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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 ...
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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.🍷
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Today, I'm excited to chat with Jenn Luna, the owner of The Kindship, a family of boutique gift shops in the greater Tacoma area. You’re going to love hearing her story about how she grew from a single stationery store into a thriving brand that includes Paper Luxe, Little Luxe, and The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop! Jenn is all about community enga…
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In this bonus episode of Rooted in Retail, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my agency’s secrets for running profitable ads for our clients. I've been working with my ad managers and hearing the amazing results we're generating for clients. And as the holidays approach we wanted to give all our listeners the opportunity to see the same incre…
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Today, I’m excited to share some holiday inspiration from my conversation with Emily Butler from Ah Louis Store. We really dug into how holidays and customer experience come together, and Emily had some amazing ideas on how they go all out during the holiday season to draw crowds into their store. I truly believe that if you’re not creating a fanta…
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Get ready to be holiday-inspired in today’s episode! I’m so excited to introduce my guest, Emily Butler, co-owner of the historic Ah Louis Store. We had an amazing in-person chat at NY Now, where Emily shared her passion for crafting unforgettable customer experiences and how she thoughtfully analyzes every aspect of her store through her customers…
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Maybe Bigger Isn’t Always Better – Retail Therapy Session with Andy Havemeier of Wealthy Street Bakery
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Welcome to Retail Therapy, the segment where we give therapy to retailers! Today’s episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or confused about a decision in business or life. My guest is Andy Havemeier, owner of Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery. Over the last five years, Andy’s life has undergone a complete 180, and now he’s f…
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Today, we’re taking a closer look at a simple but powerful idea from my conversation with Amy Loewenberg: "Sometimes, you’re in the weeds. And my friend says, ‘Stand up. Look beyond the weeds.’" As small business owners, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with the holiday season approaching and Q4 goals on the horizon. I know I’m there right…
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This week, we’re kicking off something special—a series of live episodes straight from NY NOW! I’m thrilled to welcome back Amy Loewenberg, Director of Buyer Relations at NY NOW. Our first conversation on the show was packed with great takeaways, and today we’re going even deeper into ways that retailers can level up. In this episode, we’re going o…
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In this special recast episode of Rooted in Retail, I speak with the legendary Santa Claus himself. Santa shares invaluable advice for retailers to navigate the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of planning, keeping staff morale high, and creating a magical in-store experience. Get ready to take notes on Santa's innovative ideas such as ho…
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In this episode of After the Show, I’m reflecting on my latest interview with Hollei Anne Hayes. She’s a talented product designer whose work you might have seen at Target and Toys “R” Us. We had an incredible conversation about what it takes to make your products stand out and the impact of design on customer engagement. One key theme we explored …
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Today, we’re diving into all things product design. I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, who owns a creative studio specializing in product design and branding for product-based businesses. Even if you’re not designing your own products, you’re going to love this episode. Hollei has over a decade of experience working with brands like Toys R Us and Ski…
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Overcoming Fears and Visualizing Success - Retail Therapy Session with Ana McConnell of Pilar Boutique
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Ana, the owner of Pilar Boutique, joins us along with business and life coach Ronda for a special 'Retail Therapy' segment. Ana opens up about her fears of business failure and the challenges of leading a retail team, despite being in the industry for 17 years. The discussion highlights the importance of visualizing success in order to push past ne…
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On this week’s episode of After the Show, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from my recent conversation with Melodie van der Baan from Max Retail. We had an eye-opening discussion about something every retailer needs to know: how to implement systems to manage inventory, improve operations, and support growth. Whether you’re just starting out or loo…
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If you’ve got inventory gathering dust and want to turn it back into cash, this episode is for you. Whether you dream of building a retail store that you can one day sell, pass down, or simply take pride in, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m joined by Melodie van der Baan, the co-founder of Max Retail, who’s here to deliver a masterclass on ind…
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In this bite-sized episode of After the Show, I reflect on my inspiring conversation with Ladianne and Sheri from WoolTribe. It touched on the supply chain, sustainable products, and the value of building meaningful relationships in the supply community. What really stuck with me was the idea of being a patient business. I realized I needed to hear…
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I’m so excited for you to hear today’s episode with Ladianne Henderson and Sheri L. Osborne of WoolTribe. Our conversation was truly inspiring as we dive into how they started their company and the mission that drives their work. We discuss the importance of building strong relationships with the people and companies you source from and why this is…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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How Retailers Can Use AI to Save Time and Money with Crystal Vilkaitis and Patrick Keiser
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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…
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The Five P’s of Business Success with Amy Lacey
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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