Rooted in Retail

By Crystal Vilkaitis

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Category: Entrepreneurship

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Episodes: 229

Description

Running a store can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be lonely! Rooted in Retail is a show dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive in today's ever-evolving retail landscape. This show is made for Main Street retailers like gift shops, jewelers, pet stores, boutiques, florists, home decor and furnitures stores, hardware stores, toy stores, craft, quilting and sewing shops; tea and coffee shops, specialty retailers and more. Join your host Crystal Vilkaitis, The Wolf of Main Street, as she explores topics that are vital to the success of your store. From marketing to mindset, money to merchandising, sales to leadership, she'll cover it all. Each episode features interviews with industry experts and accomplished retailers who share their real-life insights and actionable advice. Get ready for a great conversation on how to build your dream business with Rooted in Retail. 


Episode Date
Retail Trends 2026: What Indie Stores Must Do to Grow - Solo
Dec 14, 2025
Market Magic: 7 Ways to Build a Resilient Retail Store in 2026 - Solo
Dec 07, 2025
The Seven Product Categories Every Retailer Needs with Ari Lowenstein of Ari’s Pantry
Nov 30, 2025
The Selling Method That Will Transform Your Retail Team with Matt Harris
Nov 23, 2025
How to Use Q4 Email Marketing to Drive More Sales with Nicole Prince
Nov 16, 2025
Creating Holiday Magic in Retail with Santa Claus
Nov 09, 2025
Creating Joyful Customer Experiences in Retail - Solo
Nov 04, 2025
How to Build a Resilient Store and Stronger Brand Partnerships with Jessica Barile
Nov 02, 2025
The Magic of Disney: Retail Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth - Solo
Oct 28, 2025
How Museum Store Sunday Creates Meaningful Retail Moments
Oct 26, 2025
Small Business Saturday: How to Turn a National Event Into a Local Movement - Solo Episode
Oct 21, 2025
Building Loyalty and Balance in Business with Hart Mercantile’s Dawn
Oct 19, 2025
Rebuilding Retail from the Ground Up
Oct 12, 2025
How to Keep Your Retail Business Fresh (Even in a Niche Market)
Oct 09, 2025
Fear, Failure & Finding Your Retail Voice with Michael Schultz
Oct 05, 2025
Simplify, Serve, and Succeed: Retail Insights with Summer Allen
Sep 28, 2025
Sell More Without Selling Hard
Sep 25, 2025
The Retail Accelerator: Insider Strategies from Retail Experts
Sep 21, 2025
Building Trust and Sustainability in Retail
Sep 14, 2025
How to Stop Being a Hidden Gem in Retail and Start Shining
Sep 11, 2025
Managing Stress Without Burnout – Tools Every Retailer Needs
Sep 07, 2025
Storytelling, Strategy & Sauce: How Ari Lowenstein of Ari's Pantry Is Redefining Retail
Aug 31, 2025
Finding the Right Help in Retail
Aug 28, 2025
Scaling Smart and Staying Creative – Lessons from Ari’s Pantry
Aug 24, 2025
Doing Less, Creating More – Retail Wisdom from a Third-Generation Store Owner
Aug 17, 2025
Winning Customers and Keeping Them Coming Back
Aug 14, 2025
The Power of Gift Cards (That Actually Work)
Aug 10, 2025
200 Episodes Later - Burnout, Slowing Down, and Redefining Success
Aug 03, 2025
Building Community, Connection, and Content That Converts
Jul 27, 2025
Relationships, Partnerships, and Communication: Building a Stronger Retail Business
Jul 20, 2025
Disneyfying Your Customer Experience with Vance Morris
Jul 17, 2025
Be Real and Win: Leveraging Social Media Authentically for Business Growth
Jul 13, 2025
Retail Makeover: Where to Start When Merchandising Your Store
Jul 06, 2025
The Physical Inbox: Why Direct Mail Still Works in a Digital World
Jun 29, 2025
