March 19, 2025

EP 194: GETTING RETAIL SMART WITH DAN JABLONS

42 minutes

Dan Jablons heads up Retail Smart Guys, a premier consulting company for independent retail. Dan studied at the Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Production. Throughout his career, he’s worked with big-name retailers like Walmart, Target, JC Penney, American Apparel, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo, and many others.

Dan also worked for a clothing manufacturer where he piloted vendor-managed inventory programs, a leading point-of-sale provider (where he installed systems and provided merchandising help to retailers large and small) and internet marketing (where he helped retailers establish a presence on the web.)

In addition to his vast retail background, Dan also has a background in improvisational theater. He recently appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm (he played Larry David’s lawyer) and is often seen in national commercials. Dan combines his extensive knowledge of retail with his comedy skills to become one of the industry's most popular speakers. He has spoken at Magic, Surf Expo, at local municipal and trade show events, and many other venues.

In this conversation, Dan provides insights into the concept of open to buy (OTB) and how his company helps stores become more profitable. He shares the strategies he uses to get inventory moving and how to tell a story with your merchandise. Dan also shares his two cents on what’s going on with tariffs, why email marketing is so important, and what it’s like to work with the Retail Smart Guys.

MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

What’s Inside: