion among mostly finance and retail professionals about how the century-old retailer had arrived at the precipice of its demise.

When she does her best work: “I know it might sound crazy to some people, but I think I do my best writing around 5 or 6 in the morning. When I wake up with a fresh mind, hopefully I've gotten enough sleep, and it's easier for me to concentrate without so many distractions," Thomas tells LinkedIn. "When the stock market opens at 9:30 am ET (at least for me at CNBC), things can get hectic, and it's harder to focus on bigger stories.”

See more by Lauren Thomas.

Aaron Allen | Founder, Aaron Allen & Associates

What he talks about: Allen offers his 265,000-plus followers on LinkedIn a consistent diet of detailed insights about the food and restaurant industry, sharing analysis about growth trends, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

Favorite conversation starter: A brief post in April asserting that most of the restaurant industry is unprepared for the rise of automation exemplifies how Allen keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry’s present and future. The post resulted in other industry professionals chiming in on a possible “tipping point” for restaurants’ use of technology.

Trend he’s watching in 2019: “Labor issues will continue to be a major story in 2019, with new developments in minimum wage laws, immigration requirements, overtime rules, tipped wages reform, wage inflation and productivity, robotics and automation — which will have profound implications for foodservice and hospitality — the skills gap, and the chef shortage," Allen says.

See more by Aaron Allen.

Deborah Weinswig | Founder & CEO, Coresight Research

What she talks about: Weinswig focuses on the impact of technology in the retail industry, and the prolific writer publishes articles nearly every week on topics ranging from home-buying trends’ effects on furniture shopping to store closings in the U.K.

Favorite conversation starter: Weinswig drew on her global perspective for her February article about the opening of staffless Amazon Go stores. The increased use of staffless stores in China, Weinswig writes, is a preview of what is to come stateside.

Most inspiring movie of 2018: “‘Ready Player One’ was very inspirational as it depicts that despite the chaos in our lives, we can all find people to work with (in both the real and VR worlds) to solve problems and make the world a better place," Weinswig tells LinkedIn.

See more by Deborah Weinswig.

Bob Phibbs | CEO, The Retail Doctor

What he talks about: Phibbs produces the exact type of content that his moniker implies, with the bulk of his posts focusing on solutions and how-tos for brick-and-mortar stores.

Favorite conversation starter: In May, Phibbs’ thoughts on Subway closing hundreds of its sandwich shops sparked a conversation about why Subway was facing trouble, with members citing factors like the lack of meat added to sandwiches and issues with staffing.

Trend he’s watching in 2019: “The pendulum seems to be swinging toward more human-focused interactions for retailers,” Phibbs says. “How that can work with rising labor costs and several years of slashed training budgets will make news for those who have the discipline to sculpt every interaction on their sales floor.”

See more by Bob Phibbs.

Steve Dennis | Co-Founder & President, Sageberry Consulting

What he talks about: Dennis concentrates on what retailers need to do to reinvent themselves in the age of Amazon, Alibaba and digital disruption.

Favorite conversation starter: In July, Dennis argued that a key problem for retailers is that companies develop “silos” internally. The article prompted members to not only offer solutions, but share experiences relevant to Dennis’ argument.

Most interesting news story of 2018: “The debate around the ‘retail apocalypse’ captured my attention the most, somewhat because it was so pervasive and oft repeated, somewhat because it is mostly a false narrative and because most stories lacked any real understanding, nuance and prescription," Dennis says. "I've tried to remedy that.”

See more by Steven Dennis.

David Katz | CMO & EVP, Randa Accessories

What he talks about: Katz posts mostly on retailers’ offline strategy, as well as the consumer behaviors that prompt those strategies.

Favorite conversation starter: A September post about Tiffany & Co. investing millions in its flagship Manhattan location is one of many examples in which Katz’s analysis of timely news sparks conversations among members, In this case, the focus was on questioning whether rumors of physical stores’ demise are greatly exaggerated.

What’s not on his LinkedIn profile: “I devour 3-4 books each week; it’s an addiction," Katz tells LinkedIn. "Topics range from business and behavioral economics to detective novels, literature (whatever that is…), world history and science fiction. Most [are] recommended by friends, associates and bloggers with whom I share aligned interests.”

See more by David Katz.

Brian Walker | Founder & CEO, Retail Doctor Group

What he talks about: Sydney-based Walker discusses the retail industry’s top news — including Nike’s Colin Kaepernick-led ad campaign, Amazon store openings and Burberry committing to recycle old products — with a view from Down Under.

Favorite conversation starter: Walker’s predictions for the retail industry in 2018 are just as interesting to read now, even as the year closes. His assertion that physical retail still “rules the world,” despite the coming failures of a few big-name brands, is particularly interesting given the bankruptcy claims made by the likes of Sears and Toys R Us.

How he gets his best ideas: “I live and love this stuff, always thinking through the Why and what is a different perspective, as best I can, trying to start with questions and through the customer lens," Walker says.

See more by Brian Walker.

Francesca Nicasio | Content Marketing Manager, Vend

What she talks about: Much of Nicasio’s content focuses on strategies that businesses can implement to market themselves online, including storytelling and search engine optimization. 

Favorite conversation starter: In June, Nicasio involved her audience in her writing process, prompting more than 100 members to discuss best practices for stores looking to turn window shoppers into buyers.

Favorite podcast: “‘The School of Greatness’ podcast by Lewis Howes has been around for a while now, but it continues to inspire me," Nicasio says. "One of my favorite episodes this year was the one where he interviewed Leslie Odom Jr., and they discussed topics like going after what you want, respecting your industry, and shifting your mindset.”

See more by Francesca Nicasio.

Melissa Gonzalez | Founder and CEO, The Lionesque Group

What she talks about: A retail strategist who counts Marc Jacobs and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global among her clients, Gonzalez’s content focuses mostly on customer experience and the success of pop-up retail.

Favorite conversation starter: Gonzalez’s article about Amazon “reshaping physical retail” — completely with a comprehensive breakdown of the tech giant’s brick-and-mortar strategy —is a worthwhile perspective on what will continue to be one of the industry’s most important subjects.

What’s not on her LinkedIn profile: “People underestimate what an inner daredevil I can be," Gonzalez says. "I am a licensed motorcyclist, scuba diver and when time allows, I like to skydive with my dad.”

See more by Melissa Gonzalez.

Trae Bodge | Shopping Expert

What she talks about: Bodge loves to share tips and tricks to help consumers save money while shopping.

Favorite conversation starter: A video about how to save money on Halloween shows Bodge has advice for practically every shopping scenario, which means readers would be wise to check her feed as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Where she gets her best ideas: “I'm able to sit quietly. In the morning, right when I wake up is a particularly creative time for me," Bodge tells LinkedIn. "I also love to brainstorm with other people, especially with those who aren't interested in judgment or competition. I enjoy a ‘there are no bad ideas’ environment, which is probably why I work for myself and choose who I work and create with.”

See more by Trae Bodge.

You’ve read about the Top Voices in retail this year. Now, check out the #LinkedInTopVoices in sales, philanthropy, marketing and more.

All activity measured took place over a 12-month period, from mid-September 2017 to mid-September 2018, and as with all LinkedIn Lists, we excluded LinkedIn and Microsoft employees from consideration.