Fueling Local Retail Growth: Insights from Heidi Hardman

Rooted in Retail

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 how to show up everywhere with an omnichannel presence. She also offers practical advice for retailers looking to collaborate with a marketing team.

From billboards to local movie theater ads, Heidi’s advice is a goldmine for any retailer seeking inspiration to become locally famous. She also opens up about integrating her non-profit, Polka Dogz Pet Rescue, into her retail business. The impact of giving back and increasing customer engagement is nothing short of inspiring.

This episode is sure to motivate retailers to start new projects, release the fear of making mistakes, and discover what can happen when you set goals and strive for consistency over perfection.

[03:32] How Heidi's store evolved into multiple locations

[05:44] What Heidi and her team have been doing to become "15-mile famous" and the results they're getting

[07:53] What results is Heidi seeing from showing up everywhere?

[12:04] How Heidi works with her marketing manager

[15:57] How Heidi and her marketing team regularly review their goals and results

[21:43] Heidi's advice for retailers to have a successful relationship with their marketing person

[26:13] What steps did Heidi take to integrate her passion for dogs into her retail store?

[33:29] Heidi's top tips for retailers who are hesitant to take the next step because they don't feel ready

[38:32] What is Heidi excited about for the coming year?

[40:14] Heidi's resilience round

Links:

Rooted in Retail Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail
Show Notes: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/fueling-local-retail-growth-insights-from-heidi-hardman/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail
Join our Rise and Shine newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers - https://www.crystalmediaco.com/
Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Chapters

1. 59: Heidi Hardman (00:00:00)

2. How Heidi's store evolved into multiple locations (00:05:52)

3. What Heidi and her team have been doing to become "15 mile famous" and the results they're getting (00:08:04)

4. What results is Heidi seeing from showing up everywhere? (00:10:14)

5. How Heidi works with her marketing manager (00:14:24)

6. How Heidi and her marketing team regularly review their goals and results to ensure they feel good about how they're using their time (00:18:17)

7. Heidi's advice for retailers to have a successful relationship with their marketing person (00:24:45)

8. What steps Heidi took to integrate her passion for dogs into her retail store (00:29:15)

9. Heidi's top tips for retailers who are hesitant to take the next step because they don't feel ready (00:36:31)

10. What is Heidi excited about for the coming year? (00:41:34)

11. Heidi's resilience round (00:43:16)

12. Best business book (00:43:32)

13. Best retail technology (00:43:54)

14. How do you keep up with the ever-changing landscape of retail? (00:44:47)

15. What's a foundational best practice for retailers? (00:45:37)

16. If you had to start your business all over again, what would you do differently? (00:46:48)

17. What do you think the future of independent retail looks like? (00:47:26)