The Retail Whore

Hosted by Michelle Sherrier

Arts EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

249

Latest episode

Jun 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!

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June 10, 2026Episode 2401 hr 36 min

EP 240: CREATING STORES THAT SELL WITH KATE KAUFFMAN

Kate Kauffman is the owner of Grease & Glitter Studio, a Vermont-based creative design studio serving retailers throughout New England and beyond. She specializes in visual merchandising, store flow and layout optimization, and striking window displays. Drawing on more than 10 years of industry experience with brands like Anthropologie and West Elm, Kate helps independent retailers elevate their customer experience, increase foot traffic, and drive sales.In this episode, Kate shares how her years at Anthropologie and West Elm shaped her approach to merchandising, storytelling, and customer flow. Michelle and Kate dive into the psychology behind store layouts, visual merchandising strategies for independent retailers, creating impactful displays on a budget, and why merchandising is so much more than making a store “look pretty.” They also discuss the future of merchandising, retail creativity, and the importance of building memorable shopping experiences that keep customers engaged and shopping longer. What’s Inside:How visual merchandising and customer flow directly impact sales Creative ways to build impactful displays without huge budgets Lessons from Anthropologie and West Elm that independent retailers can use todayMentioned In This Episode:Grease & Glitter on InstagramGrease & Glitter on WebsiteGrease & Glitter on FacebookSupport the show

June 3, 20261 hr 40 min

239: FROM BROADWAY TO BUYING BEHAVIOR WITH AMY MEADOWS

For all of us who are merchandisers, Amy Meadows has the dream career. She has over 25 years of experience in window display, visual merchandising, and event planning.Recognized nationally in her field, Amy has reinvented traditions and reinvigorated business for both major retailers and independent businesses. From big boxes to boutiques, she helps businesses explore and leverage tools to attract customers and drive sales. Amy helps her clients align their storefronts, signage and displays to work together to build their brand and increase revenue.As a designer, Amy uses her background in theatrical set design to bring a sense of whimsy and drama to her installations, maximize visual stimulation and develop cost-saving display strategies. Through consulting, she creates best practices, methodologies, and practical strategies for a wide range of visual initiatives and outcomes.Additionally, Amy has created course content to inform and inspire the next generation of designers, with an emphasis on relevance in a changing retail landscape. Amy’s also a public speaker, and she conducts seminars specializing in time and cost-effective display solutions for independent retailers and business districts.In this episode, Amy returns to the podcast to share practical visual merchandising strategies that independent retailers can implement right away. Michelle and Amy dive into store layouts, window displays, customer behavior, holiday merchandising, and the psychology behind creating spaces that attract shoppers and drive sales. Whether you're preparing for show season, planning holiday displays, or simply looking for fresh merchandising ideas, this episode is packed with actionable insights from one of the industry's leading experts. We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!What's Inside:The secrets behind effective window displays and visual merchandising that drive salesHow to create better customer flow using store layouts, focal points, and "interruptive fixtures"Holiday merchandising strategies, display planning, and ways to keep customers engaged year-roundMentioned In This Episode:Windows MatterAmy Meadows on InstagramAmy Meadows on LinkedInSupport the show

May 27, 2026Episode 2371 hr 7 min

EP 238: REPLAY: FROM MONKEYS TO COOLERS WITH BENJAMIN SOTO

Do you ever wonder who makes those chalkboard signs at Trader Joe's? Well, that's how Benjamin Soto got started—drawing Trader Joe's signs by day and designing band merch at night for Fearless Records.In 1998, Ben was recruited by Paul Frank to help kick off the massive millennial pop-culture brand Paul Frank Industries. Ben managed the brand creative for about 10 years, which meant involvement with character designs, the tee and fleece program, pajama prints, photoshoots, trade show booths, retail spaces, collaborations/licensed products. They even let him voice Julius the Monkey on the pilot show of Yo-Gabba-Gabba.In 2008, Disney Animation called and gave Ben the job of helping to create and Art Direct a cartoon based on Evel Knievel's daredevil culture. The Emmy nominated show Kick Buttowski had 52 episodes and aired between 2010-2012. Ben eventually left Disney to partner up with some other entrepreneurs to start the next creative adventure: C-Preme. They had captured "lightning in a bottle" with their 3-D youth bicycle helmet brand, Raskullz. Within three years, they had sold over 3 million helmets and countless other outdoor products. C-Preme sold to Bell Helmets (Easton Bell Sports) in 2014.Ben stayed on working for Bell Helmets until the next idea hit: a colorful cooler manufactured like a bicycle helmet. Target accepted a huge order; patents were in the works, and before the dust settled, they sold their company to Igloo Products Corp. in 2016. Ben is still at Igloo, managing creative for the cooler brand. You might've seen a little bit of Ben in the VW Playmate bus, retro coolers, eco coolers, licensed coolers, and the packaging and marketing of the brand. Igloo sold to Dometic in 2021 for a lot more money than anyone ever dreamed of.Michelle and Ben dive into Ben’s amazing career, from Paul Frank to Igloo, and his extensive experience with graphic design. Ben shares stories from past trade shows (before the days of social media) and the wild ride that was Paul Frank in the early days. Michelle and Ben also discuss his transition to Disney, then Igloo, living in Hong Kong, and where Ben looks for inspiration.What’s Inside:How Ben got started at Paul Frank and stories from the early days.Ben’s experience working at Disney and Igloo.How Ben finds his inspiration.Mentioned In This Episode:Benjamin Soto portfolioPaul FrankKick ButtowskiRaskullzIglooSupport the show

May 20, 2026Episode 23748 min

EP 237: WHAT RETAIL ARCHITECTURE REALLY DOES FOR YOUR STORE

In this episode, Michelle shares how thoughtful retail architecture can completely transform a store by maximizing space, improving flow, and creating displays that feel abundant without becoming cluttered. She dives into practical merchandising techniques, creative tabletop styling, and the importance of layering products to create visually engaging and shoppable spaces. We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!What’s Inside: How to use retail “architecture” to create more sellable space Tips for styling tabletops, shelves, and round displays without clutter Simple merchandising tricks to create balance, storytelling, and flow Support the show

May 13, 20261 hr 8 min

THE BUSINESS OF SHOW SEASON & STORE EXPERIENCES — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN

In this episode, Michelle and Susan dive into the creative chaos behind preparing showroom displays for upcoming gift shows, including their process for brainstorming concepts, sourcing inspiration, and creating memorable retail experiences. They also explore the growing importance of in-store events, community-driven shopping experiences, and how retailers can use social media to stay connected and relevant in today’s retail landscape.What’s Inside: Behind-the-scenes of designing showroom displays for Atlanta Market Why in-store events and community experiences are transforming retail How retailers can use social media to drive traffic and customer connectionSupport the show

May 6, 2026Episode 2361 hr 4 min

EP 236: RADICALLY RELIABLE RESULTS IN RETAIL WITH JON DARIO

Jon Dario is an author, speaker, and retail management expert. His latest book, titled AIM: How Managers Get Radically Reliable Results, is a how-to guide that helps retail organizations instill a culture of action item management and drive consistent execution, even in the dynamic world of retail. The principles behind AIM were built over the course of Jon's career with some of the top retailers in the world, including Macy's, Gap, Bank of America, and Travelex. Jon is currently the CEO of a NYC metro real estate company that manages different retail businesses, he is the professor of retail marketing at Seton Hall University, and he is the founder of The Retail Management Formula, a company that provides consulting services to retailers of all sizes and types.In this episode, we dive deep into what truly separates average managers from exceptional leaders in retail, and how consistent execution, clear communication, and strong team culture can completely transform store performance.Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Jon shares practical, field-tested strategies that help managers drive results, motivate teams, and eliminate the common breakdowns that happen inside retail businesses.What's Inside: How to create a culture of accountability without micromanaging Why sharing numbers with your team is the key to performance The “bad apple effect” and how to protect your team cultureMentioned In This Episode:WebsiteInstagramYoutubeX/TwitterSupport the show

April 29, 2026Episode 2351 hr 23 min

EP 235: BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH BEAUTY, WELLNESS & RETAIL WITH JACQUE LEONARD

Jacque Leonard is the founder and CEO of Roux Collective, a boutique salon, spa, and retail destination in Paso Robles, California. With more than 30 years of experience in the beauty industry spanning sales, marketing, retail, and behind-the-chair culture, she has built a business rooted in both connection and curation. Jacque believes retail is deeply personal — it is not just about what people buy, but how they feel when they walk through the door. Through Roux Collective, she brings together beauty, wellness, fashion, and heartfelt hospitality to create an experience that genuinely impacts people’s lives.In this episode, Jacque shares the real story behind building a multi-dimensional business that blends salon, spa, and retail into one powerful customer experience. From taking risks and backing herself when funding wasn’t guaranteed, to navigating growth, hiring, and redefining what retail looks like—this is a masterclass in intuition-led business and staying true to your vision.We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!What’s inside: How Jacque transitioned from sales rep to salon + retail owner—and why backing yourself matters The power of experience-driven retail (and why connection will always outperform transactions) Lessons in hiring, culture, and protecting your business vision at all costs Mentioned In This Episode:WebsiteInstagramSupport the show

April 22, 2026Episode 2341 hr 35 min

EP 234: REBUILDING RETAIL THROUGH RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY WITH MEREDITH MILLER

After over a decade working in advertising agencies on both Madison Avenue in NYC and in Los Angeles, Meredith turned her passion for marketing to retail marketing and merchandising when she and her husband Michael purchased the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy in 1990. Together they restored it and added the iconic soda fountain which became an instant success along Route 66 and the site of a host of numerous television and movie shoots.After selling the Pharmacy in 2005, she created her own jewelry line, Pokerchip Girl, which was a smash success in many Las Vegas casinos and nationwide. She also spent a few years working as a Strategic Marketing Consultant to the California Gift Show.In 2010 Meredith and Michael bought Webster’s Community Pharmacy in Altadena, CA. As with The Fair Oaks Pharmacy, the goal was to restore and revitalize this neighborhood independent pharmacy to its former glory days by adding a versatile gift and fashion accessory boutique, along with updating the pharmacy to include state of the art technology.In 2014, Meredith Miller expanded her footprint and opened Meredith M, a trend-friendly women’s apparel and fashion accessories boutique. The business received numerous accolades, but Meredith made the decision to close the doors in 2019 due to the changing landscape of the apparel industry.Meredith Miller is committed to filling a void in the community marketplace, contributing to the local economy and to the revitalization of the North Lake Avenue Corridor in Altadena, CA. Meredith has created multiple community programs including Fancy Food Truck Fridays and is a regular promotional donor to Altadena organizations such as Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Altadena Chamber, Altadena Guild, Pasadena Humane, Young & Healthy and more.Giving back to the community with her time and talent is of equal importance to her. Meredith has been a board member of the Pasadena Humane Society as well as the Vice President and President of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. Meredith recently served as a Board Member at Young & Healthy, Pasadena; and currently as a Marketing Committee Member at Pasadena Humane. Meredith also gives back to her profession by writing magazine articles, giving seminars and serving on advisory boards in the Gift Industry.In this episode, you’ll hear how Meredith built, scaled, and rebuilt retail businesses through strategic merchandising, storytelling, and community leadership — including navigating crisis and turning retail into a powerful hub for connection and economic recovery. What’s inside: How to transform a traditional retail space into a destination that drives traffic and sales The role of community in sustaining and rebuilding retail businesses during crisis Why experiential merchandising is the key to long-term retail successMentioned In This Episode:WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookSupport the show

April 15, 2026Episode 23356 min

EP 233: DEAD SPACES, FLOOR FLOW & RETAIL REALITY CHECKS

In this episode, we dive into the real, raw challenges of retail floor planning—from frustrating “dead spots” that refuse to convert, to the strategic shifts required to improve store flow, increase visibility, and ultimately drive sales. You’ll hear a behind-the-scenes breakdown of what actually works (and what doesn’t), including real-life examples from the floor, how customer movement impacts buying behaviour, and why your store layout should always be evolving.We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!What’s Inside:Why “dead spaces” happen—and how to identify them using your sales dataThe psychology of customer movement (and how poor flow kills conversions)Practical floor planning strategies to increase visibility, traffic, and salesSupport the show

April 8, 2026Episode 2321 hr 37 min

EP 232: MASTERING THE NUMBERS & BUILDING A PROFITABLE RETAIL BUSINESS WITH MARGO KOPMAN

Margo Kopman lives, eats, and breathes all things retail. With over 15 years of retail consulting experience as the President of Project Retail, Margo is extremely passionate about inspiring clients with her vision and authenticity when tackling the complex business of the independent retailer. She believes that you can achieve the highest levels of success if you work hard, believe in your dreams, and stay focused on results.She grew up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic and a character built on integrity. Soon after graduating from Southern Methodist University, she followed her dreams and opened Byrd, a contemporary women’s boutique in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. As an owner & buyer of an independent retail store, she understands the ins and outs of the business, having experienced it firsthand.Margo’s passion for the science of retail-led her down the path of consulting independent retailers like herself. Because of her ability to simplify complex data & analytics paired with her strong critical thinking skills, she coaches her clients to maximize the opportunities while facing the challenges head-on. Margo embodies the skill set and the drive for success needed in the independent retail world of today.In her free time, you can find her soaking up the Los Angeles, CA sunshine. She loves being outdoors, surfing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family & friends. Margo is committed to the pet rescue movement through animal rescues and shares her loving home with her little white dog, Bubbie.In this episode, we dive deep into the numbers behind retail success—breaking down open-to-buy, inventory strategy, and the real reason many stores struggle with cash flow and profitability.What’s Inside: Why open-to-buy is the key to controlling cash flow and inventory How overbuying, underbuying, and over-assorting are quietly killing your sales The truth about reports, sell-through, and making smarter buying decisionsMentioned In This Episode:The Project RetailInstagramFacebookTwitterSupport the show

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