Great store leaders are not necessarily the loudest people in the building. They are not the ones doing everything themselves. And they are not waiting for corporate to fix every
A business owner recently described an employee who regularly comes to work in a foul mood. The employee stomps around the store, speaks sharply to others, and makes it very
The execution gap in retail is one of the biggest reasons store strategy breaks down before it ever reaches the sales floor. I started in retail as a way to
Introduction As 2025 comes to a close, the retail industry stands at a crossroads. Retail trends in 2026 will be defined by the lessons learned last year and by retailers’
As 2025 comes to a close, the retail industry stands at a crossroads. The biggest retail trends of 2025 revealed which brands stayed grounded in fundamentals and which drifted. This
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.
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How to Shine During Executive Visits If you’ve ever felt nervous before a visit from your district manager, regional manager, or someone from the executive team—take a breath. You’re not
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!
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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.
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.
