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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In this episode, Tanner takes the stage at EVOLVE to break down exactly how businesses can win with social media. From showing up consistently to staying authentic, Tanner shares actionable tips that helped him build a powerful online presence—and how you can do the same.

This episode is all about using content to build connection, credibility, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, you’ll walk away with strategies to grow your brand through content that feels real and resonates.

[7:00] Why social media attention matters—and what it means for your business
[10:10] “Just post”: The power of consistency and commitment
[16:16] Scheduling content to stay top-of-mind
[17:07] Doing the research to show up smarter
[29:29] The secret to standing out? Be yourself
[36:27] How to attract the right people to your brand

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Merchandising isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy. In this episode, Ani Nersessian shares how to create a retail space that not only looks great but drives real results. She walks you through practical starting points, from visual tweaks to organizing product flow, all grounded in understanding what your customer truly needs.

Whether you’re setting up shop for the first time or giving your space a much-needed refresh, this episode will help you lay a solid foundation for smarter, more effective merchandising.

[1:45] Ani’s retail journey—and how she learned to design for the customer
[4:59] Simple tweaks that instantly improve your store’s look and feel
[8:41] Why categorizing and sub-categorizing products boosts the shopping experience
[16:56] How understanding your customer leads to better merchandising choices
[21:16] Staying ahead: Why keeping up with retail trends matters

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Think direct mail is dead? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with David, a seasoned direct mail expert who’s helped businesses of all sizes use physical marketing to drive real results. David shares how traditional mail is making a comeback—and how you can use it to stand out in a noisy digital landscape.

From building smarter (not bigger) mailing lists to launching your first campaign on a $500 budget, you’ll get practical, no-fluff advice for turning mail into a powerful marketing channel. David also breaks down whether direct mail works best solo or when paired with email—and the answer might surprise you.

This episode is your beginner-friendly guide to using the physical inbox to reconnect with your audience in a more meaningful, memorable way.

[6:30] Why direct mail deserves a spot in your marketing plan today
[17:24] The real reason their newsletter list is intentionally small
[20:18] A great starting point if you’re new to direct mail
[23:38] Does physical mail work better with email—or on its own?
[26:52] How to launch a solid direct mail strategy with just $500

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Think PR is just for big brands? Think again. In this episode, we explore how organic PR can actually outperform social media, influencers, and even paid ads—especially for local retailers. Learn how to write press releases that land, earn high-quality backlinks, and pitch your story in a way that drives real foot traffic.

You’ll also uncover the most common PR mistakes businesses make (and how to fix them), along with simple yet powerful strategies to get noticed by local media—without a big budget.

This episode is your crash course in high-impact, low-cost publicity!

[5:04] How organic PR can outperform social media, influencers, and paid ads
[8:03] Backlinks: what they are and why they matter
[14:55] What to write in your press release to grab attention
[17:46] Common PR mistakes retailers make—and how to correct them
[23:00] How to pitch local media and bring more people through your doors

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In this special episode, we take you inside the opening keynote from EVOLVE, where the spotlight is on navigating change in your retail business with strength and resilience.

You’ll discover why your brain naturally resists change, how to reframe discomfort into growth, and even how to channel emotions like anger into purpose and momentum. From unexpected tariffs to tightening ad budgets, this episode is filled with actionable insights for retail leaders ready to thrive—even through tough times

[2:42] Why your brain is wired to resist change

[2:56] The comfort of familiarity vs. the discomfort of growth

[4:01] Why change feels exhausting—and how to move through it

[5:04] The emotional toll of business shifts

[10:08] How anger can become your driving passion

[10:35] Using emotions to fuel your retail store’s growth

[12:25] Turning tariffs and challenges into innovation

[17:36] Being strategic with ad spending

[20:26] Why showing up—consistently—matters most

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