Épisodes

  • 279. Two Types of Retail Shop Owners: Which One Are You?
    Sep 22 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Two types of shop owners are shaping the future of retail, and knowing which one you are could change everything. In this episode of Creative Shop Talk, I’m diving into the two distinct types of retail shop owners I’ve been noticing and I’m challenging you to decide which one you are. Drawing from my recent trip to Texas, coaching sessions, and mastermind conversations, I’ll share the patterns I’m seeing and some other takeaways from my recent coaching sessions and travels that I think will be helpful to you and your business growth. Key Takeaways: The two types of retail shop owners and how to identify where you land Why resisting change can hold your business back The role of margin and white space in fueling creativity How consistency builds trust without causing stagnation Why confidence is built through small, actionable steps “Don’t confuse consistency with sameness.” -Wendy Batten Your Next Steps: Reflect honestly: Which shop owner type describes you best? Build margin: Create time for reflection and creative space in your week. Take one step: Pick a small, doable action that builds confidence. Seek community (with me!): Surround yourself with growth-minded peers. Explore the possibilities in the or for deeper support! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!) : Retail Growth Through Small Steps : 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 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    22 min
  • 278. Behind the Counter with Megan Macdonald: How She Built a Profitable Two-Location Shop and Gained Her Freedom
    Sep 15 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Ever feel like your shop is running you instead of the other way around? You’re not alone, and today’s guest proves there’s a better way. In this inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m welcoming Level Up Mastermind member Megan Macdonald, founder of . Megan joins me all the way from a small island in Scotland. She’s sharing her journey from making candles at her kitchen table to running a thriving retail and wholesale business with multiple revenue streams, including a coffee bar and subscription boxes. You’ll hear how Megan unshackled herself from feeling tied down to her shop, built a strong team culture, and created the freedom to travel while still growing her business. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right systems and mindset, you can build a profitable business that supports your dream life. Key Takeaways from This Conversation: Building multiple revenue streams to fuel growth Creating freedom with strong systems and team trust Embracing scary but necessary growth decisions Balancing life, travel, and business without burnout Your Next Steps: 1. Reflect: What part of your business feels like it’s tying you down? 2. Act: Identify one system or process you can delegate this week. 3. Dream: Ask yourself, “What needs to be true for me to step into my next level?” 4. : Want to hang with like-minded shop owners from all over the world like Megan? The wait-list for the Level Up Mastermind is open! . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop : Retailer Success Series: Behind the Counter with Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill : Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue About Megan and Sandwick Bay Candles Megan started as a side hustle while on leave from her Occupational Therapy career when her youngest child was little. During her leave, her passion for candlemaking grew and so did the business. During the lockdown in 2020, business exploded for Megan, causing her to move her small workshop (which started at the kitchen table!) to a lifestyle shop in Stornoway, Scotland. Today, Sandwick Bay Candles is anticipating the opening of a second store and stocking candles at many other small businesses in the area. Megan is a member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer’s Inner Circle. You can follow along with Megan here: | | 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    27 min
  • 277. How to Debrief Your Events Like a Pro: The Retailer’s Checklist
    Sep 8 2025
    With host retail coach is now a standalone masterclass! Click to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. LAST CHANCE! ? 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: Ever wonder what makes an event or promotion truly successful? The secret isn’t just in the planning—it’s in the debrief. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’ll walk you through my proven event debrief framework that top retailers use to grow smarter, stronger, and more profitable with every event. From tracking costs to capturing customer feedback, you’ll discover how a simple 10-minute review can uncover hidden wins, highlight areas to improve, and keep your energy aligned with your business goals. As your retail shop’s event calendar builds and Q4 approaches, you can’t afford to miss this episode. Takeaways Around Event Debriefing: Why debriefing is where the real magic (and money) happens How to track profitability, costs, and ROI effectively The importance of reviewing marketing effectiveness and customer impact Checking operational flow and team energy post-event Capturing momentum for future sales and engagement Your Next Steps: Download the event debrief checklist (for members of the Inner Circle!) Revisit your last event — what worked, what didn’t? Get the Tools & Support – Grab the 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!) – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners. - 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’ll like: : Three Ways to Effortlessly and Easily Increase Sales After Events : How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop : How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    19 min
  • 276. What Holiday Prep Actually Looks Like (Step by Step, Inner Circle Style)
    Sep 1 2025
    With host retail coach is now a standalone masterclass! Click to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. ? 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 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!) – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners. - 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’ll like: : How Top Shop Owners Are Planning Their Holiday Strategy : Holiday Prep: 5 Tips to Help You See More Profits & Ease During the Holidays : 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    24 min
  • 275. How Top Shop Owners Are Planning Their Holiday Strategy
    Aug 25 2025
    Add graphic here With host retail coach is now a standalone masterclass! Click to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. ? 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: Are you heading into the holiday season feeling overwhelmed, reactive, and unsure how to hit your numbers? You’re not alone—but the good news is there’s a better way. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’ll share exactly how real retailers are taking control of their holiday planning to finish 2025 strong. We’ll pull back the curtain on the strategies and ideas a few of my clients are implementing this holiday season. Instead of relying on “hope marketing” or last year’s results, my clients are setting themselves up for success—complete with setting profit goals, tightening inventory, and breaking down sales targets week by week. You’ll learn how to do that too! Remember: reverse-engineering your goals creates focus, clarity, and confidence while protecting your profits. Key Takeaways: Why reverse-engineering your goals creates clarity and focus Why you need to set profit-based (not just revenue) targets The importance of weekly planning for staffing, inventory, and marketing Using tools like the Profit Calculator and Holiday Bootcamp for success Shifting from reactive to proactive leadership as a retail CEO Your Next Steps: Set Your Profit Goal – Decide what you want left after expenses this holiday season. Reverse Engineer Your Plan – Work backward from that profit goal to map out sales, inventory, and expenses. Get the Tools & Support – Grab the 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! – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners. - 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’ll like: : Back of the Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers : 3 Simple Marketing Levers to Increase Your Holiday Sales : 6 Things to Do This Month to Prepare Your Shop for the Holidays 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    24 min
  • 274. Is Your Customer Journey Working? Audit It Now!
