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!

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 238 | Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa Wrixon

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

In This Episode: 

What would happen if you built a business centered entirely around what you love and what you believe your community is currently missing? We’re about to find out! 

In this truly inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sitting down with Lisa Wrixon, the visionary and CEO behind thestylewell and Lewellyn, two boutique shops in North Vancouver. From her roots in art history to leading retail operations for major brands, Lisa’s journey is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Discover how she built a thriving business centered on beautiful design, community engagement, and a curated customer experience—all while staying true to her values and vision. If you’re an independent retailer looking for actionable insights and motivation, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights: 

• We dig into Lisa’s Background: From studying art history to managing merchandising and retail operations for top brands like The Body Shop and Indaba Trading.
• thestylewell Origin Story: A dream sparked by a love for beautiful, curated spaces, culminating in a thriving home decor business in North Vancouver.
• Running Two Shops: Lisa owns thestylewell, focusing on home decor, and Lewellyn, a sister shop for fashion and accessories.
• Building Community: The importance of hosting workshops, events, and pop-ups to engage with the local design and retail community.
• Curating Success: Balancing simplicity, aesthetics, and strong operational practices to create a loyal customer base.
• Biggest Lessons: The value of staying true to your brand while taking calculated risks to grow.

Takeaways for All Independent Retailers:

• Invest in your community and prioritize relationships over transactions.
• Curate your offerings with a strong focus on aesthetics and what resonates with your ideal customers.
• Don’t overcomplicate operations—simplicity and clarity can fuel success.
• Collaborate and share knowledge generously to foster growth in your industry.

Lisa is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Lisa inside this program this year.

“I opened a shop for me because I couldn’t find what I wanted. Now, I create the need for others.” -Lisa Wrixon

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

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

Episode 217: Best of Retailer Success Series: Simplifying Your Retail Business with Louise McManus

Episode 179: Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer, on Using Unique Marketing and Sales Strategies

About Lisa and thestylewell:

thestylewell is curated and owned by Lisa Wrixon, an innovative and dynamic creative professional who relishes in inspiring, delighting and engaging customers. As a lover of all things beautiful, Lisa has years of experience as a residential Interior Designer, wholesale home décor brand strategist and Manager of Retail Operations for leading Canadian Retailers.

But it is her love of all things pretty, that are created with care, and her vision of creating meaningful moments in people’s homes that has driven her to open thestylewell. thestylewell aims to provide beautiful decorative pieces, hand selected by Lisa with the intent to enhance a living space, be admired and desired, shared or possessed for oneself.

Follow along with Lisa, thestylewell and Lewellyn :  thestylewell Website | Lewellyn Website | thestylewell Instagram | Lewellyn 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!

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 237 | Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store

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

In This Episode: 

Do you need inspiration navigating your role as an accidental entrepreneur? This episode is for you! Like many of us, Cindy Boissonneault of Poco Inspired in Winnipeg didn’t intend on putting on a CEO hat and running a retail business. In this episode, Cindy shares her inspiring journey from overcoming stress-induced challenges to becoming a successful retail entrepreneur. 

With no prior retail experience, Cindy built her bead store into a thriving business by mastering inventory management, focusing on what works, and building strong systems. Tune in to hear her strategies for transitioning into a true CEO role, creating a sellable business, and achieving retail excellence—all while staying connected to her customers and community.

In this episode, Cindy and I chat about:

• Her 20-year journey from overcoming stress-related illness to owning a thriving bead store.
• How buying an existing retail business kickstarted her entrepreneurial career.
• The value of niching down: Focusing on what sells best.
• Transitioning from hands-on retail to strategic CEO leadership.
• Key insights into creating a sellable business with strong systems and processes.
• Practical strategies for inventory management and using metrics to make tough decisions.
• Collaboration with competitors: Why rising tides lift all ships.
• Planning secrets for reducing stress and driving success.

Takeaways for All Independent Retailers:

• Understanding your unique selling point and investing in expertise.
• Developing systems (SOPs) that make your business scalable and sellable.
• Using metrics to guide inventory and revenue decisions—don’t let emotions dictate choices.
• Building community, both in-store and with competitors, to boost customer loyalty.
• Stepping into your CEO role: Plan ahead and delegate effectively.

