Welcome to Commerce Untold.

In this episode, host Eitan Koter sits down with Rebekah Kondrat, Founder of Recon Retail, a company that helps ecommerce and DTC brands launch and scale physical stores.

Rebekah has worked with brands like Apple, Starbucks, Warby Parker, Outdoor Voices, and Joybird. Today, she partners with growing brands that are ready to expand beyond online sales and build retail the right way.

Together, they unpack the idea that retail is dying. Rebekah explains that most purchases still happen in person and that brands cannot rely on a single channel anymore. Online only brands are opening stores, and store based brands must strengthen their ecommerce presence. The future is about making both work together.

She shares when a DTC brand should consider opening its first store, why revenue around 10 million dollars can be a helpful benchmark, and why your first location should be close enough for leadership to stay connected to customers.

They also discuss what separates profitable stores from the rest, how product selection should vary by region, and why operations can make or break the retail experience.

If you are thinking about expanding from ecommerce into physical retail, this episode gives you a clear place to start.

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Guest: Rebekah Kondrat, Founder and Managing Partner at rekon retail

Rebekah Kondrat’s LinkedIn | rekon retail

Takeaways:

Retail is still a significant part of the economy, despite the rise of e-commerce.
Brands need to evolve and adapt to stay relevant in the retail space.
A multi-channel approach is essential for modern brands.
Recon Retail acts as an embedded partner to help brands open physical stores.
Successful retail operations require a focus on customer experience and operational efficiency.
The role of retail staff is evolving beyond traditional sales roles.
AI can streamline retail operations and enhance customer interactions.
Brands should consider their first store location carefully to maximize learning and engagement.
Every store should be designed to be profitable, not just as a marketing tool.
Understanding customer demographics and preferences is crucial for retail success.

Chapters:

00:00 The Resilience of Retail

03:48 Evolving with the Industry

09:47 Recon Retail's Unique Approach

15:36 Building Successful Retail Operations

21:55 The Future of Retail Staff

25:25 Innovations in Retail Experience

29:10 Identifying Ideal Customers

201. Retail Strategy Tips Every Ecommerce Founder Needs ft. Rebekah Kondrat