61. Why Independent Natural Retail Still Wins With Corinne Shindelar, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association and The Climate Collaborative

61. If you ignore independent natural retailers, you're ignoring the heart and soul of natural CPG. And that's where real loyalty is built. In this episode, I sit down with Corinne Shindelar of INFRA (Independent Natural Food Retailers Association) to unpack why independent natural retailers remain critical to brand growth. We discuss how purchasing cooperatives level the playing field, how shared best practices improve merchandising and category resets, and why accountability and community drive measurable retail lift. We also explore how brands can better support retailers—through stronger storytelling, demo support, vetted ingredient transparency, and alignment with retailer values like non-GMO verification, sustainability, and community impact. If you want to win at shelf, you must understand how independents think, how they differentiate, and how they build true shopper loyalty—not coupon dependency. Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session61