RetailWire Co-Founders: Rick Moss, Al McClain and Santi Briglia
Photos: RetailWire

The Epic Tale of RetailWire and Its Co-Founders Can Now Be Told

RetailWire broke the retail trade media mold when it was founded 22 years ago. This article briefly accounts for the site’s history (facts may be in dispute) and the co-founders behind it.

The RetailWire story goes back years before its founding when two creative types (Rick Moss and Santi Briglia) and an up-and-coming sales guy (Al McClain) worked for the video division of a trade publishing company serving the grocery industry.

The premise was simple. Produce videotaped store tours of supermarkets and create CPG company-sponsored category reviews and mail VHS tapes (see Wikipedia for details on this ancient tech) to grocery chain headquarters executives.

The three were happy until around the time the company was sold to Grayson Bane*, a vulture capitalist. Mr. Bane’s playbook called for buying companies at a discount, firing workers to boost profits and selling quickly before the business collapsed from a lack of financial and human resources.

Mr. Moss, Briglia, and McClain resigned at various points rather than participate in this horror show. A core RetailWire philosophy was born from this experience. Never work for or with a-holes.

Their free agent status provided RetailWire’s co-founders with other ideas, including communicating through a new delivery system called the world wide web. Today we call it the Internet.

The first days were challenging for the co-founders and their brand-new editor-in-chief (me). Dial-up transmission meant the new team’s visual thinkers needed to forget about attaching images (gifs) and video (.avi, .mov, .rv, and .viv) to articles.

It’s hard to explain dial-up connections, but perhaps the following joke will illustrate: “I have a meeting with the person who invented the progress bar during the dial-up era. He will be here in three hours and 12 minutes. No, he’ll be here in six hours and seven minutes. No, he’ll be here….”

RetailWire also aimed to build a community of people in and around retailing who were interested in breaking down silos and open to a diversity of opinions. It took a while, but the discussion forum that RetailWire is known for came together with the addition of BrainTrust panelists (thank you), who shared their insights on a wide range of retailing and related topics. Had the co-founders or their editor been prescient, they might have coined the term social media in 2002. Instead, the term was later popularized after the social networking site FaceMash reinvented itself as Facebook in 2004.

Those early discussions led to the development of the RetailWire “golden rule” that welcomes all to express their opinions on the site as long as they don’t engage in shameless self-promotion or take cheap shots at others.

Time moved on, and so did technology. Steve Jobs and Apple debuted the first iPhone model in June 2007. Mr. Jobs called the new device “a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone.” This new device, he said, was a cross between an iPod (see Wikipedia), a phone and an Internet communicator.

This new device and the later Android competitors brought new production opportunities and challenges. RetailWire needed to create a mobile-optimized experience – check. It needed to be concise (you can read our articles in under two minutes) – check. It needed to continue building the BrainTrust and community that makes RetailWire unique – check.

Expanding bandwidths have opened up new technological opportunities for RetailWire. Videos, which weren’t considered in the days of “You’ve got mail,” are no problem today. The site’s annual Christmas Commercial Challenge included eight videos in the 2022 final.

Earlier this year, the co-founders told staff that RetailWire had been sold. They took great pains to find a buyer who would maintain RetailWire’s editorial independence, design excellence and sense of community. Grayson Bane-types were not considered and Chase Binnie acquired the site.

For myself, Tom Ryan, Matt Stern and other RetailWire long-timers, we thank Rick, Al and Santi.

*Name changed to protect the individual who may disagree with this opinion piece’s personal characterization of him and his business philosophy.

BrainTrust

"It’s so gratifying to see your comments, my friends. We named you the BrainTrust; little did we know you'd become the heart & soul of RetailWire as well. Deep felt thanks."
Avatar of Rick Moss

Rick Moss

Co-founder, RetailWire


"Where else can fearless chroniclers of retail’s best stories compare notes? RetailWire moves the industry ahead. Thanks, Rick, Al and Santi!"

Cathy Hotka

Principal, Cathy Hotka & Associates


"Thank you guys. You will never fully know the profound impact you have made on thousands of retail people. You certainly left your mark! Well done and thanks."

Rich Kizer

Principal, KIZER & BENDER Speaking


Discussion Questions

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What makes RetailWire “RetailWire” for you? Do you have any words of wisdom for Al, Rick and Santi as they move into the next phase of their lives?

Poll

59 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Paula Rosenblum
Noble Member
11 months ago

It’s always fun to hear other pragmatic voices. Thanks guys, for creating a forum on which we could express ourselves.

Have a great future! Life is good!!

Shep Hyken
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you, Rick, Al, and Santi for all you have done for the retail world – and for your great work on RetailWire. And thank you for inviting me to be part of the BrainTrust. Because of you, I’m smarter. I enjoy reading the daily articles, and your “encouragement” to comment has forced me to share thoughts about some fascinating and relevant topics. It’s been a great experience. I wish you all the best in the future. By the way, my definition of retirement is to only do what you love. I hope that you love everything that you will do as you start this new chapter in your lives. And now it’s time to continue the “magic” with the new CEO and leader of RetailWire, Chase Binnie!

Dick Seesel
Trusted Member
11 months ago

I began contributing to RetailWire in 2007, about a year after retiring from Kohl’s and starting my second career as a consultant and undergrad B-school teacher. It’s been a pleasure to contribute to Al, Rick and Santi’s brainchild over the years as it’s kept me engaged in the retail industry during such a tumultuous era. (And boy, did I underestimate the housing crash when I reread some of my early posts.) The founders — and George — have given so many of us a chance to exchange ideas, and I’m forever grateful for that. Best wishes to all of them!

Neil Saunders
Famed Member
11 months ago

There are many sites where you can read up on the latest retail news. But none of them are like Retail Wire! This isn’t just a news portal, it goes way beyond that. Every morning Retail Wire makes me think, and disciplines me to organize my thoughts into a comment. Retail Wire allows me to see new angles through the opinions of highly informed fellow Brain Trusters. But above all that, Retail Wire feels like a little retail home. It’s quite an achievement to have nurtured all of this. I am enormously grateful you created Retail Wire and invited me to be a part of it. Thank you!

Mohamed Amer, PhD
Mohamed Amer, PhD
Active Member
11 months ago

As I entered the Javits Center, I recall it was a bitterly cold and windy morning, even for a typical January in Manhattan. It was 2012 when Tom Redd (a former BrainTrust) and I were part of the SAP entourage at NRF, and Tom organized my meeting with Al McClain to discuss Retailwire. The website was familiar to me; since 2003, with my initial focus on the grocery industry, I had been a regular reader of Retailwire. The topics were not only timely but impactful. It was a way to stay on top of the trends and tap the various points of view. As they say, the rest is history. I’ve had the honor of working with both Al and Rick Moss over the years and have come to admire and value what they created (with Santi Briglia) and the remarkable efforts of the editors. The BrainTrust panelists are wonderful colleagues: opinionated yet calibrated, offering depth and novelty in often witty and memorable soundbites, and I have learned much from them. None, though, would be possible without three entrepreneurs taking the risk and creating a community where one had not existed. Bravo, Rick, Al, and Santi! As we say in the Navy, wishing you fair winds and following seas! You’re the best.

Lisa Goller
Trusted Member
11 months ago

Thank you, Rick, Al and Santi for building a vibrant, brilliant retail community.

Every weekday I have the honor of learning from and connecting with the very best in the retail business thanks to your leadership. This forum is a treasured part of my daily writing practice.

Wishing you a joyous retirement and I hope we get to read your industry insights in upcoming RetailWire discussions.

Dr. Stephen Needel
Active Member
11 months ago

The freedom to offer an opinion, which may or may not be “popular”, and have others discuss it with the Golden Rule in mind makes Retailwire special. That, and the diversity of backgrounds we’ve seen over the years – a lot of expertise shows up each day, and is not shy.

Georganne Bender
Noble Member
11 months ago

A great big thank you from Rich and me for giving us a chance to be part of such an esteemed group! We have both enjoyed talking about retail and a gazillion other topics with each of you. Like whether that really was Jeff Goldblum at Shop.org (it wasn’t) in LA, and then talking the guy into taking a group photo with us anyway. Good times.

We have been known as a team for so long it was nice to be given to an opportunity to share our sometimes wildly different perspectives with RetailWire readers. We wish you great success in whatever you do next, and we hope that you will keep in touch!

Camille P. Schuster, PhD.
Member
11 months ago

As an academic I have been thrilled to be invited to be part of the Brain Trust, to carry on discussions with so many bright, knowledgeable people, and to keep abreast of what is going on in the retail world. All Rick, and Santi had a unique philosophy that has worked so well to generate the expression of many points of view. Their format is excellent and I have been fortunate to be part of the organization. Congratulations on your retirement! May it be everything you are dreaming of.
Cheers,
Camille

Richard Hernandez
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank y’all for creating a platform where we can discuss relevant topics , have fun and sometimes agree to disagree. I wish you all great success in whatever your next adventures in life will be.

Brandon Rael
Active Member
11 months ago

As someone who has grown up in the retail industry, I am so grateful that Al, Rick, and Santi set up this platform. They have built a long-lasting community built on sharing ideas, collaborating, having constructive and respective debates, and learning something new. RetailWire continues to be a respected retail thought leadership platform in a social media world that has evolved into more podcast, streaming, and content-driven. Retailwire has retained its respected place in the industry.

I often read RetailWire when I left the retail industry and joined consulting to gain fresh perspectives, gain knowledge and better understand retail trends. Al and Rick were kind enough to let me join the community five years ago. Once I hit my stride on this platform, I gained my confidence, found my voice, started to write retail thought leadership articles, joined podcasts, became a member of the Rethink Retail Community, and met so many retail thought leaders that I consider friends and colleagues,

I hope and anticipate that RetailWire will continue the working model that Al, Rick, and Santi established while adapting to the age of social media and content. Enjoy whatever life has in store for you, Al, Rick, and Santi. Congratulations and enjoy the journey. Don’t be strangers!

Dave Wendland
Active Member
11 months ago

My history with Al, Rick, and Santi goes back to the early days of IdeaBeat. As I think about my initial invitation from the team to contribute to the BrainTrust and share opinions, ideas, and insights, I marvel at the magic that has become RetailWire. Not only does this forum provide an awesome “playground for the mind,” but it also offers unrivaled wisdom and glimpses into others’ experiences that have been invaluable throughout my career.

I have looked forward to contributing, to learning, and to exploring alongside talented experts. And the community has introduced me to countless visionaries and formed lifelong friendships. Thank you for having the courage — and perseverance — to raise RetailWire from its infancy to today’s relevancy. Best wishes as you embark on your next chapters!

Mark Heckman
11 months ago

A big thank you to Al, Rick and Santi for providing a unique and necessary venue to discuss the many and varied aspects of retailing. I have learned so much from them and the other panelists over the years. I wish them health and happiness as they chose their next assignment….even if it is an adult beverage and a good book.

David Spear
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you Al, Rick and Santi. RetailWire provides a forum for incredible thoughts and insights on topics that are industry leading edge. And the panelists of BrainTrust colleagues that you’ve formed always deliver illuminating commentary that is fun and enjoyable to consume. Wishing the three of you all the best in your retirement and next journeys in life.

Patricia Vekich Waldron
Active Member
11 months ago

RetailWire was always the go-to for online engagement when I ran Cognos and then IBM Retail Marketing. Al was a star ⭐️ in one of our videos. I’ve enjoyed giving my point-of-view and hearing others in respectful, timely discussions on top-of-mind issues.

Al, Rick and Santi: Thank You! Be Proud. Have as much fun as possible. Stay in touch when you can.

Chase: Great to meet you in person and support your efforts to continue the trajectory.

Liz Crawford
Member
11 months ago

RetailWire has been an invaluable go-to source for news analysis and expert opinion during a tumultuous time in the industry. It’s hard to imagine my professional world without it!

On a personal note, it’s been such a pleasure these last 10 – 12 years working with Rick, Al and Santi. Such a warm and welcoming crew! Also – you guys have given me opportunities to express myself and get on a larger stage. Can’t thank you enough.

Have a Wonderful, Well-Deserved Retirement!

Carol Spieckerman
Active Member
11 months ago

There is only one Retail Wire, from the dizzyingly diverse topics provided on the daily, to the respectful but spirited discussions on all things retail, to the virtual family that has formed over many years. Rick, Al, and Santi created the platform that made it all happen. Every morning at 8:30 Central, I’m invited to go beyond passive consumption and think, contribute, and learn new perspectives – all before my second cup of coffee. Thanks, guys for casting the vision and maintaining the magic that compels us Brain Trusters to check our Inboxes every morning. Thanks to Chase for understanding and honoring what makes Retail Wire the retail insights OG!

Jenn McMillen
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you to the ones who make me pause, reflect and articulate every day! How do you appropriately thank people who make you inherently smarter? Perhaps just by saying, Thank you so very, very much for creating this wonderful community of thinkers.

Melissa Minkow
Active Member
11 months ago

I am so grateful for this platform. I never would have dreamed I’d be able to be a part of the community. RetailWire was my go-to source from the very first day of my career in the industry. I wish you all the continued success, and lots of much-deserved relaxation!!

Perry Kramer
Member
11 months ago

THANK YOU Al, Rick and Santi for providing a unique and highly relevant forum for discussing a very broad range of retailing related topics. Everyday there is an opportunity to learn and share in a broad and healthy digital conversation. I wish the entire team continued success.

Bob Phibbs
Trusted Member
11 months ago

It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship. Thanks for supporting my efforts to change the world through the people working and shopping in physical retail. Enjoy the big payout:)

Jeff Hall
Jeff Hall
Member
11 months ago

Rick, Al and Santi – Wishing you each great joy and memorable life experiences in the days and years ahead. Congratulations on your retirements – and thank you for the lasting legacy you have created in RetailWire. You were at the forefront in creating such an engaged community of contributors and readers, and as others have commented, you’ve made us much more informed about so many aspects of the retail industry. We will miss you, remember you with gratitude, and will do our best to carry forward all that makes RetailWire so admired and respected. Cheers!

Steve Montgomery
Steve Montgomery
Member
11 months ago

I want to thank Al, Rick, and Santi for the opportunity to be part of the RetailWire Family Have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in of the great discussions and learned a great deal from the comments by others.

Rachelle King
Rachelle King
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you Rick, Al and Santi for creating a forum that allows thought leaders to be just that. Thank you for welcoming me ino this community and for what continues to be an exceptional experience.

Wishing each of you health and prosperity in this next chapter. Go get’em!

Harley Feldman
Harley Feldman
11 months ago

Being a technology guy in the Retail Industry, I have always found Retail Wire to be a place where the industry experts and people with knowledge can put forth their opinions and positions about what is going on with retailers, providers and experts of all sorts regarding the retail industry. I wish Rick, Al and Santi the best in their future endeavors and thank you for putting together a premier publication for retail news and projections.

Ken Lonyai
Member
11 months ago

Although I’ve been here nine-ish(?) years, penned half a dozenish articles and something like 1,200+ commentaries, I learned some impressive history about RW that I didn’t know.

Thank you, Rick, Al, and Santi for your vision and this forum where some of us with a little knowledge can share ideas civilly amongst ourselves and influence or inspire industry players to create better retail experiences in both brick and mortar and digital commerce. I absolutely believe the combination of vision, leadership, editorial, writing staff, and BrainTrust contributors have gelled beautifully to accomplish that. Your work is memorable and valuable and your legacy will continue for sure.

Oh and at this point it’s certainly safe for us to agree that you guys have OFTEN viewed me as the de facto BrainTrust contrarian. Deserved or not is a debate for another day, but I am happy that being in that position kept you guys on your toes. 🙂

David Naumann
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you, Rick, Al and Santi for all you have done to make RetailWire the best forum for retail insights on current news, trends and issues.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your community. RetailWire has been a great way for me to keep a pulse on the retail industry and it has helped my visibility in the industry. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Raj B. Shroff
Member
11 months ago

It is always a pleasure to read what industry thought leaders think about current topics. Congratulations and best of luck on your next journey!

David Weinand
Active Member
11 months ago

Thanks guys–always appreciate the “No A-Hole” Rule. We at Incisiv subscribe to the same mantra. Enjoy your retirement and thank you for creating this forum!

Ken Morris
Trusted Member
11 months ago

I just want to thank Al, Rick and Santi for creating a forum for ideas that keeps us all focused on what is important in our chosen field. I look forward to 9:15 Eastern time each day when I can put my mind to work on yet another interesting twist on this thing we call retail. Good luck, guys!

Gary Sankary
Noble Member
11 months ago

Congratulations on building a great brand. Thank you for the opportunity to participate. I’ve come to enjoy my morning updates, and getting my mind thinking about the industry. Best of luck in retirement. Well deserved.

Mark Ryski
Noble Member
11 months ago

RetailWire and the BrainTrust have become part of who I am and it’s been a joy and privilege to be a contributor. After 22 years, RetailWire still stands out for its diversity of opinions and insight. That’s a testament to the concept and mission that Al, Rick and Santi created. With profound gratitude and thanks, I wish you all the very best in your next acts.

Evan Snively
Member
11 months ago

RetailWire has been an unexpected find of a community. I think the biggest triumph Al, Rick, and Santi should be proud of is creating a platform that is healthy, encouraging, and inclusive – even while tackling issues that can be divisive.
Personally, RetailWire has been a big help to me in my professional journey, providing an outlet to articulate and refine my POV, surrounded by a slew of extremely smart and genuine individuals. Cheers!

Dave Bruno
Active Member
11 months ago

It’s been a heck of a ride, my friends. Thanks for creating a go-to resource for trending topics, diverse opinions and great conversations. You have truly realized the potential of user-generated content to a degree very few have even come close to matching. Congratulations and good luck, and thanks for all the fish.

Richard J. George, Ph.D.
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you, gentlemen for your passion & dedication for this industry we all love. You have made a real difference. Wishing you all the best in the Renaissance (next chapter) of your lives. Stay safe.

Ricardo Belmar
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you Rick, Al, and Santi for creating such a unique forum for so many of us to share our thoughts on both the challenges and the successes in the retail industry! Although it seems like a short time for me (just under 7 years!) I know others have been part of this BrainTrust far longer – an dI’ve made many friends int eh industry from this amazing group! And while you might not have coined the term social media, I do thin you can take credit for having built a platform that generated so many industry influencers in a time before anyone knew to call them “industry influencers”! Thanks again for creating this incredible platform!

Liza Amlani
Active Member
11 months ago

Thank you Rick, Al and Santi for creating an incredible and dynamic space for retail experts to weigh in on the latest and greatest in retail news!

There is nothing like this platform and I applaud you for creating a space for retail discussion. I am grateful to be part of this wonderful #braintrust group!

Wishing you all the very best in your next adventure!

Bob Amster
Trusted Member
11 months ago

It has been a great experience to participate in sometimes-heated discussions (the best) and to listen and be heard. Best of luck to all of you!

Cathy Hotka
Trusted Member
11 months ago

Where else can fearless chroniclers of retail’s best stories compare notes? RetailWire moves the industry ahead. Thanks, Rick, Al and Santi!

Jeff Sward
Noble Member
11 months ago

I stumbled across RetailWire about seven years ago and was quickly hooked on the daily diet of insights. The forum for conversation, the opportunity to agree or disagree, was a real learning experience. So many professionals, so much experience, so much insight brought to bear on the hot topics of the day. I then worked in China for a little over a year and I found that I missed the daily engagement with RetailWire. I was missing that daily diet of insight and wisdom! So I express my heartfelt thanks to the founders for what they built and what they leave us with. A solid platform for the exchange of ideas about all the many issues confronting retail today. Thank you! And now enjoy all that comes next!

Rich Kizer
Member
11 months ago

Thank you guys. You will never fully know the profound impact you have made on thousands of retail people. From store successes in hard times, to helping grow other critical services that helped, and are now still helping, retail businesses today. You certainly left your mark! Well done and thanks.

Georganne Bender
Noble Member
Reply to  Rich Kizer
11 months ago

I second that profound impact. You guys changed our retail world!

Dave Wendland
Active Member
Reply to  Rich Kizer
11 months ago

The connections made through RetailWire and the learnings have been remarkable. Thanks to the founders for having the fortitude and vision.

