Shows / Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Welcome to Sorry, It's Discontinued — a podcast about the human side of retail.
Hosted by Hilary Nichols, a former luxury beauty manager with more than 25 years of experience in retail, beauty, and fragrance, this show explores the journeys, experiences, and stories that shape retail associates and the communities they serve.
Through conversations with retail associates, beauty advisors, fragrance specialists, makeup artists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and retail professionals, we highlight…
Episodes
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Remember the Mall Food Court? Orange Julius, Pretzels & Pizza
Remember when a trip to the mall wasn't complete without a stop at the food court? From Orange Julius and Hot Sam Pretzels to Sbarro, Mrs. Fields, and…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Last Skate at Lloyd Center: How Mall Ice Rinks Built Community
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary shares the beautiful story of Jerry and Tally Leonard, a couple who first skated together at Portland’s…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Work-Life Balance: Employee Happiness, Appreciation & Better Management
Can happiness, work-life balance, and business success coexist in retail? Absolutely, and there's research to suggest they can! In this episode of Sorry, It's…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Max Factor: From Hollywood Glamour to Beauty Retail
Before beauty influencers, celebrity makeup brands, and modern cosmetics counters, there was Max Factor. In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, we're…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Why Is Getting Water at Work So Complicated? Retail Workers, Hydration & the Water Cooler
Why can something as basic as getting a drink of water become so complicated when you work in retail? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Goodbye, Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas: 112 Years of Retail History, Fashion & Memories
After 112 years, the historic Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus is preparing to close its doors next week on September 30, 2026. In this episode of Sorry, It’s…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
When Friends or Family Take Over a Customer’s Shopping Experience: A Retail Associate’s Perspective
Have you ever loved something while shopping… until the person standing next to you told you not to? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary talks…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The History of Revlon: How an Iconic Beauty Brand Changed Retail, Beauty & the Memories We Keep
What is the history of Revlon, and how did one nail enamel company become one of the most iconic beauty brands in the world? In this episode of Sorry, It’s…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Motivation vs. Inspiration in Retail: How Great Leadership Helps Retail Associates Care, Connect, and Grow
What is the difference between motivating retail associates and truly inspiring them? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores how retail…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Is Luxury Retail the Same Around the World? Customer Service and Retail Associates
Does luxury retail customer service feel the same everywhere in the world? After hearing about some of my niece’s experiences during a summer program in…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Bloomingdale’s: The Big Brown Bag, Splash & the Magic of Retail
What made Bloomingdale’s one of New York City’s most iconic department stores? In this nostalgic episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary looks back at the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
American Girl and How Retail Becomes Part of Our Family Story
What happened to American Girl since the days of those magical catalogs? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary looks back at the history of…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Can Record Stores Help Save Retail? The Record Store Comeback: Why We Still Want to Shop for Music
Episode Description Remember when buying music meant spending an hour inside a record store, flipping through CDs, vinyl and cassettes, talking to employees…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Mall and Store Escalator: Retail’s Most Dramatic Coworker
Retail workers have a love-hate relationship with mall escalators. When they’re working, they bring shoppers directly to our departments. When they stop, every…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Teenagers Keeping Retail Alive| Why Retail Associates Need to Look at the Teenage Shopper Differently
In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, Hilary explores a growing trend that many retail associates are noticing: teenagers are becoming some of today's…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Work-Life Balance for the Retail Associate: Does It Even Exist? Retail Schedule Struggles
For many retail associates, the schedule can feel like it controls your entire life. Will your vacation be approved? Can you make that doctor's appointment?…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The History of Le Bon Marché: Retail Workers, Benefits & the Birth of Modern Retail
What was it really like to work at one of the world's first modern department stores? In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, Hilary explores the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Celebrating One Year of this Podcast | Thank You
Over a year ago, on June 5th, 2025, I hit publish on the very first episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued. At the time, I had no idea where this journey would…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
First Retail Job, Lifelong Lessons | Behind the Counter with Yani Nufio
What starts as a first retail job can lead to a career you never expected—and friendships you'll cherish forever. In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
What If the Gossip Is Wrong?
We spend more time with our coworkers than almost anyone else in our lives—so why is it often easier to talk about people than talk to them? This week, Hilary…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Onward and Upward | Behind the Counter with KingMega Fitness
This week, I'm joined by Mega of KingMega Fitness. We met by chance at Macy's while talking about our shared experiences in retail, and I quickly realized he…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Beauty, Faith & Real Estate | Behind the Counter with Alaysha Durall
This week, I’m sharing a conversation I recently had with my friend, Alaysha Durall, about beauty, faith, family, and following your dreams. Growing up in…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail and the Beauty of Reinventing Yourself | Behind the Counter with Savannah Mayfield
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary sits down with Savannah Mayfield to talk about her journey from growing up in Abilene, Texas to working in…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Standing Room Only: Retail Life
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the physical and emotional reality of standing all day in retail and service industry jobs. From…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Luxury Retail, Metrics & Emotional Burnout
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the hidden pressure behind modern luxury retail and what customers may not always see behind the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
From Retail to The Beauty Way | Behind the Counter with Jyoti Lohman
This week on Sorry, It’s Discontinued, I recently sat down with Jyoti Lohman, founder of The Beauty Way — a luxury body care brand rooted in intention…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Gift That Changed Retail
What started as a simple thank-you became one of the most powerful sales strategies in beauty. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Is the Beauty Industry Different Now? Mergers, Acquisitions & Change
Beauty is evolving—and mergers and acquisitions are a big part of why. In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of what really happens when brands are…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Uniforms: From Control to Comfort?
