A Q&A With Top Women in Retail Honoree Karen Beebe, SVP and Chief Technology Officer, Bealls, Inc.

Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) recently released its 15th annual Top Women in Retail report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who impressed us as well as colleagues from the industry. Karen Beebe is one such example. Here’s a sampling of Beebe’s interview featured in the report.

Women in Retail Leadership Circle: As a 100-plus year-old retail organization, how is Bealls Inc. thinking about technology to keep it relevant going forward?
Karen Beebe: Bealls, Inc. operating under the names of bealls, Bealls Florida, and Home Centric, has remained agile for 110 years, consistently navigating and thriving amidst industry shifts. From the Great Depression, two World Wars, financial booms and busts, natural disasters, and a national pandemic, the company has relied on its visionary entrepreneurialism to guide next steps. Bealls, Inc. is committed to bringing value and brands to its guests (customers) and “outfitting the family for less” in over 650 stores across the U.S. and online.  

Across the company we have been working to modernize our systems with innovative solutions, aiming to provide a seamless omnichannel experience for our guests while empowering our associates to better meet their needs. Technology is moving fast, and we are strategically positioning our current and future technical solutions to take full advantage of new capabilities as they become available. As systems such as core merchandising, order management, and e-commerce are replatformed, we’ve established a foundation that enables us to take advantage of new functionality and transform how we operate the business.

WIRLC: How are you fostering innovation within the organization to differentiate Bealls, Inc. from competitors in the market?
KB: Two of the Bealls, Inc. values are openness and transparency. Openness is being open to all points of views and opinions. Transparency is being open with your information with others — sharing and communicating. This inclusive approach encourages associates at all levels to share ideas, fostering greater efficiencies in how we operate. The value of empowerment allows teams to make decisions; you do not need to control everything. Empowerment drives the sharing of ideas and the execution of change at all levels, promoting a resilient environment of “we can.”

I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with great retail brands over the years and this culture is unlike anything that I have experienced. Matt Beall, CEO of Bealls, Inc., has encouraged the organization onto a path that enables self-development and a deeper connection with our values. It is truly a differentiator and unique.

WIRLC: As a technology leader, what are the talents and skillsets that you look for when building a team?
KB: Building a strong team as a technology leader involves looking for a mix of technical skills and personal attributes that align with the company’s values. While technical proficiency is a point of entry, it’s an entrepreneurial spirit and a learning mindset that is important. With the fast pace of retail and the ever-changing technology landscape, the ability to adapt and change is key. Having team members who are open to learning, open to sharing their ideas and opinions, and feel empowered to make change has all the elements of a high-performing team.

When I joined Bealls, Inc., I was impressed with the longevity of team members. This is a testament to a great culture. The combination of historical knowledge, openness to new approaches and ideas, and the embrace of all the technology changes makes for a well-balanced team that can make anything happen.

WIRLC: What excites you about the future of the retail industry as it relates to new technology and innovations?
KB: As a technology leader, I’m incredibly excited about the future of the retail industry. The landscape is evolving rapidly, and technology is at the forefront of this transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI and now agentic AI, will change the way we work today and it will continue to evolve in ways that we have not yet imagined.

Omnichannel retailing is a reality, creating seamless and unified shopping experiences across various platforms. Whether guests are shopping online, in-store, or through mobile apps, technology enables us to provide a consistent and convenient experience. This level of personalization will create an experience reminiscent of the movie “Minority Report.”   

Immersive experiences with the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping the way customers interact with products, allowing them to visualize and experience items before making a purchase. Robotics and automation advancements in supply chain technology continue to streamline operations and improve efficiencies.

The focus on sustainability and ethical practices is gaining momentum as well. Technology is enabling us to adopt more sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, optimizing energy usage, and ensuring ethical sourcing.

WIRLC: What’s a lesson you learned that changed you as a leader?

• KB: Believe in Yourself: It’s easy to say but hard to do. Often, we let the voice in our head convince us to stay silent and not share our opinions. This self-imposed limitation holds us back. Give yourself permission to speak up, be bold, and share your thoughts. Embrace who you are and let your voice be heard.
• Relationships Are Key: The depth of relationships matters. It’s about building connections where your peers genuinely support you during tough times, whether personal or professional. This support should extend across all levels — top, peer, and direct reports. Are you truly engaging in your relationships or just exchanging pleasantries? Cultivate relationships where mutual support is a given.
• Be at Your Best: Strive to be your best and be present for yourself and others. If you’re not feeling your best, acknowledge it. Awareness of your feelings and moods is crucial.  If you’re not at your best, change your approach or reschedule that next meeting. Curiosity and gratitude can help elevate your mood and bring you back to your best self.