Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/armaYXpHJRc

In this spotlight of episode 375 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Shelby Hill focus on the intricate process of opening new showrooms and the collaborative efforts required among various groups within the organization. They discuss the meticulous backward planning needed, starting with the store opening date and working in reverse to coordinate product receipt, construction timelines, and checklist completion. They also explore how this process has become highly organized and efficient over time, almost resembling a well-oiled factory, due to repeated experience and refinement.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/haavhm0NL8k

In this spotlight from episode 375 of Stories from the River, Charlie and Shelby continue their conversation focused on the complexities of merchandising across different types of companies and how strategies must adapt accordingly. One concept discussed was the relationship between manufacturers and licensees, particularly in developing a core assortment plan and managing pricing, initial markup (IMU), and promotional strategies to suit varying store formats, ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sfjDtQEczlk

This week, Charlie Malouf, CEO, sits down with Shelby Hill, recently promoted Associate Director and one of Broad River Retail's newest leaders. Shelby shares her journey beginning as a category planner in January 2020, just before the onset of COVID-19. She discusses the challenges of starting a new career and learning a new industry during a global crisis, having to quickly adjust to remote work and rely on digital collaboration with fellow Memory Makers. Shelby also recounts her prior experience in buying offices, her educational background in interior design, and her eventual move into furniture merchandising. Over the years, she describes how her role and the company itself underwent significant transformation, tripling in store count and seeing the merchandising group grow from just a few Memory Makers to a much larger group.

Throughout the episode, Shelby highlights the strategic approach Broad River takes with merchandising, including core assortment planning, adapting to different store formats, partnering closely with supply chain and manufacturers, and implementing price analysis systems, especially during times of rapid price changes due to tariffs and inflation. Shelby reflects on the importance of collaboration and culture at Broad River, especially as the company continues to expand into new regions and operate in a hybrid work environment. She expresses pride in the growth and strength among fellow Memory Makers, their ability to remain connected while remote, and the intentional, collaborative spirit that defines Broad River's continued success.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nnSJxpT-LSM

In this spotlight from episode 374 of Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues and Zach Smith, Executive Director of Beds for Kids, discuss how the organization prepares for increased demand as the school year approaches. Zach highlights the importance of volunteers in helping Memory Makers prepare and deliver furniture to families, especially during major delivery pushes that can serve more than twice the typical number of families in a single week.

The conversation also explores other ways the community can support Beds for Kids, from donating furniture like sofas, tables, and chairs to providing recurring financial contributions that help cover rising operating costs. Zach emphasizes that every form of support helps the organization reach more families and turn empty spaces into welcoming homes.

Follow Beds for Kids on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bedsforkids

Learn more - https://bedsforkids.org/

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0A01WGlsCyo

In this spotlight from episode 374 of Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues and Zach Smith, Executive Director of Beds for Kids, explore the organization's mission to support families experiencing furniture poverty across the Charlotte area. Zach explains how Beds for Kids partners with 99 referring agencies to provide families with essential furniture while connecting them with additional resources to help build a stronger foundation.

The conversation highlights the connection between Broad River's purpose of furnishing life's best memories and the meaningful work happening at Beds for Kids. Memory Makers regularly volunteer to prepare and deliver furniture, helping provide beds, kitchen tables, sofas, dressers, and other essentials that transform empty spaces into comfortable, welcoming homes.

Follow Beds for Kids on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bedsforkids

Learn more - https://bedsforkids.org/

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube:

Fifteen years of growth, partnership, and community support have helped Beds for Kids transform the lives of families experiencing furniture poverty.

In this episode of Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues, President and COO, welcomes Zach Smith, Executive Director of Beds for Kids, to discuss the organization's journey from a garage operation to a 44,000-square-foot warehouse serving up to 1,500 families each year. Zach highlights the role of donors, volunteers, and community partners in helping provide families with essential furniture and create homes where children can sleep, study, and families can gather.

The conversation also explores the many ways Memory Makers, students, corporations, and community members can get involved. More than meeting an immediate need, Zach explains how a furnished home can provide dignity, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Follow Beds for Kids on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bedsforkids

Learn more - https://bedsforkids.org/

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3l6TWmH7nHs

In this spotlight from episode 373 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Samantha Juliano reflect on the remarkable growth of Broad River Retail and how the company has evolved far beyond what either could have imagined. Samantha looks back on the journey from three locations in the East region to a growing footprint across multiple coasts and the Northeast, while also reflecting on nearly nine years as a Memory Maker.

The conversation also explores the culture that has made the journey meaningful, with Samantha describing Broad River as a place where people feel connected, supported, and motivated to stay and succeed.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QeB-rTB18A0

In this spotlight from episode 373 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Samantha Juliano share advice for Memory Makers who are starting out or looking to take their performance to the next level. Samantha highlights the transformative opportunities available at Broad River and encourages Memory Makers to seek out successful peers, ask questions, and learn from those who have already built strong careers.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3l6TWmH7nHs

Growth, persistence, and a commitment to learning can turn a career in sales into a journey of lasting impact.

In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Samantha Juliano, Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River Retail, during the 5th annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée at STK. Samantha reflects on her journey since joining Broad River in 2018, including her success as a Million Dollar Memory Maker, her experience in leadership, and her decision to return to the sales floor with a renewed focus on personal growth and well-being.

The conversation explores Samantha's approach to selling, from building meaningful guest relationships to developing expertise in sleep products and continually improving her craft. She shares advice for new Memory Makers, encouraging them to treat their role like their own business, stay curious, learn from high performers, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Samantha also reflects on how Broad River's supportive culture has helped her achieve both professional and personal goals while creating memorable experiences for guests.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YROVlb5Rt5Q

In this spotlight from episode 372 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Kim Harkness explore how Broad River Retail builds community partnerships as the company expands into new markets. Kim discusses the established relationship with Beds for Kids in the Carolinas and how the team identifies local organizations in new regions that can support programs like Hope to Dream and align with Broad River's values.

The conversation highlights the importance of finding the right community partners and how Memory Makers help bring Broad River's culture of service to new markets.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail