The Retail Whore

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]

EP 234: REBUILDING RETAIL THROUGH RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY WITH MEREDITH MILLER

After over a decade working in advertising agencies on both Madison Avenue in NYC and in Los Angeles, Meredith turned her passion for marketing to retail marketing and merchandising when she and her husband Michael purchased the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy in 1990. Together they restored it and added the iconic soda fountain which became an instant success along Route 66 and the site of a host of numerous television and movie shoots. After selling the Pharmacy in 2005, she created her own jewelry line, Pokerchip Girl, which was a smash success in many Las Vegas casinos and nationwide. She also spent a few years working as a Strategic Marketing Consultant to the California Gift Show. In 2010 Meredith and Michael bought Webster’s Community Pharmacy in Altadena, CA. As with The Fair Oaks Pharmacy, the goal was to restore and revitalize this neighborhood independent pharmacy to its former glory days by adding a versatile gift and fashion accessory boutique, along with updating the pharmacy to include state of the art technology. In 2014, Meredith Miller expanded her footprint and opened Meredith M, a trend-friendly women’s apparel and fashion accessories boutique. The business received numerous accolades, but Meredith made the decision to close the doors in 2019 due to the changing landscape of the apparel industry. Meredith Miller is committed to filling a void in the community marketplace, contributing to the local economy and to the revitalization of the North Lake Avenue Corridor in Altadena, CA. Meredith has created multiple community programs including Fancy Food Truck Fridays and is a regular promotional donor to Altadena organizations such as Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Altadena Chamber, Altadena Guild, Pasadena Humane, Young & Healthy and more. Giving back to the community with her time and talent is of equal importance to her. Meredith has been a board member of the Pasadena Humane Society as well as the Vice President and President of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. Meredith recently served as a Board Member at Young & Healthy, Pasadena; and currently as a Marketing Committee Member at Pasadena Humane. Meredith also gives back to her profession by writing magazine articles, giving seminars and serving on advisory boards in the Gift Industry. In this episode, you’ll hear how Meredith built, scaled, and rebuilt retail businesses through strategic merchandising, storytelling, and community leadership — including navigating crisis and turning retail into a powerful hub for connection and economic recovery.  What’s inside: *  How to transform a traditional retail space into a destination that drives traffic and sales  *  The role of community in sustaining and rebuilding retail businesses during crisis  *  Why experiential merchandising is the key to long-term retail success Mentioned In This Episode: Website [https://www.websterspharm.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/websterspharm/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/websterspharm] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/websterscommunitypharmacy] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb]