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Shelf Talks
Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs in the product space, offering insider insights on how to successfully get your products into retail stores and thrive on the shelves. Hosted by Roberta Townes, Shelf Talks features interviews with trailblazing female founders who have navigated the retail world. Each episode dives into real-life success stories, from building the perfect product to landing deals with major retailers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your business, Shelf Talks is packed with actionable advice, expert tips, and inspiring journeys to help you secure your spot in retail and grow your brand.
Tune in to hear the stories behind the products and learn what it really takes to succeed in the competitive retail space.
Also if you are looking for more knowledge, host Roberta Townes book 'Shelf Talk: A Step by Step guide to getting your Product in Retail Stores' is available on Amazon.
Shelf Talks
Redefining Candy Aisles: How Katie Lefkowitz, Founder of Harken Sweets, positions her brand on shelf amongst Industry Titans
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Katie Lefkowitz, founder of Harken Sweets, a brand dedicated to creating healthier candy alternatives. Katie shares her journey from a healthcare background to the food industry, driven by personal health challenges and a desire to make indulgent treats that are also good for you. The conversation explores the challenges of finding the right manufacturing partners, the strategic decision to partner with major retailers like Walmart, and the importance of effective marketing and consumer engagement in building a successful brand.
In this conversation, Katie discusses the evolving landscape of consumer preferences towards natural and functional ingredients, the importance of effective inventory management, and building strong relationships with retailers. She shares insights on team dynamics, her daily responsibilities as a founder, and the emotional connection she has with customers. Katie also reflects on lessons learned from retail experiences, future product development plans, and the strategic vision for Harkin Sweets, emphasizing the significance of pricing strategy and consumer perception.
Major Takeaways:
- Katie transitioned from healthcare to food after a personal health diagnosis
- Harken Sweets aims to create healthier candy options without sacrificing taste
- Her retail strategy focused on partnerships with retailers that align with their vision
- Pitching to retailers requires a deep understanding of the market and product
- Sampling and demos are key to consumer engagement and sales
- Hiring trustworthy team members allows for effective delegation
- Understanding customer behavior is essential for retail success
- Packaging changes are a constant in the retail industry
- Pricing strategy should align with consumer expectations
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Harken Sweets and Katie Lefkowitz
04:17 The Birth of Harken Sweets: A Healthier Candy Alternative
09:50 Retail Strategy: Partnering with Walmart
21:41 Mastering Replenishment and Inventory Management
27:59 Retail Insights and Lessons Learned
30:50 Future Product Development and Growth
31:20 Strategic Retail Expansion
33:45 Navigating Retail Challenges
Links to follow Harken Sweets:
- Harken Sweets Website: https://harkensweets.com/
- Harken Sweets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harkensweets/?hl=en
- Harken Sweets
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Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!
Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book