How Bird and Blend Turned Tea into an Experience at Retail ROAR with Mike Turner

It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Bird & Blend, so chatting with co-founder Mike Turner at Retail ROAR was a real treat. From a single market stall to 25+ shops across the UK, Mike and his co-founder Krisi have built something truly unique. In this episode—a sneak peek from our Retail ROAR 2025 summit—Mike shares how Bird & Blend grew from iced tea samples and hand-packed blends into a beloved national brand, all while staying people-focused and rooted in community. We cover:What “experiential retail” actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)How thinking omnichannel from day one set them up for growthThe joy of unexpected blends (think rhubarb and custard tea!)Using crowdfunding, customer feedback, and team ideas to scaleWhy real loyalty comes from inclusion—not discounts Whether you’re planning your first shop, growing your brand, or simply after a dose of retail inspiration—this one’s worth a listen. 🎟️ Want more content like this? Get on the waitlist for Retail ROAR 2026! Mentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp