Episodes
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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Welcome to the final episode of Rooted in Retail for 2024! It’s just me, Crystal, flying solo today, and we’re closing out the year with a bit of reflection and a look ahead to 2025. This episode is all about recapping the highs and lows of a year that many of us, myself included, can only describe as weird.
We’ll pull back the curtain on some major changes I’ve experienced both personally and professionally, dive into what’s next for Rooted in Retail, and explore where I believe retailers should focus their energy as we move into the new year.
I’ll also share my thoughts on making in-person connections, the power of change, and how these shifts have shaped my vision for the future. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join me for a heartfelt conversation as we wrap up 2024 and gear up for an exciting 2025!
[00:51] A reflection on why 2024 felt weird[05:31] Behind-the-scenes on rebranding and launching a mastermind
[09:31] How we plan to reach more retailers
[12:27] Two things indie retailers need to focus on
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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Ever thought about why you believe what you believe? It’s time to question it.
One takeaway that really stuck with me from my last episode with Ulla Hald was her advice to question your assumptions. In today’s episode, I’m diving deeper into what that means and how it applies to your business.
We’ll explore how assumptions can stifle creativity and keep us from evolving. And I’ve got a simple, actionable exercise to help you challenge your assumptions. We’ll use a common one in retail as an example.
As you listen, think about one of your own assumptions to challenge and work through this exercise with me. Let’s question, adapt, and evolve together!
[00:00] It’s Time to Question Your Assumptions - After the Show[01:43] What happens when we make assumptions in business
[03:48] 5 ways to question your assumptions
[07:11] An exercise to try when foot traffic feels slow
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Get all of the details in our show notes https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/why-assumptions-are-your-biggest-roadblock/Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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Missing episodes?
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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Technology isn’t just for big retailers. In this episode, Ulla Hald shares how small businesses can use innovative tools to streamline operations and build a stress-free, thriving store.
Ulla created the FAVES app to empower boutiques, combining her experience at Apple with her love for tech that’s actually easy to use. Her mission is helping indie retailers like you succeed in today’s competitive world.
In this episode, we’re talking all about how tech can help you manage inventory, plan smarter, and take control of your business. Tune in for actionable tips that will give you peace of mind and the confidence to make your store more resilient and successful.
[04:03] Where retailers should focus to simplify operations[05:54] Ulla's advice for retailers hesitant to adopt new technology
[08:54] The biggest mistakes retailers make with inventory buying
[13:25] Future trends Ulla sees shaping the retail industry
[14:33] How technology can help retailers up their game
[19:02] Ulla's resilience round
[19:04] Best business book
[20:01] Best retail technology
[20:57] How do you keep up with the ever changing retail landscape?
[21:48] What's an inventory management foundational best practice?
[23:04] If you had to start your business all over again, what's one thing you'd do differently?
[24:18] What do you think the future of independent retail looks like?
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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We all hesitate to ask for help for different reasons. Today, I’m opening up about my own struggles with it in my business and why it’s time to change.
Whether it's the fear of burdening others or the desire to do it all ourselves, asking for help can be tough.
In this episode, I’ll explain why breaking that barrier is essential and why seeking support is crucial for growth. It’s about focusing on what we love and excel at while letting go of the things that drain us.
If you’ve struggled with asking for help, I hope my story encourages you to take that step.
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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What if your business could be more than just a place to shop? In today’s episode, I'm sitting down with Terra Richards, the heart and soul behind The Haven, a multifaceted business that started as an eight-acre tree farm and garden center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Terra is a true example of how passion and vision can transform a business. She takes us through her journey of growing The Haven from a tree farm into a community-driven space that offers more than just products—it offers an experience.
In this conversation, we dive into the impact of retreats, building a strong community, and the steps to creating an intentional space for both your team and your customers.
Plus, Terra gives us an exciting sneak peek into The Haven's upcoming transformation into Haven Home and Garden and what that means for the future of the retail business. This episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom, so let’s get to it!
[03:37] Terra’s system for maintaining streamlined processes[05:14] How Terra empowers her team to lead and make an impact
[06:54] How stepping away helped Terra revitalize her business
[12:13] Episode Sponsor: Rooted in Retail Ads Management
[13:17] Why Terra and her husband are reinventing their business
[15:45] Terra's resilience round
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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Let’s talk about aging inventory. Today, I’m diving into some creative ways to clear out aging inventory and make room for fresh products.
