Rooted in Retail Crystal Vilkaitis

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a live panel discussion from our EVOLVE conference in April 2024. The energy was incredible, and my panelists brought amazing insights. If you love hearing a mix of perspectives and stories from retail experts, you’re going to love this episode!We dive into the biggest challenges independent retailers are facing right now and practical strategies to overcome them. You’ll hear a success story from one of the panelists about a client who achieved great resu...

Welcome back to After the Show where we’re diving into the impact of adding more fun in your business. In our latest episode, I had a great conversation with Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe from Darn Knit Anyway, a store that’s redefining community connection and fun in retail.Aimee and Carly have really brought a playful energy to their store, and you can see the results everywhere. From Instagram reels that are getting millions of views to building real connections with customers right ther...

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to cousins Aimee Pelletier and Carly Stipe, the team behind Darn Knit Anyway. Their yarn store offers everything from a thriving e-commerce platform to a makers' lounge, and various classes and events.This episode is all about community: how to build it, connect with it, and nurture it in meaningful ways. Aimee and Carly have a lot to share about their journey and the amazing community they've cultivated through their store. Their story is full of lessons ...

We did it, we really did it! EVOLVE 2024 is now officially in the books, and what a ride it was. Today, I'm thrilled to take you behind the scenes of EVOLVE. In this episode, I'll be sharing some of the most memorable highlights that made this year's event truly special.EVOLVE isn't just an event—it's the result of months of planning and a commitment to providing high-value content and networking opportunities. Our goal is to empower independent retailers with the tools and strategies they ne...

We’re back for another After The Show to dive deep into the exciting world of pop-ups and pop-ins. In our latest episode, I was thrilled to host Allison Yee from Popping Up Next, where we explored all the nuances, logistics, and success stories surrounding these experiential retail strategies.Today, I'm excited to share with you my top takeaways and key insights from that discussion. From creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to partnering with the right vendors, we'll explore how pop-ups can b...

Have you ever considered the power of a pop-up shop to breathe new life into your retail store? Well, you're in for a treat because today we're joined by Allison Yee, the founder of UpNext. We're talking all about the untapped potential of pop-up shops and pop-in shops. Let’s explore how these temporary setups can be game-changers for testing new markets, products, and ideas.As the CEO of UpNext, Allison wants to create a world where entrepreneurs can make big waves without taking huge r...