Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures

#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.

#044: How Retailers Beat Online Competition with Story & Experience

Are you tired of hearing customers say, “I saw this online for cheaper”? 
You’re not alone. In this episode, Cathy answers a powerful question from Katya, a member of our Richer Retailer Facebook community: “How do I compete as a brick-and-mortar store with the explosion of online shops stocking from the same suppliers I have to buy from too?”
It’s a struggle every retailer knows, but the good news is that competing on price is not the answer. Cathy shares selling techniques to help you beat the competition and remind your customers why shopping with you is an experience they can’t get online.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why the same products ≠ the same experience
How to use storytelling to make your products unforgettable
Why your “thumbs” (top customers) hold the key to growth
How to reframe those discouraging “I saw this online” comments
Key Takeaways:
[02:04] Strategies for Competing with Online Retailers
[08:53] The Importance of Storytelling in Retail
[11:33] Building Customer Relationships and Engagement
Resources & Links
Ready for more people to discover your store? 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:
This week, don’t just sell a product, bring it to life! 
Pick one item in your store and share its story. 
Post it on social media, tell it to your team, or send it in an email. 
Your customers aren’t just buying things… they’re buying the connection, the meaning, and the heart that only YOU can give.
💚Remember: Your superpower isn’t in the shelves or the stock, it’s in the way you make people feel when they walk through your doors. You are truly astonishing, and the experience you create is something no online store could ever replace. Your customers don’t just want what you sell… they want you.

#043: Media That Moves Merch: PR Tactics for Store Owners with Gloria Chou

Think PR is only for big brands with huge budgets? Think again. Wish your store could get featured in magazines or on top websites without hiring a pricey PR agency? We can make it happen.
In this episode, Cathy sits down with PR expert Gloria Chou to show you exactly how independent retailers, even those with just one small shop can get featured in major publications like House Beautiful, Refinery29, and even Oprah’s Favorite Things without paying for ads or hiring a pricey agency.
If you’ve been stuck in the “social media hamster wheel” or spending thousands on ads, this episode will open your eyes to a smarter, more impactful way to get seen and grow your retail business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why PR isn’t about follower count, it’s about seasonal fit and relevance
The exact CPR pitch structure Gloria uses to get small brands featured in major outlets
Why PR delivers more ROI than social media or ads especially in an AI-first search world
Key Takeaways:
[02:33] Understanding the Power of PR for Small Businesses
[10:56] Utilizing Free Tools for PR Success
[16:50] The ROI of PR vs Social Media
[19:19] The Importance of Consistency in PR Efforts
Resources & Links
If today’s conversation with Gloria lit a spark for you, she’s hosting a FREE PR Secrets Masterclass where she’ll walk you through exactly how to get featured in the media without needing a big budget or fancy connections. Grab your spot now!
And if you’re ready to dive deeper into her proven PR strategies, check out her full program here.
Tired of relying only on social media and ads to get noticed? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, we’ll uncover what’s working in your visibility strategy, pinpoint what’s holding you back from getting noticed, and map out your best next PR move. You’ll leave with a clear plan to boost your credibility, attract more customers, and grow a business that supports your goals, not just your to-do list.
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
Your PR action plan for this week, just 15 minutes at a time:
Step 1: Set up a Google News Alert for your niche so you never miss a media opportunity.
Step 2: Watch Gloria’s free PR Masterclass and soak up her game-changing tips.
Step 3: Draft your first CPR pitch, tie it to something seasonal so it’s timely and irresistible.
💚 Remember: You don’t need a massive budget, a famous spokesperson, or thousands of followers to get press. All you need is the right pitch, the right timing, and the confidence to hit “send.” Your next big feature could be one email away.

#042: Breaking the Cycle: How to Stop Buying Yourself Broke

Have you ever felt like you're just buying and selling inventory on repeat only to find your bank account isn’t growing?
You're not alone… and you’re definitely not broken.
In this episode, Cathy dives deep into a question from Amanda in our Richer Retailer Facebook group:  "How do you get out of that never-ending cycle of purchasing, selling, and spending the profit right back on inventory?"
If you’ve ever felt like you’re buying yourself broke, this episode is for you. Cathy shares her own experience with this frustrating cycle and teaches the exact mindset shift and systems you need to build real profit not just more sales.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why "inventory doesn’t pay you, profit does"
How to stop treating every dollar like it belongs to your next PO
4 practical steps to shift from chaos to clarity with your money
How one change can boost your sales by 13%!
Key Takeaways:
[01:19] Breaking the Cycle of Inventory Spending
[02:42] Mindset Shift: Inventory vs. Profit
[04:31] Practical Steps to Improve Profitability
Resources & Links
Tired of feeling like every dollar just disappears into more inventory? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, we’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and map out your most profitable next step. You’ll walk away with a clear plan to break the cycle, pay yourself more, and finally grow a business that supports your goals (not just your vendors).
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
Millie Moment:
Break the cycle: Start assigning every dollar a job using the Profit First percentages:
50% → Inventory
10% → Owner's Pay
1%+ → Profit
The rest → Expenses & Taxes
Know your best-sellers: Review your top 20 items by both dollars and units sold—then keep those in stock.
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 didn’t start your store just to stay stuck in a cycle, you started it to build freedom, joy, and abundance. Profit is possible, and you deserve to be paid well for the impact you make. One step at a time, you’re getting there.

#041: Why Won’t My Team Just Do What I Ask?!

Have you ever said (or screamed) “I’ve Told Them a Hundred Times… Why Don’t They Get It?!” You’re not alone and this episode is for you.
Even with a good team, it can feel like you’re repeating yourself over and over… and still not getting the results you want. In this episode, Cathy unpacks one of the most common (and frustrating!) leadership roadblocks retail store owners face and shows you exactly how to lead with more clarity, confidence, and heart.
You’ll learn the real reason your team may not be following through and the 3 powerful questions to ask yourself before jumping to blame.
Because when you show up as a clear, values-driven leader… the right people rise.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The 3 things your team needs from you to succeed
How to turn frustration into leadership growth
A simple shift that helps you train with clarity (not confusion)
What to do when someone just isn’t aligned even if they’re “great”
Key Takeaways:
[02:21]: Understanding Team Dynamics and Leadership Responsibilities
[04:57]: Communicating Expectations Clearly
[07:03]: Aligning Team Values with Business Goals
[09:00]: Building a Supportive Team Culture
Resources & Links
Want help building a team that actually supports your goals without repeating yourself 100 times? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, We’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and map out your most aligned and profitable next step so you can build the culture, team, and leadership that supports your million-dollar goals.
Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram 
Have questions? Reach out via email!
Millie Moment:When you feel like your team just isn’t getting it, pause before pointing fingers and ask: “Have I taught the why, the what, and the how?”Leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about showing the way clearly, kindly, and consistently.
Try this: Choose one task your team isn’t doing the way you want, and today, walk them through the why, what, and how out loud. Watch what changes.
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!
💚 Remeber: You care so deeply and that alone already makes you a powerful leader. Keep going. You’re building something beautiful, one conversation, one team member, one moment at a time. 

#040: Done Beats Perfect: State of Retail | August 2025

August in retail comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion, and it can roar out with great momentum if you play it right.
In this month's State of Retail episode, Cathy Wagner shares why this is the perfect time for independent retailers to lead smarter, not hustle. You'll hear the latest economic updates, actionable merchandising tips, and creative ways to deepen community engagement and boost profit. From low-lift in-store events to trends in resale and experiential retail, Cathy walks you through smart, doable strategies to help you finish summer strong and prep for Q4 with confidence.
Whether you're feeling a little frazzled or fired up, this episode will remind you: you’re not here to hustle harder, you’re here to lead smarter.
What You’ll Learn:
Why August is the ideal moment to pivot from hustle to intentional leadership
How to protect profit margins (hint: it starts with your initial markup!)
Experiential retail doesn't have to be grand; small connections matter.
Key Takeaways:
[03:07] Current Economic Trends and Consumer Behavior
[06:05] Experiential Retail: Creating Connections
[08:10] Community as a Competitive Edge
[10:31] Taking Action: The Millie Moment
Your Millie Moment: Pause, Plan, and Push Forward
Choose one low-lift in-store experience to try this month
Audit your pricing strategy. Are you hitting that 60% initial markup?
Pick one local vendor to collaborate or cross-promote with
Ask yourself: What foundational project do I want done before Q4?
Resources Mentioned:
Ready to make your second half stronger? Book a free 15-minute clarity call with our Head Coach, Crystal. It’s your next step to simplify, realign, and lead like the CEO you’re becoming with confidence and purpose.
Get the Clearance Sale Secrets program now to liquidate unwanted retail inventory in 6 weeks, without destroying margins or discounting best sellers
Connect with ambitious store owners in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
Share this episode with a fellow store owner!
Remember: You're not just here to sell. You're here to shine, lead, and shape what small retail can truly be. You're doing more than enough and you're never alone in this. 💚

#039: Your Products Have a Story, Share it! with Laura Schmidt

Have you ever wondered if the right words, shared at the right moment, could transform your business and someone else’s life?
Meet Laura Schmidt, Cathy’s guest for this episode and founder of notes to self, a brand built on the simple yet powerful belief that words make all the difference. After years in engineering and sales, Laura followed her heart and transformed positive affirmations into a nationwide movement, donating over 155,000 pairs of socks to spread hope and encouragement.
Discover how purpose-driven products and heartfelt storytelling can help you build real connection with your customers and why, sometimes, it really does start with just a few good words.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How short affirmations can bring real hope and emotional connection to omnichannel retail
Why adding meaning to your inventory can strengthen your brand values and how customers see and buy your products
Speaking to yourself with compassion (the way you’d speak to a friend) can help you stay motivated through challenges.
It's okay to start small, trust your gut, and learn what resonates most with your customers over time.
Key Takeaways:
[02:31]: The Power of Words
[05:46]: Inspiration Behind Notes to Self 
[25:46]: Tips on embedding meaning into products and connections with customers.
[30:31]Staying Connected to Your Why 
Resources & Links
Check out Laura’s website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook to get inspired, shop her socks, and share a little extra positivity to you and to your customers!
You’re not just selling socks, cards, or candles, you’re shaping experiences that connect through social commerce, storytelling, and deep brand values. Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and map out your most profitable next step, so your shelves stay stocked, your story stays strong, and your impact keeps growing.
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. You’ll discover how to lead with agile strategy as CEO, CIO, and CFO of your retail business.
Your Millie Moment:
Think about one product or display in your store that already has a special story, purpose, or message behind it but your customers might not know it yet.
Step 1: Write down that story in one or two sentences, why you chose it, who it helps, or how it makes people feel.
Step 2: Share it! Add it to a product tag, mention it to a customer at checkout, or post it on your store’s social media, this is modern retail media in action.
Step 3: Notice how sharing just a few good words can turn an ordinary item into something meaningful, especially when your product line is inclusive and offers sustainable products your audience cares about.
Small words, shared intentionally, really can make a big difference in your omnichannel retail story and your bottom line.
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: What you put on your shelves isn’t just inventory, it’s hope, comfort, and belief wrapped in a product. Every kind word you share, every story you tell, has the power to brighten someone’s hardest day… and remind them (and yourself) that they’re loved, seen, and never alone.

#038: From Imposter Syndrome to Inner Confidence - The Secret to Great Retail Leadership with Sherry Winn

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others, it’s about first leading yourself with compassion, courage, and honesty.In this inspiring conversation, Cathy Donovan Wagner sits down with Sherry Winn: two-time Olympian, national championship-winning coach, bestselling author, and founder of The Winning Leadership development Company. Sherry has empowered thousands of executives at global brands like Adobe and Edward Jones, and captivated audiences of thousands with her transformative motivational speaking message.
Together, they explore how self-awareness, resilience, and self-care shape true leadership and invite you to see your own potential and lead with heart.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why are failures essential for growth mindset and meant to be embraced?
Everyone experiences imposter syndrome, it means you’re leveling up.
Why you should view obstacles as adventures rather than setbacks
The importance of self-care in effective leadership
Key Takeaways:
[03:05]: The Journey of Greatness and Failure
[09:32]: Imposter Syndrome and Self-Awareness
[21:03]: The Importance of Self-Care in Leadership
[26:29] Overcoming Fear in Leadership
Resources & Links
Sherry Winn’s Winning Leadership: 7 secrets to build and keep a loyal team of champions!
Connect with Sherry Winn on LinkedIn and book a free 45-minute “rant & rage” and visit her website.
You’re not building just any store, you’re creating an experience, a legacy, a life that’s richer in every way. Let’s make sure the business side supports that vision. Apply for your free Gameplan Call and we’ll talk through what’s working, what’s not, and your most profitable next move.
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.
Your Millie Moment:
Reflect on one recent setback and write down what it taught you.
Notice when imposter syndrome shows up and gently challenge it with truth.
Choose one small act of self-care each day, even five quiet minutes.
Reframe one obstacle you’re facing as an adventure instead of a roadblock.
Little by little, these small steps build the courage and resilience true leadership requires.
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: True leadership starts long before anyone is watching. It begins in quiet moments of honesty, courage, and compassion toward yourself. Remember: every failure can fuel growth, every doubt can spark self-awareness, and every act of self-care makes you stronger for those you lead.