This is the final episode of Rooted in Retail 2025, where Crystal Vilkaitis, the Wolf of Main Street, reflects on the year and shares exactly what retailers should bring into 2026—and what to leave behind. From elevating in-store experiences to mastering live selling, paid ads, and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your retail business thrive in the new year.

Crystal breaks down practical strategies to make 2026 your most successful year yet!

[2:18] - Events are exploding as people crave connection.

[5:28] - Consistency in customer experience starts with employee support & training

[9:04] - Organic reach isn’t enough; strategic ads grow visibility, foot traffic, and email lists.

[17:21] - A fast-growing retail channel; plan ahead with product themes, pre-ads, and post-event marketing.

[19:20] - Posting imperfect content builds trust, connection, and consistency.

[24:46] - AI is here to stay—tools for automation, customer insights, and efficiency.

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In this episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal Vilkaitis breaks down the Market Magic framework—seven must-have elements every independent retailer should check off to stay resilient, profitable, and top-of-mind in 2026.

If you’re closing out a busy holiday season or planning for the new year, this episode gives you actionable ideas you can start using today to boost visibility, strengthen your brand, and elevate your customer experience.

[00:00] — Market Magic overview

[02:10] — Adaptability & quick pivots

[05:45] — Using mystery boxes & FOMO marketing

[11:20] — Branding consistency & audits

[16:35] — Leveraging customer data + email segmentation

[21:50] — Community involvement & partnerships

[27:40] — Omnichannel selling in 2026

[33:15] — New channels: Podcasts, YouTube & local shows

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How do you build a store customers love coming back to — not just for products, but for the feeling it gives them? Retailer and industry expert Ari Lowenstein, owner of Ari’s Pantry in Dallas, returns to the show to share his signature framework: the seven non-traditional product categories that keep customers engaged, coming back often, and ultimately spending more.

In this special Pro coaching call, Ari breaks down how these categories can double as your built-in social media plan, how they shape the customer experience, and why every retailer should be thinking beyond “plush, apparel, and gifts.” He also opens up about a major business disruption his flagship store recently faced — and the hard, eye-opening lessons around insurance, communication, and protecting hourly employees.

This conversation is part of a special Pro-only coaching call, the type members usually access inside IndERA Pro. Want more deep-dive sessions like this? Use code HOLIDAY to save $503 on your yearly Pro membership. You’ll get instant access to every 2025 replay and can start saving the dates for all 2026 coaching calls!

[3:18] The major building disaster that shut down Ari’s store — and the insurance gaps all retailers need to know

[10:15] How to prepare for unexpected business interruptions & protect your team

[14:18] Ari’s intro: his retail background, his stores, and how Ari’s Pantry came to life

[19:27] Category #1: The Staples — your foundation of customer trust

[23:04] Category #2: The Daily Dose — the low-price, high-frequency items that keep customers coming back

[23:47] Category #3: The Good Neighbor — products that make customers feel good through ethics, origin, or impact

[26:14] Why storytelling and signage make or break these categories

[28:41] How these seven categories instantly give you your social media content plan

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