Independent Retail in a Time of Change

Independent retailers have always been nimble, but the past few years have demanded even more adaptability. In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein is joined by Jen Burke, Chief Revenue Officer at wholesale marketplace Faire, who helps us dig into how independent retailers are thriving amid so much socioeconomic and technological change.Jen shares how this powerful segment of retailers — which account for more than half of all U.S. retail sales — are shifting buying strategies, navigating economic pressure, responding to fast-moving trend cycles, and using Faire’s tools to better manage cash flow, discover products and respond to customer demand. She also reveals what Faire is building next, from improved platform capabilities to new fulfillment solutions.Key TakeawaysHow independent retailers are adjusting order volume, frequency and sourcing strategies in response to tariffs and other headwinds;What wholesale buying patterns on Faire foretell about the trends and categories that will be hot in 2026;The growing importance of reflecting the cultural zeitgeist on shelves and how to do it;Why curation will remain retailers’ superpower despite the potential of new technologies like AI; andA peek at Faire’s next big move — fulfillment services.Related LinksExplore how Faire supports independent retailers of all sizesRelated Reading: Faire Surpasses 100K Members as Indie Retailers Seek Out Value, VarietyRelated Reading: Inside the Luxury Advent Calendar Boom with DTC Brand Cheese BrothersGet more retail industry insights at Retail TouchPointsSubscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix