In this episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal Vilkaitis breaks down the Market Magic framework—seven must-have elements every independent retailer should check off to stay resilient, profitable, and top-of-mind in 2026.
If you’re closing out a busy holiday season or planning for the new year, this episode gives you actionable ideas you can start using today to boost visibility, strengthen your brand, and elevate your customer experience.
[00:00] — Market Magic overview
[02:10] — Adaptability & quick pivots
[05:45] — Using mystery boxes & FOMO marketing
[11:20] — Branding consistency & audits
[16:35] — Leveraging customer data + email segmentation
[21:50] — Community involvement & partnerships
[27:40] — Omnichannel selling in 2026
[33:15] — New channels: Podcasts, YouTube & local shows
Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers
Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal: Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.