The Retail Whore
Episodes
247 episodes
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 ...
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 merch...
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. Th...
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 con...
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-c...
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 O...
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 ultimately drive sales...
EP 232: MASTERING THE NUMBERS & BUILDING A PROFITABLE RETAIL BUSINESS WITH MARGO KOPMAN
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 authenticity when tacklin...
WHAT THE ASD SHOW REVEALS ABOUT RETAIL TODAY — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN
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 explore crea...
EP 231: ROLLING THE DICE ON MAHJONG AND WINNING IN RETAIL WITH JAMIE CARL, EMILY BUTLER AND MISTY STACHEL
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, ...
EP 230: MASTERING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN RETAIL WITH MEGHAN WAGNER
Meghan Wagner is the owner of The Go Girl Shoppe, a unique retail store located in Mebane, NC. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with a mobile shop on wheels, offering a curated selection of home décor and gifts. In 2014, she opened...
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 to the sound of he...
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 starte...
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 creativity. I also talk ...
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...
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 mo...
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 ...
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 merchandisi...
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 merchandisi...
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 ...
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 ...
EP 221: SHEDDING THE OLD, RESETTING THE PATH, AND TRUSTING WHAT’S NEXT
In this episode, Michelle closes out 2025 with a reflective solo episode about change, resilience, and retail. She shares her move from California to Oregon, joining her local Downtown Business Association, lessons from closing stores, strategi...
EP 220: NEVER SAY NO — BUILDING RETAIL, RELATIONSHIPS & BRAND POWER WITH SEAN JIMENEZ AND RACHEL BLACKWELL
Sean Jimenez is a former retailer turned wholesaler with over 25 years in the industry. He currently manages more than 40 sales reps for a multi-million-dollar novelty sock and design company based in Santa Cruz, California. Over the cou...
EP 219: REPLAY: FOREVER FUN WITH NATHAN WALDON
This week’s guest is Nathan Waldon, Founder of Everything for Nathan & Co. After a bazillion plus years of product development for the big guys, nothing ever scratched his retail itch like opening his ...
EP 218: WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD A BOOMING LIFESTYLE BRAND WITH LACI HEWETT
Laci Hewett is the founder and CEO of Saltwater Boys Company, a premium coastal-inspired boys’ clothing brand based on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. What started as one crab tee sold in a Facebook mom group has grown into a thriving lifestyle b...