Are you treating your business growth like unpredictable rain or a controlled irrigation system? 🌧️ vs 🚜. In this bonus episode, we break down why relying solely on organic social media is hurting your independent retail store and why paid Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) are the "spotlight" you've been missing. We reveal why "Targeting" is dead, the exact percentage of revenue you should spend on marketing, and why you should never, ever just hit "Boost". Key Takeaways: *The Budget Formula: Why successful retailers spend 5-12% of revenue on marketing. *Creative First: How your photos and videos now control who sees your ads. *The "Hellscape": When to DIY your ads and when to outsource to an agency. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Why Ads are the "Spotlight" for Retailers 02:49 The Broadway Analogy: Amplification 04:02 Why Organic Reach is Unpredictable (Rain vs. Irrigation) 08:29 Success Metrics: It's Not Just About Sales 11:17 Growing Your Email List with Paid Ads 13:32 Filling Your Events with Ads 17:15 Why Detailed Targeting is Dead (Creative is King) 18:44 STOP "Boosting" Posts: Do This Instead 25:29 The Dangers of Using AI for Ad Creatives 27:05 Best Ad Types for Brick & Mortar vs. Ecommerce 30:00 Warming Up Cold Audiences 33:40 Realistic ROAS: What is a Good Return? (3x - 40x) 42:30 The Golden Rule: How Much Should You Spend? (5-12%) 50:06 DIY vs. Agency: Is Running Ads Your Superpower? 52:45 Case Study: Leaving the "Hellscape" 55:00 Next Steps: Book a Strategy Call 57:48 Outro Links: Book a Call - https://rootedinretail.com/ads Cloud Nine Pajamas Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-secret-to-making-money-in-your-sleep-with-miranda-heslip/id1674427424?i=1000650977842 Retail Marketing Budget Calculator - https://indera.co/calculator Meta Ads Manager - https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/ads-manager Facebook for Business - https://www.facebook.com/business Instagram for Business - https://business.instagram.com/ Join IndERA - Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt Book a Call with IndERA - https://indera.co This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Want customers to stay longer and spend more in your store? 🛍️ Engage their senses! Add ambient lighting (lamps), play music, and use a signature scent. Create an atmosphere that feels like home, not a warehouse. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retaildesign #visualmerchandising #storeatmosphere #salestips #customerpsychology

Competing with online giants can feel like a losing game 👎 The secret? Narrow your niche and strictly sell unique items (like makers or imports) that they can't carry. Make your store the only place to find your products! From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retailtips #smallbusiness #shoplocal #retailstrategy #amazon #niche

Struggling to stand out in a crowded market? 🤔 Stick to your specific identity—even if it means skipping popular trends like leopard print. When you own your niche, customers will know exactly why to come to you. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #brandidentity #retail #boutiqueowner #businessadvice #branding #niche

Are you building a business you actually like, or are you just copying what everyone else is doing? In this episode, we sit down with Tori from The Dahl Farmhouse to discuss her philosophy of "Growing with Intention, Not Imitation." Tori breaks all the "retail rules." She hates shopping for clothes, she ignores trend reports, and she refuses to open her store 7 days a week. Yet, she has built a devoted following of customers who seek her out specifically for her authentic "neutral" aesthetic and home-like atmosphere. We dive deep into: *Sensory Retail: How to use lighting, music, and scent to increase sales. Preventing Burnout: Why you should set your own hours (even if it's only 4 days a week). *Authenticity: Why you should never stock products you don't personally love. *Customer Connection: Simple, low-cost ways to turn shoppers into friends. If you're feeling drained by the pressure to keep up with trends, this episode is your permission slip to stop imitating and start trusting yourself. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 Meet Tori Dahl, owner of The Dahl Farmhouse 03:05 From Anthropology to Farmhouse: Tori's Background 06:38 The Story of "The Actor" and The Gym 11:41 "Grow With Intention, Not Imitation" 15:43 Why Tori Ignores Trend Reports 17:58 Mom's Advice: "Color Outside the Lines" 21:30 Self-Trust and "The Cheerleader" Moment 22:53 IndERA Commercial 24:31 Setting Boundaries: Open Only 4 Days a Week 28:55 Sensory Retail Tip #1: Lighting & Lamps 30:57 Sensory Retail Tip #2: Music & Vibe 31:49 Sensory Retail Tip #3: Scent Marketing 33:38 The "Candy Heart" Engagement Hack 36:40 The "Merry Christmas" Customer Moment 39:35 Resilience Round 44:33 How to connect with Tori Dahl 44:53 Outro Links: Georganne Bender - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7kbyFbIcMM Visit The Dahl Farmhouse Website - https://dahlfarmhouse.com/ The Dahl Farmhouse Instagram: @thedahlfarmhouse Join IndERA - Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt Book a Call with IndERA - https://indera.co This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Stop manually entering inventory. 🛑 It's the "Point of Slay." Integrating your POS with Faire: ✅ Syncs data automatically ✅ Reduces manual errors ✅ Saves hours of admin time Work smarter, not harder. 💡 #retailtips #inventorymanagement #smallbusiness #shopify #retailtech #efficiency