PR That Converts: How to Get Free Media Coverage for Your Store
Jun 22, 2025
How to Embrace Change and Lead Through Uncertainty
Jun 19, 2025
Protect, Heal, Restore: Building a Purpose-Driven Brand with Natalie Gardner
Jun 15, 2025
Experience, Retention, and Loyalty
Jun 08, 2025
Not Just Another Mastermind: What Makes IndERA So Powerful
Jun 05, 2025
Community, Collaboration, and the Evolution of Independent Retail
Jun 01, 2025
Retail Tariffs Inventory Strategy and Cash Flow Tips
May 25, 2025
The Power of Packaging to Elevate Your Brand
May 18, 2025
Branding Boldly: From Design School to Retail Influence
May 11, 2025
The Overlooked Power of Small Improvements - After the Show
May 06, 2025
The Secret to Retail That Feels Personal (and Profitable)
May 04, 2025
Retail, Resilience, and Remembrance
May 01, 2025
How One Connection Can Change Everything - After the Show
Apr 29, 2025
How Red Boot Consulting Helps Brands Walk Boldly Into Retail
Apr 27, 2025
From Isolation to Inspiration: Building a Retail Tribe - After the Show
Apr 22, 2025
How Collaboration and Creativity Fueled a One-of-a-Kind Glass Line
Apr 20, 2025
Building a Team That Has Your Back
Apr 17, 2025
Why Boring is the Enemy of Modern Retail - After the Show
Apr 15, 2025
Marketing with Meaning: Boldness, Awe & Evolving Consumers
Apr 13, 2025
How to Capture Gen Z’s Attention in the Retail World - After the Show
Apr 08, 2025
Growing a Thriving Retail Business with Liz Ferreira of The Sweet Bay Shop
Apr 06, 2025
Building Trust & Scaling Success: How Roadshow Cards is Revolutionizing the Collectibles Industry
Apr 03, 2025
Unlocking Mindshare and Wallet Share with Digital Presence - After the Show
Apr 01, 2025
Engaging Customers with Smart Retail Strategies with Mary Liz Curtin
Mar 30, 2025
From Storefront to Thought Leader: Retailers on LinkedIn - After the Show
Mar 25, 2025
Winning Retail Strategies: How Independent Stores Can Compete and Thrive
Mar 23, 2025
Paying Yourself, Paying Others, and Finding Balance with Kayla Albrecht
Mar 20, 2025
Retail Magic: Turning Shopping into an Experience - After the Show
Mar 18, 2025
Balancing Your Store While Having Fun: Creating an Incredible Retail Culture
Mar 16, 2025
Your Success Is Inevitable: Aligning with Growth - After the Show
Mar 11, 2025
The Secret to Building a Million-Dollar Retail Business with Heidi Hardman
Mar 09, 2025
Building a Business with Precision and Passion with Rose Kishner
Mar 07, 2025
The Three-Second Rule: Capturing Your Customer’s Attention - After the Show
Mar 04, 2025
Mastering Retail Curation & Customer Insights with Ginny Carosso
Mar 02, 2025
Collaboration Over Competition: The Power of Relationship Building in Retai
Feb 25, 2025
Retail Success Starts with Your Team: Bob Negen’s Training Secrets for Thriving Businesses
Feb 23, 2025
Mastering Visionary Leadership in Business Featuring Maureen & Kareen Walsh
Feb 20, 2025
Flipping the Script: Fresh Ways to Spark Your Imagination - After the Show
Feb 18, 2025
Unlock the Power of Book Publishing in Gift Retail with Lisa Bach
Feb 16, 2025
The Key to Retail Success: Strategic Budgeting, Brand Awareness, and Consistency - After the Show
Feb 11, 2025
Boost Your Retail Profits with Christyne Gray
Feb 09, 2025
Reconnecting with Your Business and Yourself - Retail Therapy Session with Andrea of All About U
Feb 06, 2025
The Hidden Reality of Entrepreneurship: Finding Balance in Business - After the Show
Feb 04, 2025
Time is Money - How to Transform Your Retail Success with Colleen Carswell
Feb 02, 2025
Inside the World’s Most Iconic Stores - A Tour of Design and Innovation - After the Show
Jan 28, 2025
Transforming Your Retail Strategy This 2025 
Jan 26, 2025
Your Business, Your Asset: Why Exit Planning Matters - After the Show
Jan 21, 2025
Mastering Your Business Exit Strategy: Expert Tips from Pete Mohr
Jan 19, 2025
Pause, Recharge, Succeed: The Retailer’s Guide to Balance - After the Show
Jan 14, 2025
Famous in Oregon: How a Houseplant Shop Became a Social Media Sensation
Jan 12, 2025
Building Your Business One Step at a Time – After the Show
Jan 07, 2025
Box Office Success: How to Launch A Thriving Subscription Box Business with Sarah Williams
Jan 05, 2025
Business Lessons I’ll Take Into 2025 with Crystal Vilkaitis
Dec 22, 2024
Why Assumptions Are Your Biggest Roadblock - After the Show
Dec 17, 2024
Tech Solutions to Simplify Your Retail Workflow with Ulla Hald
Dec 15, 2024
Growth Starts When You Stop Doing It Alone - After the Show
Dec 10, 2024
Building a Retail Brand That’s More Than Just Products with Terra Richards
Dec 08, 2024
3 Simple Ways to Move Aging Inventory Now - After the Show
Dec 03, 2024
The Inventory Tips Every Indie Retailer Needs with Carrie Watson
Dec 01, 2024
15 Ways to Create Sensory Magic in Your Store: After the Show
Nov 26, 2024
The Sensory Secrets to Creating a Luxury Retail Experience with Felix Johnson
Nov 24, 2024
Balancing Business and Parenthood - Retail Therapy Session with Robyn Noel of Cloud Nine Pajamas
Nov 21, 2024
How Indie Retailers Can Win with Big Box Strategies - After the Show
Nov 19, 2024
How Imperfection Became the Heart of a Brand with Mehru Anand
Nov 17, 2024
Transforming Our Brand: From Crystal Media to Rooted in Retail
Nov 14, 2024
Retail Growth Starts with the Right Metrics: After the Show
Nov 12, 2024
Turn Your Store’s Data into Dollars with Dan Holman
Nov 10, 2024
3 Ways to Reframe Your Focus from Busy to Profitable - Retail Therapy Session with Alyssa & Angie Mangan of Blue Dahlia Designs
Nov 07, 2024
Creative Habits to Transform Your Business - After the Show
Nov 05, 2024
Making A Nontraditional Retail Pivot with Stacey Pecor
Nov 03, 2024
The Surprise and Delight Strategy - After the Show
Oct 29, 2024
Turning Your Shoppers into Lifelong Fans with Nick McHenry
Oct 27, 2024
Fuse Your Authentic Self Into Your Brand - After the Show
Oct 22, 2024
Turning Passion into a Jewelry Business with Ann Chikahisa
Oct 20, 2024
Silencing the Inner Critic - Retail Therapy Session with Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys
Oct 17, 2024
Streamline Your Shop with Smart Systems - After the Show
Oct 15, 2024
Taking the Leap from a Single Store to Shop Expansion with Jenn Luna
Oct 13, 2024
Why Running Ads Are Vital to Your Success as a Retailer
Oct 10, 2024
10 Creative Ways to Connect with Shoppers This Holiday Season
Oct 08, 2024
Turn Your Store into a Holiday Destination with Emily Butler
Oct 06, 2024
Maybe Bigger Isn’t Always Better – Retail Therapy Session with Andy Havemeier of Wealthy Street Bakery
Oct 03, 2024
Getting Out of the Weeds: After the Show
Oct 01, 2024
Master Your Retail Market with Amy Loewenberg
Sep 30, 2024
Creating Magical Holiday Experiences with Santa Claus
Sep 26, 2024
Why Your Customers Need to Feel Something: After the Show
Sep 24, 2024
How to Make Your Products Pop with Hollei Anne Hayes
Sep 22, 2024
Overcoming Fears and Visualizing Success - Retail Therapy Session with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique
Sep 19, 2024
Using AI for Your Retail Systems - After the Show
Sep 17, 2024
Turn Unsold Inventory Into Cash with Melodie van der Baan
Sep 15, 2024
Why Patience Will Pay Off: After the Show
Sep 10, 2024
How WoolTribe Built a Mission-Driven Brand
Sep 08, 2024
Align Your Soul with Your Business: A Retail Therapy Session
Sep 05, 2024
Why Being Imperfect is Your Secret to Growth - After the Show
Sep 03, 2024
The Magic of Attention to Detail and Hospitality with Willrett Flower Co.
