Main Street Matters

Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail

Welcome to another episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman speaks with Fred Derring, a true champion of Main Street and principal of DLS Apparel Group. With over 40 years of experience working exclusively with independent retailers across the United States, Fred shares invaluable insights about the power of community in the independent reta...

"When you buy from Main Street, you're buying from the community, you're helping the community."

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman interviews Matthew Roides, Director of Operations at Adrian Jules. Matthew shares the inspiring 60-year journey of his family's custom tailoring business. Founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather who arrived in America with just $33, Adrian Jules...

Are you an independent retail store owner who's missing out on connecting with local professionals - your ideal customers - simply because you are not leveraging LinkedIn? You probably didn’t think it was for you. You thought wrong. It’s a big opportunity.

This episode is a bit different from the usual episodes we have here on Main Street Matters. We invited an expert who shares his expertise on WHY WE SHOULD and HOW WE CAN increase...

When you buy from a chain store or online, the money leaves your community instantly. When you buy local, that same dollar circulates 3.5 times in your community. That's not just business - that's your town's future.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman and Peter Rose, co-owner of Chelsea Group in Wyandotte, Michigan, shares his family's 80-year retail journey and delivers an important, maybe...

From outfitting farmers for their daughters' strawberry festival coronations to helping a cancer patient rebuild his confidence, The Natty Dresser is proving that a men's clothing store can be more than just a retailer – it can be a catalyst for personal transformation in a community.

Host Terresa Zimmerman talks with Oscar Hult, who turned market research into retail success by opening The Natty Dresser in Albany, Oregon. With no...

In this special year-end episode of Main Street Matters, we compile the heartfelt responses from our guests throughout 2024 as they answer our signature question: "Why does Main Street matter?" Their responses paint a vivid picture of Main Street's vital role in our communities.

This compilation showcases the diverse yet interconnected perspectives of local business owners and community leaders who shared their thoughts on the sign...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Frank Ventresca, owner of Ventresca Limited, a high-end men's specialty store in historic Doylestown, Pennsylvania. With 43 years in business, Frank shares his journey from a small store, to multiple stores and a consolidated thriving 5,000-square-foot premium menswear destination. Through his experience, he illustrates how independent specialty retailers...

We have another episode that will surely inspire you to continue doing your craft and keep a good relationship not only with your customers but also with other store owners.

Join Terresa Zimmerman and Tony Paranzino in this conversation. Tony, the owner of Tony the Tailor in Charleston, West Virginia, shares his remarkable journey from learning tailoring at age 9 in the family business to running a successful men's retail business...

This episode explores how independent retailers can attract and retain younger customers (Gen Z and millennials) to ensure business longevity. Join Teresa Zimmerman as she dives deep into effective strategies for connecting with younger generations in your stores. She addresses where to find these potential customers and how to meaningfully engage with them. Despite concerns about aging customer bases, research shows younger genera...

How’s your Main Street? Is it still the same as when you walked down it with your parents, grandparents, or friends?

In this week’s episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman has a warm and nostalgic conversation with Stephanie Knoppe, the owner of, newly opened, Joe Lawrence's Haberdashery in Poplar Bluff. With a mission to restore Main Street’s charm and appeal, Stephanie and a handful of enterprising neighbors have...

In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Brian Lipstein, founder and CEO of Henry A. Davidsen, a Philadelphia-based custom menswear company known for delivering more than just great suits. Over the creation of a perfectly formed, ice ball for a glass of Macallan, Brian shares the unique experience his clients enjoy—complete with a personalized whiskey bar—and the journey he took to build his business from a University of P...

In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Ron Brodeur, owner of Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear, an independent men's clothing store in Fort Myers, Florida. Ron shares his journey from direct selling to owning a brick-and-mortar store, the challenges he's faced, and his passion for custom clothing. Their conversation digs into the world of men's fashion retail, exploring topics such as: -Ron's 30 years backg...

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Danny Reynolds, the leader of Stephenson's, a family-owned clothing store in Elkhart, Indiana.

Danny is a passionate advocate for the retail industry, and when he’s not at the store, or working in New York’s garment district, can often be found in Washington D.C., advocating for retailers across the country. He has been an outspoken champion of t...

Join host Terresa Zimmerman as she sits down with Jaime Weisbrot, owner and founder of Phineas Gage, a men's clothing store in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Jaime shares her journey from visual merchandising in big-box retail to opening her own boutique, offering insights on customer service, community involvement, and the challenges of running an independent retail business.

Here are some takeaways from this episode

-Levera...

"No matter what job you're in, whether it's retail or whether it's insurance or whether it is, you've got to have fun in your business. And when you quit having fun, it's time to get out." - Cindy Purnell

In this episode, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Cindy Purnell, owner of Post and Rail Men's Shop in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. With a retail career spanning over five decades, Cindy bring...

In this podcast episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman interviews Lindsay Morton Gaiser, the president and second-generation owner of Andrisen Morton in Denver, Colorado. Lindsay shares insights into the history of the luxury men's clothing store, founded by her father and his business partner, Craig Andrisen, in 1979. She discusses the evolution of the business, including a brief foray into women's clothing...

Do you know of a store on Main Street, in your community, that has been around for a century? even 50 years? This one has.

In this podcast episode, host Teresa Zimmerman interviews Larry Davidson, the third-generation leader of Davidson's Clothing for Men in Roanoke, Virginia. Larry shares the history of Davidson's, which was started by his Lithuanian immigrant grandfather in 1910. The conversation delves into the evol...

Stay ahead of fashion trends with Jin Frati, who brings his 20 years of design experience and insights into the world of upscale menswear at independent retail.

Join our host, Terresa Zimmerman and guest Jin Frati of Marchesi JinFrati. Jin has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for his exquisite neckwear designs and exceptional craftsmanship. As a believer in and partner to independent retail stores, Jin cr...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Main Street Matters. In this episode, our host Terresa Zimmerman interviews Alex Hamka, a third-generation custom tailor and proprietor of Alexanders Custom Clothiers in Northville, Michigan. Alex shares his journey of taking over his father's tailor shop after his father fell ill, transitioning from being a pre-dental student to tailoring.

Tune in as Alex discusses the evolution of ...