Recent Episodes

Feb. 18, 2026

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

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 color trends and food-inspired merchandising, we’re sharing what excited us most on the show floor and how to turn it into sales. We also dive into why bright, joyful product is everywhere, how heritage ornament buying differs from trend-driven holiday, and how thoughtful sto...
226
Feb. 11, 2026

EP 226: TREASURE HUNTING, TASTE & TURNING TRENDS INTO PROFITS WITH STEPHANIE BERINGHELE

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 retailers with the most on-trend wholesale products from around the globe because great merchandising should not be boring or overpriced. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Stephanie to unpack how buyers and small retailers can find unexpected profit, merchandise smar...
225
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-back inventory into scalable resale channels—bridging sustainability goals with real revenue. Known for building from the ground up, Jessica brings a pragmatic, operator’s lens to how brands can unlock value, visibility, and longevity in the secondhand economy. In this epi...
224
Jan. 28, 2026

EP 224: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– PART II

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, inspired merchandising, and deeply personal touch. Natalie has built her businesses with an artist’s eye and an entrepreneur’s heart—curating clothing, home décor, gifts, and coffee experiences that make people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. She brings together quality c...
223
Jan. 21, 2026

EP 223: FROM COFFEE DREAMS TO COMMUNITY IMPACT WITH NATALIE KRACHT– PART I

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, inspired merchandising, and deeply personal touch. Natalie has built her businesses with an artist’s eye and an entrepreneur’s heart—curating clothing, home décor, gifts, and coffee experiences that make people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. She brings together quality c...
222
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 profitable through January and beyond. 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, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and w...
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 sourcing props to staying relevant as trends shift, they unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes—and what retailers need to be paying attention to next. Ask Michelle and Susan for Shelf Talk! Michelle and Susan will be co-hosting an episode every month! We’re diving...