The data doesn't lie: "Woo" is winning. 🔮 Searches for "Magic" on Faire are up 113%. Consumers are craving spiritual connection and self-expression. Is your shop ready for the Witching Hour trend? 🌙 #retailtrends #smallbusiness #merchandising #retailtips #witchyvibes #tarot #retail

The bulk-buy era is over. 📉 In 2026, agility is your superpower. The winning strategy: 👉 Buy closer to the need 👉 Place smaller, frequent orders 👉 Keep your budget unlocked for trends Are you changing your buying strategy this year? 👇 #retailtips #inventorymanagement #smallbusiness #retailstrategy #businessgrowth #merchandising

Kick off 2026 with the retail trend forecast you actually need. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis sits down with Anjarae Hamilton, Head of Retailer Sales and Account Management at Faire, to break down the highly anticipated 2026 Faire Forecast and what it means for independent retailers. This year’s forecast is all about self-expression, and Anjarae shares the four biggest consumer trends shaping what shoppers are buying right now. From the rise of “Well-Read” retreats to bold maximalist prints and the surge in “Witching Hour” products, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what to stock, how to market it, and how to stay profitable even in an uncertain economy. You’ll also learn how top retailers are adjusting their buying strategy, testing smarter inventory, and using AI-powered search tools to move faster and sell more. If you want to stay ahead of trends and make better buying decisions in 2026, this episode is a must-watch. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Meet Anjarae Hamilton from Faire 04:39 The 2026 Faire Forecast Overview 05:22 Trend 1: "Well Read" & The Book Club Era 05:52 Trend 2: "FanFair" (Sports & Olympics) 07:08 Trend 3: "More is More" (Maximalism Returns) 07:54 Trend 4: "Witching Hour" (Tarot & Astrology) 10:07 How to Create Experiences Around Trends 13:05 IndERA Commercial 14:34 Navigating 2026 Economic Challenges 15:35 Strategy: High Frequency vs. Bulk Buying 16:40 Saving on Tariffs & Shipping Costs 18:37 AI & Natural Language Search on Faire 19:42 Search Demo: "Utah Hardware Store" 22:43 New Feature: Multi-Brand Order Bundling 23:33 Explained: Faire Direct (0% Commission) 25:35 Resilience Round 29:17 How to connect with Anjarae 29:52 Outro Links: Explore Faire - https://www.faire.com/ Read the 2026 Faire Forecast - https://www.google.com/search?q=http://fair.com/forecast Join the Independent Retailers Association (IndERA) - https://www.joinindera.com/ Connect with Anjarae Hamilton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjarae/ Ari Lowenstein: 7 Product Categories Retailers Need - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j_BerLyE0I Join IndERA - Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt Book a Call with IndERA - https://indera.co This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

It’s tempting to tell vendors: "I don't get AI, you figure it out." 🚩 But you MUST understand what's possible to hold your partners accountable. Otherwise, you risk massive quality, legal, and ethical nightmares. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retail #AI #artificialintelligence #businessstrategy #retailtips #smallbusiness #marketingtips

AI is no longer just for big-box retailers with massive budgets. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis sits down with AI entrepreneur RJ Taylor to break down how small and independent retailers can practically use AI to save time, increase sales, and stay competitive without sacrificing authenticity or brand voice. RJ shares his journey from Salesforce to building and selling AI startups, then cuts through the hype to explain what actually matters for retailers right now. From faster email and website creation to predictive AI, real-time marketing, and ethical AI use, this conversation focuses on tools and habits retailers can realistically adopt today. If AI feels overwhelming but impossible to ignore, this episode will help you separate signal from noise and start using AI with clarity and confidence. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 02:33 RJ's Retail Tech Journey 04:00 AI as a Secret Weapon for Small Retailers 04:50 Generating Templates with AI 07:01 From Testing to Predicting Results 09:10 Sponsor Commercial: Just Got to Have It 10:48 How Much Time to Spend on AI? 13:28 DIY vs. Vendor Reliance for AI 16:47 The Competitive Edge of AI 18:13 Navigating AI Ethics & Transparency 20:53 Rooted in Retail Facebook Group Commercial 21:18 Real-Time Marketing with AI 27:21 Resilience Round 29:08 Connect with RJ 29:48 Outro Links: RJ Talyor’s predictive AI platform - RJ Talyor’s predictive AI platform Connect with RJ Talyor - http://www.linkedin.com/in/rjtalyor/ FB Group - www.justgot2haveit.com Just Got 2 Have It - www.justgot2haveit.com Join IndERA - Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt Book a Call with IndERA - https://indera.co This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

We often stress over things we can't control, like inflation, the economy, and tariffs. Shift your focus to what you can control: how you spend your time, your systems, and your team training. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retailbusiness #smallbizowner #leadership #mindset #retailtips #businessgrowth #control

Start 2026 with clarity and intention. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis shares a powerful systems-based AI prompt inspired by Dan Martell’s six-step framework. This tool helps retailers get clear on what they want, identify what is holding them back, and create a realistic plan they can review and adjust each week. Crystal walks through how to turn vague goals into a detailed “day in the life” vision, how to pinpoint the constraints limiting your growth, and how to build simple systems that support your progress all year long. Whether you love planning or struggle to know where to begin, this episode gives you a practical entry point to intentional growth in 2026. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Discovering Dan Martell's Framework 04:30 The 6-Step Success Framework 05:13 Filling in the Blanks 06:31 Defining Your Vision & Time Horizon 09:37 Establishing Non-Negotiables & Values 11:15 Identifying Current Constraints & Bottlenecks 12:39 Defining "Winning" Metrics 13:48 Creating a 90-Day Action Plan 19:00 Building Systems & Automation 19:50 Sponsor Commercial: Just Got to Have It 21:28 Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? 22:50 The Upgrade Loop & Weekly Reviews 26:08 Crystal's Personal Example: Writing a Book 32:08 The Tiny Daily Operating System 36:53 How to Get the Prompt 37:54 Upcoming Episodes & Events 38:29 Outro Links: Dan Martell (YouTube Channel) - https://www.youtube.com/@danmartell https://www.youtube.com/@danmartell Join IndERA - Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt Book a Call with IndERA - https://indera.co This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Sick of posting amazing content that only gets 100 views? You can hope for a lucky break, or you can pay to guarantee the right customers see it. It’s about buying control over your audience. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retailmarketing #socialmediastrategy #facebookads #smallbiztips #targetaudience #retailgrowth #marketingtips

In the final episode of Rooted in Retail for 2025, Crystal Vilkaitis, the Wolf of Main Street, looks back at the year and shares the most important strategies retailers should carry into 2026. From elevating in-store experiences to strengthening employee training, improving ads, mastering live selling, and embracing AI, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using right away to grow your retail business. Crystal breaks down what is working now, what is fading fast, and what every independent retailer should focus on to make 2026 the strongest year yet. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Elevating In-Store Experiences 02:21 The Power of In-Person Events 05:29 Investing in Your Team 07:36 IndERA Commercial 09:04 Paid Social Ads Strategy 15:48 The Broadway Analogy for Ads 17:24 Live Selling Growth 19:20 Doing It Messy 21:26 Sponsor Commercial: Just Got to Have It 23:05 Bringing Curiosity to 2026 24:43 Embracing AI 26:10 Stop the "Spray and Pray" Social Strategy 32:03 Establishing a Marketing Budget 33:33 Stop Waiting for Perfection 36:24 Don't Do It Alone 38:31 What's In Store for 2026 41:26 Outro Links: Just2Have It - https://www.justgot2haveit.com/ This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Feel like you can't compete with the big box stores? 🚢 Remember: They are giant ships that take forever to turn, but you are a speedboat that can pivot instantly to jump on new trends! From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retail #smallbusiness #adaptability #businesstips #independentretailer #entrepreneur #retailstrategy

Ready to strengthen your retail business for 2026? In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis breaks down Market Magic—a seven-part framework designed to help independent retailers stay profitable, visible, and unforgettable in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Whether you're wrapping up a busy holiday season or planning your 2026 strategy, Crystal shares practical, easy-to-implement ideas that boost brand presence, drive customer loyalty, and open new channels for growth. Discover how to improve adaptability, sharpen your branding, leverage customer data, create compelling offers that drive FOMO, and show up where your customers spend their time. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Market magic #1: Be Adaptable 03:54 IndERA Commercial 05:29 Market magic #2: Mystery & Momentum 08:03 Market magic #3: Strong Branding 11:48 Market magic #4: Data-Driven Decisions 13:32 Market magic #5: Community Engagement 16:41 Sponsor Commercial: Just Got to Have It 18:19 Market magic #6: Omni-Channel 22:14 Market magic #7: Memorable Customer Experiences 24:38 Market Magic Recap 26:04 Outro Links: Lori's Episode - https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/leveraging-facebook-live-for-retail-success-with-lori-foster-of-the-dressing-room/ Miranda's Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl7AXqEfYE8 Ari's Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j_BerLyE0I CloudNine Pajamas - https://www.cloudninepajamas.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor7zKsMIq5AyuX473J8QP2bHeCJ9JZjvw_HMiOemStrO39NcqM4 Just2Have It - https://www.justgot2haveit.com/ This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

Tired of slashing prices just to make a sale? 📉 Try a "Gift with Purchase" strategy instead! Giving a unique add-on boosts value without cheapening your brand. From the Rooted in Retail podcast 🎙️ #retailtips #marketingstrategy #smallbiz #pricing #retailgrowth #giftwithpurchase

What makes customers return again and again not only to shop, but for the experience itself? In this special IndERA Pro coaching call, retail expert and Ari’s Pantry owner Ari Lowenstein breaks down his seven non-traditional product categories that increase engagement, encourage more frequent visits, and help retailers create stores people genuinely love to return to. Ari explains how these categories guide merchandising and content planning, why most retailers organize their products in ways that limit growth, and how rethinking your assortment can strengthen customer loyalty. He also shares the story of a major crisis that shut down his flagship store and the important lessons he learned about insurance, communication, and supporting hourly staff during unexpected disruptions. This coaching call is normally available only to IndERA Pro members. If you want access to more deep-dive trainings like this, you can use the code HOLIDAY to save on your yearly Pro membership, unlock every 2025 replay, and join all upcoming live calls in 2026. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 05:09 Dealing with Business Disruption 06:12 The Insurance Gap: Hourly Employees 14:11 Quick Intro About Ari's Business 15:40 7 Non-Traditional Retail Categories 17:47 The List 19:24 1.The Staples: The Foundation of Trust 20:49 2.Daily Dose: The Everyday Indulgence 23:47 3.The Good Neighbor: Feel-Good Choices, Made with Heart 28:53 IndERA Commercial 30:21 4.The Lab: Innovation on Display 32:31 5.Lap of Luxury: The Art of Refinement 39:56 6.Unexpected Treasure: Joy of Discovery 44:04 7.Funny Bone: Warm Heart 47:24 Q&A: Holiday Sales & Driving Traffic 52:52 Q&A: Maintaining Culture Across Stores 57:55 Training Staff with Social Media 01:02:37 How to Connect to Ari 01:03:34 Outro Links: Follow Ari’s Pantry - https://www.arispantry.com/ Follow Ari’s Pantry on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/arispantry/?hl=en This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls! - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month or get found this holiday season when you join IndERA Pro to unlock access to your Get Listed done-for-you online listing management. Save $503 with the code HOLIDAY, and lock in that rate forever. JoinIndERA.com Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you: https://www.indera.co/facebook-ads-management Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454

In this solo episode, Crystal Vilkaitis shares lessons from an exclusive Disney World event with 29 top retailers. From behind-the-scenes tours to fireworks-filled evenings, Crystal uncovers how Disney’s culture of consistency, creativity, and customer delight can transform your retail business. Learn how to bring “Disney magic” into your store through strong systems, attention to detail, and unforgettable experiences that turn shoppers into loyal fans. Plus, discover how to “plus” your ideas—Disney’s secret to constant innovation—and how feedback fuels continuous growth. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Experiences during the Disney Event 02:40 Disney Takeaway #1: Attention to Detail 05:16 Disney Takeaway #2: Magic is created through Systems 08:16 Disney Takeaway #3: All About How Your Customers Feel 11:28 Disney Takeaway #4: "Plussing" 13:32 Disney Takeaway #5: The Sooner You Get Feedback, The Better 15:37 Are You Interested In Joining Our Group Next Time? - Getting value from Rooted in Retail? Then you’ll love IndERA - the Independent Retailers Association, built from the same mission: to support, connect, and champion indie store owners. - Join for just $25/month. - Or go Pro and save $503 on a yearly membership when you join using code FM503. Explore more at: indera.co Get more traffic, more sales, and less stress. Our Facebook Ads Management service was built for independent retailers like you. 👉 https://rootedinretail.com/ads-management/?utm_source=rryoutube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=rrservice Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/rootedinretail Join our weekly newsletter at https://rootedinretail.com/newsletter/ Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch! https://www.bystadium.com/us/en/stores/rooted-in-retail-30474/S820473454