Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures

#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.

#053: If It Feels Uncomfortable, You’re Probably Doing It Right

Change is never easy, but what if the only thing standing between you and your next level of success is your ability to handle discomfort?
In this episode, Cathy dives deep into what it truly means to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Cathy reveals how fear of change often keeps store owners stuck and how embracing discomfort can actually be the gateway to growth, expansion, and freedom.
If you’ve ever said “everything’s fine” when you know it’s not quite good enough, this episode is your wake-up call to move forward with grace, courage, and support.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong, it’s a sign you’re growing.
Fear of change can quietly hold your business back, even when things look “fine.”
The ability to navigate discomfort determines how high you can go in business and in life.
Key Takeaways:
[02:45] Navigating Discomfort, Change and Fear
[06:18] The Importance of Seeking Help
[09:32] Taking Action being Uncomfortable and Moving Forward
Your Millie Moment 
Notice (1 minute): Stop whatever you’re doing and name the feeling, “I feel uncomfortable.”
Clarify (3 minutes): In one sentence, write what you think will happen if you act. (This reveals the real fear.)
Choose one micro-action (5–15 minutes): Pick something tiny, a DM, a draft email, a 10-minute test change in your shop.
Share (30 seconds): Tell one person (peer, teammate, or coach) what you’re doing. Accountability increases follow-through.
Reflect (5 minutes after): Note what happened and what you learned, then repeat.
Do this sequence three times in 7 days. You’ll be surprised how quickly the discomfort softens and how much forward motion you create.
Resources & Links
Check out Episode 001: Hi. It’s me
Check out Episode 002: Part 1 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
Check out Episode 003: Part 2 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
Check out Episode 004: Part 3 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
Ready to welcome discomfort as your path to growth?  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.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
💚 Remember: Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re expanding.
Every challenge is a step between your thumb and your pinky… between where you are and where you’re meant to be.

#052: From Tariffs to Triumph: The Power of Retail Collaboration

What if the very thing holding your business back could become the key to your next big breakthrough?
In this powerful episode of the Richer Retailer Podcast, Cathy Wagner takes you inside the magical world of masterminds, where independent retailers come together to brainstorm, collaborate, and turn challenges into opportunities for business growth and success.
You’ll hear how one mastermind session transformed a stressful tariff problem into a creative retail solution that boosted profits and inspired every store owner in the group. Cathy reveals how community-driven collaboration can spark ideas that one person alone could never create.
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure it all out by yourself, this episode will remind you that your best growth happens together.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The true power of a mastermind, how collective wisdom creates faster business breakthroughs
How collaboration with other retailers can unlock next-level business growth
Why collaboration fuels confidence, clarity, and business success
Key Takeaways:
[03:21] Cathy reveals the “magical” power of the mastermind 
[04:13] Meet the “Tariff Fighters”, proof that collaboration can turn costs into profit
[05:01] The Power of Collective Brainstorming
[08:33] Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities
Your Millie Moment 
Don’t tackle challenges alone, start your own mini mastermind!
Here’s how to do it:
Gather 2–3 fellow store owners you trust and respect.
Schedule a monthly brainstorming session even just an hour works!
Have everyone bring one challenge they’re facing (like tariffs, slow sales, or staffing).
Collaborate to share ideas, solutions, and fresh perspectives.
Remember: when you share ideas, you multiply them  and that’s how problems turn into possibilities and ideas turn into cash.
Resources & Links
Check out Episode 022: Tariff-Proof Your Store with Dana Connell
Ready to turn your tariff troubles into triumphs and spark powerful collaboration along the way?  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.
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 all the answers on your own. The magic happens when you open up, collaborate, and let others lift you higher. Together, you can turn any challenge, even tariffs into an opportunity for growth and success.

#051: Too Much Inventory, Too Little Profit? Find Your Goldilocks Zone

You’ve built a beautiful store and customers are buying… so why doesn’t your cash flow feel as strong as your sales? Let’s fix that.
In this episode, Cathy dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of running a store: inventory turn and freshness.
Broadcasting straight from Disney World, Cathy shares a magical analogy that will forever change the way you look at your backroom: Your inventory is just like a bathtub! 
If you’ve ever struggled with overbuying, stale stock, or slow cash flow, this episode is your fresh start to making your inventory work for you, not against you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The “Goldilocks zone” of inventory that fuels steady cash flow
How to measure your inventory turn (and what number to aim for)
Why freshness is the secret to happy customers and higher margins
Key Takeaways:
[01:52] Understanding Inventory Turn
[06:14] The Importance of Freshness in Inventory
[08:10] The Goldilocks zone: finding that perfect balance between too much and too little
[09:13] Identifying and Managing Old Inventory
Your Millie Moment 
Want to see where your profit potential is hiding? Here’s your homework from Cathy:
Calculate your inventory turn for last year, take your annual sales and divide them by your average inventory.
Then, check your freshness today, look at how many dollars (or units) you’ve received in the last 90 days and divide that by your total on-hand inventory.
These two numbers tell the story of how hard your inventory is working for you and where your next profit breakthrough is waiting.
Resources & Links
Episode 029: Want to Scale Your Retail Business. Fix This First
Episode 035: Encore: The Hidden Cost of Inventory Hoarding
Episode 010: How to Identify and Eliminate “Cash Flow Eaters” in Inventory
Episode 013: How to Stay Ahead of Retail Cash Flow Challenges: 2 Strategies for Success
Is your turn and freshness not where it should be? In our Profit Club program we can identify the slow movers, create a plan for moving them out, and determine what inventory to replace it with to make your inventory fresh & profitable. 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.
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’re not just managing numbers or products, you’re nurturing the heartbeat of your business. Every time you refresh your inventory and keep it flowing, you’re creating new energy, new excitement, and new profit. Trust yourself, keep that flow going, and remember, your store is meant to thrive, just like you.

#050: Create a Manifesto That Attracts Your Dream Customers

What if one bold statement could attract the right customers, energize your team, and set your store apart instantly?
What do Apple, Patagonia, and your favorite local boutique all have in common? They know exactly what they stand for and they boldly declare it. In this episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner takes you behind the scenes of the Richer Retailer Manifesto and teaches you how to create your own.
A manifesto is more than a mission statement, it’s your customer magnet. It tells the world who you are, what you stand for, and why your store exists. When you claim it with confidence, you don’t just sell products, you attract the right people, inspire loyalty, and build a legacy.
Cathy shares the exact steps from the RETAILMavens coaching program that will help you: define your store’s personality, align your business with your core values, and craft a bold declaration that rallies both your customers and your team.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why being bold and audacious with your store’s purpose matters
The updated Richer Retailer manifesto designed to help you
How iconic brands like Apple, Patagonia, and North Face use manifestos to magnetize their audience
How your personal core values can shape your retail business
Key Takeaways:
[02:32] The Power of a Manifesto
[05:37] Creating Your Customer Magnet
[09:22] Defining Your Store's Purpose
[17:35] Transforming Retail Through Clarity and Control
Resources & Links
Check out the updated Richer Retailer manifesto.
Want to magnetize the right customers? Get the Customer Magnet Worksheets.
If you’ve ever struggled with standing out, attracting the right shoppers, or explaining why your store matters, 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.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram.
Your Millie Moment 
This week, take 20 minutes to spark your manifesto:
Write down 3 words customers would use to describe your store
Circle the values that matter most to you
Draft ONE bold sentence that declares what you stand for
Then share it with your team (and tag us @retailmavens so we can cheer you on).
💚 Remember: Your manifesto is more than words, it’s your rally cry, your customer magnet, and your store’s declaration of purpose. Be bold. Be audacious. And watch the right people come to you.

#049: Momentum Before the Madness - Let’s Outsmart October | State of Retail: October 2025

October may feel like the holiday season is right around the corner, but here’s the truth: you still have time.
In this episode, Cathy Wagner unpacks the latest consumer trends and shows why October is the launch pad, not the lull for your store. You’ll hear how to use this “quiet before the storm” to build momentum, strengthen community engagement, and set yourself up for your best Q4 yet.
From smart inventory management and “go big or go home” buying strategies, to leaning into personalization, leveraging video content, and creating memorable customer experiences, Cathy reveals practical sales strategies to help you outsmart the madness and thrive this season.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why October is your real holiday starting line for the holiday season
How video content and omnichannel sales strategies boost efficiency and loyalty
Fun, community engagement events that build stronger customer experiences
Key Takeaways:
[07:03] Leveraging Video and Omnichannel Strategies
[08:28] Building Community and Experiential Retail
[09:59] Understanding Shopper Sentiment
Resources & Links
Listen to episode #016: The #1 Tip to Grow Lifetime Customer Value (The Importance of the Second Purchase and Talks about OmniChannel)
You want to firm up your Q4 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.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Your Millie Moment: Don’t just listen, do! 
Pick ONE bold move from this episode and commit to it today. Maybe it’s going all-in on a product line through smarter inventory management, launching fresh video content, or planning a fun community engagement event that boosts customer experience. Whatever it is, write it down, tell your team, and take the first step. Small, intentional actions taken now create unstoppable momentum before the madness of the holiday season.
💚 Remember: You are not just running a store, you’re building a space where joy, connection, and community thrive. October is your launch pad, the moment where you set the tone for the entire holiday season. Lead with heart, embrace the little wins, and trust that every step you take is guiding you toward being the astonishing retailer you were made to be. 

#048: If I Wanted to Build a $1M+ Store Tomorrow - Here’s What I’d Do

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to grow your store to a million dollars?
In this empowering episode, Cathy pulls back the curtain on the exact 7 things she’d do if she were building a million-dollar store today. She shares not just strategy but mindset shifts, tested methods, and practical steps you can apply right now in your own business.
You’ll hear everything from profit-first inventory planning, to $2,000-an-hour CEO work, to the importance of failing fast. This isn’t theory, it’s the same proven framework that has helped hundreds of retailers go from stressed and stuck… to thriving, profitable, and free.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The 7 Proven Moves to Grow Your Store to $1 Million
How to trade $20/hour tasks for $2,000/hour growth work
Why coaching compresses time and accelerates results. The truth: it’s not just about money, it’s about impact
Key Takeaways:
[02:46] Seven Steps to Build a Million Dollar Store
[07:01] Treating Inventory as an Investment
[10:47] Building a Self-Sufficient Team
[21:07] Leading Yourself to Success
Resources & Links
#047: Empowering 100 Retailers past $1M with Sustainable Growth
Check out Captain Kirk's QuickBooks Corner for expert bookkeeping tips and insights every month inside our Richer Retailer community 
Book tip: Buy Your Time Back by Dan Martel
Ready to lead your store past $1M with confidence? 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.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Your Millie Moment 
Pick just ONE of the 7 strategies and take action on it this week. Don’t wait to do them all, momentum starts with a single step. 
Which one will you commit to today to move your store closer to that million-dollar mark?
💚 Remember: Building a million-dollar store isn’t just about profit, it’s about creating freedom, impact, and a life you love. You are stronger than the fear, more capable than the doubt, and fully equipped to reach your next level. Every step forward matters. You don’t have to do it all at once, you just have to keep moving, with courage and heart.

#047: Empowering 100 Retailers past $1M with Sustainable Growth

How do you create a thriving business that fuels freedom, impact, and legacy?
In this inspiring episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner shares RETAILMavens’ bold new declaration: helping 100 independent store owners reach $1M in sustainable, profitable growth.
She opens up about her own journey of subtracting the chaos, embracing a decision framework, and re-engineering RETAILMavens to reflect freedom, leadership, and transformation. Cathy also reveals new tools, trainings, and experiences designed to help store owners cut through the noise and grow beyond the grind.
This episode will challenge you to declare your own audacious goal and step boldly into empowered leadership.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why declaring bold goals is key to transformation and sustainable growth
How subtraction (not addition) creates focus and clarity in business
Why hope and leadership are essential to thriving beyond $1M
Key Takeaways:
[04:11] Building a Decision Framework That Cuts the Chaos
[07:26] How RETAILMavens Re-Engineered for Freedom + Impact
[12:00] Bold Progress and Audacious Goals for the Future
[17:20] Why Community + Connection Are the Heart of Retail
Resources & Links
Ready to lead your store past $1M with confidence? 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.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Your Millie Moment 
Write down your audacious goal for your store.
Ask yourself: What can I subtract to make space for it?
Take one small action this week to move toward that goal.
Simple, clear steps but powerful enough to start re-engineering your business into one that grows sustainably and supports the life you want.
💚 Remember: Sustainable growth isn’t just about profit, it’s about building a richer life filled with freedom, confidence, and deeper impact. Declare your bold goal, cut through the noise, and lead with audacious hope.

#046: How CEOs Balance Time Management and Customer Connection

How do you grow your business while still connecting with the customers you love?
In this empowering episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner unpacks the role of delegation in creating real business growth. She shares practical time management strategies like time blocking and owner-on-deck days, plus the importance of team training to carry your store’s culture forward. Through inspiring client stories and actionable insights, you’ll discover how to step fully into your CEO role without losing the magic of your brand.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why smart delegation fuels long-term business growth.
How to keep customer connections alive while focusing on your CEO role.
How team training ensures your culture and values are reflected on the floor.
Key Takeaways:
[05:03] The Importance of Intentional Presence
[06:00] Time Blocking for Success
[07:40] Creating a Sustainable Business Model
[09:14] Building a Business Beyond Yourself
Resources & Links
Ready for Sustainable Business? 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 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
Your Millie Moment:
Block time on your calendar.Choose two slots this week: one for CEO office hours (focus on business growth tasks) and one for Owner-on-Deck time (intentional customer connection).
Pick 2–3 tasks to delegate.Hand them to a team member so you can free up time for leadership.
Run one short team training.Teach your staff one standard (like greeting customers or upselling) so your culture stays consistent.
That’s it, simple, doable steps that protect your time management, strengthen customer connection, and move you toward a sustainable business.
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
Share this episode with a fellow store owner and help them tackle cash flow challenges!
💚Remember: You don’t have to do it all alone. Delegation and team training aren’t about stepping away, they’re about giving yourself the freedom to lead as the CEO while still keeping the magic of your customer connection alive. You are building not just a profitable, sustainable business, but also a life that feels richer in every way. And through it all, never forget, you are astonishingly fabulous.

#045: CEO Guide: Localism + Team Power = Retail Momentum | State of Retail: September 2025

September 2025 is here and it’s one of the most important months for retail. 
Cathy Wagner breaks down the state of retail and why this season is your reset button. From navigating price sensitivity and tariffs to leaning into localism, Cathy shares how you can use September as a launch pad for business growth.
With your CEO hat firmly on, you’ll discover how team empowerment and stronger customer connection can drive momentum into Q4 helping you scale your store with intention, not overwhelm.
What You’ll Learn:
Why September 2025 is the ultimate retail reset
How to respond to price sensitivity and tariffs without sacrificing profit
The growing power of localism and community collaboration
Practical ways to invest in team empowerment for growth
Mindset shifts to strengthen customer connection and thrive as CEO
Key Takeaways:
[03:43] Navigating Price Sensitivity and Consumer Behavior
[09:10] The Power of Localism and Community Connection
[14:46} Empowering Your Team for Success
[18:35] Strategic Moves for a Profitable Q4
Your Millie Moment: Localism + Team Power = Retail Momentum
Plan one signature event to strengthen customer connection and community ties.
AI Prompt: Signature Retail Event Planning
Act as an expert retail event strategist.
I own a brick-and-mortar retail store that sells (WHAT) and we specialize in helping (WHO do/achieve what). I want to plan one signature event this month that connects deeply with my community and can be repeated seasonally. The goal is to create sales and traffic and customer loyalty.
I want to spend no more than ($XX) on materials getting it started, and I’d like to minimize my effort wherever positively possible.
Please give me:
Three event theme ideas tailored to independent retailers like me.
A step-by-step plan for organizing and promoting the event (timeline, tasks, marketing).
Ideas to make the event memorable and drive repeat attendance.
Ways to measure success, both financially and in terms of customer relationship goals.
Identify one role or responsibility to delegate for team empowerment.
Ask yourself as CEO: What’s the one move I can make this September that will make Q4 easier, more profitable, and more scalable?
Resources Mentioned:
#014: Building a Team That “Gets” Your Vision with Holly Floyd
#041: Why Won’t My Team Just Do What I Ask?!
#022: Tariff-Proof Your Store with Dana Connell
#029: Want to Scale Your Retail Business? Fix This First. (Episode on IMUs)
Ready for your reset button this month of September?? Book a free 15-minute clarity call with our coach Krystal. It’s your next step to simplify, realign, and lead like the CEO you’re becoming with confidence and purpose.
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!
The state of retail in September 2025 is full of opportunities. The actions you take now will set the tone for Q4 and beyond. Lead locally, empower your team, and wear your CEO hat proudly as you choose proactive moves that help your store thrive.