It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Bird & Blend, so chatting with co-founder Mike Turner at Retail ROAR was a real treat. From a single market stall to 25+ shops across the UK, Mike and his co-founder Krisi have built something truly unique.

In this episode—a sneak peek from our Retail ROAR 2025 summit—Mike shares how Bird & Blend grew from iced tea samples and hand-packed blends into a beloved national brand, all while staying people-focused and rooted in community.

We cover:

• What “experiential retail” actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)
• How thinking omnichannel from day one set them up for growth
• The joy of unexpected blends (think rhubarb and custard tea!)
• Using crowdfunding, customer feedback, and team ideas to scale
• Why real loyalty comes from inclusion—not discounts

Whether you’re planning your first shop, growing your brand, or simply after a dose of retail inspiration—this one’s worth a listen.

🎟️ Want more content like this? Get on the waitlist for Retail ROAR 2026!

Mentioned in this episode:

Faire 50% offer

Use the code GamePlan25 to get 50% off and free shipping with your first order at faire.com

Faire 50% off - use code 'GamePlan25'

Freebie download

Stock Freebie