The Retail Whore

Michelle Sherrier
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Welcome to The Retail Whore by me, Michelle Sherrier: a podcast of stories and lessons from a life in retail. After decades spent in the retail industry, I’ve seen and done it all. Join me every week as I interview people from all walks of retail, the service industry, the wholesale gift industry, and more. We’ll talk about what drives them, the things they love, and some of the biggest lessons they have learned along the way. Brace yourself for The Retail Whore, a show that entertains and educates!

  1. 6 days ago

    PART II: HOLIDAY MERCHANDISING THAT MAKES CUSTOMERS STOP AND SHOP— SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN FEATURING KATE KAUFFMAN

    Michelle Sherrier is joined by co-host Susan Esayian and special guest Kate Kauffman, owner of Grease & Glitter Studio, for Part 2 of this special Shelf Talk Holiday Edition. Together, they continue the conversation with even more practical ideas for holiday merchandising, creative inspiration, and cost-effective displays that independent retailers can put into action before the busy season begins.  In this episode, Michelle, Susan, and Kate dive deeper into where great merchandising ideas come from, how to develop a holiday concept without overspending, and simple ways to create memorable displays on any budget. They also share their favorite inspiration sources, discuss budgeting with clients, and offer practical window and tabletop display ideas that retailers can start planning now before the holiday rush.  What's Inside:  Where to find holiday merchandising inspiration and develop a cohesive seasonal theme  How to budget wisely for displays and invest in props you'll use year after year  Budget-friendly window and tabletop display ideas that create a big impact Support the show

  2. 15 Jul

    PART I: HOLIDAY MERCHANDISING THAT MAKES CUSTOMERS STOP AND SHOP— SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN FEATURING KATE KAUFFMAN

    In this episode, Michelle, Susan, and Kate dive into holiday merchandising from every angle, from planning months in advance to creating displays that feel intentional instead of overwhelming. They share ideas for layering holiday throughout the season, building memorable customer experiences, using simple props on any budget, and why storytelling through merchandising matters more than ever for independent retailers. This is part one of their Holiday Edition conversation, with even more ideas coming next week.  What's Inside:  How to start planning holiday merchandising before the busy season begins  Budget-friendly display ideas that create a big visual impact  Why thoughtful merchandising and customer experience help independent retailers stand outSupport the show

  3. 8 Jul

    EP 244: BUILDING A BOUTIQUE THAT BREAKS THE RULES WITH EMILY BROOKER

    Emily Brooker is the creative director and owner of Esme and Elodie, a women's and plus size boutique in Renton, Washington. Esme and Elodie is known for being size inclusive, sex positive and humor filled. Emily guides her vision of social entrepreneurship and the modern woman into a community focused retail space. In this episode, Emily shares how she built a thriving boutique by doing things differently. From creating an inclusive shopping experience and staying unapologetically authentic online to balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, she opens up about the realities of running a modern retail business and why putting people before sales has been the key to her success. What's Inside: Building an authentic, inclusive brand that customers genuinely connect withCreating thoughtful retail experiences that put people firstGrowing a successful business while balancing motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurshipEsme & Elodie Website Instagram Tiktok Support the show

  4. 1 Jul

    EP 243: REPLAY: BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER WITH TRUDI BARTOW

    This week’s guest is Trudi Bartow, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. Trudi joined the gift world via the preeminent art book publisher Harry N. Abrams and created unique opportunities for sales at gift retailers like Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, Barneys and Sur La Table, including custom designer editions and exclusive bundles. After 15 years working with various publishers, she joined the fantastic team at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild as their Director of Sales and Marketing. Bringing her enthusiasm for the industry to this smart and funny gift creator she is helping the brand grow into new categories and expanding existing programs. Trudi is universally loved throughout the gift industry and after listening to this interview, we’re sure you will walk away feeling the same! Unemployed Philosophers Guild Instagram Main Street Books Support the show

  5. 24 Jun

    EP 242: THE PROBLEM WITH BUYING EVERYTHING YOU LOVE

    Fresh off multiple Dallas Market setups and heading into Las Vegas Market, Michelle shares what's working, what's changing, and how she's rethinking her buying strategy for the season ahead. In this episode, Michelle reflects on her recent projects, including the Levant showroom and a unique merchandising project for The Brit outdoor venue. She also shares why she's dialing back assortments, embracing branded merchandise opportunities, and taking a more intentional approach to buying at market. From avoiding over-assortment to creating scarcity and keeping inventory fresh, this episode is packed with practical insights for retailers preparing for their next buying season. What's Inside: Lessons learned from Dallas Market and the Levant projectHow branded merchandise can create new revenue opportunitiesWhy Michelle is changing her buying strategy to avoid over-assortmentSupport the show

