Sorry, It's Discontinued: Retail Therapy

Hilary

Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Retail Therapy explores the people, history, nostalgia, and human side of retail. Rooted in Houston, I revisit the stores, brands, beauty counters, and department store moments that shaped me — while sharing honest conversations about what it’s really like to work behind the counter today. Through solo episodes and candid chats with the retail community across beauty, fashion, and fragrance, I share behind-the-counter stories, industry insights, career journeys, and the moments that stay with us long after a shift ends. For anyone who’s ever worked the sales floor, loved a store like home, or missed a favorite product, brand, or era of retail. Have a seat and hit follow. New episodes every Thursday.

  1. 6D AGO

    Standing Room Only: Retail Life

    In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the physical and emotional reality of standing all day in retail and service industry jobs. From sore feet, back pain, and retail exhaustion to the strange “retail sway” workers develop during long shifts, this episode dives into how years on the sales floor change your body, mindset, patience, and identity. Hilary shares personal stories from over 26 years behind the counter in luxury retail, including the pressure to always look polished and “ready,” the emotional endurance of long holiday shifts, clopen schedules, and the hidden strength retail workers build over time. This episode is dedicated to the retail warriors and service industry professionals who spend their lives on their feet keeping the world moving. Hit follow and have a seat with me. New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    28 min

  2. MAY 14

    Luxury Retail, Metrics & Emotional Burnout

    In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the hidden pressure behind modern luxury retail and what customers may not always see behind the counter. From sales goals, loyalty metrics, staffing shortages, and emotional burnout to the changing reality of online shopping and performance-driven retail culture, this episode takes an honest look at how dramatically the industry has changed for today’s retail workers. Hilary also reflects on the history of relationship-based luxury service through stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, and why human connection, trust, and loyalty still matter more than ever in retail today. A heartfelt episode dedicated to the retail warriors around the world trying to create meaningful experiences while balancing enormous pressure behind the scenes. New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    28 min

  3. MAY 7

    From Retail to The Beauty Way: Jyoti Lohman

    This week on Sorry, It’s Discontinued, I recently sat down with Jyoti Lohman, founder of The Beauty Way — a luxury body care brand rooted in intention, self-care, mindfulness, and reconnecting with yourself. From her early inspiration growing up with a mother who taught her the importance of nurturing yourself, to studying at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco and later in Paris, Jyoti shares the journey that led her from a successful career in luxury fashion and retail to creating a brand of her own. We talk about creativity, balance, motherhood, reinvention, and how The Beauty Way uses affirmations, mantras, and intentional rituals to turn everyday body care into meaningful moments of self-connection. You can learn more about Jyoti and shop The Beauty Way at: thebeautywayco.com And follow along on Instagram at @thebeautyway_co ✨ And retail warriors… what is a passion you’ve dreamed of creating for yourself? New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    47 min

  4. MAY 4 ·  BONUS

    SID: Retail Check-In

    New episode out today 💄 In this monthly bonus episode, we’re talking about staying open to new opportunities in retail—especially when you’re ready for change and need to refocus on yourself. We also get real about micromanaging (especially from vendors), the pressure of credit card goals, and ask the question every retail warrior has an opinion on…👉 Fake nice customer or rude customer? ✨ New Check-Ins every 1st Monday of the month with Phaedra and Tiffany Have a seat… hit follow… and join the conversation 💋 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    34 min

  5. APR 30

    The Gift That Changed Retail

    What started as a simple thank-you became one of the most powerful sales strategies in beauty. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the history of the Gift-With-Purchase—popularized by Estée Lauder—and how it evolved from a relationship-driven experience into a value-driven transaction. From threshold shopping and constant promotions to competing with online deals, Hilary shares what this shift looks like behind the counter for today’s retail warriors. 👉 Are we shopping for the product… or the gift? Have a seat, hit follow, and join the conversation. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    30 min

  6. APR 23

    Is the Beauty Industry Different Now? Mergers, Acquisitions & Change

    Beauty is evolving—and mergers and acquisitions are a big part of why.  In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of what really happens when brands are bought, merged, or absorbed into larger portfolios. From growth and global expansion to formula changes, disappearing products, and shifting priorities, we’re talking about how these decisions affect the brands you love—and the people who bring them to life every day. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    31 min

  7. APR 16

    Retail Uniforms: From Control to Comfort?

    If you’ve worked in retail, you know…  the uniform isn’t just something you wear—it’s something you feel. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary takes you behind the counter to talk about the reality of retail uniforms—past and present. From heavy, uncomfortable jackets and strict expectations…  to the rare moments when a uniform made you feel confident, powerful, and like you truly belonged. Have uniforms really evolved in 2026—or just been repackaged? Because at the end of the day…  the most powerful thing on that floor was never the uniform. It was you. 💄 Have a seat, hit follow, and join the conversation. 👉 What’s your uniform story? 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    21 min

  8. APR 9

    Retail Loyalty vs Reality

    What happens when loyalty… isn’t enough? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the reality of retail in 2026—where years of dedication, consistency, and care can be overlooked in a moment. Retail isn’t just about sales. It’s early mornings, late nights, restocking, cleaning, building relationships, and showing up for people day after day. For many, it’s a career built over decades—serving thousands of clients and creating meaningful connections along the way. This episode honors the “retail warriors”—the men and women who have given 20, 30, even 50 years to the industry—while also shedding light on the emotional impact of sudden change and the evolving nature of retail today. Because at the end of the day…  stores don’t survive because of systems—  they survive because of people. 🔗 RESOURCES & SUPPORT If you or someone you know needs support or wants more information, here are helpful resources: ⚖️ Employment Support Texas Workforce Commission  https://www.twc.texas.gov U.S. Department of Labor  https://www.dol.gov Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  https://www.eeoc.gov 🧠 Mental Health Support Psychology Today  https://www.psychologytoday.com BetterHelp  https://www.betterhelp.com Open Path Psychotherapy Collective  https://openpathcollective.org 📣 CALL TO ACTION If this episode resonated with you, have a seat, hit follow, and share it with someone who might need it 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    20 min
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5
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About

Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Retail Therapy explores the people, history, nostalgia, and human side of retail. Rooted in Houston, I revisit the stores, brands, beauty counters, and department store moments that shaped me — while sharing honest conversations about what it’s really like to work behind the counter today. Through solo episodes and candid chats with the retail community across beauty, fashion, and fragrance, I share behind-the-counter stories, industry insights, career journeys, and the moments that stay with us long after a shift ends. For anyone who’s ever worked the sales floor, loved a store like home, or missed a favorite product, brand, or era of retail. Have a seat and hit follow. New episodes every Thursday.

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