January 13, 2026 | (Denver, Colorado) — STIMULATE Founder, Nicole Leinbach Hoffman, has been honored once again as one of RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Experts for 2026, solidifying her place among the world’s most influential voices in retail. Hoffman has been recognized on this prestigious global list since 2020 — a testament to her ongoing impact, insight, and leadership in the industry.
Presented annually by RETHINK Retail, this distinction celebrates thought leaders, strategists, and innovators whose work fuels the evolution of retail and consumer trends. The Top Retail Experts community brings together professionals across various retail focused categories who are actively shaping what’s next in retail.
I’m deeply honored to be included again on this remarkable list alongside so many inspiring retail leaders,” said Hoffman. “Retail is in a period of historic transformation, and I’m proud to contribute to the conversations and strategies that help move our industry forward. This recognition reflects not just my work, but the incredible community of retail professionals I’m lucky to learn from and collaborate with every day.”
Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is well respected as the Founder of STIMULATE, the nation’s only trade show and conference dedicated to sexual wellness brands and retailers, Founder of RetailMinded.com, is the Author of Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business (McGraw-Hill), an adjunct professor of Retail Marketing and a frequent speaker at a variety of retail focused events worldwide. Hoffman has been a contributor to Forbes, Entrepreuner.com, Fox News, The Today Show, NBC Media and more, and has a regular column with Smart Retailer magazine. Her career has been marked by a consistent focus on empowering leaders, strengthening retail strategy, and championing innovation through education that powers decision makers to make more strategic, more revenue producing decisions for their unique businesses.
The full list of Top Retail Experts 2026 can be viewed here.
For more from Nicole Leinbach Hoffman and STIMULATE, visit StimulateTheShow.com.
About STIMULATE
STIMULATE is a leading B2B event dedicated to elevating the sexual wellness, intimacy, and modern retail industries through education, community, innovation, and connection. Known for its inclusive environment and industry-forward programming, STIMULATE offers retailers, brands, and professionals meaningful opportunities to grow, learn, and lead. Returning to Nashville in August 2026, STIMULATE will feature more than 40 dynamic sessions, an exclusive ASK THE DOCTORS track, and over 100 exhibiting brands spanning men’s health, feminine care, pleasure products, and lifestyle innovation – plus an Emerging Brand experience. Designed for retailers, healthcare professionals, educators, and creators, STIMULATE continues to elevate the conversation around sexual wellness with a modern, inclusive, and evidence-informed approach. Learn more at StimulateTheShow.com.
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