What happens when decades of retail success collide with fear-driven decisions? Michael Schultz, co-owner of Cursive New York, shares how one panicked choice nearly sank his business—and the lessons that turned it into a story of resilience. From 33 years in retail, Michael reveals the secret that never changes: a strong point of view. He also dives into how today’s consumers shop with less confidence, why tariffs are hitting harder than expected, and how showing up authentically on Instagram...
What does it take to turn retail struggles into sustainable success? Summer Allen, a former retailer turned retail consultant, knows firsthand. Today, she helps business owners simplify profits, attract more customers, and build businesses that truly serve their lives—not the other way around. In this episode, Summer shares lessons learned from her own store, why inventory should never “celebrate a birthday,” and how defining your own version of success is the key to long-term growth. From ru...
Running a store comes with endless moving parts—from stocking the right products to training your sales team and avoiding burnout as the owner. Michelle, a hardworking retailer, knows this all too well. She’s been wrestling with questions like: Should I invest in an inventory management system? In this episode of Retail Therapy session, host Crystal is joined by our retail therapist Bob Phibbs, along with guest Michelle Tjelmeland, to break it all down. Together, they dive into the diff...
What does it take to thrive in today’s fast-moving retail world? In this episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal brings together a powerhouse panel of retail experts: Sarah Koutsogiannis (ANDMORE), Jennifer Johnson (True Fashionistas), Cathy Wagner (Retail Mavens), Josh Orr (Capital Commerce), and Vi Wickam (Wizard of Ads). Together, they dig into the biggest worries weighing on retailers—and which ones aren’t worth the stress. From avoiding overthinking to finding clarity in your goals, th...
What does it take to bring sustainability and authenticity into an everyday essential? Jen Eden, co-founder and CEO of Tampon Tribe, shares her journey of building a plastic-free, organic period care brand that’s making waves in retail. With a background in entrepreneurship, media, and marketing, Jennifer dives into what inspired her, how she connects with customers on a deeper level, and why trust and play matter in business. In this episode, you’ll hear how she went from retail beginnings t...
Ever feel like your store is your town’s best kept secret—but you’d really rather everyone know about you? That’s exactly how Taylor Sumrall of Taylor Made Designs in Opelika, Alabama feels. She and her mom have been running their family-owned gift and jewelry shop for years, getting amazing feedback from customers… but struggling with consistency in foot traffic. In this Retail Therapy session, we’re joined again by our retail therapist, Bob Phibbs, who doesn’t hold back with honest, practic...
Retail can feel like a never-ending hustle—but what if you had the right tools to manage stress, avoid burnout, and thrive? Chrystal Rose knows firsthand the highs and lows of being in retail. From dealing with guilt and overwhelm to understanding why effort doesn’t always guarantee success, she shares strategies for finding balance and regulating your nervous system. In this episode, Chrystal opens up about her retail journey and offers practical advice for business owners who want to protec...
Arieh Lowenstein is back for part two, and this time he’s diving even deeper into what makes independent retail thrive. From creating meaningful customer moments to shaping the right product mix, Ari shares how small shifts can make a big impact in-store. He also opens up about the lessons he would approach differently in his business and what he sees for the future of independent retail. If you want practical insights on how to better understand your customers, adapt to today’s fast-changing...
In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Crystal Valkaitis sits down with retail therapist Bob Phibbs and guest Lisa Greene to dig into one of her biggest challenges: finding qualified florists to help her business thrive. Lisa opens up about the difficulty of hiring in a niche market, and Bob shares insights on spotting vocational skills, using qualifications to guide your hiring decisions, and getting creative with talent attraction through video and social media marketing. They also talk ab...
Ari Lowenstein has done just about everything in retail: consulting, product development, and leading industry associations. Now, he has built his own stores. With Ari’s Pantry, he is bringing authentic Italian flavors to Texas and has already grown from one shop to four in less than two years. In this episode, Ari opens up to Crystal about his bold approach to retail, why failure is part of the process, and how customer experience drives everything he does. From a playful loyalty program whe...
Jennifer Shorter’s retail roots run deep—three generations deep, to be exact. As the owner of Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Michigan, she’s mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation while keeping her creative spark alive. In this episode, Jennifer opens up about her unique retail journey, the surprising power of doing less, and why embracing change has been key to her long-term success. From adapting to shifting customer behaviors to creating events that keep people coming back, Jen...
In this episode of Retail Therapy, host Crystal sits down with retail therapist Bob Phibbs and guest Linda Moore to unpack the strategies that keep your cash register ringing—not just today, but for years to come. From attracting new shoppers to building loyalty with the ones you already have, Bob and Linda share insights on connecting with different generations, addressing your customers’ real “pain points,” and selling through systems that work.They also dig into why your content—and the en...
Gift cards aren’t just convenient, they’re strategic. In this episode, we sit down with Larry Rubin, owner of Swipe It Gift Cards, to unpack how retailers can turn those little plastic cards into big opportunities for growth, loyalty, and stronger customer connections. With decades of retail experience, Larry shares what most businesses are missing when it comes to gift cards and how to shift from “just having them” to using them intentionally to drive real results. [1:49] Larry’s journey fro...
We made it—episode 200! What a journey it’s been, and we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with YOU. In today’s special episode, Crystal Vilkaitis reflects on the highs and lows of her retail journey and shares a deeper, more personal conversation about what it really means to feel successful. From burnout and hustle culture to the power of taking a pause, Crystal opens up about finding contentment, freedom, and clarity—without losing ambition. If you're feeling the pressure to do mor...
What’s really driving retail success in today’s world? In this dynamic EVOLVE panel episode, three powerhouse women—Barb Binkley (Cooper and Binkley Jewelers), Beth Rich (Mix It Up Gift and Home), and Miranda Heslip (Cloud Nine Pajamas)—share their real-world insights on what’s working right now in retail. From creating loyal communities to planning events that actually drive foot traffic, to mastering email marketing that converts—this episode is packed with tips you can implement today. Wha...
In this insightful episode, Landon and Camille take us on their retail journey, sharing hard-earned lessons about what truly makes retail partnerships work—from knowing your brand story to compensating reps thoughtfully. They dive into the most common challenges facing brands today and how communication, alignment, and intentional relationship-building can transform both sides of the retail equation. Whether you're an indie retailer or a growing brand, this conversation will help you rethink ...
What can Disney fireworks, empowered employees, and “the little things” teach you about running a standout retail business? A lot more than you think. In this bonus episode, Vance Morris—a former Disney World executive turned customer experience strategist—dives into the principles that made Disney world-renowned for customer loyalty. Vance shares how retailers can borrow from Disney’s playbook to elevate everyday interactions, boost retention, and outshine competitors—without a theme park bu...
In this episode, Tanner takes the stage at EVOLVE to break down exactly how businesses can win with social media. From showing up consistently to staying authentic, Tanner shares actionable tips that helped him build a powerful online presence—and how you can do the same. This episode is all about using content to build connection, credibility, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, you’ll walk away with strategies to grow your brand through content that feels...
Merchandising isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy. In this episode, Ani Nersessian shares how to create a retail space that not only looks great but drives real results. She walks you through practical starting points, from visual tweaks to organizing product flow, all grounded in understanding what your customer truly needs. Whether you’re setting up shop for the first time or giving your space a much-needed refresh, this episode will help you lay a solid foundation for smarter, ...
Think direct mail is dead? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with David, a seasoned direct mail expert who’s helped businesses of all sizes use physical marketing to drive real results. David shares how traditional mail is making a comeback—and how you can use it to stand out in a noisy digital landscape. From building smarter (not bigger) mailing lists to launching your first campaign on a $500 budget, you’ll get practical, no-fluff advice for turning mail into a powerful marketing c...