Recent Episodes

EP 237: WHAT RETAIL ARCHITECTURE REALLY DOES FOR YOUR STORE
May 20, 2026

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 pra...

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THE BUSINESS OF SHOW SEASON & STORE EXPERIENCES — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN
May 13, 2026

THE BUSINESS OF SHOW SEASON & STORE EXPERIENCES — SHELF TALK WITH CO-…

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 ret...

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EP 236: RADICALLY RELIABLE RESULTS IN RETAIL WITH JON DARIO
May 6, 2026

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 manag...

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EP 235: BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH BEAUTY, WELLNESS & RETAIL WITH JACQUE LEONARD
April 29, 2026

EP 235: BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH BEAUTY, WELLNESS & RETAIL WITH JA…

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, retai...

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EP 234: REBUILDING RETAIL THROUGH RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY WITH MEREDITH MILLER
April 22, 2026

EP 234: REBUILDING RETAIL THROUGH RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY WITH MERED…

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 ...

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EP 233: DEAD SPACES, FLOOR FLOW & RETAIL REALITY CHECKS
April 15, 2026

EP 233: DEAD SPACES, FLOOR FLOW & RETAIL REALITY CHECKS

In this episode , we dive into the real, raw challenges of retail floor planning—from frustrating “dead spots” that refuse to convert, to the strategic shifts required to improve store flow, increase visibility, and ultimatel...

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EP 232: MASTERING THE NUMBERS & BUILDING A PROFITABLE RETAIL BUSINESS WITH MARGO KOPMAN
April 8, 2026

EP 232: MASTERING THE NUMBERS & BUILDING A PROFITABLE RETAIL BUSINESS…

Margo Kopman lives, eats, and breathes all things retail. With over 15 years of retail consulting experience as the President of Project Retail, Margo is extremely passionate about inspiring clients with her vision and authen...

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WHAT THE ASD SHOW REVEALS ABOUT RETAIL TODAY — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN
April 1, 2026

WHAT THE ASD SHOW REVEALS ABOUT RETAIL TODAY — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOS…

In this episode , Michelle and Susan recap their experience at the ASD Las Vegas trade show, sharing what makes it different from traditional markets and why it can be a valuable supplemental resource for retailers. They also...

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EP 231: ROLLING THE DICE ON MAHJONG AND WINNING IN RETAIL WITH JAMIE CARL, EMILY BUTLER AND MISTY STACHEL
March 25, 2026

EP 231: ROLLING THE DICE ON MAHJONG AND WINNING IN RETAIL WITH JAMIE …

Jamie Carl is the Owner + Founder of Serge + Jane in Mpls, MN, a Lifestyle Boutique featuring Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Vinyl, Home + Gifts in a 3 story shop (4 including an open air rooftop where they host fashion shows, trunk shows, pop-ups + always a DJ + dance party). She spent 15 years at Ta…

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EP 229: THE POWER OF SCENT AND MEMORY WITH TORI DAHL
March 11, 2026

EP 229: THE POWER OF SCENT AND MEMORY WITH TORI DAHL

Tori Dahl’s passion for scent began when she was a little girl growing up on three acres in the Texas hill country. In the spring, Mountain Laurel would bloom with fragrant purple blossoms. On Saturday mornings she would wake...

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EP 228: FROM MASS PRODUCTION TO MAIN STREET MAGIC WITH EMILY WEBB
March 4, 2026

EP 228: FROM MASS PRODUCTION TO MAIN STREET MAGIC WITH EMILY WEBB

Emily Webb is the owner of Emily's Garden. She is 69 years old and lives three miles from a town of 154 people in the northern Sierras of California. She comes from a family of artists and designers who are all good with their hands. She started Emily's Garden in 1981 as a manufacturing company in …

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EP 227: CAR CONFESSIONS, SHOW SEASON RECAP & SMARTER BUYING MOVES
Feb. 25, 2026

EP 227: CAR CONFESSIONS, SHOW SEASON RECAP & SMARTER BUYING MOVES

In this episode I recap a busy show season, share lessons from designing and buying for multiple showrooms and stores, and explain how reports, floor plans, and thoughtful merchandise windows can revive retail sales and creat...

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TREASURE HUNT BUYING, BOLD TRENDS & STORYTELLING THAT SELLS — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN
Feb. 18, 2026

TREASURE HUNT BUYING, BOLD TRENDS & STORYTELLING THAT SELLS — SHELF T…

In this episode, we’re fresh off the Gift Show and gearing up for ASD as we unpack why “treasure hunt” buying might be the smartest margin move independent retailers can make right now. From under-the-radar vendors to bold co...

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EP 226: TREASURE HUNTING, TASTE & TURNING TRENDS INTO PROFITS WITH STEPHANIE BERINGHELE
Feb. 11, 2026

EP 226: TREASURE HUNTING, TASTE & TURNING TRENDS INTO PROFITS WITH ST…

Stephanie Beringhele is a mom of two amazing kids, the creator and host of Retail Revelations Inside the Deal, and the VIP Buyer Relations Director at ASD Market Week. She builds and leads high-impact programs that connect re...

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EP 225: RETHINKING RESALE AND RETAIL SURVIVAL WITH JESSICA RENNARD
Feb. 4, 2026

EP 225: RETHINKING RESALE AND RETAIL SURVIVAL WITH JESSICA RENNARD

Jessica Rennard is the President of NuSource, a female-led micro-wholesale platform powering the demand side of resale. With 15+ years in circular fashion, she partners with leading brands to turn excess, returned, and take-b...

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EP 224: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– PART II
Jan. 28, 2026

EP 224: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– P…

Natalie Kracht is the owner and creative force behind Natural Grind and The Collective in Grundy Center, Iowa. What started as a small coffee shop dream has grown into a thriving community hub known for its warm atmosphere, i...

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EP 223: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– PART I
Jan. 21, 2026

EP 223: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– P…

Natalie Kracht is the owner and creative force behind Natural Grind and The Collective in Grundy Center, Iowa. What started as a small coffee shop dream has grown into a thriving community hub known for its warm atmosphere, i...

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EP 222: REINVENTING THE RETAIL CALENDAR
Jan. 14, 2026

EP 222: REINVENTING THE RETAIL CALENDAR

In this episode, Michelle walks through how she tackles post-holiday blues in-store and as a buyer—sharing practical merchandising strategies, sale philosophy, and ways to reinvent existing inventory to keep stores fresh and ...

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WHAT RETAIL LOOKS LIKE NEXT — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN
Jan. 7, 2026

WHAT RETAIL LOOKS LIKE NEXT — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN

In this episode , Michelle Sherrier and Susan Esayian catch up after a busy market season and dive into what they’re seeing on showroom floors, in merchandising, and across the retail industry. From traveling showrooms and so...

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