It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Bird & Blend, so chatting with co-founder Mike Turner at Retail ROAR was a real treat. From a single market stall to 25+ shops across the UK, Mike and his co-founder Krisi have built something truly unique. In this episode—a sneak peek from our Retail ROAR 2025 summit—Mike shares how Bird & Blend grew from iced tea samples and hand-packed blends into a beloved national brand, all while staying people-focused and rooted in community. We cover: What “experiential retail” actually looks like (and what it doesn’t) How thinking omnichannel from day one set them up for growth The joy of unexpected blends (think rhubarb and custard tea!) Using crowdfunding, customer feedback, and team ideas to scale Why real loyalty comes from inclusion—not discounts Whether you’re planning your first shop, growing your brand, or simply after a dose of retail inspiration—this one’s worth a listen. 🎟️ Want more content like this? Get on the waitlist for Retail ROAR 2026 ! Mentioned in this episode: Faire 50% offer Use the code GamePlan25 to get 50% off and free shipping with your first order at faire.com Faire 50% off - use code 'GamePlan25' Freebie download Stock Freebie