Sep 01, 2024
The Future of Retail with Crystal Vilkaitis
Aug 25, 2024
Social Media Tactics to Shine This Holiday Season with Steph Bechard
Aug 18, 2024
How to Leverage Your Rep Relationships with Kelly Bristol
Aug 11, 2024
Turn Cash Flow Problems into Profit Opportunities with Charles Leikauf
Aug 04, 2024
The Secrets to Building a Timeless Jewelry Brand with Barb Binkley
Jul 28, 2024
How to Sell More and Build Instant Connections with D. Jason Mausser
Jul 21, 2024
Master Your Mindset to Thrive in Retail with Jamie G. Smith
Jul 14, 2024
Empower Your Style, Empower Your Business with Jessica Papineau
Jul 07, 2024
How Retailers Can Use AI to Save Time and Money with Crystal Vilkaitis and Patrick Keiser
Jun 30, 2024
The Five P’s of Business Success with Amy Lacey
Jun 23, 2024
Everything Retailers Need to Know About Hiring with Thad Price
Jun 16, 2024
Navigating Instagram's Latest Updates with Steph Bechard
Jun 09, 2024
Advice from the Retail Pros - Live Panel from EVOLVE 2024
Jun 02, 2024
Embracing Fun to Build Community in Retail (After the Show)
May 29, 2024
Crafting Community Through Classes with Darn Knit Anyway
May 26, 2024
EVOLVE 2024: Winning Strategies for Retail Success
May 19, 2024
The Power of Creating FOMO in Pop-Ups (After the Show)
May 15, 2024
The Secrets of Successful Pop-Up Shops with Allison Yee
May 12, 2024
Using Spontaneous Creativity in Your Marketing (After the Show)
May 08, 2024
Leveraging Facebook Live for Retail Success with Lori Foster of The Dressing Room
May 05, 2024
What We Focus on Expands (After the Show)
May 01, 2024
Growing Your Retail Store in Economic Uncertainty with Paul Erickson
Apr 28, 2024
Leveraging Your Creativity in Retail (After the Show)
Apr 24, 2024
Build a Business and Life You Love with Kareen Walsh
Apr 21, 2024
Why you should use affiliate marketing in your store (After the Show)
Apr 17, 2024
Affiliate Marketing Secrets for Independent Retailers with Wade Tonkin
Apr 14, 2024
Social Media Strategies to Drive More Foot Traffic with Steph Bechard
Apr 07, 2024
The Art of Delegating: Finding the Who, Not How, to Grow Your Business (After the Show)
Apr 03, 2024
The Secret to Making Money In Your Sleep with Miranda Heslip
Mar 31, 2024
8 Game-Changing Brand Collaboration Ideas for Your Retail Store: After the Show
Mar 28, 2024
Using Technology to Redefine the Customer Experience with Alex Back
Mar 24, 2024
Building a Retail Family Business That Lasts with Teddie Garrigan
Mar 20, 2024
Growing Your Retail Sales with a Bold Brand Identity with Brianna Cannon
Mar 17, 2024
Creating Retail Efficiencies: After the Show
Mar 15, 2024
Optimizing Your Retail Operations for Success with Susan Negen
Mar 10, 2024
Community Connection - Learning from Each Other: After the Show
Mar 08, 2024
Happy Birthday, Rooted in Retail: A Special Q&A Episode
Mar 03, 2024
What retailers can learn from Coffee Shops: After the Show
Feb 29, 2024
Turning Your Passion to Profit with Andrew and Claire Bowen
Feb 25, 2024
6 Tips for Retail Success in 2024: After the Show
Feb 22, 2024
7 Marketing Trends Retailers Need to Know
Feb 18, 2024
Finding Your Priorities and Avoiding Self-Sabotage: After the Show
Feb 15, 2024
Fueling Local Retail Growth: Insights from Heidi Hardman
Feb 11, 2024
A Deep Dive into Customer Experience with Jonathan Schulman
Feb 07, 2024
Going Above and Beyond for Your Customer with Jonathan Schulman
Feb 04, 2024
Be Memorable In a Sea of Forgettable: Ideas to Make Your Store Known for Something
Feb 01, 2024
Make It Your Most Profitable Year Yet with Jacqueline Snyder
Jan 28, 2024
Generational Shopping: Insights and Inspirations - After the Show with Crystal Vilkaitis
Jan 26, 2024
Multi-Generational Shopping for Customer Delight with Nicole Leinbach
Jan 21, 2024
Increasing E-commerce Success: After the Show with Crystal Vilkitis
Jan 18, 2024
E-commerce Strategies for Your Retail Store with Josh Orr
Jan 14, 2024
After the Show: Focusing on Customer Experiences in Your Store
Jan 11, 2024
