Lessons from Saks Global: When Wholesale Partnerships Become Retail Risk
Saks Global’s bankruptcy is a wake-up call for retail brands. Learn how to reduce wholesale risk, own customer relationships, & build brand resilience.
January 13, 2026
Saks Global’s bankruptcy is a wake-up call for retail brands. Learn how to reduce wholesale risk, own customer relationships, & build brand resilience.
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
Conversion is more than a metric—it’s the heartbeat of a thriving retail store. It reflects how well your team turns foot traffic into paying customers. High conversion isn’t accidental; it’s
Introduction In cities and towns across America, retail theft isn’t always the dramatic smash-and-grab seen on the news. Sometimes, it’s quieter—two local girls slipping merchandise into backpacks, a friend “borrowing”
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!
DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE EPISODES WITH A RETAIL FREIND!
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.
Now More Than Ever The conversation around tariffs, delays, and quality control has many retailers asking the same question:Is it time to shift my sourcing strategy closer to home? With
