Ron Thurston, Retail In America Host interview with Terri Murphy

Ron brings real-world expertise from working directly with retail frontline teams at some of the world's most recognized brands—including Apple, Gap, West Elm, Tory Burch, Bonobos, and Saint Laurent.

About Ron

Ron Thurston spent three decades leading frontline retail teams at Apple, Gap, West Elm, Tory Burch, Bonobos, and Saint Laurent. He's the two-time #1 bestselling author of 

• RETAIL PRIDE and HUMAN PRIDE,
• host of the Retail in America podcast, and a two-time NRF Retail Voice (2025 & 2026). Today he speaks and advises on what actually makes frontline teams perform in the age of AI — the human edge of selling.

• You led thousands of frontline associates at Apple, Gap, and Saint Laurent — what did the sales floor teach you that a boardroom never could?
• Your books are RETAIL PRIDE and HUMAN PRIDE— what's the difference, and why does pride matter more in the age of AI, not less?
• Everyone says AI will replace parts of retail. You argue it makes one human skill more valuable than ever — what is it?
• You draw a hard line between customer service and selling — why does that distinction matter for anyone who leads a team or builds a business?
• This audience is full of people building their own brands and businesses.  What does the retail floor teach us about earning and keeping a customer for life? 

• LinkedIn: com/in/rthurston
• Instagram: @retailpride
• Website: com
• Podcast: Retail in America on Apple and Spotify 
• Hahtags:#RetailPride #HumanPride  #FrontlineLeadership #RetailInAmerica