Wisdom by WESA

For more than five decades, Top Hand Award recipient Terry Larson has turned the Hitch’n Post into one of the most iconic western stores in the Dakotas, weathering trends, recessions, and massive shifts in retail. In this episode, Terry shares the real lessons behind long-term success, smart hiring, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving retail world.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Terry Larson, Co-Owner of Hitch’n Postwebsite:  https://hitchnpostwestern.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitchnpostwestern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitchnpostwesternTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hitchnpost

We celebrate 30 years of Cowboy Hardware with Grant, Presley, and Lainey Gomez, a family who has built the brand into a western staple since 1995. Grant shares the story behind the company’s roots, what it’s like to run a thriving family business, and how Cowboy Hardware continues to design for the whole family while staying true to its western heritage.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Cowboy Hardware owner Grand Gomez, brand director Presley Gomez, co-owner and designer Lainey GomezCowboy Hardware Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Tik Tok

Lexi Hoagland of Lane Boots joins us to discuss how the brand merges authentic craftsmanship with modern western fashion. Lexi shares insights on building partnerships, empowering women in the industry, and what’s next for retailers and trendsetters alike.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Lexi Hoagland, Brand & Partnerships Lead - Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Today we focus on customer surveys.  What works, what doesn’t.  What types of questions should we be asking and how long should they be?  Martha Brooke from Interaction Metrics breaks it all down for us.  Listen in….WESA Retail Roundup November 10, 2025:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Martha Brooke of Interaction MetricsPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationChapters:16:16 - The Importance of Survey Design and Analysis24:32 - Incorporating Open-Ended Questions in Surveys27:54 - Understanding Customer Feedback and Growth MindsetTakeaways:The importance of customer surveys cannot be overstated, as they provide invaluable insights into consumer preferences and experiences.Engaging with customers through surveys necessitates a thoughtful approach to question formulation that mitigates bias and maximizes clarity.The timing and frequency of survey invitations significantly impact response rates, necessitating strategic planning for optimal engagement.Surveys can be categorized into two principal types: Touchpoint surveys and Overall Experience surveys, each serving distinct purposes in gathering customer feedback.Effective surveys should prioritize brevity, with a recommended maximum of ten questions to ensure higher completion rates from respondents.Companies must actively analyze survey results and implement actionable changes based on feedback to foster customer loyalty and improve service quality.

Join @neonwrangler for an inspiring Retail Roundup session on “Why Retailers Need to Think Like Content Creators in 2026.” Discover how western retailers can harness social media storytelling, video trends, and creator-style content strategies to grow visibility, connect with customers, and boost sales — without needing a full marketing team.WESA Retail Roundup November 4, 2025:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Amanda Haradon the Neon Wrangler Instagram | TikTokPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationChapters:04:30 - The Journey to Fashion in Rodeo10:13 - Creating Engaging Social Media Content28:35 Navigating the Holiday Content Creation30:00 - The Power of Short Form VideosTakeaways:In this episode, we discussed the importance of storytelling in retail marketing, emphasizing how personal narratives can significantly enhance customer engagement and connection.We explored how retailers can effectively utilize social media platforms to increase visibility, connect with their audience, and ultimately boost sales without requiring extensive marketing resources.Amanda Harridan, our guest, shared her insights on the advantages of creating both short-form and long-form video content to engage different segments of the audience and build lasting relationships.The discussion highlighted the need for retailers to differentiate their marketing strategies, encouraging them to present their brands in a unique and memorable manner to stand out in a crowded market.We emphasized the value of authenticity in content creation, underscoring that consumers prefer relatable, friendly interactions over traditional sales pitches in today's digital landscape.As we approach the holiday season, we advised retailers to prepare their marketing materials in advance and take advantage of effective content creation strategies to maximize their outreach during peak shopping times.