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
How Le Bon Marché Revolutionized Benefits for the Retail Associates
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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 Boucicaut, workers were offered benefits that were almost unheard of in the nineteenth century, including housing, meals, education, and retirement support.
From the opportunities and limitations faced by employees—especially women—to the rise of department stores in both France and America, this episode looks at how one store helped shape the future of retail and the lives of the retail associates who worked there.
Because retail was never just a job.
🎙️ Have a seat and join the conversation.
💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.
You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.
This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.
Thank you for being here 💄
the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com
Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued
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Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"
New episodes every Thursday
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