Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 287 | Design Your Best Retail Year Ever: Stop Drifting and Start Planning for Success
With Retail Coach Wendy Batten
Listen on: Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
In This Episode:
Is your business steering your life instead of the other way around?
In this episode, I’m reminding creative shop owners that thriving retail doesn’t happen by accident – it’s designed with purpose. As we wrap up the year and move forward into 2026, I’m sharing my “captain your own ship” approach to intentional business planning. Let me teach you how to stop drifting with the tides of the economy, staff changes, or trends, and start charting your course toward profit, joy, and freedom.
Smart Retail Strategies to Design Your Best Year Yet:
- Learn how planning brings the future into the present so you can take control now.
- Learn how to shift from reacting to leading with clarity and purpose.
- Create a one-page plan that keeps your business focused and flexible.
- Embrace the CEO mindset every creative shop owner needs for the year ahead.
“Hope is not a strategy. Clarity is.”
Your Next Steps:
- Reflect on what worked and what didn’t this year. What are you super proud of? What wouldn’t you do again?
- Grab my Design Your Best Year Ever Workshop to create your intentional 2026 plan. We will meet live on January 13th at 2pm ET for a Q+A. Anyone who purchased the stand-alone class and anyone in my Inner Circle or Level Up Mastermind (this masterclass is included in your membership) is invited to this live workshop!
Related podcasts we think you’d like:
Episode 196: New Revenue Stream Ideas for Your Retail Business
Episode 212: Pushing Through Business Blocks with Guest Expert Jane Bellante
Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business
About Your Host, Wendy Batten:
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy.
I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.
For more support from Wendy:
Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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