What We’ve Been Up To at The Retail Education Store (Spoiler: A Lot!)

We’ve been a bit quiet here lately, and if you’ve been wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes, the answer is — a lot! The past few months have been full of new ideas, fresh programs, and incredible conversations with retailers who are ready to grow.

How Indie Retailers and BIAs Can Tackle Tariffs and De Minimis Rulings

Is your head spinning yet? Between shifting tariffs, changing rules, and new competition, it can feel like the ground is moving under your feet. The good news? Indie retailers have already proven how quickly they adapt. You’ve weathered supply chain chaos, changing consumer habits, and everything in between. Now it’s about tackling what’s next—without losing sight of what makes you strong.

Sometimes we ask ourselves: is this the wrong time for our business? 

We are the Retail Education Store and we do everything we can to offer inspired retail education to independent retailers that can be applied tomorrow. 

Independent retail—the very heartbeat of our communities—is facing challenge after challenge. 

First, the ongoing fight to survive COVID. Now, the impact of tariffs and trade wars. Many retailers feel like they’re in survival mode, beyond the reach of education or inspiration.

But then our resilient voices speak up: If not now, when?

If you’ve ever strolled through the colorful streets of a Mexican town, you know that shopping here is more than just a transaction—it’s an experience. On a recent trip to San Pancho, a delightfully small and vibrant town, I found myself enchanted by its unique retail charm.

People Are Willing to Pay for Experiences: Lessons from Taylor Swift's Impact on Toronto

Taylor Swift just wrapped up her epic Toronto shows, and wow, do we have some tea to spill! 🫖✨

Fans flew in from across Canada—and beyond—paid dearly for tickets, dressed to the nines in sparkles, and swapped friendship bracelets like pros. In today's retail landscape, one thing is clear: people are willing to pay for experiences.

No one does festival season quite like Montreal! We thought you might get inspired with these shots from the recent Fringe Festival.

If you are a pop-up, this is your season to shine. And if you are a bricks-and-mortar retailer on the streets of a festival, there are considerations for you too.

This blog is all about things to think about as a pop-up.