THE BUSINESS OF SHOW SEASON & STORE EXPERIENCES — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN

EP 238: REPLAY: FROM MONKEYS TO COOLERS WITH BENJAMIN SOTO

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, retail spaces, collaborations/licensed products. They even let him voice Julius the Monkey on the pilot show of Yo-Gabba-Gabba. In 2008, Disney Animation called and gave Ben the job of helping to create and Art Direct a cartoon based on Evel Knievel's daredevil culture. The Emmy nominated show Kick Buttowski had 52 episodes and aired between 2010-2012. Ben eventually left Disney to partner up with some other entrepreneurs to start the next creative adventure: C-Preme. They had captured "lightning in a bottle" with their 3-D youth bicycle helmet brand, Raskullz. Within three years, they had sold over 3 million helmets and countless other outdoor products. C-Preme sold to Bell Helmets (Easton Bell Sports) in 2014. Ben stayed on working for Bell Helmets until the next idea hit: a colorful cooler manufactured like a bicycle helmet. Target accepted a huge order; patents were in the works, and before the dust settled, they sold their company to Igloo Products Corp. in 2016. Ben is still at Igloo, managing creative for the cooler brand. You might've seen a little bit of Ben in the VW Playmate bus, retro coolers, eco coolers, licensed coolers, and the packaging and marketing of the brand. Igloo sold to Dometic in 2021 for a lot more money than anyone ever dreamed of. Michelle and Ben dive into Ben’s amazing career, from Paul Frank to Igloo, and his extensive experience with graphic design. Ben shares stories from past trade shows (before the days of social media) and the wild ride that was Paul Frank in the early days. Michelle and Ben also discuss his transition to Disney, then Igloo, living in Hong Kong, and where Ben looks for inspiration. What’s Inside: * How Ben got started at Paul Frank and stories from the early days. * Ben’s experience working at Disney and Igloo. * How Ben finds his inspiration. This week’s episode is sponsored by @salesproducersinc, a progressive business to business company representing Gift, Lifestyle, Fashion, Personal Care, & Kids lines selling to retail stores with a mission to create long lasting, profitable relationships by adding significant value to our Customer, Vendor, and Team partners. For more information, check out their social media or website www.salesproducersinc.com [http://www.salesproducersinc.com/] Mentioned In This Episode: Benjamin Soto portfolio [http://benjaminsoto.com/] Paul Frank [https://www.paulfrank.com/] Kick Buttowski [https://tv.apple.com/us/show/kick-buttowski-suburban-daredevil/umc.cmc.6u8nsxynt98eer9w61xrtd1os] Raskullz [http://www.raskullz.com/] Igloo [https://www.igloocoolers.com/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]

EP 237: WHAT RETAIL ARCHITECTURE REALLY DOES FOR YOUR STORE

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 every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com [https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/], click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic! What’s Inside: *  How to use retail “architecture” to create more sellable space  *  Tips for styling tabletops, shelves, and round displays without clutter  *  Simple merchandising tricks to create balance, storytelling, and flow  Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]

THE BUSINESS OF SHOW SEASON & STORE EXPERIENCES — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN

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 showroom displays for Atlanta Market  *  Why in-store events and community experiences are transforming retail  *  How retailers can use social media to drive traffic and customer connection Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]

EP 236: RADICALLY RELIABLE RESULTS IN RETAIL WITH JON DARIO

Jon Dario is an author, speaker, and retail management expert. His latest book, titled AIM: How Managers Get Radically Reliable Results, is a how-to guide that helps retail organizations instill a culture of action item management and drive consistent execution, even in the dynamic world of retail. The principles behind AIM were built over the course of Jon's career with some of the top retailers in the world, including Macy's, Gap, Bank of America, and Travelex. Jon is currently the CEO of a NYC metro real estate company that manages different retail businesses, he is the professor of retail marketing at Seton Hall University, and he is the founder of The Retail Management Formula, a company that provides consulting services to retailers of all sizes and types. In this episode, we dive deep into what truly separates average managers from exceptional leaders in retail, and how consistent execution, clear communication, and strong team culture can completely transform store performance. Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Jon shares practical, field-tested strategies that help managers drive results, motivate teams, and eliminate the common breakdowns that happen inside retail businesses. What's Inside: *  How to create a culture of accountability without micromanaging *  Why sharing numbers with your team is the key to performance *  The “bad apple effect” and how to protect your team culture Mentioned In This Episode: Website [https://jondario.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jonmdario/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@JonMDario] X/Twitter [https://x.com/JonMDario] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]

EP 235: BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH BEAUTY, WELLNESS & RETAIL WITH JACQUE LEONARD

Jacque Leonard is the founder and CEO of Roux Collective, a boutique salon, spa, and retail destination in Paso Robles, California. With more than 30 years of experience in the beauty industry spanning sales, marketing, retail, and behind-the-chair culture, she has built a business rooted in both connection and curation. Jacque believes retail is deeply personal — it is not just about what people buy, but how they feel when they walk through the door. Through Roux Collective, she brings together beauty, wellness, fashion, and heartfelt hospitality to create an experience that genuinely impacts people’s lives. In this episode, Jacque shares the real story behind building a multi-dimensional business that blends salon, spa, and retail into one powerful customer experience. From taking risks and backing herself when funding wasn’t guaranteed, to navigating growth, hiring, and redefining what retail looks like—this is a masterclass in intuition-led business and staying true to your vision. We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com [https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/], click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic! What’s inside: *  How Jacque transitioned from sales rep to salon + retail owner—and why backing yourself matters  *  The power of experience-driven retail (and why connection will always outperform transactions)  *  Lessons in hiring, culture, and protecting your business vision at all costs  Mentioned In This Episode: Website [https://www.rouxcollective.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rouxcollective_] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]