Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast

Small Business Saturday isn't just a single day, it's part of a powerful five-day stretch that can grow your sales and strengthen your connection with customers. In this episode, Kathy shares a realistic plan for making the entire weekend work for you, from Black Friday through Giving Tuesday. You'll learn simple, strategic ways to pace yourself, boost engagement, and build momentum, without burning out. Whether you're going all in this year or taking notes for next, you'll walk away with practical ideas and peace of mind. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode262 Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

As the holiday rush approaches, your team's energy can make or break the customer experience. In this episode, Kathy shares what she noticed during her travels in 2025—how disengagement shows up in stores—and why connection matters more than ever in Q4. Learn what real engagement looks like, why it drives sales, and how to model it as the leader. Plus, a quick discussion on whether "secret shoppers" help or hurt team morale. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode261 Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

Are Small Business Saturday discounts really worth it? In this episode, I'm breaking down when discounts make sense, when they don't, and smarter ways to attract shoppers without giving away your profit. You'll hear real examples from my own store and other indie retailers, plus advanced strategies for seasoned shop owners—like using data from past years, segmenting customers, and streamlining operations for your busiest day of the season. If you're planning your Small Business Saturday strategy, this episode will help you protect your margins and make the day more profitable, intentional, and fun. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode260 Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

This is Part 2 of a special 2-part series on competition and product overlap in indie retail. Once you've processed the emotions behind a "copycat" moment, what comes next? In this episode, I walk you through my CLEAR framework for grounding yourself, then share three common paths store owners take when a competitor feels too close for comfort: focusing inward, protecting their turf, or collaborating with caution. You'll hear the benefits and trade-offs of each, my personal stance, and a mic-drop truth I've learned after years of studying independent retailers. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode259 Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

This is Part 1 of a special 2-part series on one of the most common and heated topics in indie retail: competition and product overlap. If you've ever walked into another store and seen your best-selling product on their shelves, you know the mix of frustration and fear it can trigger. In this episode, I break down why product overlap happens in retail, why it feels so personal, and what it really means for your business. We'll look at the emotions behind these moments, the realities of supply and demand, and why processing your reaction first is key to making better long-term decisions. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode258 Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers