Rooted in Retail

We’re back for another After The Show to dive deep into the exciting world of pop-ups and pop-ins. In our latest episode, I was thrilled to host Allison Yee from Popping Up Next, where we explored all the nuances, logistics, and success stories surrounding these experiential retail strategies. Today, I'm excited to share with you my top takeaways and key insights from that discussion. From creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to partnering with the right vendors, we'll explore how pop-ups can be a great marketing tool for your retail business. So let’s dive into the power of pop-ups and pop-ins and discover how they can elevate your retail experience—and drive customer engagement! [01:36] Why the ability to create FOMO is Crystal's biggest takeaway about pop-ups [02:42] An upcoming example from a brand that uses a creative pop-up shop to connect with customers [04:11] How partnering with the right vendor for pop-ups can help retailers market easier [06:25] Crystal's different ideas for pop-ups retailers can host in their store [09:19] 5 questions to ask yourself when you’re brainstorming pop-up ideas Catch up on all the details on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-power-of-creating-fomo-in-pop-ups-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Have you ever considered the power of a pop-up shop to breathe new life into your retail store? Well, you're in for a treat because today we're joined by Allison Yee, the founder of UpNext. We're talking all about the untapped potential of pop-up shops and pop-in shops. Let’s explore how these temporary setups can be game-changers for testing new markets, products, and ideas. As the CEO of UpNext, Allison wants to create a world where entrepreneurs can make big waves without taking huge risks. Whether you’re testing new product lines or dipping into new markets, pop-ups can offer a whole world of possibilities. And Allison is here to guide us through it all. She is sharing some real-life success stories, essential tips and tricks, and some common pitfalls to avoid. If you’re a brand-new retailer, this could be just what you need to get started. Plus, we’ll look at how communities and municipalities are opening up even more opportunities for retailers to get creative with pop-up shops. Get ready for an inspiring and fun conversation! [02:21] Welcoming Allison to Rooted in Retail [03:56] Allison breaks down exactly what pop-ups and pop-ins mean (and why should retailers consider doing them) [04:53] The reasons why a brand, a retailer, or an entrepreneur might be considering a pop-up [06:43] How municipalities are collaborating with brands and developers for pop-ups [09:24] How can retailers plan and execute a pop-up to create a successful experience? [11:50] The transformative effect pop-ups can have on a retail store [13:57] What are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when planning a pop-up shop [16:04] One step retailers need to take before entering a new partnership [19:45] Real-life examples of successful seasonal pop ups [24:03] How permits work when it comes to pop ups [24:58] What are some innovative ways retailers are using pop ups to create buzz, drive traffic, and deepen the customer relationship? [29:20] One segment that Allison sees repeatedly finding success with pop ups [31:24] Allison's resilience round Get all of the resources mentioned in this episode on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-secrets-of-successful-pop-up-shops-with-allison-yee/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

This week I’m talking about episode 81 with Lori Foster where we talk all about using Facebook Lives to market her shop. She has such incredible results and the biggest secret to her success is that she has found a way to make it FUN for her. For Lori that means leveraging spontaneous creativity to create her daily live show. This idea might be inspiring and freeing for you - to not have to worry about having a strict plan that you have to follow every single day. For others that might stress you out even more. The key is to find what makes it fun and interesting for you so that you stick to it and let it grow your business. Join me in today’s after-the-show as we talk about: [00:00] Welcome to After the Show! [01:47] Lori calls her customers "Divas." This brings them together into a tight community (with mugs and all). Creating that sense of community can be a powerful driver when creating content. What would you call the members of your community? [04:16] Biggest Takeaway: Leveraging the Power of Spontaneous Creativity [09:24] Let us help you amplify your results [12:01] Register for the 2025 EVOLVE Conference! [13:16] Coming up next week on Rooted in Retail! Get access to all of the details on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/using-spontaneous-creativity-in-your-marketing-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Lori Foster has mastered the art of engaging with customers through Facebook Live. Lori shares her journey into live streaming during the pandemic, emphasizing its significant impact on sales and customer connection. She offers insights on how she plans content, engages viewers, and converts live sessions into sales without relying on e-commerce platforms. Lori's strategy of maintaining consistency, being authentic, and offering valuable content has not only allowed her to sell products daily but also to expand her customer base across Canada. The episode is rich with advice for retailers on starting their live streams, including practical tips on promoting sessions (without ads), encouraging engagement, and ultimately driving sales (organically). [00:00] Leveraging the Power of Facebook Lives with Lori Foster of The Dressing Room [02:48] Welcome Lori Foster, owner of The Dressing Room in Ontario, Canada [04:15] What originally inspired Lori to do daily Facebook lives at her store? [08:17] Did Lori have any resistance when she first started to go live? [09:51] Lori gives us a peek behind the curtain and shares with us how she plans and executes her daily Facebook lives and three pieces of advice for retailers looking to get into doing Facebook lives for their stores. [10:07] Tip #1: Be consistent! If you are not consistent with your show timing, then you're going to lose your audience. It's that consistency that keeps your audience engaged. [16:12] Tip#2: Don't put pressure on yourself. You want to have the show be as organic as possible and just make it fun. Be authentic, you will shine through and your customers will love you. [17:26] Tip #3: Keep finding inspiration for your show. Don't make it the same every day. Just have fun with it. If you're having fun with it, your customers are going to be engaged and they're going to love what you're doing. [18:51] What kind of challenges has Lori seen with doing these lives all these years every day? [20:26] Has Lori ever taken a break and what does that look like? [22:43] Here are four ideas for increasing viewership and engagement in your lives [26:34] Live-streaming has provided Lori with consistent sales. The beauty of Facebook Live is the fact that you don't always have to have a full house watching live. As the day progresses, you have people watching the replay and you will get orders all day. [30:10] How (technically) is Lori facilitating the sale through the live stream? [32:55] What are the results that Lori is seeing? Lori says she sells through her lives every single day. She says that when she misses a live, she’s missing out on sharing her products with her customers which means she’s also missing out on sales. [36:29] Lori Foster's Resilience Round [41:32] How you connect with Lori Get all of the resources mentioned in the show on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/leveraging-facebook-live-for-retail-success-with-lori-foster-of-the-dressing-room/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

This week my goal was to help ease your mind when it comes to any worries you may have around the economy, the fact that it's an election year, and that the cost of goods has increased. Paul Erickson was a perfect guest because he has so much experience and has watched these cycles in retail. He offers so much valuable advice. My biggest takeaway from the episode was “what we focus on expands.” So if we focus on the negativity in the world around us it is only going to appear to grow in our world. But if instead we take that energy and focus instead on our store, our goals, our teams or our customers - we then amplify all of the amazing things in our lives and we get to watch that grow. Join me in today’s after-the-show as we talk about: [00:00] Welcome to Rooted in Retail After the Show [00:03] This week's guest was Paul Erickson from Management One [00:54] My biggest takeaway from this episode is "What we focus on expands" - what do I mean by that? [03:12] I choose to focus on the things that are good so I can amplify the things that I can control. What happens when we put our focus on the things we can control? [04:21] What happened in my business when I shifted my focus to things I could control? [07:41] Try this journal prompt for focus [09:34] Join us for Paul's webinar "The Psychology of Price" [11:01] Coming up Next Week Get all of the resources on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/what-we-focus-on-expands-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Today, we've got an episode that's perfect for anyone feeling the weight of economic uncertainty, the buzz of an election year, or the pinch of rising prices. If you've been wondering how to navigate these turbulent waters and ensure your store not only survives but thrives, then you’re going to love this conversation. Joining us today is Paul Erickson, Director of Mentoring at Management One. With his extensive experience serving retail clients across the globe, Paul is here to break down the current landscape and offer actionable advice to help you steer your business in the right direction. So, what does all this mean for your store? How should you prepare? Where should you be focusing your energy to ensure your store thrives? In this episode, Paul's going to dive into some key topics on every retailer's mind: economic ups and downs, how to price your goods, and managing your inventory. Whether it's focusing on the numbers inside your business or building those all-important connections with your customers, Paul's advice could change how you run your store. [00:00] Welcoming Paul Erickson [04:36] Paul's advice for retailers who are worried about the economy [07:51] What Paul would say to the independent retailer who is worried about the cost of goods increasing? [09:58] Paul shares one tip for retailers who are considering increasing their prices [13:15] What economic indicators should retailers watch and how can these guide owners through an uncertain economy? [24:33] How many weeks or months of inventory should a store be carrying at one time? [29:16] The most important factor we can control in our retail store [36:26] What future trends should retailers prepare for to ensure long-term success? [38:34] Paul's resilience round [38:39] Best business book [39:29] Best retail technology [40:44] How do you keep up with the ever-changing retail landscape? [41:34] What's a financial foundational best practice? [42:36] If you were to start your career all over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? [44:07] What do you think the future of independent retail looks like? Get all of the resources mentioned in the episode on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/growing-your-retail-store-in-economic-uncertainty-with-paul-erickson/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

In this episode of 'After the Show,' I am going to dive into my key takeaways from my discussion with Kareen Walsh. I first want to talk about what it might mean if you have an 'exit strategy' mindset even if not planning to exit. But what I really wanted to focus on is the unmatched advantage of creativity in independent retail against giants like Amazon. In this episode, I urge you to prioritize your creativity for the health of your business. [00:00] Welcome to Rooted in Retail: After the Show [01:12] Some thoughts about exiting your business [03:12] As an independent retailer you have the advantage of creativity [05:19] Can you make being creative in your store a priority? [06:02] Ideas for being more creative with your physical space [07:10] Final thoughts for this week [08:39] Coming up Next Week Catch the full interview here: Build a Business and Life You Love with Kareen Walsh: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/build-a-business-and-life-you-love-with-kareen-walsh/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Are you ready to learn how to craft a business and a life that you truly love? Well, today, we're diving deep into just that with the incredible Kareen Walsh. She’s a friend and mentor who has mastered the art of building a business while staying true to herself. Kareen's evolution from a people-pleaser to seven-figure business builder is truly inspiring. Through her Evolve methodology, she empowers clients to transition from feeling lost to discovering alignment as they scale their businesses and step into their ultimate visions for their lives and careers. In this episode, she shares her framework for building that store of your dreams. We'll discuss the power of community engagement, the benefits of partnerships with neighboring businesses, and the game-changing potential of retail technology like Shopify. Now, get ready for an epic episode filled with actionable strategies for building the business and life you've always dreamed of. This conversation is all about harnessing your unique strengths, embracing continuous growth, and crafting a roadmap to success. [00:00] Welcoming Kareen Walsh [03:20] How does identifying your unique zone of genius translate into tangible benefits? [08:57] Kareen's advice for getting over the fear of handing off tasks when you hire support [12:47] How can we identify the changes we need to make in ourselves to align our business goals? [16:16] How independent retailers can apply Kareen's metholodogy to handle the challenges of running a retail business and cultivate a growth mindset [21:51] Where you can learn more about Kareen's business intensives [23:10] What are the first steps independent retailers can take to begin translating their vision into actionable steps that lead to growth? [28:21] How Kareen nurtures her own growth while also uplifting others to expand their businesses [31:47] Kareen's resilience round Links: Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail/ Get all of the resources mentioned in the episode on our website - https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/build-a-business-and-life-you-love-with-kareen-walsh/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Are you doing anything with affiliate marketing? Have you heard of affiliate marketing? Have you done any research thinking it could help drive traffic to your store? Or maybe you’ve done nothing at all, maybe you can’t see how affiliate marketing is going to help your brick-and-mortar store. Give me a chance to show you how it can work and why its important for you to consider as part of your marketing. The thing is, affiliate marketing is not new. It's been around for a long time. But we haven't really talked about it as it relates to retail. And I predict that affiliate marketing is going to be a much bigger conversation this year for retailers. If you are brand new to affiliate marketing, then you probably felt really overwhelmed listening to this week’s episode with Wade Tonkins. You might've felt like this doesn't apply to me. This doesn't make sense. I don’t have time to invest in this. And you probably tuned out. If you've heard of affiliate marketing as a way to drive traffic to your website without creating