Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street

In this inspiring episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores one of the most transformative forces in retail: community. Through real-life stories from Saratoga Springs, NY, to Lincoln, IL, Patrick highlights how independent retailers across the country are coming together to collaborate, support one another, and create thriving downtowns.You'll learn why “community over competition” isn't just a motto, it's a strategy. Whether it's co-hosting events, sharing staff, or simply offering a listening ear, small retailers are proving that unity builds strength, resilience, and growth.This episode also spotlights One Night, One Heart, an upcoming nationwide fundraising event during the Dallas Total Home and Gift Market, which supports retailers recovering from natural disasters. Discover how you can get involved and be part of a movement that's redefining what success looks like on Main Street.✅ In this episode: Real-world examples of collaborative retail success Why shared community is the future of independent retail The impact of peer support during crises Details about One Night One Heart and how you can participate Practical ways to connect with and support fellow store owners If you're a store owner, sales rep, or retail enthusiast looking to build a stronger, more connected industry, this episode is for you.

What if the secret to long-term retail success isn't just found in your numbers, but in your values?In this inspiring and actionable episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how independent retailers across the country are building their businesses around generosity, connection, and purpose. You'll hear stories of shop owners who've turned their stores into hubs of hope, from disaster recovery in North Carolina and Florida to community leadership in small-town Oklahoma.We also shine a spotlight on One Night One Heart, a special event coming up this June during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. This industry-wide fundraiser supports retailers impacted by natural disasters and celebrates the spirit of giving back. Whether you're attending the market or cheering from afar, you'll learn how to be part of something meaningful.✅ In this episode: Why purpose-driven businesses earn deeper customer loyalty Real-world stories of retailers who give back — and grow because of it How giving, even in small ways, builds brand equity and resilience Details on how to participate in One Night One Heart in Dallas Simple ways to infuse your store with more heart and meaning Whether you're a new retailer, a seasoned store owner, or just looking to reignite your passion for Main Street, this episode is your reminder that retail is about relationships, and relationships are built through purpose.

If you've ever felt like your store's website isn't getting the traffic it deserves, you're not alone — and SEO might be the missing piece. In this practical, no-fluff episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser and guest Samantha Conner break down five of the most common SEO mistakes that independent retailers make and how to fix them without hiring an agency or becoming a tech expert.From page titles and product descriptions to slow-loading images and Google Business Listings, Samantha walks through the missteps that quietly cost stores visibility and sales — and offers quick, manageable tips to improve your rankings and bring more local customers through your (real or digital) doors.

In a world dominated by big-box convenience and digital ads, what truly sets independent retailers apart? Relationships. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how genuine customer connections are built — not with marketing gimmicks, but with consistent, thoughtful, everyday moments.Drawing inspiration from Paco Underhill's Why We Buy, Patrick unpacks how emotion, memory, and authenticity create lasting customer loyalty — and how small, human-centered actions can grow your business more than any algorithm.

What if five minutes could make your store more profitable, more welcoming, or more efficient? In this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser shares five small but mighty changes you can make today to improve your retail business, no budget, no major overhaul, just quick wins with big potential.Drawing on insights from the retail classic Why We Buy by Paco Underhill, Patrick walks you through real, actionable ideas like moving a product to eye level, refreshing your front signage, or auditing a single online listing. These small adjustments add up to better customer experiences and stronger sales.

In this conversation, Patrick Keiser speaks with Daniel Tadros, founder of 360 Retail Management, about strategies for independent retailers to improve sales and efficiency. They discuss the importance of optimizing POS systems, enhancing product listings for better SEO, and leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and improve customer service. Daniel emphasizes the need for retailers to adopt technology to stay competitive and prepare for the future of retail, which will focus on specialization and personalization.takeaways Retailers face challenges like inflation and order management. Optimizing POS systems can significantly improve efficiency. Integrating social media with sales platforms is crucial. Product listings must be detailed to build customer confidence. AI tools can automate customer service and improve sales. Cross-selling and upselling can be enhanced with AI. Pricing strategies can be automated for better competitiveness. Retailers need to focus on specialization to stand out. Technology adoption is becoming essential for survival in retail. Human oversight is still necessary alongside AI implementations. Sound Bites "Quick wins to improve sales and save time." "Retailers need to optimize their POS systems." "AI can save retailers hours of manual work." keywords: retail management, sales improvement, AI in retail, POS systems, product listings, SEO, customer service, independent retailers, automation, quick wins