Cindy is an active member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer’s  Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Cindy inside either of those programs this year.

“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:

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, & CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 218: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 223: Behind the Counter: Buying an Existing Business with Shop Owners Dan & Robin Haynes

About Cindy and Poco Inspired:

Cindy Boissonneault was a part-time employee at her bead shop prior to purchasing it over 10 years ago. She is an independent spirit who describes herself as a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Prior to owning Poco Inspired, a bead store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cindy’s background included Business Administration, Human Resources, and Events Management.

Follow along with Poco Inspired:  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!

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 236 | How to Clear Inventory Fast and Boost Holiday Sales in Your Retail Store

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

In This Episode: 

Don’t sit on cash! This time of the year we want to move inventory OUT. Let’s make sure you don’t have any extra inventory left after the holidays. Let’s also optimize how much you can get for what you do have and turn it into cash before the end of the holidays!

In this episode, I’m sharing practical, effective tips to help independent retailers move slow-moving or excess inventory. I’ll tell you how to leverage bundling, flash sales, and other simple promotional strategies to clear stock and improve holiday sales.

Some Takeaways:

1. • Optimize Inventory Levels: Regularly assess your stock to ensure you’re not overstocked on items that aren’t moving.
   • Set a Clearance Timeline: Establish a plan for holiday decor or seasonal items to avoid post-holiday clutter.
   • Bundling Products: Combine slow-moving items with popular ones to create attractive themed bundles.
   • Create “Last Chance” Sections: Designate a specific area in your store for final sale items to draw attention.
   • Use Flash Sales and Events: Go live or send emails to promote limited-time offers that create urgency.
   • Exclusive Discounts for Loyalty Members: Reward your loyal customers with early access to deals.
   • Gift With Purchase (GWP): Offer a free gift to customers who spend over a certain amount to clear out smaller stock.
   • Host a Live Sale: Engage customers by showcasing products directly, ideal for highlighting overlooked items.
   • Mystery Bags & Stocking Stuffers: Surprise and delight customers with mystery items to encourage impulse buys.
   • End-of-Season Blowout: Schedule an annual or biannual clearance event to keep stock fresh and avoid storing unsold items.
2.  

“We don’t want to box up money. Keep your inventory moving and in front of customers.” -Wendy Batten

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

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

Episode 203: Mystery Bags: A Simple Retail Marketing Promotion

Episode 232: Earning Your Customers’ Support and Sales

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 235 | How to Design Your Best Retail Year Ever

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

In This Episode: 

Make 2025 the best year ever in your retail business! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing how to do exactly that. I’ll share actionable steps for setting goals, vision-storming, and creating a strategic marketing plan. Whether you’re a planner or not, this episode is packed with easy tips to ensure you are ready to hit the ground running in 2025. If you like this episode but need a little more, you can grab my on-demand Design Your Best Retail Year Ever on my website. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

1. Looking Back to Plan Ahead: Reflect on your business’s performance over the past year to identify what worked and what didn’t.
2. Vision Storming: Craft a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve in 2025, focusing on growth, freedom, and profitability.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals to align your vision with actionable steps.
4. Create a Marketing Strategy: Design a marketing plan that matches your revenue goals and targets new customer visibility and engagement.
5. Prioritize Your Team & Systems: Evaluate the support you need and implement systems that will help you reach your goals smoothly.
6.  

“A better year starts now. If you want to go from good to great, or fine to better, this is how we do it.” -Wendy Batten

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Your Next Steps

Here’s what I want you to do this week. Commit to creating a plan, then grab the Design Your Best Retail Year Ever workshop, and schedule time to work through your business goals. And of course, you’re always welcome to join us in the Retailer’s Inner Circle where we dig into this stuff even more! All of my courses are available at no additional cost to all members of the Inner Circle.

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 82: Five Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 136: Coffee Chat Breaks with Wendy: Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets

Episode 234: Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season

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!