Inspired by my conversation with Carrie Watson from Outside Looks, I’ll share a few practical ideas, plus an AI prompt to help you come up with even more strategies.
If you’ve got old inventory taking up space, it’s time to get creative! I’ll cover strategies that will help you move those items quickly while keeping your customers engaged.
I’ll also show you how ChatGPT can help you brainstorm custom ideas for your store, targeting your specific audience and inventory needs. Check out the AI prompt in the show notes below to get started!
[01:27] Why stepping away from your business matters[04:59] Mystery boxes for clearing out old inventory
[07:00] Buy more to save more promo ideas
[07:49] Flash sales to increase foot traffic and drive sales
[11:18] Crystal’s custom AI prompt for store-specific promo ideas
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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When inventory becomes overwhelming, it’s time to get creative. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Carrie Watson, founder of Outside Looks Retail Consultancy. We’re diving into all things inventory—how long to keep it, how to turn it, and ways to move it out.
Carrie’s journey is inspiring—she went from being a corporate inventory planner at Fossil to lead buyer for a 10-door indie retailer, learning firsthand how challenging inventory management can be for small businesses. Now, as the founder of Outside Looks, her mission is to help indie retailers modernize and increase profitability.
In today’s conversation, we’ll cover Carrie’s top inventory strategies, tips for managing aging stock, and how to leverage brand relationships to boost your bottom line.
We’ll also touch on financial practices and creative strategies to keep your business thriving. This episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss, so let’s dive in![05:11] The low-hanging fruit retailers can target with inventory
[07:18] How fast retailers should be able to pay off their inventory
[08:15] Best practices for a healthy inventory and profit growth
[10:30] Carrie’s favorite way for retailers to move inventory that’s not selling
[14:23] The coolest move Carrie’s spotted a retailer make lately that paid off
[18:52] Practical advice for indie shop owners to navigate their financials with ease
[21:56] The best tool for retailers to manage their finances
[24:42] Carrie's resilience round
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Get all of the resources in our show notes.Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers
Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! -
Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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Want to turn your store into a destination? Today, we’re diving into how sensory experiences can make it happen—and we’re getting a little creative with it!
We’ll explore the five senses and how you can incorporate them into your store. I’ve got three structured examples to spark new ideas and elevate your customer experience.
Oh, and yes—I’m even going to sing some songs for you! This episode is all about taking your store to the next level through sensory magic.
We’ll cover everything from seasonal sensory themes to everyday ways to engage your customers. Plus, I’m throwing in some out-of-the-box ideas to make your store unforgettable.
Let’s dive in!
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Join the Rooted in Retail Mastermind: Resilient Together
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The right music, a carefully chosen scent, and thoughtful textures—small details like these add up to something bigger than you might expect. In today’s episode, we explore how every sense plays a role in creating an unforgettable customer experience.
You don’t need to be a luxury retailer to apply these insights. Small, intentional touches can make any store feel special. Today, Felix Johnson from The FELIX Experience joins me to show how you can infuse a little luxury into your store.
It starts with the music you play in-store. Felix shares a specific beats-per-minute range that encourages customers to stay longer—and it’s amazing how much of a difference this can make!
We’ll also dive into how engaging the five senses helps nurture your customer experience. If you’re ready to rethink the way you connect with your audience, you’re going to love this conversation.
[02:37] Felix's childhood dream of owning a mall[04:51] How Felix took big box insights to craft his own brand vision
[06:14] What luxury means in a digital world of evolving expectations
[08:18] Tips for indie retailers to create sensory-rich experiences for unique brands
[12:10] What retailers can learn from the Saks-Neiman Marcus acquisition
[14:14] Felix's resilience round
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Links:
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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! -
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 parents out there, you know the added pressure of mom guilt or dad guilt. It’s the constant balancing act between responsibilities to your kids and your business.
Today, in our Retail Therapy segment, we’re joined by Robyn Noel, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. Robyn opens up about running a business with her sisters, managing motherhood, and trying to do it all. We dive into practical tips and tools to help balance our many priorities—whether you’re a parent or not.
This conversation gave me some much-needed clarity, and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you. This episode is full of tips about finding balance, reducing that overwhelming guilt, and showing up stronger in both our personal and professional lives.
[04:43] Robyn's challenge: the pressure of being a mom in business
[11:19] The truth about why we're bad at multitasking
[15:25] How to use transition rituals to fully engage at home
[19:35] Most business issues aren’t as urgent as they seem
[31:31] Why no one builds a business alone
Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/balancing-business-and-parenthood/Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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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 competitive and grow.
My guest, Mehru Anand from Doodling NYC, shared some great insights—and I’ll break it down so you can apply these big-business strategies to your own operation.
Big players use data to drive decisions, but small businesses can get in on this too, even with a smaller budget. We’ll also talk about the power of strong employee training and systems—onboarding doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective!
Finally, we’ll look at budgeting. Knowing when to save and where to invest can make all the difference, especially during peak seasons. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a few easy-to-implement tips to grow, stay efficient, and keep your customers coming back![07:24] How big box retailers keep their team motivated
[12:00] Why every retail business needs SOPs
[16:48] How to manage costs with a clear budget
[18:36] What corporate stores are doing to keep customers coming back
[22:29] When to map out your seasonal promotions
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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 from corporate executive to retail entrepreneur is truly inspiring.
In this episode, she shares the challenges she faced transitioning into her own business, working with freelancers, and navigating e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy.
Mehru’s brand, Doodling NYC, is all about embracing authenticity and the motto "being proudly imperfect." She’s building a community and plans to expand her presence in brick-and-mortar stores—a vision she shares with us at the end of the episode that will leave you feeling motivated.
Her brand encourages creativity and self-expression. I know you’re going to love this conversation!
[00:40] How Mehru realized she didn't have a brand[03:00] Mehru’s business philosophy: proudly imperfect
[06:27] The challenges Mehru tackled when jumping from corporate to e-commerce
[11:32] How Etsy and Shopify stack up against each other
[14:44] Mehru's advice for hiring freelancers
[20:51] What the future looks like for Doodling NYC
[24:08] Mehru's resilience round
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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, not Crystal Media. We have been undergoing this transformation for some months now behind the scenes and I wanted to take you though the decision process because I think there is a lot you can learn about branding and messaging in your business. I am also sharing with you the plans have have for the future and what you can expect!
I'm really excited about what we're doing and I'm really excited for you to be a part of it.
[00:00] Big Announcement!
[00:38] Behind the Scenes of the Rebranding Decision
[02:28] The Importance of Messaging in Business
[03:57] Evolution of the Brand: From Crystal Media to Rooted in Retail
[05:57] Expanding Beyond Social Media
[07:21] Introducing the Rooted in Retail Network and Mastermind
[12:05] Personal and Professional Growth
[15:38] Here's to the Future
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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 how!
Dan Holman joined me in the last episode to share some powerful ideas on why key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for growing a retail business. We talked about how analyzing these results weekly can show you what’s working in your business and help you leverage that data to boost profits.
Today, I want to dive even deeper into this and explore how AI is completely transforming the process of tracking and analyzing metrics. I’m also giving you an exclusive sneak peek at something I’m really excited about—our upcoming Rooted in Retail launch in June 2025!
And, of course, I’ll share some practical steps for creating and automating your own metrics dashboard using tools like Google Sheets and AI to take your business to the next level.
Get all of the details on our website!Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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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 here to show you how tracking the right data can drive your sales.
This episode is action-packed. Dan brings over 40 years of retail experience to the table, and he’s ready to break down some of the most important metrics in retail—what you should be measuring, why it matters, and how to simplify the process so it feels less overwhelming.
Dan is an award-winning business coach and founder of The Wealthy Retailer, a consulting firm that helps independent retailers and wholesalers boost profitability and cash flow.
We’ll also dive into the hot topic of POS systems. Whether you love yours, hate it, or feel stuck somewhere in between, Dan has expert advice on how to find the right fit for your business. He’s also sharing key insights to help you prepare for a successful holiday season.
Trust me, you’ll want to stick around until the end. Even in our Resilience Round, Dan is dropping wisdom, ideas, and resources that you can start using right away!
[04:25] Dan’s 40+ years of retail experience[07:12] Why negativity holds back so many independent retailers
[10:49] The top things retailers overlook in inventory management
[18:48] Biggest data points retailers should monitor regularly
[25:25] How Dan recommends retailers track in-store traffic
[27:42] The easiest platform for tracking metrics
[30:36] Dan's advice on choosing a POS system
[34:51] How make teams stronger and more profitable
[37:57] What retailers can do to have a strong Q4
[40:14] Dan's Resilience Round
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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! -
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 episode’s for you.
We’re back with another special Retail Therapy segment, and this time, Ronda and I are joined by the amazing mother-daughter duo Angie and Alyssa from Blue Dahlia Designs.
