Nicole Leinbach Hoffman Headshot
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MEET NICOLE LEINBACH.

Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is one of the nation’s most respected retail thought leaders and the Founder of RetailMinded.com, a trusted industry resource since 2007. A frequent contributor to media outlets including The Today Show, Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, and numerous B2B publications, she also writes a long-standing column for Smart Retailer Magazine. Nicole has served as a Spokesperson for American Express’s Small Business Saturday and is the author of Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business (McGraw-Hill, Nicole L. Reyhle) as well as the children’s book Shadow Siblings.

Recognized by Women’s Wear Daily as one of the “25 Most Inspiring Women in Retail” and honored as a Rethink Retail Top Influencer every year since 2015, Nicole’s leadership continues to shape conversations in commerce, community, and the evolving customer experience. In 2023, she was featured by American Eagle on a Times Square billboard as a Global Change Maker for her advocacy in bringing change to mainstream retail environments.

With two decades of industry expertise, including her role as an Adjunct Professor of Retail Marketing at Columbia College in Chicago, Nicole offers dynamic, insightful, and highly engaging presentations to audiences worldwide. Her speaking topics span omnichannel commerce, modern consumer behavior, technology’s impact on shopping, independent retail, community-building, and the future of the retail experience. She has partnered with organizations such as the National Retail Federation, Retail Global Australia, MAGIC Fashion Trade Shows, NY NOW, SuperZoo, Callaway Golf, the American Lighting Association, the Association of Golf Merchandisers, SHE Expo China, and many others.

Calling the Denver area home, Nicole is a proud mom of four (plus three dogs), an avid traveler, and self-described “retail geek” who brings equal parts expertise, energy, and heart to every stage she steps onto.

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My Story

Retail has always been more than a business to me, it’s a living, evolving ecosystem built on people, community, and connection.

What People Are Saying

  • SUSAN REDA — VP of Education Strategy, National Retail Federation

    “
    I was so pleased with how the session turned out. In case you couldn’t see, the room was filled. I knew how the topic would be popular but to see it come to life was a lot of fun. You did an incredible job (as always) of engaging the panelists and giving each their chance to shine. I dare say you opened some doors to new opportunities for each. I appreciate all the time it took to prep, to travel, to be away from family and to deal with the crazy crowds.

    ”

  • QUICO “Q” AYALA — Sales Executive, Specialty Store Services – GlobalShop Attendee

    “

    Your presentation at GlobalShop was amazing! It was easily the best and most interactive of all the seminars that I attended. Very good stuff.

    ”

  • LYNNE SCHWARTZ — Executive Director, Downtown St. Charles Partnership – Member Education Meeting

    “

    Thank you so much for the great presentation! We have heard nothing but positive feedback on the presentation and information you shared. I have also heard very positive feedback on the magazine, as well! We appreciate all of your support.

    ”

  • CHANTAL DEMERS — Store Manager, Canada Museum Association – Retail & Visitor Services Symposium

    “

    Developing your store’s strategic plan session by Nicole Leinbach Reyhle was GREAT!!!! Nicole gave me great ideas!!!

    ”

  • SABRINA ANDRACHUK — Director, Business Intelligence, Haverty’s Furniture – WithIt Conference

    “

    Your session at the WithIt Conference was incredible. I’ve come back to my organization referencing many of the topics you presented. Thank you!

    “

Recognitions I’ve Received

25 Most Inspiring Women in Retail by Women’s Wear Daily
Rethink Retail Top Retail Expert of the Year Since 2015

Keynotes & Presentation Experiences

Nicole Leinbach Hoffman giving a presentation at a conference labeled 'Stimul Sexual + Educate' with an audience listening.
A woman with long blonde hair, glasses, and a black dress speaking at a formal event in a grand ballroom with chandeliers and many seated guests.
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman speaking on stage at the Retail Global event with a large screen behind her that says 'BE STAR STRUCK.'
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman in panel discussion onRetail Council of Canada event in 2018.
Past Presentations
The New Rules of Commerce: 5 Shifts Impacting Retail Today

From shifting consumer expectations to emerging technologies and competitive pressures, staying ahead requires not just awareness, but action.

20 Marketing Ideas to Boost Customer Engagement + Sales Alike (For Real)

Designed for professionals seeking inspiration and actionable strategies, this presentation highlights creative approaches that can be adapted across industries and budgets alike.

Retail Reinvented: What’s Next for Independent Retailers in an Increasingly Competitive Commerce World

In this session, we’ll explore how modern selling experiences, including digital tools, storytelling, entertainment, and employee engagement, are reshaping retail while keeping a personal touch at the center.

The Entrepreneurial Pivot: Leading Through Life’s Personal and Professional Changes

This session is about embracing change with confidence, balancing personal transitions with professional responsibility, and reframing setbacks into breakthroughs.

Real World Retail: 10 Ways to Boost Commerce Success

In this session, Nicole Hoffman, a seasoned retail strategist with hands-on experience guiding brands through change, will share 10 proven strategies for thriving in an evolving commerce environment.

Customer Service in an Era of Struggling Employee Engagement: What You Need to Know

In this session, globally recognized retail strategist and customer experience expert Nicole Hoffman will explore the connection between employee engagement and customer loyalty.

From Foot Traffic to Community Impact: Growing Together as Local Merchants

When local merchants succeed, the whole community wins. This session highlights how downtown merchant associations and community groups can help businesses not only increase visibility and sales but also strengthen the broader local economy.

The Path to Purchase: What Influences Consumers to Spend and How Retailers Can Remain on Their Journey

This session explores how retail operators can understand and influence the modern path to purchase, protect against loyalty breaks, and create experiences that keep customers coming back.

Learn more

Proven Experience. Global Perspective. Real Impact.

Connect with me

Whether you’re planning a conference, organizing a leadership retreat, or looking for a speaker who can bring fresh perspective and real-world insight to your audience, I’d love to learn more about your goals. Every engagement is thoughtfully customized to ensure your audience walks away informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Let’s Work Together