Why is it dark out already? We are already listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies on Hallmark. Also, from A&W to McDonald's, we explore the oldest franchises, clever branding, and secrets to staying relevant for generations. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the…

It's meat reset time! Also - the most popular sandwiches and balancing fun and professionalism are important when choosing a costume for a work event. We talk about some costumes that might be considered inappropriate and some that might be perfect. Happy Halloween! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us …

Cassandra bought a new coffee pot, and Meredith thought she’d enjoy the Smoked Butterscotch coffee. We also discussed the most popular days for call-offs and the top Halloween costumes for 2024, as reported by USA Today and Time online, Cassandra's yearly tradition, we share videos we love and laugh at, including pinky toes getting painted, ASMR cl…

Is there a National Retail Day? Yes, the third Wednesday of October is National Retail Day. How do we celebrate a National Day of Retail? We discuss a few ideas: employee appreciation, an appreciation event, a team-building activity, recognition programs, rewards, or PIZZA. Donating your time and money, school fundraisers, Petit Fours taste like ha…

Some of the most saturated businesses and what makes some more popular than others. Also, The 23 Most Profitable Businesses in 2024 from Nerd Wallet All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the…

Let’s talk pumpkins and recipes! Also, Meredith's Halloween children's book is here: https://a.co/d/eImQWXg Did you know pumpkins are more than just a Halloween decoration? Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, and over 1.5 billion pounds are produced each year in the U.S. alone! From soups to pies, pumpkins add a delicious twist to fall recipes. Tha…

Spooky season music is back! Kaitlyn attended the CIA in New York and tried to learn as much as possible every semester. We all seem to love sweets. Meredith often visits Stan's, and Kaitlyn answers all our questions, including wine pairing with desserts. The dream? Getting her cupcakes in the hands of a Bears player! All the Clopen links: https://…

A quick 21 minutes of fun because we lost power! Say no to flannel sheets, the hottest day of the year is here, the lights kept flickering, Meredith had the wrong info about Liquid Death water, some facts about Halloween candy from World Metrics, 'six pack single serve chocolates', lights out and we didn't quite make it full circle All the Clopen l…

Drew and his mom, Judy, are here! Judy has lost over 200 pounds, and she shares her day-to-day life now after surgery. Drew visited the Philippines and talks about his adventures there. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because …

Uniforms worn in retail, music in stores and why they play them, Meredith ages herself a couple of times, songs that make you think of retail, we were today years old when we learned that OJ was not driving the Bronco, what happened to the baby!? Music by By Paul Simon ©Paul Simon Music, You Can Call Me Al All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/th…

Cass was in an accident, Meredith was in an accident when she was 16, demand-driven retail products in 2024 influenced by various factors, technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends. We talk through some of the notable demand-driven products for this year; everything pumpkin, Stanley Cups, meat alternatives, sparkl…

Reviews and ratings have become one of the biggest trends due to several key factors, and we discuss them! Also, Julia is here! All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/the_clopen_effect_t_shir…

OPEN for business! Let's talk pizza and the secret recipe (which really wasn't a secret)! Fox Hole Pizza and Pub in Mchenry, IL: 3308 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050 Phone: (779) 704-2158 Menu: foxholepizzaandpub.com All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/supp…

Managing with fear is a leadership style where leaders use fear as a primary tool to motivate employees and achieve organizational goals. This approach often involves threats, intimidation, and a strict, punitive environment. Here are some key points to consider about managing with fear: Characteristics of Fear-Based Management Intimidation and Thr…

Flat tires, rude tow truck techs, why are people waiting for so long to GO at a green light, pedestrians really need to look, motorcycle safety, the bike that was hit by the lady All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's co…

Jess, Owner at @thepiecefulproject, and Amy, Director of Chamber Outreach & Economic Growth and McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes @mchenryareachamber are here! River Walk Shoppes are located at 1202 Riverside Dr, McHenry, IL 60050 The Pieceful Project in Cary, IL: 27 Jandus Rd, Unit A, Cary, IL, 60013 All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect…

Meredith had an anxiety attack at a store, Cassandra was irritated and maybe a little crabby, questioning life choices when working retail, when did we start working so hard?, we get personal for a moment about shaving, Happy Birthday week to Cassandra, the bad storm in WI, we work at the same place so we can't really call off together, Rockstar of…

Droogle visited Drewmany, and we got to hear all about it! Drew, thank you so much for bringing wine and chocolates and for sharing your incredible experience of Germany with us! 9 Luftballons · Nena, Die Band ℗ 1983 BMG Rights Management GmbH, Released on: 1991-09-09 All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep u…

C'mon, corporate, add a little more time to the tasks we complete in stores! Also, we had to hang signs this week. Why are we having conversations on the sales floor? Store directors don't have offices for private conversations. Management is always walking the floor. People need to mind their own business and let others do their work! It's cherry-…

Nikki took a mental health day and joined us for the third time on the podcast! She shares tips on avoiding website scammers and protecting yourself from online fraud. Also, Meredith used the word defrosted when she should have used the word thaw, and Wes has fantastic calves. All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here …

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, training everyone as if they are your replacement, ants keep crawling on Cassandra (or was it just her microphone cord?), it's OK to stay in the same role, Meredith goes into a 20-minute conversation about one salad dressing, resetting the resets, there are so man…

It's been a long week, Meredith doesn't sleep, Cassandra is a great sleeper, some couples are super loud at the store, loud laughs, SAL-MON, gas prices are high again (gross), how do people do it with RVs, the not-so-great chicken picture, light-hearted and funny ways to close an email from Chatgpt, thank you to Mandy from Old Navy "May your coffee…

Meredith just woke up from a nap two minutes before recording and keeps yawning, air fresheners, we talk about everyone’s side hustle and some random ideas from ChatGPT, we talk about budgeting, you have to think you're craft is the best to sell it at a craft show, Meredith no longer plays scratch-offs, and Cassandra no longer has credit cards, Con…

Tuesday was rough, we need a vacation, the lady who spoke too much, Cass and Meredith are getting tattoos from JCDurtArt, https://www.facebook.com/jcdurtart, go to the concert, what the word RETAIL means according to ChatGPT All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.capti…

The anonymous salon owner and talented hair stylist friend share fun stories about the 'whatever' lady who wants only 7 highlights, the lady with the tic on her ear, learning how to do hair on a cadaver, perms are definitely back, and mustaches are fire! Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclo…

We are back after 2 weeks! Cassandra had a couple ER visits (yikes!), Meredith wears her eyeshadow up to her eyebrows, and shopping cart colors have a meaning Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support B…

Let's talk BBQ, grilling, smoking, and brisket! Dan and Erin own Midwest Smoke BBQ, LLC, and they share a couple of secrets on how to achieve one of the best briskets and burnt ends around! Join us for a fun conversation, then visit their website to see where they will be next and contact them about catering your next event! https://midwestsmokebbq…

Keep a joint on you as an alibi, we are so professional on the Anxiety podcast and then have to get funny on the Clopen, Meredith is worried about Kate Middletown, there are a whole bunch of conspiracy theorists, super weird news, movie mentioned was 1991 Cape Fear Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the Clopen links: https://linkt…

What a fun interview! Fresh from Spring Training, Patrick and Barb (Noote Partners) are here to talk all things baseball! Baseballmapper.com bio: "Over 20 years ago, Cory and Patrick first met at a pizza shop, working up a sweat during busy nights in the northern Chicago suburbs. In the years that followed, the two long-time friends would always sp…

Cassandra and Meredith are back together at work, Cassandra called off on Meredith's first day, it's 'prebiotics', it's 'Gilmer', Cass is watching Gilmore Girls, there are no normal hours in retail, Meredith doesn't miss driving, the woman with the eyebrows, common phrases for retail (eh, they weren't great), Meredith can't find Shamrock Shakes, Ca…

Cassandra is on her way to Florida, Meredith's son sounded like her, you just have to find your person, work anniversaries, receiving points to buy stuff, didn't miss a day in 20 years, give us more paid time off instead of gifts Music by Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting, released on June 29, 1989 Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH A…

Cassandra offended someone on the TTok, Meredith accepted a new job, Cassandra has a pigeon at her house because her cell phone service was off, the lady that talks about "Who TF did I Marry," the old lady choking on peanuts, Cassandra gets shin cramps after drinking wine, Baby B is so cute! Meredith's new book here: https://a.co/d/1TBStVH All the …

Courtney is here! We talk roofs, windows, siding, doors, and gutters! We also talk fundraising, bacon on the Blackstone, free quotes, and Kevin. Find Courtney and the team here: https://innovativehomeconcepts.com/ Meredith's new book here All the Clopen links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording Buy merch here bec…

"Passion"! We are inspired by Jon's dedication to his craft and the vibrant skateboarding community he has cultivated at Fixion Skateboard Skate Shop! With laughter and a renewed appreciation for the thrill of the ride, this episode celebrates the cool spirit of skateboarding, owner Jon Harvey and Fixion Skateboard. Fixion Facebook: https://www.fac…

We buy fancy soup crackers now because we have jobs! Cassandra has been going through some sh*t so we check in with her. She is also on 8ft mushroom resets, forgot about the important meeting, and had to see the dentist for a sore tooth. Also - we talk about bread and butter. Meredith's new book: https://a.co/d/i4e8z8D All the Clopen links: https:/…

We are so excited Geri is here! She answered our questions on insurance billing, coding, and which pharmacy to choose based on your insurance plan. She is here for you if you have any questions! Email Geri here: Tusie217@gmail.com or visit FB: https://www.facebook.com/HealthInsuranceSimple Meredith's new book: https://a.co/d/i4e8z8D All the Clopen …

This was the most random of episodes, and we loved it! We talk about Meredith's new book, Cass' grandma, Cass finding an old newspaper article from 1950, if retail had its own awards show, Meredith's friend that fell asleep, and we recorded an episode of Pet Loss Anxiety on Anxiety Makes Me Poop Podcast Meredith's new book: https://a.co/d/i4e8z8D A…

Meredith is an author, Cass was the first to buy her ebook!, Clopen wasn't the original name for this podcast, the top questions we hear from customers, Meredith couldn't find the bread, Cass sings 'Surprise, Surprise!' and her dishwasher uses 11 gallons of water, Cass explains Hobby Lobby's pricing, finish and pay Meredith's new book: https://a.co…

The new dishwashers, Happy birthday to Sarah!, which appetizer are you bringing to the party, and what NOT to do at the company's holiday party All the links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here because it's cool: https://www.zazzle.com/store/the_clope…

We recorded this one earlier in the year! Mental health check, corporate walking stores, top selling items at the grocery store, many of us love sugar, breakfast foods, don't drink so much orange juice, we're not making bread into hotdog buns, household cleaners should be a little higher on the list, condiments, pre-made sandwiches, Cass' homemade …

Let's get personal! Johnny might eventually find out that we talk about him, Meredith quit buying coffee and lottery for 2023, a hand cart, cranky days, instant karma, lead in our dark chocolate, is it our age?, Hershey squirts All the links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate…

Different brush strokes for different folks, Lexi is a great art teacher, Meredith has a cow painting from one of her classes, shoutout to Nordic Brew and their fabulous staff, Lexi hangs out now at Creative Edge in Twin Lakes, Kid's and traveling art classes, Lexi's early memories as an artist, trial and error, never be afraid of making a bad pain…

Jen is here from Jenuine Coffee Roasters! Jen loves to create all the amazing flavors of coffee and tea! She talks about her inspirations, her favorites and coffee trends. Use code CLOPEN23 to save 15% off your order here: https://jenuinecoffeeroasters.com/ Find Jen here as well: https://www.facebook.com/jenuinecoffeeroasters All the links: https:/…

We are thankful for you, f***ers! Joe Rogan's episode on health, going out to eat, the difference between service and hospitality, we are always late, we are always rushing, please don't ask us why we are visiting a city, stay safe while traveling, car rental companies, Grandma Dar is in town!, call your mom, service is specifics tasks while hospit…

Do you use a 'work name'?, Meredith's daughter does now (Jill)! Coffee flavors; maple, hazelnut, vanilla, almond, cardamon, orange, gingerbread, pumpkin, orange, and cherry, teacher breath, the giveaway from last week, food to eat with coffee, Cassandra's Starbuck's story (and she calls him out!), mask-fished, Meredith's customer story All the link…

Our live event was a great success! Thank you to everyone that listened and commented! We chat about keeping your resume updated, bad managers (is it really their fault!?) and surviving the holidays! All the links: https://linktr.ee/theclopeneffect Support us here to keep us recording: https://the-clopen-effect.captivate.fm/support Buy merch here b…

Katie is back this week to talk travel tips, life in Italy, feelings about Italy taking in many visitors, a quiz on cheese, and her Florence and Me podcast *Now is the time to book your dream vacation experience with Katie, @truly_italy!* "This we can promise: Authentic Italian experiences with locals, Artisan meet and greets, Food & wine excursion…

Katie brought wine and homemade cookies! The yogi culture may have changed, Reiki healing in CA, sunbathing your bottom, we like our day jobs, the 2 year plan, Katie is looking forward to moving to Italy, high mortgages, what percentage of the US are millionaires, retail hasn't taught us math, Katie's last trip to Italy, travel trips, monkeys, when…

Nikki Weed is here this week! She joined us in see-thru pants (oops!), we talk about her job at Ed's Plants, the job she lost, job hunting, using different sites to apply for jobs, top selling pumpkin beer and polka dots So many great gift Ideas from Ed's Plants here: https://edsplantshop.com/collections/giftable-goodies All the links: https://link…

Jennifer and Lynn are here from Studio D Jewelers! You can find them on the Woodstock Square at: STUDIO D JEWELERS 118 N. Benton Street Woodstock, Illinois 60098 815.337.2015 info@studiodjewelers.com HOURS: Sunday - Monday: Closed Tuesday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm All…