Retail Edit | Actionable Advice to Grow and Scale Your DTC Retail Business

Kristin Engen
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The essential podcast for founders who refuse to guess their way into retail. Hosted by Kristin Engen, former Fortune 50 retail buyer, 15 years managing a $4 billion portfolio, now Chief Commercial Officer getting brands onto shelves. Someone who's been on both sides of the table. Each week: retail strategy, brand positioning, buyer psychology, the metrics that matter, the operational realities no one mentions, and the commercial intelligence that separates serious brands from hopeful ones. No mythology. No sanitized theory. No advice from consultants who've never sat in the buyer's chair. Just the unfiltered strategy that elite brands pay a pretty penny to access. This is where branding meets buying power.

  1. 3D AGO

    20. Why Being Obsessed With Your Product Is Costing You Retail Deals

    If you’ve been pouring your heart into your product but keep hitting a wall with retail buyers, this episode is a must-listen. In this conversation, we’re breaking down a hard truth most founders don’t want to hear: being obsessed with your product might be the very thing holding you back from landing retail deals. Drawing from years of experience as a Fortune 50 retail buyer, this episode explains what buyers actually care about, why brand stories and hero ingredients aren’t enough on their own, and how the most successful brands position themselves as revenue-generating solutions — not just beautiful products. You’ll learn the critical mindset shift that separates brands that quietly disappear from those that dominate shelf space year after year. In this episode, we cover: Why buyers don’t fall in love with products and why you shouldn’t eitherThe difference between being obsessed with your product vs. obsessed with the problem you solveHow pitching features instead of outcomes kills retail momentumWhat top-performing brands do differently to stay relevant and in demandHow to reposition your brand as a “category of one” buyers can’t ignore If retail expansion is on your radar for 2026 or beyond, this episode will challenge how you think, pitch, and build — in the best way possible. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    14 min

  2. JAN 27

    19. The 5 Shifts That Changed How I Lead, Build, and Win in Business

    What if the thing holding you back in business isn’t your strategy but how you’re operating as a human?  In this episode, I’m breaking down the five foundational shifts that completely changed how I lead, think, and build — both in business and in life. These aren’t surface-level mindset hacks or motivational fluff. They’re deep, practical shifts that sharpen your decision-making, strengthen your leadership, and make you better at building something that actually lasts. We talk about identity, consistency, environment, and discernment and why all of it matters if you want to show up as a stronger entrepreneur, negotiator, and brand builder (including when you’re positioning your product for retail).  If you’re done with noise, burnout, and half-baked advice, this episode will help you reset how you operate from the inside out.  In this episode, we cover: Why identity comes before strategy and how it impacts every decision you makeHow to ruthlessly audit your inputs and protect your mental bandwidthWhy consistency matters more than motivation or feelingsHow your environment can either support or sabotage your growthWhat it really means to let go of the old version of you and move forwardResources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    21 min

  3. JAN 20

    18. The Negotiation Skill That Gives You an Unfair Advantage in Business

    There’s one skill that quietly separates the people who win negotiations, land deals, and earn respect and most people never actually learn it. In this episode of The Retail Edit, I’m breaking down the most underutilized skill in business and leadership: true perspective. This isn’t about empathy. It’s not about “being nice.” And it’s definitely not about feelings. It’s about strategic positioning — the ability to step into the other person’s world, understand what they are measured on, and use that insight to walk into negotiations prepared, calm, and in control. In this episode, we cover: Why your brand story alone isn’t enough to get a yesWhat top retail buyers actually care about (and what they don’t)How understanding constraints, metrics, and pressure points gives you an unfair advantageWhy being “right” is often the fastest way to loseHow this skill changes negotiations, leadership, partnerships and even family dynamicsIf you’ve ever walked into a conversation feeling steamrolled, unprepared, or frustrated that “nothing’s working,” this episode will change how you approach every negotiation moving forward. Because the goal isn’t to win the argument. It’s to win the outcome. 🎯 Want more of this strategic, behind-the-scenes retail and business insight? Grab my free Get Retail Ready mini training and get added to my email list where I share the real strategies brands use to land retail deals and scale with confidence. Retail doesn’t have to be complicated but it does require strategy. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    12 min

  4. JAN 6

    17. Why Most Brands Fail at Retail Partnerships (And How to Get It Right)

    Welcome to a new year and a new level of strategic focus. In this episode of The Retail Edit, former Fortune 50 buyer Kristin Engen pulls back the curtain on what actually matters to retail buyers and why dilution is the fastest way to stall your growth. After 15 years managing a $4B retail portfolio and now advising brands at the highest level, Kristin is making one thing clear: not every brand (or founder) is meant to play the same game. You’ll hear why brand story alone won’t get you a yes, how to position yourself as a revenue generator instead of a risk, and what it really takes to build retail partnerships that scale to $20M–$100M+. This episode sets the tone for 2026—strategic focus, decisive leadership, and building businesses that solve real problems for buyers. Whether you’re just starting to dream about retail or already generating serious DTC traction, this conversation will change how you think about growth, positioning, and what excellence actually requires. In this episode, we cover: Why dilution is the enemy of excellence in retail strategyWhat retail buyers actually care about (and what they don’t)The difference between DTC success and retail readinessWhen courses make sense and when high-level strategy is requiredHow to position your brand as a revenue generator, not a gambleThe three core problems every retail buyer is trying to solveWhy strategic focus is the key to winning in 2026 and beyondIf you’re done with surface-level retail advice and ready to build something that truly scales, this episode is for you. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    11 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    16. The Power of Mentorship: How Successful Founders Fast-Track Retail Growth

    As we stand on the edge of 2026, it’s time to talk about the decisions that actually determine whether your brand stays stuck… or steps confidently into retail readiness. This week, Kristin pulls back the curtain on where founders should really be investing their time, energy, and money especially if retail is part of the plan. From foundational programs to high-level mentorship, she breaks down the difference between learning the basics and getting into the rooms where real strategy and momentum are built. If you're wondering which programs are worth the investment, how to find mentors who actually know what they're doing, or how to protect your mindset as you level up, this episode is your roadmap. Kristen also shares a powerful reminder on emotional resilience, the power of grace, and why your past missteps don’t define your future—especially as you move toward your retail goals. In this episode, we cover: Why foundational programs matter but why you shouldn’t stay thereHow to find the right mentors and the right roomsWhat buyers actually care about in a brandHow to protect your mindset and energy going into a new yearWhy disappointment is part of the high-performer cycle (and how to move through it)How grace, accountability, and strategic relationships set the tone for 2026If 2026 is the year you want to make major retail moves, this episode gives you the clarity and the push you’ve been needing. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    12 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    15. Retail Readiness for 2026: How to Position Your Brand for Long-Term Growth

    As we wrap up 2025 and step into a brand-new year, this special Festivus episode is your permission slip to exhale, reset, and remember that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be in your business journey. After 21 years in retail and 15 of them as a Costco and Amazon buyer making make-or-break decisions for hundreds of brands—Kristin is pulling back the curtain to remind you that success never happens in a straight line. In this uplifting end-of-year conversation, Kristin shares why setbacks are not signs you’re failing, why your timeline doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, and the real truth about what separates the brands who make it from the ones who stall out. (Hint: it’s not luck, virality, or a unicorn moment that can’t be recreated.) Whether you’re heading into 2026 feeling energized, exhausted, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you ground yourself, redefine what success looks like for you, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and strategy. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why you’re not behind—no matter what Instagram is telling youThe real stories behind “overnight” retail successWhy your unique path, timeline, and circumstances matterThe mindset shift every founder needs before pitching retailWhat buyers actually value (and it’s not luck or viral moments)How challenging seasons can shape you into a stronger leaderWhy 2026 is full of possibility—no matter how 2025 wentThis is your reminder that retail success isn’t magic. It’s momentum. It’s consistency. It’s competence. And it’s yours for the taking. Grab your holiday drink (spiked or not), settle in, and let Kristin send you into the new year with the clarity and confidence your brand deserves. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    11 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    14. The Ultimate SMS Strategy for eCommerce Brands Wanting More Sales

    SMS marketing isn’t just “nice to have” anymore. It’s one of the fastest ways to boost engagement, drive conversions, and keep your brand top of mind… especially during the chaos of December. In today’s punchy, power-packed episode, Kristin breaks down exactly how to send texts your customers will actually respond to—not roll their eyes at. From staying consistent (instead of popping in only during big promos) to injecting personality into every message, you’ll learn how to turn SMS into a true revenue driver. Plus, Kristin shares a hilarious story that perfectly illustrates what all great texting strategy has in common: connection, excitement, and real human vibes. Whether you're already using SMS or haven’t hit “send” once, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to text like a brand your customers love to hear from. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why brands should stop “sleeping on SMS”How to make your texts feel personal, not salesyThe two types of SMS every brand should be usingHow to pre-plan texts so you're always top of mindCreative ways to build hype, educate customers, and boost retentionWhy consistency matters even more than promotionsHow SMS strengthens community and buyer relationshipsReady to build loyalty straight from your customers’ lock screens? This episode shows you how. And if you’re texting your audience but not yet positioning your brand correctly for retail buyers, don’t miss KristIn’s FREE Get Retail Ready Mini Training—your next step toward landing retail deals with confidence. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    11 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    13. How to Use Email Marketing to Grow Your DTC Brand (Without Being Salesy)

    If you’ve been dragging your feet on email marketing because it feels overwhelming, complicated, or “just one more thing” on your plate… this episode is your permission slip to finally simplify it and make email your brand’s most powerful community-building tool. Inspired by the unexpected art of pantomimes (yes, really!), Kristin breaks down the tightrope every brand must walk: being entertaining enough that people want to read your emails, while being sales-driven enough that your business grows because of them. You’ll learn why your storytelling matters, why your voice is your superpower, and why your emails don’t need to be perfect—they just need to sound like YOU. If you’ve ever worried about being too salesy, felt stuck staring at a blinking cursor, or wondered why your email list isn’t converting the way it should… this episode is your new go-to guide. In this episode, you’ll learn: How pantomimes perfectly illustrate the balance of entertainment + salesWhy your brand’s “thing” (your version of a “who’s on first” moment) mattersThe #1 mistake brands make when writing emailsHow to sound more like you and less like a robotThe surprising truth about plain-text emailsWhy your email list is your hottest buyer listHow to stop overthinking your emails and actually send themWhat buyers care about and why your brand story alone isn’t enoughIf you’re ready to show up consistently, write emails people actually want to open, and build a community that clicks, buys, and replies—this episode will change how you think about email forever. Resources & Links 🎓 Ready to grow your retail business? Check out Kristin’s freebie → Get Retail Ready Course If this episode made you think "finally, someone who gets it"—you def need my Retailish newsletter in your life. 📲 Hang out with Kristin on Instagram → @kristinaengen

    14 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The essential podcast for founders who refuse to guess their way into retail. Hosted by Kristin Engen, former Fortune 50 retail buyer, 15 years managing a $4 billion portfolio, now Chief Commercial Officer getting brands onto shelves. Someone who's been on both sides of the table. Each week: retail strategy, brand positioning, buyer psychology, the metrics that matter, the operational realities no one mentions, and the commercial intelligence that separates serious brands from hopeful ones. No mythology. No sanitized theory. No advice from consultants who've never sat in the buyer's chair. Just the unfiltered strategy that elite brands pay a pretty penny to access. This is where branding meets buying power.

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