Heart on Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independent retailers achieve success within their local community. We talk with retailers about the skills and habits that have allowed them to grow their businesses and industry professionals who provide services to the Main Street community, and we explore towns to find out what helps Main Streets thrive. Join the Main Street movement! www.heartonmainstreet.org
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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 weekly, as she explores to ...
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How to Leverage Your Rep Relationships with Kelly Bristol
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If you're a retailer, you probably work with sales reps. But are you really making the most of those relationships? Today, we're going to dive into how you can use these partnerships to grow your business. Joining me is Kelly Bristol, Vice President of Business Development at Just Got 2 Have It. With nearly 25 years in the gift and home industry, K…
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Episode 55: Main Street Monday- Downers Grove, IL
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Explore the town and independent retailers of Downers Grove, which underwent a significant renovation in 2001 to attract more people and businesses and build a better downtown community. In this episode, we discuss what Downers Grove accomplished in its renovation project and how this has helped improve downtown businesses. We also talk about four …
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Turn Cash Flow Problems into Profit Opportunities with Charles Leikauf
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Want to learn how to maximize your profits and overcome cash flow challenges? You’re in the right place! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of money and numbers. I’m thrilled to have Charles Leikauf from Ecom Profit Group with us. He’s here to talk about all things profit: how to boost your revenue, smart budgeting, and strategies to tack…
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Episode 54: Leveraging Relationship with Sales Reps
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Vendor sales reps provide much more to the retail business than catalogs. They can inform you about what they're seeing in the field, exclusive deals, and knowledge and insights to help your business grow. I spoke with Adam Schrier of Creative Co-Op, Angela Schmook of Road Runners, Brian Schroeder of Creative Brands, and Majda Rensberger of OneCoas…
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The Secrets to Building a Timeless Jewelry Brand with Barb Binkley
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Imagine running a business so beloved it's been named the best in its county every year since 2000. Today, Barb Binkley from Cooper and Binkley Jewelers is here to tell us how she and her husband Mark made it happen. Cooper and Binkley Jewelers is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the local community. They’ve been named Livingston Count…
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Episode 53: Main Street Monday: Sturgeon Bay, WI
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Come explore the gem of Door County Wisconsin: Sturgeon Bay. We highlight the brilliant retail stores around downtown, and what they're doing to help stand out amongst the crowd. Filled with longevity and love, these stores serve their community in unique ways to bring together the town of Sturgeon Bay. We look at a kitchen store, apparel shop, qui…
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How to Sell More and Build Instant Connections with D. Jason Mausser
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Who's ready to get some sales training, make more money, and excel in sales? On this episode of Rooted in Retail, we're diving into essential strategies every independent retailer needs to hear. Even if you're already doing great, there's always more to learn! Today, I’m joined by Jason Mausser, and we're talking all about sales. In his new book, D…
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Master Your Mindset to Thrive in Retail with Jamie G. Smith
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Ever wondered what success could mean for your retail store? More importantly, have you considered the person you need to become to make it happen? Today, Jamie G Smith joins us to share the keys to breaking through our self-imposed limitations. Her strategies have already sparked new ideas for my business, and I know they'll do the same for you. J…
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Episode 52: Shop Talk: The Ely Mercantile Enters Busy Season
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In this episode, we talk about what Heart on Main Street has planned for Independent Retailer Month, including a donation that we made to The Mix Mercantile in Sulphur, OK. We also catch up with our friend, Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN. Since we last spoke, Ely has entered into its busy season, and The Ely Mercantile has…
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Empower Your Style, Empower Your Business with Jessica Papineau
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What if your closet could be your secret weapon for success? Today on Rooted in Retail, I’m excited to explore why feeling confident in what you wear matters so much for entrepreneurs and retailers. I’m joined by Jessica Papineau, a seasoned stylist with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. As the founder of CSJ, a styling company d…
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Episode 51: Main Street Monday: Estes Park, CO
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We recently visited Estes Park, CO, as part of our Main Street Monday series. This is a beautiful part of the country that has a fantastic independent retail scene, in part because the history of the town has prioritized a focus on its community. The area has seen devastating natural disaster that has only made Estes Park more resilient and more ap…
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How Retailers Can Use AI to Save Time and Money with Crystal Vilkaitis and Patrick Keiser
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If you're part of the Rooted in Retail community, you already know how much I love using AI to supercharge your business. The world of AI is evolving so quickly, and today, I’m thrilled to share an exclusive webinar replay hosted by Patrick Keiser! Patrick is from Heart on Main Street, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to helping independent retail…
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Episode 50: Main Street Monday: Lincoln, IL
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Come explore the first US town named after Abraham Lincoln! I was invited to this town by one of its wonderful store owners and not only learned much about the town of Lincoln but also saw first-hand how a group of business owners worked together to make their downtown a better place. Donate to help retailers affected by natural disasters: https://…
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The Five P’s of Business Success with Amy Lacey
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Get ready for an amazing conversation with my friend, Amy Lacey. This episode is a true gem—a masterclass in business evolution packed with advice, tips, and incredible stories from Amy's entrepreneurial journey. Amy Lacey is a powerhouse: a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and business mentor. She made waves in 2016 by fou…
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Everything Retailers Need to Know About Hiring with Thad Price
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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 …
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Episode 49: Unlocking the Magic of Trade Shows
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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…
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Navigating Instagram's Latest Updates with Steph Bechard
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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…
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Episode 48: Main Street Monday: Noblesville, IN
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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…
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Advice from the Retail Pros - Live Panel from EVOLVE 2024
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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…
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Episode 47: How Retailers Can Utilize AI to Make Their Lives Easier with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media
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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…
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Embracing Fun to Build Community in Retail (After the Show)
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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…
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Crafting Community Through Classes with Darn Knit Anyway
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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
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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…
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Episode 46: Main Street Monday: Waukon, IA
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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…
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The Power of Creating FOMO in Pop-Ups (After the Show)
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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…
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The Secrets of Successful Pop-Up Shops with Allison Yee
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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…
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Episode 45: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 3 Finances and Social Media
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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…
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Using Spontaneous Creativity in Your Marketing (After the Show)
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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…
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Leveraging Facebook Live for Retail Success with Lori Foster of The Dressing Room
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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…
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Episode 44: Main Street Monday: Franklin, TN
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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…
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What We Focus on Expands (After the Show)
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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…
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Growing Your Retail Store in Economic Uncertainty with Paul Erickson
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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…
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Episode 43: Insurance Needs for Retailer Owners with Heather Ingersoll of Hometown Insurance
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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…
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Leveraging Your Creativity in Retail (After the Show)
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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…
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Build a Business and Life You Love with Kareen Walsh
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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…
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Episode 42: Main Street Monday: Monticello, IL
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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 …
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Why you should use affiliate marketing in your store (After the Show)
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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…
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Affiliate Marketing Secrets for Independent Retailers with Wade Tonkin
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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 …
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Episode 41: Shop Talk: Journey of New Retailer Episode 2
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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…
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Social Media Strategies to Drive More Foot Traffic with Steph Bechard
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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…
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Episode 40: Strategies to Help Retailers Boost Customer Purchase Frequency and Maximize Revenue With Nick McHenry of OneShop Retail
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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…
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The Art of Delegating: Finding the Who, Not How, to Grow Your Business (After the Show)
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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…
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The Secret to Making Money In Your Sleep with Miranda Heslip
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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…
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Episode 39: Main Street Monday: Stillwater, MN
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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 …
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8 Game-Changing Brand Collaboration Ideas for Your Retail Store: After the Show
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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…
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Using Technology to Redefine the Customer Experience with Alex Back
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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…
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Episode 38: Main Street Monday: Pontiac, IL
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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…
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Building a Retail Family Business That Lasts with Teddie Garrigan
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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…
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Growing Your Retail Sales with a Bold Brand Identity with Brianna Cannon
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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…
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Creating Retail Efficiencies: After the Show
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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…
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