Rooted in Retail

Crystal Vilkaitis

Running a store can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be lonely! Rooted in Retail is a show dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive in today's ever-evolving retail landscape. This show is made for Main Street retailers like gift shops, jewelers, pet stores, boutiques, florists, home decor and furnitures stores, hardware stores, toy stores, craft, quilting and sewing shops; tea and coffee shops, specialty retailers and more. Join your host Crystal Vilkaitis, The Wolf of Main Street, as she explores topics that are vital to the success of your store. From marketing to mindset, money to merchandising, sales to leadership, she'll cover it all. Each episode features interviews with industry experts and accomplished retailers who share their real-life insights and actionable advice. Get ready for a great conversation on how to build your dream business with Rooted in Retail.

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Top 10 Rooted in Retail Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Rooted in Retail episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Rooted in Retail for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Rooted in Retail episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Turning Your Passion to Profit with Andrew and Claire Bowen

Rooted in Retail

02/25/24 • 39 min

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 share their journey and how you can turn your passion into a profitable business. Get ready to dive deep into money management, finances, and budgeting, as they serve up some practical tips and mindsets to help you keep your business on track and your budget in check.

Plus, they'll be breaking down what exactly makes for a healthy net percentage and how you can maximize your cafe's earnings. We’ll also uncover how the retail world and coffee shops go hand in hand, including the importance of community involvement and what you should really be looking for in a new hire. Let’s dive in!

[0:00] Welcoming Claire and Andrew

[04:24] The winning strategies that helped transition Andrew and Claire's love for coffee into a profitable and scalable business model

[07:34] Debunking financial planning myths for independent retailers to ensure longevity and growth

[12:29] How Andrew's 25 years of retail experience shaped his entry into the coffee industry

[14:49] The key exercises that can help retailers predict startup costs and sales potential for a coffee business

[19:05] What is the average profit margin for coffee shops?

[21:21] What lessons can we learn from the journey of this independent cafe overcoming challenges?

[25:43] What Claire and Andrew are most proud of in their business

[28:47] Andrew and Claire's resilience round

Be sure to join us in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group for After the Show Live! https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail
Connect with today's guest and get all of the resources on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/turning-your-passion-to-profit-with-andrew-and-claire-bowen/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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6 Tips for Retail Success in 2024: After the Show

Rooted in Retail

02/22/24 • 19 min

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 storytelling in marketing and branding. The discussion also covers the critical role of email marketing and the need for retailers to surround themselves with growth-oriented peers to brainstorm and learn from each other.

Let’s dive in!

[00:00] Welcome from Palm Springs!

[00:57] Lesson One: If there is something that you really want to do, find a way to do it!

[04:16] Lesson Two: Invest in talent to scale your business

[06:36] Lesson Three: Make your brand more human

[08:51] Lesson Four: Focus on Storytelling!

[14:11] Lesson Five: Embrace Email Marketing

[15:18] Lesson Six: Find a Mastermind. Surround yourself with people who will push you to see things differently

Continue the conversation in the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail
Get all of the resources on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/6-tips-for-retail-success-in-2024-after-the-show/

Leveraging Yelp with Emily Washcovick the Yelp Small Business Expert

Rooted in Retail

04/16/23 • 47 min

How are you making your Yelp account work for you?
Everyone’s heard of Yelp, and it’s not just for home services or restaurants; retail stores make up a large percentage of businesses on the website!
Emily Washcovick is Yelp’s small business expert, and she is breaking down the “science” behind their review recommendation software and important features for business owners.
Don’t be afraid of negative reviews, and don’t solicit for positive ones either! Emily says naturally inspired reviews are the best for your page, and 87% of customers are willing to look past negative reviews if the business owner is engaging with reviews and responding to concerns.
You don’t want to miss these awesome tips to leverage Yelp and grow your visibility.
Today’s Action Items:
Visit your business page on Yelp - complete and verify your profile information for optimization.
Create a check-in offer - this is a serious must-do - to drive traffic and incentivize natural reviews.
Go now! Check out your Yelp page! I’m rooting for your success!
What’s Inside:

Behind the scenes of Yelp software.
How to take advantage of metrics in the Yelp Platform.
Leveraging your yelp account for more visibility.
How to ask for reviews on Yelp.
Yelp action items to get started with TODAY!

Mentioned In This Episode:
Emily Washcovick on Instagram
Yelp for Business
Yelp for Business (@yelpforbusiness) on Instagram
Behind the Review on Apple Podcasts
[email protected]
[email protected]
Build for Tomorrow: An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career
Register for EVOLVE 2023
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Thriving in Retail with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique

Rooted in Retail

04/09/23 • 49 min

The future is bright for small retailers! You’re going to LOVE this conversation I had with my very first retailer! Ana McConnell is the owner of Pilar Boutique in downtown Loveland, Colorado.

