Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie Retail

Sales growth is often treated as the goal in retail.

But without profit, growth just creates more pressure.

In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn’t optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers.

I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.

This isn’t about chasing turnover.

And it’s not about discounting everything to keep cash moving.

It’s about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe.

I’m joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention.

Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles.

In this episode, we cover:

Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainable

What blanket discounting really costs you over time

How retailers increased sales while holding less stock

Why margin awareness changes decision making

What better stock management does for confidence and clarity

How strategic discounting differs from panic discounting

We also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale.

If you’re running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together.

Chapters

00:00 Why profit isn’t optional

01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting

04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year

06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence

10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise

12:36 How better data changes behaviour

17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies

23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businesses

Links

Stock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.net

Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com

Listen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast

Enjoying the show?

DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.

And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Stock Doctor

Find out more at stockdoctor.net