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.

Success in retail isn’t a solo journey—it’s built on relationships, mentorship, and an abundance mindset.  

In this After the Show segment, we’re diving into why collaboration is key to growth. We'll break down how to shift away from a scarcity mindset, embrace opportunities to work with others, and confidently reach out for support. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for help or felt like you’re in it alone, this episode will remind you that success is a team effort.  

[01:05] Why collaboration and mentorship matter in retail  

[04:37] Overcoming the scarcity mindset  

[07:56] The endless opportunities for partnerships  

[09:17] How to ask for help without hesitation  

[11:35] The power of simply asking  

[11:45] Shifting to an abundance mindset  

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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.

In this episode, retail expert Bob Negen from WhizBang! Retail Training shares the essential role employee training plays in building a thriving retail business. With decades of experience, Bob dives into what makes training a game-changer, how to implement a program that sticks, and the secret to completing any project. Learn how to keep your customers top-of-mind while boosting team performance.

[3:30] Introduction to Bob Negen

[8:53] A defining moment that has shaped retail today

[12:55] Why training is critical in your business

[19:17] How to get started building your retail training program

[23:22] The secret to getting any project done

[38:25] “What would my customer want?”

[50:00] Maximize the potential in the space you already have

Bob offered our Retail Money Machine course for free - https://app.retailbrilliance.com/courses/154/purchase?coupon=FREEMONEY

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/retail-success-starts-with-your-team-bob-negens-training-secrets-for-thriving-businesses/

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 successful business goes beyond day-to-day operations—it’s about leadership, vision, and leveraging the right frameworks to scale. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Maureen and business strategist/therapist Kareen Walsh to explore how to elevate your business and lead with purpose.  

Maureen shares her retail journey, from early successes to learning how to balance control and leadership after scaling her business. Kareen brings her expertise in conscious leadership and explains how using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework can help business owners feel more in control and aligned with their vision.  

We’ll also cover how to adjust your management style, when to let go of control, and how to create a leadership strategy that works for your business at any stage of growth. 

[2:33] Introducing Kareen  
[4:23] Maureen’s retail journey  
[9:19] Becoming a visionary leader for your team  
[12:10] Using the EOS framework to scale your business  
[15:58] Lessons in letting go of control  
[16:57] Balancing leadership styles  
[30:16] Leveraging frameworks while maintaining your unique business approach  

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/mastering-visionary-leadership-in-business-featuring-maureen-kareen-walsh/

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.

Feeling creatively stuck? You’re not alone—but there are ways to reignite that spark.

In this quick After the Show episode, we’ll explore three simple yet powerful methods to inspire creativity and bring new energy to your work. You’ll learn how to flip the script, embrace unexpected combinations, and dreamstorm your way to fresh ideas. These strategies will help you break free from limiting habits and take a bold approach to thinking outside the box.

[2:00] How feeling like you need to be a certain way holds you back
[4:07] Comparing older styles to fresh ideas
[4:58] The power of flipping the script
[8:45] Using the “forbidden combo” method to generate fresh ideas
[13:02] Embracing the opposite perspective
[13:24] Dreamstorming your next big idea

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 this episode, Lisa Bach, a passionate leader in book publishing and the gift industry, shares insights on how retailers can boost their offerings with curated book collections. From her early retail days to becoming a leader in the book-gift community, Lisa reveals why books are the perfect addition to any store’s product mix.

Discover key trends, how to cater to niche audiences like men’s gifting, and what makes certain books stand out in retail spaces. 

[1:10] Introduction to Lisa Bach
[2:34] Lisa’s journey in retail
[4:29] Shifting to the sales side of the gift industry
[7:16] Why independent retailers should add books to their product mix
[12:11] Key trends in the book and gift community
[14:31] Curating books for men’s gifting
[18:35] What makes certain books stand out in gift shops?

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/unlock-the-power-of-book-publishing-in-gift-retail-with-lisa-bach/

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.

Building a retail brand takes more than just hard work—it takes strategic planning and continuous investment in long-term success. In this After the Show segment, we dive into how you can shape your brand and budget effectively to set your business up for future growth.

From smart financial planning to leveraging data for decision-making, this episode covers the core steps to take your retail brand to the next level. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of consistency and treating your brand like an asset to ensure sustained success.

[01:13] Building your brand and increasing awareness  

[02:59] How to allocate your resources strategically  

[04:44] The importance of data-driven decisions  

[05:20] Start budgeting and planning for growth  

[08:21] Focus on long-term brand awareness  

[11:51] Why sales aren’t immediate and why that’s okay  

[14:19] Treat your brand like an asset—invest in its future  

[14:50] Maintaining a consistent look and feel across your 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.

Tired of high sales but low profits? It’s time to flip the script.  

In this episode, retail finance expert Christyne Gray brings over 20 years of experience to help creative entrepreneurs master their money. Discover how to shift your focus from just growing revenue to maximizing profitability. 

Christyne breaks down the percentages you should be spending, shares common money mistakes retailers make, and introduces realistic revenue mapping techniques that align with your long-term goals. 

If you’re ready to take control of your finances and build a thriving, sustainable business, this episode is a must-listen! 

[3:27] Christyne’s 20-year journey from retailer to financial expert  
[7:09] The mindset shift: Why profitability beats revenue growth every time  
[10:48] How holistic financial planning connects daily actions to long-term success  
[15:21] Building financial frameworks that align with your business goals  
[15:55] Realistic revenue mapping: The blueprint for sustainable growth  
[21:17] The right way to plan and allocate your budget  
[27:13] Avoid these common financial mistakes most retailers make  
[29:40] Expense control problems? Here’s why it’s becoming a bigger issue  
[33:49] Why up-to-date accounting is critical for business success  
[38:41] Inspiring success stories from retailers who transformed their finances  

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/boost-your-retail-profits-with-christyne-gray/

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 business isn’t just about profits and products—it’s about purpose, passion, and, sometimes, pivoting when things don’t go as planned. In today’s Retail Therapy episode, we’re diving into all of that with two incredible guests: Andrea Spresser, a seasoned retailer, and Kareen Walsh, a business strategist and therapist.

Andrea shares her journey of growing her store since 2009, tripling her revenue after relocating in 2019, and navigating the challenges when her manager retired. She’s now back in the driver’s seat, managing her business, but grappling with the big question: “Is this what I want to do long-term?”

On the other side, Kareen Walsh brings her expertise in conscious leadership and sustainable business growth. She helps entrepreneurs align their business strategies with their core values, avoid burnout, and reconnect with their *why*. Together, we explore how to balance personal wellness with professional success, the importance of choosing a business that aligns with your purpose, and how to stay connected to yourself while growing your brand.

Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone feeling a bit off in your current journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you realign and refresh your perspective.

[2:47] Meet Andrea and Kareen: Retailer and Therapist with unique insights  
[6:46] Andrea’s retail journey: From launching in 2009 to tripling revenue in 2019  
[11:17] Facing an “off year” and the awakening that followed  
[14:32] The power of redoing your front window (literally and metaphorically)  
[16:12] Why choosing the right business matters  
[18:09] Redefining the role women play in entrepreneurship  
[19:24] How to sustain your personal wellness while growing a business  
[20:20] When it’s time to change your business trajectory  
[26:00] Picking the strategy that works for you  
[28:08] Hiring operators to handle the business so you can focus on growth  
[29:52] Reconnecting with yourself—and your business—in a meaningful way  

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/reconnecting-with-your-business-and-yourself-retail-therapy-session-with-andrea-of-all-about-u/

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 business means embracing both the highlights and the honest struggles. In this After the show episode, we explore the raw reality of entrepreneurship and discover practical ways to navigate through overwhelming moments.

I’ll also help you realize that success in business isn't about maintaining a perfect facade – it's about embracing the journey, acknowledging challenges, and leading with authenticity.

[1:50] Real talk after recording - facing business challenges head-on

[4:37] Tackling that never-ending to-do list without burning out

[6:55] Why perfect balance in business might be a myth

[8:03] Patience as your greatest business asset

[8:54] Transform your mornings with simple gratitude practices

[10:06] Being real with yourself and your team about where you're at

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.

Drowning in to-do lists? Your retail time management revolution starts here! 

Join powerhouse Fractional COO Colleen Carswell as she unlocks the vault of game-changing time hacks that transformed her 17-year hospitality career. From energy mapping to guilt-free productivity, discover why traditional time management is dead and what smart retailers are doing instead. 

Get ready to turn chaos into clarity and stress into success!

[4:55] Managing time like your bank account
[7:52] Breaking free from the productivity trap
[10:01] Time chemistry 101: The 4 energy zones that drive your day
[14:13] Creating a fool-proof audit system
[19:20] Burnout-proof your business. Warning signs you can't ignore
[22:21]  Making busy seasons work for you
[27:07] Why downtime is your secret weapon

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Get all of the resources in our show notes - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/time-is-money-how-to-transform-your-retail-success-with-colleen-carswell/

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