The Resilient Retail Game Plan

The shoppers who start researching Christmas earliest are also the ones who spend the most — and most retailers are invisible during exactly that window.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.If you think July is far too early to be thinking about Christmas, this episode will change your mind. I sat down with Hannah Bartlett — founder of Jolly Festive and The Christmas Insider — to unpack why the shoppers who start researching Christmas earliest are also the ones who go on to spend the most, and why that completely changes how you should be building towards your peak season.Here's the trap most independent retailers fall into: they treat the research window and the purchase window as the same job. Right now, around 60% of shoppers are quietly building their Christmas shortlists — and holding off on actually buying until November. If you only show up when people are ready to pay, you've already missed the moment that decides where their money goes. That window is your opportunity, not your problem — but only if you know how to be in it.Hannah has distilled her forecasting into six emotional needs and four distinct aesthetic directions for Christmas 2026. In this episode she shares the framework for choosing the one that's right for YOUR business — not just whatever the big retailers are doing. Press play and you'll walk away knowing how to show up in your customers' research phase, how to plan your stock and marketing around emotional connection rather than discounting, and how to set yourself up for your most profitable fourth quarter yet.Chapters00:00 — Why the earliest Christmas shoppers spend the most03:33 — The six emotional needs shaping Christmas 202608:02 — The four aesthetic directions to plan around13:44 — How to choose your direction and bring it to lifeLinks & resourcesConnect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMore from Resilient Retail Club — podcast page: resilientretailclub.com/podcastHannah Bartlett — The Christmas Insider: thechristmasinsider.comDiscover independent brands to stock on Faire: faire.comPlan a profitable Q4 with Stock Doctor: stockdoctor.netMentioned in this episode:This podcast uses chapters

We're coming up fast on the halfway point of the year — and if that fills you with dread, don't panic. Here's the good news: a midyear review beats a New Year's resolution every time, because right now you're not working from a theory about how the year might go. You have six months of real data. This episode is how you use it.Oh, and the episode comes with a free download - https://www.resilientretailclub.com/recap(Our sponsor Faire are offering 50% off and free shipping on first orders until July 31st. Simply add the code "Resilient50" at checkout) Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm walking you through the exact process I've used with members, course students, and clients over and over again: look back honestly at the first half of the year, then use what you find to spring-board into a stronger second half.The key word is honestly — without blame, without self-recrimination, and without brushing past everything you've actually achieved.We start with the numbers: your total sales versus plan, your best sellers by value, units and profit, and a "dead weight audit" of what hasn't moved.But the real value isn't the figures themselves — it's asking why they happened, because knowing why you succeeded is as useful as the number itself.From there we look at conversion rate, average order value, your sales channels, a social-media audit, and a relationship audit of the suppliers, stockists, and couriers you depend on.Then we get subjective — and I make no apology for it.We celebrate your wins out loud, run a start / stop / continue on the first half, and use a 20-minute SWOT analysis as an emotional clearing exercise to get the 3am worries out of your head and onto paper.Finally, we refocus.If midyear admin usually fills you with dread, this is the episode that turns it into momentum.There's a free downloadable workbook to do it alongside me.Chapter Timestamps00:00 — Why a midyear recap beats January 1st: you have real data now01:33 — Revisiting the goals you set in January (without the self-blame)03:40 — The numbers that matter — and why you should ask why they happened06:10 — Best sellers: value, units, and profit08:06 — The dead weight audit: stuck stock and disappointing lines09:33 — Conversion rate and average order value10:28 — Sales channels: are you investing where it's actually working?11:20 — The social media and relationship audits13:17 — What worked, what didn't, and start / stop / continue16:29 — How the business feels: SWOT and the 20-year interview19:31 — Refocusing for half two: set your number and key dates21:41 — Your homeworkUseful LinksFree midyear recap workbook: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/recapResilient Retail Club podcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast/Catherine on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Right now, as you read this, an AI chatbot is running a real retail store in San Francisco — managing the product selection, deciding what to stock, and curating a customer experience. It sounds like science fiction. It is already open for business. And it is just one signal of how fast the rules of retail discovery are changing.(Our sponsor Faire are offering 50% off and free shipping on first orders until July 31st. Simply add the code "Resilient50" at checkout) Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm exploring one of the biggest shifts I've seen in how customers discover products: agentic AI. This is AI that doesn't just respond to questions — it researches, compares, recommends, and in some cases, actually completes the purchase. For independent retailers and product businesses with an online presence, this changes the rules. The question is no longer just how do you rank on Google — it's how do you become the answer when an AI agent is asked to find the best product for a specific need.I dig into what agentic AI actually means, how people are already using it to shop, and what that means for the way you present your products online. I share research from the OECD, insights from Andrew Bialecki at Klaviyo, the work of retail expert Jackie Swanson, and a fascinating case study in the form of Andon Market — a real shop in San Francisco that is being managed end-to-end by an AI chatbot called Luna, which was given a three-year lease and told to make a profit.If you're an independent retailer or product business owner with an e-commerce presence, this episode is essential listening. The shift is already happening. Understanding it now means you can take simple, practical steps to make sure your products are visible in the new discovery landscape — before your competitors even realise the rules have changed.Chapter Timestamps00:00 — Are robots taking over shopping? And what agentic AI actually is02:05 — AI at both ends: retailers using AI and shoppers using AI — the data04:50 — Luna and Andon Market: the AI chatbot running a real retail store07:00 — Agent-to-agent commerce: Andrew Bialecki on what retailers need to prepare for09:30 — What to actually do: getting your data right for AI discovery11:25 — How customer search behaviour is changing and what it means for your product pages13:45 — The three things to start with: titles, key info, and natural language14:48 — The philosophical question: are we handing over too much to AI?Useful LinksResilient Retail Club podcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast/Catherine on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

What would it mean for your retail business if — right now, at this very moment — three thousand creators were actively requesting samples to promote your brand? That's not a fantasy for Luke Arnall-Cameron, founder of YASS CLEAN. It's Tuesday. That's just how his business works.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.This episode is brought to you by Faire. As you will hear in the actual show, they're offering 50% off and free shipping against your first order. Use the code "Resilient50"In this episode, I sit down with Luke Arnall-Cameron — a former John Lewis graduate buyer and marketing director turned TikTok creator and brand founder — to unpick one of the most significant shifts happening in retail right now: discovery commerce. TikTok Shop has fundamentally changed how products reach consumers. Instead of paying for ads, brands are now building creator networks — and the smartest ones are doing it in a way that mirrors exactly what every good retailer already knows about range building, customer loyalty, and repeat purchase.Luke launched YAS CLEAN in November 2024. His first livestream generated £70,000. Within his first year he fulfilled over 650,000 orders across six countries, sold 10,000 bottles of one product in seven days, and achieved 45% repeat customer rates in December — for a cleaning brand, in the hardest trading month of the year. He also won TikTok's Breakout Seller of the Year Award.But what makes this conversation genuinely useful for any product business owner isn't the headline numbers. It's the retail logic behind every decision he made — why virality isn't a strategy, how to think about product range in a world driven by social selling, and what discovery commerce means for anyone selling physical products. If you want to understand whether TikTok Shop belongs in your channel mix, this episode is for you.Chapter Timestamps00:00 — The hook: 3,000 creators waiting to promote one product01:26 — Luke's retail career: From John Lewis buyer to TikTok creator04:12 — YAS CLEAN launch: £70K first livestream and 650,000 orders in year one10:02 — Building a product range vs chasing viral moments15:45 — Discovery commerce explained: How TikTok Shop's creator model works19:34 — Live shopping as real-time customer feedbackUseful LinksYAS CLEAN on TikTok: @yascleanGet 50% off and free shipping with Faire - https://fairewholesaleinc.sjv.io/APj4axResilient Retail Club: www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast/Catherine on LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

AI is everywhere in retail right now — but are you actually using it in a way that's helping your business grow, or could it quietly be working against you?This episode is brought you by Faire who are offering 50% off and free shipping against new orders. Use the code "Resilient50" at checkout.This episode also features a free downloadable resource. Go to http://resilientretailclub.com/ai to claim it.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm sharing the honest picture of how independent retailers are actually using generative AI in 2026.According to government data, just 16% of UK businesses are formally using AI — yet surveys suggest up to 80% of SME decision-makers have tried it in some form. The reality? Most people are using it to write emails faster, draft product descriptions, handle awkward customer messages, and generate ideas. And that's where it genuinely shines.But there are pitfalls too. I'm talking through the messy data problem that makes AI-powered sales analysis fall flat, the real concerns around AI imagery and brand trust, what I think went badly wrong with AI content (including something from my own business that I'm still mortified by), and why leaning on AI for big decisions might be giving you confidence you haven't earned.If you want to use AI smarter — and stay distinctly, unmistakably you — this episode is for you.In this episode:• How retailers are really using AI in 2026 — the stats and the reality• Product pages, agentic AI, and why clarity beats fluff• The messy data problem and what to fix first• AI customer service: the triage approach that works• AI imagery — the jury's still out, and here's why• What NOT to use AI for (including fully AI-written content)• The voice note / brain dump method that keeps your content sounding like you• The confirmation bias problem with using AI for decisionsCHAPTERS:00:01:25 How Retailers Are Using AI Right Now00:07:32 Customer Service, Data & AI Imagery00:13:43 What Not to Use AI For — and the Voice Note MethodConnect with Catherine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdly/Podcast: resilientretailclub.com/podcastMentioned in this episode:Get 50% off at FaireGo to Faire.com and enter code "Resilient50"Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

71% of independent retailers in the UK are growing or stable. And 9 in 10 shoppers say AI has made them MORE likely to trust your shop over an algorithm. Here is what the data actually says.(Our sponsor Faire are offering 50% off and free shipping on first orders until July 31st. Simply add the code "Resilient50" at checkout) Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.Are you tired of reading headlines that make it sound like independent retail is finished? The noise about AI, empty high streets, and big-box competition can feel genuinely frightening if you are running a small business. But what if the data tells a completely different story — and what if that story is one you desperately needed to hear?In this episode, I sit down with Elyse McAvoy from Faire to unpack the Voices of Retail report — a landmark piece of research that surveyed 650 independent retailers and over 2,000 UK consumers. It is the first time a report of this kind has merged the retailer perspective and the consumer perspective into one honest picture of what is actually happening on Britain's high streets. And the findings will surprise you.Once you listen, you will leave with a clear understanding of what is separating retailers who are growing from those who are struggling, a completely new perspective on AI and your business, and three specific actions you can take this month. If you have been feeling uncertain about whether your shop has a future, this is the episode that will give you the data — and the confidence — to move forward.CHAPTERS00:00 — Introduction: Why This Report Matters for Every Independent Retailer02:30 — Key Findings: AI, the 71% Statistic and the Branding Gap07:13 — Consumer Spending Power: What Shoppers Are Ready to Spend With You10:28 — What to Do Now: Three Practical Actions to Take This MonthUSEFUL LINKS📥 Download the Voices of Retail report free from the Spring Fair website — link in show notes🛒 Explore Faire as a wholesale marketplace: faire.com🎙 More episodes: resilientretailclub.com/podcast🔗 Connect with Catherine: linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'This podcast uses chapters

Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right, yet somehow still falling behind?If you run an independent retail business, you are not imagining things. Between buying stock, managing your team, keeping up with your marketing, handling customer service, and everything else that lands on your desk — the sheer volume of what your job involves would overwhelm anyone.This is not a time management failure. It is simply the reality of running a retail business single-handedly.But there is a question underneath all of this that most retailers never stop to ask, and it is the one that changes everything.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm unpacking the framework I use with my one-to-one clients in my Retail by Design programme — a step-by-step approach to understanding how you're really spending your time, building a structure that actually works, and protecting the focused work hours that move your business forward.If you have been telling yourself for months that you will start that project "when things slow down" — this episode is for you. I work with clients who have just two hours a day after the kids are in bed, and clients who get one day a week away from the shop floor. The system I'm sharing works at every capacity level. Listen to the end to discover a clear, practical path out of the overwhelm — and toward a calmer, more intentional, and ultimately more profitable week.Listener Benefits (What You'll Discover)Why most independent retailers have less time than they think — and why that's actually the start of something usefulThe exact time-tracking method that reveals where your hours are really going (with a free tool recommendation)How to build a weekly structure around your BAU tasks so you're not starting from scratch every MondayWhy being "always available" is silently costing you hours every week — and the simple boundaries that fix it📍 Ready to reclaim your time? Free resources: resilientretailclub.com/juggleChapter Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Why Independent Retailers Are Always Falling Behind02:34 – Steps 1 & 2: How to Track Your Time and Understand What's Really Happening06:10 – Steps 3 & 4: Building Your Weekly Structure and Batching Your Tasks12:35 – Steps 5 & 6: Quarterly Planning, Decision Fatigue, and Knowing When to Let GoLinks & Resources🔗 Free time management resources: resilientretailclub.com/juggle🔗 The Resilient Retail Club: resilientretailclub.com📱 Toggl (free time-tracking app): toggl.com🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — new episodes every ThursdayMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

"How much should I order?" sounds like one question. It's actually two — and most product business owners only ever answer one of them.(This episode features a free download resource at http://resilientretailclub.com/order)Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.In this episode, I'm breaking down the critical difference between product-level stock ordering (the tactical "how many of this line") and business-level stock planning (the strategic "what can I afford overall"). Drawing on my time as a buyer at Paperchase and the frameworks in my book Tame Your Tiger, I'll explain why forecasting apps, Shopify Sidekick, ChatGPT and Claude can all give you the right answer to the wrong question — and how that slowly turns a healthy business into a cash-hungry "tiger".In this episode:Why most stock forecasting tools assume you have unlimited cashThe simple reorder calculation that still mattersWhat "the tail" isThree better questions to ask before you place a single orderThe supermarket scanner analogy that makes stock budgeting clickIf you're constantly reordering but never feel on top of your stock, pause and plan with this one.🐅 Tame Your Tiger — my book on stock, cash flow and building a calmer product business💬 Come and say hi on Instagram: @resilientretailclubPrefer to watch podcasts? Here's mine - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFwdhK_WMJvXntxKLZj83Inz1fFNAN2PMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

You’ve opened your shop. You’re selling. You have loyal customers. And yet something feels stuck... (this episode features a free download resource at http://resilientretailclub.com/systemsYour sales are inconsistent, stock builds up or runs out, cash feels tight even on the good weeks.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly.In this episode, I'm naming the “invisible ceiling” independent retailers hit when they move from opening a shop to running a proper retail business — and explain exactly what structure the next level needs.Drawing on my recent road trip through Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, and nearly 20 years inside seven-, eight-, nine- and ten-figure retail chains, I'll talk you through the systems that separate hobby shops from real businesses: sales plans, stock plans, trading calendars, cash flow visibility, team roles and SOPs.If you’ve ever wondered “is there more to this?” — this episode is your answer.In this episode:Why so many independent retailers start their business “almost by accident”The invisible ceiling that stalls shops around the 1–3 year markThe difference between opening a shop and running a retail businessThe six systems every next-level retail business needsWhy there is no such thing as a “natural business person” — and what to do insteadHow to know whether you need the Stock Doctor, Retail by Design, or just the back catalogueResources mentioned:Episode 299 — Retail Bottleneck: How to Stop Being the “Go-To” for Every Answer in Your BusinessBook: Tame Your Tiger: How to Stop Your Product Business Eating You AliveStock Doctor — done-for-you stock managementRetail by Design — my 1:1 serviceThe Resilient Retail Club — reopening later this yearresilientretailclub.comMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

This episode contains a freebie download. Scroll down to find it.Believe it or not — today is episode 300 of the Resilient Retail Game Plan.Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly and in this episode, which is six years, 300 episodes, and over 1 million downloads later since I started this podcast, I'm sharing a fast track to the biggest themes that have shaped this podcast and the retailers who listen to it.In this milestone episode, I'll walk you through the four essential episodes from the back catalogue that I believe every independent retailer needs to hear.Whether you're brand new to the show or a long-time listener, these are the ones that cut to the heart of what it really takes to build a resilient retail business.So what are the three big themes?Stock. Profit. And mindset.Visit the episode's show notes for links to all the episodes mentioned at https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast-episode/retail-stock-management-profit-and-mindset/And ensure you go to this link for your free download: resilientretailclub.com/300.

