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Artwork for Rooted in Retail

Rooted in Retail

Crystal Vilkaitis
Customer Experience
Jewelry Design
Loyalty Programs
Personal Branding
Customer Loyalty
Community Engagement
Social Media
Time Management
Ah Lewis Store
Entrepreneurship
Small Business Marketing
Retail Strategies
Customer Engagement
Hall Street Bakery
Wealthy Street Bakery
Holiday Experiences
Mental Health
Membership Models
Stanley
Retail Marketing

Running a store can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be lonely! Rooted in Retail is a show dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive in today's ever-evolving retail landscape. This show is made for Main Street retailers like gift shops, jewelers, pet stores, boutiques, florists, home decor and furnitures stores, hardware stores, toy stores, craft, quilting and sewing shops; tea and coffee ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes229Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessMarketing

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Artwork for Rooted in Retail

Latest Episodes

This is the final episode of Rooted in Retail 2025, where Crystal Vilkaitis, the Wolf of Main Street, reflects on the year and shares exactly what retailers should bring into 2026—and what to leave behind. From elevating in-store experiences to maste... more

YouTube

In this episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal Vilkaitis breaks down the Market Magic framework—seven must-have elements every independent retailer should check off to stay resilient, profitable, and top-of-mind in 2026.

If you’re closing out a b... more

How do you build a store customers love coming back to — not just for products, but for the feeling it gives them? Retailer and industry expert Ari Lowenstein, owner of Ari’s Pantry in Dallas, returns to the show to share his signature framework: the... more

Retail legend Matt Harris is back on Rooted in Retail — and this time, he’s revealing the sales framework he’s used for decades to land jobs, close high-ticket deals, and elevate customer experience. This is real sales training for retailers who want... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Lucy Smothers
A passionate interior design student entering her fourth year, focused on the relationship between branding and interior design.
Miami University
Episode: Branding Boldly: From Design School to Retail Influence
Jan Fosdane
Owner of Stock Culinary Goods and food writer.
Stock Culinary Goods
Episode: The Secret to Retail That Feels Personal (and Profitable)
Michelle Morgan
Owner of Just Gotta Have It, a leader in the gift and lifestyle industry, celebrating its 25th year.
Just Gotta Have It
Episode: Retail, Resilience, and Remembrance
Robin Kramer
Experienced brand strategist and wholesale expert
Red Boot Consulting
Episode: How Red Boot Consulting Helps Brands Walk Boldly Into Retail
Ash Kos
Co-founder of 2B Glass, a glassblowing business
2B Glass
Episode: How Collaboration and Creativity Fueled a One-of-a-Kind Glass Line
Mark W. Schaefer
Globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and business consultant
Rutgers University
Episode: Marketing with Meaning: Boldness, Awe & Evolving Consumers
Liz Ferreira
Owner of The Sweet Bay Shop, dedicated to curating unique selections from local makers and creating a welcoming environment for customers.
The Sweet Bay Shop
Episode: Growing a Thriving Retail Business with Liz Ferreira of The Sweet Bay Shop
Jimmy Mahan
Co-founder of Roadshow Cards and entrepreneur with a diverse background
Roadshow Cards
Episode: Building Trust & Scaling Success: How Roadshow Cards is Revolutionizing the Collectibles Industry
Mary Liz Curtin
Co-owner of Leon & Lulu and 3 Cat's Restaurant, speaker and author of A Shopkeeper's Manual.
Leon & Lulu
Episode: Engaging Customers with Smart Retail Strategies with Mary Liz Curtin

Host

Crystal Vilkaitis
Crystal is a retail expert passionate about empowering independent retailers through insightful conversations that highlight practical strategies and success stories.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 102 ratings
  • Real Life

    Crystal brings everyday situations to her viewers. Technology tips, retail insights and an amazing assortment of everyday people sharing real life retail experiences. It’s a must if you are in the business!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MichelleRubyMorgan
    United Statesa month ago
  • Must listen for Entrepreneurs

    Rooted in Retail podcast is pure gold for anyone on the entrepreneurial journey. Crystal does a phenomenal job of asking insightful questions that go beyond the surface, pulling out both the wins and the struggles that shape real business growth. Each episode is a mix of practical advice, inspiring stories, and honest conversations that leave me feeling motivated and equipped with actionable takeaways I can apply right away in my own ventures.

    What I especially love is the diversity of guests—... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Michelle Tjelmeland
    United States3 months ago
  • Great biz podcast for retailers

    This is a great podcast that covers a variety if topics and businesses. Lots of info on marketing, dealing with many aspects of business, and much more. Crystal is a wonderful host and has great guests. I always seem to learn something when listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CEM519
    Canada4 months ago
  • Great practical advice

    Crystal and her guests teach me something every time I listen. As a new retail boutique owner there is a lot to learn, and it can feel overwhelming and lonely. Crystal is warm, optimistic, and relatable. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable. She’s a great moderator even of panels and can keep the conversation moving without it feeling draggy or draining.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    danabrit0523
    United States4 months ago
  • A Must-Listen for Indie Retailers + Ecommerce Brands! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Crystal Vilkaitis nails it with Rooted in Retail. This podcast is a goldmine for independent retailers and entrepreneurs—she answers the questions most of us have but aren’t always sure where to turn. Every episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and Crystal’s gift for breaking things down into simple, doable steps.

    If you’re building a brand or running a shop, this podcast is like having a retail mentor in your pocket. Take a listen - you won’t regret it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nygardner
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is praised for its focus on diversity in guests and insights, catering to a wide range of retailers.
Regular listeners report a sense of belonging and encouragement, making it a crucial resource for feeling connected in the retail world.
The host's engaging style and expert guest lineup are frequently highlighted as key aspects that enhance the value of each episode.
Many find the community support and shared experiences particularly beneficial during their entrepreneurial journeys.
Listeners appreciate the actionable insights and relatable advice that help address the unique challenges faced by independent retailers.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Turning Your Shoppers into Lifelong Fans with Nick McHenry
Q: How do you keep up with the ever-changing retail landscape?
By immersing myself in various retail experiences and continuously seeking ways to improve and enhance the customer experience.
Turning Your Shoppers into Lifelong Fans with Nick McHenry
Q: How could platforms like OneShop Retail assist in building these loyalty programs?
They can facilitate the integration of loyalty programs that work across online and in-store environments, enabling personalized customer interactions and automated communications.
Turn Your Store into a Holiday Destination with Emily Butler
Q: What advice would you give to other retailers looking to build anticipation and excitement around their own events and holiday offerings?
Create a sense of community and engage your customers by asking for their input and building buzz around your offerings.
Master Your Retail Market with Amy Loewenberg
Q: Can you share some personal branding tips and relationship building techniques that retailers can use to foster loyalty and create a lasting impact with their customers?
Retailers need to be authentic and genuine in their interactions, engage with their community consistently, and follow up with customers to build lasting relationships.
Master Your Retail Market with Amy Loewenberg
Q: What advice do you have for retailers on staying adaptable and evolving their practices? What trends or shifts should they be paying attention to in order to remain competitive and relevant?
Retailers must connect with social platforms, be authentic in their engagement, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences while fostering relationships to build community.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Rooted in Retail

What is Rooted in Retail about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the challenges faced by independent retailers, this show offers valuable insights and practical advice to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market. Topics covered include marketing strategies, personal branding, customer engagement, and community building, making it a crucial resource for entrepreneurs in various sectors such as retail, food service, and home decor. With discussions featuring a diverse range of guests, from experienced business owners to industry experts, listeners are provided with actionable insights they can implement to enhance their retail operations and establish a supportive network within their community. The show's engaging format and relatable approach make it an essential companion for those nav... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Rooted in Retail?

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How many listeners does Rooted in Retail get?

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What are the audience demographics for Rooted in Retail?

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How many subscribers and views does Rooted in Retail have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Rooted in Retail has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Rooted in Retail are there?

Rooted in Retail launched 3 years ago and published 229 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Rooted in Retail?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Rooted in Retail?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Rooted in Retail from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Rooted in Retail?

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What guests have appeared on Rooted in Retail?

Recent guests on Rooted in Retail include:

1. Lucy Smothers
2. Jan Fosdane
3. Michelle Morgan
4. Robin Kramer
5. Ash Kos
6. Mark W. Schaefer
7. Liz Ferreira
8. Jimmy Mahan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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