VERMONT RETAIL CASE STUDY
This iconic Vermont general store that’s been a part of the community for decades. When I first began consulting there in September 2024, the upstairs space, had a mix of home goods, jewelry, baby and kids, and apparel that had gone untouched for quite some time. The store hadn’t purchased anything new in nearly two years, and there was a lot of merchandise that had simply been in the inventory since before COVID. My goal was to help breathe new life into the space, clear out what wasn’t working, and set the foundation for something fresh.
Clearing Out and Making Space
The first step was all about creating movement again, physically and financially. We had to get rid of the dead stock, clear outdated merchandise, and bring in some cash flow. It was important to approach this not just as a sale, but as a reset: a way to make the space feel lighter and more open, both visually and energetically.
At the same time, I wanted to begin reimagining the layout and look of the store. Even a light redesign can completely change the mood of a space. We worked with a very limited budget, just enough for a fresh coat of paint and some floor refinishing and made the most of what we had. All the fixtures were existing, so I focused on rearranging them to create better flow and a more cohesive story. It’s amazing how far a little paint and thoughtful movement can go when you’re working within tight parameters.
Buying Strategy and Visual Merchandising
Once the store felt cleared and refreshed, the focus turned to the buying strategy. I’ve always believed that buying isn’t a one-time activity; it’s a cycle that needs constant attention. The goal was to curate a selection that felt true to the store’s Vermont roots but also fresh, relevant, and exciting to customers who come to store for discovery.
We introduced a mix of trend-driven products and seasonal inventory while staying mindful of the store’s local and artisanal spirit. But equally important was how everything came together visually. Merchandising, to me, is a form of storytelling. It’s not just about arranging products, it’s about creating a mood that draws people in and engages the senses. I used texture, color, and natural materials to create warmth and authenticity within the limits of our budget. Even though we couldn’t bring in new fixtures or large design elements, those subtle changes made the space feel fresh and true to its character.
Systems, Training., and Long-Term Growth
The final piece of the project focused on the foundation for long-term success: updating systems, training the staff, and improving inventory management. A good point-of-sale system and well-trained team are what make a store run smoothly day to day. But these pieces only work if there’s a plan, a real commitment to maintaining the vision after the redesign is complete.
When I wrapped the project in March 2025, I was confident that the foundation was in place for continued success, from staff training and streamlined point-of-sale procedures to a clear merchandising strategy designed that would keep the store dynamic and relevant. The focus was on creating systems and habits that would carry the work forward well beyond the initial transformation.
CONCLUSION
For me, sustainable growth in retail has never been about one great buying season or a single design update. It’s about treating the store as a living, evolving space, one that reflects its customers and keeps learning over time. Storytelling plays such an important role in that. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok help extend the brand’s voice, connecting with people beyond the store itself.
But what truly keeps a store alive are the experiences that happen inside, the events, collaborations, and community moments that make people feel part of something. When a store has that kind of energy, it’s not just a place to shop. It becomes part of the community’s story. And that, to me, is what retail is all about.
Retail Space After
Retail Space Before
