show episodes
 
Artwork

1
Rooted in Retail

Crystal Vilkaitis

Unsubscribe
Unsubscribe
Ugentligt+
 
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 weekly, as she explores to ...
  continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Crystal Uncorked

Crystal Vilkaitis

Unsubscribe
Unsubscribe
Månedligt
 
Are you ready to open up about all things business!? I’m Crystal Vilkaits, a curious entrepreneur who LOVES talking about business, especially over a glass of wine. I started Crystal Uncorked to share open and honest conversations about my journey, and talk to other entrepreneurs about their experiences. We pull back the curtain and talk about the highs…AND the lows. Wine isn’t required, but is recommended. This is Crystal Uncorked.🍷
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Welcome to a milestone episode of Rooted in Retail—episode 100! I’m thrilled to have you here for this special celebration. In today’s episode, we’re doing things a bit differently. My COO, Pauline Blasetti, will be turning the tables on me as I take on the Resilience Round—the rapid-fire Q&A I usually ask my guests. You’ll get to hear my answers a…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to the first episode of Retail Therapy, a series of six episodes where we give therapy to retailers. In this episode, I introduce you to our therapist, Ronda Renee, who will provide guidance and support for retailers facing various challenges. Ronda shares insights from her extensive experience as a business and life coach, providing valuab…
  continue reading
 
We’re back with a brand new episode of After The Show! Today, I’m excited to explain why we took a summer break and the strategy behind bringing it back—and these are ideas you can use for your own store. In this episode, I’m thrilled to share some key takeaways from my recent chat with Willerett Flowers. We talked about the importance of embracing…
  continue reading
 
Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Kat and Mary Grace, the incredible sisters behind Willrett Flower Company, a full-service flower and gift shop in DeKalb, IL. Their store is often described by customers as a "ray of sunshine," and they’ve worked hard to create a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming space in the heart of downtown. In this episode, we d…
  continue reading
 
Holy guacamole! Today's episode is packed with so many actionable tips for social media and holiday marketing, you’ll need to listen twice. We’re diving deep into open house planning and Pinterest strategy, so grab your pen and paper! Today, I’m joined by the incredible Steph Bechard. While she’s no longer on the Crystal Media team, she remains a f…
  continue reading
 
If you're a retailer, you probably work with sales reps. But are you really making the most of those relationships? Today, we're going to dive into how you can use these partnerships to grow your business. Joining me is Kelly Bristol, Vice President of Business Development at Just Got 2 Have It. With nearly 25 years in the gift and home industry, K…
  continue reading
 
Want to learn how to maximize your profits and overcome cash flow challenges? You’re in the right place! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of money and numbers. I’m thrilled to have Charles Leikauf from Ecom Profit Group with us. He’s here to talk about all things profit: how to boost your revenue, smart budgeting, and strategies to tack…
  continue reading
 
Imagine running a business so beloved it's been named the best in its county every year since 2000. Today, Barb Binkley from Cooper and Binkley Jewelers is here to tell us how she and her husband Mark made it happen. Cooper and Binkley Jewelers is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the local community. They’ve been named Livingston Count…
  continue reading
 
Who's ready to get some sales training, make more money, and excel in sales? On this episode of Rooted in Retail, we're diving into essential strategies every independent retailer needs to hear. Even if you're already doing great, there's always more to learn! Today, I’m joined by Jason Mausser, and we're talking all about sales. In his new book, D…
  continue reading
 
Ever wondered what success could mean for your retail store? More importantly, have you considered the person you need to become to make it happen? Today, Jamie G Smith joins us to share the keys to breaking through our self-imposed limitations. Her strategies have already sparked new ideas for my business, and I know they'll do the same for you. J…
  continue reading
 
What if your closet could be your secret weapon for success? Today on Rooted in Retail, I’m excited to explore why feeling confident in what you wear matters so much for entrepreneurs and retailers. I’m joined by Jessica Papineau, a seasoned stylist with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. As the founder of CSJ, a styling company d…
  continue reading
 
If you're part of the Rooted in Retail community, you already know how much I love using AI to supercharge your business. The world of AI is evolving so quickly, and today, I’m thrilled to share an exclusive webinar replay hosted by Patrick Keiser! Patrick is from Heart on Main Street, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to helping independent retail…
  continue reading
 
Get ready for an amazing conversation with my friend, Amy Lacey. This episode is a true gem—a masterclass in business evolution packed with advice, tips, and incredible stories from Amy's entrepreneurial journey. Amy Lacey is a powerhouse: a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and business mentor. She made waves in 2016 by fou…
  continue reading
 
Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for retailers but one we haven't explored much yet: hiring. If you want to find out how to attract and retain top talent, you're in the right place. In today's episode, I'm talking to Thad Price from Ready, Set, Hire. It’s a new product for small to medium-sized businesses, franchises, and recruiters …
  continue reading
 
Holy guacamole, Instagram has made some updates that retailers need to know about! Steph Bechard from Crystal Media is joining me today to break it all down for you. We are going to tell you what these updates are, why you need to know, and what it means for you as a retailer. And it's good news for you as a small business. So yay! If you are marke…
  continue reading
 
Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a live panel discussion from our EVOLVE conference in April 2024. The energy was incredible, and my panelists brought amazing insights. If you love hearing a mix of perspectives and stories from retail experts, you’re going to love this episode! We dive into the biggest challenges independent retailers are faci…
  continue reading
 
Welcome back to After the Show where we’re diving into the impact of adding more fun in your business. In our latest episode, I had a great conversation with Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe from Darn Knit Anyway, a store that’s redefining community connection and fun in retail. Aimee and Carly have really brought a playful energy to their store, an…
  continue reading
 
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to cousins Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe, the team behind Darn Knit Anyway. Their yarn store offers everything from a thriving e-commerce platform to a makers' lounge, and various classes and events. This episode is all about community: how to build it, connect with it, and nurture it in meaningful ways. Aimee…
  continue reading
 
We did it, we really did it! EVOLVE 2024 is now officially in the books, and what a ride it was. Today, I'm thrilled to take you behind the scenes of EVOLVE. In this episode, I'll be sharing some of the most memorable highlights that made this year's event truly special. EVOLVE isn't just an event—it's the result of months of planning and a commitm…
  continue reading
 
We’re back for another After The Show to dive deep into the exciting world of pop-ups and pop-ins. In our latest episode, I was thrilled to host Allison Yee from Popping Up Next, where we explored all the nuances, logistics, and success stories surrounding these experiential retail strategies. Today, I'm excited to share with you my top takeaways a…
  continue reading
 
Have you ever considered the power of a pop-up shop to breathe new life into your retail store? Well, you're in for a treat because today we're joined by Allison Yee, the founder of UpNext. We're talking all about the untapped potential of pop-up shops and pop-in shops. Let’s explore how these temporary setups can be game-changers for testing new m…
  continue reading
 
This week I’m talking about episode 81 with Lori Foster where we talk all about using Facebook Lives to market her shop. She has such incredible results and the biggest secret to her success is that she has found a way to make it FUN for her. For Lori that means leveraging spontaneous creativity to create her daily live show. This idea might be ins…
  continue reading
 
Lori Foster has mastered the art of engaging with customers through Facebook Live. Lori shares her journey into live streaming during the pandemic, emphasizing its significant impact on sales and customer connection. She offers insights on how she plans content, engages viewers, and converts live sessions into sales without relying on e-commerce pl…
  continue reading
 
This week my goal was to help ease your mind when it comes to any worries you may have around the economy, the fact that it's an election year, and that the cost of goods has increased. Paul Erickson was a perfect guest because he has so much experience and has watched these cycles in retail. He offers so much valuable advice. My biggest takeaway f…
  continue reading
 
Today, we've got an episode that's perfect for anyone feeling the weight of economic uncertainty, the buzz of an election year, or the pinch of rising prices. If you've been wondering how to navigate these turbulent waters and ensure your store not only survives but thrives, then you’re going to love this conversation. Joining us today is Paul Eric…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'After the Show,' I am going to dive into my key takeaways from my discussion with Kareen Walsh. I first want to talk about what it might mean if you have an 'exit strategy' mindset even if not planning to exit. But what I really wanted to focus on is the unmatched advantage of creativity in independent retail against giants like…
  continue reading
 
Are you ready to learn how to craft a business and a life that you truly love? Well, today, we're diving deep into just that with the incredible Kareen Walsh. She’s a friend and mentor who has mastered the art of building a business while staying true to herself. Kareen's evolution from a people-pleaser to seven-figure business builder is truly ins…
  continue reading
 
Are you doing anything with affiliate marketing? Have you heard of affiliate marketing? Have you done any research thinking it could help drive traffic to your store? Or maybe you’ve done nothing at all, maybe you can’t see how affiliate marketing is going to help your brick-and-mortar store. Give me a chance to show you how it can work and why its…
  continue reading
 
Affiliate marketing isn't just for the big players. It's a powerful tool that can help grow your e-commerce business and open doors to new revenue streams without the hassle of more inventory. But if you're new to the concept or unsure if it's right for you, don't worry. Today, I'm joined by Wade Tonkin, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in the …
  continue reading
 
Today, we're diving deep into social media and how it can drive meaningful foot traffic to your store. I'm thrilled to be joined by our digital strategist at Crystal Media, Steph Bechard. With over six years of experience in building online communities and skyrocketing engagement for retailers, Steph brings a ton of knowledge to the table. As the d…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'After the Show,' host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses key takeaways from a previous episode featuring guest Miranda Heslip, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. The conversation touches on the importance of social media, email marketing, and ways to earn money passively. Despite the interest in passive income strategies, Crystal shifts t…
  continue reading
 
If you've ever dreamt of making money while you sleep, then you're in for a treat. In this episode, we're diving into the secrets of passive income with a special guest who knows a thing or two about it. I'm thrilled to introduce Miranda Heslip, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. Miranda, along with her sisters, has mastered the art of bringing in rev…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to Rooted in Retail: After the Show. This week I am diving into one of my biggest takeaways from my interview with Alex Back from Couch.com. It was hard to pick just one because I had so many takeaways so be sure to go back and catch that episode. Today I want to focus on the power of brand collaboration and partnership in retail. This epis…
  continue reading
 
