Our SKU'D View

Chris steps in for a brief message to our listeners: Our SKU’D View is taking a brief break for summer. A huge THANK YOU to all our guests this season! If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in the upcoming season, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’ll be back!   Credits Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In this episode of the podcast, Emily talks with Nate Smathers and Website Advisor Manager, Victoria Vizard, on the technologies that helped retailers to keep selling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear which technologies were extremely successful and the strategies for continuing the use of these tools and technologies out of the recovery and into the future. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guests: Victoria Vizard and Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily invites Keith Johns back on the podcast to talk about the two types of consumers that will emerge in the recovery – those who are willing to come to the store (Willing Consumer) and the ones who still want to shop online only (Cautious Consumer). Keith goes in-depth on the topic and gives advice on how to connect with these consumers online and in the store, and what should be considered in your messaging to both groups. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Keith Johns Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

MicroD website and ecommerce experts join the podcast episode this week to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the retail world and, more importantly, how digital commerce is helping them in recovery. Join Jay Diamond and Ken Widger as they dive into the digital commerce strategy for retailers who need a plan to start reopening their showroom doors. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guests: Jay Diamond and Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Retailers are looking for advice on building a strong ecommerce website and powerful digital commerce strategy as the states open the economy. Marketing experts, Emily Stalvey and Nate Smathers, talk about what marketing campaigns worked for retailers during the pandemic. And outline some best practice for marketing in the recovery. No matter what impact COVID-19 has on your retail store, you can find advice for your business in our new series "Recovery Strategy" featured all month. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Ecommerce has always been a topic that furniture retailers have avoided in the past. But now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, furniture retailers are starting to embrace ecommerce in a big way. Emily talks with Keith Johns, MicroD's COO, about this shift in attitude. What role does ecommerce play both during and after the crisis? With more consumers shopping for furniture online, is ecommerce for furniture retail a continuing trend? What massive opportunity does ecommerce present to retailers? Listen and find out what can be done to get ahead, and come out strong as this crisis ends. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Keith Johns Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Home furnishings retailers across the country have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – from adjusting their hours to being forced to temporarily close for stay-at-home protocols. So much focus has been on the retailers – but what impacts have the manufacturers faced during this time? Emily asks guest Erika Latham how manufacturers in the home furnishings industry have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. What steps are they currently taking? What are some other ways they can support their retail channels? Note: Apologies for the sound quality on this episode. We recorded this remotely but the topic is so important we had share it. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Erika Latham Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

If you want to make the most of the in-store shopper, find out what online tools can get them across the finish line. Incorporating your online techniques to the retail store creates a seamless online to offline (O2O) business model – and one that only the most successful retailers use in 2020. Take your online store and offline store to the next level with these tools and tips from MicroD experts. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Caleb Fountaine Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

If you want to understand the website trends in furniture retail for 2020, listen to this episode. For a company focused on the furniture industry, MicroD talks with retailers about the positive trends in retail and how local furniture competition is stacking up. Amid uncertainty and after overcoming tariffs, furniture retailers show positive signs that innovation is on the rise. Furniture retailers focused on growing their local business and online presence will find great insight from retail experts in this episode. 2020 is a year of optimism and focus. Emily Stalvey talks with Dalton Stone on what he’s hearing from furniture retailers and their plans for 2020. Something you’d like to hear in a future episode? Let us know! marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Emily Stalvey Guest: Dalton Stone Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Chris Lamb asks Rich Barker on the show to explain his 2020 Facebook Ads strategy to listeners. It's a simple strategy that can make a big impact for your brand. Attention MicroD customers: DRIVE Conference is almost here! REGISTER NOW If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Rich Barker Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Chris and Emily are back together on the podcast as they discuss the online shopping habits of the different generations. What's so surprising about the Boomers? Why is Chris so in love with Generation X? Why are Millennials so misunderstood? Learn the differing characteristics of each generation and how to attract them to your brand! Download a copy of the ebook "Online Shopping Trends: A Guide to Generational Shoppers".  DOWNLOAD NOW Attention MicroD customers: 2020 is here and so is the DRIVE Conference! Be sure and register for MicroD's ultimate User Conference.  REGISTER NOW If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Hosts: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Ken Widger joins Chris Lamb to continue the discussion on creating the right marketing budget for your business. In this in-depth episode, Ken details the steps to take to determine just how you should spend your digital marketing budget. This episode is based on Clearing the Confusion: Creating the Right Marketing Budget seminar by Ken Widger. To receive a PDF of the seminar, please send an email that includes your Name, Email, and Company Name to marketing@microdinc.com. Attention MicroD customers: TIME IS RUNNING OUT. The Early Bird pricing for registration is ending soon. Register now and SAVE $100. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

