Brick & Mortar Matters

Brick & Mortar Matters

In a world increasingly shaped by digital convenience, the relevance of brick & mortar retail may seem diminished—but the opposite is true. When we describe a town, it is the small retailers that define it. Physical retail stores offer something screens can’t: human interaction, tactile experience, and a sense of place. And in an isolated world where so much of what we buy comes from our phones, brick and mortar retail spaces matter more than ever. Let’s explore what it means to be a good-for-society retailer – the forms, patterns and especially the functions of physical shopping spaces where we touch things before buying them and meet real people along the way. Lisa Uhrik is an Author, Speaker, Teacher, People/Book Spaces Thought Leader, Small Biz and Literacy Advocate, Manufacturing co-owner, CEO of Franklin Fixtures and leader. Certified as SPHR; M.Ed. Developmental Psychology, M.Ed. Organizational Development, Ph.D work in Community Literacy with an interest in qualitative research and today’s manufacturing/maker spaces.

Episodes

May 6, 2025 7 mins
In this episode of Brick and Mortar Matters, Lisa unpacks three powerful takeaways from the Women in Retail Summit every retail leader should hear.    Discover why it's time to step out of your comfort zone and connect with someone new, what it means to get off your back foot and lean into the moment, and how investing in your physical spaces isn’t just smart—it’s deeply satisfying and surprisingly agile in a shifting global econom...
Mark as Played

With a set of unusual choices you'll not find anywhere else, Lisa Uhrik shares her top ten books that have shaped her approach to creating unforgettable in-person experiences. Inspired by the Women in Retail Leadership Summit top 100 book list, Lisa highlights transformative reads that delve into building on strengths, storytelling in design, and the art of genuine connection. From Donald Clifton's "StrengthsFinder 2.0" to the time...

Mark as Played

Building on Our Teenage Nation Needs Us, it seems that we have nearly eliminated serving each other in our daily lives. We're so self-reliant and addicted to convenience that we have lost the vital act and gift of service.

Embracing service is the key to growth and connection. And interestingly, service in both retail and volunteer work spark transformations in our society. Join Lisa as she explores the impactful role of service in...

Mark as Played
March 19, 2025 4 mins

Recently, people like Senator Elissa Slotkin (on The View) are suggesting that we are a nation of "angry teens" trying not to destroy ourselves. Lisa's 2021 book America Becoming was a deep dive into that idea – the notion that our country, at 250 years old, is just getting through its teenage period and ready to grow up.

In this episode, Lisa begins to explore how our retail environments are more than just places to shop – they're...

Mark as Played
Ever wondered why some stores make you feel so good you just have to keep going back? In this episode of Brick and Mortar Matters, Lisa Uhrik reflects on insights in conversation with Ari Lowenstein. Based on his work with hundreds of retailers in the gift & home world, Ari framed seven distinct retail experiences that shape strategy for every kind of retailer.   

From the Daily Dose to the Living Lab, Lisa explores how each of...

Mark as Played

Inspired by Mindy Massey, Global Executive Director for Anthropologie, we're talking about the concept of retail as an extension of home. It's a mind flip, a small change that could be transformative for your store today as we explore the ways that – more than ever before –Brick and Mortar spaces matter. 

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.