Ana first started out working in her mom’s boutique, Cloz to Home. After navigating working with her mom, she branched out on her own and is currently thriving with two locations and a photo studio.

It’s no secret that being a retailer is HARD WORK. Even Ana called her first two years ‘Absolute Hell’ but in year three of opening Pilar, it all came together, and you can hear the passion she has for her business!

If you’re struggling as a retailer, you have to know there is no one thing, no “quick fix”. But Ana shares an abundance of resources and tips that will get you to where you need to be. Whether it’s accounting, inventory, networking, or team management, she has a really great foundation and wise words for all!

Be open, pivot, know your F*@%! numbers, and take a break when you need it.

I’m rooting for your success!
What’s Inside:

Advice for retailers from a retailer
How to manage your team and give trust.
Resources for retail needs.
Navigating working with family in a retail environment.
Making it past the first years, from hell to thriving.

Mentioned In This Episode:
PILAR BOUTIQUE (@shop_pilar) on Instagram
Cloz to Home Boutique (@cloztohome) on Instagram
Ana McConnell (@ana_pilar_m) on Instagram
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.: B. Brown
Profit First by mike Michalowicz
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self: LePera, Dr. Nicole
Hatch Inventory Management | Shopify App Store
Management One
Asana Project Management
Register for EVOLVE 2023 and use code podcast to save $400
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

Overcoming Fears and Visualizing Success - Retail Therapy Session with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique

Rooted in Retail

09/19/24 • 37 min

Ana, the owner of Pilar Boutique, joins us along with business and life coach Ronda for a special 'Retail Therapy' segment.
Ana opens up about her fears of business failure and the challenges of leading a retail team, despite being in the industry for 17 years. The discussion highlights the importance of visualizing success in order to push past negative thoughts when they start to interfere.
Ronda offers insights on internal sourcing, maintaining a positive mindset, and how to handle business growth while staying true to one's values.
This episode provides valuable advice for retailers on staying resilient, finding joy in their work, and strategically managing their businesses amidst uncertainties.

[01:11] Ana's Retail Journey

[02:07] Facing the Fear of Failure

[04:29] Exploring Identity Beyond Business

[07:55] Navigating Economic Uncertainty

[10:36] Harnessing Creativity in Adversity

[13:49] Building a Vision for Growth

[26:21] The Importance of Intimacy in Business

[33:48] Final Thoughts and Ana's Advice for Retailers

Get all of the resources on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/overcoming-fears-and-visualizing-success/

The Surprise and Delight Strategy - After the Show

Rooted in Retail

10/29/24 • 12 min

It’s one thing to satisfy your customers, but what if you could turn their experience into something remarkable? I’m talking about the art of surprising and delighting your customers—and why it’s your new secret weapon.

In our latest episode with Nick McHenry, one idea really stood out to me: the power of surprising and delighting. It’s something I’m obsessed with—constantly thinking of ways to exceed expectations and create those “wow” moments.

Nick is an absolute goldmine of insights and he shared some brilliant examples. Today, I want to explore how going that extra mile can create unforgettable experiences that not only keep customers coming back but also get them excited and talking about you!

From viral moments like the Stanley Cup story to those small, unexpected touches, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to start surprising and delighting your customers.

[01:30] Surprise and delight your customers

[02:25] How Stanley went viral with surprise and delight

[05:47] The power of doing the unexpected for customers

[08:06] Building customer loyalty through reciprocity

Get all of the resources on our website.

Taking the Leap from a Single Store to Shop Expansion with Jenn Luna

Rooted in Retail

10/13/24 • 27 min

Today, I'm excited to chat with Jenn Luna, the owner of The Kindship, a family of boutique gift shops in the greater Tacoma area. You’re going to love hearing her story about how she grew from a single stationery store into a thriving brand that includes Paper Luxe, Little Luxe, and The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop!
Jenn is all about community engagement. Her dedication to helping customers celebrate their loved ones with unique gifts and greeting cards is truly inspiring. In this episode, she shares the challenges she faced while expanding her retail business, and there’s so much to learn from her experience.
We’ll talk about the importance of blending online and offline retail—something that can really benefit all retailers. We also dive into how she manages multiple social media accounts and is delegating more to her team.
This conversation is packed with insights on how to grow through adaptability and use systems to streamline operations across multiple store locations.
[02:31] How Jenn expanded her store into multiple locations

[04:10] Merging your in-store experience with your online platform

[06:23] Why less is more for managing social media

[09:01] Episode Sponsor: Ads Management with Crystal Media Co.

[10:08] The systems Jenn uses to stay organized

[12:02] How Jenn curates items that her customers love

[14:43] The impact of mentorship on Jenn's growth

[18:57] Why Jenn is advocating to reduce credit card fees

[23:06] Jenn's resilience round

Links:
Get all of the resources on our website!
Register for NY Now
Learn more about our Facebook & Instagram Done-For-You Ads Management Services

Reconnecting with Your Business and Yourself - Retail Therapy Session with Andrea of All About U

Rooted in Retail

02/06/25 • 45 min

Running a business isn’t just about profits and products—it’s about purpose, passion, and, sometimes, pivoting when things don’t go as planned. In today’s Retail Therapy episode, we’re diving into all of that with two incredible guests: Andrea Spresser, a seasoned retailer, and Kareen Walsh, a business strategist and therapist.
Andrea shares her journey of growing her store since 2009, tripling her revenue after relocating in 2019, and navigating the challenges when her manager retired. She’s now back in the driver’s seat, managing her business, but grappling with the big question: “Is this what I want to do long-term?”
On the other side, Kareen Walsh brings her expertise in conscious leadership and sustainable business growth. She helps entrepreneurs align their business strategies with their core values, avoid burnout, and reconnect with their *why*. Together, we explore how to balance personal wellness with professional success, the importance of choosing a business that aligns with your purpose, and how to stay connected to yourself while growing your brand.
Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone feeling a bit off in your current journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you realign and refresh your perspective.

[2:47] Meet Andrea and Kareen: Retailer and Therapist with unique insights
[6:46] Andrea’s retail journey: From launching in 2009 to tripling revenue in 2019
[11:17] Facing an “off year” and the awakening that followed
[14:32] The power of redoing your front window (literally and metaphorically)
[16:12] Why choosing the right business matters
[18:09] Redefining the role women play in entrepreneurship
[19:24] How to sustain your personal wellness while growing a business
[20:20] When it’s time to change your business trajectory
[26:00] Picking the strategy that works for you
[28:08] Hiring operators to handle the business so you can focus on growth
[29:52] Reconnecting with yourself—and your business—in a meaningful way

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/reconnecting-with-your-business-and-yourself-retail-therapy-session-with-andrea-of-all-about-u/

The Hidden Reality of Entrepreneurship: Finding Balance in Business - After the Show

Rooted in Retail

02/04/25 • 13 min

Running a business means embracing both the highlights and the honest struggles. In this After the show episode, we explore the raw reality of entrepreneurship and discover practical ways to navigate through overwhelming moments.

I’ll also help you realize that success in business isn't about maintaining a perfect facade – it's about embracing the journey, acknowledging challenges, and leading with authenticity.

[1:50] Real talk after recording - facing business challenges head-on

[4:37] Tackling that never-ending to-do list without burning out

[6:55] Why perfect balance in business might be a myth

[8:03] Patience as your greatest business asset

[8:54] Transform your mornings with simple gratitude practices

[10:06] Being real with yourself and your team about where you're at

How Collaboration and Creativity Fueled a One-of-a-Kind Glass Line

Rooted in Retail

04/20/25 • 41 min

What does it really take to turn a retail job into a thriving, creative business? In this episode, Ash spills the tea on her rise from retail employee to co-founder of a unique glassware brand. From meeting her business partner to navigating the ups and downs of launching a niche product, Ash shares hard-earned lessons on collaboration, creativity, and staying relevant in a noisy market.

If you’re a dreamer, doer, or indie retailer ready to break the mold, this episode will fire you up.

[2:35] Ash’s retail journey
[4:34] How a business partnership sparked a brand
[9:54] The highs and lows of working in a creative retail space
[15:56] Why collaboration is a superpower
[18:39] Real talk on starting a glass line
[25:43] How to reach people in today’s crowded market

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FAQ

How many episodes does Rooted in Retail have?

Rooted in Retail currently has 181 episodes available.

What topics does Rooted in Retail cover?

The podcast is about Retail, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Small Business and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Rooted in Retail?

The episode title 'The Five P’s of Business Success with Amy Lacey' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Rooted in Retail?

The average episode length on Rooted in Retail is 35 minutes.

How often are episodes of Rooted in Retail released?

Episodes of Rooted in Retail are typically released every 4 days.

When was the first episode of Rooted in Retail?

The first episode of Rooted in Retail was released on Feb 26, 2023.

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Rooted in Retail

Crystal Vilkaitis

Top 10 Rooted in Retail Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Rooted in Retail have?

What topics does Rooted in Retail cover?

What is the most popular episode on Rooted in Retail?

What is the average episode length on Rooted in Retail?

How often are episodes of Rooted in Retail released?

When was the first episode of Rooted in Retail?

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