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.

Running a retail business can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.  

In this After the Show segment, we’re talking about the power of community and why surrounding yourself with the right people is key to long-term success. Whether it’s finding local networking groups or connecting with other business owners who *get it*, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.  

[0:50] Why a strong community is crucial in retail  

[1:36] Building connections with fellow business owners  

[6:25] The challenge of finding people who understand your journey  

[7:00] Making smart, data-driven decisions  

[8:12] Tapping into local communities and networks  

[9:54] Surrounding yourself with positive, forward-thinking people  

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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.

What does it really take to turn a retail job into a thriving, creative business? In this episode, Ash spills the tea on her rise from retail employee to co-founder of a unique glassware brand. From meeting her business partner to navigating the ups and downs of launching a niche product, Ash shares hard-earned lessons on collaboration, creativity, and staying relevant in a noisy market.

If you’re a dreamer, doer, or indie retailer ready to break the mold, this episode will fire you up.

[2:35] Ash’s retail journey
[4:34] How a business partnership sparked a brand
[9:54] The highs and lows of working in a creative retail space
[15:56] Why collaboration is a superpower
[18:39] Real talk on starting a glass line
[25:43] How to reach people in today’s crowded market

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.

As a business owner, your team can either help you thrive—or hold you back. In this episode of Retail Therapy,  retail entrepreneur Katie Dhuey joins Kareen Walsh to dive deep into what it really means to build a team that supports you, the business owner—not just the business.

Katie shares what she’s learned managing Affordable Treasures, a successful retail shop that’s thriving without an e-commerce presence. From leadership language shifts (like eliminating “follow through”) to dealing with tough decisions like terminations and change management, this episode explores how the right team can give you space to grow, lead, and breathe.

If you're a retail founder, team leader, or just trying to create a culture of real support—this one’s for you.

[0:17] Why your team needs to support *you*, not just your business  

[4:35] Behind the scenes of Katie’s brick-and-mortar success story  

[6:11] The bold choice to grow without e-commerce  

[7:00] Why “follow through” is the wrong language for team leadership  

[12:15] Using the tools you already have to build efficiency  

[18:20] Navigating terminations with empathy and leadership  

[27:50] Why redundancy planning is essential for sustainable success  

[28:53] Communicating the “why” behind organizational change  

[32:49] How to proactively address team conflict before it escalates  

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

https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/building-a-team-that-has-your-back/

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.

In today’s After the Show segment, we’re getting real about what it takes to thrive in modern retail. Spoiler alert: being dull won’t cut it anymore.

From navigating setbacks to elevating your customer experience, this episode breaks down the mindset and strategy shifts you need to build a resilient and future-ready business. If you’re ready to level up and lead with energy, this one’s for you.

[0:57] Building a resilient business and becoming a modern retailer  

[2:07] Industries have normalized dull—why you can’t afford to  

[4:35] How your worst moments can become your biggest growth points  

[6:15] Why paying attention to your numbers and your customers matters  

[8:02] Adopting a “bring it on” mentality in business  

[11:02] Delivering next-level experiences that keep customers coming back  

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 does it really take to stand out in today’s noisy, ever-changing digital landscape? Mark Schaefer—globally recognized author, keynote speaker, and marketing futurist—joins us to unpack the mindset, strategy, and subtle power moves behind meaningful marketing.

In this episode, Mark shares why social media engagement might be overrated, how to push past fear without being loud, and why awe is one of the most underutilized forces in marketing today. If you're a brand builder, creative, or entrepreneur seeking deeper connection with your audience, this conversation is for you.

[2:43] Writing his 11th book  

[3:50] About Mark Schaefer and his impact on marketing  

[6:06] Why today’s consumers are evolving fast  

[8:53] Taking risks and the first step to get past fear  

[9:52] Audacity in branding doesn’t have to be loud  

[12:24] The power of awe in marketing  

[18:05] Why social media engagement is overrated  

[27:26] Showing up in unexpected places for your customers  

[32:57] Rethinking how you position your product

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.

