The Grassroots Podcast Dana Howe

Credit card processing fees (swipe fees) are typically ranked in Grassroots Retailer's top 4 expenses, just behind cost of goods sold, payroll, rent/mortgage. In fact, swipe fees cost American businesses approximately $165 billion annually. Swipe fees are also an expense where retailers have no recourse or negotiating power. In this episode, hear how one retailer, Sarah McDonald of Out There Outfitters, stepped up to work with the National Retail Federation to help pass legislation introducing reforms that have the potential to save American businesses and consumers an estimated $15 billion per year. In this episode, you will also learn how YOU too can get engaged and support the Fight for Fair Fees!



Episode Resources & Citations:


Merchants Payments Coalition: Stand Up for Main Street
How small businesses are fighting inflated credit card swipe fees, CNBC
NRF Fed Up with Fees


NRF Credit Card Competition Act
Voter Voice - Contact your member of congress and ask them to support the CCCA



Learn more & follow our guest:


Sarah McDonald on LinkedIn
Out There Outfitters, Wayne, PA
Out There Outfitters on Instagram
Out There Outfitters on Facebook

Join Dana Howe and Gabe Maier as they dive back into the hot topic of Pfas in the Outdoor Industry. Together with expert guest James Pollack, they expand on the basics covered in Episode #3, exploring what retailers need to know and do to navigate the Pfas landscape in 2024 and beyond. From understanding the implications for inventory to gearing up for informed customer interactions, this episode equips listeners with actionable insights. Tune in for the latest updates on Pfas and its impact on the industry.



Explore more about our guest:


James Pollack: www.martenlaw.com/our-people/james-b-pollack


Follow James on LinkedIn


Pfas Reference Guide for Retailers & Brands

In this exclusive October bonus episode, Dana Howe sits down with industry experts Dana Caraway and Dana Davis to dive into the essentials of meeting preparation as we step into a new buying, selling, and planning cycle. Whether you're a retailer gearing up for a buying event, a sales pro hitting the road for the season, or a brand leader eager for insights into how retailers approach business meetings, this episode is your go-to resource. Gain valuable insights from two seasoned professionals with decades of experience.

Explore more about our guests:


Summit Hut: https://www.summithut.com/
Caraway & Co.: https://carawayandco.com/
Follow on Instagram: @carawayandco and @summithuttucson

Gear up for Connect with our events team, Maggie Perrault and Chelsea Flynn, who have your guide to the upcoming show!

In this episode, we break down the essential Education Day & Discovery Marketplace events, happy hours and show special events, as well as, the nitty gritty details on hotels, badge pick up, registration and more.

Whether you're a seasoned Connect'er or a first-timer, this episode is your shortcut to navigating Connect like a pro. 

Links to resources:

Connect Website

Connect Scheduling & Registration Platform for attendees

Connect Link Tree

Audio transcript for this episode

The national resale market is set to reach a whopping $23 billion by the end of 2023, and we're excited to dive into how specialty retailers are embracing secondhand gear and resale in their outdoor specialty businesses. In this episode of The Grassroots Podcast, we chat with Todd & Megan Frank from The Trailhead in Missoula, MT, and Josh Haring from The Mountain Air in San Luis Obispo, CA, all about their resale ventures. We'll cover the how-to's, the why, and the exciting benefits and potential risks.



Whether you're a retailer considering adding resale to your business strategy or simply a passionate secondhand-resale-recommerce enthusiast (just like our host, Dana Howe), this episode is a must-listen for you!



Spotify: The Grassroots Podcast

The Grassroots Compass

Episode Transcript



Article citations:

National Thrift Store Day, Aug. 17, 2023 Census.gov

US Resale market to reach $70B by 2027 The Current

Resale Therapy the Secondhand Outlook for 2023 Retail Brew



Get in touch with our guests:

Instagram: @trailheadgearexchange, @themountainair, @theswitchbackslo

On the web: trailheadmontana.net, theswitchback.com, themountainair.com

On this episode of The Grassroots Podcast, we speak with expert inventory manager, open to buy specialist and specialty retail consultant, Carrie Watson of Outside Looks and President of Grassroots Gabe Maier.



If you are a retailer rep or brand and have been curious about how retailers are doing across Grassroots and specialty indie outdoor, want to gain some perspectives on how retailers are closing out Spring 2023, entering into Fall 2023 and planning for Spring 2024, this is the episode for you.



Outside Looks Vendor Score Card for download.

Find Carrie:

@outsidelooksretail on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube

Episode Transcript