Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/172/

When circumstances are out of our control, what you do next is critical.

As the CEOs of our businesses, we have to be prepared for when things go sideways and problems arise in our shops and in our lives. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing a proven method that works for me the CTFAR model and how it can change your problem solving process and get you better results. It's not a new emethod and originally created by Brooke Castillo. It has worked for me in so many situations in my business and in my personal life - it will work for you as well.

What is the CTFAR Model?

C: Circumstances - What actually happened that was out of our control

T: Thoughts - How we think about the circumstance

F: Feelings - How we feel because of the thoughts

A: Actions - What we do (or don't do) in response to our feelings

R: Results - What we get in the end

The purpose of the CTFAR model is to reframe your thinking to help you solve problems. By being aware of what is happening and choosing how you think about it, you can change the outcome.

We need to always be showing up with a positive, solution-oriented mindset for ourselves, our team, and our customers. When we do this, we will see positive results.

"Our actions will drive our results but it starts with our thoughts." - Wendy Batten

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 109: Money Mindset, Abundance, & Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 147: How to Reframe Your Mindset on Competition

Episode 151: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Good Staff

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/171-2/

Show Notes:

Are you looking for some creative new ideas to grow your business? You'll want to turn up your volume on this one, my friends!

Today on the podcast I'm talking with retailer Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante, owner of Colorful Cute - Miami's first (and only!) Kawaii gift shop. Madeline is also an active member of my Level Up Mastermind and my Retailer's Inner Circle. Like many of us, Madeline describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. After losing her job in 2020 when the pandemic started, she turned her passion for kawaii (the Japanese culture of cuteness) from an online shop/pop up into a brick and mortar storefront.

Madeline shares her journey to CEO, bumps and all with us.

For a number of reasons including (1) a location that isn't conventionally ideal, (2) opening a brick and mortar during a pandemic, and (3) she isn't afraid to try new things, Madeline has implemented a number of creative ideas and strategies that have led to incredible growth of Colorful Cute over the past three years. I know you'll be able to pull something from our conversation to implement in your business, so listen up!

Some of the ideas and strategies Madeline has implemented include:

1. A fresh perspective on marketing: Madeline noticed a niche market that wasn't currently being served in Miami. Filling that gap came very easy to her because she was also a member of that niche market. Her marketing is very cohesive because the "voice" is simply her talking to her customers as they are friends who love what she loves. Madeline calls it "letting her geek flag fly," which I love.

"Excitement is contagious…and that's what we try to inject into our marketing." - Madeline

2. Hosting events: Madeline began hosting events like movie nights, cons, and trading nights after realizing that her customers were looking for community through her shop.

3. Growing her online presence through Instagram: Madeline uses hashtags to find her people. She searches hashtags that align with her shop and when she finds interesting or exciting posts, she comments and shares which results in pulling that person into her community! Oftentimes, it results in a win-win: her new instagram friend becomes aware of her shop and they are excited that she has shared their post. Implementing this strategy only takes minutes a day and can really grow your business.

4. Coming up with creative ways to move stale inventory: One of the struggles Madeline has had to overcome was purchasing for a much larger space than she was used to. She knows the importance of moving stale inventory (even if we don't make money on it!) so she offered grab bags and other ideas as creative ways to move inventory that has overstayed its welcome.

5. Putting her CEO hat on: Madeline admits that being the boss is hard for her, but as a business owner she knows it's necessary.

I work closely with Madeline so I know she now takes her role as CEO very seriously. Madeline advocates for regular team meetings, getting shop procedures in place, and so on - just like her coach. ;) It's truly been my joy watching her take on a leadership role in her business.

Madeline's last piece of advice to you: "Don't do this by yourself. Find the people, find the coaching, find the group, find the classes … You don't have to do it by yourself."

Madeline is definitely one to follow - she's a vibrant, authentic soul and I'm honored to have her in my group and on the podcast today. Thank you for listening!

If you want to hang with cool shop owners like Madeline, my Retailer's Inner Circle is welcoming new members right now.

We are knee deep in holiday planning so jump in and join us! We would love for you to be a part of the conversation.

About Madeline and Colorful Cute:

The best place to hang out with Madeline is on Instagram @colorfulcutegoods - that's where the party is! You can shop her website too at www.colorfulcute.com .

Madeline Muñoz-Bustamante is the Founder/President of Colorful Cute- Miami's kawaii shop. She loves to stock her store full of cute, sweet, colorful, and fun products designed to help you live a cuter life.

When she's not making Miami a cuter city, you can catch her reading a book, watching anime, playing with her pets, driving her teenage children around, cuddling with her partner, or getting a sunburn on the beach.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 132: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 122: Retail Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis from Louisville Mercantile

Episode 68: Special Guest Marian Parsons On Growing and Doing Business Your Own Way

Episode 18: What's Possible: The Accidental Shopkeeper with a Thriving Store (A Retailer Case Study)

Episode 10: "Making it Work with No Foot Traffic" a Retailer Spotlight with Lisa Casey

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/get-your-shop-holiday-ready-now-episode-170/

The time has come! It's now mid-August and before you know it, the holiday shopping season will be here. Your shop will be full of customers, your profits will be high, and you'll be feeling GREAT. But wait, how do you get there? I'm here to help!

Over my 10 years in this business, I have found that retailers who are most successful going into the holiday season have two things in common: (1) a good mindset and (2) a plan in place.

Here's how I'm helping retailers like you get ready for this holiday season!

1. I'm hosting a FREE live Holiday Prep Workshop August 28th at 4pm ET. I'll talk you through some things you'll want to have in place so your holiday retail season goes smoothly. Learn more and register here!

2. For podcast listeners, Grab my free Holiday Podcast Playlist! Over the years, we've had some incredible conversations here on the podcast about all things Q4 so I decided to curate a playlist for you with the best of CST holiday podcast episodes. You can grab it HERE.

3. If you've been on the fence about joining my Retailer's Inner Circle, the time is NOW. We start our full Holiday Boot Camp in September - it is a five part plan to give you all the steps you need for a successful end of the year. We host it inside the Retailer's Inner Circle and it is all new and revamped this year. Come be part of the conversation. As you know, we also have countless masterclasses and a great community rich with conversation and ideas from retailers all over the world. This is where you'll find your people!

Thanks for listening today! I hope to see your smiling faces on August 28th for the Holiday Prep Workshop. If you have any questions about the services I offer for retailers, jump into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email! I'd love to help.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Grab the Holiday Playlist HERE.

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/169/

Hard truth to start off the podcast today: More sales will not necessarily make you more profit! I am a firm believer and you all hopefully know by now that I do not believe in chasing sales. Today on the podcast we are going to talk through 5 ways you can improve your profit margins and why you should. Let's work together on building a business that works for us, not the other way around. Here we go!

1. Price your goods properly. We have a whole Buying & Pricing Masterclass in the Retailer's Inner Circle, but the short explanation is not to just use MSRP, copy your neighbors, etc.

"Being 'nicely' priced is going to put us out of business." -Wendy Batten

2. Buy your merchandise properly. This is when you make your money! Think strategically about your margins when you are purchasing from vendors, at trade shows, etc.Find sell offs and walk away from low margin items.

3. Strategically place your products with the highest margins in the most visible, high traffic areas of your shop.

4. Demo your products. Let your customers touch, feel, see how they work. Trust me - this works! You can demo with ANY products in your shop.

5. Bundle your higher margin products with other products. Offer different price points for your bundles, offer themed bundles, etc.

Taking small steps to feel more confident in your financials is key to feeling good and in control of your beautiful business. By analyzing your profit margins, you are on your way.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with at least one of your business besties!

If you are looking for more, remember that my Retailer's Inner Circle is always open. The perfect time for you to join us is NOW - ahead of Q4 and right before we start talking holiday sales! You'll get access to tons of masterclasses (including my Buying and Pricing Masterclass referenced in this episode!) You'll also have full access to Retail Made Simple, my signature course and an exclusive Facebook group full of like-minded retailers from all over the world. Jump in today!

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 109 - Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King

Episode 104 - Tight on Cash Flow? Let's Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/merchandising-to-sell-intuitive-merchandising-episode-168/

Today on the podcast we are digging into the library of resources inside my Retailer's Inner Circle to learn a little bit more about merchandising. I talk a lot on this podcast about the various masterclasses my members have access to inside the Inner Circle, and I'm sharing one helpful section with you today. I'm sharing part 2 of my 5 part Merchandising to Sell Masterclass and discussing intuitive layouts with you. Let's dive in.

Two Types of Layouts

1. Free Flow Merchandising essentially means to send customers down a particular path. Paths should be free of dead ends and set up in such a way that customers do not miss entire sections of your shop.

2. Aisles are just like they sound: typical of grocery stores. Aisle merchandising can sound cold, but it's extremely effective if done properly.

To build the best layout for your customers, you'll want to observe your customers in the shop. See how they move through your displays and note anything they might be missing.

Once you've found any holes in your merchandising plan, you can create more intuitive and intentional displays to attract your customers. Ensure similar use items are together. (Example: don't separate paint brushes from your paint!) Make it easy for your customers to find and understand things within your shop!

Re-merchandising is an amazing way to make your shop feel fresh, but be sure that you aren't changing something that is working.

Focus on the entrance of your shop.

1. Make the first impression unforgettable (in a good way!)

2. Don't put your highest ticket items by the door.

3. Use good lighting and make sure it is clean and spacious.

4. Ensure nothing is blocking the sightlines through your shop.

5. Know that customers typically go to the right when they come in - put your cash wrap to the left if it needs to be in the front of your shop.

6. All senses should be activated: good sights, sounds, smells, etc.

There is no better time to re-merchandise your shop than Q3: typically summer has slowed things down - it's the calm before the Q4 storm! It's also a good time for professional development. We are currently welcoming new members into the Retailer's Inner Circle and would love to have you. If this conversation sparked something in you today and you'd like more, join us. We'd love to have you.

Your Homework Listen to the podcast episode on Customer Journey Mapping and walk your store from the entrance with fresh eyes. Begin observing your customers and watching how they flow through your shop.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop's Merchandising

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/167/

Show Notes:

Today on the podcast, I'm talking with artist and retailer Deanne Fitzpatrick of Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio about her passion as an artist to keep people connected through creativity. This episode is all about keeping passion in your retail business. For Deanne and her customers, rug hooking is a meditative "place to go," much like journaling, exercise, or prayer. She has been slowly growing and building her creative retail business from an in-home studio to a downtown retail space in Amherst, Nova Scotia with a team of 14 over the past 30 years.

"When I'm creating … My intention is to create from a place of soulfulness." Deanne Fitzpatrick

Deanne explains throughout the episode that her business centers around her passion for the art of rug hooking. Over the years, she has been able to expand her business by adding revenue streams that are compatible and complementary to selling not only everything her rug hooking customers need but also her finished pieces, monthly subscriptions, kits, memberships, retreats/workshops, wholesale, and authoring multiple books.

One of the things Deanne highlights in our conversation is that not all opportunities are ones you should jump on; or, in other words, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

The business advice she has always given and follows is to center your business around what you are most passionate about. We love this advice.

Deanne has also put a lot of effort and focus on community and making her studio space feel like "home." A few examples she gives is that she offers her customers tea and her rug runners in the shop are handmade and comfy, not industrial. She also has bunting hanging from the ceilings so her shop feels and looks more like a working studio than a retail shop.

Atmosphere and vibe matter.

"I think of my business as an art project." - Deanne Fitzpatrick

Deanne is clear with her role in her business: (1) making art (2) writing (3) guidance and business development. She employs capable, passionate people and empowers them with the knowledge and opportunity to make decisions and to help with the rest.

"In being good to our customers, we also have to be fair to ourselves and our staff." - Deanne Fitzpatrick

We also touched a bit on social media marketing as well. Deanne's advice is to pay close attention to the marketing efforts of someone you have chosen to follow closely. Being a "follower" of someone else's business online can remind us what our followers may want/need from us.

In the Words of Deanne:

"I hook nearly every day. I cannot stop myself. I like the feel of wool slipping through my fingers. My goal is to live simply, and make hooked rugs that are unmistakably art.

Rug hooking is full of possibilities. It has changed my life, and been a powerful force in changing the lives of the people I have met through it. I have learned that art, craft and handmade can totally change the way you view the world and how you feel about it.

My style of rug hooking, with its meditative qualities, and its freedom from rules adds beauty to our world and is therapeutic on its own. It is joyful, powerful and transformative. It is not about being perfect, it is about creating beauty everyday.

I have a retail studio in Amherst Nova Scotia where I work with an amazing group of talented people. We create classes, kits, patterns and supplies available online. I have written eight books about creativity and rug hooking, and exhibited widely in public and private galleries."

Visit Deanne in her studio or online at www.hookingrugs.com

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 149: Retailer Success Stories: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business

Episode 106: Multi-Passionate Jo Packham and The Creative Business Journey

Episode 35: Five Tips for Finding Success as a Creative Retailer

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/166/

You've made it to Part 4 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series! Today we are talking about Return Customer Rate.

So what is a Return Customer Rate? Your Return Customer Rate is calculated by dividing the number of customers who have made more than one purchase from your store by the total number of customers you've had during a given timeframe. It's the percentage of your customers who are coming back again.

Your POS system likely gives you this number. Keep in mind that figuring out your return customer rate isn't a perfect science. Your POS system likely tracks return customers by the credit/debit cards they use, so customers who pay in cash might fly under the radar.

So now that you have your return customer rate handy, give it a quick analysis. At first glance, a high rate might seem like something to celebrate, but keep in mind that super high return rates might mean that you aren't acquiring new customers. On the other hand, if our return rate is low, we might be acquiring tons of new customers but if they aren't coming back we need to know why. Unfortunately, there is no ideal return customer rate, but much like the rest of this series, knowing and analyzing your return customer rate is super empowering and important to your marketing strategy and the tactics you put in place to achieve success in your strategy.

"[You need to understand]...where to spend your time and your energy…so that you are not just doing random acts of marketing." - Wendy Batten

So let's recap: Know your numbers: Conversion rate, average order value, and return customer rate. Know how many people are coming into your shop. Identify where you want to improve your numbers and ideally what you want them to be. (This is your STRATEGY.) Next, attach TACTICS (how you are going to implement your strategy) and get to work implementing.

This is truly where the magic happens. Retailers who are intentional with their marketing strategies build strong, healthy businesses.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 165: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Increasing Your Average Order Value

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/165/

Welcome to part 3 of the Simple Sales Strategy Series! Today, we are digging into your average order value. Your average order is likely a number that your POS system is reporting for you. It is the average value of all of the sales you make in your shop over a specified period of time. Simply divide total revenue by the number of orders.

Many retailers think they don't have any control over what customers are spending in their shops, but guess what? You absolutely do. What if you could increase each of your sales by 2%, 5%, $10…? What would that mean for your business?

This isn't about getting "salesy" or being manipulative. It's about making sales. We are here to run and optimize profitable businesses while serving our customers in the best ways we can.

Here are just a few ideas for increasing your average order value without feeling salesy:

1. Make a "bestsellers list" and display it in the shop.

2. Ensure staff is trained properly on your core products.

3. Merchandise to SELL.

4. Complete a customer journey map. (Episode 144)

5. Have a grab and go section at checkout.

Your Homework:

Use your POS system to figure out your average order value over a specified period of time. Then, figure out where you want it to be. Next, figure out HOW you are going to change your marketing strategy to get it done. Which tactics are you going to employ to get your AOV up while serving your customers with a better shop experience? If everything else stays the same in your shop (foot traffic, conversion), what would this increased number do for you?

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer's Inner Circle this month and having a ton of fun doing it. Want to join us? You can! The doors are always open in the Inner Circle.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 164: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Foot Traffic and Conversion

Episode 163: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

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

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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/164-2/

So now that you've built your audience and people in your community are aware of you (covered in Episode 162), what do we do next? Today, we are going to talk about how and why we measure foot traffic and customer conversion rates. Both numbers are very simple to figure out, so stay with me even if it sounds elementary at first!

How to Measure Foot Traffic and Conversion Rate

Step 1: Literally to count everyone that comes in the door over a specific period of time! You can do this with a digital counter or with a post-it by the cash wrap with tally marks.

Step 2: Add up the number of sales you had during the timeframe. A POS system can give you this information, as well as your average order value.

Step 3: Divide the number of sales by the number of people who came in the door. That's all there is to it!

Example: 100 people came in the door, we made 50 sales. Conversion rate = 50%

Now that you have your conversion rate, what's next? Knowing the foot traffic, conversion rate, and average order value numbers for your business is extremely empowering. Once you know your numbers, you can identify how you want to build your marketing strategy to push the gas and grow your business. This episode is all about empowering you once you have these numbers. There are countless ideas on how to increase foot traffic, average order value, and conversion rates, but we need to market with intention.

If you've got a shop on a busy street with foot traffic coming in all day long but your conversion rate is only 3%, you might want to build a strategy around increasing your conversion rate and order value, not necessarily your foot traffic. On the other hand, if you are a destination shop in the middle of the country with a conversion rate of 75% but with only 4 customers per day, you might want to build a strategy around increasing the foot traffic and average order value.

Your Homework: Over the next month, track your foot traffic and conversion rate so you have a benchmark. Knowing these numbers will shed light on where there may be gaps in your marketing strategy and where you might want to push the gas a little bit.

We are deep diving into all of this inside of my Retailer's Inner Circle this month. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group. Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It's an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out. I'd be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 162: Simple Sales Strategy Series: Where to Start

Episode 145: How to Market Promotional Events in Your Shop

Episode 107: Turn Browsers into Buyers

Episode 103: Increase Sales with Your Silent Salesperson: Signage

Episode 93: How to Wow and Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community

Wendy's FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy's programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I'd love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rockstar, I'd love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well. Those 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

Get ready for my new four part series on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast: The Simple Sales Strategy Series starts TODAY!

What this series is NOT about: chasing sales and hustling harder. What this series IS about: (1) Building that beautiful business within the communities you love and want to support and (2) Being intentional with your marketing and time so your business can thrive. I want you to have time to live the life you intended to when you opened your shop!

As you listen in on this four part series, continually ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why is this business important to me?

2. Where do I want it to take me?

3. How am I going to get where I want to be? (HINT: It's not about chasing sales! It's about serving your customers and community and growing your audience so you have more eyeballs on your beautiful business.)

"We have to have heart … but we really need to pay attention to making sure that we are being profitable, getting paychecks, and keeping that joy bucket filled as we grow." - Wendy Batten

Week 1 Topic: Your Attract Strategy - Understanding Audience Building

There are SO many ways to build your audience, but first understand that you need to put in the effort to make sure you are building your audience. Here are so questions to ask yourself to get you started:

1. What are you doing to build your audience?

2. How are you ensuring that your community knows about your shop?

3. How are you engaging with your audience?

4. What are you doing this week to get more people to know about your shop?

5. Is your brand messaging clear?

6. Are you searchable outside of social media?

7. Who needs to know about your business?

Next week on the podcast we are talking foot traffic and how to convert browsers into buyers. See you then!

If you need more support or are ready to take the next step in your business, I would LOVE for you to join the retailers inside the Retailer's Inner Circle. As a member, you will have full access to all of my masterclasses, once-a-month group coaching, and a monthly Roundtable discussion with other members of the group. Plus, our Facebook community is vibrant with heart-centered business owners. It's an incredible group of people who are always sharing ideas and helping out. I'd be honored to have you.

Related podcasts we think you'll like:

Episode 158: Best of Series: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episode 31: 7 Strategies to Attract Foot Traffic to your Brick + Mortar

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I've helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer's Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I'm not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I'd love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy