Episode #10 - More Than Merch: How Retail Elevates Franchise Brands with Andrea Wiita
In this episode of Behind the Franchise, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Andrea Wiita, founder of The Retail Method, to explore how smart retail strategy can supercharge brand loyalty and profitability in franchising. Andrea shares her journey from traditional retail with brands like JCPenney and Neiman Marcus to helping scale Orange Theory’s retail operations during a time of explosive growth. She unpacks the unique challenges and opportunities of retail in franchise environments, the importance of aligning merchandise with brand identity, and how to empower franchisees with tools—not just product. From localized apparel to tech-enabled drop shipping, Andrea breaks down the essentials for turning retail from an afterthought into a strategic advantage.