Is Main Street retail really fading away? Are small businesses doomed to lose on price? In this bold and empowering episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser busts four of the most common myths surrounding independent retail — and replaces them with the truth: Main Street is alive, evolving, and more important than ever.Using real stories, community insights, and on-the-ground experience, Patrick breaks down the misconceptions that hold retailers back and reminds us why small businesses are the heart of our towns and cities.

Length: 58:38 Hosted by: Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street Guest: Janzen Tew, Photographer & Founder of Denim + Velvet

When disaster strikes, it doesn't just damage buildings — it upends lives, disrupts communities, and tests the resilience of independent retailers. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser travels to Western North Carolina to share the powerful stories of two retailers — J. Gabriel in Asheville and Willow Creek in Chimney Rock — who lost everything to natural disasters but found strength in their communities and support from the Heart on Main Street network.You'll hear firsthand accounts of loss, rebuilding, and hope from the store owners themselves, as well as the inspiring generosity of Beth Lewis (Olde Thyme Marketplace) and Brad Rosenkampff (The Link Companies), whose efforts helped make these donations possible.

What's driving the future of independent retail in 2025? In this fast-paced episode, Patrick Keiser breaks down 7 emerging trends transforming Main Street shopping districts across the country. From hyperlocal merchandise and immersive in-store experiences to TikTok-ready storefronts and community-driven collaborations, this episode is packed with insights for retailers, showrooms, and anyone who believes in the power of small businesses.Whether you're a retail store owner, sales rep, or just love supporting your local downtown, this episode will inspire you to rethink how Main Street can thrive in a digital age.Highlights: ✔️ Hyperlocal pride and why customers crave connection ✔️ Why retail is becoming the new third place ✔️ How to turn your store into a social media magnet ✔️ The rise of men's retail and what's behind the shift ✔️ Retail collaborations that are changing the game ✔️ Storytelling strategies that build loyalty ✔️ Navigating 2025 with cautious optimismKeywords: Main Street retail, independent retailers, retail trends 2025, small business, retail marketing, store design, shop local, experiential retail, downtown shopping, retail podcast, Heart on Main Street, Patrick Keiser, visual merchandising, small business podcast

On this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, Patrick interviews Crystal Vilkaitis, the Founder of Rooted in Retail and the host of the Rooted in Retail podcast. They talk about the need for small businesses and independent retailers to change and evolve as business changes around them. Crystal provides tips and insights on how businesses can change and what she hears about changes that businesses will need to make in the future. 

Looking to give your store a new look in 2025? Lyn Falk and Suzanne Rafenstein join Main Street Matters to discuss visual merchandising techniques you can incorporate into your store! Whether you're looking to make little tweaks or a whole new redesign, the team from Retailworks Inc. can set you on the path to realizing your visual merchandising dreams this year!Don't miss out on expert insights and real-world case studies that can help your local shopping district thrive! Subscribe now and follow us on social media @HeartonMainStreet.#MainStreet #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #RetailSuccess #CommunityRevitalization #DowntownDevelopment #HeartonMainStreet

Join host Patrick Keiser on Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, where we uncover the secrets behind America's most vibrant downtown shopping districts. After visiting 50 communities across the country, we've identified what makes a successful Main Street—from small-town gems to bustling city districts.In this episode, we highlight real examples of communities that have revitalized their downtowns through business collaboration, community engagement, and strategic investments. Learn how cities like Saratoga Springs, New York, Hannibal, Missouri, and many others have transformed their retail districts by supporting local businesses, fostering merchant associations, and creating unique shopping experiences.Whether you're a small business owner, a downtown development professional, or just passionate about supporting local shops, this episode is packed with actionable insights on: ✅ The power of downtown business associations ✅ Cross-store collaborations that boost sales ✅ Community-driven revitalization strategies ✅ How to make your Main Street a must-visit destinationDon't miss out on expert insights and real-world case studies that can help your local shopping district thrive! Subscribe now and follow us on social media @HeartonMainStreet.#MainStreet #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #RetailSuccess #CommunityRevitalization #DowntownDevelopment #HeartonMainStreet

In this special episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser reflects on two years of Main Street Mondays, a journey that has taken him to 50 towns across the country and showcased the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of independent retailers.From historic streets to modern downtowns, Patrick shares the insights he's gained from visiting these communities, the challenges local businesses face, and the key ingredients that make a thriving Main Street. Discover how collaboration, accessibility, events, and community pride play crucial roles in the success of local retail.

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street! In this episode, host Patrick Keiser shares exciting updates from the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, highlighting our Giving Tuesday fundraising success, our ongoing disaster relief efforts for retailers impacted by wildfires in California, and the $40,000 raised in Atlanta in partnership with The Link Companies.Looking ahead, we're diving into key retail strategies for independent store owners, with a focus on visual merchandising techniques, product photography best practices, and digital marketing strategies to increase website traffic in 2025.Plus, we welcome Lenise Willis, Editor-in-Chief of Gifts and Decorative Accessories, to discuss emerging retail trends, evolving consumer shopping behaviors, and must-know insights for independent retailers looking to stay ahead in a competitive market.If you're a small business owner, boutique retailer, or industry professional looking for expert tips on store growth, e-commerce success, and community-driven retail, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, we want to thank all who have supported our organization this year. Listeners like you make it possible for our organization to help retailers in need. This week, we traveled to Chimney Rock, NC, to donate to Bubba O'Leary's General Store. The funds for this donation came from individuals, other retail owners, and small business enthusiasts from across the US (and even one international donation). We are thankful of your support and that you trust Heart on Main Street to help affected retailers. On December 3rd, Giving Tuesday, we will be making three more donations to retailers affected by the recent hurricanes. This is also money that has been donated by individuals from around the country. We will also raise money for three more retailers affected by natural disasters this year. Donations on Giving Tuesday will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a certain amount by the following companies: Bridgewater Candle Company, Fresh Scents by Willowbrook, Ganz, Greenleaf Gifts, Just Got 2 Have It, Notes Candles, Primitives by Kathy, Raz Imports, tag, and Votivo.  To donate to our Giving Tuesday fundraising: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/giving-tuesday

Ashley Alderson, founder of the Boutique Hub, joins the Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street podcast to talk about the Boutique Hub and its resources, how retailers can use "Community over Competition" to grow their business, and the information that she is hearing from her network of retailers around the nation.

Do you want to sell more during the holiday season? Do you want to clear out your inventory and put more cash in your pocket? Kathy Cruz, the Savvy Shopkeeper, joins Main Street Matters to talk about how to leverage Facebook Live to create more sales, maximize your cash flow, sell more products, and ultimately be happier at the end of the year. In this episode, Kathy discusses why you should use Facebook Live for sales, how to set yourself up for success, tools, and tactics to optimize your Facebook selling experience, and store event ideas for the fourth quarter. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/https://savvyshopkeeper.com/

Patrick talks about Hurricane Milton's effects on the communities and businesses of Florida. Heart on Main Street is raising money to donate to retailers affected by the recent hurricanes in the southeastern part of the United States. If you would like to donate, go to https://givebutter.com/hurricane-helene-relief.This episode also features an interview with Samantha Conner of the Boutique Hub, in which Samantha discusses the upcoming event, Pink Friday! You can sign up to participate in Pink Friday by clicking here: https://go.theboutiquehub.com/pinkfriday.

Many areas of the southeast US are hurting in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Hundreds of thousands of people are without power and cutoff from resources. Additionally, countless retailers have lost their businesses and don't know what to do next. In this episode, Patrick sat down with retail owner Anita Cereceda, who lost her stores to Hurricane Ian in 2022, to talk about what she did in the wake of its destruction and what advice she has for retailers today. Donate to Disaster Relief Efforts: https://givebutter.com/hurricane-helene-reliefSavvy Shopkeeper's Retail Email Bootcamp: https://savvyshopkeeper.thrivecart.com/2024-retail-email-bootcamp/?utm_source=Heart%2Bon%2BMain%2BStreet&utm_campaign=38bea6637f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_10_01_10_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-38bea6637f-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Patrick discusses his trip to Oklahoma in July, during which he visited the towns of Sulphur and Ada. He talks about the beauty of the state and the impact that the Chickasaw Nation has on the area. While both towns were visited on Mondays, they were for very different reasons.In April, a tornado devastated the historic downtown of Sulphur, leaving a scar across the community. Patrick met with Christy Morris, the owner of the Mix Mercantile, about the loss of her store. While there, he made a donation to the Mix Mercantile to help them rebuild the store and remain a part of the community. Christy is solely focused on rebuilding in Sulphur to help bring hope back to the area. Patrick also discusses three different retailers in Ada, OK, whom he met with for Main Street Monday. The town of Ada has experienced remarkable growth and revitalization in the last several years, making it a great shopping destination. He talks about the stores M Street Decor, EVER Boutique, and Serendipity on Main and some of the things they are doing to create their own success. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/To help other retailers in need visit:  https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/donate

As the summer comes to a close this weekend, Patrick reflects on the Summer Sourcing Series webinars that Heart on Main Street conducted this summer. Through the webinar series, they explored how retailers can find products for their stores by attending trade shows, working with a local sales rep, and using an online marketplace like Faire.com. All have pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages based on your unique situation. Register for upcoming webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars 

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series concludes with a discussion with Faire.com. Learn more about Faire Wholesale - a marketplace focused on helping independent retailers simplify the way they find, finance, and manage unique inventory from around the world.   Hear about their mission, learn more about their marketplace and financial benefits, and discover some great brands, too

In this episode, we go out on the road to explore a fun and vibrant arts community within Dallas, the Bishop Arts District. I saw artwork that made this area unique and worth exploring. I met with great retailers whose stores fit so well with the community and culture of the neighborhood. And I ate some pretty good food. While in Dallas, I also had the opportunity to interview Deavon Moore, the owner of DLM Supply, and David Spence, the owner of Good Space, a company transforming Bishop Arts District and making it the wonderful community it is today.https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/https://www.dlmsupplyco.com/https://goodspace.com/

Our Shop Talk series continues with a little twist. Patrick travels to Ely, MN, to meet in person with Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile! We discuss how she fared through the latter half of Ely's busy season with their Blueberry Arts Festival and the All-Class Reunion to celebrate the local high school's 100th anniversary. These events brought tens of thousands of people (and potential shoppers) to the town of Ely.

Explore the town and independent retailers of Downers Grove, which underwent a significant renovation in 2001 to attract more people and businesses and build a better downtown community. In this episode, we discuss what Downers Grove accomplished in its renovation project and how this has helped improve downtown businesses. We also talk about four retailers: Happy Dog Barkery, My Special Toy Store, Adorn 512, and Evelyn Jane. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/

Vendor sales reps provide much more to the retail business than catalogs. They can inform you about what they're seeing in the field, exclusive deals, and knowledge and insights to help your business grow. I spoke with Adam Schrier of Creative Co-Op, Angela Schmook of Road Runners, Brian Schroeder of Creative Brands, and Majda Rensberger of OneCoast about how they view the role of sales reps in today's wholesale marketplace, how relationships with sales helps can impact your store, and the role of the sales rep of the future. Heart on Main Street: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/

Come explore the gem of Door County Wisconsin: Sturgeon Bay. We highlight the brilliant retail stores around downtown, and what they're doing to help stand out amongst the crowd. Filled with longevity and love, these stores serve their community in unique ways to bring together the town of Sturgeon Bay. We look at a kitchen store, apparel shop, quilting store, bookstore, and children's stores along the way. And, of course, we talk about the fish on the street. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/

In this episode, we talk about what Heart on Main Street has planned for Independent Retailer Month, including a donation that we made to The Mix Mercantile in Sulphur, OK. We also catch up with our friend, Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN. Since we last spoke, Ely has entered into its busy season, and The Ely Mercantile has seen a significant growth in traffic. We talked with Kara about her learnings, the surprises, and what she plans to do differently next summer based on what she has experienced so far.

