Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast

Small Business Saturday is on November 28, 2020 and in this bonus episode I'm sharing some helpful information about how retailers can get involved, how you can get free personalized graphics from American Express, and some creative ways to promote your business on this #shopsmall day.  Click here to read a blog post with helpful links too! P.S. In this bonus episode I accidentally mention a date...

If you run a good portion of your business off your phone as I do, then you know firsthand that notifications can consume your entire day. As we head into the holiday season, it's more important than ever to work less so you can profit more AND spend quality time with your family. You can't do that if your phone is sucking up all your time! In today's episode, I'm sharing six ways for you to get u...

When I started my shopkeeper journey seven years ago, where to buy wholesale was one of my first and most important questions. And although I'm an avid googler, I don't recall finding a clear answer to this question back then. Since then, many things have changed, such as the addition of online wholesale platforms. In today's episode, I'm sharing where to buy wholesale for all kinds of retail busi...

With the holiday season upon us, it's important to prepare our stores for holiday shoppers. COVID has definitely changed how our stores function. But that doesn't mean your store can't be an inviting, beautiful, and healthy space for your customers. Listen in to learn exactly what you need to do to prep your store for this busy season. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode47 Learn...

Shopkeepers open their stores because they have a vision for their business. Sometimes, though, that vision can be taken over by the opinions of employees, landlords, vendors, and even business partners. In today's episode, I'm sharing real-life examples from shopkeepers who realized they were running their business for other people, rather than themselves. And I'm sharing how each shopkeeper over...

Instagram is one of the best social media platforms to promote your retail business, but it can be tough to keep up with! It's a continually evolving platform with new features added every day. Reels are the latest content form available on Instagram, and they are SO MUCH FUN. I'm sharing what Reels are, how to use them, and why you should absolutely hop on this trend for your retail or brick and...

Understanding your numbers is a crucial part of succeeding as a retail business owner, but so many shop owners I coach have never looked at their P&L statement! In today's episode, I'm sharing why it's so important to look at your P&L and make adjustments based on your numbers so that you can have a piece of your retail profit pie. For show notes and to see visual examples of what I discuss in thi...

Let's be real—many shopkeepers aren't delegating enough. As store owners, I want you to be focused on tasks that make $50 an hour rather than $10 or $20 an hour. That's where a virtual assistant can come in handy! In today's episode, I'm sharing what a VA can do for your business, how much you can expect to pay them, and the types of tasks they can do for you. For show notes and more, go to www.sa...

As shopkeepers, we often hear diminishing comments about our "small" business or our "hobby." No matter how mad those little digs might make us, the worst part isn't the comment—it's that we take them on and start believing them! I'm sharing six ways to stop minimizing yourself with comments like "I know this is dumb" or "I'm sorry to ask, but…" and start being confident in your role as a store ow...

In part three of our series about common shopkeeper fears, I'm sharing all of the ways that the fear of buying might be affecting you. It's time to take action and challenge yourself to have an amazing fourth quarter! I'm sharing some practical tips on buying during this uncertain season, as well as ways to deal with your fear so you can go feel prepared to tackle Q4. For show notes and more, go t...

In part two of our series about significant shopkeeper fears, I'm sharing all of the ways that the fear of selling can pop into your head. Let's tackle this fear head-on and get you happily selling before one of the biggest quarters of the year! For show notes and more, go to www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode40 Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at  Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Ins...

As we head into quarter four of 2020, I've heard lots of shopkeepers expressing deep fears about the future. I get it—not knowing what will happen is scary! That's why I'm chatting with you about the first of three significant fears I've heard these past few weeks: the fear of selling old inventory. Listen in to find out where this fear comes from, and my best tips on facing those storage boxes he...

In this closing episode of Season 3 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, I share what I experienced over the past 5 months as a shopkeeper and small business owner. As I wrap up this season, I want to invite you to join me in this community of shopkeepers who are committed to their own dreams and playing big . Both the Savvy Shopkeeper Learning Lab and Master Shopkeepers are currently open for...

In the final episode of the Shopkeeper Stories mini-series, I spoke with the Master Shopkeepers member who asked me to do the series in the first place: Kathy, owner of Pineapple on Main in Dublin, Pennsylvania. Over the past few years, Kathy's brand has evolved from an event design company to a home, gifts, and baby goods store. She shared about all the ups and downs of buying her first round of...

This episode of the Shopkeeper Stories series features April, owner of Pink + Frillos in Greenville, Michigan.  April started her business from her basement, then moved to a 1900 sq. ft. storefront in a less than ideal location. Her customers drive anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours to shop at her store!  Now, she and her husband are opening their next venture: a working apple orchard with a coff...

In this episode of the Shopkeeper Stories series, I chatted with Karen, shopkeeper at Alluv Place in Brentwood, California.  Her unique journey from maker to shop owner includes opening Alluv Place just weeks before California went into quarantine due to COVID-19.   Karen shared her experience working with a business partner, her core business values, and what she has learned during her time as a...

In this episode of the Shopkeeper Stories series, I had the pleasure of speaking with Taylor, owner of The Turquoise Top Hat in Stevensville, Michigan.  Before the Bob-Ross-style "happy accident" that led her to open The Turquoise Top Hat, Taylor was a school teacher. She still uses her teaching skills today at her wooden sign painting workshops.  We also chatted about what Taylor has done to pivo...

Every shopkeeper has a shopkeeper personality type. After working with many shopkeepers in my paid mastermind, Master Shopkeepers, I've identified several personalities that come up again and again! As shop owners, we all have those bad habits or mindset blocks that creep into our work. Overwhelmed Opal  Opal does a poor job of managing her time, and she is ALWAYS overwhelmed. She feels like there...

Running a brick and mortar store requires a surprising amount of software! There are lots of different options out there for any pain point you might have in the running of your shop. As a shopkeeper myself, I know what it's like to search and search for the right solution. Today I'm sharing my top software picks for everything from email marketing to inventory to graphic design. For links to thes...

There comes a time for most shopkeepers when juggling every task from inventory to staffing to marketing becomes too much. Social media management is one of the first tasks that shopkeepers can delegate. Today I'm sharing the four types of people you can delegate this crucial task to. There's a way to delegate this at every budget! For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode32 Learn more...

Many shopkeepers do not have a business background when they open their store. Even those who do struggle with understanding the financials of their business. Today I'm sharing my own journey in learning the ins and outs of my store's finances. I'm also sharing a unique opportunity for shopkeepers to learn how to take control of their shop's finances. To read show notes for this episode, visit www...

As a business owner, it's easy to get pulled in a million different directions. At some point, I'm sure you have felt the intense overwhelm of trying to do everything for everyone. Today I'm sharing how and why I'm refocusing my efforts for Savvy Shopkeeper so that I can best serve brick and mortar shopkeepers. The new mission of Savvy Shopkeeper is to teach you how to work less and profit more. L...

Resetting Your Business Is an Opportunity More than ever, shopkeepers are taking stock of their businesses and considering the way forward. That means it is the perfect time to do a business reset. Resetting your business means reflecting on what is and isn't working, analyzing your numbers, and planning for the future based on the values that matter to you. Here's exactly how to do it. Click HERE...

Posting About Sensitive Topics on Your Business Social Media Accounts 2020 has not been easy for anyone. As difficult as it's been as a business owner, it's been equally challenging as a person, as a human being, but I know firsthand that from discomfort comes growth. Both the political climate and social issues are front and center more than I've ever seen before.  Should You Post?  The one quest...

Full show notes coming soon! Click HERE to grab the Reopen Safely checklist. For more information visit the Savvy Shopkeeper website or the Shopkeeper's Academy . Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at  Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram ( @savvyshopkeeper )