Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 231 | 3 Simple Marketing Levers to Increase Your Holiday Sales

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Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

I’m diving into the three big metrics I encourage my retailers to track and improve in order to increase sales especially during the holiday season. And what’s more important than that this time of year?!

We dug into the importance of tracking these metrics a few weeks back with my retailers at the Level Up Mastermind meetup. It gets me fired up to talk about these things because I know just how effective an intentional marketing plan can be if you are tracking the right numbers.

So let’s start there! The first thing you want to be clear on is knowing your numbers: Before you put any marketing strategies in place, you need to focus on knowing exactly how much money I need to make. This includes knowing how much you need for rent, payroll, insurance, etc. Once you have this number, you can reverse engineer to determine how you are going to make that money. This means setting foot traffic goals, tracking conversion rates, and increasing average order value (AOV).

• Foot Traffic: How many customers you need to enter the shop in order to hit your financial targets. I recommend writing it out: “I need X customers by [date].”
• Conversion Rate: Track how many visitors make a purchase, and then focus on ways to improve it—whether through better in-store experiences or staff training.
• Average Order Value (AOV): You should always be looking for ways to increase AOV, using value-add promotions instead of just relying on discounts.

By knowing your numbers and working backward, you can create a clear, actionable plan to increase foot traffic and improve your conversion rate and AOV.

Thanks for tuning in! I would love it if you would share this episode with other retailers who might find it helpful. Let’s grow together!

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Ready to Level Up? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Retail Shop

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series

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.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 230 | Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat: Building Connections & Strong Businesses

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Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

Do you know who your “people” are in your business life? Do you have a trustworthy sounding board for your big ideas? A mentor to guide you in the right direction when you feel stuck in your retail business? 

I just hosted my Level Up Mastermind members here in my hometown of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and I am vibrating with excitement to share the takeaways with you on the podcast. I believe that being a part of a group like this is so important for so many reasons that I touch on in this episode. It was such an inspiring week, and I hope you can take away a few nuggets of wisdom to implement in your retail business!

Major Takeaways from the Retreat:

• Care About Your People: Truly caring about your customers and clients makes all the difference. It’s not just about sales; it’s about creating an experience that makes your customers feel seen, heard, and valued.
• You Can’t Create in a Silo: Ideas flourish in conversation with other like-minded business owners. Sparks fly when you surround yourself with peers who understand the retail grind and inspire you to level up.
• Invest in Personal and Business Development: Successful retailers invest in their growth. Financials, marketing, skill development – Whether it’s attending retreats or working with mentors, personal development fuels business success.
• Relationships Are Rocket Fuel: Your business thrives when you nurture relationships—with customers, team members, vendors, and fellow shop owners. Building intentional connections leads to greater success.
• Protect Your CEO Time: As retail business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the small tasks, but your job is to focus on the big strategy. Delegate the small stuff and be the visionary your business needs.

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Ready to Level Up? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Podcast Mentions

• Sandwick Bay Candles
• Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!)

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.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 229 | Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop

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Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

You hear me say it in every episode, but it’s true: running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard! Sure, there are aspects of it that feel hard and heavy sometimes, but help is here. Let’s chat a bit about the magical tool I’ve created inside of the Retailer’s Inner Circle that keeps my retailers on track every month called the Retailer’s Playbook. Get your CEO hat out!

The Retailer’s Playbook was created because I had so many retailers urging me to tell them what they need to do every month. 

It is a multi-page document that helps you track your progress, plan your social media and promotions, increase your profits, and stay on top of the day-to-day tasks that often go by the wayside.

Retailers love the Playbook because it frees up their time, empowers them to make decisions in their shops, and has the potential to increase profitability. Having freedom in your retail business looks different for everyone, but one thing we all have to have to stay afloat is profitability.

How the Retailer’s Playbook can help you:

Key Elements of the Playbook

• Reflection questions: Getting curious on what worked, what didn’t, and where we can improve
• Goal Setting: Focus on setting realistic revenue, marketing, and operational goals that are results-driven
• Marketing Calendar: Provides pre-planned email subject lines, social posts, and promotions/events
• Operational Tasks Checklist: Make sure everything is done—inventory, bank statements, and managing your team – 
• Self-Care & Mindset: I include reminders for self-care because if we aren’t well, neither is our business

Why I Believe You Need a Monthly Playbook

• It keeps your operations, marketing, and finances on track
• You’ll feel more clarity and direction each month
• It reduces the chaos we often feel, especially during busy seasons

How you can get a Monthly Retailer’s Playbook

Join us inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle coaching program. The Retailer’s Playbook is exclusive to the Retailer’s Inner Circle and is just a small piece of all of the great tools available in that group. 

We also have a monthly group coaching call, countless masterclasses that are taught by me and other guest experts, small progress pod groups that meet weekly to help keep each other on track, and so much more. Join us now, ahead of Q4! See you inside!

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• Facebook

Ready to Level Up? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 195: The Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring

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

Episode 206: Behind the Scenes: New Retailer’s Inner Circle Support

Episode 228: Protecting Your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips

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.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 228 | Protecting your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips

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Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

As independent retailers, protecting our stores, staff, and ourselves is always a top priority, right? How do you ensure safety among your staff and yourself – especially when it comes to loss prevention? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I am sharing practical tips to prevent both external (shoplifting by customers) and internal (staff) theft to ensure your shop stays safe, profitable, and secure for everyone.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode:

• Inventory is Money: Every piece of stock represents your revenue and you need to be vigilant about protecting it. Do you have a handle on your inventory? Is your POS up to date? Do you have cameras in place and separation of duties among your employees?
• Safety First for You and Your Staff:
  • Ensure your team feels safe by having clear protocols for dealing with shoplifters. Never confront them directly—safety is more important than merchandise.
  • Empower staff to trust their instincts and call the police if something feels off. Prioritize their well-being in every situation – do not confront shoplifters, call the police and allow them to handle the situation.
• Best Practices for Loss Prevention:
  • Engage customers as soon as they enter the shop and ensure visibility in all store areas.
  • Use simple tools like mirrors, security cameras, and clear layouts to reduce theft.
  • Foster a culture of awareness with your team, making sure they know you are paying attention.
  • POS Systems and Inventory Management: Track inventory regularly, audit stock, and ensure employees are aware that it’s being monitored.
  • Separation of Duties: Rotate responsibilities for handling cash and inventory to avoid unchecked control. 

Loss prevention isn’t just about protecting your inventory—it’s about keeping yourself, your team, and your business safe. By implementing these strategies, you’ll reduce risk and ensure a secure environment for everyone.

Catch the next episode for tips on end-of-month preparation!

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Ready to Level Up? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 104: Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory into Cash!

Episode 193: Retailers: First Impressions Count!

Episode 208: Stacking Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren

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.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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!

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 227 | Improve Customer Loyalty and Become Referable with Katrina Scarlett

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Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

Do you feel like you are always looking for new customers? Did you know that it is less expensive to keep your customers coming back than it is to market to new ones?

In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katrina Scarlett of Scarlett & Co. to chat about how independent retailers can elevate their in-store experience through a hospitality-driven approach and focus on customer retention. Katrina is a customer experience expert whose company specializes in helping clients improve retention, satisfaction, and monetization efforts to make a bigger impact. While she works now mostly with authors and coaches, her experience and approach are perfect for retail. I am so inspired by her work and am excited to share this conversation with you. Let’s dive in!

Here are some of the highlights and major touchpoints of our chat:

• Customer Retention as a Key Strategy: Katrina emphasized that customer retention goes beyond repeat visits—it’s about creating loyalty and fostering a referral network. Loyal customers not only return but also spread the word, helping retailers grow their business organically.
• The Five Pillars of Customer Experience: Katrina’s framework focuses on five essential areas that retailers should prioritize and with this framework, can set up actual operational guidelines for their staff and business. 
  1. Culture: A customer-centric culture should start from the top and flow throughout the entire team.
  2. Service: Retailers should focus on delivering more than just basic customer service—serving with intention and heart is essential.
  3. Offers: Product mixes should cater to customers’ needs and desires, not just the store owner’s preferences.
  4. Operations: Streamlining processes and systems makes shopping easier and frictionless for customers.
  5. Journey: The customer journey includes every interaction and touch point, from first impressions online to in-store purchases and beyond.
• Adopting a Hospitality Mindset: Adopting a hospitality-first approach in retail is key. Treating customers like valued guests can make a significant impact on their experience and loyalty.
• Importance of Operations: Efficient operations, such as easy returns and smooth checkout processes, are vital for improving the overall customer experience. Katrina highlights that operational decisions should always consider both the business and the customer’s experience.
• Customer-Centric Focus: The success of a retail store is built on the satisfaction of its customers. Period. 

“Return to your heart of service.” -Katrina Scarlett

Listen to the full episode to hear more ideas, the why and how to’s. You will gain actionable insights into how to improve your retail shop’s customer experience, build stronger loyalty, and create a hospitality-driven retail culture!

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About Katrina and Scarlett & Co.

Katrina Scarlett is the founder and driving force behind Scarlett & Co., a company that specializes in helping authors and coaches improve their client retention, satisfaction and monetization efforts so they can increase their profits and expand their impact. 

You can follow along with Katrina and Scarlett & Co. here:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

17 Easy Ways to Improve Client Satisfaction & Retention

Ready to Level Up? Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including Foot Traffic Made Simple, Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone!

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 93: How to Wow and Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

Episode 118: How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Author Shep Hyken

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 215: Coffee Break Chat: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience

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.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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!