# 613. Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard.  ## Episode metadata - Episode title: 613. Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard. - Show: Freakonomics Radio - Owner / Host: Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher - Guests: [Jeff Kinney](https://share.snipd.com/person/ef2c6a10-25d9-4580-9860-435142bc0f7f), [Tony Spring](https://share.snipd.com/person/38f673ac-d694-4bd7-8a56-f44cfb5e7e32), [Mark Cohen](https://share.snipd.com/person/a7e4abba-4e56-4e64-ad91-8c3f5f2f539f) - Episode publish date: 2024-11-28 - Episode AI description: Tony Spring, CEO of Macy's Inc., shares insights on revitalizing the iconic brand amidst evolving retail challenges. Mark Cohen, former director of retail studies at Columbia, discusses the impact of market shifts on traditional stores like Macy's. Jeff Kinney, beloved author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, reveals his commitment to restoring his hometown through his independent bookstore. The conversation dives into the importance of cultural events, customer loyalty, and community connections in navigating the future of retail. - Mentioned books: [Diary of a Wimpy Kid](https://share.snipd.com/book/088fc8ba-fa05-444b-9f14-d9201dd1b679) by [Jeff Kinney](https://share.snipd.com/person/ef2c6a10-25d9-4580-9860-435142bc0f7f) - Duration: 01:01:34 - Episode URL: [Open in Snipd](https://share.snipd.com/episode/4caa0e40-72b3-4af0-a6fd-fd9057468969) - Show URL: [Open in Snipd](https://share.snipd.com/show/77af7fd9-dd24-4eb7-baf2-0910959d19bb) - Export date: 2026-05-08T10:38:03 ## Snips ### [1min snip](https://share.snipd.com/snip/2c7b2515-bed2-49a1-9c49-67274f530536) 🎧 31:19 - 32:19 (01:00) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/54dcf92d-34c3-4848-a7af-9fa86c06b8f1" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> --- ### [1min snip](https://share.snipd.com/snip/cc8b51ff-1e7e-47a3-aab7-211212ccb70d) 🎧 37:24 - 38:24 (01:00) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/d077f044-b41f-4995-af22-49210daa44c0" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> --- ### [1min snip](https://share.snipd.com/snip/2f11e523-d331-42e6-9d59-fa77c7fd8c1c) 🎧 54:14 - 55:14 (01:00) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/c86d9362-0639-4c1a-aae1-97b98f652d25" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> --- Created with [Snipd](https://www.snipd.com) | Highlight & Take Notes from Podcasts