Rooted in Retail

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Retail spaces are more than just stores—they’re immersive experiences designed to captivate, inspire, and connect.  

In this After the Show segment, we dive into some of the most memorable store tour experiences and uncover what makes them stand out. From Dior’s breathtaking lighting to Sephora’s cutting-edge technology, and Hermes’ rooted design philosophy, these spaces show us how retail is evolving to create a sense of belonging and influence.  

Join me as we explore the power of thoughtful design, storytelling, and innovation in retail spaces, and learn how these elements can inspire your own business journey.  

[0:57] Highlights from store tours: What makes them special  

[3:39] Creating belonging: The emotional pull of a brand  

[4:49] Dior’s unforgettable lighting and its impact on experience  

[7:52] How Hermes blends heritage into modern design  

[10:10] Sephora’s technological edge in engaging customers  

[12:43] Restoration Hardware: Turning guest rooms into brand showcases  

[15:59] Gentle Monster’s stunning installations and artistic influence  

[19:15] The power of influence: What retail spaces teach us about branding  

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Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Are you spending your time and energy on what really matters for your retail business? In this solo episode, Crystal Vilkaitis dives deep into the essentials of modern retail marketing, customer connection, and creating unforgettable in-store experiences. 

Crystal also shares inspiration from attending the National Retail Federation, offering fresh perspectives on customer service, team adaptability, and creating demand for your store through meaningful connections. If you're ready to show up for your customers and your business, this episode is for you! 

[2:26] Why “showing up” for your customers changes everything  

[3:21] Marketing is about connecting, not just selling  

[5:19] The power of connecting with your local audience  

[7:57] Building a sustainable marketing strategy that works  

[18:55] How to maximize email marketing platforms  

[22:24] Mastering the art of customer service  

[27:57] The importance of investing in yourself as a business owner  

[33:47] How community engagement drives success  

[37:07] Hospitality as a tool to create memorable experiences  

[38:23] Nurturing team adaptability to stay ahead  

[42:41] Understanding the five customer archetypes  

[43:43] Creating demand through remarkable in-store experiences  

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/transforming-your-retail-strategy-this-2025/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Your business isn’t just a source of income—it’s an asset and a reflection of your vision.  

In this After the Show segment, I explore the power of exit planning and how setting clear goals can unlock opportunities and foster resilience. From understanding the importance of seeing your business as an asset to aligning daily actions with yearly objectives, this quick episode will help you think ahead and create a solid exit strategy.  

[0:41] Exit planning: Where to start  

[1:40] Curiosity, knowledge, and opportunity  

[2:56] Becoming a resilient retailer  

[3:53] Your business as an asset, not your identity  

[4:26] Why exit planning is crucial  

[7:27] Setting goals for the year  

[10:25] Aligning daily actions with your long-term vision  

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Ready to step away from your business and ensure its continued success? 

In this episode, fan favorite Pete Mohr returns to share essential insights on creating a solid exit strategy, building long-term value, and knowing when it’s time to let go. Tune in for expert advice on how to plan your exit while freeing yourself from the daily grind!  

[4:23] Pete’s retail journey recap  

[7:14] Why every business owner needs a solid exit strategy  

[12:09] First steps to escape the day-to-day grind  

[15:34] Why being good at something doesn’t mean you should do it  

[18:57] The challenge of letting go and delegating  

[28:17] Evaluating your business’s dependence on key employees, customers, or suppliers  

[29:05] The 8 key drivers for building company value  

[34:00] The importance of benchmarking your business  

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/mastering-your-business-exit-strategy-expert-tips-from-pete-mohr/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Running a retail business doesn’t mean running on empty.  

In this  After the Show segment, I talk about the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with yourself—even when life gets busy. We’ll be diving into why taking a break isn’t a setback but a setup for sustainable success.  

From building systems to leaning on your team, this quick episode will inspire you to embrace balance, listen to yourself, and come back stronger.  

[00:46] Why social media is the secret weapon for introverts  

[01:45] How slowing down helps you show up better in business  

[02:31] Struggling to stay motivated? You’re not alone  

[05:45] Permission to pause: Overwhelm is your cue to reset  

[07:02] Systems and teams: Your secret to less stress and more success  

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

What happens when passion meets strategy in retail? Tanner and Erika, the dynamic duo behind "Famous in Oregon," turned their love for houseplants into a multimillion-dollar brand by harnessing the power of social media. In this episode, they share the secrets behind their success, from building a relatable brand to creating content that connects.  

Discover how they started, the story behind their unique name, and how following demand—rather than perfection—can skyrocket your business. 

[1:55] Introduction to Tanner and Erika  

[3:52] The journey to creating their thriving retail business  

[8:24] How social media became the backbone of their success?

[11:06] The inspiration and meaning behind “Famous in Oregon”  

[14:59] Starting a business by following demand, not trends  

[18:58] Why relatable content beats perfect content every time?

[30:14] What’s next for Famous in Oregon?

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/famous-in-oregon-how-a-houseplant-shop-became-a-social-media-sensation/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Are you giving your business the time it needs to grow?  

I’m reflecting on my recent conversation with the Subscription Box Queen. One recurring theme? Patience. We often want results fast, but building a thriving business takes time, clarity, and consistent effort.  

I’ll share why patience is a game-changer in business, and how taking small but intentional actions can set you up for long-term success.  

Plus, we’ll talk about why getting clear on what you want is the first step toward achieving it. Tune in and reflect. Retail might just be the opportunity you’re looking for to increase sales!

[00:30] The Subscription Box Queen recap  

[01:12] How subscription boxes can add to your bottom line  

[04:02] The importance of taking time and action in your business  

[04:12] Why patience is your best asset  

[08:28] Getting clear on your goals  

[13:58] How retail can help boost your sales

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Get all of the details in our show notes https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/building-your-business-one-step-at-a-time/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Want to know the secret to having 75% of your revenue guaranteed? Sarah Williams, the “subscription box” queen, is here to share how you can turn a simple idea into a thriving business that generates steady income. From building her own successful subscription box empire to coaching others to do the same, Sarah has cracked the code for turning passion into profit.  

In this episode, Sarah reveals the highs and lows of her journey as a powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and coach. This conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed in the competitive world of retail. 

[07:10] How Sarah got started in the personalized subscription box business  

[09:10] Growing a subscription box business: The strategy and the grind  

[13:46] Launching her coaching program “Launch Your Box” and how it’s helping entrepreneurs 

[16:42] How Sarah navigated the challenge of building both an online and local presence 

[21:07] The challenges of starting a subscription box business and the lessons learned  

[25:11] Why building strong connections is key to long-term success  

[32:03] How to establish lasting success and set yourself up for growth  

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/box-office-success-how-to-launch-a-thriving-subscription-box-business-with-sarah-williams/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

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

Get all of the resources in our show notes.

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

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

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! 

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt