Sorry, It's Discontinued: Celebrating Retail Associates, Retail History, and Community
Welcome to Sorry, It's Discontinued — a podcast about the human side of retail.
Hosted by Hilary Nichols, a former luxury beauty manager with more than 25 years of experience in retail, beauty, and fragrance, this show explores the journeys, experiences, and stories that shape retail associates and the communities they serve.
Through conversations with retail associates, beauty advisors, fragrance specialists, makeup artists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and retail professionals, we highlight the paths that led them to their passions, the challenges they've faced, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
In solo episodes, Hilary shares honest reflections on the reality of retail from the perspective of retail associates — the good, the bad, the funny, the frustrating, and the unforgettable — while celebrating the brands, products, stores, and history of retail that made the industry special.
Whether you're a current retail associate, a former retail associate, or simply someone who loves retail, retail history, retail nostalgia, beauty, fragrance, and customer service, this podcast is a place to connect through shared experiences and stories.
💄 Have a seat, hit follow, and join me as we explore the heart, humor, and humanity of retail.
🎙️ New episodes every Thursday.
Sorry, It's Discontinued: Celebrating Retail Associates, Retail History, and Community
Latest Episodes
How Le Bon Marché Revolutionized Benefits for the Retail Associates
In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, Hilary explores the fascinating history of Le Bon Marché in Paris and how it revolutionized not only shopping, but employment and associate benefits in retail. Under Aristide and Marguerite ...
Celebrating One Year of this Podcast | Thank You
Over a year ago, on June 5th, 2025, I hit publish on the very first episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued.At the time, I had no idea where this journey would lead. I wasn't sure if anyone would listen, but I knew there were storie...
First Retail Job, Lifelong Lessons | Behind the Counter with Yani Nufio
What starts as a first retail job can lead to a career you never expected—and friendships you'll cherish forever.In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, Hilary sits down with longtime friend Yani Nufio ...
What If the Gossip Is Wrong?
We spend more time with our coworkers than almost anyone else in our lives—so why is it often easier to talk about people than talk to them?This week, Hilary explores workplace drama, gossip, assumptions, and the stories we create about ...
Onward and Upward | Behind the Counter with KingMega Fitness
This week, I'm joined by Mega of KingMega Fitness.We met by chance at Macy's while talking about our shared experiences in retail, and I quickly realized he had a story worth sharing.Growing up in a military family, Mega learned t...
