Our first interview of the year is with the ever insightful Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist at Deloitte. More and more the ever shifting forces of the macro-economy are informing retailers' strategies, and we can't think of a better guest to help us make sense of trends in inflation, interest rates, labor markets, and more. In a wide-ranging discussion we learn Ira's outlook on pricing across a spectrum of commodities, whether the US will sink into recession, and how China's surprise re-opening will impact global markets. We also go deep on the challenging labor market and his fascinating belief that some companies are engaged in "labor hoarding." This is truly a can't miss episode.But first we dip into the week in retail news, including what to make of surprisingly strong US GDP numbers, the continuing strength of most labor markets, and how long COVID is keeping a large number of workers on the side lines. We also unpack Whole Foods plans to add stores and Amazon's jacking up of grocery delivery prices before opining on Wall Street's love for layoffs at Wayair. We close by trying to figure out all the activity in the once sleepy mattress market and why Levi's had a pretty decent quarter when many of its customers are flailing.******We're headed to Las Vegas in March for another edition of Shoptalk. Retailers and brands can get a Shoptalk ticket for a reduced rate of just $1950 rate here using our special discount code RBREMARK1950. About IraDr. Kalish is the Chief Global Economist of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. He is a specialist in global economic issues as well as the effects of economic, demographic, and social trends on the global business environment. He advises Deloitte clients as well as Deloitte’s leadership on economic issues and their impact on business strategy. In addition, he has given numerous presentations to corporations and trade organizations on topics related to the global economy. He is widely traveled and has given presentations in 47 countries on six continents. He has been quoted by the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Financial Times. Dr. Kalish holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Vassar College and a PhD in international economics from Johns Hopkins University. About UsSteve Dennis is an advisor, keynote speaker and author on strategic growth and business innovation. You can learn more about Steve on his       website.    The expanded and revised edition of his bestselling book  Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption is now available at  Amazon or just about anywhere else books are sold. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a      Forbes senior contributor and on       Twitter and       LinkedIn. You can also check out his speaker "sizzle" reel      here.Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global E-Commerce Tech Talks  ,      The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and now in its second season, Conversations with CommerceNext!  You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!