a ton of content, then you are hungry to know what's working now. And you probably loved this episode. In today's after-the-show, I want to share why I think you should be using affiliate marketing for your store, show you two ways it can work with and without an e-com store and share some tools to help you along the way. I think affiliate marketing for independent retailers is the super secret way for you to build your business. So lets dive in! [00:00] Why you should use affiliate marketing in your store [00:22] This week I spoke with Wade Tonkin of Fanatics, the top company to talk with about affiliate marketing [01:43] Affiliate marketing, for independent retailers, is the secret way you can build your business [03:34] One reason to do affiliate marketing is to extend the reach of your shop [03:49] An example of how you can leverage affiliate marketing when your brick-and-mortar also has an e-commerce shop [08:03] How affiliate marketing would work for a brick-and-mortar shop [10:06] Tools to use to manage your affiliate marketing program [13:00] Next week's episode Links: Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in this episode on our website: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/why-you-should-use-affiliate-marketing-in-your-store-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Affiliate marketing isn't just for the big players. It's a powerful tool that can help grow your e-commerce business and open doors to new revenue streams without the hassle of more inventory. But if you're new to the concept or unsure if it's right for you, don't worry. Today, I'm joined by Wade Tonkin, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in the affiliate marketing world. As the Director of Global Affiliate Marketing at Fanatics, he's been at the forefront of managing affiliate programs for some of the biggest brands in sports. His wealth of knowledge makes him the perfect guide for our journey into the world of affiliate marketing. Throughout this episode, we'll explore the fundamentals of affiliate marketing, its benefits for your business, and practical steps you can take to integrate it into your operations. From building relationships with content creators to navigating regulatory requirements, Wade guides us through this channel to make more money and expand your brand. I'm truly excited about this conversation because it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for independent retailers like yourself. [0:00]: Welcoming Wade Tonkin [03:46] Wade's journey into affiliate marketing 26 years ago [07:29] What affiliate marketing is and how it works for indie retailers [07:54] How can independent retailers effectively tap into affiliate marketing to drive traffic and sales? [16:18] What's the best way for retailers to get others to sell their products through an affiliate program? [19:27] Why there is crossover in the influencer and affiliate spaces [21:25] What are the core principles for a successful affiliate program that independent retailers can implement, even without the resources of larger corporations? [27:15] How does Fanatics establish and nurture relationships with affiliates, and how can independent retailers replicate this strategy at a suitable scale for their business? [37:45] How has affiliate marketing changed as online retail has evolved, and what trends should independent retailers get ready for? [43:50] How a diverse affiliate marketing strategy can empower independent retailers to thrive in a market dominated by giants like Amazon [46:14] Wade's resilience round Links: Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to join the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554376645049921 Get access to all the amazing resources mentioned in this episode in our show notes - https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/affiliate-marketing-secrets-for-independent-retailers-with-wade-tonkin/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Today, we're diving deep into social media and how it can drive meaningful foot traffic to your store. I'm thrilled to be joined by our digital strategist at Crystal Media, Steph Bechard. With over six years of experience in building online communities and skyrocketing engagement for retailers, Steph brings a ton of knowledge to the table. As the driving force behind our insider membership program at Crystal Media and the go-to expert for social media audits, Steph is immersed in social media every day. In this episode, we're tackling three key areas of social media. First, we'll explore what's currently working to deliver results in the ever-evolving world of social media. Next, we'll discuss actionable techniques for driving foot traffic into your brick-and-mortar store. Even if you primarily operate online, these strategies will still benefit you! And finally, we'll uncover the secrets to creating engaging content that sparks genuine connections with your audience. Get ready for some valuable tips that are effective and incredibly easy to implement. Grab your notepad because you’re going to want to take notes! [0:00]: Welcoming Steph Bechard [04:44] The number one strategy that is working right now on social media to see real results for your store [06:12] One trending tool across social media platforms that can help retailers get more views [07:44] What