Podcasts Archives • Running Great Stores

S05E08: Store Traffic is a Gift

Today we’re diving into one of the most overlooked opportunities in brick-and-mortar retail — your foot traffic. Based on insights from Mark Ryski’s powerful book Traffic is a Gift, we’re going to unpack why every person who walks through your door is more than just a potential sale — they’re a brand touchpoint, a loyalty moment, and a chance to grow.
If you’ve ever said “we’re not getting enough traffic,” this episode is for you — because what you do with the traffic you do get might be the real problem.
Let’s talk about what it means to turn traffic into results — and how to lead your store team to stop wasting the gift.

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE EPISODES WITH A RETAIL FRIEND!

July 23, 2025

S05E07: Always Be Blooming” From Corporate Retail to Rose Bredl Flower & Garden Shop Owner

Today, I am joined by someone special, Mary Ernst McColgan, designer and curator, owner of Rose Bredl Flower & Garden shop in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Mary has a background in retail and design marketing working for Estee Lauder and Abercrombie & Fitch. Her retail studio is an extension of Mary’s life, a curated floral based lifestyle reflecting the East Coast, American roots and sophistication. The shop is a reflection of her experiences and travels, allowing her to accentuate her personal style – preppy, natural and classic.
Mary’s journey from corporate retail as a district manager to entrepreneur is one you are going to want to hear. We are talking about chasing dreams, building teams, and blooming – literally and figuratively – right where you are planted. Let’s dig in!

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE EPISODES WITH A RETAIL FREIND!

May 16, 2025

S05E05: HEART OF RETAIL: How Passion Built 5 Stores & Counting

In our latest Running Great Stores podcast episode, Marie shares:

– How her past fueled her passion
– Why every great team needs rocks and rock stars
– And how fashion became her path to freedom, creativity, and success

Marie says it best: #imafosterwin — and she’s on a mission to show others they can be too.

Listen in. Be inspired. Share it with someone who needs to hear it.

April 25, 2025

S05E04: RETAIL LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: Leading From The Front

In this episode, we break down what it truly means to be an impactful leader—one who doesn’t just manage but mentors, inspires, and drives real change. Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about showing them how it’s done and elevating the team’s success along the way.

April 2, 2025

S05E03: Positive Leadership Makes You the Leader Others Want To Follow

In today’s podcast, Rachel Williamson talks about 4 key principles that make YOU the positive leader others want to follow.

March 5, 2025

S05E02: Leadership Lessons: Building Next Level Teams & Empowering Future Leaders

Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about showing up, taking responsibility, and supporting those around you.

February 20, 2025

S05E01: Maximize Retail Efficiency With Virtual Assistants

Daniel Tadros, Co-Founder and CEO of 360 Retail Management joins Rachel Williamson, Founder and CEO of Running Great Stores to discuss how retailers can leverage virtual assistants so they can work ON their business and not just IN their business.

February 4, 2025

S04E30: Winning at Holiday | District Manager’s Guide to Success

Brick and Mortar retail at holiday? Well there is nothing better. It’s exhilarating and at the same time, can be stressful. Today’s guest, Jim O’Toole, has mastered the art of winning at holiday as a multi-unit leader and he shares his secrets with us!

November 15, 2022

S04 E29: Formula for Success (from a Store Manager’s POV) with Brandon Simpauco

Brandon has spent much of his life coaching, developing and training competitive athletes and now leads store teams for one of the most iconic brands in specialty retail. In this episode he shares the tips that have created his successful track record.

February 21, 2022

S04E28: Winning at Retail in a Post-Pandemic World with Scott Kerby

Scott Kerby is currently the Head of Retail for Sephora Canada. Scott has spent his career building leadership teams focused on winning at the retail fundamentals knowing retail is a game of inches and not miles. He lives by the principle that if you run a fleet like you run a one store business, you will always win.
Enjoy the listen and don’t forget to share the Running Great Stores podcast with friends, family and colleagues who love retail as much as we do!

xoxo,
Rachel

December 14, 2021

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