If you’ve worked in retail, you know… the uniform isn’t just something you wear—it’s something you feel. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Loyalty vs Reality
What happens when loyalty… isn’t enough? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the reality of retail in 2026—where years of dedication…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Fragrance Then vs Now: What Changed?
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the evolution of fragrance—from the rich, layered scents of the early 1900s to today’s…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
From Sneaking Makeup to Beauty Leader | Behind the Counter with Suqura Shannon
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, I sit down with my friend Suqura Shannon to talk about her journey through the beauty industry — and how it all…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
My Krigler Boutique Experience
There are moments that remind us why shopping in person still matters—and this is one of them. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary shares her…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Beauty and Natural Artistry | Behind the Counter with Martin Vain
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary sits down with Texas-based makeup artist Martin Vain to talk about how he first got into the beauty…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
What Defines Luxury for You?
Luxury used to feel like an experience — the storytelling, the ritual, the moment behind the counter. But today, luxury is more accessible than ever, and the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Therapy Check-In with Phaedra & Tiffany
Welcome to our first Retail Therapy Check-In — With Phaedra & Tiffany. In this episode, I’m joined by two incredible women for an honest conversation about the…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Leading with Authenticity | Behind the Counter with Tiffany Lopez
What does authentic leadership in retail really look like? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Lopez to talk about her retail journey — from veterinary…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Leadership Cringe: "What do you do for us?"
Two leaders walked into the store on the same day. One introduced herself, learned names, and thanked associates. The other walked straight past them. It made…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Houston Galleria: Dangerous… Yes. For Your Credit Card.
The Houston Galleria wasn’t just where we shopped — it’s where many of us got our first jobs, first paychecks, and first taste of retail life. From its…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Devoted to Retail… But Retail Isn’t Devoted to You
Saks Global’s bankruptcy restructuring isn’t just a business headline — it’s something retail associates are living through every day. Fewer hours. Smaller…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail, Real Estate, and Bankruptcy
Saks Global’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy didn’t happen overnight. For years, department stores have been pulled in every direction — rising costs, e-commerce…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Doesn’t Start on the Floor
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the vital role of Shipping & Receiving and Operations teams in retail. From unloading trucks and…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Fit, Safety & First Impressions
Retail can look effortless when you walk into a store you love — but the truth is, it’s powered by real people working behind the scenes. In this episode…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
An SID Update
In this quick SID update, Hilary thanks listeners for supporting her Monday Mini episodes and shares a new, sustainable release plan: one episode every…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
National Makeup Artist Events, Team Pressure & Changing Beauty Culture
National Makeup Artist events were once high-budget, multi-day retail productions built to spotlight artistry and drive beauty sales. Behind the counter, these…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
How Retail Pros Show Up When They're Exhausted
Retail and beauty pros are in the final NYE rush — last-minute makeup appointments, rejuvenating facials, and the pressure of showing up when you're exhausted…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Memories Retail Gave Me
Retail, beauty, and fragrance quietly shape the most meaningful moments in our lives — especially during the holidays. In this personal Christmas Day episode…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Trust, Respect, and the Human Side of Leadership
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Stock Shortages in Retail
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Crunch Time & Taking Care of Yourself
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Unspoken Rules of Fragrance Shopping
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Shopping In-Store Matters More Than Ever
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
How Neiman Marcus Changed Fashion
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Holiday Schedules Part 2: Black Friday, The 2000s & Retail Today
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Holiday Schedules: How It All Began
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…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Retail Triggers & The Toll We Don’t Talk About — with Phaedra
it’s time to say the quiet parts out loud. In this episode, Hilary welcomes back her longtime friend and fellow retail veteran, Phaedra, for a raw, real, and…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
Million-Dollar Goals: What Commission Really Feels Like in Luxury Retail
In this episode, we explore what it’s really like working on commission in luxury retail, including new sales programs like Saks Global’s Seller Success Track…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Retail Mean Girl Effect: Why Culture Matters More Than Sales Goals
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary gets real about the “Mean Girl” energy that can take over retail counters, back rooms, and even leadership…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Fragrance Floor: Chaos, Charm, and Competition Behind the Counter
You can smell it before you walk through the door — the scent of luxury, competition, and pure chaos. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary dives…
- Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Celebrating the World of Retail, the Retail Associates Who Keep It Going, and the Stores and Brands We Love
The Power of Retail Leadership
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the emotional reality of leadership in retail and the pressure managers carry behind the scenes…