The Retail Whisperer

Stylish Visionary : Ambitious Multi-tasker : Retail Junkie

Margo Kopman lives, eats, and breathes all things retail. With over 15 years of retail consulting experience as the President of Project Retail, she is extremely passionate about inspiring clients with her vision and authenticity when tackling the complex business of the independent retailer. She believes that you can achieve the highest levels of success if you work hard, believe in your dreams, and stay focused on results. She grew up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic and a character built on integrity. Soon after graduating from Southern Methodist University, she followed her dreams and opened Byrd, a contemporary women’s boutique in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. As an owner & buyer of an independent retail store, she understands the ins and outs of the business, having experienced it firsthand.

Michelle and Margo chat about her passion for the science of retail-which led her down the path of consulting independent retailers like herself. Because of her ability to simplify complex data & analytics paired with her strong critical thinking skills, she coached her clients to maximize the opportunities while facing the challenges head-on. 

In her free time, you can find her soaking up the Los Angeles, CA sunshine. She loves being outdoors, surfing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family & friends. Margo is committed to the pet rescue movement through animal rescues and shares her loving home with her little white dog, Bubbie.

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This week’s episode is near and dear to Michelle’s heart. She had the pleasure of interviewing her friend and former co-worker Damon Von Schweikert of Von Schweikert Audio. As former co-workers, which they touch on in the episode, Michelle saw firsthand Damon’s incredible skill set in successfully treating employees while at the same time running a brand at the highest level. Currently, Damon is the Chief Executive Officer for Von Schweikert Audio, a multigenerational, High-End Audio loudspeaker design and U.S. manufacturing firm with over four decades in business and hundreds of industry awards from around the world.  Prior to assuming the position of CEO for VSA in 2015, Damon enjoyed a 15-year career in the Softline retail industry working at the corporate level with a specialization in the Stores and Operations divisions for Levi’s/Dockers Outlets, Anchor Blue, Juxtapose and Miller’s Outpost to name a few. 

His entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in manufacturing, distribution, marketing and retail sales give him a unique business management perspective. We are so grateful Damon took time out of his busy schedule to chat with us. We know you’ll enjoy this episode as much as we did!

The Audio Analyst

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This week's episode is a Michelle Solocast where she will take the listeners on a deep dive into her design philosophy and review her Top 10 Display Tips! Michelle was asked earlier this year to write an article for Gift Shop Magazine on design & merchandising. This episode is a broader stroke on that article and the tips Michelle learned while working for both Fred Segal and Anthropologie. We have linked the article for your reference. Sit back & enjoy! 

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S+J is a Lifestyle Boutique featuring Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Vinyl, Home + Gifts in our 3 story shop, (4 including their open-air rooftop where they host fashion shows, trunk shows, pop-ups + always a DJ + dance party)!

 Jamie spent the first 15 years of her career in Retail at Target Corporation.  She started there in Merchandising in Girls Toys, then was promoted to a Buyer position in School Supplies and Home Office.  She then moved into the Marketing Team, first in a Licensing role and then into Advertising for Apparel & Accessories. She spent her last 9 years there working on and leading the Internal Events Team. She was responsible for Board Meetings all the way up to 10,000 person National Team Meetings with guest speakers, musicians, fashion shows and more! 

She left her role at Target when she couldn't balance two big jobs within retail in one family and took the opportunity to stay home with her two young boys for several years.  She was Room Parent, co-chaired school fundraisers and cheered my boys on from the sidelines at all their soccer, basketball and lacrosse matches, all while fine-tuning her vision for the shop and "visually re-merchandising" her house for each holiday!

Michelle & Jamie jump right into it discussing her career at Target, meeting her now-husband, also at Target and how her passion for fashion and her husband’s passion for music ultimately inspired them to open Serge + Jane.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeandjaneshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeandjaneshop

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We are thrilled to have the president of The Retail Smart Guys, Dan Jablons, as a guest this week. The Retail Smart Guys is the premiere consulting company.

Dan Jablons worked in retail while attending the Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Production. He has worked with retailers such as Walmart, Target, JC Penney, American Apparel, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo, Charles David, Diesel, Oakley, Tumi, Hollywood Bowl, and many others. He has worked for a clothing manufacturer where he piloted vendor-managed inventory programs, a leading point-of-sale provider (where he installed systems and provided merchandising help to retailers large and small) and internet marketing (where he helped retailers establish a presence on the web.)

In addition to his vast retail background, Dan also has a background in improvisational theatre. He recently appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, and is often seen in national commercials. Dan combines his extensive knowledge of retail with his comedy skills to become one of the industry's most popular speakers. He has spoken at Magic, Surf Expo, at local municipal and trade show events, and many other venues.

The goal with this episode was to inform retailers on things going on in the industry, and to help retailers become more profitable. Take a listen as Michelle & Dan discuss inventory planning, open to buy, bookkeeping and technology advice. Highly informative episode for any retailer hoping to make better purchasing decisions, ensure a more positive cash flow and generate more profit!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/danjab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retailsmartguys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retailsmartguys
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danjablons/
IMDB: https://tracking.cirrusinsight.com/64426361-ae6f-4627-867b-f4edaa0cf203/imdb-com-name-nm1887739

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This week’s episode was a tricky one to write show notes for as I am part of the episode. Michelle and I (Elisa) have been friends for over 40 years and although our professional lives couldn’t be more different, we are truly sisters and have seen each other through many of life’s milestones that include births, deaths, divorce & marriages. Knowing each one of our strengths has definitely allowed this partnership to be successful, which led us to this episode. We thought it would be fun to interview each other and base those interview questions on each one of our industries. Michelle, retail and merchandising and for me, anything digital marketing. Neither one of us knew what the other was going to ask, which we felt made for a very fun, organic and informative episode. The hope is that our listeners will walk away with some additional knowledge both in the retail industry as well as tips on how to maximize your retail store's marketing budget, and ultimately drive foot traffic through the front door. 

Show Links:
Digital Marketing Consulting - Elisa Anthony: [email protected]
Local SEO listing tool link: https://www.yext.com/business/business-scan/
Google My Business Page

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This week we are so grateful to welcome Kelly Bloodgood, owner of Well + Good Health Studio. After dealing with mysterious symptoms most of her life, Kelly was finally diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr in 2016, after decades of misdiagnoses.  It was through her frustration with the healthcare system that she set upon my wellness journey to heal myself: mind, body and spirit.  Kelly opened up WELL+GOOD Health Studio in 2019 to help others regain and maintain their health and wellness.  The last thing she wanted was for anyone to have to suffer as long and as much as she did. Kelly recants, with Michelle, her journey into the wellness world, not gently, but instead thrust against her will, and reminding everyone that wellness is not a trend, it is a lifestyle. 

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The two founders of Jackalope Arts, Melissa Kohout and Sara Diederich, met through their time spent working with an international arts organization, creating regular art centered events in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. They shared the passion to create a "community meets artisan event" focused on the experience of meeting the maker and bringing the local community together in this. With that vision, they joined together on this new venture, launching the Jackalope: Indie Artisan Fair in their home cities of Pasadena, California and Denver, Colorado.

Jackalope has been hosting semi-annual events in both Pasadena and Denver since the spring of 2015 and with the addition of Burbank in 2019.  2021 marked a new location for Jackalope, adding Minneapolis to the roster.  Each fair showcases over 150 local makers who focus on handmade artistry.

Take a listen as Melissa & Sara walk Michelle through the Jackalope Arts experience from the point of entry to the end of day and everything in between!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackalopefair
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jackalopeartfair
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/jackalopearts
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jackalopeartfair
Pinterest: https://www.youtube.com/jackalopeartfair

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We are always impressed with our guests who have built a successful side hustle and Robin Molan is no exception!

A lawyer since 1995 practicing in high conflict family litigation and child welfare and overwhelmed with the heaviness of the profession. Robin decided in 2003 to start selling jewelry. She started with a total of $1500 which back then meant she could buy 3-4 lines. Robin went to showrooms in NYC and had no idea what things like net 30 or open to buy or Xfactory meant. What she did know was people liked her eye. Gradually she added some gift items and boxed graphic tees. Jewelry was becoming very competitive and she’d grown up going with her mom to homes and hotel rooms where ladies sold clothes. So in 2007, she decided to fly West to LA for market because she had a feeling she’d see new and fresh items that weren’t on the east coast. By 2008 she was selling clothing mostly and some girlfriend gifts. She would sell at holiday boutiques and charity luncheons and out of a home studio. It was the fun and light side to a heavy job. She continued practicing as a lawyer and eventually went into non-profit child welfare management but still continued with her business. She traveled to LA, NY, Vegas, Atlanta to find the freshest trends in clothing and gift. Robin expanded and at one point had the concession in 3 salons, a website, and Instagram - an over-extended one-woman show! When COVID came along everything changed. She pulled out of her final salon, all events were canceled and she definitely had to pivot. She rode the mask and mask chain sales, sold athleisure wear.

Take a listen as Michelle does a deep dive with Robin on her incredibly inspiring journey!

Website: https://thebdazzledshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdazzledjewels1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shop.B.Dazzled

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This is our episode #4 in our ‘Life After Anthro’ series. Guest Elaine Strawbridge is a passionate creative and leader with a 20+ year career in retail. Growing up in the greater Chicagoland area, she was immersed in sports and her emerging love for the arts. At Columbia College, Elaine earned a Liberal Arts Degree with focus on sculpture – working primarily with metal & wood. After graduation, she learned to weld and continued to dig deeper into her passion for working with mixed materials.

 During college, Elaine worked for The Gap and found the retail environment exciting, ever-changing and always challenging.  This was the start of her journey into visual merchandising and window display, allowing her to apply her creative passion in a career. In 1999, Elaine was hired at Anthropologie/URBN Inc, where she would advance over the next 17 years. During her time with Anthro, she moved to California and built her life in LA. In 2010 Elaine started B.E. Woodcraft, a small jewelry line, creating handmade wooden heart necklaces and sold them at Anthro and BHLDN.

 In 2016 she left URBN to pursue a new challenge as a consultant in the marketing world. Once out of visual merchandising/display, her passion shifted focus onto team leadership and development – and her creative mind took on challenges that are “people” focused. From 2016-2021 Elaine co-created and built a global brand advocacy and training program – spanning 11 countries with over 450 staff.

 Currently, Elaine is freelance consulting and developing a few new businesses which will launch in 2022 (ssshh, they are not ready to formally announce yet).

 Enjoy this week's episode and don’t forget to leave us a review!

WEBSITE: https://spark.adobe.com/page/T7E0MOJFe6cgZ/

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/elainestrwbrdge/_saved/

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