We recently visited Estes Park, CO, as part of our Main Street Monday series. This is a beautiful part of the country that has a fantastic independent retail scene, in part because the history of the town has prioritized a focus on its community. The area has seen devastating natural disaster that has only made Estes Park more resilient and more apt to supporting each other's growth. Come explore Estes Park and learn what makes it so special.https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/

Come explore the first US town named after Abraham Lincoln! I was invited to this town by one of its wonderful store owners and not only learned much about the town of Lincoln but also saw first-hand how a group of business owners worked together to make their downtown a better place. Donate to help retailers affected by natural disasters: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/donateShop Heart on Main Street products: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series kicks off with a panel discussion about the importance of attending trade shows this summer! Hear from retailers and representatives of Dallas Market Center and AndMore (formerly International Market Centers) about why summer trade shows are so crucial for your business and how to make a plan to get the most out of your time at the market. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars

It was eclipse day when I visited Noblesville, IN, and the atmosphere was incredible! Downtown Noblesville has vibrant retailers and unique shopping environments to meet the needs of all shoppers. And the community of retailers has banded together to ensure that everyone's experience in Noblesville is a positive one. https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/main-street-monday

Since it burst onto the scene over the last couple of years, AI has been positioned as a force that can completely change our lives. Yet, most people are still figuring out what AI is and how to incorporate it into their work. For retailers, the potential uses for AI are limitless, but they need to know where to start to take advantage of the possibilities. Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media joins the Main Street Matters webinar to discuss how AI can help make retailers' lives easier! https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/https://www.crystalmediaco.com/

Join us as we explore the resurgent downtown area of Waukon, IA. Located in the Driftless, Waukon is an extraordinary setting that has seen local residents invest in over the last decade. I met with new retailers to see how they're reshaping the town of Waukon, and I interviewed Valeria Reinke the Director of Economic Development in the county to find out what makes Waukon a thriving Main Street community.  Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars

We resume our conversation with Kara Polyner of Ely Mercantile as Ely, MN, begins its busy season. In this episode, we discuss how Kara has structured her finances to keep everything aligned and the beginning of her social media journey! If you'd like to contact Kara to offer advice or well-wishes, her email address is kara@elymercantile.comYou can also check out her store online at:https://elymercantile.com/https://www.facebook.com/ElyMercantileCohttps://www.instagram.com/elymercantile/

In this episode, we discuss some of the great information shared at the EVOVLE 2024 conference in Denver, CO, and then head out on the road to visit the town of Franklin, TN. Downtown Franklin is nicknamed "America's Favorite Main Street District," so we explore the area, highlight some of its wonderful retail stores, and see what makes it so great. Heart on Main Street is also raising money for retailers who have been impacted by the recent tornadoes throughout the central part of the US. if you'd like to donate to help these retailers please visit https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/donateHeart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop

Imagine that you've just lost your store to a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado or fire, and then you find out later that the insurance that you thought you had either doesn't cover that type of damage or doesn't provide adequate coverage to help you rebuild your store. This is the case for hundreds of retailers every single year. They all thought it wouldn't happen to them either. Join us to learn about what insurance retailers need to have and how to go about making sure you are covered when disaster strikes. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopHometown Insurance: https://www.hometowninsuranceco.com/

In today's episode, we explore the historic downtown of Monticello, IL. Despite being a rural community, Monticello has become quite the tourist destination due to its Railway Museum, 14-acre park, and historic downtown. I found myself enamored with the downtown and its retailers, who capitalize on the town's charm to help their businesses grow. I also interviewed the Executive Director of Monticello's Main Street Organization, Shelly Crawford Stock, to learn more about what Monticello is doing to help its Main Street thrive.  Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop

In this episode of Shop Talk, we talk with new retail owner Kara Polyner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN, about what she is doing to establish her brand and what she is doing within her store and with the products that she carries to help create repeat customers for her store. YouTube Link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/B0vCgxx2rRYEly Mercantile: https://elymercantile.com/Heart on Main Street: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/

Transitioning a customer into a repeat customer is an easy way to secure increased revenue. However, it's also easier said than done. Nick McHenry of OneShop joins the Main Street Matters webinar to talk about how to drive revenue by increasing the frequency at which your customers purchase and tips and tricks on how to do this. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopOneShop Retail: https://oneshopretail.com/EVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44

Come explore of the US's premier downtown destinations, Stillwater, MN. Stillwater has everything going for it: gorgeous scenery, tremendous history, passionate communities, and local pride. It's no wonder that this Main Street and its independent retailers are thriving.  Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44

Come take a trip down Route 66 to Pontiac, IL. In this episode, Patrick talks about his recent visit to Pontiac and how its history is on display throughout the downtown. Since Route 66 is so integral to the story of Pontiac, we take a little detour to talk about what Route 66 was, what it meant for towns that existed along it, why it's still a cultural icon, and how it plays into the history of Pontiac. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44

Meet Kara Polyner! Kara is opening a new store in Ely, MN, called the Ely Mercantile. She has invited us into her store to get a first-hand account of what it's like to open a retail store. We will follow along month-by-month as Kara develops her concept and grows the Ely Mercantile into a staple of downtown Ely's life. This episode focuses on her background, the town of Ely, and the concept of her store. YouTube Link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/V8ayCyDFbJ4Ely Mercantile: https://elymercantile.com/Heart on Main Street: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Friends of Main Street Network: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/partnerships

More Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavensJoin Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens as she debunks the myth that more people through your door automatically translates to increased sales. You'll learn why focusing on more profit rather than more traffic is the solution you've been looking for. Register now to: Escape the chaos of chasing after customers Embrace a calmer, more effective retail mindset Get the tools to run your store efficiently and profitably. Without sacrificing peace of mind Join us for an illuminating session that will lift you above the rat race and into the next level of your retail business: Creating lasting success, building wealth, and cultivating personal well-being.RETAILMavens: https://retailmavens.com/Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44

We're going on a road trip! Come explore the retailers in the historic downtowns of Niles, MI, and Seymour, IN. Both of these towns are rich in history and culture and have fabulous retailers that are making a difference in their communities.  Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinarsBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44

Travel with me to the shores of the Saginaw River and Lake Huron to see how the former lumber industry boomtown is thriving in the modern era. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/educationBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44Win Tickets to EVOLVE: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/win/ 

In this episode, I take a few minutes to introduce Heart on Main Street and this podcast to our new listeners. Thank you all for joining the Main Street Movement! We also explore our next Main Street Monday community, Geneva, IL! Geneva has a tremendous downtown area with a fun and unique concept that was a delight to visit. Come explore the area with me!Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/educationBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shopEVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44Win Tickets to EVOLVE: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/win/ 

Continuing our Main Street Monday series, we are visiting Alpharetta, GA! This downtown community has undergone complete revitalization over the past 15 years and has set itself up for success. With a major focus on celebrating local retailers and local artisans, retail is thriving, businesses are growing, and residents love to visit the area. Come explore some of the stores of Alpharetta! #TaylorSwiftHeart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/educationBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop EVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44Win Tickets to EVOLVE: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/win/ 

New fashions. New colors. New products. New trends. The beginning of a new year means everything is new again! Erica Kirkland, owner of GiftBeat, joins Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street to talk about new trends in products, categories, and vendors for the new year!EVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44GiftBeat: https://www.giftbeat.com/ Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/educationBuy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop 

For our next Main Street Monday tour, we visit the downtown area of Carrollton, TX. This is a beautiful downtown area with a terrific town square, gorgeous artwork, and some really tremendous retailers. Carrollton has experienced a lot of growth over the last few decades and its downtown is working to keep up with that change. Despite this, I loved the area as well as the retail stores and the retail owners that I was able to meet. EVOLVE Tickets: https://crystalmedia.ontraport.com/t?orid=28857&opid=44Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/education Buy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop