Rooted in Retail

Tech Solutions to Simplify Your Retail Workflow with Ulla Hald

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--Technology isn’t just for big retailers. In this episode, Ulla Hald shares how small busin...

Growth Starts When You Stop Doing It Alone - After the Show

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--We all hesitate to ask for help for different reasons. Today, I’m opening up about my own ...

Building a Retail Brand That’s More Than Just Products with Terra Richards

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--What if your business could be more than just a place to shop? In today’s episode, I'...

3 Simple Ways to Move Aging Inventory Now - After the Show

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--Let’s talk about aging inventory. Today, I’m diving into some creative ways to clear out...

The Inventory Tips Every Indie Retailer Needs with Carrie Watson

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--When inventory becomes overwhelming, it’s time to get creative. In today’s episode, I’...

15 Ways to Create Sensory Magic in Your Store: After the Show

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--Want to turn your store into a destination? Today, we’re diving into how sensory experienc...

The Sensory Secrets to Creating a Luxury Retail Experience with Felix Johnson

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together--The right music, a carefully chosen scent, and thoughtful textures—small details like thes...

Balancing Business and Parenthood - Retail Therapy Session with Robyn Noel of Cloud Nine Pajamas

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely felt that guilt—the feeling that you should be doing more, juggling everything better. And for the par...

How Indie Retailers Can Win with Big Box Strategies - After the Show

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re diving into a hot topic chosen by our listeners: how small businesses can borrow a few powerful moves from big box stores to stay compe...

How Imperfection Became the Heart of a Brand with Mehru Anand

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When I sat down with today’s guest, Mehru Anand, founder of Doodling NYC, at NY NOW, I was immediately inspired by her journey. Mehru’s journey fr...

Transforming Our Brand: From Crystal Media to Rooted in Retail

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this special bonus episode. I wanted to film this because we had some really big news this week. We are now operating as Rooted in Retail, ...

Retail Growth Starts with the Right Metrics: After the Show

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine if you could have a dashboard that shows you exactly where your business is succeeding—and where it’s not. Today, I’m going to show you ...

Turn Your Store’s Data into Dollars with Dan Holman

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If your POS system is more of a headache than a help, you need to hear this! Today, I’m joined by my friend and industry expert, Dan Holman, who’s...

3 Ways to Reframe Your Focus from Busy to Profitable - Retail Therapy Session with Alyssa & Angie Mangan of Blue Dahlia Designs

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a mile-long to-do list and feel like you’re constantly working but barely moving the needle on sales? If that sounds like you, this epis...

Creative Habits to Transform Your Business - After the Show

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stacey Pecor's story of pivoting through challenging times had me rethinking my creative process. In this episode of After the Show, I’m sharin...

Making A Nontraditional Retail Pivot with Stacey Pecor

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if the key to thriving during tough times was simply reimagining your business? Join me as I chat with Stacey Pecor of Olive & Bette’s, a ...

The Surprise and Delight Strategy - After the Show

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one thing to satisfy your customers, but what if you could turn their experience into something remarkable? I’m talking about the art of surp...

Turning Your Shoppers into Lifelong Fans with Nick McHenry

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to turn casual shoppers into loyal customers? Get ready for an action-packed episode filled with creative marketing ideas. I’m excited to welco...

Fuse Your Authentic Self Into Your Brand - After the Show

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to After the Show! Today, I’m diving into some big takeaways from my conversation with Ann Chikahisa, the founder of Chikahisa Studio. ...

Turning Passion into a Jewelry Business with Ann Chikahisa

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What inspires someone to leave a successful corporate career and dive into the world of entrepreneurship? Today, I’m chatting with Ann Chikahisa, th...

Silencing the Inner Critic - Retail Therapy Session with Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is self-doubt keeping you from showing up the way you want in your business? In this episode, we explore how to move past those mental roadblocks. We...

Streamline Your Shop with Smart Systems - After the Show

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to After the Show! Today, I’m excited to dive into my biggest takeaways from this week’s episode of Rooted in Retail. We had some ama...

Taking the Leap from a Single Store to Shop Expansion with Jenn Luna

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm excited to chat with Jenn Luna, the owner of The Kindship, a family of boutique gift shops in the greater Tacoma area. You’re going ...

Why Running Ads Are Vital to Your Success as a Retailer

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of Rooted in Retail, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my agency’s secrets for running profitable ads for our clients...

10 Creative Ways to Connect with Shoppers This Holiday Season

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m excited to share some holiday inspiration from my conversation with Emily Butler from Ah Louis Store. We really dug into how holidays and...

Turn Your Store into a Holiday Destination with Emily Butler

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to be holiday-inspired in today’s episode! I’m so excited to introduce my guest, Emily Butler, co-owner of the historic Ah Louis Store.W...

Maybe Bigger Isn’t Always Better – Retail Therapy Session with Andy Havemeier of Wealthy Street Bakery

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Retail Therapy, the segment where we give therapy to retailers! Today’s episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or confused...

Getting Out of the Weeds: After the Show

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re taking a closer look at a simple but powerful idea from my conversation with Amy Loewenberg: "Sometimes, you’re in the weeds. An...

Master Your Retail Market with Amy Loewenberg

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re kicking off something special—a series of live episodes straight from NY NOW! I’m thrilled to welcome back Amy Loewenberg, Dire...

Creating Magical Holiday Experiences with Santa Claus

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special recast episode of Rooted in Retail, I speak with the legendary Santa Claus himself. Santa shares invaluable advice for retailers to n...

Why Your Customers Need to Feel Something: After the Show

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of After the Show, I’m reflecting on my latest interview with Hollei Anne Hayes. She’s a talented product designer whose work you ...

How to Make Your Products Pop with Hollei Anne Hayes

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re diving into all things product design. I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, who owns a creative studio specializing in product design and...

Overcoming Fears and Visualizing Success - Retail Therapy Session with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ana, the owner of Pilar Boutique, joins us along with business and life coach Ronda for a special 'Retail Therapy' segment. Ana opens up ab...

Using AI for Your Retail Systems - After the Show

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of After the Show, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from my recent conversation with Melodie van der Baan from Max Retail.W...

Turn Unsold Inventory Into Cash with Melodie van der Baan

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve got inventory gathering dust and want to turn it back into cash, this episode is for you. Whether you dream of building a retail store tha...

Why Patience Will Pay Off: After the Show

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this bite-sized episode of After the Show, I reflect on my inspiring conversation with Ladianne and Sheri from WoolTribe. It touched on the supply ...

How WoolTribe Built a Mission-Driven Brand

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m so excited for you to hear today’s episode with Ladianne Henderson and Sheri L. Osborne of WoolTribe. Our conversation was truly inspiring as ...

Align Your Soul with Your Business: A Retail Therapy Session

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the first episode of Retail Therapy, a series of six episodes where we give therapy to retailers. In this episode, I introduce you to our ...

Why Being Imperfect is Your Secret to Growth - After the Show

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with a brand new episode of After The Show! Today, I’m excited to explain why we took a summer break and the strategy behind bringing i...

The Magic of Attention to Detail and Hospitality with Willrett Flower Co.

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Kat and Mary Grace, the incredible sisters behind Willrett Flower Company, a full-service flower and gift shop in D...

The Future of Retail with Crystal Vilkaitis

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a milestone episode of Rooted in Retail—episode 100! I’m thrilled to have you here for this special celebration.In today’s episode, w...

Social Media Tactics to Shine This Holiday Season with Steph Bechard

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holy guacamole! Today's episode is packed with so many actionable tips for social media and holiday marketing, you’ll need to listen twice. We’...

How to Leverage Your Rep Relationships with Kelly Bristol

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a retailer, you probably work with sales reps. But are you really making the most of those relationships? Today, we're going to di...

Turn Cash Flow Problems into Profit Opportunities with Charles Leikauf

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to learn how to maximize your profits and overcome cash flow challenges? You’re in the right place! In this episode, we’re diving into the wo...

The Secrets to Building a Timeless Jewelry Brand with Barb Binkley

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine running a business so beloved it's been named the best in its county every year since 2000. Today, Barb Binkley from Cooper and Binkley J...

How to Sell More and Build Instant Connections with D. Jason Mausser

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who's ready to get some sales training, make more money, and excel in sales? On this episode of Rooted in Retail, we're diving into essentia...

Master Your Mindset to Thrive in Retail with Jamie G. Smith

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what success could mean for your retail store? More importantly, have you considered the person you need to become to make it happen? To...

Empower Your Style, Empower Your Business with Jessica Papineau

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if your closet could be your secret weapon for success? Today on Rooted in Retail, I’m excited to explore why feeling confident in what you wea...

How Retailers Can Use AI to Save Time and Money with Crystal Vilkaitis and Patrick Keiser

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're part of the Rooted in Retail community, you already know how much I love using AI to supercharge your business. The world of AI is evol...

