In this episode, Michelle closes out 2025 with a reflective solo episode about change, resilience, and retail. She shares her move from California to Oregon, joining her local Downtown Business Association, lessons from closing stores, strategies for surviving tariffs and fast-forward retail changes, and plans for 2026 including writing a book and possibly opening a new store. Honest, practical advice for retailers facing hard choices—and encouragement to lean into new opportunities.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

What's inside:

• Why community involvement and small-town retail revitalization can be a meaningful next step (and how Michelle is getting involved in Medford’s Downtown Business Association).
• Practical survival tactics for retailers: high/low buying, extending show time, cutting costs, pricing strategy amid tariffs, and where to find higher-margin merchandise.
• Personal stories and mindset: lessons from store closures, managing ego, protecting mental health, and embracing change (plus plans to write a book).

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