#USA #New York #Supply Chain #RETHINK Retail #NRF 2027

Rethink Retail's New Supply Chain Community

In a rapidly evolving retail landscape, understanding and optimizing supply chains has never been more critical. Rethink Retail recently announced the formation of the Supply Chain in Retail (SCiR) community, a pioneering initiative designed for senior supply chain executives from diverse sectors. This new platform aims to facilitate the exchange of insights and strategies amongst leading brands, including Converse, David Yurman, and REI, addressing the overarching challenges and complexities that retailers face today.

The Inaugural Gathering and Its Focus

Chaired by Jennifer Kobus, a seasoned expert in global supply chains and the former executive at Ulta Beauty, SCiR is set to create a collaborative space where leaders can share their experiences regarding inventory planning, global sourcing, fulfillment, and automation. The community is geared towards breaking down the silos that often prevent cross-category learning about these pressing challenges.

As Kobus articulated, retail executives often encounter similar supply chain dilemmas, regardless of their sector. “What excites me most about SCiR is the opportunity to bring supply chain leaders together in a trusted environment,” she remarked. This platform enables members to benchmark and share best practices, ultimately aiming to enhance operational resilience and innovation within their own organizations.

A Diverse Cohort of Leaders

Among the influential figures in the founding cohort are:

• - Leila Jalai - Chief Supply Chain Officer at David Yurman
• - Kristin Bauer - COO at Converse
• - Devin Hryhoruk - VP of Merchandise Planning at Mark's
• - Radharaman Jha - VP of Supply Chain at Flaconi
• - Ruchi Christensen - VP of Global Supply Chain at REI

These leaders represent a variety of operational models and perspectives, which is essential for discussions about efficient supply chains. According to Leila Jalai, as the complexity of retail increases, so does the necessity for a unified dialogue that encompasses different business models and challenges. “Focused collaboration becomes even more important to address the specific challenges and opportunities ahead,” she emphasized.

Bridging the Gap Between Disciplines

The unique aspect of SCiR is its intent to transcend traditional category boundaries. While many discussions in the supply chain space tend to focus on specific sectors, this community seeks to address common issues faced by all members, fostering an environment where innovative solutions can be developed collaboratively.

For instance, Carolyn Scafuri, Head of Planning at Farmer's Fridge, reflected on the intensity of managing a supply chain within the fresh food sector. The challenges associated with perishable goods necessitate rapid decision-making, which can often spur innovation. “There’s tremendous value in bringing ideas from other industries into fresh food,” she stated.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

The community’s inaugural event, Supply Chain Sunday, is scheduled for January 10, 2027, at Lavan New York, coinciding with NRF’s Big Show week. This gathering is anticipated to host over 300 senior leaders who will engage in discussions regarding AI-powered supply chain management, inventory visibility, and sustainability practices.

Notable keynote speakers include Sally Gilligan, Chief Supply Chain and Transformation Officer at Gap, along with other executives from leading brands like David Yurman and lululemon, who will share their insights on harnessing technology for enhanced operation catering in the supply chain space.

Conclusion

As Rethink Retail broadens its portfolio of executive communities beyond its existing Media in Retail and AI in Retail networks, SCiR is a timely development aimed at strengthening collaboration across the retail supply chain landscape. Applications for membership in this transformative community are currently open, inviting forward-thinking supply chain leaders to contribute to the future of retail.

To learn more about joining the SCiR community, interested executives can visit Rethink Industries.

Rethink Retail is committed to accelerating the future of retail through collaboration and insights among industry leaders.