Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures

#063: New Year, New Retail Rules | State of Retail: Q1 2026

Welcome to the first Richer Retailer episode of the new year! 
In this Q1 2026 State of Retail check-in, Cathy Wagner reframes the idea of a “slow season” and invites you to see Q1 for what it truly is: a reset season.
In a cautious economy where customers are spending more intentionally, Cathy breaks down three major retail trends shaping early 2026 and exactly what to do in January, February, and March to stay profitable, connected, and confident as a CEO. From smarter pricing and leaner inventory to cozy in-store moments and small-but-smart tech, this episode is packed with practical moves you can implement immediately.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Q1 should be seen as a reset season and how to use it to set intentional goals as a retailer.
How to strategically increase your markup on best-selling items to improve profitability.
Creative ways to build in-store experiences and mini collections around wellness, self-care, and meaningful moments.
The mindset and focus strategies of million-dollar retailers to finish Q1 strong and set up for success.
Key Takeaways:
[02:10] Mindset Shift: Q1 as a Reset Season
[10:350] Inventory Management: Leaner is Better
[15:10] Customer Connection: Personalization and Ease
Your Millie Moment: Finish like a Richer Retailer CEO.
Choose one focused upgrade to work on this quarter, not five, not ten, just one. Treat Q1 as your setup season by committing to a single improvement that will make the rest of the year easier and more profitable.
That action might be:
Increasing your overall initial markup
Tightening your assortment (fewer colors, fewer choices, stronger sellers)
Simplifying your customer journey from first touch to checkout
Put blinders on, finish what you start, and complete that one upgrade before moving on. Progress comes from finishing, not from doing more.
Resources & Links
Strategic Clearance Sale Secrets
Want a guide for this reset season? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact Profit Roadmap we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Click here to sign up for VIP emails and get even more exclusive insights and tips to help your store grow.
Follow us on social media for more updates! TikTok / Facebook / Instagram
💚 Remember: Q1 isn’t asking you to hustle harder, it’s asking you to breathe, reset, and choose with intention. You don’t need to do everything right now. You just need to choose one thing that truly matters and follow it through. Small, focused actions done with care create powerful momentum. You are building something meaningful, and you’re doing it with heart. Trust that and trust yourself.

#062: Ask Cathy: Do Clearance Sales Really Work - Or Am I Just Giving Away Profit?

January can be one of the most challenging months for retailers; slower traffic, softer sales, and inventory left over from Q4 that simply didn’t move. In this episode Cathy answers real questions from the retail community about the January slump, aging inventory, and the fear many store owners have around running clearance sales.
Cathy breaks down why the January slowdown isn’t actually a seasonal problem, but an inventory and strategy issue. She explains how trapped cash in stale inventory quietly erodes profit and momentum and why a strategic, well-planned clearance sale can increase future margins without devaluing a brand.
This episode offers clarity, mindset shifts, and practical guidance for retailers who want to regain cash flow, energy, and confidence heading into Q1.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 Why the January slump is an inventory and strategy issue, not a time-of-year problem
 How trapped cash in old inventory limits buying power and growth
Why clearance sales don’t damage brands; inconsistent, unplanned sales do
Why profit is lost when inventory sits, not when it’s strategically marked down
Key Takeaways:
[02:21] Understanding the January Sales Slump
[03:18] Effective Clearance Sales Strategies
[08:14] Optimal Inventory to Sales Ratios
[09:40] The Importance of Inventory Turnover
Your Millie Moment:
Review current inventory and identify products that are no longer serving the business
Create a clear and intentional clearance strategy with a defined timeline
Focus on extracting trapped cash to fund future profits
Resources and Links:
Clearance Sale Secrets Guide
Want expert guidance on Clearance Sale? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: January struggles are not a sign of failure, they are feedback. When retailers release inventory that is holding cash hostage, they create space for fresh products, renewed energy, and forward momentum. Strategy, clarity, and action, not luck are what move businesses forward. Retailers are reminded that they are capable, supported, and never alone on this journey.

#061: Judge Books by Their Cover - Why Every Store Should Sell Books with Alana Turner

Ready to add a little extra joy and profit to your retail shop? 
In this episode of The Richer Retailer, Cathy sits down with one of our amazing clients, Alana Turner, the passionate owner of the joy filled store Poopsies, who’s making her second guest appearance on the podcast. Alana is back to share why books are one of the best-kept secrets in specialty retail. She spills the tea on how books create emotional connections, keep customers browsing longer, and boost sales, all while being low-risk and super easy to start. Whether you’re overwhelmed by choices or unsure how to begin, Alana’s got simple, practical tips to help you dive into the wonderful world of books and turn them into your store’s new favorite category.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Discover why books aren’t just products, they’re emotional bridges between your brand and your customers.
Learn how to turn a daunting book selection into a fun, addictive treasure hunt with the help of reps.
Hear how books can fill product gaps and amplify your store’s personality like nothing else.
 
Key Takeaways:
[03:38] The Importance of Books in Retail
[06:07] Overcoming Hesitations in Book Retailing
[08:51] Strategies for Selecting Books
[11:29] Understanding Book Margins and Sales
Millie Moment:
Take a fresh look at your store, could books be the missing spark?
Reach out to a book rep today and ask for a curated list tailored to your vibe.
Start small, grab 3-4 books that feel right and watch the magic unfold.
Track what moves fastest by quantity and by dollars to find your star sellers.
Don’t be afraid to mark down slow movers, they’ll fly off the shelves faster than you think!
Resources and Links:
Follow and visit Poopsies on social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Poopsies website: poopsies.com
Want expert guidance on inventory strategy? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: You are a remarkable retailer making a meaningful impact in your community. Every choice you make, big or small, adds to the story your store tells and the connections you create. Embrace new opportunities like books to bring joy, learning, and comfort to your customers. Keep believing in your vision, keep showing up with your unique passion, and know that your dedication is seen and deeply appreciated. You’ve got this, and your store is a bright light in the world. Keep shining!

#060: Best of 2025 - Lessons From The Top 5 Episodes

Celebrating the Most Powerful Moments from Year One of the Richer Retailer Podcast
What a year it’s been. This special Best Of episode is a heartfelt celebration of the moments you told us mattered most, the clips that made you think differently, laugh out loud, and say, “Okay… I can actually do this.”
This episode brings together the Top 5 most-loved episodes of Year One and the lessons that continue to transform retail businesses around the world.
Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or just found us, this is the perfect episode to anchor into what it really means to become a Richer Retailer.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The #1 Tip to Grow Lifetime Customer Value with Josh Orr
Surprising Inventory Insights from a Multi-Million Dollar Retailer with Alana Turner
Eradicating the J-Months with a New Income Strategy
Emails Getting Ignored? Fix Your Email Marketing to Sell More with Nick McHenry
The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease: 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
Key Takeaways:
[03:24] Key Insights from Top Episodes
[07:24] Inventory Management Strategies
[17:19] Maximizing Sales During Slow Months
[22:46] Effective Email Marketing Strategies
[23:46] The Power of Community-Driven Emails
[27:44] Embracing Change in Retail
[34:19] Mindset Shifts for Retail Success
Millie Moment:
Re-listen to the full episode that resonated most with you, listen for what hits differently now.
Implement just one insight this week.
Share this episode with a fellow retailer who needs hope and a clear next step.
Leave a review to help more store owners find this support.
Resources and Links:
Loved what you heard in this Best Of Episode? Keep the momentum going by diving deeper into the full conversations featured today: Listen to the Top 5 Episodes of Year One
Episode 16: The #1 Tip to Grow Lifetime Customer Value with Josh Orr
Episode 12: Surprising Inventory Insights from a Multi-Million Dollar Retailer with Alana turner
Episode 9: Eradicating the J-Months with a New Income Strategy
Episode 21: Emails Getting Ignored? Fix Your Email Marketing to Sell More with Nick McHenry
Episode 2: The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease: 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
Want a new strategy in 2026? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram 
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out to be moving forward. Every insight you’ve picked up, every small change you’ve made, and every time you chose to show up even on the messy days counts. You are growing, you are learning, and you are becoming the richer retailer you’re meant to be. Your store can support you, your dreams matter, and you are never walking this journey alone.

#059: From “Will We Open?” to Sold Out: Jane Boutique’s Story with Sam Sleeper

In this inspiring conversation, Cathy sits down with Samantha, the owner of Jane Boutique and one of our amazing RETAILMavens clients to talk about the real journey behind opening a store. From construction delays and rezoning setbacks to having thousands of dollars of inventory arrive months early, Sam’s path to launch was anything but easy.
But what truly stands out is her emotional resilience, her abundant mindset, and her unwavering commitment to clienteling and customer experience. You’ll hear how she turned obstacles into long-term wins, opened with a visual boom, and leveraged years of authentic community relationships to create a wildly successful launch.
This is a must-listen if you’re opening a store, rebuilding your mindset, or strengthening customer relationships.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Sam handled repeated construction delays and the emotional toll it took
What to do when inventory arrives months early
Practical clienteling strategies Sam uses to drive loyalty and high sales
Why community connections can make or break a new store opening
Key Takeaways:
[03:06] Samantha's Journey to Opening Jane Boutique and the Construction Challenge
[11:14] Building Customer Relationships and Community
[16:14] Clienteling and Personal Connections
[25:11] The Importance of Planning: Setting a Clear Direction
[27:57] Understanding Profit First: Financial Management Strategies
Millie Moment: Your Mid-Year Reset Action Plan
No matter where you are in your retail adventure whether just starting out or navigating unexpected delays embrace the power of emotional resilience.
Track Your Numbers: Like Sam, get crystal clear on your financials using Profit First principles. Knowing your cash flow is the first step to confident decision-making.
Build Strong Client Relationships: Keep detailed notes, follow up on events, and prioritize personalized customer service to turn shoppers into raving fans.
Lean Into Your Community: Remember, community over competition. Collaborate, support, and grow alongside other entrepreneurs.
Plan, Pivot, and Persist: Use business planning as your roadmap, but stay flexible when setbacks happen. Resilience means bouncing back stronger, just like Sam did  through construction delays and inventory challenges.
Start today by picking one of these steps to focus on small consistent actions that build unstoppable momentum.
Resources & Links
Visit Jane Boutique to explore her curated collections that bring community and style together. Don’t forget to follow their Instagram for the latest updates and exclusive offers that make every visit feel like a personal shopping experience!
Inspired by Sam’s story? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: Every connection you make with your customers is a chance to build something meaningful, whether it’s a smile, a story, or a moment that turns a visitor into a loyal friend. Your passion and care are what truly set your store apart. Keep shining, and know that every small effort is part of your bigger journey to success.

#058: Make Every Customer Count | State of Retail: December 2025

December is here and if you want next December to look totally different with more cash flow, less chaos, and a smoother-running store, now is the moment to act. Cathy breaks down the current retail climate, what’s shifting in consumer behavior, and the strategies retailers must use to create momentum and finish the year strong.
From understanding your “thumb” customers, to increasing items per sale, to using AI tools to make smarter decisions, this episode is full of clear, actionable retail insights that help you elevate the customer experience, boost holiday shopping performance, and drive business growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why “thumb customers” matter and why they still generate 80% of your revenue
How consumer behavior is shifting (inflation fatigue, smaller baskets, higher average item prices)
Practical sales strategies your team can use today to increase items per sale without being pushy
How to use AI in retail (like ChatGPT) to analyze sales data, plan bundles, and understand customer reviews
Why experiences are outperforming “stuff” and how to turn your products into experiences
Key Takeaways:
[04:34] Trends in Consumer Behavior
[09:12] Strategies for Increasing Sales
[12:23] Leveraging AI and Community Engagement
Your Millie Moment: Simple, High-Impact Actions You Can Take This Week
Try the “Who else can I help you cross off your list?” script to increase items per sale
Use staff picks and impulse tables to influence buying behavior
Add a Christmas countdown sign to boost urgency
Offer ready-to-go bundles, pre-wrapped gifts, and grab-and-go tables
Promote your gift concierge service
Host a customer appreciation day or partner with nearby stores for a community event
Drop your top 50 sellers into an AI tool to spot trends and themes instantly
Resources & Links
This episode is your reminder that TODAY is the last day to grab your ticket to the Planning Palooza, a powerful, hands-on planning event that sets up your entire year for success.
Gold VIP Pass: For those ready to plan a successful 2026 with clear guidance. Includes access to both days + replays. Get your Gold Pass here!
Platinum VIP Pass: Our most popular! Everything in VIP, plus Clearance Sales Secrets and Inventory Guide to end 2025 strong. Get your Platinum Pass here!
Ready to make every customer count? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact Profit Roadmap we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Click here to sign up for VIP emails and get even more exclusive insights and tips to help your store grow.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Tiktok / Facebook / Instagram
💚 Remember:  No matter how the year has gone, you are more than enough, a brilliant, courageous soul pouring your heart into your business every single day. Your kindness, your vision, and your dedication matter deeply to your customers and your community.
Take a deep breath. You are not alone. You have the strength to finish this year with grace and step into 2026 with renewed hope and unstoppable confidence. Remember: every small effort, every genuine connection, and every thoughtful moment adds up to something beautiful. Keep shining your light. Your best season is yet to come.

#057: Retail Game Plan for Success: Coaching, Inventory & Leadership with Krystal Perry

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything in your store and still not getting the results you want… this episode is for you.
Cathy sits down with our incredible Coach Maven, Krystal Perry, to pull back the curtain on our strategic Game Plan Calls, the same calls that have helped retailers go from overwhelmed, underwater, and exhausted… to clear, confident, and finally profitable again.
Krystal shares her 25-year retail journey, the framework she uses on every Game Plan Call, the most common struggles she hears from store owners, and the powerful question that changes everything for her clients. You’ll hear real stories, real breakthroughs, and real next steps you can take today.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What a Game Plan Call actually is and who it’s perfect for
The biggest obstacles store owners don’t even realize are holding them back
Krystal’s powerful “future–obstacles–present–impact” assessment framework
Why so many retailers feel stuck in the “boiling frog” cycle
The ONE question that creates breakthroughs for almost every client
How the Profit Club supports CEOs with cash flow, inventory, systems & leadership
Key Takeaways:
[06:57] Understanding Game Plan Calls
[08:55] Framework of a Game Plan Call
[13:00] Identifying Obstacles in Business
[18:05] The Profit Club and Its Benefits
Millie Moment: Your Mid-Year Reset Action Plan
Book a Game Plan Call: Get personalized clarity on your numbers, your goals, and the exact next steps your store needs to grow profitably.
Check your numbers: Review sales, margin, and cash flow for the first half of 2025 to see what’s truly working.
Update your goals: Adjust your targets based on real data and shifting retail trends.
Refresh your assortment: Lean into your best sellers and phase out what’s slowing your cash flow.
Strengthen your omnichannel flow: Make sure in-store, online, social, and email all tell the same story.
Resources & Links
Ready to talk with Krystal? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: You deserve so much more than just surviving, you deserve to feel truly rich in your profits, your time, and your happiness. Sometimes just one clear step can light the way to a whole new chapter. And no matter where you are, you’re never alone on this journey. We believe in you, and we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. 

#056: Double Your Retail Business in 1 Year with Sarah Victory - Part 2

You don’t need to do more to achieve more, you just need to think differently. This episode will remind you of the power of pausing, dreaming, and daring to share your story with the world.
In this inspiring continuation of Cathy’s conversation with visionary business coach Sarah Victory, you’ll learn how to describe your store in a way that sticks, so customers and partners can easily share your story even when you’re not in the room.
Sarah shares her proven “Know How” formula to help you stand out from the crowd, plus practical ways to build authentic partnerships, generate powerful word-of-mouth, and turn every event into a magnet for new customers. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what makes your shop special or how to keep traffic coming during slow seasons, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Find your “Einstein time.” Step back from the hustle and into your zone of genius, your best business ideas come when you give them space to percolate.
Never just say “I have a store.” Give people a vivid story they can repeat. “Don’t call yourself a car, be the Ferrari.”
Use the “Know How” formula: “You know how [problem]…? Well, [what you do to solve it]… and the result is [transformation or success].”
Leverage power partners. Collaborate with local professionals, personal shoppers, or businesses that can bring new customers to you.
Key Takeaways:
[06:50] The “Know How” formula that tripled one accountant’s business.
[09:20] Turning your gift store into a solution, not just a shop.
[16:03] The secret to a never-ending stream of customers.
[31:16] Sarah on why you need “Einstein time” for genius ideas.
Your Millie Moment:
Take a few quiet minutes of “Einstein time” today.
Ask yourself, “What makes my store truly special and how can I share that story better?”
Write it down, say it out loud, and let that clarity guide your next big idea.
Resources & Links
Connect with Sarah Victory on all platforms: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | TheVictoryCompany.com
Ready to think magical? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: You are seen, you are powerful, and your light is needed. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s story or wait to be “ready.” Like the Statue of Liberty, you can stand tall, dressed in your own strength and truth, lighting the way for others. Trust yourself, lean on those who believe in you, and keep shining because your courage and light make the world better every single day.

#055: Double Your Retail Business in 1 Year with Sarah Victory - Part 1

Every bit of business growth begins with a spark of magic, the courage to imagine something bigger and believe it’s possible.
Get ready to be inspired, my friends. In this episode of Richer Retailer, Cathy is joined by Sarah Victory, the powerhouse Chief Visionary Officer of The Victory Company, best known for helping entrepreneurs and business owners double their success. She’s the author of Double Your Business in One Year or Less!, Do Something Brave Every Day, and How to Be Powerful, and the host of The Inspiring Victory Show, where she shares stories of courage, creativity, and unstoppable growth.
Together, Cathy and Sarah explore the mindset that fuels extreme business growth, magical thinking. They reveal how to set bold goals, create powerful partnerships, and build the kind of support systems that make your retail dreams real. This episode will remind you that what the mind can conceive, you can achieve, especially when you believe in a little magic.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Think beyond limits. Extreme growth doesn’t happen with small, safe goals, it happens when you allow yourself to dream magically.
Trust the process. When you know your what, the how will follow, often in unexpected ways.
Ask for help. You don’t have to do business alone. The biggest breakthroughs happen when you open yourself up to guidance and collaboration.
Protect your dreams. Share them only with those who support and uplift you.
Stay open. Magic only works when your mind is open and mindset is everything.
Key Takeaways:
[03:08] The Power of Magical Thinking
[07:16] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
[09:49] The Importance of Asking for Help
[19:25] Creating a Supportive Network
Your Millie Moment 
Write down one magical goal for your store, something that feels a little too big, a little too bold.
Then say it out loud to someone who will cheer you on.
Watch how the “how” starts to appear once you believe it’s possible.
Resources & Links
Connect with Sarah Victory on all platforms: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | TheVictoryCompany.com
Ready to think magical? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: Magic only works when your mind is open. When you believe in what’s possible and take that first brave step, the universe meets you halfway. Trust yourself, your magic is already working.

#054: How Small Stores Win with Focus, Connection, and Authenticity | State of Retail: November 2025

November can feel like a whirlwind, the holidays are here, your to-do list is growing, and it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle. 
Shoppers may not be spending wildly, but they are spending thoughtfully and that’s great news for independent retailers who know how to connect, curate, and stay focused.
Cathy shares how smarter spending, authentic storytelling, and intentional experiences are shaping success this season. Plus, she reveals how to use AI as your behind-the-scenes helper (without losing your human touch) and why focus beats frenzy in November.
If you’ve been feeling the holiday hustle already kicking in, this episode will help you pause, refocus, and lead your store with clarity and calm confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Smarter spending is the new normal, customers value meaning over markdowns.
Connection, inspiration, and fun are what drive in-store traffic this season.
AI can be your secret team member for efficiency and creativity.
Focus, not frenzy, fuels success and peace during the holidays.
Key Takeaways:
[02:25] Smarter Spending and Emotional Connection
[06:28] Leveraging AI for Retail Success
[09:22] Authenticity Over Perfection
[10:09] Mindset and Focus in Retail
Your Millie Moment: Focus Beats Frenzy
Simplify one area of your business this week.
Choose where to focus, maybe your marketing, floor layout, or promo calendar.
Ask yourself: Does this serve my best customers and my bottom line? If the answer is no, let it go.
Protect your time and energy by focusing only on what truly matters.
Because when you stay focused, you create calm, clarity, and profit — even in the busiest retail season of the year.
Resources & Links
Ready to focus rather than being frenzy? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact Profit Roadmap we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Click here to sign up for VIP emails and get even more exclusive insights and tips to help your store grow.
Follow us on social media for more updates! TikTok / Facebook / Instagram
💚 Remember: You are not just managing a busy season, you’re creating moments of magic for your customers and your community. November is your reminder to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and let go of the rest. When you lead with clarity and heart, you don’t just survive the holidays, you shine through them.