This week, I talked to Susan Negen from Whizbang Training, and I hope you had the opportunity to listen to that episode because it was packed with so much actionable advice. She is so rooted in retail and gives some great tips that can save you so much time and make you a way more efficient retailer. We also talked about the power of learning and online education and investing in ourselves.  But today I wanted to share with you my biggest takeaways and why I think these are so important...

How do indie retailers juggle the daily demands of their stores and keep things running smoothly without feeling overwhelmed? It all starts with having efficient operations in place. I’m excited to be sitting down with Susan Negen today. Not only is she a dear friend, but she’s also the co-founder of Whizbang! Training, with over 20 years of experience helping independent retailers build better, more fulfilling businesses. We’re diving into retail operations and how you can leverage them...

Today we are celebrating the first anniversary of the 'Rooted in Retail' podcast, which officially launched on March 6th, 2023. I can’t help but reflect on the podcast's achievements over the past year, including reaching 25,000 downloads and nearly 1,000 members in the Facebook group.  This week's episode took on a different format as we did a call-in-style show. During After the Show I shared some of the topics that were covered, but the one thing I want to encourage you to do is to become...

Welcome to a very special episode of Rooted In Retail!  Can you believe it? It's our first birthday, and I’m so thrilled about the incredible journey we’ve had together over the past year. From inspiring guests to your heartwarming reviews and the community we’ve built together, it's been nothing short of amazing. I love hosting this show, and I've got a treat for you in today's episode to mark this special milestone! In celebration of our one-year anniversary, I invited our Facebook...

In this episode of 'After the Show', host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses various topics related to retail growth and challenges, focusing on insights drawn from a conversation with Andrew and Claire Bowen, authors of the bestselling book 'The Daily Grind'. Through exploring the importance of being famous for something in your retail business, tips on checking profits weekly, and strategies for driving foot traffic, the episode offers actionable advice for retail store owners. Also covered are...

Today, we're shaking things up and venturing beyond traditional retail to dive into the world of coffee shops. What lessons can we learn from the cozy corners of your favorite neighborhood cafes? I had a lovely conversation with Andrew and Claire Bowen, the authors of the award-winning coffee book The Daily Grind. While their book was originally meant to be an extension of their business, it unexpectedly took off and turned them into industry coaches.  Now, Andrew and Claire are here to...

In this episode of 'After the Show', we are live from Palm Springs after our first Oasis of Opportunity Retreat. I want to discuss additional strategies for retailers to focus on in 2024. I am joined by special guests Majda Rensberger from OneCoast and Steph Bechard from Crystal Media.  We are talking about the significance of adapting business strategies to effectively engage customers, the need for talent acquisition and delegation to scale up businesses, and the importance of...

In this episode of Rooted in Retail, we are diving into 7 marketing trends that retailers need to know in 2024. In a world of fast-paced technological changes retailers need to adapt or risk being left behind. Use this as your guide to find the right focus for your shop.  I will discuss the significance of AI in the retail industry, it has the potential to assist in tasks like brainstorming, content generation, and marketing strategy. Retailers should learn to embrace emerging platforms...

In this episode of 'After The Show', we are talking about topics that were discussed in my conversation with retailer Heidi Hardman (Episode 58). I talk about the importance of making marketing a priority for retailers. And I shared some insights about facing fears, self-sabotage, the danger of not having clear priorities, and the benefits of challenging yourself, using some of my own experiences.  I also mentioned two resources that will help you with your social media. The first is our...

In Florida, Polka Dotz isn't just a gift shop – it's a community hub. Today, I’m excited to talk with Heidi Hardman about the remarkable journey that elevated Polka Dotz to local fame in less than a year. If you've ever wondered how to make your store the talk of the town, you're in for a treat with this episode. Heidi generously shares her tips on how to show up everywhere with an omnichannel presence. She also offers practical advice for retailers looking to collaborate with a marketing...

We've got a treat for you today! I’m excited to welcome Jonathan Schulman, president of ceXperencia, back on the podcast for part two of our conversation about the world of customer experience. If you haven’t listened to part one, go check out that episode first and come back for part two. Throughout both episodes, a key theme emerged: the power of the basics. Jonathan drives home the importance of being brilliant at the fundamentals, going back to your roots, and, most importantly,...

Today, I'm joined by Jonathan Schulman, president of CeXperentia—a customer experience devotee and former chairman of the International Home Furnishings Rep Association. He has a provocative and unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in retail, which you’ll see firsthand during this episode. We've got so much to cover that Jonathan and I are extending this conversation into part two. He emphasizes the importance of connecting the dots in the customer experience journey to put you on...

Is your store memorable? There is so much noise in the world today and consumers have so many choices, if your store doesn’t stand out it might be forgotten. This was a theme that came up in my conversation with Jacqueline from The Product Boss and I wanted to spend some time talking about ways you can make your store more memorable. Some ideas you can try are: building a unique brand, telling your story, exceptional customer service, having a specific niche, collaborations, gathering good...

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...

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...

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...

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]...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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,...

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'...

*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...

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...