    Aug 18 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: The holidays are coming. Time to revisit this crucial part of your business. One bad shopping experience can send a loyal customer packing. The good news? You have the power to make every visit unforgettable. Let’s talk about your customer’s journey. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing actionable strategies to enhance every stage of your customer journey—from first discovery to post-purchase follow-up. I’ll walk you through a 5-stage audit that ensures shoppers feel welcomed, valued, and eager to return - every single time. You’ll learn how to create a consistent, memorable experience that boosts loyalty, sales, and joy in your business! Let’s dive in! What You’ll Learn About Your Customer Journey: Why customer experience begins long before shoppers walk through your door How to audit first impressions, storefront appeal, and in-store ambiance The importance of consistent, trained staff interactions Tips for frictionless checkout and meaningful farewells Creative post-sale follow-up ideas to keep customers coming back Your Next Steps: Audit Your Customer Journey – Walk through your store with fresh eyes (or have a secret shopper do it!) and note one improvement you can make at each stage: discovery, entry, in-store, checkout, and post-sale. Join the – Get access to in-depth masterclasses on merchandising, marketing, and customer experience so you can keep refining your shop every month. is now available ON DEMAND! – Learn how to attract, convert, and retain customers with heart-centered, effective marketing strategies—at your own pace. Join my Love List – Get my weekly coffee chat emails with tips, inspiration, and updates on programs designed to help you thrive in retail! Sign up here: and add your name/email to the list! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author: Shep Hyken : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : Simple Sales Strategy Series Parts 1-4 : Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of the Polka Dot Press : Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer’s Visibility Series 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    32 min
  • 273. Train Your Retail Team to Sell Without Feeling Pushy
    Aug 11 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Struggling to improve retail staff sales training without turning your store into a pushy sales zone? You're not alone! Let’s talk about it. In this episode, I’m sharing how independent retailers can flip the script from selling to serving—while boosting revenue. Learn how to build a positive sales mindset and create a sales culture in retail that feels good for everyone involved: for you, your staff, and your customers. Key Takeaways on Selling Confidently: Train your team to confidently engage customers without feeling “salesy” Shift from a pressure-based model to a service-first sales approach Create simple, effective strategies to support your staff’s sales success Your Next Steps: Flip the Script Internally: Reframe sales as serving, not selling. Start using this language in team meetings. Train Your Staff with a Simple Framework using the 5-step approach highlighted in the episode. Practice Customer-Centered Language and coach confidence. ! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Creating a Culture of Hospitality in Your Retail Business with Guest Expert Stephanie Miller Vincent : Retail Growth Tips You Want to Try with Yarn Guru Cadence Kidwell : Awesome Isn’t Accidental: Raising the Retail Standards in Your Shop 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    24 min
  • 272. Unlocking Team Potential: Nurturing a Culture of Ownership
    Aug 4 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Ready to transform your team from task-doers to strategic thinkers? In Episode 272 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m answering a question from one of my Mastermind members, Dan Haynes: How do we flip the mindset of management-level team members from task-oriented to strategic thinking? I’m diving deep into nurturing effective leadership and fostering genuine team buy-in. You’ll discover how to empower your employees, cultivate ownership, and build the culture you've always envisioned. I’m tackling the common challenge of getting your team to think strategically and guide the operation, rather than just completing tasks. Key Takeaways on Leadership and Culture: Clarify Your Vision: Ensure your team understands the business vision and their role within it. Provide Tools & Nurture: Equip your team with necessary training, like time management and prioritization, and offer ongoing support. Empower Decision-Making: Foster strategic thinking by asking "what" and "why" questions, encouraging them to think proactively. Utilize KPIs and Explain the "Why": Help your team understand the ripple effect of their actions by connecting their efforts to key performance indicators and overall business goals. Celebrate Wins & Give Feedback: Encourage growth through constructive feedback using the "start, stop, continue" framework, and acknowledge their successes. Your Next Steps: Reflect on your current delegation style. Where can you let things go and trust your team more? Pick any of the takeaways above and get to work: Begin using the “stop, start, continue” framework Start using “what” and “why” questions/interactions with your team. Celebrate employees’ wins and give them feedback. Join me inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle—our signature coaching community where retailers like you get tools, coaching, and lead your team with more confidence Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Recipe for Success: 4 Leadership Lessons We Can Learn from Erin French of The Lost Kitchen :Behind the Counter: Buying an Existing Business with Shop Owners Dan & Robin Haynes : Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy 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 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your
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    15 min