What if retail could do more than sell—it could inspire, educate, and connect communities? In this special episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal Vilkaitis gathers four incredible guests—Susan Tudor, Chacho Herman, Stuart Hata, and Jonathan Ochart—to dive into Museum Store Sunday, the cultural counterpart to Small Business Saturday.
They share how this nationwide movement helps museum stores (and indie retailers everywhere) turn a single shopping day into a year-round celebration of purpose, connection, and creativity.
If you’re a museum store professional or a local shop owner, you’ll walk away with fresh, actionable ideas to elevate your customer experience and strengthen community ties in this episode!
[0:38] What is Museum Store Sunday and how it started
[4:57] The story behind the event’s creation by the Museum Store Association
[6:06] How to make shopping events more memorable and experience-driven
[6:52] Meet the Makers, book signings, and interactive in-store moments
[9:54] Turning your store into a celebration—events that build community
[13:28] How to repurpose what you already have to promote your brand
[16:20] Social media, word of mouth, and the power of repetition
[17:26] Partnering with local artisans for exclusive, community-driven products
[21:10] Building loyalty, connection, and purpose through storytelling
[22:07] Creating your own branded event day—why consistency matters
[24:25] How to get involved and find museum stores near you
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