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Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

What makes great packaging more than just a pretty box? Julie Rotuno—a self-proclaimed “packaging nerd” and retail expert—joins us to break down the overlooked power of thoughtful packaging. From low-budget strategies to major industry trends, Julie shares how packaging shapes brand perception, impacts sustainability, and elevates customer experience.

In this episode, you'll learn how to approach packaging even on a tight budget, why materials matter more than ever, and what future-facing brands are doing to stand out on the shelf and in the hearts of consumers.

If you're building a product-based brand or just want to deepen your understanding of design and consumer psychology, this one’s for you.

[2:52] Julie’s journey into the retail world

[5:16] How to start building packaging on a small budget

[9:14] Creating packaging that elevates the customer experience

[13:55] How packaging influences buyer intent and perception

[24:00] Breaking down plastic vs paper packaging choices

[30:28] The biggest packaging trends shaping the industry today