In this episode, Michelle and Susan recap their experience at the ASD Las Vegas trade show, sharing what makes it different from traditional markets and why it can be a valuable supplemental resource for retailers. They also explore creativity beyond the store through The Artist’s Way, and dive into a mix of thoughtful and unexpected questions that reveal real merchandising lessons, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes retail insights.

Ask Michelle and Susan for Shelf Talk! Michelle and Susan will be co-hosting an episode every month! We’re diving into all things design, display, and merchandising—and we want to hear from you! Got a question? Submit it by going to theretailwhorepodcast.com, clicking on SHELF TALK, and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Let’s talk shop and bring your ideas to life!

What's Inside:

1. 1. Key insights from the ASD Las Vegas trade show and how it fits into a retail buying strategy
2. 2. A conversation on creativity in retail inspired by The Artist’s Way
3. 3. Honest merchandising lessons, mistakes, and real behind-the-scenes stories

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Jamie Carl is the Owner + Founder of Serge + Jane in Mpls, MN, a Lifestyle Boutique featuring Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Vinyl, Home + Gifts in a 3 story shop (4 including an open air rooftop where they host fashion shows, trunk shows, pop-ups + always a DJ + dance party). She spent 15 years at Target Corporation across Merchandising, Buying, and Marketing before leading the Internal Events Team, producing everything from Board Meetings to 10,000 person National Team Meetings with guest speakers, musicians, and fashion shows. She later stepped away to focus on family while fine-tuning her vision for the shop. In this episode, Jamie shares how she translated large-scale event expertise into immersive in-store experiences.

Misty Stachel is the founder and owner of 85 Local, a boutique that blends locally made goods with unique, high-quality finds while supporting small businesses. With a strong focus on curation, merchandising, and community, she creates an elevated and inspiring shopping experience through events, vendor partnerships, and thoughtful displays. In this episode, Misty shares how she leverages local makers and trends to drive engagement and customer loyalty.

Emily Butler is the co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Karson Butler Hospitality Co. and the visionary behind the historic Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo. She has reimagined the 150+ year old shop into a hospitality-driven retail experience, blending curated gifting with community initiatives like The Bell Society and Mahjong Social Club. With nearly two decades in event design and brand strategy, she brings a unique lens to modern retail. In this episode, Emily shares how hospitality and storytelling can transform retail into a space for connection.

In this episode, Jamie, Misty, and Emily break down how modern retailers are evolving beyond traditional selling into experience-driven spaces that build community, increase foot traffic, and create long-term customer loyalty through events, merchandising, and intentional in-store strategy.

What’s Inside:

• How retailers are using Mahjong and events to drive foot traffic, community, and repeat visits
• The real economics behind workshops, classes, and in-store experiences (and where profit actually comes from)
• Practical ways to start small with experiential retail—from setup and staffing to product strategy and partnerships

Mentioned In This Episode:

Oh My Mahjong
Mini Mahr
Bo & Mei

Jamie Carl

Facebook
Sergeandjane.com
Serge and Jane on Instagram

Mahjong Montage - wholesale tiles + gaming pieces, decor, apparel and more
Gumball Poodle - socks
Soiree Sisters - napkins + gifts

Misty Stachel

85 Local on Instagram
85 Local on Facebook

Emily Butler

Instagram
Ah Louis Store
Karson Butler Hospitality Co.

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Meghan Wagner is the owner of The Go Girl Shoppe, a unique retail store located in Mebane, NC. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with a mobile shop on wheels, offering a curated selection of home décor and gifts. In 2014, she opened a brick-and-mortar location in Raleigh, NC, and after 8 successful years, relocated to a larger store in Mebane in 2019. As a local to Mebane, Megan wanted to bring a little happiness to the corner of downtown, with a shop that constantly evolves with new décor and seasonal items.

The Go Girl Shoppe prides itself on offering one-of-a-kind pieces that bring a smile to customers’ faces and foster a sense of community. Megan believes in the importance of relationships and connections, ensuring that every customer feels like they are walking into a place where they belong. Whether you're entering as a stranger or a longtime customer, Megan and her team are dedicated to making everyone feel like family.

In this episode, Meghan shares how she built a thriving retail business rooted in connection, creativity, and customer experience—along with the real behind-the-scenes of running a store through every season.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who listens to and shares this podcast! If you’ve found value in our episodes and want to help us keep creating, we’ve made it easy through Buy Me a Coffee. Any contributions from $5 up to $200 help cover the real costs of podcasting—editing, hosting fees, and everything else that goes into bringing you quality content. It's a way for you to invest in the conversations and topics that matter to you. Head to buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb, and as always, thank you for your continued support!

What’s inside:

• How to create a loyal customer base through genuine relationships and community-building
• Smart merchandising, buying strategies, and adapting to trends while knowing your customer
• Creative ways to drive sales through in-store experiences, events, and storytelling

Mentioned In This Episode:

Episode 206: Creating Connection and Community through Retail with Meghan
Instagram
Facebook
Go Girl Shoppe

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