Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 257 | Spring Cleaning for Your Retail Business: Refresh Your Mind, Shop, & Sales

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

LAST CALL! Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

Ready to spruce up your shop and boost your business? Spring (or Autumn, depending on where in the world you are!) is the perfect time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In this episode, I’m giving independent retailers easy tips to refresh their mindset, clean up their shop, and make more money.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset Refresh: Get rid of negative thoughts and focus on new opportunities. Remember why you started your business and get that excitement back!  
• Money Moves:
  • Inventory Check: Look at old stock and have a spring cleaning sale to clear it out.  Don’t let money sit on your storage shelves!
  • Expense Review: Cut unnecessary spending by checking your credit card and bank statements.  
  • Pricing Check: Make sure your prices make you a profit, and don’t just copy your competitors.  
• Shop Spruce-Up: Clean your shop, including dusting and fixing anything that looks worn out.  Update uniforms, aprons, and how your staff presents themselves.  
• Marketing Boost: Refresh your marketing plans to get customers excited. Remember: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!” 
• Plan for Success: Having a plan is key to making good things happen! 

“Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start later this month! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

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

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

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

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 256 | Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

I’m home from a 6-week trip across New Zealand where I perused more than 150 independent retail shops! Phew! In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing 5 tips/observations that will elevate your retail shop. 

Want customers lining up instead of walking by? It’s time to revamp your retail strategy and I have the keys to success! Here are 5 powerful tips to magnetize customers and maximize sales, all inspired by visiting retailers in the wild in beautiful New Zealand.

5 Tips to Elevate Your Shop:

• Boost Visibility: I’ll give you some ideas and platforms you can use right now to make sure people can find you.
• Perfect Your Shop Standards: There is more to keeping shop than turning on the lights and unlocking the door!
• Signage That Sells: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good, clean signage is a silent salesperson.
• Check Your Inventory/Merchandising: I’ll offer my thoughts around aligning inventory with your branding as well as making sure your shop is “shoppable.”
• Stop Making Assumptions About Your Customers: Offer your help. Serve all of your customers with hospitality.

Fun Signage Photos from Adam Blackwell’s shop, Blackwell & Sons:

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“Clear is always kind.” 

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Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start later this month! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 78: Retail Success Stories – Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart

Episode 103: Increase Sales With Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 168: Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Episode 175: How to Audit Your Brand Assets

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 255 | Resilience, Real Talk & Redefining Success in Your Retail Business

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

Running an independent retail store comes with challenges, but it can also be AWESOME. Join me as I chat about keeping a positive mindset, facing challenges head-on, and creating your own version of success. Let’s make your retail dreams a reality!

Key Takeaways:

• The Myth of Easy Success: There’s no secret recipe for success. It’s about trying, learning, and growing.  
• You’re Not Behind: Forget comparing yourself to others! Just focus on moving forward.  
• Challenges Are Part of the Job: Being a boss means dealing with problems. Think of them as making you stronger!
• Ditch the “Pity Marketing”: Complaining gets you nowhere. Take charge and find solutions!  
• Control the controllables: You can’t change everything, but you can control your attitude, effort, and how you handle things.  
• Define Your Success: What does success REALLY mean to you? It’s your business, so you get to decide!  

And the best advice I can give you today… Keep Going! You’re doing great. Stay positive, keep learning, and make it happen! 

“The experience of resistance strengthens the architecture of our character enough to hold the weight of our success.” -Megan Miller

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Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start later this month! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

Episode 225: Practicing Self-Care While Running a Retail Business

Episode 246: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

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 254 | Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

What happens when independent retailers join forces? In a word: Magic. In this episode, I’m chatting with Millie and Adam Blackwell, a powerhouse entrepreneurial couple from Greytown, New Zealand. Millie owns Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop and Adam owns Blackwell and Sons Bike Shop, both located in Greytown. Want to hear about how they transformed their small town in New Zealand into a thriving shopping and tourism destination? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Collaboration: How Greytown retailers and small businesses united to boost business for everyone.
• Amplifying a Destination Town: The strategy behind turning a small town into a must-visit shopping spot.
• Winter Festival Success: How one idea turned the slowest season into a top sales month.
• Branding a Town Like a Business: Why a strong, unified message matters.
• Running Multiple Businesses as a Couple: Insights on balancing entrepreneurship and life.

“Customers don’t just show up—you have to give them a reason to come.” – Adam Blackwell

Listen in to this week’s episode and get thinking about your town, and what you could do to spark initiatives in your community.

About Millie and Adam Blackwell: 

Mr. Adam Blackwell is the visionary behind Blackwell and Sons, and its commercial and creative driving force. He is a specialist in brand development and execution and runs his own advertising agency, Stun, which services clients throughout NZ, the US, and Europe.

About as politically correct as whale-hunting, Mr Blackwell loves to take on nonsensical, charge-by-the-hour bureaucracy, especially if it stands in the way of a certain theatricality he delights in bringing to all of his endeavors. He is renowned for his creative flair, decisiveness, and sparkling wit, but not so much his athletic prowess. (his words) lol. 

Mrs. Millie Blackwell is a specialist in non-fiction categories and stationery at Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. She grew up on an apricot orchard in Central Otago but never really cared for the taste of the fruit. Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop is an independent bookshop for inquisitive minds and romantic souls in Greytown, New Zealand. 

Mrs. Blackwell has been an active member of the Retailer’s Level Up Mastermind and The Retailer’s Inner Circle program.

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Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! You’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you – and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 158: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 180: Our Retailer Mastermind’s Book Club Book Roundup with Guest Millie Blackwell

Episode 218: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

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 253 | Mastering Social Selling: How Retailers Can Boost Sales and Build Loyal Customers

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• Facebook

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

Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The Sales and Marketing Accelerator! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. Join us!

In This Episode: 

Did you know that 76% of shoppers have made a purchase from a brand they discovered on social media?

Social selling isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for independent retailers looking to drive sales and build deeper customer connections. In this episode, we break down how you can turn your likes, comments, and follows into real revenue for your retail business.

Key Takeaways:

• What social selling really means (hint: it’s more than just posting products!)
• How to create engagement-driven content that leads to sales
• Why live shopping is the future and how to start
• The power of consistency—how to build an audience that shows up to buy
• Tools and strategies to make social selling seamless and profitable

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• Facebook

Need More?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! You’ll get a monthly marketing and operations playbook, monthly group coaching, countless on-demand masterclasses and access to a vibrant community of retailers like you – and so much more. Check it out HERE.

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course.

We start in April! More information HERE.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 210: What’s Working for Social Media and Retail Business Growth with Brooke Riley

Episode 230: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat: Building Connections and Strong Businesses

Episode 246: 5 Minute Marketing Tips: Relationships are Rocket Fuel

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!