"Mickey Drexler redefined retail by radically remaking Gap and J.Crew, and working alongside Steve Jobs to guide the creation of the Apple Store. Now Drexler assesses some of the biggest stories in the retail industry today, from the weight of crippling tariffs and U.S. manufacturing skepticism to the controversial American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. Feisty as ever, Drexler shares his unvarnished view on in-office work, AI 's limitations, and why leaders need to follow their gut or get out of the way."
"I think the merchant has gone out of the business a bit. A lot of people who lead the companies in my opinion are not true-born whatever merchants. It's about numbers, it's about earnings, but at the end of the day, the most important issue in any business is the product, the goods. And I don't think a lot of people really pay that much attention to the goods or in fact aren't comfortable with the goods."
Retail leadership has shifted away from merchant instincts toward financial metrics and earnings focus. Product quality and the goods remain the central concern for lasting business success. Many current leaders lack deep merchandising instincts and do not prioritize product design or comfort with goods. Investor pressure often emphasizes short-term earnings over product and brand health. Combining strong product, style, and operational discipline yields sustainable profits. The retail sector faces headwinds including tariffs, skepticism about U.S. manufacturing, controversial marketing choices, debate over in-office work, and the limited capabilities of artificial intelligence. Leaders should trust their instincts or step aside.
Read at Fast Company
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