In episode 434 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kathy Doyle Thomas, president of Half Price Books (HPB), a chain of new and used bookstores. Listen in as Doyle Thomas provides an overview of the HPB's business (0:50), discusses her career with the company (2:25), offers insight into how the resale book industry has evolved over the years (4:45), and shares what HPB is doing to differentiate its brick-and-mortar stores (10:10).

In addition, Doyle Thomas discusses how HPB is leveraging a circular commerce model (17:30), as well as shares the company's plans for 2024 (21:45), including how it's creating a workplace culture that retains employees (25:20). Lastly, she discusses the importance of customer connection through physical retail locations (29:20).

Kathy Doyle Thomas, president, joined Half Price Books in July 1989. During her time with the company, she has helped to grow Half Price Books into the largest family-owned bookstore chain in the United States. In her various roles over the years, she has overseen national marketing efforts, customer service and risk as well as all real estate purchases, store expansion criteria, and site selection. She is also president of Half Price Books Community Services, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports various community programs. Thomas was awarded the Silver Award by the National Retail Federation for her achievements in her field and making a major contribution to the retail industry. She received the Community Service Award from the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi in 2020. Thomas is on the board for Feed the Children, Junior Charity League of Dallas, and the College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism at The University of North Texas, and is a member of the marketing task force for Texas Christian University.