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In this episode of Selling on Giants: Going Retail, Will sits down with Kristyn Carriere, co-founder of 7 Summits Snacks, to discuss the realities of building a food brand and successfully expanding into retail.

7 Summits Snacks was born from a unique partnership between two sisters—Kristyn, a food scientist, and her sister, a former Canadian decathlete. Together, they created a functional chocolate energy bar that delivers great taste, premium ingredients, and performance-focused nutrition for active consumers.

During the conversation, Kristyn shares how the company launched through a crowdfunding campaign during the pandemic, built an early e-commerce presence, and eventually grew retail into 75% of the business. She explains why listening to customer feedback played a critical role in deciding where and how to expand.

Will and Kristyn explore some of the biggest lessons brands should understand before entering retail, including the importance of shelf positioning, packaging design, pricing strategy, and understanding the competitive landscape. Kristyn also offers practical advice for founders on working with retail buyers, conducting customer research, and ensuring their products stand out in crowded categories.

The episode highlights the differences between selling online and in-store, and why success in retail requires brands to think beyond simply having a great product. From understanding customer purchasing behavior to designing packaging for specific retail environments, Kristyn provides actionable insights for brands considering the move into physical retail.

The discussion wraps up with a preview of 7 Summits Snacks' newest innovation—a protein-focused chocolate snack designed to meet growing consumer demand for high-protein options while staying true to the brand's chocolate-first philosophy.

Whether you're a digital-first brand exploring retail opportunities or a founder looking to strengthen your retail strategy, this episode offers valuable lessons from a company actively navigating both channels.

Website: https://sevensummitssnacks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7summitssnacks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7SummitsSnacks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seven-summits-snacks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyncarriere/