It’s the beginning of the year, and for independent retailers, knowing what consumers are buying is half the battle. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis sits down with Anjarae Hamilton, Head of Retailer Sales and Account Management at FAIRE, to break down the highly anticipated 2026 Faire Forecast.

Anjarae reveals the four major data-backed trends shaping consumer behavior this year, all centered around the theme of "self-expression". From the rise of "Well-Read" retreats to the maximalism of "More is More," this conversation provides a roadmap for what to stock to stay relevant. Beyond the trends, Anjarae shares crucial strategies for staying profitable amidst economic uncertainty, the importance of agility in buying, and how FAIRE is leveraging AI to simplify the search process.

This episode is your ultimate guide to a successful year.

[2:19] Anjarae’s journey from small-town Tennessee to leading sales at FAIRE

[4:43] The 2026 Forecast theme: Investing in the truest self

[5:56] Trend 1: Well-Read—Why books and reading retreats are booming

[6:00] Trend 2: Fanfare—Preparing for the Olympics and World Cup watch parties

[7:08] Trend 3: More is More—The return of maximalism and bold prints

[8:50] Trend 4: Witching Hour—Magic, manifestation, and astrology

[14:53] How successful retailers are adjusting buying habits to stay profitable

[18:08] Using AI and Natural Language Search to find the perfect inventory

[22:25] The "iTunes model" of wholesale: Testing consolidated shipping

[23:44] FAIRE Direct: How to get commission-free orders with existing brand relationships

[26:12] "Point of Slay": Saving time with POS integrations

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AI is no longer just for big-box retailers with massive budgets. In this episode of Rooted in Retail, Crystal Vilkaitis sits down with AI entrepreneur RJ Talyor to unpack how small and independent retailers can realistically use AI to save time, boost sales, and stay competitive—without losing their brand soul.

RJ shares his journey from Salesforce to launching and selling AI startups, and explains how tools like predictive AI, real-time marketing, and automated creative can help retailers move faster, test smarter, and respond to what’s happening right now. From email templates and photo generation to habit-building and ethical AI use, this conversation breaks down what matters—and what doesn’t—when it comes to AI in retail.

If you’re a retailer feeling overwhelmed by AI but know you can’t ignore it anymore, this episode will help you cut through the noise and start using AI with confidence.

[2:34] RJ’s background and entry into retail tech

[4:18] Non-obvious ways small retailers can use AI today

[5:41] Using AI to create email and website templates faster

[7:37] How predictive AI works and why testing isn’t enough anymore

[11:07] How much time retailers should realistically spend on AI

[13:40] Should retailers become AI experts—or rely on vendors?

[17:00] How AI gives small retailers a real competitive edge

[19:19] Transparency, ethics, and being honest about AI use

[21:18] Using AI to respond to real-time events and local moments

[24:21] What retailers should start doing now to prepare for the future of AI

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In this episode of Rooted in Retail, host Crystal Vilkaitis kicks off 2026 by sharing a powerful, systems-based AI prompt designed to help retailers clarify their goals, build smarter systems, and create a realistic roadmap for the year ahead.

Inspired by Dan Martell’s six-step framework, this episode walks listeners through how to move beyond vague goal-setting and instead design a business — and life — rooted in systems, vision, and consistent weekly review. Whether you’re a detailed planner or feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, this episode offers a practical entry point to intentional growth.

[00:00] Welcoming 2026 & setting the tone.

[03:49] Introducing the Dan Martell–inspired AI prompt

[06:12] Turning goals into a “day in the life” vision

[11:25] Identifying current constraints.

[16:37] Vision casting & storytelling for motivation.

[23:40] Automations, systems & weekly review loops.

[26:22] Crystal’s personal example: writing her first book. How a 90-day TikTok accountability challenge helped her build consistency and redefine success metrics.

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Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt