Thinking about launching your own product line? You're in the right place. Join me for a conversation with Jacqueline Snyder, a seasoned retail expert with over 20 years of diverse product experience, from fashion design to startup consulting. As the CEO and founder of The Product Boss and The Product Boss Podcast, Jacqueline has empowered tens of thousands of small business owners to create life-changing product businesses through her top 10 ranked podcast, masterminds, and educational programs...
Jan 28, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 54
In today’s after-the-show we are diving deeper into some of the ideas that I discussed with Nicole Linebach in episode 52 of Rooted in Retail. I emphasize the importance of using data to understand consumers and share ideas for keeping up with changing buying behaviors, such as surveying audiences, getting the right information, and creating unique in-store experiences that will allow you to connect with your customer. I also offer advice on finding inspiration in unexpected places like gallerie...
Jan 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 53
Welcome to a value-packed episode featuring Nicole Leinbach, the seasoned expert behind RetailMinded.com and STIMULATE, a thriving business-to-business sexual wellness trade show. Back in 2023, Nicole saw an opportunity in an untapped market and took the leap. Today, she’s here to share her secrets on how you can seize opportunities, align them with your goals, and make waves in the retail world. Nicole's accolades span across renowned publications like The Today Show, Forbes, and Entrepreneur.c...
Jan 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 52
In our second episode of 'After the Show' for 'Rooted in Retail', I am sharing insightful tips for increasing the success of your e-commerce stores, drawing from this week’s conversation with Josh Orr of Capital Commerce. We dive deeper into website design, brand messaging, product photography, and return policies. Join the conversation in our Facebook Group ‘Rooted In Retail” [00:00] Welcome to After the Show [03:22] Grab the Transformational challenge before the end of January [04:15] This wee...
Jan 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 51
Ever wondered how often to update your online store and what updates matter most? Today, we're diving into an essential topic for all online retailers: the art of e-commerce strategies for your store. Joining me is none other than Josh Orr, one of the leading voices in e-commerce today. As the founder of Capital Commerce and the host of The Retail Initiative podcast, Josh specializes in helping brick-and-mortar retailers thrive in the online space. This episode is a goldmine for indie retailers ...
Jan 14, 2024•53 min•Ep. 50
It’s our very first After the Show LIVE! Each week I will be hosting a live session in our Rooted in Retail Facebook Group on Tuesdays at 5pm MT. These sessions not be a recap - but instead will let us dive deeper into this week’s podcast episode. In today’s discussion, we talk about the importance of creating customer experiences within retail stores, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and the need for regular investment in personal and professional development. Be sure to join th...
Jan 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 49
Have you ever wondered what keeps successful retailers ahead in the financial game? Today, we're diving headfirst into retail business strategy and finance with Kathy Cruz, the co-founder of Savage Boutique. From humble beginnings as a DIY blog to a thriving brick-and-mortar store, Kathy's journey is seriously inspiring. In just 18 months of launching her blog with her sister, they expanded to a profitable retail store. It continues to grow without any debt, all while Kathy works less than 20 ho...
Jan 07, 2024•38 min•Ep. 48
It is the last episode of 2023 and we are closing on an incredible year. This was one of the best years that I have had at Crystal Media. I had the opportunity to speak at 18 different shows, connected with so many retailers in person and I started this show. We have had some great conversations. As the year comes to an end I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being on this journey with me. I share some of the top listener-mentioned episodes as well as the top 5 episodes of the year. I sha...
Dec 24, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In the world of branding, it's not just about logos and slogans—it's about building an unforgettable narrative. Meet Kelly Bennett, a seasoned brand strategist based in New York City, here to guide indie retailers through the art of crafting compelling brand stories. For over a decade, Kelly's been the creative mastermind behind numerous award-winning brands. Beyond that, she's the founder behind an emerging brand incubator, with a diverse portfolio spanning food and beverage, home, lifestyle de...
