In this episode, Michelle, Susan, and Kate dive into holiday merchandising from every angle, from planning months in advance to creating displays that feel intentional instead of overwhelming. They share ideas for layering holiday throughout the season, building memorable customer experiences, using simple props on any budget, and why storytelling through merchandising matters more than ever for independent retailers. This is part one of their Holiday Edition conversation, with even more idea...
Jul 15
57 min
Emily Brooker is the creative director and owner of Esme and Elodie, a women's and plus size boutique in Renton, Washington. Esme and Elodie is known for being size inclusive, sex positive and humor filled. Emily guides her vision of social entrepreneurship and the modern woman into a community focused retail space. In this episode, Emily shares how she built a thriving boutique by doing things differently. From creating an inclusive shopping experience and staying unapologetically authentic ...
Jul 8
1 hr 30 min
This week’s guest is Trudi Bartow, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. Trudi joined the gift world via the preeminent art book publisher Harry N. Abrams and created unique opportunities for sales at gift retailers like Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, Barneys and Sur La Table, including custom designer editions and exclusive bundles. After 15 years working with various publishers, she joined the fantastic team at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild as their...
Jul 1
1 hr 4 min
Fresh off multiple Dallas Market setups and heading into Las Vegas Market, Michelle shares what's working, what's changing, and how she's rethinking her buying strategy for the season ahead. In this episode, Michelle reflects on her recent projects, including the Levant showroom and a unique merchandising project for The Brit outdoor venue. She also shares why she's dialing back assortments, embracing branded merchandise opportunities, and taking a more intentional approach to buying at marke...
Jun 24
1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Michelle shares a completely different style of Retail Whore Podcast episode recorded live from the Seattle Mart, where seasoned retailers shared their best advice for new store owners. From learning your numbers and building smarter markdown strategies to creating stronger customer experiences and merchandising with intention, this episode is packed with honest conversations and real retail wisdom. Michelle and Susan also continue the conversation from the road as they dive ...
Jun 17
51 min
Kate Kauffman is the owner of Grease & Glitter Studio, a Vermont-based creative design studio serving retailers throughout New England and beyond. She specializes in visual merchandising, store flow and layout optimization, and striking window displays. Drawing on more than 10 years of industry experience with brands like Anthropologie and West Elm, Kate helps independent retailers elevate their customer experience, increase foot traffic, and drive sales. In this episode, Kate shares how ...
Jun 10
1 hr 36 min
For all of us who are merchandisers, Amy Meadows has the dream career. She has over 25 years of experience in window display, visual merchandising, and event planning. Recognized nationally in her field, Amy has reinvented traditions and reinvigorated business for both major retailers and independent businesses. From big boxes to boutiques, she helps businesses explore and leverage tools to attract customers and drive sales. Amy helps her clients align their storefronts, signage and displays...
Jun 3
1 hr 40 min
Do you ever wonder who makes those chalkboard signs at Trader Joe's? Well, that's how Benjamin Soto got started—drawing Trader Joe's signs by day and designing band merch at night for Fearless Records. In 1998, Ben was recruited by Paul Frank to help kick off the massive millennial pop-culture brand Paul Frank Industries. Ben managed the brand creative for about 10 years, which meant involvement with character designs, the tee and fleece program, pajama prints, photoshoots, trade show booths...
May 27
1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Michelle shares how thoughtful retail architecture can completely transform a store by maximizing space, improving flow, and creating displays that feel abundant without becoming cluttered. She dives into practical merchandising techniques, creative tabletop styling, and the importance of layering products to create visually engaging and shoppable spaces. We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because ever...
May 20
48 min
In this episode, Michelle and Susan dive into the creative chaos behind preparing showroom displays for upcoming gift shows, including their process for brainstorming concepts, sourcing inspiration, and creating memorable retail experiences. They also explore the growing importance of in-store events, community-driven shopping experiences, and how retailers can use social media to stay connected and relevant in today’s retail landscape. What’s Inside: Behind-the-scenes of designing show...
May 13
1 hr 8 min
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