Meet Alex Back, an e-commerce entrepreneur who is shaking up the furniture industry. He’s the founder of Couch.com, a new startup focused on solving one of the biggest issues for consumers in the furniture industry: where the heck to buy a couch? Before launching Couch.com, Alex co-founded and ran Apt2B, a popular online furniture brand that he led…
  continue reading
 
We’re back this week with round two from the Dallas Market Center! Today's episode is a special one because I had the chance to sit down in person with Teddie Garrigan, the co-founder of Coco & Dash. Teddie, alongside her daughter Courtney, is the force behind Coco & Dash, an award-winning home decor retail shop that's all about creative furnishing…
  continue reading
 
In January, I had the pleasure of sitting down with not one, but two remarkable guests at the Dallas Market Center. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Brianna Cannon, the creative force behind BriannaCannon.com and a seasoned retail veteran with over two decades of experience. Trust me, this episode is nothing short of a retail masterclass. Brianna's…
  continue reading
 
This week, I talked to Susan Negen from Whizbang Training, and I hope you had the opportunity to listen to that episode because it was packed with so much actionable advice. She is so rooted in retail and gives some great tips that can save you so much time and make you a way more efficient retailer. We also talked about the power of learning and o…
  continue reading
 
How do indie retailers juggle the daily demands of their stores and keep things running smoothly without feeling overwhelmed? It all starts with having efficient operations in place. I’m excited to be sitting down with Susan Negen today. Not only is she a dear friend, but she’s also the co-founder of Whizbang! Training, with over 20 years of experi…
  continue reading
 
Today we are celebrating the first anniversary of the 'Rooted in Retail' podcast, which officially launched on March 6th, 2023. I can’t help but reflect on the podcast's achievements over the past year, including reaching 25,000 downloads and nearly 1,000 members in the Facebook group. This week's episode took on a different format as we did a call…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to a very special episode of Rooted In Retail! Can you believe it? It's our first birthday, and I’m so thrilled about the incredible journey we’ve had together over the past year. From inspiring guests to your heartwarming reviews and the community we’ve built together, it's been nothing short of amazing. I love hosting this show, and I've …
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'After the Show', host Crystal Vilkaitis discusses various topics related to retail growth and challenges, focusing on insights drawn from a conversation with Andrew and Claire Bowen, authors of the bestselling book 'The Daily Grind'. Through exploring the importance of being famous for something in your retail business, tips on …
  continue reading
 
Today, we're shaking things up and venturing beyond traditional retail to dive into the world of coffee shops. What lessons can we learn from the cozy corners of your favorite neighborhood cafes? I had a lovely conversation with Andrew and Claire Bowen, the authors of the award-winning coffee book The Daily Grind. While their book was originally me…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'After the Show', we are live from Palm Springs after our first Oasis of Opportunity Retreat. I want to discuss additional strategies for retailers to focus on in 2024. I am joined by special guests Majda Rensberger from OneCoast and Steph Bechard from Crystal Media. We are talking about the significance of adapting business stra…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of Rooted in Retail, we are diving into 7 marketing trends that retailers need to know in 2024. In a world of fast-paced technological changes retailers need to adapt or risk being left behind. Use this as your guide to find the right focus for your shop. I will discuss the significance of AI in the retail industry, it has the poten…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'After The Show', we are talking about topics that were discussed in my conversation with retailer Heidi Hardman (Episode 58). I talk about the importance of making marketing a priority for retailers. And I shared some insights about facing fears, self-sabotage, the danger of not having clear priorities, and the benefits of chall…
  continue reading
 
In Florida, Polka Dotz isn't just a gift shop – it's a community hub. Today, I’m excited to talk with Heidi Hardman about the remarkable journey that elevated Polka Dotz to local fame in less than a year. If you've ever wondered how to make your store the talk of the town, you're in for a treat with this episode. Heidi generously shares her tips on…
  continue reading
 
We've got a treat for you today! I’m excited to welcome Jonathan Schulman, president of ceXperencia, back on the podcast for part two of our conversation about the world of customer experience. If you haven’t listened to part one, go check out that episode first and come back for part two. Throughout both episodes, a key theme emerged: the power of…
  continue reading
 
Today, I'm joined by Jonathan Schulman, president of CeXperentia—a customer experience devotee and former chairman of the International Home Furnishings Rep Association. He has a provocative and unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in retail, which you’ll see firsthand during this episode. We've got so much to cover that Jonathan and I ar…
  continue reading
 
Is your store memorable? There is so much noise in the world today and consumers have so many choices, if your store doesn’t stand out it might be forgotten. This was a theme that came up in my conversation with Jacqueline from The Product Boss and I wanted to spend some time talking about ways you can make your store more memorable. Some ideas you…
  continue reading
 
Thinking about launching your own product line? You're in the right place. Join me for a conversation with Jacqueline Snyder, a seasoned retail expert with over 20 years of diverse product experience, from fashion design to startup consulting. As the CEO and founder of The Product Boss and The Product Boss Podcast, Jacqueline has empowered tens of …
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Hurtig referencevejledning