With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. 

Are you ready for more profits this holiday season? I’m hosting a FREE 60 minute Holiday Profits Workshop on October 20 at 1pm EST. Yes, you read that right - it’s free! Get yourself registered HERE.

In This Episode:

Have you ever wondered what sitting in on a coaching call with me would be like? Are you curious about the Inner Circle? Well you tuned in to the right podcast today, my friends.

In this episode, which is directly from a recent coaching call inside my Retailers Inner Circle program, I’m answering 10 questions/sharing takeaways from real retailers inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle. We call it 10 in 10 because the idea is I’m answering 10 questions in 10 minutes. But, yes, this episode is a little longer than that. ;) What you’re getting today are quick, practical tips and inspiration for your busiest season yet. From vendor events to pricing for profit, money dates, and mindset shifts, this session will get you thinking (and acting!) like a true CEO - just in time for the holidays.

Some Highlights from this session:

• How to run “Meet the Maker” events that boost sales and visibility

• The money date habit every successful retailer swears by

• Why being “nicely priced” can destroy your profits

• How the mere exposure effect can skyrocket your in-store sales

• A mindset shift to stretch yourself beyond “fine” into fantastic

Your Next Steps:

• Take action by planning how you will review your financials at your next CEO date.

• Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle to be part of these 10 in 10 sessions every Friday in October and more! (Replays are also available!)

• Grab your spot in the Free Holiday Profits Workshop on October 20th and finish the year strong.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 89: Money Talk & Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business

Episode 268: Awesome Isn’t Accidental: Raise 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

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. 

In This Episode:

The holidays are coming fast, but with the right plan, chaos doesn’t have to be part of your story.

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m recapping the biggest takeaways from our recent Holiday Prep Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With just 86 days left in the year, now’s the time to get intentional, prepare, and create a season of profit and joy instead of stress and chaos.

Key Takeaways:

• Holiday chaos is optional (and how to avoid it)

• The importance of defining your version of success beyond sales

• How to let your customers guide your calendar and promotions

• Simple ways to remove bottlenecks and streamline your season

• Why profit and hospitality matter more than constant discounts

Your Next Steps:

• Download the Holiday Success Guide now! It’s available for free to members of the Inner Circle and for a low price for non-members. For $97, you can rewatch the modules year after year.

• I’d love to hear what success means to you as it relates to the holiday season. When January 1, 2026 comes and you are ringing in a new year, what metrics will you use to rate your success in 2025? Jump in my DMs on Instagram and let’s chat!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 182: Fresh Ways to Wow & Delight Your Customers This Holiday Season

Episode 184: Holiday Sales Tips From Seasoned Shop Owners

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

Episode 277: How to Debrief Your Events Like a Pro: The Retailer’s Checklist

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

This is where your podcast html will now go

Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. 

In This Episode:

The holidays aren’t just about surviving Q4 - they’re about setting yourself up for success in the year ahead. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing practical strategies to “future-proof” your retail business. From experimenting with new revenue streams to delighting first-time customers, I’ll teach you how to use the busiest season as a launchpad for a thriving 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• How to use Q4 momentum as a springboard into the new year (peak-end rule)

• Ideas for testing new product lines, partnerships, or experiences

• Why “wow and delight” moments keep customers coming back (you want to be memorable!)

• Simple strategies for January sales so your revenue doesn’t collapse after the holidays

• Smart ways to leverage data and technology (without losing your personal voice/touch)

Your Next Steps:

• Download the Holiday Success Guide now!

• Grab my stand alone Sales Accelerator course.

• Revisit your Q4 strategy, and choose one experimental new revenue stream to implement this season.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 278: Behind the Counter with Megan Macdonald: How She Built a Profitable Two-Location Shop and Gained Her Freedom

Episode 231: 3 Simple Retail Marketing Levers to Increase Your Holiday Sales

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

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

 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 Retailer’s Inner Circle or Level Up Mastermind for deeper support!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 169: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Profit Margins (and Why You Should!)

Episode 191: Retail Growth Through Small Steps

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 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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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 yo

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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 Sandwick Bay Candles. 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. Join us: 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! Add your name to the list today.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop

Episode 219: Retailer Success Series: Behind the Counter with Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill

Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue

About Megan and Sandwick Bay Candles

Megan started Sandwick Bay Candles 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: 

Instagram | Facebook | Website

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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. 

LAST CHANCE! 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:

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:

1. Download the event debrief checklist (for members of the Inner Circle!)

2. Revisit your last event — what worked, what didn’t?

3. 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!)

4. Plan With Me Live – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners.

5. 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’ll like: 

Episode 102: Three Ways to Effortlessly and Easily Increase Sales After Events

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop

Episode 145: 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

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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:

1. Define what success looks like for you this holiday season.

2. Review your revenue streams and decide where to focus.

3. Block out your “big rocks” on the calendar—both business and personal.

4. Share your Q4 goals with us inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle or tag me on Instagram!

5. 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!)

6. Plan With Me Live – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners.

7. 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’ll 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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

Add graphic here

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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:

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:

1. Set Your Profit Goal – Decide what you want left after expenses this holiday season.

2. Reverse Engineer Your Plan – Work backward from that profit goal to map out sales, inventory, and expenses.

3. 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!

4. Plan With Me Live – Join the upcoming CEO Planning Workshop to map out your holiday strategy alongside me and other shop owners.

5. 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’ll like: 

Episode 271: Back of the Napkin Math: Simplifying Profit Planning for Retailers

Episode 231: 3 Simple Marketing Levers to Increase Your Holiday Sales

Episode 222: 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

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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 Retailer’s Inner Circle – Get access to in-depth masterclasses on merchandising, marketing, and customer experience so you can keep refining your shop every month.

• Retail Marketing & Sales Accelerator 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: wendybatten.com/lovelist and add your name/email to the list!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author: Shep Hyken

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series Parts 1-4

Episode 243: Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of the Polka Dot Press

Episodes 249-251: 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

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. 

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.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! 

Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your 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!

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

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.

• Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 252: Creating a Culture of Hospitality in Your Retail Business with Guest Expert Stephanie Miller Vincent

Episode 266: Retail Growth Tips You Want to Try with Yarn Guru Cadence Kidwell

Episode 268: 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.

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