Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures

#030: Retail Resilience: Navigate Tariffs, Grow Customer Loyalty, and Scale Smartly

Is the economy slowing down? Maybe. But that doesn’t mean your retail business has to.
A fellow retailer recently asked Cathy a powerful question: “How to continue growing with an economy that’s in decline?” In this episode, Cathy answers with clarity, encouragement, and action. She shares the exact retail growth strategies you can use even in a slow economy to keep your momentum going. From smarter inventory management to strengthening customer loyalty, you'll walk away with data-driven ideas to protect your cash flow and stay inspired. Plus, Cathy reminds us that rising costs and tariffs don’t have to derail your store, you have more control than you think.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The economy may slow down, but your store doesn't have to.
Control what you can; don't let outside factors dictate results.
Engage loyal customers through personalized outreach.
Building a strong community around your brand is essential.
Key Takeaways:
[01:56] The question that inspired this episode: “How to continue growing with an economy that’s in decline?”
[03:47] Cash flow tip: stop letting slow sellers take up space
[05:12] Rising tariffs and costs? Here's how to tariff-proof your store (see Episode 22)
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to Episode 22 – Tariff-Proof Your Store with Dana Connell
Episode 29: a great question from the audience, “How Do I Scale If I'm in the Red?” Cathy shares her personal “Millie moment” and the right order to grow your retail business when cash is tight
Apply for your Gameplan Call here. If Profit Club isn’t the right fit right now, the application will guide you to a program that is, so you have nothing to lose by applying because there’s always a next level, and we’ll help you get there
Get the Clearance Sale Secrets program now to liquidate unwanted retail inventory in 6 weeks, without destroying margins or discounting best sellers
Millie Moment:
Take a moment today to review your inventory.
Identify slow-selling items that are taking up space and capital.
Create a plan to move those items through:
Promotions
Bundle offers
Clearance sales
Clearing out slow sellers will free up space for faster-moving products and improve your cash flow.
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Remember, even when the economy is unpredictable, you have the power to control what’s in your store and how you manage it. Small steps like this can make all the difference in keeping your business strong, no matter the outside challenges!

#029: Want to Scale Your Retail Business? Fix This First.

Feeling stuck in the red but dreaming of seven figures? 
In this empowering solo episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner tackles one of the most frequently asked questions by retailers: "How do I grow when I'm not even profitable yet?" Cathy shares her own journey of struggling with this exact question and lays out a clear, actionable path to stability and eventual scale. This episode is a must-listen for any store owner who’s dreaming big but struggling with red numbers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why profit must come before scaling
The three critical steps to stabilize your business finances
Why focusing on repeat customers and bestsellers leads to faster results
How to increase your items per sale with a simple formula
Key Takeaways:
[02:57] A great question from one of our viewers.
[03:20] Step 1: Know your numbers, review P&L, debt, and expenses
[04:12] Step 2: Improve cash flow, price for a 60% IMU, clear dead stock, cut costs
[04:12] Step 3: Reduce expenses, know what your biggest expenses are.
Resources Mentioned:
Want help removing obstacles? Apply for your Gameplan Call here. If Profit Club isn’t the right fit right now, the application will guide you to a program that is, so you have nothing to lose by applying—because there’s always a next level, and we’ll help you get there
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: .
Or if you’re currently seeing sales below $250K/year, watch this FREE online training to build solid foundations for growth: How to Increase Your Sales So You Can Consistently Pay Yourself & Your Staff
Millie Moment:
Before you try to grow, ask if your store is profitable where you are right now?
Pause and take ownership of your numbers because when you realize you have the tools to change your financial future, that’s a true Millie Moment.
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Remember, you are loved beyond measure, and you are doing better than you think. Keep showing up, your success story is unfolding one step at a time. 💚

#028: The 3 Biggest Obstacles to Growth (and the Mindset Strategies to Beat Them)

Ever feel like you’re always a step behind, despite having great systems, a solid team, and real passion for your store?
In this powerful and personal episode, Cathy answers a heartfelt question from retailer, Linda, who asked how to "push her business to the next level.” The answer? Stop pushing. Start flowing.
This episode dives deep into the obstacles and structures that keep independent retailers stuck in survival mode, and how a few key shifts in mindset and strategy can unlock the business growth, profit, and cash flow you've been craving.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why gratitude is the foundation of the “Millie Mindset”
The real reason your cash flow and profits are tight (and how to fix it)
What’s clogging your business faucet—and how to clear it for good
Key Takeaways:
[04:39] Understanding the Mindset of a Successful Retailer
[07:36] Removing Obstacles for Business Growth
[10:43] Structuring Your Business for Profitability
[13:36] Marketing Strategies for Retail Success
Resources Mentioned:
 Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - If you need help implementing Profit First in your retail store, that’s what we do inside our Profit Club program! Apply for it here.
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: Beyond Busy: 3 shifts to reclaim your time and boost store income.
Want help removing obstacles? Apply for your Gameplan Call here. If Profit Club isn’t the right fit right now, the application will guide you to a program that is, so you have nothing to lose by applying—because there’s always a next level, and we’ll help you get there.
Millie Moment:
Ask yourself: What’s really clogging the flow in your business? Then, just like Cathy’s bathroom faucet, REMOVE IT. You don’t need to grind more. You need to grow smarter.
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Business growth isn’t about burning out, it’s about clearing the way so what’s meant for you can Flow in. You’re not broken. You’re just one mindset shift away from your next level. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. 💚

#027: Sales Feel Weird? You’re Not Alone (and Not Stuck) | State of Retail – May 2025

What’s really happening in independent retail right now? 
We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly State of Retail episode to help you clear through the noise, get grounded in the data, and take purposeful action based on current retail trends.
In this May episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner shares the latest shifts she’s seeing across the industry, everything from slowing traffic to changing customer behavior and customer sentiment and what it all means for your store. Don’t miss the Millie Moment, designed to help you take action and lead with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re feeling steady, slow, or stuck on a retail rollercoaster, this is for you!
What You’ll Learn:
What’s shifting in independent retail this month of May.
Many retailers are experiencing a slowdown in traffic post-Easter.
How to avoid panic discounts and instead promote slow-moving inventory creatively.
Why experimenting with sales strategies and customer engagement is key right now.
Key Takeaways:
[03:30] Why a “trust recession” is influencing customer behavior and impacting customer sentiment.
[04:33] The Millie Move: Educate before you activate.
[06:42] Activating your “pinkies” and of course your “thumbs” . Cathy’s signature metaphor for getting intentional with customer engagement.
[09:32] QuickBooks tip: Save time with Bill Pay!.
Resources Mentioned:
If you're serious about growth—and you're not interested in spinning your wheels—I invite you to book a call with one of our Maven experts. This isn't a casual Q&A. It's a qualifying conversation for retailers who want a proven coach in their corner and are ready to make smart, strategic moves toward more profit, more clarity, and more freedom.Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Apply for a strategy call to see if coaching is your next right move.
Check out Captain Kirk's QuickBooks Corner for expert bookkeeping tips and insights every month inside our Richer Retailer community.
Your Millie Moment: Educate before you activate.
Look at what’s flying out the door, your top items by quantity.
Then, check what’s dead on the floor—items that haven’t moved in 4–6 weeks.
Give your customers a clear reason to buy both now.
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Retail is shifting, but one smart step at a time, you’ve got this. See you next month for the June State of Retail!

#026: Health, Wealth & Happiness: The 3 Pillars of a Richer Retailer with Pat Mussieux

What if the only way forward... was to walk away?
In this powerful episode, Cathy sits down with internationally acclaimed speaker and award-winning business coach Pat Mussieux, who shares the boldest transformation of her life  and the mindset that made it possible. Through raw, real conversation, Cathy and Pat unpack what it really takes to be “richer”,  not just in dollars, but in health, wealth, and happiness. This episode is a masterclass in personal growth, intentional living, and building success that actually feels good.
What You’ll Learn:
Why health is wealth — and the foundation of all sustainable success
What a “Me First” philosophy really looks like (and why it’s not selfish)
How to identify when your life is contaminating your dreams
Why self-belief is the ultimate business strategy
Key Takeaways:
[07:20] Pat’s 3 circles of influence and how they create happiness
[11:00] Daily success rituals that protect your energy and purpose
[31:00] Your Millie Moment: Building a life that supports your richest self
Resources Mentioned:
The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen
Pat Mussieux LinkedIn account and website.
 by Pat Mussieux
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: .
 Apply for one-on-one or group coaching to get the clarity, focus, and accountability you need.
Millie Moment:
Are you living your richest life or just running your store?
Take 15 minutes to journal: What are your real riches right now and what’s missing?
Reflect: Is what you’re doing contributing to your best life… or contaminating it?
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Reminding you that it’s never too late to choose joy, build resilience, and become the richest version of yourself. You’ve got this.

#025: Retail Trade Shows: h+h - Crafting, Education and Community with Darrin Stern

Tired of the same old sourcing strategies?
Ready to shake up your retail strategy and discover fresh opportunities? This week, Cathy sits down with Darrin Stern from H&H Americas to explore the power of trade shows for independent retailers. They dive into how these events can help you uncover new products, connect with a thriving community, and gain invaluable insights to evolve your business.
What You'll Learn:
How trade shows help retailers discover emerging trends and innovative products.
Why trade shows are valuable for networking with other retailers, suppliers, and industry experts.
The unique offerings of H&H Americas, with its focus on a diverse range of fiber and fabric products.
The importance of investing in your business through events like trade shows.
Key Takeaways:
[01:22] Darrin Stern's Journey to H & H Americas
[12:03] What Sets H & H Apart from Other Trade Shows
[19:08] Investing in Retail and Community
[26:53] Darrin's Millie Moment and Community Impact
Resources Mentioned:
H&H Americas website
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: .
Ready to Work with Us? Apply for one-on-one or group coaching to get the clarity, focus, and accountability you need.
Millie Moment:
Take action this week to explore how trade shows can benefit your store:
Identify Your Sourcing Needs: Make a list of product categories you want to expand or refresh in your store.
Research Relevant Shows: Find 2-3 trade shows that align with those categories and note their dates and locations.
Set Clear Objectives: Define 2-3 specific goals for attending a trade show (e.g., find 5 new vendors, learn 3 new merchandising techniques).
Don't miss Cathy’s 10@10 Tuesdays - Every Tuesday at 10AM CT where she answers your burning questions in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Remember, you're part of a community of fellow retailers, and we're all in this together, supporting each other's success.

#024: The #1 Reason Stores Fail (And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side of retail, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode Cathy answers a heartfelt question from Ali, a store owner who’s been pouring her passion into her business but is struggling with financial management, taxes, and tracking expenses. Sound familiar? Cathy breaks down the two most powerful actions retailers can take to stop spinning their wheels: Outsourcing and getting a coach.
What You’ll Learn:
You don’t need an MBA, but you do need a basic understanding of cashflow, inventory management, and profitability to grow your business.
Outsourcing bookkeeping and financial tasks can help you stay in your zone of genius—where your true strengths shine.
Why the most successful retailers focus on business education and mindset growth to level up their stores.
How business coaching provides the accountability, clarity, and direction you need to scale your store and create a legacy.
Key Takeaways:
[02:11] Ali’s question: “I’m great at selling, but what about the business side?”
[03:20] The importance of knowing what you don’t know
[03:50] Cathy breaks down the two most powerful actions retailers can take
[6:10] Cathy reveals the #1 reason stores fail
Resources Mentioned:
Join the Richer Retailer Facebook Group: Don't miss Cathy’s 10@10 Tuesdays - Every Tuesday at 10AM CT where she answers your burning questions! Connect with other like-minded retailers who want to grow their businesses and create lasting success.
Free Training: Want to learn more about how we help retailers grow and thrive? Check out our free training on the RETAILMavens method. 
Ready to Work with Us? Apply for one-on-one or group coaching to get the clarity, focus, and accountability you need.
Millie Moment:
Step back to see the big picture: You can’t grow if you’re stuck in the daily grind. Get outside perspective.
Outsource what drains you: Focus on your strengths and let experts handle tasks like bookkeeping and taxes.
Invest in guidance: A coach can help you avoid costly mistakes, stay accountable, and fast-track your growth.
Take action now: Don’t wait to get the support you need. Success comes from knowing what you don’t know—and doing something about it!
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
You’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to get the help you need. Whether it’s outsourcing, business coaching, or tapping into your retail community, there’s always a path forward. Don’t let what you don’t know hold you back.

#023: Grow Your Business with Smart Goal Setting, Team Collaboration, and a Winning Mindset with Cecilia Kautzman

Ever set a big business goal and thought, “What do I need to do to get there?
In this powerful, unplanned episode, Cathy sits down with RETAILMavens COO & CMO Cecilia Kautzman after an inspiring walk and team retreat to unpack the mindset shifts, self-awareness, and strategic growth moves required to grow into the business and the business owner you want to become.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the Be-Do-Have formula beats hustle every time
The power of team collaboration in business strategy and delegation
How daily self-improvement practices reflect your potential
Why self-awareness and growth mindset are your most valuable business tools
Key Takeaways:
[04:30] The Power of Team Collaboration
[09:35] The 'Be, Do, Have' Philosophy
[14:52] Practical Steps to Achieve Your Business Goals
Resources Mentioned:
Ready to think like a $5M CEO? Join our free training: Beyond Busy: 3 shifts to reclaim your time and boost store income.
Want a support squad like ours? Apply for a game plan call with our team.
Learn more about changing your self image from Tonya Leigh - founder of the School of Self Image.
 Your Millie Moment:
Picture your business hitting your dream goal, what would that feel like?
Now ask: what can you do today to feel more of that now? (Hint: it starts with personal growth)
Take one small step toward delegating something that’s no longer a good use of your time
Set a daily reminder to reconnect with your “future self” mindset and strengthen your high performance habits
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
You don’t need to wait to feel successful. Start living like the business owner you’re becoming. Step into the growth mindset, the energy, the habits, and the team collaboration now and watch everything else fall into place.

#022: Tariff-Proof Your Store with Dana Connell

Tariffs are shifting, costs are rising, and retailers are feeling the squeeze so how do you protect your profits?
Cathy sits down with retail expert and coach Dana to tackle the challenges of cost management in today’s unpredictable economy. From supply chain disruptions to navigating price adjustments that don’t scare off your customers, this episode is packed with smart, actionable strategies to help independent store owners stay profitable no matter how much the inflation impact shakes things up.
What You’ll Learn:
How tariffs impact retail pricing and supply chain costs
The importance of reviewing invoices and tracking expenses for better financial planning
Key pricing strategies to protect your margins without losing loyal customers
Innovative sales strategies and promotions to boost engagement and customer retention
Key Takeaways:
[05:36] Navigating Price Changes and Customer Reactions
[10:38] Promotional Strategies and Customer Engagement
[20:54] Vendor Relationships and Inventory Management
Resources Mentioned:
Tune into Episode 7 about The #1 Step to Take to Increase Your Profits and to ensure your initial markup (IMU) supports long-term profitability!
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: 3 Steps to Maximize Profit & Reduce Overwhelm.
Already know you’d like to partner with RETAILMavens? Apply for a game plan call here.
Your Millie Moment:
Spot hidden cost increases – Pull up recent invoices and compare them to expected amounts. Are you seeing signs of rising costs?
Find your margin killers – Run a quick POS report to catch quietly shrinking profit margins.
Strengthen your vendor game – Talk to vendors about better terms to support your bottom line.
Fine-tune your pricing strategy – Review your top sellers to ensure your retail pricing reflects today’s costs.
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Economic shifts are inevitable but with proactive planning, strong pricing strategies, and a pulse on your numbers, your business can stay strong, profitable, and growing. Happy Retailing!

#021: Emails Getting Ignored? Fix Your Email Marketing to Sell More with Nick McHenry

Retail is evolving, but one thing remains constant: the power of customer connection.In this episode, Cathy sits down with Nick McHenry from OneShop to explore how retailers can strengthen relationships through email marketing, a tool that’s far from outdated.
They break down why personalized emails are more relevant than ever, how to boost open rates, and why email automation can be a game-changer for both small and growing retail businesses. Plus, they dive into the rising impact of AI marketing and how it can enhance but not replace the human side of retail communication.
What You’ll Learn:
Why email marketing is still one of the most powerful tools for retailers
The role of storytelling in boosting customer engagement
How email automation improves efficiency and drives results
The importance of personalized emails in creating customer loyalty
How AI marketing can enhance personalization without losing authenticity
Key Takeaways:
[06:42] Why community-building is crucial in modern retail.
[14:36] How to craft emails that convert and build an emotional connection with customers.
[26:45] The role of AI in retail marketing and its impact on consumer psychology.
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to episode 11 for 5 Ways to Grow Your Email List and turn subscribers into loyal customers!
Connect with Nick: Check out his LinkedIn and website for expert insights on retail marketing.
Learn how to scale your retail business with our free training: 3 Steps to Maximize Profit & Reduce Overwhelm.
Already know you’d like to partner with RETAILMavens? Apply for a game plan call here.
Your Millie Moment:
Audit your email strategy are your emails truly personalized and engaging?
Test increasing your send frequency, and monitor open rates and customer engagement.
Try out AI tools to streamline email automation without losing the personal touch.
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Email marketing isn’t just alive, it’s thriving. With the right tools, mindset, and strategies, you can build powerful, lasting customer connections that drive growth. Stay consistent, lead with heart, and turn your inbox into your most effective business asset.