The Retail Whore

Hosted by Michelle Sherrier

Arts Education

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Episodes

258

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

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. InstagramFacebookSupport 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=trueSupport 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 outSupport 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 withCreating thoughtful retail experiences that put people firstGrowing a successful business while balancing motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurshipEsme & Elodie WebsiteInstagramTiktokSupport the show

July 1, 2026Episode 2431 hr 4 min

EP 243: REPLAY: BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER WITH TRUDI BARTOW

This week’s guest is Trudi Bartow, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. Trudi joined the gift world via the preeminent art book publisher Harry N. Abrams and created unique opportunities for sales at gift retailers like Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, Barneys and Sur La Table, including custom designer editions and exclusive bundles.After 15 years working with various publishers, she joined the fantastic team at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild as their Director of Sales and Marketing. Bringing her enthusiasm for the industry to this smart and funny gift creator she is helping the brand grow into new categories and expanding existing programs.Trudi is universally loved throughout the gift industry and after listening to this interview, we’re sure you will walk away feeling the same!Unemployed Philosophers GuildInstagramMain Street BooksSupport the show

June 24, 2026Episode 2421 hr 1 min

EP 242: THE PROBLEM WITH BUYING EVERYTHING YOU LOVE

Fresh off multiple Dallas Market setups and heading into Las Vegas Market, Michelle shares what's working, what's changing, and how she's rethinking her buying strategy for the season ahead.In this episode, Michelle reflects on her recent projects, including the Levant showroom and a unique merchandising project for The Brit outdoor venue. She also shares why she's dialing back assortments, embracing branded merchandise opportunities, and taking a more intentional approach to buying at market. From avoiding over-assortment to creating scarcity and keeping inventory fresh, this episode is packed with practical insights for retailers preparing for their next buying season.What's Inside:Lessons learned from Dallas Market and the Levant projectHow branded merchandise can create new revenue opportunitiesWhy Michelle is changing her buying strategy to avoid over-assortmentSupport the show

June 17, 2026Episode 24151 min

EP 241: THE BEST ADVICE FOR NEW RETAILERS

In this episode, Michelle shares a completely different style of Retail Whore Podcast episode recorded live from the Seattle Mart, where seasoned retailers shared their best advice for new store owners. From learning your numbers and building smarter markdown strategies to creating stronger customer experiences and merchandising with intention, this episode is packed with honest conversations and real retail wisdom.Michelle and Susan also continue the conversation from the road as they dive deeper into store layout, storytelling through merchandising, fixtures that actually support your brand, and why trying to be everything to everyone can hurt your business. Plus, Michelle reflects on a personal Mother’s Day trip, balancing work and life on the road, and the emotional realities of family relationships while building a business.We have linked all of the buyers who were kind enough to share their advice in this episode so you can go support and follow their stores:• Jasper – Vashon Island Pharmacy and Gift Store• Beth Rich – Mix It Up Home, Gallery & Gifts (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)• Rochelle – Edit an Olive & Bloom Company (Snohomish, Washington)• Marie – Marie’s Boutique & Marmalade Fresh Clothing (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)• Alicia – Paper Delights (Burien, WA)What’s Inside:Why knowing your numbers and creating a markdown strategy mattersHow merchandising actually starts during the buying processThe importance of creating a customer experience through layout, fixtures, scent, sound, and storytellingSupport the show

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

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