Our SKU'D View

Chris steps in for a brief message to our listeners: Our SKU’D View is taking a brief break for summer. A huge THANK YOU to all our guests this season! If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in the upcoming season, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’ll be back! Credits Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In this episode of the podcast, Emily talks with Nate Smathers and Website Advisor Manager, Victoria Vizard, on the technologies that helped retailers to keep selling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear which technologies were extremely successful and the strategies for continuing the use of these tools and technologies out of the recovery and into the future. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guests: Victoria Vizard and Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily invites Keith Johns back on the podcast to talk about the two types of consumers that will emerge in the recovery – those who are willing to come to the store (Willing Consumer) and the ones who still want to shop online only (Cautious Consumer). Keith goes in-depth on the topic and gives advice on how to connect with these consumers online and in the store, and what should be considered in your messaging to both groups. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Keith Johns Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

MicroD website and ecommerce experts join the podcast episode this week to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the retail world and, more importantly, how digital commerce is helping them in recovery. Join Jay Diamond and Ken Widger as they dive into the digital commerce strategy for retailers who need a plan to start reopening their showroom doors. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guests: Jay Diamond and Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Retailers are looking for advice on building a strong ecommerce website and powerful digital commerce strategy as the states open the economy. Marketing experts, Emily Stalvey and Nate Smathers, talk about what marketing campaigns worked for retailers during the pandemic. And outline some best practice for marketing in the recovery. No matter what impact COVID-19 has on your retail store, you can find advice for your business in our new series "Recovery Strategy" featured all month. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Ecommerce has always been a topic that furniture retailers have avoided in the past. But now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, furniture retailers are starting to embrace ecommerce in a big way. Emily talks with Keith Johns, MicroD's COO, about this shift in attitude. What role does ecommerce play both during and after the crisis? With more consumers shopping for furniture online, is ecommerce for furniture retail a continuing trend? What massive opportunity does ecommerce present to retailers? Listen and find out what can be done to get ahead, and come out strong as this crisis ends. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Keith Johns Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Home furnishings retailers across the country have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – from adjusting their hours to being forced to temporarily close for stay-at-home protocols. So much focus has been on the retailers – but what impacts have the manufacturers faced during this time? Emily asks guest Erika Latham how manufacturers in the home furnishings industry have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. What steps are they currently taking? What are some other ways they can support their retail channels? Note: Apologies for the sound quality on this episode. We recorded this remotely but the topic is so important we had share it. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Erika Latham Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

If you want to make the most of the in-store shopper, find out what online tools can get them across the finish line. Incorporating your online techniques to the retail store creates a seamless online to offline (O2O) business model – and one that only the most successful retailers use in 2020. Take your online store and offline store to the next level with these tools and tips from MicroD experts. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Caleb Fountaine Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

If you want to understand the website trends in furniture retail for 2020, listen to this episode. For a company focused on the furniture industry, MicroD talks with retailers about the positive trends in retail and how local furniture competition is stacking up. Amid uncertainty and after overcoming tariffs, furniture retailers show positive signs that innovation is on the rise. Furniture retailers focused on growing their local business and online presence will find great insight from retail experts in this episode. 2020 is a year of optimism and focus. Emily Stalvey talks with Dalton Stone on what he’s hearing from furniture retailers and their plans for 2020. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Dalton Stone Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Chris Lamb asks Rich Barker on the show to explain his 2020 Facebook Ads strategy to listeners. It's a simple strategy that can make a big impact for your brand. Attention MicroD customers: DRIVE Conference is almost here! REGISTER NOW If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Rich Barker Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Chris and Emily are back together on the podcast as they discuss the online shopping habits of the different generations. What's so surprising about the Boomers? Why is Chris so in love with Generation X? Why are Millennials so misunderstood? Learn the differing characteristics of each generation and how to attract them to your brand! Download a copy of the ebook "Online Shopping Trends: A Guide to Generational Shoppers". DOWNLOAD NOW Attention MicroD customers: 2020 is here and so is the DRIVE Conference! Be sure and register for MicroD's ultimate User Conference. REGISTER NOW If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Hosts: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Ken Widger joins Chris Lamb to continue the discussion on creating the right marketing budget for your business. In this in-depth episode, Ken details the steps to take to determine just how you should spend your digital marketing budget. This episode is based on Clearing the Confusion: Creating the Right Marketing Budget seminar by Ken Widger. To receive a PDF of the seminar, please send an email that includes your Name, Email, and Company Name to marketing@microdinc.com. Attention MicroD customers: TIME IS RUNNING OUT. The Early Bird pricing for registration is ending soon. Register now and SAVE $100. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

He's back! Ken Widger joins Chris Lamb to discuss Ken's popular seminar on creating a proper marketing budget. This episode acts as a perfect guide on how others in the retail furniture industry (and the retail industry in general) are defining their marketing budgets. Clear your confusion and learn how to determine the right amount to spend on your marketing. This episode is based on Clearing the Confusion: Creating the Right Marketing Budget seminar by Ken Widger Attention MicroD customers: TIME IS RUNNING OUT. The Early Bird pricing for registration is ending soon. Register now and SAVE $100. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In this episode, Emily and Chris get — **record scratch** Chris takes on hosting duties this episode as he discusses Local SEO for furniture retail with Khalil Cliette. What is Local SEO? What sort of work is involved in getting in Google's good graces to rank in their map section on a search result page? What the heck is a “snack pack” and why is it important? Listen to this episode, learn about Local SEO for retail and come away with one big thing you can do to get started. Attention MicroD customers: Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Khalil Cliette Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily and Chris are back together on the podcast as MicroD goes to Market! Listen in as MicroD team members share their first impressions of High Point Market and discuss the energy and enthusiasm that was clearly evident in attendees and visitors to the booth. Half of this episode was recorded live at the MicroD booth during High Point Market! Attention MicroD customers: Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Hosts: Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Guests: Dalton Stone and Devon Henderson Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily invites Richard Sexton back on the show to do a deep-dive on Amazon and the effect it's having on manufacturers in the home furnishings industry. With Amazon's dominance in other arenas, what do manufacturers have to worry about now that the massive online retailer is moving into home furnishings? How successful is Amazon? How are some brands adjusting? What is an "Amazon-like experience"? Listen and learn! Attention MicroD customers! Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Richard Sexton Producers: Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Listen in as Emily and Nate Smathers discuss MicroD’s first-ever user conference: the DRIVE Conference! Emily and Nate share details and reveal information: who should attend, registration cost, seminar and workshop topics, amazing speakers and more! Attention MicroD customers! Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In our first official episode of Season 2, Emily talks with Erika Latham and Richard Sexton on how MicroD has seen tariffs impacting the home furnishings industry. Listen as the group discusses the idea that manufacturers and retailers don’t have to be conservative about tariffs — there are ways to maximize what they have and take advantage of the situation. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates on MicroD’s first-ever user conference: DRIVE Conference 2020. Thanks for listening! Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guests: Erika Latham and Richard Sexton Producers: Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily and Chris can barely hold in their excitement for the return of Our SKU’D View! Season 2 of the podcast promises to be bigger, with more guests, on-site episodes, special interviews and more! If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in upcoming episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’re back!

Is blogging actually good for your brand’s content marketing strategy? What are the benefits of writing blog posts for your brand? In this episode of Our SKU’D View, Emily and Chris cover this topic from the point of view of a manufacturer, and almost every part of the strategy is touched on, including: What is B2B content marketing? What are the benefits to blogging for a brand? How to build a B2B content marketing strategy Measuring content marketing success …and more There are also a couple of big announcements at the top of the episode, so be sure to listen. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’ll be back! In the meantime, go ahead and sign-up for ongoing updates: DRIVE Conference 2020.