In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman talks with Patrick Burch about the journey of creating Cave & Post Trading Co., a men's-focused retail store in Phoenix. Patrick explains how he and his wife Mary transformed what was meant to be a "glorified man cave" into a thriving retail business that bridges the gap in men's boutique shopping.
The conversation explores how Cave & Post selects inventory with a focus on heritage brands, quality craftsmanship, and products with compelling stories. Patrick shares how they've created a welcoming "Cheers bar" atmosphere where customers are remembered by name, and he discusses their vision of inspiring men to live well-rounded lives beyond just looking good.
Patrick offers candid insights about the financial challenges of marketing a modern retail business, particularly the complexities of managing digital ad spend across multiple platforms. He also discusses emerging retail trends, including the continued popularity of Western wear, growing interest in American-made products, and consumers' increasing preference for quality over fast fashion.
Timestamps
00:01:07 - 00:03:48 - Origins, naming, location selection
00:04:28 - 00:06:04 - Aesthetics, fixtures, merchandising philosophy
00:08:01 - 00:12:30 - Initial buying strategy, market visits, finding new products
00:15:09 - 00:19:05 - Demographics, building relationships, personalized service
00:19:58 - 00:22:06 - Marketing costs, retail difficulties
00:30:52 - 00:32:56 - Trends, encouraging personal style, quality focus
00:35:36 - 00:38:48 - Price vs. value conversation, serving value-conscious customers
00:39:00 - 00:40:32 - Importance of brands with narratives, customer interest in these stories
00:41:47 - 00:42:36 - Employee knowledge and engagement
00:43:46 - 00:44:15 - Denim industry, textile history in North Carolina
Featured Store:
Connect with Cave and Post Trading Co.
https://www.caveandpost.com/
509 W McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85003
602.931.0090 / 602.430.2032
https://www.instagram.com/caveandpost/
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman
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