Best Crystal Vilkaitis Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 47: How Retailers Can Utilize AI to Make Their Lives Easier with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media 1:02:09

8d ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Since it burst onto the scene over the last couple of years, AI has been positioned as a force that can completely change our lives. Yet, most people are still figuring out what AI is and how to incorporate it into their work. For retailers, the potential uses for AI are limitless, but they need to know where to start to take advantage of the possi…

1
Everything Retailers Need to Know About Hiring with Thad Price 44:49

7h ago44:49

44:49

Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for retailers but one we haven't explored much yet: hiring. If you want to find out how to attract and retain top talent, you're in the right place. In today's episode, I'm talking to Thad Price from Ready, Set, Hire. It’s a new product for small to medium-sized businesses, franchises, and recruiters …

1
Episode 49: Unlocking the Magic of Trade Shows 1:04:54

1h ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series kicks off with a panel discussion about the importance of attending trade shows this summer! Hear from retailers and representatives of Dallas Market Center and AndMore (formerly International Market Centers) about why summer trade shows are so crucial for your business and how to make a plan to get the…

1
Navigating Instagram's Latest Updates with Steph Bechard 38:58

3d ago38:58

38:58

Holy guacamole, Instagram has made some updates that retailers need to know about! Steph Bechard from Crystal Media is joining me today to break it all down for you. We are going to tell you what these updates are, why you need to know, and what it means for you as a retailer. And it's good news for you as a small business. So yay! If you are marke…

1
Episode 48: Main Street Monday: Noblesville, IN 18:33

24h ago18:33

18:33

It was eclipse day when I visited Noblesville, IN, and the atmosphere was incredible! Downtown Noblesville has vibrant retailers and unique shopping environments to meet the needs of all shoppers. And the community of retailers has banded together to ensure that everyone's experience in Noblesville is a positive one. https://www.heartonmainstreet.o…

1
Advice from the Retail Pros - Live Panel from EVOLVE 2024 54:19

5d ago54:19

54:19

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a live panel discussion from our EVOLVE conference in April 2024. The energy was incredible, and my panelists brought amazing insights. If you love hearing a mix of perspectives and stories from retail experts, you’re going to love this episode! We dive into the biggest challenges independent retailers are faci…

1
Embracing Fun to Build Community in Retail (After the Show) 10:29

9d ago10:29

10:29

Welcome back to After the Show where we’re diving into the impact of adding more fun in your business. In our latest episode, I had a great conversation with Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe from Darn Knit Anyway, a store that’s redefining community connection and fun in retail. Aimee and Carly have really brought a playful energy to their store, an…

1
Crafting Community Through Classes with Darn Knit Anyway 36:51

14d ago36:51

36:51

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to cousins Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe, the team behind Darn Knit Anyway. Their yarn store offers everything from a thriving e-commerce platform to a makers' lounge, and various classes and events. This episode is all about community: how to build it, connect with it, and nurture it in meaningful ways. Aimee…

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EVOLVE 2024: Winning Strategies for Retail Success 36:11

19d ago36:11

36:11

We did it, we really did it! EVOLVE 2024 is now officially in the books, and what a ride it was. Today, I'm thrilled to take you behind the scenes of EVOLVE. In this episode, I'll be sharing some of the most memorable highlights that made this year's event truly special. EVOLVE isn't just an event—it's the result of months of planning and a commitm…

1
Episode 46: Main Street Monday: Waukon, IA 52:08

23d ago52:08

52:08

Join us as we explore the resurgent downtown area of Waukon, IA. Located in the Driftless, Waukon is an extraordinary setting that has seen local residents invest in over the last decade. I met with new retailers to see how they're reshaping the town of Waukon, and I interviewed Valeria Reinke the Director of Economic Development in the county to f…

1
The Power of Creating FOMO in Pop-Ups 11:32

26d ago11:32

11:32

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 a…

1
The Secrets of Successful Pop-Up Shops with Allison Yee 34:57

26d ago34:57

34:57

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 m…

1
Episode 45: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 3 Finances and Social Media 41:35

1M ago41:35

41:35

We resume our conversation with Kara Polyner of Ely Mercantile as Ely, MN, begins its busy season. In this episode, we discuss how Kara has structured her finances to keep everything aligned and the beginning of her social media journey! If you'd like to contact Kara to offer advice or well-wishes, her email address is kara@elymercantile.com You ca…

1
Using Spontaneous Creativity in Your Marketing (After the Show) 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

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 ins…

1
Leveraging Facebook Live for Retail Success with Lori Foster of The Dressing Room 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

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 pl…

1
Episode 44: Main Street Monday: Franklin, TN 20:12

1M ago20:12

20:12

In this episode, we discuss some of the great information shared at the EVOVLE 2024 conference in Denver, CO, and then head out on the road to visit the town of Franklin, TN. Downtown Franklin is nicknamed "America's Favorite Main Street District," so we explore the area, highlight some of its wonderful retail stores, and see what makes it so great…

1
What We Focus on Expands (After the Show) 11:32

1M ago11:32

11:32

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 f…

1
Growing Your Retail Store in Economic Uncertainty with Paul Erickson 47:13

2M ago47:13

47:13

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 Eric…

1
Episode 43: Insurance Needs for Retailer Owners with Heather Ingersoll of Hometown Insurance 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

Imagine that you've just lost your store to a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado or fire, and then you find out later that the insurance that you thought you had either doesn't cover that type of damage or doesn't provide adequate coverage to help you rebuild your store. This is the case for hundreds of retailers every single year. T…

1
Leveraging Your Creativity in Retail (After the Show) 10:05

2M ago10:05

10:05

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…

1
Build a Business and Life You Love with Kareen Walsh 40:15

2M ago40:15

40:15

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 ins…

1
Episode 42: Main Street Monday: Monticello, IL 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

In today's episode, we explore the historic downtown of Monticello, IL. Despite being a rural community, Monticello has become quite the tourist destination due to its Railway Museum, 14-acre park, and historic downtown. I found myself enamored with the downtown and its retailers, who capitalize on the town's charm to help their businesses grow. I …

1
Why you should use affiliate marketing in your store (After the Show) 13:41

2M ago13:41

13:41

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…

1
Affiliate Marketing Secrets for Independent Retailers with Wade Tonkin 53:11

2M ago53:11

53:11

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 …

1
Episode 41: Shop Talk: Journey of New Retailer Episode 2 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode of Shop Talk, we talk with new retail owner Kara Polyner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN, about what she is doing to establish her brand and what she is doing within her store and with the products that she carries to help create repeat customers for her store. YouTube Link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/B0vCgxx2rRY Ely M…

1
Social Media Strategies to Drive More Foot Traffic with Steph Bechard 55:27

2M ago55:27

55:27

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 d…

1
Episode 40: Strategies to Help Retailers Boost Customer Purchase Frequency and Maximize Revenue With Nick McHenry of OneShop Retail 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Transitioning a customer into a repeat customer is an easy way to secure increased revenue. However, it's also easier said than done. Nick McHenry of OneShop joins the Main Street Matters webinar to talk about how to drive revenue by increasing the frequency at which your customers purchase and tips and tricks on how to do this. Heart on Main Stree…

1
The Art of Delegating: Finding the Who, Not How, to Grow Your Business (After the Show) 16:41

2M ago16:41

16:41

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 t…

1
The Secret to Making Money In Your Sleep with Miranda Heslip 39:44

3M ago39:44

39:44

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 rev…

1
Episode 39: Main Street Monday: Stillwater, MN 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

Come explore of the US's premier downtown destinations, Stillwater, MN. Stillwater has everything going for it: gorgeous scenery, tremendous history, passionate communities, and local pride. It's no wonder that this Main Street and its independent retailers are thriving. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/ Register for …

1
8 Game-Changing Brand Collaboration Ideas for Your Retail Store: After the Show 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

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 epis…

1
Using Technology to Redefine the Customer Experience with Alex Back 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

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…

1
Episode 38: Main Street Monday: Pontiac, IL 24:40

3M ago24:40

24:40

Come take a trip down Route 66 to Pontiac, IL. In this episode, Patrick talks about his recent visit to Pontiac and how its history is on display throughout the downtown. Since Route 66 is so integral to the story of Pontiac, we take a little detour to talk about what Route 66 was, what it meant for towns that existed along it, why it's still a cul…

1
Building a Retail Family Business That Lasts with Teddie Garrigan 34:14

3M ago34:14

34:14

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 furnishing…

1
Growing Your Retail Sales with a Bold Brand Identity with Brianna Cannon 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

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…

1
Creating Retail Efficiencies: After the Show 20:28

3M ago20:28

20:28

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 o…

1
Episode 37: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 1 40:06

3M ago40:06

40:06

Meet Kara Polyner! Kara is opening a new store in Ely, MN, called the Ely Mercantile. She has invited us into her store to get a first-hand account of what it's like to open a retail store. We will follow along month-by-month as Kara develops her concept and grows the Ely Mercantile into a staple of downtown Ely's life. This episode focuses on her …

1
Optimizing Your Retail Operations for Success with Susan Negen 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

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 experi…

1
Community Connection - Learning from Each Other: After the Show 17:32

3M ago17:32

17:32

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…

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Episode 36: More Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens 1:06:52

3M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

More Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens Join Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens as she debunks the myth that more people through your door automatically translates to increased sales. You’ll learn why focusing on more profit rather than more traffic is the solution you’ve been looking for. Register now …

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Happy Birthday, Rooted in Retail: A Special Q&A Episode 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

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 …

1
Episode 35: Main Street Monday: Niles, MI and Seymour, IN 29:27

4M ago29:27

29:27

We're going on a road trip! Come explore the retailers in the historic downtowns of Niles, MI, and Seymour, IN. Both of these towns are rich in history and culture and have fabulous retailers that are making a difference in their communities. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/ Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://ww…

1
What retailers can learn from Coffee Shops: After the Show 27:06

4M ago27:06

27:06

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 …

1
Turning Your Passion to Profit with Andrew and Claire Bowen 39:32

4M ago39:32

39:32

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 me…

1
Episode 34: Bay City, MI Main Street Monday 23:37

4M ago23:37

23:37

Travel with me to the shores of the Saginaw River and Lake Huron to see how the former lumber industry boomtown is thriving in the modern era. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/ Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/education Buy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/…

1
6 Tips for Retail Success in 2024: After the Show 19:07

4M ago19:07

19:07

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 stra…

1
7 Marketing Trends Retailers Need to Know in 2024 33:38

4M ago33:38

33:38

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 poten…

1
Episode 33: Geneva, IL Main Street Monday 25:04

4M ago25:04

25:04

In this episode, I take a few minutes to introduce Heart on Main Street and this podcast to our new listeners. Thank you all for joining the Main Street Movement! We also explore our next Main Street Monday community, Geneva, IL! Geneva has a tremendous downtown area with a fun and unique concept that was a delight to visit. Come explore the area w…

1
Finding Your Priorities and Avoiding Self-Sabotage: After the Show 21:34

4M ago21:34

21:34

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 chall…

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Fueling Local Retail Growth: Insights from Heidi Hardman 49:54

4M ago49:54

49:54

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…

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Crystal Vilkaitis Podcasts

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