The Retail Whore

Hosted by Michelle Sherrier

Arts Education

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Episodes

260

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Retail Whore by me, Michelle Sherrier: a podcast of stories and lessons from a life in retail. After decades spent in the retail industry, I’ve seen and done it all. Join me every week as I interview people from all walks of retail, the service industry, the wholesale gift industry, and more. We’ll talk about what drives them, the things they love, and some of the biggest lessons they have learned along the way. Brace yourself for The Retail Whore, a show that entertains and educates!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 25158 min

EP 251: WHAT MAKES A RETAIL SPACE WORTH NOTICING WITH ALLISON LEVY

In this episode, I’m joined by visual merchandiser Allison Levy to talk about her career in retail, specialty outdoor apparel, fixture design, and visual merchandising. Allison shares how she finds inspiration in unexpected places, including dumpster-dived treasures, and how her love of gardening connects to the way she approaches merchandising and design. We also talk about her experience training sales reps and store employees and what she’s learned about creating spaces that feel interesting, intentional, and alive. What’s Inside Finding creative inspiration in unexpected places and turning everyday objects into merchandising elements How Allison’s experience in retail, apparel, fixture design, and training shaped her approach to visual merchandising Why designing a retail space and designing a garden have more in common than you might think Support the show

September 2, 2026Episode 25045 min

EP 250: WHEN TO MOVE IT, MARK IT DOWN, OR LET IT GO

In this episode , I’m back with Part 2 of my August solo, diving deeper into the merchandising decisions that can completely change how your store looks and sells. I’m talking about choosing and placing fixtures, using vintage and secondhand pieces without making your store feel cluttered, and why every prop in your display should have a purpose. I also get into one of my favorite parts of merchandising: storytelling. I share how I think about the person behind a display, the environment she lives in, and even sight, sound, and scent when creating a concept. Plus, I break down my 30, 60, 90-day approach to slow-moving inventory and when it’s finally time to mark it down and move on. What’s Inside: How to choose and place fixtures without overwhelming your store Why storytelling and intentional props make stronger displays My 30, 60, 90-day strategy for dealing with slow-moving inventory Support the show

August 26, 2026Episode 24954 min

EP 249: MAKING EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORE WORK HARDER

In this episode, I’m back home after a long show season and sitting down for another solo Q&A, answering real questions submitted by retailers. I’m digging into everything from mixing high- and moderate-priced apparel and deciding when Christmas should hit the sales floor to handling those last one or two products that just won’t sell. I also share my approach to must-have product categories, creating displays that tell a story and encourage add-on sales, fall merchandising, and building better product flow throughout your store. It’s a practical look at the merchandising decisions I make every day and the strategies retailers can use as we head into the holiday season. What’s Inside: How I merchandise products to create stronger displays and add-on sales When to start rolling out holiday merchandise—and why earlier can work in your favor How I handle inventory, product flow, and those last one or two items on the floor Support the show

August 19, 2026Episode 2481 hr 0 min

EP 248: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO BUILDING AND SELLING A BRAND WITH SARA STEIN

Sara Stein is a seasoned brand builder and product developer with a career spanning Hollywood, fashion, and consumer products. Starting at Writers & Artists Agency and Simpson-Bruckheimer Films, she transitioned to fashion PR, founding S Public Relations in 2001. Best known for launching Los Angeles Fashion Week, she represented over 60 brands, including Universal Consumer Products, Superga, and Erica Courtney Jewelry. She produced live events featuring The Beach Boys and Runway Shows. In 2012, Sara launched Sisters of Los Angeles, a vibrant gift brand sold in upscale outlets across the U.S., Canada, and Japan, including Nordstrom, The Fontainebleau Hotel, LAX, The Broad Museum, Hallmark, and Ritz-Carlton. Her brand was featured on THE TODAY SHOW, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The LA Times, Sunset Mag and more. She managed operations, product design, and strategic partnerships before selling the company in 2018. In this episode , Sara shares her journey from Hollywood and fashion PR to building her own consumer brand. We talk about her experience launching Los Angeles Fashion Week, developing Sisters of Los Angeles, growing the brand into major retailers and destinations, and what she learned along the way as a brand builder and entrepreneur. What's Inside: Sara's journey from Hollywood and fashion PR to entrepreneurship Building and growing Sisters of Los Angeles into a widely distributed gift brand Product development, partnerships, and the experience of eventually selling her company Instagram Facebook Swags to Riches Website Support the show

August 12, 2026Episode 2471 hr 15 min

EP 247: FINDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH STYLE WITH LESLIE FIRKINS

In this episode , Michelle sits down with wardrobe stylist and small business advocate Leslie Firkins to talk about the connection between personal style, confidence, and the retail experience. Leslie shares how her early work in photography led her into wardrobe styling, how she helps people feel more comfortable taking fashion risks, and what she is seeing in apparel and accessories right now. They also dive into how independent retailers can introduce apparel into their stores, create meaningful events, and use fashion to build stronger connections with their communities. What's Inside: How personal style can build confidence and encourage you to take more fashion risks. Easy ways for gift and specialty retailers to introduce apparel and accessories into their stores. How fashion shows, pop-ups, and in-store events can bring people together and build a stronger retail community. Instagram Facebook Support the show

August 5, 2026Episode 2461 hr 11 min

EP 246: REPLAY: DAISY'S MERCANTILE - BARBARA MOONEY

This week's guest is Barbara Mooney, owner of Daisy’s Mercantile, a boutique filled with necessities, frivolities, and embellishments for everyday life, located in Alameda, California. Barbara has always used her creative gifts in her business endeavors, first as a caterer and event planner, then a baker, and now a shopkeeper. When she was bit by the entrepreneur bug, it allowed her love of numbers and behind-the-scenes action to work hand in hand with her talents to create what Daisy’s has become today, and she never looked back. Michelle & Barbara delve into Barbara’s jump from retail to catering, her merchandising & display style, separating work/home, and her future plans on transitioning from a brick & mortar into 100% online with online classes. Barbara is truly a creative force and this episode really showcases her many talents. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisys_mercantile/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisysmercantile Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/livinglikedaisy/_saved/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daisy-s-mercantile/?viewAsMember=true Support the show

July 29, 2026Episode 24541 min

EP 245: HOW I PLAN MY MARKET TRIPS FOR SMARTER BUYING

In this solo episode, I answer questions from Misty Stachel of 85 Local about how I prepare for wholesale markets, build seasonal concepts, and make buying decisions that support my stores. I share the process I use before, during, and after market to stay organized and buy with intention. In this episode , I walk through how I build concepts, use sales reports to guide my buying, avoid common purchasing mistakes, and plan each market trip to get the best results for my stores. What's Inside: How I build seasonal concepts before I buy The reports I rely on to make smarter buying decisions My step-by-step approach to planning a successful market trip Support the show

July 22, 20261 hr 1 min

PART II: HOLIDAY MERCHANDISING THAT MAKES CUSTOMERS STOP AND SHOP— SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN FEATURING KATE KAUFFMAN

Michelle Sherrier is joined by co-host Susan Esayian and special guest Kate Kauffman, owner of Grease & Glitter Studio, for Part 2 of this special Shelf Talk Holiday Edition. Together, they continue the conversation with even more practical ideas for holiday merchandising, creative inspiration, and cost-effective displays that independent retailers can put into action before the busy season begins. In this episode , Michelle, Susan, and Kate dive deeper into where great merchandising ideas come from, how to develop a holiday concept without overspending, and simple ways to create memorable displays on any budget. They also share their favorite inspiration sources, discuss budgeting with clients, and offer practical window and tabletop display ideas that retailers can start planning now before the holiday rush. What's Inside: Where to find holiday merchandising inspiration and develop a cohesive seasonal theme How to budget wisely for displays and invest in props you'll use year after year Budget-friendly window and tabletop display ideas that create a big impact Support the show

July 15, 202657 min

PART I: HOLIDAY MERCHANDISING THAT MAKES CUSTOMERS STOP AND SHOP— SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN FEATURING KATE KAUFFMAN

In this episode , Michelle, Susan, and Kate dive into holiday merchandising from every angle, from planning months in advance to creating displays that feel intentional instead of overwhelming. They share ideas for layering holiday throughout the season, building memorable customer experiences, using simple props on any budget, and why storytelling through merchandising matters more than ever for independent retailers. This is part one of their Holiday Edition conversation, with even more ideas coming next week. What's Inside: How to start planning holiday merchandising before the busy season begins Budget-friendly display ideas that create a big visual impact Why thoughtful merchandising and customer experience help independent retailers stand out Support the show

July 8, 2026Episode 2441 hr 30 min

EP 244: BUILDING A BOUTIQUE THAT BREAKS THE RULES WITH EMILY BROOKER

Emily Brooker is the creative director and owner of Esme and Elodie, a women's and plus size boutique in Renton, Washington. Esme and Elodie is known for being size inclusive, sex positive and humor filled. Emily guides her vision of social entrepreneurship and the modern woman into a community focused retail space. In this episode , Emily shares how she built a thriving boutique by doing things differently. From creating an inclusive shopping experience and staying unapologetically authentic online to balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, she opens up about the realities of running a modern retail business and why putting people before sales has been the key to her success. What's Inside: Building an authentic, inclusive brand that customers genuinely connect with Creating thoughtful retail experiences that put people first Growing a successful business while balancing motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurship Esme & Elodie Website Instagram Tiktok Support the show

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