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
MINI DIVE TRADE SHOWS: She Didn’t Just Blend In at Cosmoprof...She Built Authority
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Trade shows aren’t just about foot traffic they’re about getting in the right rooms.
In this final Expo mini dive, Brittany Lo shares how exhibiting at a major beauty trade show led directly to landing her first retail account with Neiman Marcus and eventually opening doors with Urban Outfitters and Free People.
We talk about:
• Using trade shows strategically to meet buyers
• Why industry expos aren’t about consumers — they’re about retail relationships
• The power of a clear one-liner and premium positioning
• Understanding that trade show ROI often takes months, not days
• How launching in the right retail environment can instantly elevate brand credibility
Brittany shares how showing up at a beauty expo with intention not just a booth helped position Beia as a modern, elevated brand in a growing (and once-taboo) category.
If you’re preparing for trade shows, this episode is your reminder: trade shows are a long game. Get on buyers’ radar. Refine your pitch. Own your niche.
✨ Want to go deeper into Brittany’s retail strategy and brand-building journey? Listen to her full Shelf Talks episode released April 7, 2025.
Follow Shelf Talks for more real conversations with female founders building brands that land and last on retail shelves. 🎙️
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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! ✨
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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