John Lietsch
Active Member
11 months ago

What the world needs now is, well, more thinking though a little more love wouldn’t hurt either. Thank you for creating a space for thoughts and ideas to flourish and for the learning that results from hearing different perspectives in a respectful manner (the Golden Rule). Maybe you can extend the format outside of retail and save the world. Why not think big in this next chapter of your lives. Enjoy your next adventure. Friluftsliv!

Ron Margulis
Member
11 months ago

I have a Word document that includes all of the comments I’ve made on RetailWire since February 19, 2002. It is 307 pages long and includes just over 150,000 words. I’m not sure how many comments that is but would estimate about 2,200. In addition, I’ve written 164 discussions going back to October 2002. All of this was done without direct compensation (I have gotten media passes to dozens of trade events, which is a form of compensation as it gets me into those events for free). That’s how good Al, Rick and Santi are. They got me to do what I’ve been charging clients, and before that employers, to do for more than 35 years gratis. And I’ve loved every minute of it. Thanks guys!

Mark Self
Noble Member
11 months ago

Thank you Rick, Al, and Santi for creating this wonderful community! I urge you not “to go gentle into that good night” and make this next chapter just as interesting and fulfilling!

Gene Detroyer
Noble Member
11 months ago

Many of us have a morning routine. Mine revolves around the witching hour of 9:20 AM (approximately) when the day’s discussions are released. Over the past 20-or-so years that I have been pleased to be a member of the BrainTrust group, RetilWire has become part of my life. Yes that is a big statement, but true. Al, Rick, and Santi have established a go-to place to express, share, and embrace new ideas.

One other measure of how good these guys are–in the time where everything is so fast-moving, how many of anything last 22 years?

What is next for you guys?

Rick Moss
11 months ago

It’s so gratifying to see your comments, my friends. We named you the BrainTrust — little did we know that you would become the heart and soul of RetailWire as well. Deep felt thanks.

David Slavick
Member
Reply to  Rick Moss
11 months ago

It is just good to have an entity acknowledge we have a brain besides our neurologist..

Ben Ball
Member
11 months ago

Couldn’t let this discussion go by without a wave from the “old retired BrainTrust alums” section. To Al, Rick and Santi, as the Aussie’s say: “played hard — done good!” Now go enjoy your retirement or next gig. And to paraphrase an old Myron Cohen joke about divorce — “you know why it’s so hard to retire? Because it’s WORTH IT!” And on a personal note, thanks for allowing the “curmudgeon” loophole in the “No A-Hole Rule.” Without it, I and a few others would have never been able to comment on most topics!

Phil Rubin
Member
11 months ago

The philosophy that brought the co-founders together is all too often missing in business (and other areas of life). Thank you Al, Rick and Santi for everything you’ve done with and for RetailWire. It’s always been nothing but a pleasure to read, contribute and share ideas with you, the entire team and the rest of the BrainTrust.

Wishing you nothing but great things as you move on!

Zel Bianco
Zel Bianco
Active Member
11 months ago

Congrats Al, Rick and Santi and best wishes on your new adventures!

I’ve been spending some time with my granddaughters and new grandson for a few weeks and may have missed the big news. It makes me feel old. Not because I’m a Pop Pop, but because I think I was among the first group of people that Rick, Al and Santi invited to become a member of the Retail Wire Brain Trust. It has been a real pleasure to work with you and the entire Retail Wire family! And Rick, “You’re on call this week.”

James Tenser
Active Member
11 months ago

As a “recovering” retail trade journalist, I want to express my profound admiration and gratitude to Rick, Al and Santi for enabling me to satisfy my addiction through RetailWire.
I signed on to the BrainTrust on day one and it was one of the best career decisions I ever made. I haven’t kept an archive of my participation (as Ron M. describes here) but I can offer some math of my own: At approximately 10 comments per month over 22 years, that amounts to 2,650 contributions averaging 150 words – or about 400,000. I’ve contributed a few dozen discussions as well, not to mention a dozen BrainTrust LIVE! and webinar appearances.
This is not meant as a boast. Rather it is an illustration of how consequential RetailWire has been in my business life. The benefits have flowed – manifested in exposure, business opportunities and most importantly personal and collegial friendships that will certainly persist for years to come.