A prevailing theory amid the e-commerce disruption of the past couple of decades is that not just retail but also wholesale would face unprecedented challenges. The decline of the department store, a major source of sales for brands for more than a century, has only added to that sentiment, as prominent brands like Ralph Lauren and Nike withdrew from those retailers at least to some extent, in favor of selling to customers themselves.

In light of recent research from BMO Capital Markets led by Managing Director Simeon Siegel, however, that withdrawal may not be all that wise. The idea behind brands scaling back their dependence on third-party retailers is to seize control of their identities and boost their margins. But Siegel's research suggests that brands need retail for ample sales – and growth.

Siegel, whose research on this is ongoing, is one of Retail Dive's go-to sources, thanks to his razor-sharp observations, based on his deep dives into the numbers. He often sees what others miss. We sat down with him for this episode of The Backroom so that listeners can see firsthand how enjoyable and informative our conversations with him are. Ben wasn't here for this one, but tune in throughout the year, for his own one-on-one interviews with some of his best sources – and for conversations with Daphne and Ben together about the progress of their reporting on various topics in retail.

Resource links:

• Analysts throw cold water on the great DTC pivot
• Coresight Research predicts 'hybrid' wholesale, DTC model for next 3 years
• These traditional brands are shifting to a DTC model. Here's how.