Best Retail Store Optimization Podcasts (2025)

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A Coaching Culture - The Competitive Superpower ! 18:33

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1d ago18:33

18:33

In this Episode we will examine just what business coaching is all about. Business coaching is a personalized service that helps develop leadership, business skills and solves specific challenges. It can help you find solutions and take your practise to the next level. While a business coach won’t make decisions for you or tell you what to do, the …

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From Farm to Top 1% Shopify Store: How Fresh Chili Company Built a Multi-Million Brand Through Authentic Storytelling 41:33

5d ago41:33

41:33

When most brands struggle to break through the noise online, Chris Lang and Fresh Chili Company cracked the code by doing something radically different: they started with story, not sales. In this episode, discover how a small New Mexico chili company became a top 1% Shopify store with explosive 85% year-over-year growth, a 4.96% conversion rate, a…

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Subscription-Only Success: How Spot & Tango Hit $100M with Great Margins and No Retail Distribution 39:49

12d ago39:49

39:49

Russell Breuer, founder of Spot & Tango, shares the remarkable journey of building a $100+ million pet food company from a New York studio apartment in just seven years. What makes this story even more impressive? They've remained profitable while operating as a subscription-only, direct-to-consumer brand in the competitive pet food space. Russell …

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Workstand's Paid Google Ads Programs - we have a great team that can help every bike shop sell more! 32:53

13d ago32:53

32:53

Mark is joined this week by Matt Viara, leader of the Workstand paid Google ads team. What are paid ads? How do we help bike shops participate in paid Google programs? What are the costs and benefits? We talk about all of that! We give a high-level overview of our paid ads programs and touch on the 4 offerings that we’ll discuss in detail during th…

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Positive Thinking vs Grounded Optimism 13:03

15d ago13:03

13:03

Have you ever felt that positive visualization hasn’t changed your life as much as you’d hoped? Have you ever wondered why those vision boards and affirmations haven’t manifested your dreams? Fantasizing about success can actually hold you back…..unbridled positive thinking can sometimes backfire if not tempered with grounded optimism. In this epis…

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Built to Sell: How Fluencer Fruit Cracked the Amazon Influencer Code and Got Acquired by Wayward 35:25

19d ago35:25

35:25

What happens when you build a company specifically to sell it—and then execute that plan? Liz Saunders went from running registration at Seller Summit to delivering the closing keynote, all while building Fluencer Fruit, the Chrome extension that helps Amazon Influencer creators optimize their content strategy. In this powerful episode, Liz reveals…

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SEO Isn't Dead: The 4-Bucket Framework Driving Profitable EComm Growth (+ AI Optimization Secrets) 45:11

26d ago45:11

45:11

Think SEO is dead in the age of AI? Think again. While ChatGPT referral traffic surged 112% month-over-month across e-commerce sites, Google still commands 99% of search market share and processes 13.6 billion queries daily. Jeff Oxford, SEO expert and founder of 180 Marketing, reveals why smart brands are doubling down on search optimization—and h…

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Bicycle Retail Industry Review for June 2025 Workstand platform data and April 2025 People for Bikes data 27:33

28d ago27:33

27:33

Boulder visit Doggy happy hour Coffee Bike ride PFB let me work from their office Upcoming BRAIN article about scheduling software Service Appointment Scheduling feature (drop off) WorkstandIQ staff scheduling NBDA State of the Industry webinar reinforces our value The recent National Bicycle Dealers Association hosted a webinar with expert guests,…

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Stress- Difficult to Live With - Can't Live Without It ! 11:34

29d ago11:34

11:34

In this episode we are reminded that stress is ever present in our lives. Even though it is difficult to live with at time, we need to realize that we can't live without it! Left unattended .. Stress can impact job satisfaction, lead to burnout, and even affect interpersonal relationships or physical health…. if not managed effectively. Recognizing…

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Scale with Stability by Hiring World-Class Talent & Operating with Mentors 38:49

1M ago38:49

38:49

I had fellow agency owner JC Hite join me on the pod to discuss some really important topics. Namely, is it possible to scale with stability - which for JC means scaling your business while prioritizing, family, faith and personal relationships. Here’s a look at what we discussed: Key Takeaways The "Video of Awesomeness" Hiring Hack - JC's simple 1…

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From Hope to Reality: P&L Design That Drive E-commerce Profitability 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

In this episode, Brett sits down with Andrew Faris, CEO of AJF Growth and host of the Andrew Faris Podcast, to break down the critical elements of P&L design that separate ecomm brands that are dead on arrival vs. those who thrive. Andrew shares his hard-won insights from holding nearly every seat in the e-commerce ecosystem, including his experien…

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Humour - The Last Frontier 14:05

1M ago14:05

14:05

In this episode, you can debate how much humour to use, you can debate when humour is most effectively inserted, you can even debate the type of humour that should be used. But you cannot deny the power of laughter as a universal bond from human to human. (00:00) Introduction (03:16) Story telling with Humour (04:16) Humour is the Highest form of L…

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

2M ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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Beyond China: Smart Supply Chain Diversification & Optimization Without the Pitfalls 38:57

2M ago38:57

38:57

Our CEO Brett Curry sits with Jim Kennemer in this latest episode. Jim knows his stuff when it comes to tariffs, supply chain management and sourcing anything outside of China. Brett wanted to bring Jim on the pod to break down the opportunities and considerations of sourcing from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Mexico, sharing real examples of h…

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Bicycle Retail Industry Review for May 2025 data, NBDA summit, important proposed legislation 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

Ryan and Mark discuss results from May, with a quick note on the strong March and April numbers that we didn't get to talk about due to Ryan's many travels when we'd normally record an Around the Workstand episode. We mention this recent episode with our Key Accounts Advisor, David Martinez, and the Digital Advisor Service he's offering Workstand c…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

2M ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Workstand's Digital Advisor Service - leveraging current technology to grow sales in-store & online 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

The idea of leveraging catalog-enabled websites and ecommerce to grow sales beyond a retailer's home market is one of the main reasons Workstand has so many bike shops using our platform. In addition to the website platform, Workstand's marketing agency team helps more than 400 stores manage their digital presence and promote their store locally an…

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Uncensored Anonymous Conversations 13:27

2M ago13:27

13:27

The title of of this Episode is "Uncensored Anonymous Conversations", having anonymity in other words. I am requesting your contribution to thought provoking ideas, or suggestions that add value to the community of Eye Care Professionals. I am introducing a new segment in the podcast; offering an opportunity where your voice can be heard and shared…

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

2M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Staying Purpose-Driven During Economic Uncertainty: How Mission-Based Brands Navigate Tariffs and Market Pressure with Mickey Winter & Carrie Weidenbach 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

In this episode of the Ecommerce Evolution Podcast, host Brett Curry welcomes Mickey Winter (CEO) and Carrie Weidenbach (COO) of Aysnd, a digital agency specializing in purpose-driven ecommerce brands. As industry veterans with decades of combined experience, they share invaluable insights on maintaining brand mission during economic uncertainty, p…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

2M ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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Examining the powerful role music plays in the in-store customer experiencehttps://youtu.be/tWdRZDvGrSA 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

Music plays a pivotal role in the retail customer experience as well as retailer's success. As Ola Sars, CEO of Soundtrack Technologies, shares with Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, in this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, music has become a CX strategy that can drive customer loyalty as well as revenue. Sars was a co-founder …

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Secret Shopper - Uncovering the Truth 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

In this episode I will share with you my findings after entering 7 different optical business as a Secret Shopper. My objective was to look for a new frame and wanted to see how I would be engaged and if I might be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, this would take the form of being educated on what might satisfy both my want and needs, but also prov…

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

2M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Generating 65% of Revenue from Subscriptions: How Nulastin Created Exceptional Customer Retention with Leah Garcia 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

In this episode of the E-commerce Evolution Podcast, host Brett Curry sits down with with award-winning entrepreneur Leah Garcia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-garcia-592988/), founder of Nulastin (https://nulastin.com/). Leah has a remarkable journey building a beauty brand with shocking retention numbers—80% blended returning revenue and 65% s…

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Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

3M ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

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Pulling Back the Curtin -The Hosts Back Story 30:22

3M ago30:22

30:22

In this episode I offer insight about the person who is delivering this podcast content and why he thought he had the ability to pursue the optical business without any previous experience. There were a lot of lessons learned along the way in his journey that did not always follow any logical path, but rather an attraction for adventure and change,…

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Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service 4:43

3M ago4:43

4:43

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining a stellar reputation that brings customers back again and again. Learn how exceptional service can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage in today's …

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Attribution is Broken: Understanding MTAs, MMMs, and Incrementality 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

In this insightful episode of the E-commerce Evolution Podcast, host Brett Curry sits down with Tom Leonard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbleonard), a fractional marketing leader who specializes in operationalizing Media Mix Modeling and incrementality testing. They dive deep into the often confusing world of marketing measurement. Tom and Bre…

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Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

3M ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

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How Gen Z is driving change in the retail customer experience 12:17

3M ago12:17

12:17

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, talks with Dr. Steven Stovall, Ph.D., associate professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, on how the Gen Z consumer is impacting the retail customer experience strategy. Stovall is former corporate executive who managed a global sale…

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"You Have Nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself" 18:32

3M ago18:32

18:32

Fear Is a Survival Mechanism. Our brains were built to protect us — not make us happy. In the past fear helped us survive predators or danger. Today our brain still scans for threats — just now it’s bills, judgment, failure, rejection. "nothing to fear but fear itself” It is a powerful motivational line that still gets quoted a lot today. What it m…

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Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

3M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

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Breaking Through Operational Bottlenecks: How to Scale Your Business Beyond the Founder 52:05

3M ago52:05

52:05

In this insightful episode of the E-commerce Evolution Podcast, host Brett Curry sits down with Jhana Li (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li), founder of Spyglass Ops, to tackle one of the biggest challenges holding back growing businesses: operational constraints. While many entrepreneurs excel at product development and marketing, they often hi…

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Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

4M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

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Episode 309 - Navigating the Tariff Storm: Smart Strategies to Protect Your E-commerce Profits in 2025 16:49

4M ago16:49

16:49

In this timely episode, Brett Curry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrettcurry) sits down with Nick Flint (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-flint-b46063b3/), Director of Email Marketing, to tackle the pressing challenge facing e-commerce brands today: how to maintain profitability amid rising tariffs. As import costs surge, they share actionable…

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Changing the Narrative from a Sales Centric Approach 19:33

4M ago19:33

19:33

In this episode we are going to step away from references to selling and sales and being sold and move more towards what I believe is how to serve without trying to convince and persuade the customer to buy. But first we need to change the way we communicate and label opticians relative to selling and sales. We need to change the narrative when it …

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Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

4M ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …