Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press | Episode 243

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 243 | Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 243 | Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

 

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In This Episode: 

What’s the secret to running a retail business that feels like home and keeps customers coming back? In this episode of the podcast, I sat down with powerhouse and retail expert Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press in Tallahassee, Florida – and we are answering that question and so much more. Get ready to be inspired! 

With over 21 years of retail experience and a knack for social media marketing, Kim shares actionable tips for retailers, heartfelt stories, and strategies that every independent retailer can use. From training staff to balancing a side business, Kim’s insights are a must-hear for retailers looking to stand out in 2025.

Episode Highlights: 

  • Kim’s Retail Journey: From a home-based stationery line to a thriving brick-and-mortar stationery and gift shop, learn how Kim evolved her business over two decades.
  • Hospitality in Retail: The beauty of treating your shop like your home and creating a welcoming experience for customers. Your shop should feel like your happy place!

“Treat your shop like your home, and your customers will feel like family.” -Kim Williams

  • Staff Training Secrets: How Kim uses a “Disney Main Street” analogy to keep her team and customers engaged and her shop dynamic. Listen in for some really fun secrets her staff uses to make the customer experience at The Polka Dot Press better!
  • Smart Transitions: The bold move to move from custom services and focus on curated, ready-to-sell products.
  • Additional Revenue Stream Success: How Kim invested in her love for social media marketing: taking on clients and adding revenue.
  • Social Media Success: Why relationships matter more than algorithms and how consistency can transform your online presence.

“Relationships over algorithms—that’s the key to social media success.” -Kim Williams

  • Balancing Act: How Kim juggles a successful retail business and a growing social media agency.

Actionable Takeaways: 

  • Embrace “consumable gifts” for products that delight and don’t add clutter.
  • Use open-ended questions like, “What brings you in today?” to spark meaningful customer interactions.
  • Consistency is key on social media to maintain visibility and build trust with your audience.

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 243 | Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
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Looking for more? Don’t miss these workshops!

Join me for a 4-hour intensive January Retail Reset on January 14th! This is a small workshop where we will be laser-focusing on your business. Feel like you might need to revisit your goals and get clear on what you need to do in 2025? Join me! All of the details are here

If you are dreading making a plan for your retail shop in 2025, I have something for you: Design Your Best Retail Year Ever is available for purchase as a stand-alone workshop (or free for you if you are a member of The Retailer’s Inner Circle program)! 

This workshop has been named a favorite by so many of my clients. It’s truly an invaluable resource that every retail shop owner can use – whether you love to plan or dread it. Grab it today, or join the Retailer’s Inner Circle and it’s included in your membership – along with a “pantry” full of other masterclasses and resources for you to grab when you need them.

About Kim and The Polka Dot Press:

With over 30 years in the retail industry, Kim started her business from her home in 2003 and has since grown it into a thriving gift shop known for its unique gifts and stationery. Recognized as an Outstanding Retail Leader by the Florida Retail Federation in 2012, Kim’s expertise and dedication to customer service make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their social media presence online.

Follow along with Kim and her businesses: The Polka Dot Press: Instagram | Website and The Buzz Grove: Instagram | Website

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue

Episode 221: How to Raise the Bar on Excellence in Retail with Guest Expert Jeffrey Shaw

Episode 204: Behind the Counter: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill

About Your Host, Wendy Batten:

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of The Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. 

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. 

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy:

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

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If you want to be more of a rock star, I’d love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

WELCOME

Hi there! I'm Wendy Batten, and I'm obsessed with helping independent shop owners like you achieve success.

With over 20 years of experience as a small business owner, I've owned several retail businesses along the way including a cafe, two retail shops, and a studio (and even a tae kwon do studio), learning first-hand the art of juggling all the balls.

I now dedicate my time to coaching hundred of retailers all around the world, sharing my expertise to help them organize their businesses and maximize profits, paychecks, and JOY in their day-to-day lives.

I created the support, programs, and community that I wish I'd had.

Whether you've been in business for years or are just starting out with your brick-and-mortar venture, you've come to the right place.

If you're serious about your business and ready to stop winging it, I'm here to inspire and guide you toward success.

I'm so happy you're here, and I can't wait to support you on your journey to thriving in the world of retail!

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