Dear Corporate... Love Stores | Engaging Retail Employees

CATO Creative
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The podcast retail executives need to hear but rarely do. Hosted by CATO Creative's retail consultant Bekki Cait, and veteran store leader Matt Copeland, each episode brings you the unfiltered truth about what's really happening in your stores. Through candid conversations, they bridge the growing disconnect between corporate offices and frontlines—revealing why your best initiatives fail, what your teams actually need, and how to transform frustration into results. This is your unvarnished window into the realities that engagement surveys and sanitized store visits never show you.

  1. 6H AGO

    Season 1 Wrap-Up & Request

    Season One Wrap: Help Us Shape Season Two of Dear Corporate Love Stores We’re wrapping up season one of Dear Corporate Love Stores—built to create honest, grounded conversations between corporate and stores without the usual politics or hierarchy. Over the past year we’ve dug into what drives the disconnect: empowerment vs. control, metrics that become stand-ins for the mission, job ads/tools/comms that don’t match store reality, and “logical” systems that feel like death by a thousand cuts. Now we’re taking a short break before season two, and we want your input on what would make it more valuable—shorter episodes, more guests, more tactical store-level challenges, more Q&As, or anything else. Vote in the poll or DM us on LinkedIn (Bekki Cait and Matthew Copeland). We read everything, and we want season two to be sharper, more actionable, and more useful—together. Love Matt & Bekki

    2 min

  2. FEB 12

    Strong Brands Don’t Handcuff Stores

    Balancing Brand Identity and Store FlexibilityWe chat about the importance of knowing your brand inside and out to make those weird, unexpected situations a breeze. From Old Navy’s customer personas to Lush’s values, we explore how companies can maintain a consistent brand while adapting to local needs. Plus, we share some heated opinions on why rigid corporate guidelines might be holding stores back. So, whether you’re a store manager or just a curious consumer, tune in and discover how both corporate and retail can find common ground!00:00 Understanding the Brand's Mission 00:59 Challenges in Retail and Brand Identity 01:53 Global Coherence vs. Local Intelligence 02:22 Brand Consistency and Flexibility 03:39 Training and Brand Identity 08:12 Visual Merchandising Examples 15:16 Operationalizing Brand Values 23:38 Practical Challenges in Store Layout 27:25 The Importance of Visual Merchandising 29:14 Adapting to Different Markets 32:27 Understanding Client Preferences 35:42 Balancing Brand and Function 39:57 Observing and Adapting in Retail 49:40 Final Thoughts and Observations

    53 min

  3. JAN 29

    What Your HVAC Says About Your Culture

    The Unspoken Link Between Maintenance Work Orders and Employee MoraleIn this episode of Dear Corporate Love Stores, we dive into the often-overlooked impact of maintenance issues on employee morale. We discuss everything from HVAC and plumbing problems to the bureaucratic hoops that store managers must jump through just to maintain a comfortable working environment. Discover how these seemingly minor annoyances can have major repercussions on productivity, employee retention, and even customer satisfaction. Join us as we unpack why these 'unsexy' issues deserve serious attention too.00:00 Introduction: Overlooked Issues in Retail 00:59 The Impact of Maintenance on Morale 01:49 Temperature Control Challenges 03:36 Real-Life Examples and Frustrations 09:51 Corporate Inaction and Employee Discontent 23:45 Confronting Organizational Inefficiencies 24:52 A Tale of Two Companies: Contrasting Experiences 26:44 The Impact of Physical Discomfort on Productivity 27:17 Gatekeeping Temperature: The Hidden Costs 30:44 Customer Perception and Brand Image 33:56 Unionization and Employee Frustration 35:49 The Psychological Toll of Retail Work 44:45 The Importance of Day-to-Day Job Satisfaction 46:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    47 min

  4. JAN 15

    Dear Corporate, Stop Spending $$$ on Corporate Videos

    Why Polished Corporate Videos Can Fall Flat in StoresIn this lively and no-holds-barred episode, we dive headfirst into the world of corporate videos and why they often miss the mark in retail environments. Whether it's culture videos, tech rollouts, or even thank-you messages, we make a case for authenticity, relevance, and a touch of humour. Real stories from real employees beat corporate corridors and scripted performances every time. Plus, we sprinkle in some personal anecdotes. Tune in to find out how to make corporate videos that actually engage and inspire.00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Polished Corporate Videos 00:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Corporate Videos 02:41 Personal Anecdote: Why This Topic Matters 04:21 The Disconnect Between Corporate Intentions and Employee Perception 10:35 The Role of Real Employees in Effective Videos 19:00 Challenges and Solutions for Tech Rollouts 28:14 Addressing Register Issues 28:33 The Role of Excitement Videos 28:40 The Importance of Behind-the-Scenes Efforts 28:57 Communicating the 'Why' 29:10 Recognizing Long-Term Efforts 29:55 Effective Thank You Messages 30:23 When CEOs Should Appear in Videos 33:43 The Impact of Maintenance Issues 36:07 Budgeting for Thank You Videos 38:27 Choosing the Right Messenger 39:30 The Value of Authenticity in Videos 48:54 Humour in Training Videos 51:24 High Production Value for Serious Topics 53:12 Passion in Product Education Videos 56:40 Final Thoughts on Corporate Videos

    57 min

  5. JAN 1

    AI in Retail: The Questions No One's Asking

    AI and Retail: Trust, Ethics, and the Mess of HumanityIn this episode of Dear Corporate... Love Stores, we dive into the shiny, complex, and sometimes unsettling world of AI in retail. We compare the promises of a cleaner, more streamlined future against the inherent messiness of humanity. From autonomous stores to AI-driven chatbots, we question if these innovations align with company values and truly solve the right problems. Join us as we navigate whether AI can ever truly replace the human touch in the wild world of retail. Contact Bekki. Contact Matt.00:00 Introduction: The Allure and Concerns of AI 01:12 New Year, New Predictions: AI in 2026 04:07 The Autonomous Store: Concept to Reality 07:23 Human Connection vs. AI Efficiency 14:57 Ethical Concerns and Real-World Implications 20:16 The Future of Retail: Balancing Technology and Humanity 27:32 The Dilemma of Sweeping Policies 28:12 Humanity is Messy: Embracing Imperfection 31:20 The Allure and Risks of AI in Retail 35:17 The Role of High and Low Performers 37:45 AI in Employee Training and Support 42:38 The Reality of Using Personal Devices at Work 47:29 The Future of AI and Human Connection 54:18 Final Thoughts and Open Questions

    59 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Change Without Cheerleading: Why Honesty Beats Hype

    Marie Casteller of Kind North Consulting joins us again to dive into how change and communication shapes company culture. We discuss the importance of answering tough questions, avoiding hollow corporate cheerleading, and being honest and authentic with change. Marie shares insights on balancing simplicity with transparency, and Matt recounts experiences where honesty built trust, even if the news was hard to swallow. We reflect on empowering leaders to adapt communication styles and the nuances of fostering a truly connected, purpose-driven culture. Tune in as we navigate the complex world of retail culture and communication!00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:33 The Importance of Communicating Change 02:02 Corporate Excitement vs. Store Realities 05:19 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership 08:46 Challenges in Corporate Communication 15:01 Reflecting on Leadership Decisions 20:55 The Impact of Culture on Retail 31:58 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    35 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    Death by a Thousand Cuts: How Daily Decisions Change Culture

    In this episode, we dive deep into the 'C word'–Culture. We unpack how culture is the vibe when you walk through the door, a fragile equilibrium that can be toppled by new leadership, policy changes, or even a single misstep. Join us and our guest, Marie Casteller from Kind North Consulting, as we explore the delicate dance of maintaining a thriving culture in retail. From real-life examples at Old Navy and Ikea to a candid discussion on trust, vulnerability, and leadership, we delve into what makes or breaks culture and how to protect it. Spoiler: It's not by forcing eye contact. Tune in to learn how to operationalize values and keep your retail team genuinely engaged! 00:00 Introduction: The Fragility of Culture 00:19 Defining Culture in the Workplace 02:02 Exploring the Impact of Leadership on Culture 04:23 The Role of Trust and Safety in Building Culture 08:36 Personal Stories: Successes and Failures in Culture Building 22:26 The Importance of Vulnerability and Purpose 35:24 Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Culture

    37 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    The Art of the P&L

    Unlocking the Secrets of the P&L and the Data EcosystemIn this episode of Dear Corporate... Love Stores, we dive deep into the often overlooked wisdom contained within a store's P&L. It's not just about sales numbers; it's about understanding the nuanced stories those line items can tell. From food waste to labor percentages, we explore how a creative, granular look at the P&L can reveal the true causes behind retail challenges, and why store managers need the right training to decode these mysteries. Join us as we discuss how empowering store-level leaders can lead to better decision-making and ultimately, a healthier retail environment.00:00 Introduction: The Importance of P&L in Retail 00:28 Corporate Push and Snap Judgements 00:53 Understanding the P&L at Store Level 01:33 Creative Look at Numbers: Beyond Policies 04:03 Diving into Specifics: Waste and Ordering 07:55 Analyzing Margins and Inventory 13:04 Manual Processes and Employee Buy-In 16:56 Training and Access to P&L 18:42 Granular Analysis and Team Compliance 22:47 Loss Prevention and Predictable Patterns 26:20 Payroll Management and Team Impact 29:54 Over Payroll and Denim Sales 32:08 Omnichannel Fulfillment Rates 38:41 Google Reviews and Customer Service 42:05 The Impact of Returns 50:11 Corporate and Store Manager Dynamics

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The podcast retail executives need to hear but rarely do. Hosted by CATO Creative's retail consultant Bekki Cait, and veteran store leader Matt Copeland, each episode brings you the unfiltered truth about what's really happening in your stores. Through candid conversations, they bridge the growing disconnect between corporate offices and frontlines—revealing why your best initiatives fail, what your teams actually need, and how to transform frustration into results. This is your unvarnished window into the realities that engagement surveys and sanitized store visits never show you.

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