Tom Ryan

About

I started my journalism career at Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), writing about entrepreneurs obsessed with their vision, consumers jumping on the latest fashion buzz, and emerging tech reimagining the shopping experience. Often, that vision got cloudy, trends converted to fads, and technological advances turned more disruptive than profitable. I went on to cover the business side of the active lifestyle industry at Sporting Goods Business, a niche trade publication. Writing about retailers and brands supporting everyone from runners to skiers, hikers, surfers and hunters, a shared focus for consumers in the space was getting healthier, getting in touch with the outdoors or nature, and otherwise accomplishing some often life-changing pursuit or goal. I also continue to write for RetailWire, the leading blog/discussion website in the retail space exploring everything from bored retail associates and dirty bathrooms to excessive promotions and invasive algorithms. Beyond covering the "thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat" at retail, my wife and I live on the famed and still vibrant St. Marks Place in Manhattan's East Village with a sweet dog. I've run five marathons, tackled stand-up comedy and play a wimpy guitar (more Neil Young than James Taylor). Storytelling continues to be my passion, whether inspiration or adapting to change.