Dec 17, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In the digital age, a retailer's online visibility is as crucial as their in-store experience. Join us in this eye-opening webinar as we delve deep into the world of online business listings. Crystal reveals alarming statistics, showing that while 89% of consumers rely on online searches to make buying decisions, nearly half of all unmanaged listings are inaccurate or missing vital information, leading to missed sales opportunities. Uncover the transformative power of the 'Get Listed' service, i...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 45
*Originally Aired on The Retail Whore Podcast* Get ready for a dynamic conversation with Michelle Sherrier owner of MC Design Collaboration and The Retail Whore Podcast Host, and social media expert and host of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis, as they unpack the intricacies of retail in the digital age. They explore the influence of social media and AI on the industry, share holiday marketing strategies, and discuss the balance of work and personal life. So much is discussed, you're going to...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this enchanting I had the pleasure of hosting the most distinguished guest to date – the one and only Santa Claus. Santa graciously shared his invaluable insights and expertise to help independent retailers thrive during the bustling holiday season. From managing the festive rush to creating magical in-store experiences, Santa's advice was filled with practical wisdom and heartwarming creativity. He emphasized the significance of planning ahead, maintaining high morale, and creating a delight...
Dec 03, 2023•24 min•Ep. 43
Lakefront property—yep, every retail location has some. Along with speed bumps, these are some of the most powerful, money making spots in your store. Georganne Bender of Kizer and Bender is a consumer anthropologist, keynote speaker, author, and consultant who has helped tens of thousands of businesses in retail and countless other industries since 1990. During our conversation, Georganne explains how the store transformations she has been a part of have been all about layout, often not changin...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 42
First things first, if you aren’t watching this episode, head over to YouTube so you can see Russ’s amazing suit! You can tell by looking at him that former retailer and long-time home and gift rep Russ Jones nails personal branding. Russ’s flair for Broadway, his dazzling suit, and his passion for retailers are part of his authentic story. In this episode, we’re in person at the Las Vegas Market, where Russ gives retailers a tip on how to walk the market to build THEIR story. Straight from the ...
Nov 19, 2023•35 min•Ep. 41
Before opening White Arrows Home in August 2020, Kristin Lenz had no retail or business experience. Instead, she refers to herself as an innately creative dreamer. As you listen in, you will see just how true that is! Kristin shares the behind the scenes story of how her Instagram blog and lifestyle brand became the store it is today, just three years later. When you’re opening a retail store for the first time, it can be hard to know when to hire and who to hire. White Arrows Home was open for ...
Nov 12, 2023•58 min•Ep. 40
What if you stopped hiding behind the YOU, you think everyone wants to see and show the world who you really are? This is what speaker, author, and friend Jen Gottlieb says it means to be seen. BE SEEN is her new book, available now and full of resources, tools, and tips for anyone. But today we’re taking Jen’s incredibly transformative advice and applying it to you, retailers! I know that many retailers hold themselves back because they don’t feel perfect. Jen shares something that is so true a...
Nov 05, 2023•57 min•Ep. 39
Okay, before we get going... let out a big sigh! Notice how you feel? In this episode, Dr. Nicole Villegas is explaining Sensory Awareness and how something as simple as a sigh can impact your vagus nerve and bring you to a calm and collected state. As retailers, you are creative beings. Likely aware of how your products affect the senses of your customers. But what about you? By supporting your sensory awareness and your sensory experience and using the tools Nicole shares today, you can move y...
Oct 29, 2023•54 min•Ep. 38
If you are feeling stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, or in just general disarray, this one’s for you! As we head into the holiday season, things might be challenging. My mentor, friend, and returning guest, Patricia Norins is sharing her story of burnout, how she overcame it, and tools you can actually use to support yourself. So how do you walk through the fire and get to the other side? Take a step back. This is something we come back to over and over in the episode. Just really take time to ...
Oct 22, 2023•50 min•Ep. 37
How are you supporting yourself and your health as you dive into the busy holiday season? Too often retailers find themselves burned, drained, and stressed in the midst of the happiest time of the year. My personal doctor of nearly a decade, Dr. Michelle Wolford, is with me to share 5 steps you can put into action to change your health to not only support you in Q4 but the rest of your life. Techniques - Dr. Wolford shares a great morning routine to get your days started off right: Wake up, Orga...
Oct 15, 2023•40 min•Ep. 36
As retail heads into a busy holiday season, live from Las Vegas Market, Dawn Grooters of Broken Vessel Sales joins me to help you prepare. There is a common theme in our discussion today: relationships and connection = MORE sales. Dawn shares tips to reach customers by standing out with events, gift wrapping, open houses, and the lost art of phone calls. You can use phone calls to personally invite your loyal customers to events, check on abandoned carts, and get to know their needs. The more yo...
Oct 08, 2023•23 min•Ep. 35
When I first saw Piccolo Mondo on social media, you would rarely, if ever, see the face of owner Michelle Smith. Now that she has done the work, changed her mindset, and is doing it afraid, and she has seen the results. Michelle felt nervous, vulnerable, and afraid to show up on a livestream for her customers. But she took the leap. With advice, research, and the support of her friend, she started filming Toy Talk Tuesdays. These lives have become wildly successful, with the replays reaching mor...
Oct 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 34
Vintage lovers, hobbyists, retailers... Listen in! Kelly Gunn is the owner of Part-Time Pickers, an online vintage retailer! What started out as a fun hobby transformed into a 6 figure business. Kelly’s success didn’t happen by accident; she has a course teaching exactly how she did it, and in today’s episode, she is dropping some of her secrets! You know I am all about the power of social media, and that is exactly where Part-Time Pickers grew into what it is. Kelly shares how to get off the co...
Sep 24, 2023•46 min•Ep. 33
When you finish this episode, I think you’ll agree with Beth Rich’s new nickname “Brilliant Beth”. Five years ago, Beth bought Mix It Up Home & Gift; now she has TRIPLED sales in the last four years. Another shocking key to her success... averaging 70 store events a year! Beth is fortunate to have two stores that thrive in a resort downtown area that participate in dozens of events yearly, which add to her sales, but she has a super unique take on a private event…laundry night. These nights ...
Sep 17, 2023•44 min•Ep. 32
It’s your lucky day. Today, my Rooted in Retail listeners get an Evolve Exclusive. Mark Schaefer of Schaefer Marketing Solutions shares business stories, branding examples, and insight that will help you attain that human touch you need to succeed in today’s business landscape. It’s time to look at your customers as more than just the people buying your product; they are the heroes and the marketers. Mark shares that ⅔ of marketing actually occurs without the business owner but instead through c...
Sep 10, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 31
Nestled into a neighborhood shopping center in El Cerrito, CA, are Jenny K. Gift Shop and Well Grounded Tea & Coffee, both owned by Jen Komaromi and her husband. I got the chance to chat with Jen in person at the Las Vegas Market, and having been in business for 20 years, she has some great tips to share. Retailing with your family is a full commitment, but Jen wouldn’t have it any other way. When it comes to ordering products, creating training, menu development, running the books, and all ...
Sep 03, 2023•28 min•Ep. 30
In this special episode, we recorded Live at the Las Vegas Market. It may be August when this is airing, but as retailers, you know the is coming! The holidays are a big time of year for retailers across nearly all niches, from decorating to gifts. Returning from episode 4 (if you haven't listened to this one yet, be sure to you don’t want to miss it) is Michelle Sherrier from The Retail Whore Podcast. She is sharing her design, planning, and merchandising expertise when it comes to all things h...
Aug 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 29
Toying around with the idea of opening another location? This is the crash course you need. In just 30 minutes, AdreAnne Tesene and I cover an insane amount of resources, tips, and advice. As the owner of Two Bostons with 7 locations, AdreAnne shares that 7 stores is nothing compared to that first leap of 1 to 2. What factors should you consider when you're opening a second store? Location, Operations, Inventory, Staffing, and Marketing... Don’t forget to get your notes out because you don’t wan...
Aug 20, 2023•34 min•Ep. 28
We’re welcoming Vi Wickam back this week, this time to talk all about Google Ads. How do they work? Where should you be showing up? A little secret… The first 3 results in each section of a google search result is a paid ad. You are not going to get those spots if someone else is willing to pay and you aren't. Vi breaks down the landing page of a search results into types of ads: Standard Text Ads (these are your text based ads, strongly related to key words) and Display Ads (these are visual ad...
Aug 13, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 27
When someone is looking for what you're selling…are they finding you first? My dear friend and web guy, Vi Wickam, joins me today to drop some crucial tips on SEO for both brick and mortar and e-commerce retailers. We all Google everything. So it’s no surprise that when your customers want to find something, they Google it too. How are you showing up? Vi breaks down the structure of Google results and how your retail business may fit into these sections ads, Shopping, Organic Results, Google Map...
Aug 06, 2023•52 min•Ep. 26
First things first, branding is WAY more than designing a logo. It’s the colors, the fonts, the visuals, and the icons, and at Dox Design, it's the textures and custom patterns too! Kaila Piepkow is the Founder of Dox Design. She is a go to branding professional, creative, and hype gal, and she shares some incredible tips for retailers in this episode. Creating a brand means creating a visual story that resonates with your PCG. These visuals should be able to tell your audience who you are witho...
Jul 30, 2023•36 min•Ep. 25