The Five P’s of Business Success with Amy Lacey

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready for an amazing conversation with my friend, Amy Lacey. This episode is a true gem—a masterclass in business evolution packed with advice, ...

Everything Retailers Need to Know About Hiring with Thad Price

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for retailers but one we haven't explored much yet: hiring. If you want to find out how...

Navigating Instagram's Latest Updates with Steph Bechard

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holy guacamole, Instagram has made some updates that retailers need to know about!Steph Bechard from Crystal Media is joining me today to break it all...

Advice from the Retail Pros - Live Panel from EVOLVE 2024

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a live panel discussion from our EVOLVE conference in April 2024. The energy was incredible, and my panelis...

Embracing Fun to Build Community in Retail (After the Show)

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to After the Show where we’re diving into the impact of adding more fun in your business. In our latest episode, I had a great conversa...

Crafting Community Through Classes with Darn Knit Anyway

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to cousins Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe, the team behind Darn Knit Anyway. Their yarn store offers everythin...

EVOLVE 2024: Winning Strategies for Retail Success

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We did it, we really did it! EVOLVE 2024 is now officially in the books, and what a ride it was. Today, I'm thrilled to take you behind the scene...

The Power of Creating FOMO in Pop-Ups (After the Show)

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back for another After The Show to dive deep into the exciting world of pop-ups and pop-ins. In our latest episode, I was thrilled to host All...

The Secrets of Successful Pop-Up Shops with Allison Yee

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered the power of a pop-up shop to breathe new life into your retail store? Well, you're in for a treat because today we&apos...

Using Spontaneous Creativity in Your Marketing (After the Show)

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I’m talking about episode 81 with Lori Foster where we talk all about using Facebook Lives to market her shop. She has such incredible res...

Leveraging Facebook Live for Retail Success with Lori Foster of The Dressing Room

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lori Foster has mastered the art of engaging with customers through Facebook Live. Lori shares her journey into live streaming during the pandemic, em...

What We Focus on Expands (After the Show)

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week my goal was to help ease your mind when it comes to any worries you may have around the economy, the fact that it's an election year, a...

Growing Your Retail Store in Economic Uncertainty with Paul Erickson

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we've got an episode that's perfect for anyone feeling the weight of economic uncertainty, the buzz of an election year, or the pinch...

Leveraging Your Creativity in Retail (After the Show)

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'After the Show,' I am going to dive into my key takeaways from my discussion with Kareen Walsh.I first want to talk abou...

Build a Business and Life You Love with Kareen Walsh

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to learn how to craft a business and a life that you truly love? Well, today, we're diving deep into just that with the incredible ...

Why you should use affiliate marketing in your store (After the Show)

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing anything with affiliate marketing?  Have you heard of affiliate marketing? Have you done any research thinking it could help drive traf...

Affiliate Marketing Secrets for Independent Retailers with Wade Tonkin

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Affiliate marketing isn't just for the big players. It's a powerful tool that can help grow your e-commerce business and open doors to new r...

Social Media Strategies to Drive More Foot Traffic with Steph Bechard

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving deep into social media and how it can drive meaningful foot traffic to your store. I'm thrilled to be joined by our digi...

The Art of Delegating: Finding the Who, Not How, to Grow Your Business (After the Show)

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'After the Show,' host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses key takeaways from a previous episode featuring guest Miranda Heslip, ...

The Secret to Making Money In Your Sleep with Miranda Heslip

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever dreamt of making money while you sleep, then you're in for a treat. In this episode, we're diving into the secrets of pa...

8 Game-Changing Brand Collaboration Ideas for Your Retail Store: After the Show

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rooted in Retail: After the Show. This week I am diving into one of my biggest takeaways from my interview with Alex Back from Couch.com. I...

Using Technology to Redefine the Customer Experience with Alex Back

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Alex Back, an e-commerce entrepreneur who is shaking up the furniture industry. He’s the founder of Couch.com, a new startup focused on solving...

Building a Retail Family Business That Lasts with Teddie Garrigan

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back this week with round two from the Dallas Market Center! Today's episode is a special one because I had the chance to sit down in per...

Growing Your Retail Sales with a Bold Brand Identity with Brianna Cannon

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In January, I had the pleasure of sitting down with not one, but two remarkable guests at the Dallas Market Center. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce...

Creating Retail Efficiencies: After the Show

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I talked to Susan Negen from Whizbang Training, and I hope you had the opportunity to listen to that episode because it was packed with so ...

Optimizing Your Retail Operations for Success with Susan Negen

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do indie retailers juggle the daily demands of their stores and keep things running smoothly without feeling overwhelmed? It all starts with havin...

