How an Unusual Marketing Strategy Helped Grow a Creative Shop Owner’s Empire with Neely Powell | Episode 3

Who here has spent all day shopping at Market and realized, quite painfully, they wore the wrong shoes?

My guest today got her “retailer start” by going to Market to help her mom sell furniture. There she began her under-the-table shoe business by hooking up other women who were shopping with her comfortable shoes from Mexico.

I can’t wait for you to meet a fellow creative retailer, Neely Powell, the founder of Charleston Shoe Company.

After going to shoe design school, Neely opened her first store in Savannah in April 2010, borrowing the first and last month’s rent from her mother. By July of that year she opened a second store on King Street in Charleston. Now she has 26 locations and as a wholesale product line in 300 boutiques.

This is so impressive because she did it with very little marketing budget, a baby on her hip, and not many employees.

In this conversation, she shares how she attracted customers to her store wearing two different shoes… how the power of referrals built her empire … and why the store atmosphere is so crucial to the customer experience.

I know you’ll find so much inspiration and encouragement from hearing her “accidental shopkeeper” journey. She’s overcome many obstacles but her fighting spirit is always willing to turn failure into opportunities.

“I love to say I’m a 22-year-overnight success because this didn’t all happen yesterday.”

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I could really use your help getting my new podcast going and helping retailers find the show. Would you please leave me a review? Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review . I may pick your review to highlight on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

XO Wendy

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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Click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may highlight you on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout.

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