Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 276 | What Holiday Prep Actually Looks Like (Step by Step, Inner Circle Style)
With Retail Coach Wendy Batten
Listen on: Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year.
Want to plan your entire Q4 with me LIVE? Join me and a small group on September 15th and let’s get down to business. Limited seating for this quarterly planning session.
In This Episode:
September is here – and for retailers, that means it’s time to get serious about holiday planning!
In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing why Q4 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and chaotic. Instead, with a little intention and front-loaded planning, you can step into the season with more joy, profit, and ease.
Whether you’re joining the Inner Circle live coaching week (free for members September 15-19) or DIY-ing the Holiday Success Guide, this episode will inspire you to take action now so the season feels aligned and profitable.
Key Takeaways:
- Why defining your version of success is the key to a great Q4.
- How to map out your “profit path” and choose what to prioritize.
- The importance of scheduling “big rocks” to avoid burnout and missed opportunities.
- Practical strategies for marketing, promotions, and prepping your team.
Your Next Steps:
- Define what success looks like for you this holiday season.
- Review your revenue streams and decide where to focus.
- Block out your “big rocks” on the calendar—both business and personal.
- Share your Q4 goals with us inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle or tag me on Instagram!
- Get the Tools & Support – Grab the Holiday Success Planning Guide for step-by-step guides, calculators, and planning templates to make 2025 your best and most relaxed holiday season yet. At only $97, you can’t afford not to! (It’s free for Inner Circle Members!)
- Plan With Me Live – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners.
- Join the Inner Circle – Don’t let another holiday season go by without my and other likeminded retailers’ support! And remember: your membership gets you unlimited access to the Holiday Success Bootcamp, the Profit Planning Masterclass, and so much more.
Related podcasts we think you’d like:
Episode 275: How Top Shop Owners Are Planning Their Holiday Strategy
Episode 121: Holiday Prep: 5 Tips to Help You See More Profits & Ease During the Holidays
Episode 94: The Retailer’s Ecosystem: Where To Spend Your Time and Focus Within Your Business
About Your Host, Wendy Batten:
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy.
I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.
For more support from Wendy:
Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers
Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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