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Heart on Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independent retailers achieve success within their local community. We talk with retailers about the skills and habits that have allowed them to grow their businesses and industry professionals who provide services to the Main Street community, and we explore towns to find out what helps Main Streets thrive. Join the Main Street movement! www.heartonmainstreet.org
Episodes
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this sixth installment of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser takes a thoughtful look at how age and physical ability shape the way customers shop — and what retailers can do to make their stores more accessible, inclusive, and profitable.
Drawing on key insights from Paco Underhill’s classic Why We Buy, Patrick explores the realities of designing retail environments that meet the needs of older shoppers, customers with limited mobility, and even the littlest consumers — kids. From product placement and visibility to shelf height and signage, this episode is filled with practical strategies to help retailers serve a wider audience and create better shopping experiences for everyone.
✅ In this episode:
- Why older shoppers avoid lower shelves — and how that impacts your layout
- How vision, arthritis, and mobility issues affect purchase decisions
- Creating space for children as both influencers and future customers
- Tips for merchandising by age group (and why it matters)
- The importance of stroller-friendly aisles and accessible basket placement
- Why teens and tweens deserve design attention too
Whether you’re trying to better serve an aging customer base, increase sales with families, or simply make your store more user-friendly, this episode will help you see your shop with fresh eyes — and build a space that welcomes everyone.
📚 Catch the full Why We Buy series for more retail insights:
- Part 1: The Store Experience Starts Outside
- Part 2: The Decompression Zone
- Part 3: The Right Direction
- Part 4: Creatures of Comfort
- Part 5: The Five Senses of Retail
🔗 Learn more and support independent retailers: heartonmainstreet.org
📲 Follow along at @heartonmainstreet
Keywords: Why We Buy, Paco Underhill, inclusive retail, accessible store design, retail layout tips, merchandising for older customers, shopping with kids, store design strategies, small business retail, Heart on Main Street, Main Street Matters podcast, shop local
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