  6. 17 Jun

    EP 241: THE BEST ADVICE FOR NEW RETAILERS

    In this episode, Michelle shares a completely different style of Retail Whore Podcast episode recorded live from the Seattle Mart, where seasoned retailers shared their best advice for new store owners. From learning your numbers and building smarter markdown strategies to creating stronger customer experiences and merchandising with intention, this episode is packed with honest conversations and real retail wisdom. Michelle and Susan also continue the conversation from the road as they dive deeper into store layout, storytelling through merchandising, fixtures that actually support your brand, and why trying to be everything to everyone can hurt your business. Plus, Michelle reflects on a personal Mother’s Day trip, balancing work and life on the road, and the emotional realities of family relationships while building a business. We have linked all of the buyers who were kind enough to share their advice in this episode so you can go support and follow their stores: • Jasper – Vashon Island Pharmacy and Gift Store • Beth Rich – Mix It Up Home, Gallery & Gifts (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) • Rochelle – Edit an Olive & Bloom Company (Snohomish, Washington) • Marie – Marie’s Boutique & Marmalade Fresh Clothing (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) • Alicia – Paper Delights (Burien, WA) What’s Inside: Why knowing your numbers and creating a markdown strategy mattersHow merchandising actually starts during the buying processThe importance of creating a customer experience through layout, fixtures, scent, sound, and storytellingSupport the show

  7. 10 Jun

    EP 240: CREATING STORES THAT SELL WITH KATE KAUFFMAN

    Kate Kauffman is the owner of Grease & Glitter Studio, a Vermont-based creative design studio serving retailers throughout New England and beyond. She specializes in visual merchandising, store flow and layout optimization, and striking window displays. Drawing on more than 10 years of industry experience with brands like Anthropologie and West Elm, Kate helps independent retailers elevate their customer experience, increase foot traffic, and drive sales. In this episode, Kate shares how her years at Anthropologie and West Elm shaped her approach to merchandising, storytelling, and customer flow. Michelle and Kate dive into the psychology behind store layouts, visual merchandising strategies for independent retailers, creating impactful displays on a budget, and why merchandising is so much more than making a store “look pretty.” They also discuss the future of merchandising, retail creativity, and the importance of building memorable shopping experiences that keep customers engaged and shopping longer.  What’s Inside: How visual merchandising and customer flow directly impact sales Creative ways to build impactful displays without huge budgets Lessons from Anthropologie and West Elm that independent retailers can use todayMentioned In This Episode: Grease & Glitter on Instagram Grease & Glitter on Website Grease & Glitter on Facebook Support the show

  8. 3 Jun

    EP 239: FROM BROADWAY TO BUYING BEHAVIOR WITH AMY MEADOWS

    For all of us who are merchandisers, Amy Meadows has the dream career. She has over 25 years of experience in window display, visual merchandising, and event planning. Recognized nationally in her field, Amy has reinvented traditions and reinvigorated business for both major retailers and independent businesses. From big boxes to boutiques, she helps businesses explore and leverage tools to attract customers and drive sales. Amy helps her clients align their storefronts, signage and displays to work together to build their brand and increase revenue. As a designer, Amy uses her background in theatrical set design to bring a sense of whimsy and drama to her installations, maximize visual stimulation and develop cost-saving display strategies. Through consulting, she creates best practices, methodologies, and practical strategies for a wide range of visual initiatives and outcomes. Additionally, Amy has created course content to inform and inspire the next generation of designers, with an emphasis on relevance in a changing retail landscape. Amy’s also a public speaker, and she conducts seminars specializing in time and cost-effective display solutions for independent retailers and business districts. In this episode, Amy returns to the podcast to share practical visual merchandising strategies that independent retailers can implement right away. Michelle and Amy dive into store layouts, window displays, customer behavior, holiday merchandising, and the psychology behind creating spaces that attract shoppers and drive sales. Whether you're preparing for show season, planning holiday displays, or simply looking for fresh merchandising ideas, this episode is packed with actionable insights from one of the industry's leading experts.  We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic! What's Inside: The secrets behind effective window displays and visual merchandising that drive salesHow to create better customer flow using store layouts, focal points, and "interruptive fixtures"Holiday merchandising strategies, display planning, and ways to keep customers engaged year-roundMentioned In This Episode: Windows Matter Amy Meadows on Instagram Amy Meadows on LinkedIn Support the show

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About

Welcome to The Retail Whore by me, Michelle Sherrier: a podcast of stories and lessons from a life in retail. After decades spent in the retail industry, I’ve seen and done it all. Join me every week as I interview people from all walks of retail, the service industry, the wholesale gift industry, and more. We’ll talk about what drives them, the things they love, and some of the biggest lessons they have learned along the way. Brace yourself for The Retail Whore, a show that entertains and educates!

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Sherrier
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Retail Whore
  • Show Website
    The Retail Whore

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