He's back! Ken Widger joins Chris Lamb to discuss Ken's popular seminar on creating a proper marketing budget. This episode acts as a perfect guide on how others in the retail furniture industry (and the retail industry in general) are defining their marketing budgets. Clear your confusion and learn how to determine the right amount to spend on your marketing. This episode is based on Clearing the Confusion: Creating the Right Marketing Budget seminar by Ken Widger Attention MicroD customers: TIME IS RUNNING OUT. The Early Bird pricing for registration is ending soon. Register now and SAVE $100. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host: Chris Lamb Guest: Ken Widger Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In this episode, Emily and Chris get — **record scratch** Chris takes on hosting duties this episode as he discusses Local SEO for furniture retail with Khalil Cliette. What is Local SEO? What sort of work is involved in getting in Google's good graces to rank in their map section on a search result page? What the heck is a “snack pack” and why is it important? Listen to this episode, learn about Local SEO for retail and come away with one big thing you can do to get started. Attention MicroD customers: Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host:  Chris Lamb Guest: Khalil Cliette Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily and Chris are back together on the podcast as MicroD goes to Market! Listen in as MicroD team members share their first impressions of High Point Market and discuss the energy and enthusiasm that was clearly evident in attendees and visitors to the booth. Half of this episode was recorded live at the MicroD booth during High Point Market! Attention MicroD customers: Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Hosts:  Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Guests: Dalton Stone and Devon Henderson Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily invites Richard Sexton back on the show to do a deep-dive on Amazon and the effect it's having on manufacturers in the home furnishings industry. With Amazon's dominance in other arenas, what do manufacturers have to worry about now that the massive online retailer is moving into home furnishings? How successful is Amazon? How are some brands adjusting? What is an "Amazon-like experience"? Listen and learn! Attention MicroD customers! Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host:  Emily Stalvey Guest: Richard Sexton Producers: Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Listen in as Emily and Nate Smathers discuss MicroD’s first-ever user conference: the DRIVE Conference! Emily and Nate share details and reveal information: who should attend, registration cost, seminar and workshop topics, amazing speakers and more! Attention MicroD customers! Register for the DRIVE Conference early and SAVE $100. Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates at DRIVE Conference 2020. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening!   Credits Host:  Emily Stalvey Guest: Nathaniel Smathers Producers: Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

In our first official episode of Season 2, Emily talks with Erika Latham and Richard Sexton on how MicroD has seen tariffs impacting the home furnishings industry. Listen as the group discusses the idea that manufacturers and retailers don’t have to be conservative about tariffs — there are ways to maximize what they have and take advantage of the situation. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Be sure to sign-up for ongoing updates on MicroD’s first-ever user conference: DRIVE Conference 2020. Thanks for listening!   Credits Host:  Emily Stalvey Guests: Erika Latham and Richard Sexton Producers: Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb Post-Production Coordinator and Editor: Chris Lamb Theme: Richie Gaiser

Emily and Chris can barely hold in their excitement for the return of Our SKU’D View! Season 2 of the podcast promises to be bigger, with more guests, on-site episodes, special interviews and more! If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in upcoming episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’re back!

Is blogging actually good for your brand’s content marketing strategy? What are the benefits of writing blog posts for your brand? In this episode of Our SKU’D View, Emily and Chris cover this topic from the point of view of a manufacturer, and almost every part of the strategy is touched on, including: What is B2B content marketing? What are the benefits to blogging for a brand? How to build a B2B content marketing strategy Measuring content marketing success …and more There are also a couple of big announcements at the top of the episode, so be sure to listen. If you have any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in future episodes, please let us know: marketing@microdinc.com Thanks for listening! We’ll be back! In the meantime, go ahead and sign-up for ongoing updates: DRIVE Conference 2020.

If you've been in the home furnishings industry long enough, you’ll know the biggest revenue shifts happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Well, Nate Smathers joins Emily and Chris to instruct that to make the biggest impact, planning and strategy needs to start long before. Nate walks through the MicroD process, from planning to execution, that takes place to create great campaigns for the summer sales cycle and the pivotal holiday sales season beyond. This episode is an incredible lesson in digital marketing strategy and a look at the role MicroD plays between furniture manufacturers and retailers to make high-performing campaigns. Make sure to let us know if you’d like to hear more of these types of episodes, and please be sure to share this podcast with other people you know who would enjoy it. Thanks for listening!

Coming up with new sales promotions or new campaign ideas can be difficult at times. In this episode, Emily and Chris discuss some ways to keep your marketing teams energized and innovating. Discussion points include: Moving away from the "big campaign" idea The danger of sticking with the status quo Using Agile Marketing techniques Data-driven decision making Social Media engagement You can read more about this topic in the original blog post. Thanks for listening!

You asked and we listened. Join Emily as she brings in two Talent and Recruitment experts, Tracy Barber and Carly Kincaid to talk about how to make the right hiring choices. We’ll talk about places you can find good talent for your business, how culture plays a role in employee engagement, and the red flags you should watch out for in your staff. It’s hard to find good people and harder to keep them. That’s why we brought this special episode to the home furnishings listeners – but it really does help you no matter your industry!

Emily and Ken zip through the last 15 months of digital marketing at MicroD. Since the new digital marketing division was created, what were the lessons we learned and what changes happened in the furniture retail industry related to marketing. Plus, get an exclusive inside look at the upcoming Vegas Market seminar about planning digital marketing budgets.

In this episode, Chris whines about missing High Point Market, while Emily gives a great wrap-up of some of the topics of interest that came up repeatedly from both the retailers and manufacturers we spoke to. We briefly go over: Logistics, EDI, and simplifying systems Hiring and retaining the right kind of people Connecting retailers and manufacturers for mutual benefit Going to Market for reasons other than buying Please be sure to share this episode with your friends, family, coworkers and anyone else you think might be interested in Our SKU'D View. Thank you so much for leaving ratings and reviews – they help get the word out! Check out more great content on our blog.

Richard Sexton, Chief Product Officer at MicroD, has a secret for retailers when it comes to budget. In this episode, listen as Emily asks Richard the big questions about budget, financials, and the ways furniture retailers should be managing cash flow in the store. We’ll go over expenses you can get rid of, family member employees you can’t, and looking at how big ecommerce players spend advertising budgets. Richard will finally answer the question you’ve been asking: How much of my budget should I spend on advertising? This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Nate Smathers works with a lot of retailers who are asking a lot of questions about the future. With so many questions and uncertainty about the future of brick and mortar retail, Nate wrote a love letter to retailers. Join Emily Stalvey in this episode as she asks Nate about his letter to retailers. We’ll talk about all the reasons brick and mortar retailers are doing better than you think. Plus, Emily talks about the death of brick and mortar – but only one piece of it.

Remarketing. It's that phrase you've heard over and over again from marketing teams. But what is remarketing? If you're looking for answers and want to learn how to get started with remarketing, this is the episode for you. Join Chris Lamb as he talks with special guest Rich Baker about the world of remarketing with Google. Chris and Rich will cover remarketing topics such as: What is remarketing? How does remarketing work so effectively? What are some the type of remarketing? Discussion on cost, strategy and more… This is a great beginner's guide to getting started with remarketing. Take an even deeper dive into remarketing on our original blog post.

You’re a retail store owner who needs to increase sales. If that sounds like you, this episode should be on your most-played list. Join Emily Stalvey and Chris Lamb as they take apart the online and in-store improvements you can do right now to increase sales. We’ll cover some of the topics you care most about like: Product reviews Product descriptions Millennial shoppers ...and so much more If Millennial shoppers aren’t buying your furniture and the search engines aren’t seeing your products, take one or two notes from this week’s episode and apply it to your retail store advertising strategy. Learn more in our original blog post.

Join Chris Lamb as he talks with Ken Widger about Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). We’ll explain what is conversion rate optimization and five steps you can take to make your website convert more customers. We'll cover some hot takes on web design for retail websites. This is a beginner’s guide to website design for website owners that want to make a more successful online presence. Ken’s decades of experience in marketing and website conversion expertise is widely sought in the home furnishings and other industries. If you missed Ken Widger’s High Point Market or Las Vegas Market seminar, you’ll get a one-on-one look at Ken’s website design best practices. You’ll learn Ken's guide to the best websites including tips like: Homepage design best practice How to handle your site navigation Website Personalization Website tools to help you do CRO

This week's podcast touches on how to advertise your furniture store. Chris Lamb is a certified Google Advertising expert and Emily Stalvey is a certified Content Marketing expert. When the two come together, you get expert advice for your furniture store when it comes to digital marketing. We'll go into some high level conversation about how to manage all of the advertising channels available to your retail store. Social media marketing Type of content that sells furniture Paid Advertising with Google Paid Advertising with Facebook and Instagram Read more information on the original blog about marketing furniture stores.

How can you stay energized about your business during 2019? We’re talking to you today about the tips our experts have about this very topic. Get over that first quarter slump with expert advice from former furniture retailers, digital marketing experts, and website gurus inside MicroD. Emily and Chris will pick their favorite pieces of advice and talk about what works and what you can add to your daily routine to make your retail store more successful this year. Get the full list of tips on our original blog post.

That's right! Join Chris Lamb and Emily Stalvey, marketers at MicroD, as we get honest and talk about why MicroD is launching a podcast. Who will benefit from these podcasts? Who will join us on the show? Why we started a podcast?