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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Get all the resources on our website! 

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.

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

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.

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

Get all of the details on our website

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 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

Get all of the resources on our website!

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.

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

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 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

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 back to After the Show! Today, I’m diving into some big takeaways from my conversation with Ann Chikahisa, the founder of Chikahisa Studio. 

Ann does an incredible job of weaving her Japanese heritage into her jewelry designs. So often, businesses play it safe and end up sounding vanilla in their messaging. Ann’s approach is a perfect example of how infusing your personality into your brand sets you apart.

I also want to highlight Ann’s VIP membership program. It’s a brilliant way to build loyalty and make customers feel like they’re part of something special. This isn’t just about discounts, but it’s about creating a community around your brand.

Let’s explore how we can all fuse more of ourselves into our businesses and connect more with our customers.

[1:41] The common mistake retailers make on social media

[2:45] What it really means to add personality to your content

[05:13] Ann's innovative VIP membership program and its benefits

[07:01] Strategies to create customer loyalty and more value

Get all of the resources on our website

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 inspires someone to leave a successful corporate career and dive into the world of entrepreneurship? Today, I’m chatting with Ann Chikahisa, the founder of Chikahisa Studio, who did just that. 

After years in corporate sales, Ann took her creative passion and built a thriving jewelry business. With over 15 years of experience as a business owner, metalsmith, and designer, Ann creates pieces that connect with women and their inner power.

In this episode, we cover so much about entrepreneurship. Ann talks about what it really means to follow your passions, build a business, and make meaningful connections—whether it’s with customers or with yourself. 

So get ready to be motivated and uplifted. Her story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to pursue your passions, and her jewelry is a beautiful reflection of that. I’m so excited for you to listen!

[04:16] How Ann pivoted from corporate sales to designing jewelry

[11:18] The VIP membership Ann offers with her products

[13:54] What challenge Ann faced while pivoting

[16:19] Next Level Retail: Asana Strategies to Boost Your Business Efficiency

[19:00] How Ann developed a signature style and honed her jewelry collection

[23:18] A few things to remember when you get tough feedback

[26:33] The personal tragedy that sparked a major change in Ann's business

[31:09] What Ann would tell her younger self

[34:58] Ann's resilience round

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website. 

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