Heart on Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independent retailers achieve success within their local community. We talk with retailers about the skills and habits that have allowed them to grow their businesses and industry professionals who provide services to the Main Street community, and we explore towns to find out what helps Main Streets thrive. Join the Main Street movement! www.heartonmainstreet.org
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Patrick Keiser Podcasts

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Episode 39: Duct Tape Marketing- The Marketing System Mindset
17:03
17:03
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17:03Independent retailers don’t fail because they lack effort — they fail because marketing feels random, overwhelming, and inconsistent. In this final episode of our Duct Tape Marketing series, Patrick Keiser ties everything together and shows how to adopt the marketing system mindset that turns one-off tactics into a steady, sustainable process. Mark…
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Episode 38: Duct Tape Marketing-Measuring What Matters: Metrics for Retailers
14:26
14:26
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14:26Most independent retailers don’t fail because they lack effort — they fail because they’re flying blind. Without tracking the right numbers, you can’t know what’s working, what’s wasting money, or where to focus your energy. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus …
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Episode 37: Duct Tape Marketing- Growing Through Collaboration
20:00
20:00
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20:00Independent retailers don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, some of the most effective growth strategies come from teaming up with other businesses and organizations. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on the power of partnerships. Partnerships allow you to …
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Episode 36: Duct Tape Marketing- Consistency Beat Chaos: Creating Your Marketing Calendar
14:46
14:46
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14:46Most independent retailers' marketing strategies don’t fail because they lack ideas; they fail because they lack consistency. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on creating a marketing calendar that turns chaos into clarity. Instead of scrambling to promote ho…
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Episode 35: Duct Tape Marketing- Referrals on Purpose: Creating a System for Word-of-Mouth
16:34
16:34
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16:34Every retailer loves referrals — but few have a system to generate them consistently. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into the referral stage of the Marketing Hourglass. Referrals are the most powerful form of marketing because trust is already built in…
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Episode 34: Duct Tape Marketing- Your Digital Storefront: Building a Total Online Presence
20:16
20:16
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20:16For most customers, the first impression of your retail store doesn’t happen on Main Street — it happens online. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on building a total online presence. Your digital storefront is as important as your physical one. Customers are…
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Episode 33: Duct Tap Marketing-Trust Builders: Using Content to Win Hearts
18:12
18:12
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18:12Trust is the currency of retail. Without it, your marketing falls flat and your sales stall. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into how content marketing builds trust for independent retailers. Content isn’t just about blogging or chasing the latest socia…
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Episode 32: Duct Tape Marketing-Crafting a Talking Logo to Stand Out Among the Crowd
14:51
14:51
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14:51In a crowded marketplace, sameness is death. If your independent retail store looks and sounds just like everyone else, customers have no reason to choose you. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on differentiation, specifically, how to craft your talking logo.…
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Episode 31: Duct Tape Marketing- Your Perfect Customer
14:51
14:51
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14:51Independent retailers often say, “Everyone is my customer.” But in reality, trying to appeal to everyone means you end up connecting with no one. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch and explains why defining your ideal customer profile is the single most important step in c…
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Episode 30: Duct Tape Marketing- Laying the Foundation through the Marketing Hourglass
13:15
13:15
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13:15Independent retailers need more than one-time sales; they need loyal customers who come back again and again. In this kickoff to our Duct Tape Marketing podcast series, host Patrick Keiser introduces John Jantsch’s powerful Marketing Hourglass framework (Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, Refer) and shows how it applies to small businesses and Ma…
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Episode 29: Looking Back on Our Asheville Rebuild
30:41
30:41
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30:41Last week, Heart on Main Street traveled to Asheville, NC, to help a community rebuild following last year's devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Host Patrick Keiser, tells the story of three stores that were affected by the hurricane and the flooding that ensued: Second Gear, which had been located in the River Arts District, Diamond Brand Outd…
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Episode 28: After the Storm: Stories of Recovery and Rebuilding in the Wake of a Natural Disaster
1:11:54
1:11:54
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1:11:54In this episode, host Patrick Keiser talks with three retailers who have been through traumatic experiences and seen the devastation of their stores at the hands of natural disasters. Andrea Morris of Brickwood Boutique in Temple, TX, Anita Cereceda of The Islander in Fort Myers Beach, FL, and Christy Morris of Mix Mercantile in Sulphur, OK, all sh…
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Episode 27: Why We Buy- Displays that Drive Sales
16:02
16:02
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16:02In this final episode of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, we’re combining the art of visual merchandising with the science of shopper behavior to unlock one of Paco Underhill’s most valuable insights: how display height, depth, and tactile engagement work together to keep customers in your store longer, interacting with more products, and ma…
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Episode 26: Why We Buy- The Art of Adjacency
15:41
15:41
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15:41In this ninth installment of the Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser explores one of Paco Underhill’s most powerful retail strategies: the Art of Adjacency. It’s the science — and art — of placing complementary products together to spark more sales. Forget fighting over “prime” display space; cross-merchandising the right way ca…
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Episode 25: Why We Buy- Dressing Room Decisions
13:19
13:19
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13:19In this eye-opening installment of the Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser dives into one of the most overlooked but critically important areas of a retail store: the dressing room. Based on insights from Paco Underhill’s retail classic Why We Buy, this episode unpacks why fitting rooms aren’t just changing spaces — they’re conv…
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Episode 24: Why We Buy-Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!
13:52
13:52
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13:52In this episode of Main Street Matters, we turn our attention to one of the most overlooked tools in your retail arsenal: signage. As part of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser breaks down why great signs do more than inform — they guide, persuade, and create memorable in-store experiences. Drawing from Paco Underhill’s cla…
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Episode 23: Why We Buy- Designing for Everyone
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17:38
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17:38In this sixth installment of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser takes a thoughtful look at how age and physical ability shape the way customers shop — and what retailers can do to make their stores more accessible, inclusive, and profitable. Drawing on key insights from Paco Underhill’s classic Why We Buy, Patrick explores …
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Episode 22: Why We Buy- Sensing Retail Success
17:29
17:29
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17:29What if you could increase impulse purchases just by letting customers touch, smell, hear, or even taste your products? In this fifth installment of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser dives deep into how sensory engagement drives buying behavior — and why independent retailers need to think beyond sight alone. Drawing inspi…
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Episode 21: Why We Buy: Creatures of Comfort
14:35
14:35
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14:35In Part 4 of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser digs into a powerful truth from Paco Underhill’s retail research: the more comfortable customers feel in your store, the longer they’ll stay — and the more they’ll spend. This episode explores how comfort influences customer behavior and sales, from reducing congestion to prov…
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Episode 20: Why We Buy: The Right Placement
12:09
12:09
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12:09In this third episode of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser explores one of the most iconic — and actionable — insights from Paco Underhill’s retail classic: shoppers almost always turn right. This subtle customer behavior holds big implications for your store’s layout, traffic flow, and product placement strategy. As Patri…
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Episode 19: Why We Buy: The Decompression Zone
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13:39
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13:39In this second installment of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser unpacks one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of any retail space — the decompression zone. Based on insights from Paco Underhill’s seminal book, Why We Buy, this episode explores what happens in the first 5 to 10 feet inside your store and why it can …
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Episode 18: Why We Buy: The Store Experience Starts Outside
20:06
20:06
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20:06Welcome to the kickoff of our Main Street Matters Summer Book Club series! In this special edition of the podcast, host Patrick Keiser dives into the first takeaway from Paco Underhill’s retail classic Why We Buy. And it all begins… before your customer even walks in the door. This week’s episode explores how the outside of your store sets the tone…
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Episode 17: The Five Senses of Retail: Designing a Store That Customers Feel
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15:06
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15:06In today’s episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser explores a game-changing idea: your store isn’t just a place to shop, it’s a full sensory experience. Customers don’t just buy with their wallets. They buy with their eyes, ears, hands, noses, and even taste buds. That’s why the most memorable retail spaces are those that engage all five sen…
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Episode 16: All Things WhizBang and Bob Negen!
48:33
48:33
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48:33Join host Patrick Keiser for a special episode of Main Street Matters as he sits down with Bob Negen, the respected founder and owner of Whizbang Retail Training. A seasoned retailer who built an incredibly successful business before launching another venture to teach other retailers, Bob has been a vital supporter of Heart on Main Street. In this …
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Episode 15: What Happens When Retailers Come Together: The Power of Community in Independent Retail
19:26
19:26
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19:26In this inspiring episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores one of the most transformative forces in retail: community. Through real-life stories from Saratoga Springs, NY, to Lincoln, IL, Patrick highlights how independent retailers across the country are coming together to collaborate, support one another, and create thriving d…
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Episode 14: Retail That Gives Back: Building a Store With Purpose
15:27
15:27
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15:27What if the secret to long-term retail success isn’t just found in your numbers, but in your values? In this inspiring and actionable episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how independent retailers across the country are building their businesses around generosity, connection, and purpose. You’ll hear stories of shop owners w…
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Episode 13: 5 SEO Mistakes Retailers Make — and How to Fix Them with Samantha Conner
59:24
59:24
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59:24If you’ve ever felt like your store’s website isn’t getting the traffic it deserves, you’re not alone — and SEO might be the missing piece. In this practical, no-fluff episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser and guest Samantha Conner break down five of the most common SEO mistakes that independent retailers make and how to fix them with…
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Episode 12: Retail as a Relationship: Why Loyalty Starts with the Little Things
11:05
11:05
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11:05In a world dominated by big-box convenience and digital ads, what truly sets independent retailers apart? Relationships. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how genuine customer connections are built — not with marketing gimmicks, but with consistent, thoughtful, everyday moments. Drawing inspiration from …
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Episode 11: The 5-Minute Fix: Tiny Changes That Make a Big Retail Impact
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15:27
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15:27What if five minutes could make your store more profitable, more welcoming, or more efficient? In this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser shares five small but mighty changes you can make today to improve your retail business, no budget, no major overhaul, just quick wins with big potential. Drawing on insig…
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Episode 10: Quick Wins to Improve Sales and Save Time with Daniel Tadros
32:46
32:46
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32:46In this conversation, Patrick Keiser speaks with Daniel Tadros, founder of 360 Retail Management, about strategies for independent retailers to improve sales and efficiency. They discuss the importance of optimizing POS systems, enhancing product listings for better SEO, and leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and improve customer service.…
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Episode 9: Main Street Mythbusting: Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions in Retail
12:52
12:52
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12:52Is Main Street retail really fading away? Are small businesses doomed to lose on price? In this bold and empowering episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser busts four of the most common myths surrounding independent retail — and replaces them with the truth: Main Street is alive, evolving, and more important than ever. Using real storie…
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Episode 8: Picture Perfect: In-Store Photography Tips with Janzen Tew
58:38
58:38
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58:38Length: 58:38 Hosted by: Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street Guest: Janzen Tew, Photographer & Founder of Denim + Velvet 📸 Episode Description: Want to take better photos of your store but don’t know where to start? In this actionable episode of Main Street Matters, we’re joined by retail photography expert Janzen Tew, founder of Denim + Velvet, f…
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Episode 7: Two Stores, One Mission: Stories of Support in Western North Carolina
21:17
21:17
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21:17When disaster strikes, it doesn’t just damage buildings — it upends lives, disrupts communities, and tests the resilience of independent retailers. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser travels to Western North Carolina to share the powerful stories of two retailers — J. Gabriel in Asheville and Willow Creek in Chimn…
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Episode 6: The Revival is Local- 7 Trends Shaping Main Street Retail in 2025
11:55
11:55
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11:55What’s driving the future of independent retail in 2025? In this fast-paced episode, Patrick Keiser breaks down 7 emerging trends transforming Main Street shopping districts across the country. From hyperlocal merchandise and immersive in-store experiences to TikTok-ready storefronts and community-driven collaborations, this episode is packed with …
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Episode 5: Rooting for Your Success with Crystal Vilkaitis
1:02:03
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1:02:03On this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, Patrick interviews Crystal Vilkaitis, the Founder of Rooted in Retail and the host of the Rooted in Retail podcast. They talk about the need for small businesses and independent retailers to change and evolve as business changes around them. Crystal provides tips and insights on how bu…
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Episode 4: Visual Merchandising Techniques with Retailworks Inc.
1:07:26
1:07:26
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1:07:26Looking to give your store a new look in 2025? Lyn Falk and Suzanne Rafenstein join Main Street Matters to discuss visual merchandising techniques you can incorporate into your store! Whether you're looking to make little tweaks or a whole new redesign, the team from Retailworks Inc. can set you on the path to realizing your visual merchandising dr…
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Episode 3: The Secrets of a Thriving Main Street
53:58
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53:58Join host Patrick Keiser on Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, where we uncover the secrets behind America's most vibrant downtown shopping districts. After visiting 50 communities across the country, we've identified what makes a successful Main Street—from small-town gems to bustling city districts. In this episode, we highlight real ex…
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Episode 2: What Makes a Main Street Thrive?
34:33
34:33
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34:33In this special episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser reflects on two years of Main Street Mondays, a journey that has taken him to 50 towns across the country and showcased the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of independent retailers. From historic streets to modern downtowns, Patrick shares the i…
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Episode 1: Trends for 2025: What Retailers Need to Know to Stay Ahead of the Curve.
1:04:26
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1:04:26Welcome to a brand-new episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street! In this episode, host Patrick Keiser shares exciting updates from the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, highlighting our Giving Tuesday fundraising success, our ongoing disaster relief efforts for retailers impacted by wildfires in California, and the $40,000 raised…
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Episode 65: Giving Thanks in the Giving Season
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12:35In this episode, we want to thank all who have supported our organization this year. Listeners like you make it possible for our organization to help retailers in need. This week, we traveled to Chimney Rock, NC, to donate to Bubba O'Leary's General Store. The funds for this donation came from individuals, other retail owners, and small business en…
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Episode 64: Meet the Boutique Hub and Grow Using Community Over Competition with Ashley Alderson
51:33
51:33
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51:33Ashley Alderson, founder of the Boutique Hub, joins the Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street podcast to talk about the Boutique Hub and its resources, how retailers can use "Community over Competition" to grow their business, and the information that she is hearing from her network of retailers around the nation.…
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Episode 63: Using Facebook Live to Maximize Your Fourth Quarter Cash Flow with Kathy Cruz
1:02:17
1:02:17
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1:02:17Do you want to sell more during the holiday season? Do you want to clear out your inventory and put more cash in your pocket? Kathy Cruz, the Savvy Shopkeeper, joins Main Street Matters to talk about how to leverage Facebook Live to create more sales, maximize your cash flow, sell more products, and ultimately be happier at the end of the year. In …
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Patrick talks about Hurricane Milton's effects on the communities and businesses of Florida. Heart on Main Street is raising money to donate to retailers affected by the recent hurricanes in the southeastern part of the United States. If you would like to donate, go to https://givebutter.com/hurricane-relief-fund This episode also features an inter…
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Episode 61: A Retailer's Tale: Recovering and Rebuilding After a Hurricane
26:21
26:21
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26:21Many areas of the southeast US are hurting in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Hundreds of thousands of people are without power and cutoff from resources. Additionally, countless retailers have lost their businesses and don't know what to do next. In this episode, Patrick sat down with retail owner Anita Cereceda, who lost her stores to Hurricane Ian…
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Episode 60: Main Street Monday: Sulphur & Ada, OK
26:37
26:37
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26:37Patrick discusses his trip to Oklahoma in July, during which he visited the towns of Sulphur and Ada. He talks about the beauty of the state and the impact that the Chickasaw Nation has on the area. While both towns were visited on Mondays, they were for very different reasons. In April, a tornado devastated the historic downtown of Sulphur, leavin…
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As the summer comes to a close this weekend, Patrick reflects on the Summer Sourcing Series webinars that Heart on Main Street conducted this summer. Through the webinar series, they explored how retailers can find products for their stores by attending trade shows, working with a local sales rep, and using an online marketplace like Faire.com. All…
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Episode 58: Faire.com- A Wholesale Solution for Independent Retailers
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58:01
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58:01Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series concludes with a discussion with Faire.com. Learn more about Faire Wholesale - a marketplace focused on helping independent retailers simplify the way they find, finance, and manage unique inventory from around the world. Hear about their mission, learn more about their marketplace and financial benefit…
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Episode 57: Main Street Monday: Bishop Arts District - Dallas, TX
58:15
58:15
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58:15In this episode, we go out on the road to explore a fun and vibrant arts community within Dallas, the Bishop Arts District. I saw artwork that made this area unique and worth exploring. I met with great retailers whose stores fit so well with the community and culture of the neighborhood. And I ate some pretty good food. While in Dallas, I also had…
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Our Shop Talk series continues with a little twist. Patrick travels to Ely, MN, to meet in person with Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile! We discuss how she fared through the latter half of Ely's busy season with their Blueberry Arts Festival and the All-Class Reunion to celebrate the local high school's 100th anniversary. These events …
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Episode 55: Main Street Monday- Downers Grove, IL
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29:09
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29:09Explore the town and independent retailers of Downers Grove, which underwent a significant renovation in 2001 to attract more people and businesses and build a better downtown community. In this episode, we discuss what Downers Grove accomplished in its renovation project and how this has helped improve downtown businesses. We also talk about four …
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