How to Create a Profitable Retail Cash Flow with Kathy Cruz
Jan 07, 2024
Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Forward to 2024
Dec 24, 2023
Creating a Memorable Brand Story with Kelly Bennett
Dec 17, 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Local Online Searches
Dec 13, 2023
Future-Proof Your Store: From TikTok Trends, Holiday Marketing Tips and AI in Retail
Dec 10, 2023
Secrets to Holiday Retail Success with Santa Claus
Dec 03, 2023
LakeFront Property, Speed Bumps, and Other Merchandising Need To Knows with Georganne Bender
Nov 26, 2023
Staying True to the Authentic You with Russ Jones
Nov 19, 2023
Behind The Scenes Of A Dream with Kristin Lenz of White Arrows Home
Nov 12, 2023
It’s Time To Be Seen with Jen Gottlieb
Nov 05, 2023
Sustainable Sensory Awareness For Wellness This Holiday Season with Dr. Nicole Villegas
Oct 29, 2023
Walking Through The Fire with Patricia Norins
Oct 22, 2023
5 Steps to Beat Holiday Induced Stress and Burnout with Dr. Michelle Wolford
Oct 15, 2023
Sell More in the Holidays and Beyond with Dawn Grooters of Broken Vessel Sales
Oct 08, 2023
Social Media Transformation: Overcoming Fear and Resistance for Your Business with Michelle Smith
Oct 01, 2023
From Hobby to 6 Figures with Kelly Gunn of Part-Time Pickers
Sep 24, 2023
How to Get a Waitlist with Beth Rich of Mix it Up Home & Gift
Sep 17, 2023
Evolve Replay: “The Most Human Brand Wins” with Mark Schaefer
Sep 10, 2023
Retail and Family: Advice, Tips, and Smart Ideas with Jen Komaromi of Jenny K Gifts
Sep 03, 2023
Planning for Holiday: Strong Concepts, Storytelling, and WOW Moments
Aug 27, 2023
Taking the Leap to Multiple Store Locations with AdreAnne Tesene
Aug 20, 2023
Understanding The Mystery of Google Ads with Vi Wickam (Part 2)
Aug 13, 2023
Understanding SEO: More Than Generating Traffic with Vi Wickam
Aug 06, 2023
Branding for Success with Kaila Piepkow of Dox Design
Jul 30, 2023
Inventory Management and Planning with Dane Cohen of Management One
Jul 23, 2023
Evolve Exclusive: Generational Shopping Secrets
Jul 16, 2023
Podcasting, A New Avenue for Reaching Your PCG
Jul 09, 2023
Insider Tips to Rock Social Media with Steph Bechard of Crystal Media
Jul 02, 2023
All Things Retail Real Estate with Patricia Norins of Blue Butterfly
Jun 25, 2023
Slow and Steady Wins the Race with Jennifer Johnson of True Fashionistas
Jun 18, 2023
Structuring and Planning for Social Media: Find Your Face
Jun 11, 2023
Balance and Burnout
Jun 04, 2023
AI for Retailers: An Unexpected Yet Invaluable Silent Employee
May 28, 2023
Evolve or Don’t Exist; Lessons From My EVOLVE Conference
May 21, 2023
Community Creating, Market Tip, and Real Retail Examples GALORE with Amy Loewenberg of Emerald X
May 14, 2023
Find and Keep Awesome Employees with Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training
May 07, 2023
Retail Stories, Advice, and Inspiration with Matt Harris of Matt Harris Designs
Apr 30, 2023
Accessing More Freedom and Flexibility in Your Retail Business with Pete Mohr, Simplifying Entrepreneurship Retail Coach
Apr 23, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: A Young Entrepreneur Selling Pre-Owned Furniture - Edgars Cers
Apr 20, 2023
Leveraging Yelp with Emily Washcovick the Yelp Small Business Expert
Apr 16, 2023
Thriving in Retail with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique
Apr 09, 2023
BONUS EPISODE: Trading Fear for Courage with Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training
Apr 06, 2023
Help and Support for Independent Retailers with Patrick Keiser of Heart on Main Street
Apr 02, 2023
Level Up Your Customer Communication with Nick McHenry of OneShop Retail
Mar 26, 2023
All Things Visual: Creating a Merchandising Moment with Michelle Sherrier, The Retail Whore
Mar 19, 2023
Human Touch in a High Tech World, Standing Out in Retail
Mar 12, 2023
Social Media Made Simple
Mar 05, 2023
The Profit Lady
Mar 05, 2023
Rooted In Retail is COMING SOON!
Feb 26, 2023