In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Karen Hamor Kritzer and Diane Spiridoulias, the dynamic co-founders of The Retail Duo, share their unparalleled expertise in visual merchandising, art direction, and retail innovation. Karen, an accomplished visual merchandiser with extensive experience in higher education and project management, and Diane, an industry veteran with over 18 years in art direction and photo shoot production, have built a legacy of excellence in retail design. From leading impactful store redesigns and collaborating with global brands to mentoring the next generation as professors at Sheridan College, their contributions highlight the power of creativity, leadership, and innovation in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
The Retail Duo Inc. are seasoned retail consultants dedicated to empowering small shop owners to thrive in a competitive marketplace. With a unique blend of playful creativity and strategic expertise, they transform retail spaces into irresistible destinations that draw customers in and keep them coming back.
Passionate about retail at every level, they spend their time not only brainstorming trends but also exploring boutiques and discovering hidden gems that inspire their work. Their services extend far beyond aesthetics—they specialize in marketing and brand development, commercial styling, project management, and data-driven customer insights.
Merchandising and visual display have long been their cornerstone expertise, but The Retail Duo Inc. goes the extra mile by creating tailored seminars and workshops to equip shopkeepers and entrepreneurs with the tools they need for success. With an eye on customer behavior and emerging trends, they help clients stay ahead of the curve and achieve lasting growth.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your store, revamp your brand, or gain deeper insights into your customers, The Retail Duo Inc. is your partner in building a standout retail experience.
As “The Retail Duo,” you offer two perspectives in one dynamic package. How does your partnership enhance your ability to solve retail challenges, and can you share an example of how your combined expertise led to a particularly innovative solution for a client?
As The Retail Duo, our combined expertise allows us to approach challenges from different yet complementary perspectives. Together, we offer holistic solutions that address multiple facets of a business.
For example, when Grit & Grace wanted to elevate their boutique experience, we collaborated on merchandising, store planning, and employee training. By blending our ideas, we revamped their layout to optimize flow and accessibility while creating a training program to empower their already fantastic team. The results were transformative: increased engagement, improved sales, and a more vibrant atmosphere. The owner, Penny Light, appreciated not just the outcome but the energy and professionalism we brought to the project. For us, being part of a client’s journey feels like becoming an honorary member of their team.
Your services span from merchandising and visual displays to marketing and brand development. How do you approach creating a cohesive retail experience that looks great and drives customer engagement and sales?
Our approach starts with uncovering the unique essence of each business—its “why.” That’s the foundation for crafting a cohesive retail experience. From there, we look at every detail, identifying opportunities to highlight what makes the business truly stand out.
Sometimes this means encouraging clients to embrace change, whether it’s updating fixtures, investing in better lighting, or refreshing their branding. We also ensure every element—visuals, layout, and messaging—aligns seamlessly. This creates a flow that engages customers, builds trust, and drives sales. When businesses are open to trying something new, the results are incredible. The risk often pays off, leaving both the owner and their customers delighted.
You’ve mentioned that you’re passionate about retail at every level and spend time exploring boutiques for inspiration. How do you stay ahead of emerging trends and help your clients balance trendy elements with timeless retail strategies?
Our passion for retail drives us to stay ahead of emerging trend by immersing ourselves in the retail world by visiting boutiques, observing consumer behavior, and analyzing design trends. This constant exploration fuels our creativity and keeps us informed about emerging ideas.While we love incorporating trends, we pair them with timeless strategies like strong storytelling, customer engagement, and efficient layouts. For example, we recently delivered a hands-on workshop at CampEx, where we guided campsite owners in using experiential retail techniques to enhance their businesses. By integrating innovative concepts with proven methods, we help clients remain relevant while building a foundation for long-term success.
The Retail Duo Inc. has expanded into commercial styling and the “future of office” concept. How has your retail expertise translated into this new area, and what unique insights do you bring to reimagining office spaces?
When we were first approached to re-think the “future of the office” and how people have shaped the way they work, we admit we felt a bit uncomfortable. There can always be an ounce of self-doubt when the challenge feels like it is so out of your normal realm. Upon talking about it we realized styling offices was very parallel to merchandising in store. As one of our clients always says it is about creating our little “moments” in a space. For us if that is a retail store or office it has the same objective. We also enjoy looking at function within any space. What are people doing and what do they need? The commercial office space is a very exciting genre to be working in as it is moving rapidly and pushing boundaries. We have some exciting mixed-use spaces within office towers on the horizon and we even refreshed gyms and wellness spaces, and other amenities such as lobby gathering spaces and cafes.
As seasoned retail consultants who have worked on a variety of projects, what final piece of advice would you give to small business owners looking to create a standout retail experience in today’s competitive marketplace?
Our biggest advice? Start with a clear vision of your brand. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and the problem you solve makes decision-making so much easier. When your brand identity is well-defined, every choice—from merchandising to customer experience—feels intentional and aligned.
Beyond that, focus on storytelling. A compelling narrative, brought to life through visual merchandising and store layout, creates emotional connections with customers and sets your brand apart in a crowded marketplace.
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek support. Small business owners are often juggling so much that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. Sometimes, fresh perspectives (or two!) can spark the inspiration you need to transform your business. Even small changes, when guided by your brand vision, can have a significant impact.