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

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.

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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.

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 242 | 6 Areas to Focus on in Your Retail Business in 2025 | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

What sould we focus on in 2025?

Today we’re sharing the 6 areas that I believe are the most important for retailers to focus on this year. 

This annual episode is always one of our most downloaded. Don’t miss it. 

Also – 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.

Episode Takeaways: 

The 6 areas I believe all retailers should be focusing on in 2025:

1. Building a stable foundation: There are three pieces to business stability: (1) business viability/profitability (2) your customers and their changing needs (3) you and your team
2. Embracing retail excellence: Mediocrity is not going to cut it in 2025. “Excellence” doesn’t mean luxury, it means paying attention to details in all aspects of your business.
3. Earning your customers’ loyalty: Your customers want to be seen and understood. What strategies do you have in place to create customers for life?
4. Be a superhero in your community: How can you be a town cheerleader, connector, and community advocate?
5. Exude confident leadership: Believe in what you are creating. What are you spending your CEO time on?
6. Visibility is key: Position your brand to be seen as the “go-to.” Can your customers shop online? Are there revenue streams you can add?

“If coming to my shop today wasn’t the best thing our customer did, then we haven’t done our job.” -Cindy Boissonneault, Poco Inspired

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episodes 198-200: Stop Hiding and Be Known: Retailer’s Visibility Series Parts 1-3

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

Episode 237: Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store

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 241 | Year-End Reflections: Mindset, Marketing, and Lessons for Success in 2025 | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

This year has flown by, and as we bid farewell to 2024, it’s time to reflect on the lessons, wins, and challenges that shaped our journeys. In this episode, I’m sharing powerful takeaways from coaching clients, my own experiences, and inspirational quotes/insights that can inspire independent retailers to make 2025 their best year yet. 

Get ready for mindset shifts, marketing tips, and practical strategies to simplify, amplify, and thrive! 

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.

Some Takeaways: 

• The Power of “How Can I” Energy: Shift from “I can’t” to “How can I” and see the shifts. 
• Simplify and Amplify: Why B+ work and “Done is better than perfect” can help you focus on what truly matters. Give yourself permission to let it be easy – whatever “it” is!

“A confused mind never buys.”

• Mindset Makeover: Embrace the courage to course-correct,  drop words like “busy,” “just,” and “yeah, but…” from your vocabulary and get out of your own head.  
• Build a Trusted Brand and Use the Power of Invitation: Move beyond selling and yelling. Learn how to create a customer experience they’ll adore. Bring them into your business.
• Financial Wisdom: “It’s not the money you make; it’s the money you keep.” Get intentional about your cash flow and profitability.

“You can’t be upset about the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”

• “Fix Problems Now”: Don’t let problems get bigger or manifest into something worse than when it started.
• Consistency Compounds: Stay visible by updating your SEO keywords, your Google profile and your socials. Be sure to stay relevant if you want to succeed in 2025.

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 186: Choose Joy! Reframe Your Mindset and End Your Retail Year Happy

Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset

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

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 240 | 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Now as You Design Your Year Ahead | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

As an independent retailer, the end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing five powerful questions that can help you evaluate your past year, identify growth opportunities, and set intentional goals for 2025. Whether you’re looking to streamline your operations, grow your customer base, or simply realign your business with your values, these insights are tailored to help small business owners thrive.

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.

Episode Highlights: 

1. Reflect on Success: Use five reflective questions to assess your year and identify areas of improvement.

• What do I wish I had done better?
• What am I most proud of?
• What am I worried about?
• What do I want to be proud of next year?
• Do my goals align with my vision?

2. Plan with Purpose: Embrace the Design Your Best Year Ever workshop to map out a clear and intentional plan for 2025.
3. Community Matters: Join a supportive retailer network to share insights, get inspired, and stay accountable.
4. Mindset Shift: Replace worry with clarity by addressing concerns directly and creating actionable steps.

“Success is yours, but you have to design it.” -Wendy Batten

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 194: Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset

Episode 197: A Monthly Debrief: A Simple Activity All Retail Shop Owners Should Be Doing

Episode 208: Stack 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 239 | Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue

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

In This Episode: 

What kind of business do you wish existed in your community? Jasmine McCue, owner of The Crow’s Nest Pantry in Alberta, identified just that and then made it a reality. In this episode, Jasmine shares her inspiring journey of starting the pantry to address her community’s needs and how it evolved into what it is today. She shares lessons learned about staffing and planning and the power of using data to drive success. 

Listen in to discover valuable insights for independent retailers!

Episode Highlights: 

• Small town, big vision: Jasmine describes how she turned a community need into a profitable, beloved store.
• Data-driven decisions: The importance of using sales data to refine inventory and meet customer demand (including an amusing story about Brussels sprouts!)
• Planning saves time and money: How Jasmine leveraged pre-planning to improve profit margins and efficiency
• Staffing lessons: Managing challenges with employees while prioritizing the needs of the business
• Creative marketing: Innovative ideas like partnering with Airbnbs to attract new customers.

Jasmine is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle program and is part of one of our Progress Pods inside the group. Join her and other amazing retailers like her in 2025!

“Freedom lies on the other side of hard conversations.” -Wendy Batten

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 238: Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa Wrixon

Episode 220: Retailer Success Series: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

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

About Jasmine and The Crow’s Nest Pantry:

Jasmine is a pharmacist by trade but her passion has led her on a path to serve her community through opening The Crow’s Nest Pantry. She opened her business because she believes everyone deserves access to wholesome bulk food and natural products that they can afford. Their shelves are filled with diverse bulk foods and natural products at competitive prices. 

When you shop local, you not only save money but also contribute to the well-being of our planet.

Follow along with Jasmine and The Crow’s Nest Pantry:  Website | Instagram

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!