Retail Is: Podcast

Hiring, Retaining, and Growing a Great Team: Real-World Staffing Lessons from Local Retail Leaders In our latest podcast, Hampton Roads retail leaders, Stephanie Gilbert of The Dirty Buffalo and Suzy Rosser of Gelati Celesti, share real-world insights on recruitment, company culture, employee engagement, and managing turnover - from hiring for culture to building flexibility into the workplace. Li...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Williams from EOS Worldwide. We learn all about the business, discuss Jason's entrepreneurial pursuits, and how small business owners can become more hands-free. Spoiler alert: it's not just hiring more staff. Tune in!

In this Retail Is Podcast episode, we sit down with Tim Dooley from The Retro Den. We discuss how his passion for engineering and American-made products helped him start his small business selling upcycled lamps. We talk about the importance of supporting local artists, how his business began as a father/daughter hobby, and more!

In this special episode of the Retail Is Podcast, we sit down with our Executive Assistant, Beth Parsons, on her last day at Retail Alliance. Beth started at Retail Alliance in 1993, and even worked here when she was 14 when her dad was CEO. Tune into this week's episode to learn some of Retail Alliance's rich history through the lens of Beth as she heads into retirement!

In this episode of Retail Is Podcast, we talk to Sean Cronin from Cloud 9 VoIP to learn more about their phone and internet services, what sets them apart from the big names, and their awesome app that makes truly makes a healthy work/life balance possible. Tune in!

In this episode of Retail Is Podcast, we got to sit down with Robert Willey and Chris Smith from Virginia Beer Company. What started out as a shared love of craft beer in college is now an extremely successful brewery in Williamsburg! Tune in to hear all about how their business began, how they brew their beer, and what goes into the decision-making of their various flavors!

In this episode of Retail Is Podcast, we're joined by John Bundy from Morning Fuel! John tells us about his own podcast, Morning Fuel, along with the social media training he provides. We discuss the importance of supporting local businesses, the success that comes from failing, and more! Tune in!

In this episode of Retail Is Podcast, we chat with Jov'An Benjamin from Good Mood Treats. Jov'An is a young entrepreneur who has built a thriving home-based business making delicious cookies and treats that promote mental health and mindfulness. We talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship, how Retail Alliance has helped with her business, and how she made her passion into a career.   https://...

In this episode of Retail Is Podcast, we sit down with the owners of Crunchy Hydration. They discuss how their passion for wellness lended itself to the creation of their enhanced water brand and how chakras have inspired the various flavors. We also talked about their "month of yes" which landed them multiple opportunities to grow their brand nationally. Tune in to hear more of their story! https...

In this episode of Retail is Podcast, we talk to Tim Ritter from Family Fun Xperience Theatre. He shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he was able to create a successful family entertainment business in the midst of a pandemic.   Sponsored by Eggleston Services.

Cynthia Tyler joins the podcast to talk about being a travel agent and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her business and what things are like now that people are willing to travel again.  Sponsored by Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust. 

Adam Dobbins, Grow Depot, stops by the Retail Is Podcast to talk about how he got started in the hydroponics business. We talk about the intricacies of his business, how state and federal laws around the sale of marijuana can impact him, and what he tells customers to educate them about what Grow Depot is. Sponsored by Chesapeake Bank.

Are you looking for a career that's challenging, rewarding, and ever-changing? If so, owning a franchise might be the right choice. Dylan Richmond from CleanEatz Virginia Beach and Chesapeake joins us on the podcast to talk about what it takes as an entrepreneur in this industry - including some of its biggest opportunities and challenges! Sponsored by Chesapeake Bank.

We sit down with Sheila Laderberb Tarasiuk and Abby Davids from Pedal Retail Advisors to talk about something critical to all small business owners - leasing. These two experts guide us through the process and offer some bits of advice that retailers will want to know when picking out their location. Sponsored by Coliseum Central Business Improvement District.

In this episode of the Retail Is Podcast, we are joined by the newest member of the Retail Alliance team, Jenny Crittenden! Jenny talks about why she accepted the role of Senior Vice President, how she plans to learn all there is about Retail Alliance and a bit of her philosophy when it comes to joining and eventually leading a new team. Sponsored by Germono Advertising Company.

Lindsey Germono, the owner of Germono Advertising Company, stops by the show to discuss the difference between short-term and long-term marketing plans, the importance of trends, and how to utilize social media to best connect with your audience.   Sponsored by Langley Federal Credit Union

We sit down with Brian Cade, owner of Strength From Within, to talk about the three pillars of his fitness and health business; fitness and weight loss, posture alignment therapy, and mind shift and personal growth. Sponsored by SKY4-TV.

Ashley McAchran, owner of All the Rage Stores, stops by the show to talk about how she grows and builds her business. Sponsored by Old Point National Bank.

We're joined by the Soul Sisters of Tea, Kristina Walden-Hillard and Erin Walden to talk about Soul Stir, their tea and wellness company. Sponsored by Lynnhaven Mall.

We have three health care clinics on the show to talk about how they provide care for those who lack health insurance or are covered by Medicaid. If you need help with your health care costs, you do not want to miss this podcast! Sponsored by the Norfolk Admirals.

We're joined by Sarah Kiah Morton and Ron Morton, co-owners of LOCKGREEN, to talk about their business's mission to protect, educate, and support the values of responsible marijuana consumers in Virginia. Sponsored by Work/Place @ E-Commerce Center of Hampton

Marco Myers of the Norfolk Admirals stops by the show to talk about the team's past, present, and future. We discuss the upcoming season, their new affiliation with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, and how businesses can get involved with the Admirals. Sponsored by HRBOR - Hampton Roads LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

Loretta Dunn joins the show to talk about her unique nonprofit Working Class Karma. Learn how she connects local artists and creatives with nonprofits and hosts events to raise money for our community. Sponsored by Chesapeake Square Mall.

Sarah Gallagher stops by the show to talk about her women's clothing brand, Gallagher. Listen in to learn more about the fashion industry, what it's like to be a first-time entrepreneur, and some fascinating details about opening a store during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by Downtown Hampton Development Partnership.

We're joined by Patti Howell, owner of Hickory Trading Company, to talk about how she uses her unique local coffee house and gift shop to help support her non-profit dedicated to serving those with special needs. Sponsored by Russell's Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.