How a Single Store Visit Could Fast-Track Your Retail Career

A store visit is so much more than a box to check; it’s a stage for leadership, growth, and even a career-changing moment. For retail leaders, it’s where you show up, shine, and prove what you’re made of.

Just ask Yolanda Vega, Director of Stores at Zadig&Voltaire, and Ron Thurston, host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS podcast. Both experienced firsthand how a single, standout store visit propelled them from store managers to corporate leaders.

Yolanda brings over 20 years of retail experience at brands like Gap, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren, building high-performing teams and driving business growth. At Zadig&Voltaire, she’s shaping the future of store leadership with her strategic vision and coaching expertise. 

Ron, a former retail executive with 30+ years leading stores and operations for Apple, Saint Laurent, and INTERMIX, is also the bestselling author of Retail Pride and a sought-after voice in retail leadership.

Now these seasoned pros are here to share their playbook for turning these visits into stepping stones for success. 

Yolanda, who’s coaching her store leaders to thrive during these high-stakes moments, speaks from the perspective of someone who’s walked the walk and is aiming for even bigger roles. Ron, with years of experience as a visiting exec, offers the insider scoop on what corporate leaders are really looking for during these visits. 

Together, they’ll help you guide your store managers to execute flawless store visits — and maybe even to their next promotion.

>> Keep reading for their key takeaways — or tune in to the full 30-minute episode Store Visits that Catapult Retail Careers. 

Prepare Like a Pro

Walking into a store unprepared? Big mistake. Yolanda made it clear that prep work is non-negotiable. You’ve got to know your store’s metrics, celebrate the wins, and be ready to tackle the challenges head-on. Doing your homework shows you’re not just present; you’re invested.

“Don’t just show up. Come prepared with insights about the team and the business. It’s your job to bring solutions, not just questions.”

- Yolanda Vega, Director of Stores, Zadig&Voltaire

Ron backed her up, pointing out that preparation isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding the store team. Spotting team dynamics and knowing your customer base helps you show up as a leader who gets it.

Own the Conversation

Store visits need direction — and that direction should come from you. Yolanda shared how she sets clear expectations with store managers before she even steps foot inside. This ensures the visit is focused and impactful.

“Your team is watching how you handle these visits. Lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Show them what leadership looks like in action.”

Ron agrees: keeping the pace and guiding the conversation is key. No time for small talk — this is your moment to shine.

Shine a Light on Your Team

Want to inspire your team? Recognize their wins. Yolanda emphasized that celebrating achievements, whether it’s creative merchandising or smashing sales goals, isn’t just nice — it’s essential. It tells your team, I see you, and you’re crushing it.

“Recognizing your team’s successes isn’t just good for morale — it shows you’re paying attention to what they do every day.”

– Ron Thurston, bestselling author of "Retail Pride"

And let’s face it: nothing motivates people like knowing their hard work isn’t going unnoticed.

Step Onto the Sales Floor

Leadership isn’t about staying in the back office. Great leaders get out there and engage. Yolanda shared how she uses customer interactions as teaching moments for her team, showing them how to create those unforgettable brand experiences:

“That interaction wasn’t just a sale; it was a chance to lead by example and show my team how we bring the brand to life.”

For Ron, watching a leader handle customers is a window into their authenticity and connection to the brand.

Be Ready for the Big Questions

When execs visit, the heat is on. Ron reminded us that it’s not just about knowing your numbers — it’s about being ready to think on your feet and answer the tough questions. This is your moment to prove you’ve got what it takes to lead beyond the store.

“When your execs visit, they’re not just looking at sales numbers. They’re gauging your strategic thinking and how you handle pressure.”

– Ron Thurston, bestselling author of "Retail Pride"

Yolanda adds that aligning your responses with company goals shows you’re thinking big picture — like a true executive leader.

Keep It Consistent, But Flexible

For multi-store leaders, consistency is key… but so is adaptability. Yolanda shared her approach to balancing brand standards with local needs, ensuring every store feels unique but still on-brand:

“Every store has its personality, but the customer experience needs to feel seamless no matter where they go.” 

It’s about empowering your teams while keeping the bigger picture in focus.

Show Them Who You Are

Store visits aren’t just about checking off a to-do list — they’re your chance to showcase your leadership. Yolanda and Ron both agree that these visits are prime opportunities to build trust with your team and show execs you’re ready for more.

Yolanda reflected on how one career-defining visit early on proved she could drive results — and helped her earn a promotion. These moments can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

A store visit can be the launchpad for your next big career move — if you show up prepared, stay focused, and lead with purpose. Whether you’re hosting the visit or playing the role of the visiting exec, these moments are your chance to shine. 

As Yolanda says: “Dream big, plan smart, and execute flawlessly. That’s how you make every visit count.”

Want more wisdom and stories from Yolanda and Ron? Tune into the full 30-minute episode. It might just change the way you approach your next store visit.

Looking to level up your store visits even more? 

The Ultimate Guide to Improving Retail Store Visits dives into the details of maximizing their impact. From standardizing evaluation criteria to digitizing procedures that cut down low-value admin tasks, and even creating a visit framework that mimics the customer journey, this guide has you covered.