What makes a great leader in retail?

In this Mini episode, Hilary shares what truly defines strong leadership behind the counter — from trust and respect to emotional labor and leading with humanity. Drawing from her experience as a former luxury beauty manager, she breaks down how great leaders support schedules, use individual strengths, recognize effort, and create environments where teams feel valued and empowered.

This episode also touches on the emotional labor of retail and why compassionate, thoughtful leadership can completely change how people show up at work.

💬 Have you experienced a leader like this — or are you working to become one?

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

Stock shortages have always existed in retail — but today, the pressure they create is heavier than ever. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores what really happens when stores don’t have the inventory they need, and how selling from empty shelves affects retail workers, small brands, and customer trust.

From shallow assortments and inconsistent replenishment to buyer limitations and behind-the-scenes financial decisions, this episode breaks down why “sell what you have” has become the default response — and why the people behind the counter are the ones absorbing the impact. If you’ve ever worked in retail, relied on commission, or wondered why your favorite product suddenly disappeared, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-counter perspective on stock shortages and the human cost of today’s retail system.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

This Monday Mini is a quick check-in for the Retail Fam.
Crunch time is here, hours are longer, and the demands are heavier. This episode is a reminder to pause, check in with yourself, and remember that you can’t show up for everyone else if you’re not showing up for yourself.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

Step behind the fragrance counter for an honest look at the unspoken rules of fragrance shopping — the bottle sniffers, the silent walk-ups, the loud interrupters, and the customers who expect the world for a tiny purchase.

Fragrance should be joyful… but behind the counter are humans navigating goals, pressure, and the emotional weight of customer interactions.

This episode is a reminder that retail workers aren’t “less than” — and kindness matters more than ever.

What’s your biggest fragrance pet peeve? Tell me at sorryitsdiscontinued.com or @sorryitsdiscontinued.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

Why are stores feeling emptier?
Why are associates juggling five jobs at once?
And why does online seem to get all the perks?

In today’s Monday Mini, Hilary explains the real reasons behind the retail shift — and why choosing to shop in-store makes a bigger difference than most people realize. You’ll also learn how to support your local stores without even stepping inside.

A simple, honest breakdown of what’s happening — and how we can help.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

In this episode, Hilary takes you back to 1907, when Neiman Marcus opened its doors under unexpected circumstances — with only one founder present on opening day. From its fragile beginnings to the 1913 fire, the ambitious rebuild, and the rise of Stanley Marcus, this is the story of how a small 50-foot storefront in Dallas became one of the most influential names in American fashion.

You’ll hear how Chanel’s visit to Dallas shaped global style, how Neiman Marcus defined luxury retail for decades, and why the Downtown Dallas flagship still matters today — especially as conversations continue about its uncertain future.

Hilary also shares her own experience visiting the store for the first time, and how stepping inside felt like stepping back in time.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

This week, we’re diving into the real history behind Black Friday, how the 2000s pushed retail into full holiday overdrive, what it was really like inside major stores during December, and how COVID briefly changed everything. From long hours and blackout dates to the magic moments only retail workers understand, this episode breaks down why holiday schedules feel so heavy — and why joy still finds a way to show up.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

The holidays feel magical for shoppers… but for retail workers, December often feels like a marathon you never trained for.
In Part 1 of this two-episode series, we’re taking a step back — way back — to uncover how holiday retail schedules were built over the last 100 years.

From the glamorous department store palaces of the 1920s…
to the bustling mall culture of the 80s…
to the big-box boom of the 90s…

We’re exploring how long hours, blackout dates, and mandatory holiday availability became the norm — and why December still carries so much emotional weight for the people who work behind the counter.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does holiday retail feel like THIS?” — this episode is your answer.
Part history lesson, part retail time-travel, and all heart.

Next week: Part 2 — how COVID, corporate decisions, and modern retail culture reshaped today’s holiday schedules, and what it means for workers now.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife