The Retail Whore

Michelle Sherrier
  • 4.9 (48)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

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. 15h ago

    EP 248: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO BUILDING AND SELLING A BRAND WITH SARA STEIN

    Sara Stein is a seasoned brand builder and product developer with a career spanning Hollywood, fashion, and consumer products. Starting at Writers & Artists Agency and Simpson-Bruckheimer Films, she transitioned to fashion PR, founding S Public Relations in 2001. Best known for launching Los Angeles Fashion Week, she represented over 60 brands, including Universal Consumer Products, Superga, and Erica Courtney Jewelry. She produced live events featuring The Beach Boys and Runway Shows. In 2012, Sara launched Sisters of Los Angeles, a vibrant gift brand sold in upscale outlets across the U.S., Canada, and Japan, including Nordstrom, The Fontainebleau Hotel, LAX, The Broad Museum, Hallmark, and Ritz-Carlton. Her brand was featured on THE TODAY SHOW, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The LA Times, Sunset Mag and more. She managed operations, product design, and strategic partnerships before selling the company in 2018. In this episode, Sara shares her journey from Hollywood and fashion PR to building her own consumer brand. We talk about her experience launching Los Angeles Fashion Week, developing Sisters of Los Angeles, growing the brand into major retailers and destinations, and what she learned along the way as a brand builder and entrepreneur. What's Inside:  Sara's journey from Hollywood and fashion PR to entrepreneurship  Building and growing Sisters of Los Angeles into a widely distributed gift brand  Product development, partnerships, and the experience of eventually selling her companyInstagram Facebook Swags to Riches Website Support the show

  2. Aug 12

    EP 247: FINDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH STYLE WITH LESLIE FIRKINS

    In this episode, Michelle sits down with wardrobe stylist and small business advocate Leslie Firkins to talk about the connection between personal style, confidence, and the retail experience. Leslie shares how her early work in photography led her into wardrobe styling, how she helps people feel more comfortable taking fashion risks, and what she is seeing in apparel and accessories right now. They also dive into how independent retailers can introduce apparel into their stores, create meaningful events, and use fashion to build stronger connections with their communities.   What's Inside:  How personal style can build confidence and encourage you to take more fashion risks.  Easy ways for gift and specialty retailers to introduce apparel and accessories into their stores.  How fashion shows, pop-ups, and in-store events can bring people together and build a stronger retail community. Instagram Facebook Support the show

  3. Aug 5

    EP 246: REPLAY: DAISY'S MERCANTILE - BARBARA MOONEY

    This week's guest is Barbara Mooney, owner of Daisy’s Mercantile, a boutique filled with necessities, frivolities, and embellishments for everyday life, located in Alameda, California. Barbara has always used her creative gifts in her business endeavors, first as a caterer and event planner, then a baker, and now a shopkeeper. When she was bit by the entrepreneur bug, it allowed her love of numbers and behind-the-scenes action to work hand in hand with her talents to create what Daisy’s has become today, and she never looked back. Michelle & Barbara delve into Barbara’s jump from retail to catering, her merchandising & display style, separating work/home, and her future plans on transitioning from a brick & mortar into 100% online with online classes. Barbara is truly a creative force and this episode really showcases her many talents.  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/daisys_mercantile/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisysmercantile    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/livinglikedaisy/_saved/    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daisy-s-mercantile/?viewAsMember=true Support the show

  4. Jul 29

    EP 245: HOW I PLAN MY MARKET TRIPS FOR SMARTER BUYING

    In this solo episode, I answer questions from Misty Stachel of 85 Local about how I prepare for wholesale markets, build seasonal concepts, and make buying decisions that support my stores. I share the process I use before, during, and after market to stay organized and buy with intention.  In this episode, I walk through how I build concepts, use sales reports to guide my buying, avoid common purchasing mistakes, and plan each market trip to get the best results for my stores.  What's Inside:  How I build seasonal concepts before I buy  The reports I rely on to make smarter buying decisions  My step-by-step approach to planning a successful market trip Support the show

  5. Jul 22

    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

  6. Jul 15

    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

  7. Jul 8

    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

  8. Jul 1

    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

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

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
    259
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Retail Whore
  • Show Website
    The Retail Whore

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