This episode is sponsored by Intuit Mailchimp. Do your retail team ask you the same questions over and over? Has "what are we focusing on this week?" become the soundtrack to your inbox?Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly and in Episode 299 of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm explaining why so many independent retailers and product business owners accidentally become a bottleneck inside their own business — and walk you through exactly how to fix it.You'll learn why the classic wheel-and-spoke information flow creates constant delays, inconsistency and interruptions; why growing your team makes it worse rather than better; and how to build a single source of truth that finally gets your team self-serving the answers they need.I'll also share a £100,000 lesson from my Coast days on what poor information flow really costs a business, the categories to include in your single source of truth (weekly focus, key dates, stock and order trackers, priorities, SOPs), and the crucial step most business owners skip — how to actually make your team use it.If you've built a business that can't run without you in the room, this is the episode to start unpicking it.Chapters00:00 Why Everyone Asks You01:18 The Bottleneck Wheel02:52 Build One Source of Truth04:20 What £100,000 of Poor Information Flow Really Costs05:50 What to Put in Your Single Source of Truth08:27 Why It Won't Stick (And How to Fix It)10:22 Holding the Line With Your Team13:05 Where to Start (Small and Specific)14:20 Wrap-UpRelated linksResilient Retail Club: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Roar 2026 summit: https://retailroar.co.ukListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcastsPrefer to watch? Full episode playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFwdhK_WMJvXntxKLZj83Inz1fFNAN2PAbout the podcastThe Resilient Retail Game Plan is a podcast for independent retailers and product business owners who want to build more profitable, sustainable businesses. Hosted by Catherine Erdly — retail expert, coach and founder of The Resilient Retail Club.If this episode helped, hit like, subscribe and share it with another retailer who needs to hear it.Mentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

If you're sending the same email to everyone on your list and wondering why it's not driving the sales you expected, this episode is for you.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode I'm sitting down with Ali Wood from Intuit Mailchimp to get practical about how independent retailers and e-commerce brands can get dramatically more from their email and SMS marketing — using data they already have.We talk about why fragmented data is costing retailers real money, how segmentation can transform your customer relationships, and why the retailers who win over the next few years won't be the ones with the biggest budgets — they'll be the ones who are smartest with their data.In this episode you'll hear about:Why sending the same message to your whole list is leaving money on the tableHow to use customer lifetime value and buying propensity to automate smarter campaignsThe power of combining email and SMS — including a 22x ROI stat from SMS alone, and 41x when Shopify data is in the mixCreative ways to collect richer customer data through quizzes, pop-ups and behavioural signalsWhat clean data + AI + human creativity actually looks like for a lean retail teamWhether you're just starting to think about segmentation or already running email campaigns and want to level up, this conversation will leave you with a genuinely different way of thinking about your marketing.CHAPTERS00:00:40 The Gold Mine Independent Retailers Are Sitting On00:02:10 Meet Ali Wood from Intuit Mailchimp00:04:40 How Intuit Mailchimp Evolved from Email Tool to Full Automation Platform00:08:22 The Segmentation Shift: Stop Sending the Same Email to Everyone00:11:29 Creative Ways to Collect Better Customer Data00:14:45 Using SMS to Drive Email Open Rates00:15:11 How We're Working With Intuit Mailchimp00:16:33 Measuring What's Actually Working Across All Your Channels00:18:30 Think Strategy, Not Just Open Rates00:21:17 SMS Best Practices: What's Working for E-Commerce Brands00:23:24 The Trust Factor: Why Phone Numbers Are Different from Email Addresses00:23:44 The Numbers: 22x ROI on SMS, 41x with Shopify00:25:58 AI + Human Creativity: The Future of Small Business Marketing00:27:45 Clean Data, Automation & Analytics: The Loop That Wins00:29:07 Catherine's Key Takeaways & Call to ActionMentioned in this episode: resilientretailclub.com/mailchimpNote: This episode was produced in partnership with Intuit Mailchimp. All views expressed are Catherine's own.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Your shop window isn't just a display — it's a salesperson working for you around the clock.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Manning, visual merchandising consultant and course leader, for a practical masterclass on how to make your window impossible to walk past.Sarah shares her four guiding principles — including her signature framework, The Power of the Pyramid — and explains exactly what should (and shouldn't) go in your window. You'll learn why putting your bestsellers on show is usually the wrong move, how to refresh your display every four weeks without a full rebuild, and practical solutions for shallow, narrow, or open-backed windows.We also explore how post-2020 customer expectations have shifted the balance between product display and brand storytelling, and discuss the concept of 'external theatre' — the tools even small independents can use to draw customers in before they reach the window at all.Whether you sell from a shop, at markets, or at events, this episode is packed with actionable insight you can put to work immediately.What You'll Learn:The Power of the Pyramid framework and how to apply it to any displayWhy new, seasonal, and promotional products belong in the window — not your top sellersHow to change your window every four weeks without starting from scratchCreative solutions for awkward, shallow, or open-backed windowsHow the hotspot inside your store connects to your window displayWhere to find visual merchandising inspiration on a limited budget📌 CHAPTERS:00:37 About this episode — how the topic came from Spring Fair01:35 The Power of the Pyramid — Sarah's four guiding principles02:30 Brand story vs. product push: what's changed since 202004:36 What should actually go in your window?05:53 How often should you change your window display?07:27 The permanent skeleton approach08:33 Working with difficult or shallow windows10:18 Open windows vs. backed windows11:55 External theatre: beyond the glass14:57 The hotspot — your 'third window' inside the store16:45 Where to find visual merchandising inspiration20:00 Outro and where to find Sarah ManningConnect with me 🔗:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdly/→ Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientretailclub/🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP:→ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilient-retail-game-plan/id1558090069→ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EIPFznxQFQHIXmC3QoBFQResources Mentioned:Sarah Manning: visualmerchandisingcourses.co.uk | @visualmerchandisingcoursesThe Shop Drop Blog by Tim Nash — free newsletter every ThursdayMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

Have you ever looked at the news and wondered whether it's even appropriate to be selling your products right now?If you're an independent retailer or product business owner and the state of the world is making you hesitate about showing up and selling, this episode is for you.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This week, one of the most common questions I get from product business owners: should I keep selling when the world feels uncertain?In this episode:→ Why big brands never pause their marketing — and what that means for you→ Why independent retailers are a genuine force for good→ The lipstick effect and what consumer spending data actually shows right now→ A practical social media tip to help you show up more consistently📌 CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introduction & the question everyone's asking00:00:44 When selling feels wrong: the shared experience00:01:42 Why this feeling is so common in product businesses00:02:51 The mental noise of running your own business00:06:04 The self-fulfilling prophecy & the big brand reality check00:08:25 Why small businesses are a force for good00:09:55 Your duty to share what you do00:11:30 The lipstick effect: are people actually spending?00:12:18 A visit to Columbia Road Flower Market00:12:57 Products are how people show love00:13:31 None of this is trivial00:14:23 Practical tip: separate your social media accounts00:16:08 How Catherine implemented this herself00:17:25 A message for every independent retailer🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:→ Mean Mail: https://www.meanmail.co.uk→ Retail Roar 2026: https://retailroar.co.uk→ Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP:→ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilient-retail-game-plan/id1558090069→ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EIPFznxQFQHIXmC3QoBFQMentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Nobody talks about how lonely it can be to run a small business.Your friends and family mean well — but they don't really get it. If you have a team, you feel like you have to have all the answers. And whether you're on the shop floor, in your home office, or in your unit, there's a good chance your dog is getting more of your business thoughts than any actual human being.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm being honest about the one thing most business owners never talk about: isolation. And why community — real, practical, human community — isn't a nice-to-have. It's fundamental.You'll hear:Why business loneliness is more common than anyone admits — and why it mattersHow being in a community speeds up your learning, builds confidence, and protects your resilienceWhy hearing about other people's tough weeks can actually make your own feel more manageableHow community can drive real commercial results — referrals, collaborations, and salesAll about the Retail Roar 2026 Facebook community and why it might be just as valuable as the summit itselfIf you've been feeling flat, isolated, or like nobody around you truly gets what you're going through — this episode is for you.🏟️ Free Retail Roar ticket: retailroar.co.uk📩 Join the Resilient Retail Club: resilientretailclub.com📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclub⏱ Chapters:00:00 Intro01:13 The Loneliness of Business03:56 Why Community Matters06:42 Join the Retail Roar 2026 CommunityMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Retail is moving fast — and it can feel like whiplash trying to keep up with every new trend, tool, and headline. But here's the thing: as a small or independent retailer, you don't need to know everything. You just need the right information, filtered through the lens of what actually matters for your business.In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about Retail Roar 2026 — my free two-day online industry outlook summit taking place on 26th and 27th March — and why I believe it's the most important shortcut you can take as an independent retailer or brand this year.You'll hear about:Why staying on top of industry trends actually protects both your business and your peace of mindThe line between useful information and overwhelming noise — and how to find itHow understanding the current consumer mindset can change how you stock, market, and sellThe headline speaker I spent three years trying to book: the legendary Mary PortasExpert sessions on email marketing, SEO, AI search, wholesale trends, marketing strategy, and the future of the high streetThe expert lineup includes:Mary Portas — retail legend, broadcaster, and champion of independent retailEman Ismail — email strategist on what's changing in email for 2026Vee Roberts (Insights for Marketing) — marketing strategy and trendsLuke Carthy — SEO and AI search, and what your website needs to do differentlyTherese Oertenblad (Small Business Collaborative) — wholesale trends and how to get seenIan Nicholson (Vacant Shops Academy) — placemaking and what makes a great high streetThis isn't fluffy. It's information for action — curated specifically for small and independent retailers and brands, so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.Get your free ticket at retailroar.co.uk📩 Join the community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Most independent retailers have heard the advice to "build a community." Far fewer have been shown exactly how to do it — and even fewer have built one that actually buys.In this episode I'm joined by Ronke Fashola, founder of Love Your Look — a bold, inclusive, colour-forward fashion brand whose customers travel from Scotland and Cardiff to her pop-up shops, answer Instagram queries before she even gets to them, and send garments back to be taken in when they lose weight rather than part with something they love. Ronke has spent the last couple of years building a retail community the hard, human way: photo shoots open to everyone, WhatsApp groups built on genuine conversation, measurement checks for every new customer, and an in-house tailor. In this episode she breaks down exactly how she did it.We also look at Joanie Clothing's collapse as a case study in what happens when a retail brand stops feeling human — and what every independent retailer can learn from it.In this episode you'll hear:• The photo shoot that attracted 70 applicants and became the foundation of a loyal retail community• How to structure a brand WhatsApp group that people actually want to be in• What Joanie got wrong — and the community strategy that could have saved them• Why checking every new customer's measurements before their first order ships reduces returns and builds trust• How offering free in-house alterations turns one-time buyers into customers for life• The Friday night phone call that changed how Ronke thinks about fabricSign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible.📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

Have you been feeling stuck in your own head in your retail business? Overthinking every decision, wondering if you're the only one finding it hard?There's a phrase I love:You can't read a label from inside the jar.And when you're living and breathing your business every single day, it's incredibly hard to see beyond where you are right now.In this episode, I share one of the fastest ways I've found to shift your perspective — and it's the whole reason I created Retail Roar, my free online summit returning on 26–27 March.I'll walk you through some of the stories from our guest speakers, including one who shipped 650,000 orders in his first year on TikTok, to others who built a chain of 41 bridal boutiques, and another who went from her kitchen table to six-figure months.I also explain why inspiration isn't just about feeling good — it has three very real, practical business effects: it helps you think bigger, get re-energised with your marketing, and make braver decisions.Sign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible.📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in data but still can't answer the simple question: is my business actually going in the right direction?Here's the truth: if your sales numbers feel like noise, you're probably looking at the wrong things — or avoiding looking altogether.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why having loads of data can actually keep you more confused, not less✓ The magic eye problem: why staring at daily sales is stopping you seeing the real picture✓ The difference between guessing and deciding — and why it matters for your bottom line✓ The 3 Rs framework: Record, Review, Refine — and how to make it genuinely simple✓ Why a zero-sales day doesn't mean a bad month (and what to look at instead)Stop reacting to the noise and start reading the story your numbers are actually telling you.Join the Retail Sales Game Plan (cart now open!): resilientretailclub.com/retailsales Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's been useful to you, please do follow, rate, and review with a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (or both!) — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Do you ever feel like you're constantly trying to convince people to buy? Like you're always explaining, justifying, or pushing a little harder than you'd like?Here's the truth: if selling feels exhausting, you're probably spending too much time talking to the wrong people.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why nobody is more likely to buy than someone who already bought from you✓ The party principle: why you're standing outside instead of going in✓ How focusing on cold audiences burns you out (and kills your profit)✓ The 1,000 true fans framework that changes everything ✓ Practical steps to turn one-time buyers into repeat customersStop chasing strangers and start serving the customers who are already inside your door.LinksJoin the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (kicking off end of Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying 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:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Feel like you're shouting into the void with your marketing? You're not alone—and it's not your fault.Social media wants you reactive, emotional, and constantly second-guessing yourself. Meanwhile, big retailers operate from detailed seasonal plans made months in advance.I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why sporadic marketing makes sales feel random✓ How algorithms keep you stuck in chaos✓ What big retailers do differently (without massive teams)✓ The marketing structure that actually works for small businessesStop waking up wondering "what should I post today?" and start building a plan you can trust.LinksGet your free Calmer and Consistent Sales Planner: resilientretailclub.com/salesJoin the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (reopening Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying 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:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie RetailSales 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 sustainableWhat blanket discounting really costs you over timeHow retailers increased sales while holding less stockWhy margin awareness changes decision makingWhat better stock management does for confidence and clarityHow strategic discounting differs from panic discountingWe 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.Chapters00:00 Why profit isn’t optional01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise12:36 How better data changes behaviour17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businessesLinksStock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.netResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying 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:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

When Is the Right Time to Open a Second Shop?Opening another shop is often seen as the obvious next step in retail growth.But knowing when to do it, and whether your business is actually ready, is far harder.In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at what really changes when you move from one shop to two, and then beyond.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’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 expansion for the sake of it.And it’s not a checklist for opening multiple locations.It’s about timing, clarity, and understanding whether the business you have today can genuinely support what comes next.I’m joined by independent retailer Sarah Holmes, from Pencil Me In, who has grown from one shop to three across different locations in Scotland. Together, we unpack how those decisions were made, what changed at each stage, and why the second shop is often the hardest.In this episode, we cover:How to tell if your current shop is ready to support growthWhy growth often feels like exposure rather than reliefWhat changes when each location needs a different roleHow buying mistakes multiply once you have more than one shopWhy clarity matters more than creativity in multi-store retailLetting go of control without losing standardsWe also talk about how expansion changes your relationship with risk, cash, and your team, and why growth should support the life you want to run, not just the business you want to build.If you’re running one shop and wondering whether there could be more, or you’re already managing multiple locations and want it to feel simpler, this episode will help you think more clearly about what growth should look like for you.Chapters00:00 Why growth is a timing question, not a goal01:16 From one shop to three and why pacing matters06:19 Why growth feels like exposure, not relief09:30 Why each shop needs a clear job to do11:03 Specialising instead of stocking everything15:32 The danger of unchecked buying decisions18:08 Using data to protect cash as you grow22:22 Letting go without losing control29:46 Choosing growth that fits your lifeLinksRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying 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:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

The 5 Problems Growing Retail Businesses Don’t Expect (But Almost Always Face)If your retail business looks successful on paper but feels far harder than it should behind the scenes, this episode is for you.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about fixing beginner mistakes or chasing the next growth tactic.It’s about what happens once your business has momentum, and instinct alone stops being enough.After working with hundreds of established product businesses, I see the same problems come up again and again.Not because founders are doing things wrong, but because the business has outgrown the way it’s being run.In this episode, I walk through the 5 problems growing retail businesses don’t expect (but almost always face).These include:Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarityWhat it really means when you don’t trust your numbersWhy being busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forwardHow everything living in your head turns you into the bottleneckWhat to do when your business no longer fits your lifeWe also talk about why structure isn’t restrictive, how it creates freedom, and what it looks like when a business is designed to support the person running it, not drain them.If any of this feels familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re failing.It usually means you’ve outgrown the stage you’re operating at.Chapters00:00 Why growth starts to feel heavy01:36 When success creates chaos06:09 Learning to trust your numbers08:26 Busy versus real progress11:06 Everything living in your head15:25 When your business stops fitting your life18:10 Retail by DesignLinksRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying 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:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

How Artichoke Built a Profitable Online Shop by Ignoring “Best Practice”If you’ve been told that online retail growth means more ads, more automation, and more noise — this episode will quietly challenge that.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about scaling fast or chasing the latest ecommerce tactic.It’s about building an online business that actually works for the people running it.In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Simonds, founder of Artichoke and winner of Online Shop of the Year at the Boutique Star Awards.Sarah runs an online fashion business in a way most people would say doesn’t scale.She calls every new online customer.She designs systems to protect customer service, not replace it.And she focuses relentlessly on a demographic the industry largely ignores.After 25 years working with retailers, I see this pattern again and again.The businesses that perform best long term aren’t always the loudest or the most automated. They’re the clearest.In this conversation, we explore:Why slowing down parts of the online experience can increase profitHow calling customers dramatically reduces returns and boosts lifetime valueWhat good systems actually look like in a small retail businessHow Sarah uses AI to support decisions without losing human judgementWhy community, service, and clarity still outperform “best practice”We also talk about the less glamorous side of growth — becoming the bottleneck, building resilience into the team, and creating structure so the business doesn’t rely on one person holding everything together.If you run a product business and want online sales that feel sustainable rather than exhausting, this episode will give you a lot to think about.Chapters00:00 Why “more marketing” isn’t always the answer03:10 Serving an ignored customer demographic06:20 Calling every new online customer10:45 Reducing returns and increasing lifetime value15:30 From pop-ups to online growth21:10 Removing the founder bottleneck27:40 Systems, structure, and ClickUp33:30 Using AI without losing the human touch41:50 Community, collaboration, and long-term growthLinksArtichoke: https://www.artichoke-online.co.ukRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designCatherine’s book — Tame Your Tiger: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912300096Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comEnjoying 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:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

Why Retail Business Growth Starts to Feel Heavy at Six FiguresIf your retail business is doing well on paper, but somehow feels heavier than it used to, this episode is for you.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.com.Get 10% off hardware with the code GamePlan10.I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is the Resilient Retail Game Plan — product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about chasing more sales or adding more tactics.It’s about the moment growth stops feeling exciting and starts feeling risky.When decisions feel heavier.When stock, cash flow and planning won’t switch off in your head.And when everyone assumes you’re doing brilliantly, but you’re quietly feeling stretched.After 25 years in retail, I’ve seen this pattern again and again. Hitting six figures doesn’t magically make things easier. For many founders, it’s the point where relying on instinct stops working and structure becomes essential.In this episode, I talk through why growth often starts to feel heavy at this stage, why it’s not a motivation problem, and what actually helps founders move from reacting to leading again. I also explain how Retail by Design and Stock Doctor work together to bring clarity, calm and confidence back into growing product businesses — without overwhelm or fluff.If you’re tired of winging it, second-guessing decisions, or carrying everything in your head, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and what support should look like at this stage of growth.Chapters:00:00 The 'Heaviness' Struggle for Product Retailers05:42 Stock & Strategy Solutions06:49 "Retail Growth Through Stock Insight"10:06 "Retail by Design Program"Links:Website: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/Enjoy the episode?DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Meta Ads Have Changed – What Actually Works in 2026If Meta ads feel like a wild goose chase lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things.With thanks to this episode's sponsor SumUp (https://sumup.com) Use the code 'GamePlan10' to get 10% off hardware from their online shop!Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly, and this week on The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m rolling up my sleeves with Meta Ad strategist CJ Sinclair to dig into why product business advice for retailers is evolving fast.Algorithms have turned upside down.Forget the old playbook; smaller brands now have the nimble edge over the big guns. From creative diversity to new ways to track ROAS and cash flow for retailers, we break down what actually moves the needle in 2026. I’m bringing my 25 years in the trade—plus CJ Sinclair’s day-to-day on the ground—for an episode that’s equal parts practical know-how and myth-busting.Why listen?Squeeze more margin from your Meta ad spend, even with a modest budgetNail creative that cuts through—no high-gloss neededGet independent retailer tips to speed up pivoting, not just scaling a product businessAvoid common ROAS mistakes and measure what matters for profitConnect your email, website and socials for rich marketing strategies that don’t break the bankLearn how to improve cash flow in a small product business while boosting conversion ratesLinks:Website: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/Enjoy the episode?DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Ever wondered what Christmas really felt like at the sharp end of retail—and what it’s whispering about your 2026 playbook?This episode of "The Resilient Retail Game Plan" is brought to you by SumUp. Get 10% off their hardware by clicking the link and using the coupon code "GamePlan10"I’m Catherine Erdly, and welcome to this festive edition of the Resilient Retail Game Plan—your product business advice, with a side of reality.This isn’t a spreadsheet post-mortem, it’s an honest (sometimes wry) look at how Christmas truly landed for independent retailers.After 25 years in retail, I know December isn’t just numbers, it’s stories, triumphs and warnings we need to catch while they’re fresh—because come January, all that noise gets buried under new-year resolutions and stocktakes.In this episode, I’ll invite you, not just to audit your cash flow for retailers or nit-pick inventory management, but to actually feel your festive season.Think: one sentence gut-checks, inspiration scavenger hunts, and surprisingly useful lessons from your own inbox, shopping habits and the businesses that quietly wowed you.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

January clearance doesn’t have to feel like a panic move, a brand compromise, or an admission of failure.This episode of "The Resilient Retail Game Plan" is brought to you by SumUp. Get 10% off their hardware by clicking the link and using the coupon code "GamePlan10"Hi, I’m Catherine Erdly.This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m walking you through how to run a proper stock clearance. Not a blanket discount. Not a last-minute scramble. But a strategic, cash-releasing reset that helps you start the year lighter, clearer, and more profitable.If the idea of discounting makes you nervous, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time. Fear of damaging your brand. Fear of training customers to wait for sales. Fear of “doing it wrong”.So in this episode, I break down exactly how experienced retailers approach January clearance, and how small product businesses can do the same, without ending up on a discount treadmill.We talk about when to run your sale, what should and shouldn’t go into it, how deep to discount, and what to do if stock still isn’t shifting.This is about releasing trapped cash, reducing mental load, and giving your business the space it needs to move forward.We cover:– Why clearance is a strategic tool, not a failure– What stock belongs in a clearance sale (and what absolutely doesn’t)– How to decide your discount levels without obsessing over margin– Why January is different in the customer’s mind– How to plan and promote your sale so it actually works– What to do if products still don’t sell– How clearance can increase full-price sales– Turning stuck stock into space, cash and clarityIf you’re heading into January with a stockroom that feels heavy, overwhelming, or quietly stressful, this episode will help you take control of it properly.Links:Website: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/Enjoy the episode?DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

On paper, Anna Scaife's business Anna Lou of London looked unstoppable — multi–seven-figure turnover, dream stockists like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, celebrity customers, even a Carnaby Street shop. But behind the scenes, the numbers were quietly telling a very different story.This episode of "The Resilient Retail Game Plan" is brought to you by SumUp. Get 10% off their hardware by clicking the link and using the coupon code "GamePlan10"Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m digging into the real retail profit vs turnover conversation.What happens when the visibility shoots up, the orders explode, but the margins… don’t?Anna shares how she scaled too fast, drowned in stock, tried to please every buyer, and chased the kind of “success” that looks incredible on Instagram — but nearly cost her the entire business.We talk about the ego hits, the financial shocks, the burnout, and the moment she finally rebuilt everything from a place of alignment, clarity and actual profit.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep growing, keep adding more, keep saying yes — even when it’s draining your cashflow — this one’s going to land. Hard.We cover:– Why high turnover means nothing without margin– How stockists can destroy cashflow without you noticing– When “busy” becomes a red flag– The emotional cost of maintaining the illusion of success– Rebuilding with a made-to-order model– Why alignment and nervous system regulation matter more than people admit– What sustainable retail growth really looks likeThis is the story behind the story.And it’s one every product founder needs to hear.Timestamped summary00:00 "Anna's Untold Business Struggles"04:23 "Pivoting to Sustainable Simplicity"06:29 "Misalignment and Rediscovering Purpose"09:45 "Wholesaling: Shuffling Stock Globally"16:03 "Staying Aligned in Business"19:32 "Intentional Business Growth Insights"Enjoy the episode? DM me your lightbulb moments or next guest wish list @resilientretailclub on Instagram. Please rate, follow, and review this podcast in your app—it helps more indie founders decide to give us a try!Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

The shopfront of retail is about to change—will you be on the right side when the robots come knocking? Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m laying out the four seismic shifts set to hit independent retailers by 2026.Think agentic AI that shops for your customers, TikTok Shop turning the high street digital, trust as your most valuable currency, and the resale boom rewriting what “new” means.With 25 years of retail trenches behind me, I’m sharing not just the what, but the how—so you can cut through the noise, strengthen cash flow for retailers, and make sure your product business survives (and thrives) in the new landscape.Grab your notebook and come behind the counter—these are the independent retailer tips that matter.Make sure you grab my freebie at http://resilientretailclub.com/freebieEnjoy the episode? DM me your lightbulb moments or next guest wish list @resilientretailclub on Instagram. Please rate, follow, and review this podcast in your app—it helps more indie founders decide to give us a try!00:00 "Top Retail Trends for 2026"06:05 "Future of Shopping: AI & Shoptainment"10:07 "Shoppable Live Streams on TikTok"14:16 TikTok Shop: Creator-Brand Strategies16:33 "AI Pets and Trust Issues"18:42 Building Trust for Small Businesses22:44 "Building Trust Through TikTok"Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Ever feel like your money’s gone missing—but you know you’ve already spent it?In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common and costly problems I see in product-based businesses: trapped stock. That unsold inventory piling up in your stockroom, storeroom, or studio? It’s not just taking up space—it’s tying up thousands of pounds you could be using to pay yourself, invest in your bestsellers, or boost your marketing.I share a story that’s stuck with me for years: a shop owner who discovered over £7,000 worth of untouched stock hidden away in plastic totes. We’ll unpack why this happens (spoiler: buying on gut, not data), how to spot the mental and emotional weight of dead stock, and why clearing it isn’t failure—it’s smart, strategic retailing.If you want to start freeing up cash in your business right now, this episode is your clean slate moment.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Christmas is close enough to smell the cinnamon, but I know for many indie retailers this is also the “please don’t let me be stuck with this stock in January” moment.In this episode, I’m talking you through the three big troublemakers you need to get on top of right now: slow sellers, overstocks, and the infamous “brown bananas” — those products that basically lose all their value the second Christmas week ends.I’ll show you how to read your Shopify reports properly, how to spot the items that won’t budge in January no matter how hopeful you are, and why targeted discounts nearly always beat the big “panic discount” button.If you want to protect your cash flow, avoid a messy January, and make smarter decisions while the footfall is still high, this one will help.Perfect for any product business juggling stock levels, nerves, and the final push of the Golden Weeks.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a season of cautious confidence — and coziness.Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.In this episode of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm sharing insights from my Forbes.com research, drawing on data from Shopify, Etsy, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion and more to reveal what shoppers are really planning this festive season.Discover why UK consumers are expected to spend over £91 billion, how AI is reshaping holiday shopping, and why “comfort, connection and coziness” are the emotional triggers driving this year’s trends.I'll also break down what all this means for independent retailers — from loyalty strategies to smarter stock planning — so you can make this Christmas your most profitable yet.Make sure you grab my freebie at http://resilientretailclub.com/freebieMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Ever wish a retail expert would walk into your stockroom, pull up your numbers, and just tell you exactly what to do?Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m tearing down the myths and fears behind a stock audit and showing why getting your inventory under control is the most powerful move a product-based business owner can make.After 25 years in retail, I’ve seen it all: wasted cash in stagnant shelves, business owners drowning in data but starving for answers.So I created Stock Doctor — a done-for-you service that cuts through overwhelm with actionable clarity.Click play to hear real-world product business advice, cash flow for retailers, and inventory management tips that make strategy feel personal.If you want independent retailer tips with zero judgement, this audit episode is your toolkit.Why ListenDiscover how to squeeze more margin from your current stockholdingSee why smart inventory management means better cash flow—and a healthier bank balanceGet simple, practical techniques to clear excess stock without damaging your brandLearn demand forecasting tricks specifically for small product businessesFind out how to price products for wholesale, set minimum order quantities, and scale a product business confidentlyHear success stories from real retailers who’ve used Stock Doctor to boost sales, decrease surplus, and claim more owner payDM your biggest takeaway or guest suggestions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. Rate/follow the Resilient Retail Club Podcast in your favourite app to stay ahead.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

If you’re tired of winging it with your retail sales, this episode of The Resilient Retail Game Plan is your turning point. I'm Catherine Erdly, and in this episode I'm revealing how mapping out your sales year gives you more creativity, not less. Plus, we're all about calmer launches, better cash flow, and loyal customers. Learn how to replace last-minute panic with a confident plan that fits your life, not the other way around.Timestamped overview00:00 Planning Enhances Creativity03:40 Avoid Reactive Selling Strategies07:09 Predictive Marketing Example10:57 Plan Themes, Fill Gaps15:07 "Planning Ahead for Success"18:14 Holiday Planning for Retail SuccessWebsite: https://www.resilientretailclub.comInvite: https://resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesPodcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastTell me what landed for you—DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or guest wish list. Tap follow (and rate and review me while you're there) in your favourite app to keep updated on new episodes. Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Resilient Retail Club member Petrina Reddy from "Saints at Sea" thought she was doing everything right — until the numbers told a different story. In this episode, she joins me, Catherine Erdly, to share the moment she realised her retail business wasn’t actually working the way she thought it was.We talk honestly about the emotional side of facing your figures, the hard decisions that come next, and how Petrina rebuilt her business with clarity and confidence.If you’ve ever avoided looking too closely at your sales or stock levels, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.Timestamped summary00:00 "Balancing Creativity and Growth"03:18 Multitasking Beyond Comfort Zones06:40 "Business Growth Light Bulb Moments"10:24 Seasonal Travel and Road Trips15:22 "Promoting Portugal's Culture Creatively"18:18 "Saints at Sea Spotlight"Tell me what landed for you—DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or guest wish list. Tap follow (and rate and review me while you're there) in your favourite app to keep updated on new episodes.Website: https://www.resilientretailclub.comInvite: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/waitlistPodcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Sound familiar? Ever felt your sales rhythm drop from celebration to silence overnight?Welcome to the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast, where I, Catherine Erdly, cut through the feast-or-famine fog so many independent retailers face.In this episode, I crack open the real reasons your product business swings from record months to radio silence and arm you with retail-savvy strategies that’ve worked for multi-billion pound chains—plus the lean, scrappy shops braving the UK high street right now.Why listen?Ditch the rollercoaster: Learn why you’re stuck in boom-bust and how to end itBuild calm, repeatable sales systems—no chasing your own tail at payday or peak seasonSqueeze more margin by syncing launches with simple, effective marketingCreate a retail sales plan that powers up even on slow, confidence-testing daysSpot the “cycle of doom” before it derails your cash flow for retailersWalk away with independent retailer tips you can action before opening hoursTell me what landed for you—DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or guest wish list. Tap follow (and rate and review me while you're there) in your favourite app to keep updated on new episodes. Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Ever wondered why your sales are stuck in first gear – and what you can actually do to shift them?I'm Catherine Erdly and this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan drills into three mistakes I see again and again with small product businesses. If you’re posting on Instagram, trying in-person markets, running the odd promotion yet still seeing stubbornly flat sales month after month, you’re not alone. I draw on 25 years in retail, from big business stockrooms to indie brands, to break down what’s really holding back your growth – and what needs to change if you want momentum, not just busy work.Why listen?Diagnose the hidden traps behind sales plateaus – and get clarity on what to fix firstCraft a retail planning mindset that supports creative not cookie-cutter growthPinpoint how to build a product strategy rooted in data (not guesswork or feast/famine launches)Sift fact from feeling so your decisions support cash flow for retailersWalk away with indie retailer tips to create your own resilient retail game planLet’s turn product business advice into action: DM me your thoughts or episode ideas on Instagram @resilientretailclub. If you’re finding the retail podcast UK series useful, hit follow and leave a rating – it’s the best way to help more makers and shop owners discover the Resilient Retail Club podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Black Friday: Profit or Pitfall? The Retail Game Plan for Indie Brands Black Friday isn’t designed for indies, so why do so many small retail business owners still feel pressure to play?In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I pull you behind the screens and into the real numbers; sharing where the opportunities actually lie for UK product businesses come November, what the headlines miss, and how you can plan Black Friday on your own terms.No boss babe myths.No one-size-fits-all answers.Just straight-talking product business advice from 25 years in the retail trenches.I’ll help you squeeze more margin, build customer loyalty, and avoid the stress spiral—whatever you decide about Black Friday.Why listen?Flip mainstream Black Friday thinking and capture the month’s biggest wins—for your bottom line and your valuesSqueeze more profit from your Q4, not just turnoverTame your promotions calendar, reduce customer “discount fatigue”Reward loyal customers in a way that fits your brandUse cash flow for retailers and inventory management podcast tactics to plan stock (not just hope for the best)Hear exactly how successful indie retailers choose, pace, and communicate their Black Friday offers—without losing themselves in the noiseDM me @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your Black Friday takeaways or guest ideas for the podcast. If this episode clears the fog, rate and follow the show in your favourite retail podcast UK app.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Loyalty in retail isn’t just about discounts anymore — it’s about creating experiences customers remember. In this episode, Catherine Erdly talks with Charlie Casey, CEO of LoyaltyLion, about what loyalty means in 2025.You’ll learn:Why discounts alone don’t drive loyaltyHow experiences like VIP drops & events keep customers coming backReal examples from brands using loyalty to boost salesWhy loyal customers spend 4× more in tough economiesHow to balance short-term sales with long-term trustCompanies mentioned in this episode:Loyalty LionNever Fully DressedRepresent ClothingThe Inkey ListJohn's Crazy SocksLinks referenced in this episode:loyaltylion.comresilientretailclub.comMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Teetering bank balance, shelves groaning with unsold stock, and a to-do list that rustles louder than tissue wrap? Lean in—this festive crunch is survival mode for indie retailers.Christmas is coming, and with it, that age-old retail cash flow pinch. I’m Catherine Erdly—host of the Resilient Retail Game Plan and twenty-five years deep in this glorious, gritty industry.In this episode, I break down why September and October send even the most seasoned retailers’ stomachs flipping and how you can manage cash flow during seasonal peaks without losing sleep or profit. From real talk about why “big guys” don’t have it any easier to practical advice for negotiating terms, avoiding stock pile-ups, and clearing out that dreaded dead stock (think: cash stuck in hibernation), this conversation is your no-nonsense lifeline. [cash-register-ding]Why listen?Get honest, human product business advice for weathering the Christmas crunchSqueeze more margin from your range (and finally pay yourself as a product-based business owner)Learn how to use a retail cash flow template (grab the free download)Discover negotiation strategies for small retailers and indie retailer tips only a retail podcast UK like ours digs intoFind out how to clear excess stock without damaging your brand—or losing your mindPrefer to watch?https://youtu.be/Xox17sgis_QHave takeaways, sticky situations or guest ideas? DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram—I read every message.Don’t miss future episodes of the Resilient Retail Club podcast: rate and follow in your favourite app. For more scaling a product business insight, catch my latest Forbes feature on funding options for indie retailers UK.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Are you running your retail business – or is it running you into the ground?I’m Catherine Erdly, and on this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I peel back the glossy sales charts to reveal what really comes after that six-figure milestone.I’ve seen it firsthand: when independent product business owners hit £100K or more, the chaos, decision fatigue and burnout can hit even harder – unless you’re ready to swap the founder hustle for actual strategy.Through candid stories and my Focus Framework, I’ll show you how growing past six figures doesn’t have to mean drowning under to-do lists or turning your business into a bottleneck. There’s a smarter, healthier way to scale your retail brand.Why listen?Pinpoint why scaling a product business is nothing like starting oneSpot the four founder traps (burnout, overwhelm, plateau… and more)Shift from gut-feel chaos to data-led, confident growth [quiet stockroom rustle]Tame your stock monster with inventory management tips from a 25-year retail expert**Share your “aha” moments — DM me @resilientretailclub on Instagram. If this episode gives you a retail reality check, rate and follow the Resilient Retail Club Podcast in your favourite app.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Will your Q4 plan make or break your Christmas sales? I’m Catherine Erdly, drawing on 25 years in retail trenches, and this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast is your hands-on guide to prepping a joined-up Q4 marketing plan. Featuring insights from PR guru Rosie Davis Smith, email strategist Katie Farrell, ad creative powerhouse Narada McCoy, and social storytelling pro Emily Hansen. We cut past the shiny distractions to give you product business advice you can bank on, including practical inventory management tips, cash flow strategies for indie retailers, and bite-size marketing moves that punch above their weight. Whether you’re chasing a Black Friday bounce or looking to scale your product business without burning out, you’ll get a real-world playbook—no jargon, no hype.Why listen?Build a Q4 campaign that links PR, email, paid ads, and social to tell a story customers rememberLand genuine press coverage (gift guides included) even if PR feels alienCraft emails that sell when you’re too busy to write another draft in DecemberSqueeze more margin out of seasonal ads—and shift your budget like a proBatch social content in one afternoon so you’ve always got stockroom-fresh posts, even in peak chaosSpot (and dodge) the biggest cash flow traps retailers fall into at peakLet’s connect: DM me @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your favourite takeaway or guest suggestion for a future podcast episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Resilient Retail Club podcast in your favourite retail podcast UK app. And if you want fresh industry insight, check out my Forbes articles on retail trends - https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Will your Christmas cash flow jingle or stall? Hi! Catherine Erdly here, host of the Resilient Retail Game Plan. It’s that time of year when indie retailers either outsmart January’s excess stock blues or get a cash flow headache that lingers long past the mince pies.In this episode of the resilient retail club podcast, I’m rolling up my sleeves with a no-fluff checklist for peak season stock planning, tested across 25 years and countless Q4s. Forget gut feeling; I’ll help you tune into hard data, smart forecasting, and those golden “hero products” that turn browsers into loyal gift buyers—no corporate jargon, just straight-talking product business advice for real shop floors.Timestamped summary00:00 "Prepare Adequately for Christmas Sales"03:20 "Stock Planning: Gut Feel vs. Data"09:14 "Focus on HERO Products"10:12 Optimise Holiday Product Strategy15:21 Conservative Christmas Sales Planning16:32 "Planning for Increased Sales Capacity"19:34 Stock Forecasting Strategy TipsLet’s connect: DM me @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your favourite takeaway or guest suggestion for a future podcast episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Resilient Retail Club podcast in your favourite retail podcast UK app.And if you want fresh industry insight, check out my Forbes articles on retail trends - https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Four levers, infinite impact: Which one’s your sales superpower?Ever feel like you’re pouring all your energy into driving new traffic but your sales aren’t leaping as much as you hoped? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I pull back the curtain on the actual four ways to grow a product business—ways that go way beyond just chasing new customers.With 25 years in the retail trenches (and plenty of stockroom tales to prove it), I’ll walk you through the no-fluff reality of sales growth: what really works, what puts profit first, and why the most valuable sale in your universe might be the one you never even thought about.Let’s connect: DM me @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your favourite takeaway or guest suggestion for a future Catherine Erdly podcast episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Resilient Retail Club podcast in your favourite retail podcast UK app - and if you want fresh industry insight, check out my Forbes article on retail trends.Timestamped summary00:00 "Understanding Customer Journey in Sales"04:29 Audience Growth Strategies Overview09:56 "Boosting Sales via Conversion Optimization"11:17 Boosting E-commerce Conversion and Sales16:36 Boosting Sales Through Transaction Value18:46 Nurturing Your VIP Customers21:50 Free Sales Growth ResourceMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Could missing a simple £170 expense cost you your entire business overnight? This week on The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I sit down with the sharp, straight-talking Lucy Wheeler of Lucy Legal to tackle the legal booby traps hiding in plain sight for indie retailers.Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly and I’ve seen it too many times: stock room full, launch morning on the horizon… only for a cease-and-desist email to land and unravel months of work.From that infamous £170 mistake to new rules around AI, GPSR, refund policies and more, we cover the real-life slip-ups that keep shop owners awake at 2am—and exactly how to sidestep them.Why listen?• Hear the heartbreak of a last-minute legal disaster (and the £170 fix you can make today)• Demystify refund policies, legal basics, and essential legal templates for product businesses• Ground your cash flow for retailers and prevent “sunk cost” pain with practical product business advice• Learn how to future-proof with Lucy’s toolkit tips for AI and upcoming safety regulations (GPSR, GDPR, and more)• Get independent retailer tips to scale confidently—from your first Etsy sale to six-figure growthTimestamped summary00:00 Clarify Refund and Return Policy05:13 Refund Policy Considerations06:43 Customer-Centric Legal Support13:01 AI Legal Toolkit Overview14:44 Negotiating Supplier Contract Terms17:59 Freelancers vs. Employees: Business Decisions21:12 New Product Safety Compliance Challenges25:40 Trademark and Targeted Facebook Ads26:49 Lucy Legal: Business Protection ToolsKeep the conversation going—DM me your questions or takeaways @resilientretailclub on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, leave a quick rating or follow in your favourite app; it helps other indie retailers discover the podcast. For bonus product business trends, check out my latest Forbes article on retail cash flow and funding options for indie retailers UK.And here's this episode's freebie: https://resilientretailclub.com/salesMentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Ever feel like your till’s ringing, but your bank balance is whispering “not this month”?I’m Catherine Erdly, and this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan gets painfully real about the truth behind cash flow for retailers.If you’ve ever panicked at 3am, wondering how to pay that looming supplier invoice, you’re not alone.I break down my “SHOPS” framework;Sales, Having It Mapped Out, Overheads, Profit, Stock.Turning the messy, anxiety-inducing side of product business finance into a clear action plan.This is practical product business advice forged from 25 years on the retail shop floor and in boardrooms.If you want genuine independent retailer tips from a UK retail podcast, you’re in the right place.Let’s keep talking:DM me on Instagram @resilientretailclub—share your next cash-flow move, or nominate a guest for the Resilient Retail Club Podcast. Drop a follow or review in your favourite retail podcast app. Want more shop owner know-how? Check out my latest Forbes article on funding options for indie retailers UK (link in show notes).[fade out as a spreadsheet cell totals up, quietly but with that perfect clack]Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

When your best-selling supplier pulls the rug out, what’s your next move?I’m Catherine Erdly and this week’s Resilient Retail Game Plan episode dives straight into the Jellycat drama that’s rocking UK indie retail. Plush toys flying off the shelves one day, a curt rejection letter from your biggest brand partner the next. So how did Jellycat, the darling of TikTok and Instagram, go from indie retailers’ secret weapon to their biggest heartache? You’ll hear first-hand from shop owners blindsided by sudden cuts, dig into what this shock move reveals about scaling a product business, and learn hard-won lessons on loyalty, stock planning, and brand control. Plus my own take after 25 years in retail trenches.Why listen?Discover how Jellycat’s decision upended cash flow for retailers—and what resilient retail really looks like in a stormHear real talk on demand forecasting, inventory management, and pricing products for wholesale when the rules change overnightUnpack honest product business advice from guests who’ve been both championed and ghosted by hot brandsSqueeze out independent retailer tips for strengthening supplier relationships—and never relying on one source againReflect on indie shop survival and the community power that outlasts any viral crazeDM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or who you’d love to hear next. If this episode hit home, rate and follow the Resilient Retail Club Podcast on your favourite app. Want even more? Read my latest Forbes article for funding options and fresh retail trend insights.Not every plush is as soft as it looks. So let’s get into the real story.Mentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

Welcome to another episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast, hosted by me, retail expert Catherine Erdly. In this episode, I'm getting right to the heart of one of the biggest challenges for independent product business owners: pricing your products with confidence.Whether you’re creating your own products or reselling others’, pricing often brings up tricky questions, self-doubt, and even a touch of money mindset drama.I'll be explaining why undercharging is so common and why your customer’s wallet isn’t your business.I'll also walk you through the concept of the value triangle—covering price, quality, and desirability—to help you feel empowered to set prices that are sustainable for your business and resonate with your customers.If you want to grow a profitable retail business, feel more confident about your pricing decisions, and learn how to explain your value in a way that truly connects, you’re in exactly the right place.Click play and let's get started.Tell me what hit home:Once you've listened, DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram and tell me what resonated most with you.Please rate, follow, and share the Resilient Retail Club podcast in your app. It all helps us grow the show!Useful links:My freebie: http://www.resilientretailclub.com/freebieThe Stock Doctor: https://resilientretailclub.com/stockdoctorMy website: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastMy Forbes page: https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/Timestamped summary00:00 "Pricing Challenges for Small Businesses"06:06 The Risks of Underpricing Products07:20 Retail Pricing Indicator for Undervaluation10:39 "Wholesale Pricing Strategy Essentials"15:55 "Understanding Your Ideal Customer"17:55 Reducing Costs Without Compromise22:33 "Impactful Story Elevates Bag's Value"25:38 Maximizing Product Pricing StrategyThis title captures the dual focus of the text: encouraging bravery in trying new strategies and encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast by following, subscribing, and reviewing.Mentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimpFaire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'