are engagement stickers and where can you find them on each social media platform? [11:51] How independent retailers can use AI to create unique and interesting content [16:04] What makes someone interested in following your store on social media? [22:49] Steph's tips on how to use social media to drive foot traffic to your store [28:55] How to use location stickers in your social media strategy to bring more customers into your store [32:34] Why creating this type of content builds a connection unmatched by big box stores [35:43] The fast-track method for bringing more foot traffic to your store with social media [39:07] Steph's formula for crafting irresistibly engaging content that sparks conversations online [49:50] What are the top-performing content types to get the most out of your time on social media? Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail/ Get all of the notes and resources on the show page at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/social-media-strategies-to-drive-more-foot-traffic-with-steph-bechard/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

In this episode of 'After the Show,' host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses key takeaways from a previous episode featuring guest Miranda Heslip, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. The conversation touches on the importance of social media, email marketing, and ways to earn money passively. Despite the interest in passive income strategies, Crystal shifts the focus to the power of determining 'Who, Not How' in business, emphasizing delegation, strategic outsourcing, and utilizing resources like the book by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. She shares personal experiences and insights on how letting go of specific tasks can fuel business growth and personal satisfaction, citing examples of eCommerce management and social media planning. Crystal urges retailers to assess tasks that drain their energy and consider outsourcing or delegating these to focus on areas that matter most. The episode closes with a reminder to understand enough about outsourced tasks to ensure quality control. 00:00 Welcome to Rooted in Retail After the Show 00:29 About this week's episode with Miranda Heslip of Cloud Nine Pajamas 01:23 Finding the who (not how) to grow your business 11:46 You don't need to know it all you just need to know enough 15:31 My ask of you 16:11 Coming Up Next Week Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources for this episode here: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-art-of-delegating-finding-the-who-not-how-to-grow-your-business-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

If you've ever dreamt of making money while you sleep, then you're in for a treat. In this episode, we're diving into the secrets of passive income with a special guest who knows a thing or two about it. I'm thrilled to introduce Miranda Heslip, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. Miranda, along with her sisters, has mastered the art of bringing in revenue around the clock through their successful e-commerce venture. Today, Miranda pulls back the curtain and shares how Cloud Nine Pajamas leverages social media and email marketing to drive traffic and sales to their online store. She reveals the data-driven strategies they use to understand their inventory better and snyc it with their marketing campaigns for maximum impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Miranda's advice could change the trajectory of your store. She offers helpful tips for hiring staff and building a reliable team to support your business growth. Get ready to be motivated and empowered! [02:49] Introducing Miranda and her thriving Cloud Nine Pajamas brand [03:55] Which social media platforms are creating meaningful engagements and driving tangible results for Cloud Nine Pajamas today? [06:24] Miranda's advice for indie retailers who are hesitant to show up on social media in photos and videos [08:44] How each social media platform brings its own special touch to building better customer relationships at Cloud Nine Pajamas [12:26] What is the number one marketing strategy driving results at Cloud Nine Pajamas right now? [17:07] How important is email marketing to your overall bottom line? [19:16] How indie retailers can collect better data to personalize their email marketing efforts [21:54] Where does Miranda think retailers are missing the mark when it comes to marketing? [23:41] How Cloud Nine Pajamas is driving traffic and sales to their e-commerce website [27:45] Miranda shares her best tips for finding the right talent to support your e-commerce store [33:16 What emerging digital marketing trends could really shake things up for independent retailers? [35:39] Miranda's resilience round Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in the show on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-secret-to-making-money-in-your-sleep-with-miranda-heslip/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Welcome to Rooted in Retail: After the Show. This week I am diving into one of my biggest takeaways from my interview with Alex Back from Couch.com. It was hard to pick just one because I had so many takeaways so be sure to go back and catch that episode. Today I want to focus on the power of brand collaboration and partnership in retail. This episode is packed with tips for starting small with collaborations, aligning with brands that share similar values, and leveraging local opportunities to boost foot traffic and community engagement. [00:00] Welcome to After the Show. [03:19] The biggest takeaway from my interview with Alex Back of Couch.com [04:00] Idea #1: In-store Pop-ups [06:4] Idea #2: Co-branded social media campaigns [12:10] Idea #3: Cross promo deals [13:28] Idea #4: Brand ambassadors [15:13] Ideas #5: Exclusive product launches or custom products [16:34] Idea #6: Integrated loyalty programs [18:30] Idea #7: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Experiences [21:09] Idea #8: Community Initiatives [23:00] Final thoughts on brand collaboration. [24:36] Extra: Quiz tool that will integrate with your Shopify Store [25:10] Coming up Next Week Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/8-game-changing-brand-collaboration-ideas-for-retail/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

Meet Alex Back, an e-commerce entrepreneur who is shaking up the furniture industry. He’s the founder of Couch.com, a new startup focused on solving one of the biggest issues for consumers in the furniture industry: where the heck to buy a couch? Before launching Couch.com, Alex co-founded and ran Apt2B, a popular online furniture brand that he led to a successful exit and transition just last year. In this episode, he shares his favorite tips and tools to help retailers market, evolve, and think outside of the box. Alex also explores how to balance your online and in-store sales, especially for big-ticket items. Plus, we dive into how AI is shaping the future of retail, why personalized customer experiences matter, and how technology can help small retailers thrive. With years of experience in retail, Alex brings a wealth of insights to the table. So whether you're a seasoned retailer or just starting, this episode is filled with actionable wisdom to help you succeed in the ever-changing world of retail. [00:00] A special offer for EVOLVE attendees and Rooted in Retail Listeners [02:12] Alex's journey in furniture retail from selling his first company to starting a new one [04:35] How Alex is helping solve the biggest issue that faces furniture customers and retailers [06:54] The unique challenges of retailing big ticket items compared to smaller ticket purchases [10:09] How should indie retailers adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive and relevant in today's fast-paced environment? [16:19] Alex's advice for retailers who want to start exploring brand partnerships [21:15] How Couch.com is addressing the gap between brick and mortar and online search for furniture commerce [25:36] The strategy Alex recommends retailers use AI to personalize the customer shopping experience online [29:42] What future trends does Alex foresee in retail as AI evolves for big-ticket items? [34:03] How Alex believes retailers can adapt to fast-paced technology shifts to maintain or increase their market share [36:09] Alex's resilience round Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation with other retailers just like you! https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in today's episode on the website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/using-technology-to-redefine-the-customer-experience-with-alex-back/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

We’re back this week with round two from the Dallas Market Center! Today's episode is a special one because I had the chance to sit down in person with Teddie Garrigan, the co-founder of Coco & Dash. Teddie, alongside her daughter Courtney, is the force behind Coco & Dash, an award-winning home decor retail shop that's all about creative furnishings, lighting, art, and accessories. In this episode, Teddie shares her strategies for building a strong retail brand presence on Instagram. From debunking the myth of low engagement to emphasizing the transformative power of truly understanding your audience, we dive deep into the social media landscape. Teddie also tackles issues facing independent retailers today, like coping with the pressures of rising retail space costs and real estate development. Plus, we get real about the highs and lows of working with family. Teddie is a dynamic business woman and I loved our conversation. Let’s dive in! [0:00] Welcoming Teddie live from the Dallas Market Center [03:04] What Teddie would tell retailers who hold themselves back from using social media [04:33] How one Instagram post led to an out-of-state sale worth tens of thousands of dollars in revenue without the customer ever visiting the store [13:21] The special post Teddie always shares on Instagram when she notices a jump in followers [15:00] How Teddie and her daughter Courtney balance the family and business dynamic [17:24] Teddie’s advice for retailers who are considering going into business with a family member [19:19] How Teddie sees real estate development impacting small retailers today [23:48] What's one tactic that Teddie is seeing generate sales in her store right now? [28:41] Teddie's resilience round Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in the episode on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/building-a-retail-family-business-that-lasts-with-teddie-garrigan/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

In January, I had the pleasure of sitting down with not one, but two remarkable guests at the Dallas Market Center. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Brianna Cannon, the creative force behind BriannaCannon.com and a seasoned retail veteran with over two decades of experience. Trust me, this episode is nothing short of a retail masterclass. Brianna's fashion and lifestyle brand is bold, flashy, and beautiful. In this episode, we dive into the secrets behind her social media success, both organic and through paid ads. From building a powerful brand identity to navigating the nuances of Instagram growth, we explore how to find your voice in a crowded marketplace. Her journey shows the power of customer connection, product authenticity, and using Instagram to grow your e-commerce brand. Plus, she shares insights into the art of product photography and strategies to drive traffic to your website and boost online sales. Whether you're a wholesaler, retailer, or both, Brianna's insights are a goldmine for growth. She has amazing tips for our independent retailers in this episode, and I know you're going to love her. Let’s dive in! [03:31] Welcoming Brianna Cannon live from the Dallas Market Center [05:03] How Brianna developed a bold personal brand for her retail store [07:07] How Brianna created a strong e-commerce presence and grew her online sales [10:26] Brianna's practical advice for getting amazing photos without needing to do professional shoots [13:04] What strategies are working the best right now to generate foot traffic into the store? [14:37] What strategies are working to drive online traffic to Brianna's e-commerce store? [15:59] Why Brianna's brand ambassador program generates more conversions than influencer marketing [17:44] What advice Brianna would give independent retailers about creating their own wholesale line [19:56] Brianna's resilience round Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/growing-your-retail-sales-with-a-bold-brand-identity-with-brianna-cannon/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

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 to you as a retailer. [00:00] Welcome to After the Show - Upcoming Announcements [05:18] Are you leveraging the power of open/close checklists? Can you use them to remind your staff to create social media content? Use our training to help! [07:53] Are you prioritizing free time as a business owner? Here is why taking 24-hour breaks from your business is so important. [13:37] Does everyone on your team provide the same experience to your customers? [15:22] WWMCW - What Would My Customer Want - How often are you checking in? [17:37] Take this advice from Susan: Don't worry if it's perfect, just get going! Join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in the episode on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/creating-retail-efficiencies-after-the-show/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

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 to save time, reduce stress, and increase employee happiness. In this episode, she shares practical frameworks you can start implementing to keep your store running like clockwork. Susan is also giving us a sneak peek into their brand new platform: Brilliance. Trust me, this tool is a game-changer for your store and our industry. Tune in as Susan walks us through what retailers need to know today and which trends are on the horizon. I know you’re going to learn so much from her today! [02:12] Susan's journey from major department stores to indie retailers [04:46] What two systems would Susan recommend to retailers who want less stress and more time? [10:54] The "Four F's" system for retailers who don't have enough time to build their systems [19:21] When should indie retailers factor in time for learning and ongoing education? [27:49] Susan's insider tips on a proven strategy that works wonders for her indie retailers [31:10] What major industry changes should retailers adapt to today? [34:59] Which upcoming retail trends should independent retailers prepare for to stay competitive? [37:19] Susan's resilience round Join us inside the Rooted in Retail Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/optimizing-your-retail-operations-for-success-with-susan-negen/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail

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 (more) involved in the Facebook Group. In there, we discuss topics that will help you and your store. [00:00] Welcome to After the Show and some housekeeping items [02:25] Are you taking notes during the episodes? Share your top takeaways in the Facebook Group so we can learn from each other. [03:34] Are you doing pop-ups in your shop? Get some ideas and join the conversation! [07:53] What is driving foot traffic to your store? [12:01] What is your favorite episode or guest? Share with us in the Group! [13:27] Share Your Notes! Let's build our community and support each other! Join the conversation in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Get all of the resources mentioned in the episode on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/community-connection-learning-from-each-other/ Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail