Conversations with retailers and their suppliers that shine a light on the most positive aspects of retail. Get tips about competing in brick and mortar retail, resources for retail sales training, retail-specific marketing advice, ways to make your retail operations run more smoothly, and much more. New episodes release every week!
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The Retail Doc Podcasts
Welcome to Brick and Mortar Visibility – the go-to podcast for studio business owners who want to stand out, scale up, and create the freedom they deserve. I’m Melissa Rose, a fellow studio business owner who knows firsthand that running a brick-and-mortar isn’t just about sales—it’s about building a legacy. Here, my guests and I dive into real, unfiltered conversations about what it actually takes to run and grow a thriving business—from building and leading a powerhouse team to creating a ...
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When June sales went flat at her luxury women's store, Rebecca Weirda didn't make excuses. She rolled up her sleeves, had tough conversations with every team member, and turned a double-digit decline into a 42% sales increase the following month. In this episode, discover how the owner of Leigh's Fashions in Grand Rapids, Michigan built a 13,000 sq…
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Authenticity = Alignment = Attraction : The Story of Attracting my Dream Property
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30:45
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30:45This week, I’m sharing the story of how I finally got my dream property—a year in the making, and really, years in the waiting. For so long I was hustling, grinding, stressing, and “doing all the things,” but not seeing the results I wanted. Sound familiar? Everything shifted when I stopped trying to do business like everyone else and started livin…
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From Clicks to Connection: Marketing That Feels Human
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18:02
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18:02AI is everywhere—and your clients can tell when you’re using it. While that’s not necessarily bad, it has created a shift: people are more skeptical, less trusting, and craving something real. This week, I’m talking about what that means for your marketing as a brick-and-mortar business owner—and why this is actually a massive opportunity. We’ll co…
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You’re Not Failing—You’re Holding On Too Tight
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19:16
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19:16What if letting go was the secret to leveling up? This week, I’m sharing a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what happened when life forced me to step back—from my inbox, my to-do list, and even my studio. Between moving my home and performing in a ballet (yep, at almost 50 💃), I barely opened my laptop… and yet, my business had its biggest week ever.…
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💬 Guest: Patrick McCullough, President of Hallmark Business Connections 📅 Run Time: 35:15 🔗 Website: https://www.hallmarkbusiness.com ✉️ Episode Summary: In this episode, Bob chats with Patrick McCullough, President of Hallmark Business Connections, about how retailers can tap into the overlooked power of tangible outreach. From using Hallmark gree…
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What Actually Moved the Needle for My Studio Business (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
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19:51
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19:51If you're a studio owner who’s tired of spinning your wheels on social media and wondering how to actually get more clients in the door… this episode is your roadmap. I'm pulling back the curtain on the one strategy that changed everything for me: SEO. As a single mama of five (yes, five!) running a local brick-and-mortar business, I needed a marke…
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From Broke to Boutique Retail Boss: A Conversation with Sarah Kowal
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25:22
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25:22In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, we’re stepping beyond the studio and into the world of boutique retail. Whether you're running a Pilates, yoga, or music studio—or any class-based business—there’s a good chance you’re also selling something on the side. From merch to gear, retail is a powerful revenue stream, and it’s tim…
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Boost Your Studio Business with Smart, Local SEO with Jade Pruett
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31:15Think SEO is only for the big-budget brands? Think again. In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, I’m joined by SEO strategist Jade Pruitt, who’s flipping the script on what local search optimization really looks like for studio owners like you. We’re talking: Why SEO doesn’t have to cost thousands (really) Where to start if you…
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Ready to Grow? Level Up Your Studio Team with These Must-Do Moves
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16:54Hey there, studio owner. Let’s talk about something that can make or break your business—your team. Now, if you’ve ever hired someone, handed them a task, crossed your fingers and thought, “I hope this works out…”—this episode is for you. Because hope is not a strategy. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use to onboard new…
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The 90-Day Studio Owner Challenge: Are You Ready to Level UP?
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20:43
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20:43Ever feel stuck in your business—like you're showing up, doing the work, and still wondering… “Why isn’t this working?” Yeah, I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a challenge I gave myself: 100 days of going live. No script. No editing. Just one take, one minute, one daily nugget while walking each morning. What started…
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Episode Overview Five conversations with retail entrepreneurs and experts who've built successful businesses by focusing on customer relationships, finding creative solutions, and staying true to their mission. From lumber liquidation to rum cakes, these stories reveal the fundamentals that drive retail success. Featured Guests Tom Sullivan - Found…
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Studio Owners, This One’s for You: Cory Sterling on Reviews, Legal Docs & Freedom
33:21
33:21
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33:21You’ve got a studio to run, a team to manage, clients to care for, and the last thing on your list? Legal documents. 😅 But here’s the thing—we all tend to think “It’s fine… until it’s not fine.” And that’s why I brought today’s guest onto the podcast. Cory Sterling is the go-to legal expert for studio owners. Yoga, fitness, dance—you name it. He ge…
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Only 5% of Retailers Are Leaders—How to Fix That
33:42
33:42
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33:42In this episode, Ann Ruckstuhl, SVP and CMO at Manhattan Associates, to unpack the hard truths and high hopes revealed in the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark. Ann brings her decades of experience—from the sales floor at Burdines to Silicon Valley startups and global tech leadership—to expose the growing gap between shopper expectations and retail e…
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Studio Season Tune-Up: 5 Google Visibility Fixes to Boost Trust This Summer
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13:16
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13:16Summer might mean slower class counts and more beach days—but your Google visibility should still be working hard for you. In this quick, actionable episode, I’m sharing 5 simple ways to give your Google Business Profile and website a refresh that builds trust, improves SEO, and keeps new clients walking through your doors (even if your current one…
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16 Studio Lessons in 16 Years: Mistakes, Milestones & Marketing Truths
30:11
30:11
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30:11This week, I’m inviting you behind the curtain for a very real, very personal episode. As we officially wrap our 16th season at the studio, I’m sharing the 16 most powerful lessons I’ve learned from running a brick-and-mortar business—from the early hustle days to the now. The mistakes, the mindset shifts, the marketing wins, and the moments that c…
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Optimize Your Body. Grow Your Business. The New Path to Studio Success
29:24
29:24
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29:24Today’s episode is a little different—but oh-so-important. Because as business owners, parents, and partners, we don’t just want to show up… we want to perform at our best. And that means having the energy, clarity, and stamina to do it all—without burning out. Enter: peptides. I’m sitting down with a special guest — Andrea Olson, a deeply knowledg…
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Summer Slump Ahead? 3 Moves to Keep Your Studio Thriving
20:46
20:46
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20:46The sun’s out... and if you’re a studio owner, you know what that often means: Enrollment slows down. Buyers get flaky. Cash flow feels tighter than ever. But here’s the deal—your buyer hasn’t disappeared. They’ve just changed. They’re more hesitant, more distracted, and waiting until the very last minute to commit. If you’re feeling the summer slu…
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CFO Secrets to Growing Revenue, Paying Your Team, and Spending Strategically in Your Studio Business with Lauren Schoenfeld
32:44
32:44
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32:44Think making more money means hustling for more clients? Think again. 💸 In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Lauren Schoenfeld—fractional CFO and founder of Active Core Consulting—who drops truth bombs on how to actually grow your revenue without piling on new clients (yes, you read that right). We dive into: ✨ How spending with inte…
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Are You Guilty of This Common Google Mistake? 1 in 2 Business Owners Are
10:19
10:19
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10:19Ever feel like your kids—or your customers—just don’t listen? In this episode, I’m sharing the #1 parenting tip that’s helped me stay consistent with my five kids (yes, five!), and how that very same principle applies to your Google Business Profile. I dive into: A real-life parenting moment (and why dishes matter) The power of consistency in paren…
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Wisdom Behind the Windows: The Greatest Challenge in Retail is Merging Technology with Human Touch
37:53
37:53
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37:53In this podcast episode, host Bob Phibbs, known as the Retail Doctor, discusses the evolving landscape of retail technology and the importance of human connection with guests Nikki Baird, Shep Hyken, Ethan Chernofsky, Lauren McGuire, Dax DaSilva and Dan Hodges. Podcast highlights include the complexities of in-store technology and the need for seam…
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Boost Trust + SEO with Photos - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile
16:25
16:25
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16:25Want more clicks, customers, and credibility? It’s time to level up your Google Business Profile—starting with your photos. In this short and powerful episode, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use photos to build trust, boost SEO, and become the no-brainer choice in your community. You’ll learn: ✅ What types of photos to upload (and what most b…
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Create Even More Local SEO with Your Referral Program
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26:19
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26:19Are You Missing Out on Local SEO? Create a Referral Program That Drives Business Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closets—it’s time to freshen up your marketing strategy, too! And if you’re not intentionally using referrals to drive your local SEO, you’re leaving money on the table. Referrals are the easiest, warmest leads you’ll ever get, but h…
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Brand Ambassador Playbook : 3 Ways to Boost Your Local Business
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24:11
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24:11Running a brick-and-mortar business means juggling all the things—marketing, sales, customer service… oh, and actually delivering your products and services like a boss. But what if you didn’t have to do it all alone? Enter brand ambassadors—your secret weapon for getting your biz in front of more people without adding to your already overflowing t…
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The Harsh Truth: Why Only 1% Succeed in Business (And How to Join Them)
26:00
26:00
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26:00Success isn’t about luck—it’s about action. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 10 Rules for Success that have shaped my journey as a business owner. From taking radical responsibility to knowing your numbers, setting boundaries, and leading with kindness, these are the lessons that actually move the needle. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelme…
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Wisdom Behind the Windows: Unlocking the Secrets to Employee Development and Customer Loyalty in Retail
36:15
36:15
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36:15In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," hosted by Bob Phibbs, retail leaders discuss strategies for enhancing customer engagement, employee development, and adapting to change. Mark Fletcher, CEO of News Express, emphasizes experiential retail by creating community spaces in stores. Joy Poynter, CEO of Fleet Feet, highlights the i…
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The Blog Blueprint: How to Write Posts That Actually Drive Sales
15:04
15:04
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15:04🎯 Stop Guessing: What to Write About in Your Blog Feeling stuck on what to blog about next? You’ve answered your most common FAQs, highlighted your services… but now what? In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful strategy that can take your blog (and your business) to the next level: Going deeper on your individual offerings. I'll walk you through: …
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Two Pieces of Advice You Must Hear if You're Contemplating Divorce
11:33
11:33
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11:33🎙️ A Little Detour: Life, Business & The Advice I Give on Divorce We usually dive deep into all things visibility—Google Business Profile, SEO, and marketing strategies to get your business seen. But today, I’m taking a scenic route. I’ve been reflecting a lot on where I want Brick and Mortar Visibility to go in 2025. And as I take my morning walks…
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5 Simple Blog Hacks to Boost Visibility & Attract Clients
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11:33
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11:33Ever feel like your blog posts are just sitting there, collecting digital dust? You’re not alone! In this episode, I share how to take those existing key word rich blogs and turn them into visibility magnets for your dream clients helping you grow your business. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, powerhouse tips to make your blog posts work lon…
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Wisdom Behind the Windows: How Can Retailers Build Stronger Connections with Their Customers?
32:42
32:42
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32:42In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, explores the importance of human connection in retail with various guests. Patrick Burke, CEO of a men's clothing store in Ireland, discusses winning a retail excellence award and the value of customer relationships. His wife, Imelda, shares insights from runni…
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Google is Deleting Our Reviews?! 😱 Here’s What to Do
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9:08Holy cats, Google—WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. 😡 If you’ve noticed your hard-earned Google reviews disappearing, you’re not alone. I’ve experienced it firsthand, and let me tell you… not cool. As business owners, we rely on those glowing five-star reviews to build trust, attract clients, and boost our visibility. The good news? Google is on it. They’ve promi…
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From Invisible to Unstoppable: Turning Business Setbacks into Comebacks
21:06
21:06
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21:06Ever feel like your business is stuck in a visibility slump? Maybe your marketing isn’t working, foot traffic is slow, or a competitor just opened nearby. It’s frustrating, but here’s the truth: your greatest setbacks are actually a setup for your comeback. In this episode, I’m sharing how to shift your mindset and take strategic action when things…
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Visibility Through Simplicity: A Golf Pro’s Journey to Leveling Up
12:38
12:38
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12:38We’ve all been there—staring at a cash flow crunch and feeling desperate to try everything to bring in revenue. But what if the secret isn’t doing more, but doing less with purpose? In this episode, I’m sharing an inspiring story straight from my Level Up Mastermind. One of our members, a golf pro, came to us overwhelmed, offering way too many serv…
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How to Build Trust, Credibility, and Authority That Sells
16:55
16:55
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16:55Have you ever wondered how to build trust, showcase your expertise, and dominate your local market? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of E-E-A-T—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—and breaking down how these principles can take your small business to the next level. I’ll share how Google uses E-E-A-T to evaluat…
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Wisdom Behind the Windows: How Can Retailers Foster Genuine Human Connections in a Digital Age?
27:31
27:31
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27:31In this episode of "Tell Me Something Good About Retail," hosted by Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, the focus is on the importance of human connection in retail. Bob introduces various guests who share their insights on creating meaningful customer experiences. Martin Lindstrom discusses the concept of tribes and the need for empathy in retail. Chri…
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Profit First Wins: The Cash Car Milestone You Can Achieve Too!
18:33
18:33
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18:33Today’s episode is extra special because I’m sharing a personal milestone that’s been years in the making. 💥 I just bought my very first car… with cash! 🚗💰 As a small business owner, you know the struggle of managing cash flow. One minute you’re flush, the next, you’re wondering how to make it through the month. Sound familiar? Trust me, I’ve been …
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Kicking Off 2025 with Hot Leads & Smart SEO Strategies
19:29
19:29
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19:29Hey there, fabulous business owner! 🎉 It’s the start of 2025, and we’re diving straight into what matters most—attracting those dream clients and growing your biz! In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips on leveraging your Google Business Profile (GBP) to turn searchers into buyers with ease. Here’s what we’ll cover: Creating Irresistible Offers: …
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2024 in Review: The Question That Changes Everything
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15:30As the final episode of 2024 approaches, I want to leave you with one powerful question: What was the best decision you made this year? This simple yet profound question has been a game-changer for me, providing clarity and confidence about what truly needs to continue in my life and business. In this episode, I won’t be doing a "best of" recap or …
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SEO Meets Strategy: Joanna Sapir on Avoiding Burnout and Building Long-Term Client Relationships
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25:10
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25:10If you’ve ever felt stuck in the hustle of chasing one-off clients or unsure how to transition from practitioner to empowered business owner, this episode is for YOU. 🎯 Today, we’re stepping away from SEO (don’t worry, your Google Business Profile is still thriving!) to welcome a returning guest expert, Joanna Sapir, who’s here to help you build a …
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Be the Business They Can Count On This Holiday Season - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile
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10:06
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10:06The holidays are here, and while we’re decking the halls and sipping peppermint mochas, let’s not forget one tiny but mighty task that can make or break your customer experience: updating your Google Business Profile holiday hours. Why does this matter? Imagine someone racing to your store for a last-minute gift, only to find you’re closed. Or a st…
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How to Give (and Respond to) Exceptional Google Reviews Without Losing Them - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile
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15:58Google reviews are pure gold for any small business—they build trust, boost visibility, and help bring in more clients. But what about the art of giving an exceptional review? And what if responding to a glowing review leads to it being taken down? In this episode, inspired by a client’s recent Google review mishap, we’re diving into: How to leave …
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Guest: Paul Landry, Co-owner of Crossover Comics (Montreal) Location: 3560 Notre Dame West, Montreal (St. Henry neighborhood) Key Discussion Points: - Store founded in 2012 by high school friends combining library technology, retail, and comic shop experience - Mission to change comic store reputation from intimidating/judgmental to welcoming - Use…
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