Arieh Lowenstein is back for part two, and this time he’s diving even deeper into what makes independent retail thrive. From creating meaningful customer moments to shaping the right product mix, Ari shares how small shifts can make a big impact in-store. He also opens up about the lessons he would approach differently in his business and what he sees for the future of independent retail.

If you want practical insights on how to better understand your customers, adapt to today’s fast-changing market, and position your store for long-term success, this episode is packed with ideas you can use right away.

[3:17] Elevating customer moments for greater impact

[6:28] Building the right product mix at the store level

[8:09] Why customer personas matter

[14:01] Staying ahead in an ever changing retail landscape

[16:13] What Ari would do differently in his own business

[17:28] What the future of independent retail looks like

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In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Crystal Valkaitis sits down with retail therapist Bob Phibbs and guest Lisa Greene to dig into one of her biggest challenges: finding qualified florists to help her business thrive.

Lisa opens up about the difficulty of hiring in a niche market, and Bob shares insights on spotting vocational skills, using qualifications to guide your hiring decisions, and getting creative with talent attraction through video and social media marketing. They also talk about why it’s okay when team members leave—and how to make the most of it.

If you’re a retailer struggling to find the right people for your team, this conversation is full of ideas to help you hire smarter and build a stronger business.

[3:27] Lisa Greene on the challenge of finding florists to help her
[10:29] Spotting your employee’s vocational skills
[13:11] How Lisa decides who to employ through qualifications
[19:36] Using video to attract new talent
[19:47] Posting short-form content on LinkedIn + running Facebook ads
[21:21] Bob’s crazy Friday challenge idea
[28:05] Why it’s okay for a team member to leave

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Ari Lowenstein has done just about everything in retail: consulting, product development, and leading industry associations. Now, he has built his own stores. With Ari’s Pantry, he is bringing authentic Italian flavors to Texas and has already grown from one shop to four in less than two years.

In this episode, Ari opens up to Crystal about his bold approach to retail, why failure is part of the process, and how customer experience drives everything he does.

From a playful loyalty program where customers earn “tomatoes” instead of points to lasagna Thursdays that build community, Ari shares fresh, practical insights you can bring straight into your own business. If you are wondering how to grow fast while staying authentic, this episode is for you!

[1:51] – Ari’s journey from global retail to opening Ari’s Pantry

[5:12] - Early challenges and what failure has taught him

[9:37] - Creating an Italian market experience people love

[10:09] - The simple truth: the longer customers stay, the more they spend

[12:10] - Building a cuisine people keep coming back for

[12:31] – Multiple revenue streams as protection and growth drivers

[14:38] - Replication, expansion, and scaling fast

[17:43] - Lessons in leadership: letting your team learn and fail forward

[20:42] - His advice for retailers who are stuck and overwhelmed by posting social media content

[22:15] - Authentic, consistent content that works

[24:59] – How Instagram doubles as a staff training tool

[26:22] - How to craft a memorable customer experience?

[28:23] - Turning lasagna into a community event

[29:49] – Why timing your communication matters

[30:45] - A loyalty program that swaps points for “tomatoes”

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Jennifer Shorter’s retail roots run deep—three generations deep, to be exact. As the owner of Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Michigan, she’s mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation while keeping her creative spark alive.

In this episode, Jennifer opens up about her unique retail journey, the surprising power of doing less, and why embracing change has been key to her long-term success. From adapting to shifting customer behaviors to creating events that keep people coming back, Jennifer shares the strategies—and mindset—that have helped her thrive without burning out.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your business and your joy, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to reimagine success on your own terms!

[2:15] – Jennifer’s journey from family legacy to retail leader
[5:43] – Why doing less can actually fuel your growth
[8:12] – The freedom that comes with embracing change
[10:05] – How customer shopping habits have evolved—and how to adapt
[11:57] – Staying creative without hitting burnout
[13:18] – Understanding your customers on a deeper level
[16:06] – Local events and activations that boost traffic and loyalty
[20:20] – Choosing joy over the constant hustle

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In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Crystal sits down with retail therapist Bob Phibbs and guest Linda Moore to unpack the strategies that keep your cash register ringing—not just today, but for years to come.

From attracting new shoppers to building loyalty with the ones you already have, Bob and Linda share insights on connecting with different generations, addressing your customers’ real “pain points,” and selling through systems that work.They also dig into why your content—and the energy behind it—can make or break your sales, plus how to speak directly to your male audience in ways that resonate.

If you’re a retailer looking to sell smarter, market better, and keep customers for life, this conversation is for you.

[2:21] Meet retail therapist Bob Phibbs
[4:40] Strategies to win new customers and keep loyal ones coming back
[5:53] Marketing to millennials vs. boomers—and what actually works
[15:09] Why calling out customer “pain points” matters
[26:32] Selling with a proven system or framework
[36:34] The power of great content and high energy in sales
[41:18] How to connect with your male audience

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Gift cards aren’t just convenient, they’re strategic. In this episode, we sit down with Larry Rubin, owner of Swipe It Gift Cards, to unpack how retailers can turn those little plastic cards into big opportunities for growth, loyalty, and stronger customer connections.

With decades of retail experience, Larry shares what most businesses are missing when it comes to gift cards and how to shift from “just having them” to using them intentionally to drive real results.

[1:49] Larry’s journey from retail life to launching Swipe It Gift Cards
[5:28] How retailers can rethink their gift card strategy
[6:50] Unexpected ways to use gift cards (beyond the holiday rush)
[12:59] Turning gift cards into tools for revenue, loyalty, and foot traffic
[17:33] Using gift cards as smart sales incentives
[23:46] The top 3 mistakes retailers make with gift cards and how to avoid them

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We made it—episode 200! What a journey it’s been, and we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with YOU.

In today’s special episode, Crystal Vilkaitis reflects on the highs and lows of her retail journey and shares a deeper, more personal conversation about what it really means to feel successful. From burnout and hustle culture to the power of taking a pause, Crystal opens up about finding contentment, freedom, and clarity—without losing ambition.

If you're feeling the pressure to do more or questioning what success should look like, this episode offers the perspective shift you didn’t know you needed.

[5:40] - What burnout really feels like—and how to come out stronger
[7:45] - The clarity that comes when you finally slow down
[11:23] - Why we keep pushing (even when it's exhausting)
[12:53] - The fear of being left behind
[14:18] - “What I want more than success is to feel ___”
[15:00] - The myth that effort always equals results
[17:37] - Rethinking what success truly means
[20:55] - Gratitude over grind: learning to appreciate the now

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What’s really driving retail success in today’s world? In this dynamic EVOLVE panel episode, three powerhouse women—Barb Binkley (Cooper and Binkley Jewelers), Beth Rich (Mix It Up Gift and Home), and Miranda Heslip (Cloud Nine Pajamas)—share their real-world insights on what’s working right now in retail.

From creating loyal communities to planning events that actually drive foot traffic, to mastering email marketing that converts—this episode is packed with tips you can implement today.

What’s Inside:
[4:59] One thing retailers worry about that’s not worth the stress
[6:50] Defining moments that shaped their retail journeys
[11:57] How writing their own mission statements brought clarity
[18:52] Meet the new “retail therapist” joining the show
[20:03] A week in the life of three successful store owners
[25:00] Tips for finding the right people to manage your social media
[28:48] The power of delegation, outsourcing, and aligned accountability

Get rooted in retail wisdom with Barb, Beth, and Miranda—you won’t want to miss this conversation!

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In this insightful episode, Landon and Camille take us on their retail journey, sharing hard-earned lessons about what truly makes retail partnerships work—from knowing your brand story to compensating reps thoughtfully.

They dive into the most common challenges facing brands today and how communication, alignment, and intentional relationship-building can transform both sides of the retail equation. Whether you're an indie retailer or a growing brand, this conversation will help you rethink how you work with reps, source products, and create experiences that matter.

[2:18] Landon and Camille’s start in retail and what they've learned along the way
[5:07] Today’s biggest challenges for brands and how they shape the retail landscape
[12:35] Why reps must understand the brand’s story—not just the product
[19:11] Thoughtful compensation: why it matters more than you think
[23:07] How giving leads to your reps drives better results
[24:31] What indie retailers should consider when deciding what and where to buy
[31:45] Creating a retail experience that customers remember and return to

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What can Disney fireworks, empowered employees, and “the little things” teach you about running a standout retail business? A lot more than you think. In this bonus episode, Vance Morris—a former Disney World executive turned customer experience strategist—dives into the principles that made Disney world-renowned for customer loyalty.

Vance shares how retailers can borrow from Disney’s playbook to elevate everyday interactions, boost retention, and outshine competitors—without a theme park budget. Whether it’s redefining your target market or empowering your team to resolve customer issues, this episode will inspire you to rethink your customer experience from the ground up.

[4:27] What Disney fireworks reveal about building loyalty

[9:24] The one thing that can quietly kill your business

[13:29] Rethinking your real competitor

[23:49] Why empowered employees make or break the experience

[30:49] The small touches that leave a lasting impact

[37:31] Who Disney is really targeting?

[44:41] Practical steps to “Disneyfy” your business

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