Gen Z isn’t just scrolling—they’re shopping with purpose, passion, and personality. In this After the Show segment, we dive into what really makes them tick and how your brand can actually stand out. From turning your store into a social media playground to creating drops with meaning, this episode is packed with real talk and smart strategies to keep Gen Z coming back for more.

[0:50] - Simple ways to attract the next generation

[1:13] - Why Gen Z deserves your full attention

[2:14] - The impact of retail tariffs and what they mean for you

[3:10] -  How escapism plays into Gen Z’s shopping behavior

[3:57] - Turn your store into a social media playground

[5:15] - The power of building real relationships with customers

[6:01] - Why limited-time drops work

[7:25] - Storytelling sells: how to craft narratives Gen Z cares about

[10:10] - Turning Gen Z shoppers into loyal brand ambassadors

[14:50] - Make shopping fun, engaging, and full of curiosity

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.

How do you cultivate a retail business that nurtures both customers and community? Liz Ferreira, owner of The Sweet Bay Shop, shares her journey of taking over her mother’s store and shaping it into a space that brings joy—both through plants and meaningful relationships.  

In this episode, Liz dives into the privilege of retail, the power of understanding your market, and how she balances family life with running a successful business. Whether you're a retailer, plant lover, or entrepreneur, there’s something to learn from her story.  

[2:40] Liz’s journey into retail  

[3:40] How houseplants bring small moments of joy  

[5:44] Why retail is more than just selling—it's a privilege  

[6:41] Lessons from taking over a family business  

[10:00] How The Sweet Bay Shop connects with customers  

[11:37] The importance of understanding your market  

[13:50] Balancing family life with running a business  

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.

Trust is everything in the collectibles industry—whether you're buying, selling, or running a multi-location business. In this episode of Retail Therapy, we dive into how Jimmy and Jonathan built Roadshow Cards into a trusted, coast-to-coast brand that’s redefining the card-collecting experience.  

With four stores in four different states, their biggest challenge isn’t just growth—it’s consistency. How do you ensure every customer has the same great experience? How do you build a strong leadership team across locations? Business strategist Kareen Walsh shares key strategies on scaling with integrity, strengthening team culture, and making sure your brand values shine through at every touchpoint.  

If you're in retail, collectibles, or any business that relies on trust and consistency, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow with confidence.  

[4:09] The story behind Roadshow Cards and their unique business model  

[7:55] How to create a strong, supportive team culture  

[12:17] Maintaining trust and consistency across multiple locations  

[12:43] Why understanding your internal brand is key to success  

[14:47] Leadership strategies that set the right tone for growth  

[16:56] How to ensure your management team upholds your business standards 

[20:01] Encouraging open communication to strengthen team trust  

[23:40] Innovative revenue streams in the collectibles market  

[33:23] Making your business agenda clear, actionable, and consistent  

[49:50] The impact of Roadshow Cards' expansion and customer trust  

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

https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/building-trust-scaling-success-how-roadshow-cards-is-revolutionizing-the-collectibles-industry/

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.

Understanding the impact of screen time and social media usage is essential for businesses to target their audience effectively. In this episode of After the Show, we explore key strategies to capture mindshare and wallet share across generations.

From pricing strategies to platform usage, we break down how to leverage digital trends to boost engagement and drive sales.

[0:33] Pricing strategies and tips to maximize revenue  

[1:28] Understanding mindshare vs. wallet share  

[3:10] Insights on Americans' average screen time  

[4:38] Social media usage trends by generation  

[7:02] Which platforms each generation is using  

[12:00] The connection between screen share, mind share, and wallet share 

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.

How do you turn your retail store into a must-visit destination? In this episode, Mary Liz Curtin, co-founder of Leon & Lulu, shares her expert insights on creating unforgettable customer experiences, hosting successful events, and staying financially strong in the ever-changing retail landscape.  

Discover how to keep customers entertained, attract them to your events, and balance trends without losing your brand’s identity. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive!  

[6:38] Mastering customer entertainment  

[9:14] How to get customers excited to attend events  

[10:38] The best strategies for driving event attendance  

[17:53] Why financial stability is key to long-term success  

[23:26] Trends vs. mandates—how to stay true to your brand

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