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Laura Ritchey is EVP and COO at Radial, an e-commerce fulfillment solution provider that works with retailers like Calvin Klein, Express, and Gymshark.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? My role as EVP and COO of Radial is to partner with our clients and teams to ensure we deliver a customer’s online order to the destination as promised. Although inflation is starting to cool now, it tightened consumer wallets and placed additional significance on the orders people do make. I don’t take that purchase decision for granted, and I know I am accountable for ensuring we get deliveries into customers’ hands within the expectation that was set when they ordered.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? At Radial, I am privileged to lead a highly diverse and inclusive team comprised of individuals from various countries, backgrounds, and identities. This diversity brings vibrancy to our team and enriches our collective perspectives. We are also committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique viewpoints and innovative solutions.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? I love a challenge, so my favorite project is any chance my team and I get to resolve an issue or address something that is not working as expected. Throughout my career, I have had several new site launches that required special care to help them achieve their objectives. Most recently, the launch of new automation has presented some unique challenges when we need to meld existing technology with new robots.
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Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about this year, and why? I am excited that the supply chain has become a strategic focus for supporting the consumer experience. More brands are beginning to see the impact of delivery expectations on brand loyalty and customer satisfaction, so supply chain should be factored into multiple areas of business strategy.
What’s your go-to coffee order? I don’t drink coffee—only green tea. Unlike many of my colleagues, I didn’t start drinking coffee in college, so I guess I don’t know what I’m missing. I’m content with my green tea, though!
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? Push through a decision even when your gut tells you to reconsider. I’ve found that the gut is usually right. Taking a beat to make a decision is much better than the re-work that can go into a wrong decision. It can be hard to listen to your gut at the beginning if you’ve quieted it for a while, but it gets easier the more you practice.
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? Back in the day, my favorite retail product was the Candie’s clog. It had the tan heel and a strap across the top—they were the ones to have. Currently, I love my On Cloud 5 sneakers. Practical and comfortable footwear is today’s trend, and I hope it never leaves us.