Shelf Talks
Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for female founders, product-based entrepreneurs, and emerging brands who want to learn how to get their products into retail stores and thrive once they’re there.
Hosted by Roberta Townes, a seasoned retail buyer, each weekly episode features unfiltered conversations with founders who’ve landed on shelves at top retailers. You’ll learn exactly how they pitched to buyers, built retail partnerships, scaled wholesale distribution, and grew brand awareness all while navigating the real challenges of building a product-based business.
If you’re ready to turn your product into a retail success story, discover what retail buyers look for, and gain insider tips on wholesale strategy, retail readiness, and in-store growth, this is your podcast.
New episodes drop every week, subscribe to Shelf Talks and learn how to get your brand retail-ready and thriving on the shelf.
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
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Kim Brown, Founder & CEO of CocoXo
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Getting into retail isn’t just about having a great product it’s about being retail ready before you ever sit across from a buyer.
In this Retail Readiness Round bonus episode of the Shelf Talks podcast, Roberta sits down with Kim Brown, founder of CocoExo, to break down the non-negotiables every product-based founder must have in place to win shelf space and stay there.
Kim shares real, practical insights on:
- Why inventory clarity and pricing can make or break your first retail buyer conversation
- The most underrated skill founders need to win and stay on shelf (hint: it’s not marketing ads)
- How networking directly impacts retail growth and buyer relationships
- Trade shows, events, and retail communities emerging brands should prioritize to get in front of the right buyers
If you’re a product-based entrepreneur preparing to pitch retailers, wondering what buyers actually expect, or trying to grow from local shelves to larger retail opportunities, this bonus episode is packed with actionable retail strategy you can apply immediately.
🎧 Listen to the full Retail Readiness Round episode of Shelf Talks now and get one step closer to being shelf-ready, buyer-confident, and retail-approved.
Full episode released 3/2
CocoXo Website: https://cocoxos.com/
New York Now: https://nynow.com/
Shoppe Object: https://shoppeobject.com/
Event Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0Zba
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Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support
Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com
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! Hello@shelftalks.com
Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book