In this episode, we dive deep to help them achieve more sales, find more balance, and gain clarity on the tools and systems that really drive growth. Together, we talk about what it takes to actually build the business instead of just checking off tasks.
As a small business owner, I know firsthand how easy it is to get lost in the weeds. But as we explore here, being busy doesn’t always mean we’re moving the business forward.
I can’t wait for you to tune in and soak up all the systems, tools, and advice Ronda and I share. It’s absolutely jam-packed!
[03:50] Alyssa & Angie's challenge: bringing back repeat customers[06:13] What the store needs to achieve to be considered successful
[08:46] Ronda's advice for a better work-life harmony
[13:35] Why rest can be a game changer in business
[14:53] Busy work vs. profit-making activities
[20:14] How batching your to-do list can free up hours
[25:14] One idea for an additional revenue stream
Get all of the resources on our website.Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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Stacey Pecor's story of pivoting through challenging times had me rethinking my creative process. In this episode of After the Show, I’m sharing insights from my inspiring conversation with Stacey from Olive & Bette’s.
During our chat, Stacey opened up about her commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Two habits she shared are fantastic ways to spark fresh ideas in your business.
Her insights on resilience and nurturing creativity are game changers. These lessons can empower you to tackle obstacles head-on and reignite your passion for retail.
Tune in for actionable takeaways you can apply to your life and shop!
[00:35] The power of investing in yourself[03:23] How travel can be a source of inspiration
[07:39] Creative practices for retailers to innovate
[10:48] The future of retail and innovation
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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 powerhouse retailer who did just that.
One of the things I love most about Stacey is her superpower for innovation. She’s always thinking ahead, taking smart risks, and knowing exactly when to pivot. In this episode, she’s pulling back the curtain on her decision-making process, showing us the inspiration behind her bold moves to reinvent her business.
And here’s the best part—it’s like a mini masterclass on social media! Stacey shares the tools she uses, what she’s watching in her metrics, and her approach to captions and advertising.
It’s all here, and it’s working. With over 10,000 followers, Stacey is actively selling through her social channels and connecting with her audience every day. Let’s dive into her story!
[05:32] The major pivot Stacey made in her business[11:58] The new concept store in Greenwich
[14:52] Stacey's advice on listening to your gut
[16:38] What the biggest hurdle in the transition was
[22:55] The strategies behind her social media impact
[26:08] What type of content is working best right now
[28:32] Why Instagram wants creators to use trending media
[33:34] Stacey's resilience round
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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 surprising and delighting your customers—and why it’s your new secret weapon.
In our latest episode with Nick McHenry, one idea really stood out to me: the power of surprising and delighting. It’s something I’m obsessed with—constantly thinking of ways to exceed expectations and create those “wow” moments.
Nick is an absolute goldmine of insights and he shared some brilliant examples. Today, I want to explore how going that extra mile can create unforgettable experiences that not only keep customers coming back but also get them excited and talking about you!
From viral moments like the Stanley Cup story to those small, unexpected touches, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to start surprising and delighting your customers.
[01:30] Surprise and delight your customers
[02:25] How Stanley went viral with surprise and delight
[05:47] The power of doing the unexpected for customers
[08:06] Building customer loyalty through reciprocity
Get all of the resources on our website.Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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Want to turn casual shoppers into loyal customers? Get ready for an action-packed episode filled with creative marketing ideas. I’m excited to welcome back Nick McHenry, who is one of my favorite people in the industry and a true friend and partner.
Nick McHenry is the Founder and CEO of OneShop, an all-in-one digital marketing platform designed just for brick-and-mortar retailers. He started his journey on the retail floor in his late teens, where he learned the ins and outs of the industry firsthand.
After spending ten years in wholesale with luxury brands like Giorgio Armani and Philipp Plein, Nick now focuses on helping retailers use digital marketing tools to boost their sales and connect with customers.
Nick knows how to get retailers thinking about what works best for bringing customers through the doors. In today’s conversation, Nick dives into the challenge of bringing customers back into your store, a must-listen topic for every retailer.
[04:58] What automated clienting tell means and why it's important
[07:40] How to stop the scroll on social media
[10:03] The best way to integrate loyalty programs across platforms
[14:25] What did you sell the customer vs. what did you learn about them
[20:03] Smart strategies to keep your customers coming back
[23:43] How to gamify your store with non-spend visits
[28:03] Nick's resilience round
Get all of the details and resources on our website.Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation
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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! - Show more
