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Are you pitching your product to the wrong retailers? In this solo episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes breaks down one of the most overlooked steps in preparing for retail success: competitive shopping.

If you’re a founder with a product-based business struggling to figure out which retailers are the right fit for your brand, this episode is for you. Roberta shares insider tips on how to:

• Study the shelf to understand category layout and placement
• Identify key players, price tiers, and assortment strategies
• Spot white space and gaps your product can uniquely fill
• Evaluate packaging, messaging, and formats that win on shelf
• Analyze promotions and brand support so you know what retailers expect

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to walk into a store with a strategy—not just a shopping list—so you can confidently pitch the retailers who are the best match for your product and your customer.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I know which retailers are right for my brand?” this episode will give you the clarity you need.

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How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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Your packaging isn’t just a pretty box—it’s the first impression that determines whether buyers and consumers pick your product off the shelf. In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes sits down with Laura Maccarone, founder of Rizbee Studio, to unpack how packaging and visual branding directly connect to retail success.

If you’re a founder of a product-based business who feels frustrated with figuring out why your product isn’t catching attention in stores, this conversation is for you. Laura shares her 20+ years of design expertise helping food and beauty brands create packaging that tells a story, builds consumer trust, and drives retail sales.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why packaging is a key factor in becoming shelf-ready for retail buyers
✅ How to know if your brand needs a refresh or full rebrand
✅ The most common packaging mistakes entrepreneurs make (and how to fix them)
✅ Why storytelling and continuity in branding can make or break your retail success

Whether you’re pitching to national chains, preparing for a retail launch, or simply trying to stand out in a crowded aisle, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your packaging to the next level.

Rizbee Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rizbeestudio/?hl=en

Rizbee Studio Website: https://www.rizbeestudio.com/

Support the show

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jessica Taylor, Founder of Ezra Coffee and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Jessica specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your products were actually on retail shelves?
2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows, support groups or accelerators have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Support the show

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book