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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. DEC 16

    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

  3. DEC 9

    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

  4. DEC 2

    12. The DTC Strategy I’d Use to Launch a Brand Today

    If you were launching a brand today, what would you actually do first? In this episode, Kristin breaks down the exact roadmap she’d walk any new founder through—no fluff, no outdated advice, no money-wasting steps. She shares why so many DTC founders burn cash too early, how to validate your product before spending a dime, and the simple, strategic sequence that sets you up for retail success later on. You’ll learn how to build community while you build your product, how to leverage pre-sells or crowdfunding to fund production, and how to create a launch experience that fuels excitement, content, and repeat customers from day one. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why product validation comes before productionHow to test demand with zero-cost content and messagingThe importance of community-building during developmentHow to use pre-sells or crowdfunding strategicallyWhat retail buyers expect you to substantiate (yes, even early!)How to design an unforgettable unboxing experienceWays to keep momentum going even when you sell outThe founder-first storytelling brands need right nowWhether you’re dreaming up your first product or you’re already knee-deep in development, this episode will show you how to do it strategically and sustainably. Links mentioned:  📌 Get the Get Retail Ready Mini Training  📌 Grab the Margin Map Tune in and learn how to launch like a founder buyers actually want to work with without losing your mind or your money. 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

    13 min

  5. NOV 25

    11. Turning Setbacks Into Strategy: A Mindset Episode for DTC Brands

    This week’s episode hits a little different — no frameworks, no formulas, no retail deep-dives. Instead, we’re pulling up a booth at Los Margaritas for a real, honest conversation about what it actually feels like to be in the messy middle of building something big. Kristin shares a tender, funny, and surprisingly profound story about dinner with her niece before she left for college — a night filled with guacamole, big life decisions, heartbreak, and all the messy emotions that come with growing up. And somewhere between the sorority rush anxiety and the breakup tears… is the perfect metaphor for what you’re experiencing as a founder. Because building a brand? Scaling a business? Putting yourself out there again and again? It’s the very same rollercoaster. Inside this episode, you’ll hear:  Why your current challenges don’t mean what you think they meanThe truth about resilience and why it matters more than any retail strategyA perspective shift every entrepreneur needs when they’re “going through it”Why the words you speak about your business genuinely shape your futureA heartfelt reminder that this chapter is only the beginning — no matter your age or stageLinks Mentioned: Easy Corn Dish Recipe 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

    13 min

  6. NOV 18

    10. 5 Things You Should Never DIY When Scaling into Retail

    If you’ve ever found yourself cozied up with your laptop, ChatGPT, and a mug of hot cocoa trying to “figure it out” yourself when it comes to breaking into retail — this episode is your reality check. In today’s episode, Kristin is breaking down the five critical areas DTC brands should never DIY if they want to protect their margins, avoid costly mistakes, and actually stay profitable once they hit retail shelves. From legal contracts to compliance to supply chain logistics, these are the things Google just can’t help you with. Tune in as Kristin shares insider stories from her days managing billions in retail buys  plus why hiring the right experts isn’t an expense, it’s insurance for your retail success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why legal contracts are not a DIY project (and what happens if you try)How hazmat and compliance mistakes can tank your retail opportunityWhat most founders miss when calculating their true product costsThe major difference between DTC marketing and retail marketingWhy your supply chain setup can make or break your retail relationshipsBecause landing on shelves is one thing — staying there profitably is another. 👉 Grab Kristin’s free mini course, Get Retail Ready, to learn how to prep your brand for retail the right way. 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

  7. NOV 11

    09. The Five “Love Languages” of Retail: How to Speak So Buyers Actually Listen

    Ever wonder why some brands fly through retail approvals while others get the polite “we’ll circle back”? 👀 Spoiler: it’s not just your product — it’s your language. In this episode, Kristin pulls back the curtain on what really got her brand, Filter Baby, onto Target shelves (in record time!) and breaks down the five communication shifts that can instantly position your brand as a retail insider — not an outsider. You’ll learn:  ✨ Why mastering your retailer’s unique “love language” is the secret to faster yeses  🛒 The exact terms that make buyers say “they get it” and the ones that kill your pitch instantly  📊 How to align your story with the KPIs your buyers actually care about 🗓️ The timing mistakes that cost brands an entire season of sales 💬 How to make buyers feel like you’re one of them — not another vendor to manage If you’ve ever walked out of a buyer meeting wondering what went wrong, this episode is your retail reality check (with plenty of sass and strategy). 💡 Grab Kristin’s Story-Proof Scale Method — your shortcut to decoding what every major retailer wants to hear — for just $28.  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

    21 min

  8. NOV 4

    08. The 5 Branding Realities Every DTC Founder Needs to Know Before Going Retail

    Think your brand identity is bulletproof? Think again. In this episode of Retail & Shiz, I share a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when your DTC brand hits retail shelves and why your stunning branding might not survive the buyer review process.  From last-minute endcap changes to compliance curveballs, I break down the five branding realities every founder needs to understand before launching in retail. You’ll learn: Why flexibility is your biggest competitive advantage in retailHow to reframe your brand story so it actually drives salesWhat happens when buyer feedback clashes with your creative visionHow to prepare for last-minute changes without losing your sanityWhy performance beats perfection every timeWhether you’re preparing for your first retail pitch or knee-deep in buyer revisions, this episode will give you the real-world perspective you won’t find in your typical brand course. 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

    16 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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