Back to Events

Southside Retail 360: Through the Eyes of Your Consumer

Southside

Thursday, April 23, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EDT)
* Registration open until 4/22/26 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
Register Now
* Registration open until 4/22/26 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
Category: Education Events

Retail 360: Through the Eyes of Your Consumer

Learn to evaluate your business the way your customers do.

Every detail in a retail environment speaks — from the moment a customer approaches your storefront to the second they walk out the door. But as business owners and teams immersed in the day‑to‑day, it’s easy to become “store blind” and overlook the subtle friction points that shape customer perception, influence purchasing behavior, and ultimately determine loyalty.

Retail 360 is a hands-on, eye‑opening workshop designed to help retailers see their business from a fresh, customer-centered perspective. Whether you operate a boutique, specialty shop, service-based retail, or a multi-location business, this immersive experience gives you the clarity and tools to elevate your customer journey immediately.

What to Expect

During this interactive workshop, attendees will:

  • Learn why customers form opinions within seconds — and what influences those impressions.
  • Explore the essential pillars of a strong customer experience: first impressions, merchandising, and service.
  • Participate in a guided retail walkthrough demonstration to observe what real customers see, feel, and evaluate.
  • Identify quick wins and practical improvements that can be implemented right away.

While the walkthrough structure is guided, specific locations and details may evolve, ensuring the experience is fresh and tailored to the group.

Led by Retail Alliance President & CEO, Jennifer E. Crittenden

Jennifer E. “Jenny” Crittenden serves as the CEO of Retail Alliance, stepping into the role in February 2023 after previously serving as Senior Vice President. Before joining the organization’s leadership team, Crittenden spent sixteen years leading the nationally accredited Main Street Preservation Trust in Gloucester, VA, where she earned multiple state and national awards for innovation, resilience, and small‑business revitalization — including the prestigious Main Street Forward Award for her groundbreaking recovery programs and E‑Commerce platform supporting downtown retailers.

A respected speaker and educator in entrepreneurship and retail strategy, Crittenden has presented at conferences and events across the country. In Virginia, her speaking engagements include the Governor’s Summit, Downtown Intersections, Virginia Main Street communities, SBDC events, and VEDA conferences. During the pandemic, she was appointed by Governor Ralph Northam to represent small brick‑and‑mortar retailers on the Governor’s COVID‑19 Business Task Force, playing a key role in shaping reopening guidelines for businesses statewide.

Crittenden’s expertise extends deeply into grant development and program management. She has led multiple pilot initiatives with the Department of Housing and Community Development, and she played a pivotal role in securing Retail Alliance’s grant to launch a retail technical assistance team within a neighborhood district. Most recently, she spearheaded Retail Catalyst, a new initiative designed to accelerate small business growth across the region.

In addition to her role as CEO, Crittenden serves as a registered lobbyist for the Virginia Retail Federation and is co‑President of the statewide advocacy organization. She also leads as Executive Director of the Retail Alliance Foundation.

Her leadership and impact have earned significant recognition:

  • Named one of Inside Business’ Top 20 Women in Business (2021)
  • Featured in CoVaBIZ Innovators & Disruptors: Women on the Leading Edge (March/April 2024)
  • Listed among CoVaBIZ’s 150+ Most Influential People in Hampton Roads (April 2025)

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Business Owners & Retail Leaders
    Gain clarity on how your store is truly experienced and learn where small adjustments can lead to major impact.

  • Store Managers & Supervisors
    Strengthen your ability to identify problems before customers do and empower your team with a higher standard of awareness.

  • Frontline Retail Staff & Key Team Members
    Learn how to see the store the way shoppers do — and how your actions directly influence sales, dwell time, and loyalty.

Business owners are strongly encouraged to bring their team.
Your staff may not always notice the nuances you see — but they can be taught.
This workshop gives them the tools, perspective, and confidence to care for your business with the same attention to detail you do.

Let’s shift habits, sharpen awareness, and create a customer experience that keeps shoppers engaged, delighted, and coming back.

* Registration open until 4/22/26 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
Register Now
* Registration open until 4/22/26 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

Event Sponsor
 

For More Information:

Retail Alliance Logo 101 W Main St Suite 905
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
United States 757.466.1600