Community Connection - Learning from Each Other: After the Show

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are celebrating the first anniversary of the 'Rooted in Retail' podcast, which officially launched on March 6th, 2023. I can’t he...

Happy Birthday, Rooted in Retail: A Special Q&A Episode

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a very special episode of Rooted In Retail! Can you believe it? It's our first birthday, and I’m so thrilled about the incredible j...

What retailers can learn from Coffee Shops: After the Show

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'After the Show', host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses various topics related to retail growth and challenges, focusing on in...

Turning Your Passion to Profit with Andrew and Claire Bowen

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're shaking things up and venturing beyond traditional retail to dive into the world of coffee shops. What lessons can we learn from the...

6 Tips for Retail Success in 2024: After the Show

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'After the Show', we are live from Palm Springs after our first Oasis of Opportunity Retreat. I want to discuss additiona...

7 Marketing Trends Retailers Need to Know

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Rooted in Retail, we are diving into 7 marketing trends that retailers need to know. In a world of fast-paced technological changes...

Finding Your Priorities and Avoiding Self-Sabotage: After the Show

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'After The Show', we are talking about topics that were discussed in my conversation with retailer Heidi Hardman (Episode...

Fueling Local Retail Growth: Insights from Heidi Hardman

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Deep Dive into Customer Experience with Jonathan Schulman

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a treat for you today! I’m excited to welcome Jonathan Schulman, president of ceXperencia, back on the podcast for part two of our co...

Going Above and Beyond for Your Customer with Jonathan Schulman

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm joined by Jonathan Schulman, president of CeXperentia—a customer experience devotee and former chairman of the International Home Fu...

Be Memorable In a Sea of Forgettable: Ideas to Make Your Store Known for Something

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your store memorable? There is so much noise in the world today and consumers have so many choices, if your store doesn’t stand out it might be f...

Make It Your Most Profitable Year Yet with Jacqueline Snyder

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about launching your own product line? You're in the right place. Join me for a conversation with Jacqueline Snyder, a seasoned retail e...

Generational Shopping: Insights and Inspirations - After the Show with Crystal Vilkaitis

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s after-the-show we are diving deeper into some of the ideas that I discussed with Nicole Linebach in episode 52 of Rooted in Retail. I emp...

Multi-Generational Shopping for Customer Delight with Nicole Leinbach

21 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a value-packed episode featuring Nicole Leinbach, the seasoned expert behind RetailMinded.com and STIMULATE, a thriving business-to-busines...

Increasing E-commerce Success: After the Show with Crystal Vilkitis

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our second episode of 'After the Show' for 'Rooted in Retail', I am sharing insightful tips for increasing the success of your ...

E-commerce Strategies for Your Retail Store with Josh Orr

14 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how often to update your online store and what updates matter most? Today, we're diving into an essential topic for all online reta...

After the Show: Focusing on Customer Experiences in Your Store

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s our very first After the Show LIVE! Each week I will be hosting a live session in our Rooted in Retail Facebook Group on Tuesdays at 5pm MT. Th...

How to Create a Profitable Retail Cash Flow with Kathy Cruz

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what keeps successful retailers ahead in the financial game? Today, we're diving headfirst into retail business strategy a...

Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024

24 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is the last episode of 2023 and we are closing on an incredible year. This was one of the best years that I have had at Crystal Media. I had the op...

Creating a Memorable Brand Story with Kelly Bennett

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the world of branding, it's not just about logos and slogans—it's about building an unforgettable narrative. Meet Kelly Bennett, a seas...

The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Local Online Searches

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the digital age, a retailer's online visibility is as crucial as their in-store experience. Join us in this eye-opening webinar as we delve de...

Future-Proof Your Store: From TikTok Trends, Holiday Marketing Tips and AI in Retail

10 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

*Originally Aired on The Retail Whore Podcast* Get ready for a dynamic conversation with Michelle Sherrier owner of MC Design Collaboration and The Re...

Secrets to Holiday Retail Success with Santa Claus

03 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this enchanting I had the pleasure of hosting the most distinguished guest to date – the one and only Santa Claus. Santa graciously shared his in...

LakeFront Property, Speed Bumps, and Other Merchandising Need To Knows with Georganne Bender

26 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lakefront property—yep, every retail location has some. Along with speed bumps, these are some of the most powerful, money making spots in your stor...

Staying True to the Authentic You with Russ Jones

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

First things first, if you aren’t watching this episode, head over to YouTube so you can see Russ’s amazing suit!You can tell by looking at him th...