In this episode, branding expert Sue Kirchner, owner of Brand Strong Marketing, joins host Cathy to share a fundamental truth:

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💚 Remember: You’re not just running a store you’re building something that matters. Your brand is the love, passion, and purpose you pour into every interaction. Keep showing up with heart. Your customers feel it and they’ll keep coming back because of it. 

You are the CEO of your store. You deserve to be paid well. Your customers deserve a store that thrives.

In this power-packed episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner dives deep into one of the most overlooked threats to retail profitability: gut-based pricing. If you've ever said, “That price just feels right,” or hesitated to charge what something’s truly worth, this one’s for you.

Learn why emotion-based pricing is costing your store big-time, how to reframe your mindset around margin, and the exact markup formula successful retailers use to build financially thriving businesses.

Cathy shares real-life retail examples, psychological pricing tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at how training your team can make or break your sales strategy. 

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Your Millie Moment: Trust the Math, Not the Fear

Cathy once underpriced a stunning French outfit out of fear. Her coach challenged her to bundle it at a 58% markup. She was nervous but it sold out fast.

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You’re not just pricing a product, you’re financing your future. Try the math. Adjust the markup. Trust the process. Because profit isn’t scary. It’s strategic.

Clarity. Curation. Connection.

June is here and if it feels like the energy is all over the place, you're not imagining it! Some stores are swamped with tourists, others are seeing slower traffic, and many of you are wondering, “Do I need to discount everything just to keep sales moving?”

Before you make any big decisions, let’s take a breath and zoom out. In this month’s State of Retail episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner is sharing what’s working right now in independent retail and how summer can be your secret weapon for refining, not rushing.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most really well. Intentional curation, smarter inventory management, and merchandising that actually connects with your customers.

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Your Summer Millie Moment: Curate to connect.

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Retail is always evolving, but with intention and community, you can make this your most meaningful summer. You’ve got this and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 💚

True transformation in business begins the moment you decide you're no longer just a store owner, you’re a CEO building a legacy, not just a livelihood.

In this powerful, heart-opening episode of The Richer Retailer, Cathy sits down with the brilliant Liz Szporn, a Profit First coach, transformational leader, and lifelong changemaker. From helping build a business from a rental car to guiding others toward values-driven growth, Liz shares what’s possible when passion meets strategy.

It’s about stepping out of the hustle and into your highest role: the visionary who scales smart, pays herself first, human flourishing, personal development and building a life-giving business rooted in community and encouragement.

You didn’t open your store to just get by, it’s time to build a business that serves you, too. And it starts with profit.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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Your Millie Moment:

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You're not just a store owner. You are a leader, an innovator, a transformer of lives, starting with your own. And the RETAILMavens community is here to help you rise.

Is the economy slowing down? Maybe. But that doesn’t mean your retail business has to.

A fellow retailer recently asked Cathy a powerful question: “How to continue growing with an economy that’s in decline?” In this episode, Cathy answers with clarity, encouragement, and action. She shares the exact retail growth strategies you can use even in a slow economy to keep your momentum going. From smarter inventory management to strengthening customer loyalty, you'll walk away with data-driven ideas to protect your cash flow and stay inspired. Plus, Cathy reminds us that rising costs and tariffs don’t have to derail your store, you have more control than you think.

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Clearing out slow sellers will free up space for faster-moving products and improve your cash flow.

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Remember, even when the economy is unpredictable, you have the power to control what’s in your store and how you manage it. Small steps like this can make all the difference in keeping your business strong, no matter the outside challenges!

Feeling stuck in the red but dreaming of seven figures? 

In this empowering solo episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner tackles one of the most frequently asked questions by retailers: "How do I grow when I'm not even profitable yet?" Cathy shares her own journey of struggling with this exact question and lays out a clear, actionable path to stability and eventual scale. This episode is a must-listen for any store owner who’s dreaming big but struggling with red numbers.

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Before you try to grow, ask if your store is profitable where you are right now?

Pause and take ownership of your numbers because when you realize you have the tools to change your financial future, that’s a true Millie Moment.

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Remember, you are loved beyond measure, and you are doing better than you think. Keep showing up, your success story is unfolding one step at a time. 💚

Ever feel like you’re always a step behind, despite having great systems, a solid team, and real passion for your store?

In this powerful and personal episode, Cathy answers a heartfelt question from retailer, Linda, who asked how to "push her business to the next level.” The answer? Stop pushing. Start flowing.

This episode dives deep into the obstacles and structures that keep independent retailers stuck in survival mode, and how a few key shifts in mindset and strategy can unlock the business growth, profit, and cash flow you've been craving.

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Ask yourself: What’s really clogging the flow in your business? Then, just like Cathy’s bathroom faucet, REMOVE IT. You don’t need to grind more. You need to grow smarter.

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Business growth isn’t about burning out, it’s about clearing the way so what’s meant for you can Flow in. You’re not broken. You’re just one mindset shift away from your next level. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. 💚

What’s really happening in independent retail right now? 

We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly State of Retail episode to help you clear through the noise, get grounded in the data, and take purposeful action based on current retail trends.

In this May episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner shares the latest shifts she’s seeing across the industry, everything from slowing traffic to changing customer behavior and customer sentiment and what it all means for your store. Don’t miss the Millie Moment, designed to help you take action and lead with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re feeling steady, slow, or stuck on a retail rollercoaster, this is for you!

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Your Millie Moment: Educate before you activate.

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You don’t have to figure this out alone. Retail is shifting, but one smart step at a time, you’ve got this. See you next month for the June State of Retail!

What if the only way forward... was to walk away?

In this powerful episode, Cathy sits down with internationally acclaimed speaker and award-winning business coach Pat Mussieux, who shares the boldest transformation of her life  and the mindset that made it possible. Through raw, real conversation, Cathy and Pat unpack what it really takes to be “richer”,  not just in dollars, but in health, wealth, and happiness. This episode is a masterclass in personal growth, intentional living, and building success that actually feels good.

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Reminding you that it’s never too late to choose joy, build resilience, and become the richest version of yourself. You’ve got this.

Tired of the same old sourcing strategies?

Ready to shake up your retail strategy and discover fresh opportunities? This week, Cathy sits down with Darrin Stern from H&H Americas to explore the power of trade shows for independent retailers. They dive into how these events can help you uncover new products, connect with a thriving community, and gain invaluable insights to evolve your business.

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Take action this week to explore how trade shows can benefit your store:

Don't miss Cathy’s 10@10 Tuesdays - Every Tuesday at 10AM CT where she answers your burning questions in the Richer Retailer Facebook Group.

Have questions? Reach out via email!

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Remember, you're part of a community of fellow retailers, and we're all in this together, supporting each other's success.