Rooted in Retail

In this special episode, we take you inside the opening keynote from EVOLVE, where the spotlight is on navigating change in your retail business with strength and resilience.

You’ll discover why your brain naturally resists change, how to reframe discomfort into growth, and even how to channel emotions like anger into purpose and momentum. From unexpected tariffs to tightening ad budgets, this episode is filled with actionable insig...

What happens when a business is born out of mud runs, muscle pain, and a mission to help others heal? In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Gardner, co-owner of Dr. Doug’s Balms, to explore how a grassroots wellness brand scaled with heart, honesty, and a focus on progress—not perfection.

From magnesium-infused balms to mindset shifts for overwhelmed entrepreneurs, Natalie shares why staying rooted in purpose matters more than c...

What do Disney-level customer experiences have to do with your bottom line? A lot more than you might think. In this episode, Vance Morris—a former Disney World executive turned customer experience strategist—reveals the secrets behind turning casual buyers into loyal fans.

Drawing from years of real-world experience at one of the world’s most customer-obsessed brands, Vance shares powerful strategies that retailers and e-commerce b...

What does it really mean to be part of a thriving business community that understands the retail grind? In this bonus episode, Crystal Vilkaitis reveals the perks members get when they join IndERA—and it’s so much more than just another business mastermind.

From staying ahead in the ever-evolving retail landscape to unlocking exclusive access to tools, resources, and strategy, Crystal walks you through the six foundational pillars t...

What does it take to build a successful independent retail business—and keep it thriving for decades? Carol Schroeder, co-owner of Orange Tree Imports, joins us to share her journey as a retailer and local business leader. From launching a gift and gourmet shop to navigating the shift to e-commerce, Carol offers grounded insights on team leadership, community-driven business, and how to stay relevant in a changing retail landscape.

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How are tariffs shaping sourcing decisions and inventory management in retail? In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Nathan Sheth from Management-One breaks down the real impact of tariff changes on margins, supply chains, and operational efficiency.

Discover how to build a resilient sourcing strategy, evaluate new vendor partnerships, and optimize inventory to maintain cash flow and avoid costly overstock or stockouts. Nathan also s...

What makes great packaging more than just a pretty box? Julie Rotuno—a self-proclaimed “packaging nerd” and retail expert—joins us to break down the overlooked power of thoughtful packaging. From low-budget strategies to major industry trends, Julie shares how packaging shapes brand perception, impacts sustainability, and elevates customer experience.

In this episode, you'll learn how to approach packaging even on a tight budge...

A strong brand is more than just a logo—it’s a feeling, a story, and sometimes… one powerful word.

In this episode, we follow Lucy’s incredible journey from retail to design school and into the future of interior design. She shares her insights on how branding becomes unstoppable when people catch on fast, why setting “unreasonable” rules might just be the best thing for your brand, and how to ride the waves of trends without losing...

Scaling isn’t the only path to growth—sometimes, the real magic lies in simply improving what’s already there.

In this After the Show segment, we dive into the powerful mindset shift from obsessing over scale to focusing on refinement. From optimizing just one customer touchpoint to enhancing your existing systems, this episode will inspire you to grow by getting better—not just bigger.

[2:21] Focusing on improving vs. the constant s...

There’s retail—and then there’s retail with heart. In this episode, we explore how one shop owner built a thriving business by listening closely, staying intentional, and showing up authentically both in-store and online. This is your go-to guide for making your brand not just seen, but felt.

Ever walked into a store and felt the difference? That’s what Jan has created with Stocks Culinary Goods. Since 2012, she’s been flipping the ...

What happens when you lose a business partner who was also your closest collaborator and friend? 

In this powerful episode, Michelle shares her journey through the retail world, her deep partnership, and how she’s navigating growth and grief after losing her business partner.

From building lasting rep-retailer relationships to finding strength in memory, this conversation is a tribute to purpose-driven business and human connection.

I...

Running a retail business isn’t just about products—it’s about people.

In this After the Show segment, we dive into why connections matter and how you can start building and working your network with intention. From asking for help to putting yourself out there, today’s conversation is all about turning relationships into opportunities.

[1:30] How you can build a connection and work your connection
[6:20] You never know what kind...

What does it take to build a brand that stands out in the wholesale space? In this episode, Robin Kramer of Red Boot Consulting shares how she went from retail beginnings to helping product-based businesses grow with clarity, confidence, and heart. She opens up about honoring your unique skillset, making the most of trade shows, and why nurturing relationships is the key to long-term success.

If you're an indie brand, retailer,...

Running a retail business can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.  

In this After the Show segment, we’re talking about the power of community and why surrounding yourself with the right people is key to long-term success. Whether it’s finding local networking groups or connecting with other business owners who *get it*, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.  

[0:50] Why a strong community is crucial in re...

What does it really take to turn a retail job into a thriving, creative business? In this episode, Ash spills the tea on her rise from retail employee to co-founder of a unique glassware brand. From meeting her business partner to navigating the ups and downs of launching a niche product, Ash shares hard-earned lessons on collaboration, creativity, and staying relevant in a noisy market.

If you’re a dreamer, doer, or indie retailer ...

As a business owner, your team can either help you thrive—or hold you back. In this episode of Retail Therapy,  retail entrepreneur Katie Dhuey joins Kareen Walsh to dive deep into what it really means to build a team that supports you, the business owner—not just the business.

Katie shares what she’s learned managing Affordable Treasures, a successful retail shop that’s thriving without an e-commerce presence. From leadership langu...

In today’s After the Show segment, we’re getting real about what it takes to thrive in modern retail. Spoiler alert: being dull won’t cut it anymore.

From navigating setbacks to elevating your customer experience, this episode breaks down the mindset and strategy shifts you need to build a resilient and future-ready business. If you’re ready to level up and lead with energy, this one’s for you.

[0:57] Building a resilient business an...

What does it really take to stand out in today’s noisy, ever-changing digital landscape? Mark Schaefer—globally recognized author, keynote speaker, and marketing futurist—joins us to unpack the mindset, strategy, and subtle power moves behind meaningful marketing.

In this episode, Mark shares why social media engagement might be overrated, how to push past fear without being loud, and why awe is one of the most underutilized forces ...

Gen Z isn’t just scrolling—they’re shopping with purpose, passion, and personality. In this After the Show segment, we dive into what really makes them tick and how your brand can actually stand out. From turning your store into a social media playground to creating drops with meaning, this episode is packed with real talk and smart strategies to keep Gen Z coming back for more.

[0:50] - Simple ways to attract the next generation

[1:...