In this bonus episode, I’m introducing Retail Reset—a brand new Zoom workshop for store owners who feel like their business is being held together by duct tape and guesswork. This is not about analyzing reports or digging into deep financials. Retail Reset is the class for store owners who feel behind on the business side of things—and are ready to fix it. Retail Reset is about setup, cleanup, and getting your business on solid ground—so you can finally see your numbers, track what matters, and ...
Jun 23, 2025•16 min
One of my favorite parts of hosting a yearly conference for retail store owners is sharing the tools I use (and love) to market, support, and get insight into my brick-and-mortar store. These tools can seriously support and streamline your retail business—and they made great door prizes as sponsors at this year’s conference—but here’s a little more about what they do, who they’re for, and why I believe they’re valuable. Listen to epsiode 251 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast for the 3 Tools...
Jun 19, 2025•24 min
When economic uncertainty rises, consumers don’t just “spend less,” they fundamentally change how they make decisions. Research shows that during periods of instability, people shift from “promotion-focused” thinking (seeking gains and opportunities) to “prevention-focused” thinking—avoiding losses and protecting what they have. Your customers aren’t just being more careful with money; they’re operating from an entirely different psychological framework. If you, as a retailer, can’t adapt your m...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min
In this bonus episode, Kathy shares heartfelt reflections and key takeaways from the Get Traffic Savvy Shopkeeper Conference in Cleveland. From Amanda Herring’s unforgettable Instagram session to the video memorial honoring April to Mamita’s surprise visit, this episode captures the magic, learning, and love that filled the room. Kathy also opens up about what she learned as a leader, why this event has to happen again, and the power of connecting with fellow shopkeepers. Whether you attended or...
Jun 03, 2025•24 min
If there’s something that every store owner wants to review or discuss, but the discomfort of the conversation is convincing you to avoid it, it’s your margins. With rising costs, inflation, and the constant pressure to keep your customers happy, this is one of the trickiest but most important things you need to dial in this year. So, if you’ve been wrestling with pricing decisions or you’re feeling nervous about charging “too much,” then this is for you! Listen to episode 249 for seven ways you...
May 22, 2025•27 min
At first glance, extending store hours might seem like a simple decision. Just “stay open a little later, and customers will come,” right? But, not quite. A decision like this deserves a thoughtful approach, and that’s where a cost-benefit analysis can make all the difference. But, if you’re wondering why, this is for you. Here are five reasons why you should do a cost-benefit analysis of extending your store hours. Listen to episode 248 for five reasons why conducting a cost-benefit analysis is...
May 08, 2025•16 min
When you’re running a brick-and-mortar business, there’s a fear you probably didn’t expect to have, thanks to taxes: the fear of making more profit. Avoiding profit is not the best financial strategy, and it can actually hurt your business both short-term and long-term. While I’m going to share WHY this is, I want to also remind you to consult your CPA, financial advisor, and/or bookkeeper for clarification on if you can use this for your business and financial situation. Listen to episode 247 f...
Apr 24, 2025•22 min
One of the most common challenges brick-and-mortar store owners face is in their financial planning. From filtering through the advice that actually applies to you and juggling factors out of your control (like tariffs), it’s hard to find something that works. In today's episode, I’m sharing 6 common financial planning tips that work and how to tell if financial advice is meant for you (and if it’s not). I’m also sharing BOTH the why they may or why they may not work for your retail business. I ...
Apr 10, 2025•22 min
I received an email that compelled me to address "the small business struggle." The struggles you face as a small business owner often follow what we like to think of as “patterns.” Pandemic, inflation, election years, seasonal slumps—these aren’t new challenges. They’ve happened before, and they’ll happen again regardless if the economy is booming or not. In the small indie retail business world someone is always thriving, someone is always breaking even, someone is always treading water, and s...
Mar 27, 2025•28 min
You've got questions about the 2025 Savvy Shopkeeper Conference—I’ve got answers! In this bonus episode, I’m sharing all the juicy details: the finalized agenda, the workshop-style sessions, the incredible door prizes, what’s actually included in your ticket, and why this isn’t just another business event—it’s an experience designed to help you grow traffic and sales with tech-savvy, modern strategies. If you're a brick-and-mortar store owner who isn’t afraid to embrace technology—and you’re rea...
Mar 25, 2025•12 min
Hiring can feel daunting, no matter what stage of business ownership you’re in, especially when you’re managing so much already. You’re worried about trusting someone else with your business, so it’s no wonder the idea of bringing another person, even an employee, causes so much stress. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this podcast episode, you’ll feel more informed, confident and ready to tackle hiring your retail employees head-on. Or, at least, more prepared. Listen to epi...
Mar 13, 2025•20 min
I’m going to be honest with you, I can’t summarize the tariffs situation for you—too much is happening at once and you never know when it’ll change again. That said, what I can do is share solutions and strategies to navigate these tariffs as an indie retailer. With creativity, strategy, and a proactive approach, you can minimize disruption, protect your profit margins, and even uncover new opportunities. In this episode, we’re going to cover both traditional and out-of-the-box tariff solutions ...
Feb 27, 2025•22 min
Have you said “no” to something that could have been a game-changer for your business? If so, it’s not too late to revisit it—or to say “yes” to the next opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, I go over mindset traps such as fear of change, imposter syndrome, skepticism, and how to overcome these mindset traps. If any of these mindset traps pull at your strings visit my blog at www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode242 for show notes and resources. Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach w...
Feb 13, 2025•20 min
Discover how one shop owner turned a surprise visit and a one-hour coaching call into a 50% increase in retail sales! In Episode 241 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, Kathy Cruz shares insights, tips, and lessons from this inspiring success story. Learn how strategic action, even with a low AOV, can drive growth. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode240. Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners w...
Jan 30, 2025•15 min
Savvy Shopkeeper Get Traffic Conference Sunday & Monday, May 18-19, 2025 Venue: Biographie, Lakewood Ohio (west of Cleveland) Join us for a 2-day, high-impact conference designed exclusively for independent retailers. With a limited number of seats, this event cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable workshops that will transform both your foot traffic and e-commerce strategies. Expect intimate, hands-on sessions led by industry experts, powerful networking opportunities, and life-changi...
Jan 20, 2025•11 min
Mark your calendars for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market The Faire Wholesale Winter Market 2025 is scheduled for January 22–24, with early access for Faire Insiders beginning on January 21. Traveling to market might not make sense for you this year. That’s why I’m here with some tips for creating an impactful and fun virtual buying-day for yourself. Consider strategically dedicating a FULL day to Faire’s Winter Market instead. Join the Faire Wholesale Winter Market and maximize your buying this...
Jan 16, 2025•21 min
We’re kicking off 2025 with part two of this interview series hosted by member of Master Shopkeeper Member Ceri Otero. Tune in to hear how I'm embracing the New Year with 8 lessons from my past. In case you missed last week's episode: All About Kathy Cruz: A Vulnerable Interview PART 1 , tune in to hear topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset. Timestamps [00:01:26] What's something you thought you weren't any good at professionally that has turned out to either be no bi...
Jan 09, 2025•32 min
To kick off 2025, Ceri Otero , a Master Shopkeeper member and former radio personality (cool, right?) , asked if she could interview ME, Kathy Cruz. After episode #231 , she decided to flip the script and gather questions from the community for this vulnerable conversation. In part 1 of this episode, we talk through topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset. Tune in next week for part 2 of this Kathy Cruz interview where I reflect on my business journey as we step into th...
Jan 02, 2025•30 min
As independent retail store owners, we’re well-versed in the challenges we face, especially as the retail industry, the economy, and the world continuously shift. So what upcoming trends can help us not just survive but thrive in 2025? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the future of retail, specifically focusing on how indie retailers can stand out by embracing emerging trends. From curation over stock volume to hyper-personalization via omnichannel retail and embracing AI tools for effici...
Dec 19, 2024•27 min
DISCLAIMER: This episode was originally scheduled to air on December 5, 2024, but legal developments and a busy week caused some last-minute delays. After months of postponing this topic due to ongoing legal uncertainties, I felt it was finally time to address the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) requirement—a regulation many small business owners may not even be aware of. However, just as this episode was set to publish, a U.S. District Court in Te...
Dec 10, 2024•26 min
Understanding the financial health of your retail business extends beyond just recognizing your profit. In this insightful episode, we're diving into the complexities of retail business finances and learning why being profitable doesn't always mean having a positive cash flow. We’re reviewing the three critical financial statements in an indie retail business: the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. We’ll discover how each statement plays a vital role in evaluating...
Nov 21, 2024•22 min
If you’ve ever faced a cash flow struggle, you know how much stress it can cause you. But before you address the issue, you need to identify the root cause. Are you truly dealing with insufficient income, financial mismanagement, or operational inefficiencies? Or are you experiencing seasonal cash flow crunches that are common in the retail world? Listen in as I break down these four critical areas and provide insights into identifying what's draining your store's cash flow. Understanding your b...
Nov 07, 2024•23 min
As retail business owners, revenue is often top of mind. But revenue alone doesn’t give us the complete picture of your store's financial health! That’s why we’re uncovering the intricacies of cash flow in a new three-part series. Listen in to learn the critical components of cash flow and how managing cash flow effectively protects your indie retail store from financial turmoil. We’ll cover how cash flow ensures liquidity, supports growth, and reveals hidden financial challenges. Let’s pull bac...
Oct 24, 2024•19 min
Running a business is already challenging, but dealing with the symptoms of perimenopause while running a business has made the last two years incredibly difficult. That’s why I’m sharing the ugly truth about perimenopause as an entrepreneur and how it affects not just our personal lives, but our businesses, too. In this episode, I’m opening up about my journey through this phase of life—experiencing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, inflammation, and more—while continuing to manage and grow my ...
Oct 10, 2024•20 min
Originally, I planned to record a quick episode to talk about the upcoming Retail Email Bootcamp and let you know that the calendars in the Savvy Shopkeeper planners start now. However, I first want to acknowledge the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The images and stories coming out of these areas are heartbreaking, and as a brand that deeply values supporting the small business community, I knew I had to act. After receiv...
Oct 02, 2024•10 min
Ceri Otero didn’t dream of being a shopkeeper as a kid. But when she decided to open a specialty olive oil and vinegar shop in Carthage, Missouri, it felt like all the threads of her life were coming together. From selling Avon in 8th grade to a stint as a corporate HR representative to merchandising for Hallmark, each of Ceri’s previous jobs had prepared her for running an independent retail store, even if she didn’t realize it then. Her mom said it best: “Of course, you would. That makes perfe...
Sep 26, 2024•49 min
Customers love visiting indie retail stores and discovering new items, and many indie shopkeepers revel in curating fresh finds for their stores. The part that isn’t enjoyable? Adding new items to your inventory system—especially if your inventory entry process is manual. Whether you're managing hundreds of new SKUs or reordering popular products, you don't have to feel overwhelmed. Listen in to discover practical tips that can streamline your inventory entry process and reclaim your time. For s...
Sep 12, 2024•18 min
Jolene Forrester, owner of JoRetro in Havre de Grace, Maryland, has built a thriving legacy retail store with multiple streams of income. What started out in a small antique mall booth has grown into a 5000 square foot retail store with vintage treasures, niche retro-style products, a twice-annual Pyrex & Vintage Festival, and a thriving Airbnb apartment rental business. With an extensive background in corporate interior design, Jolene’s knack for creative merchandising and unique vintage fi...
Aug 29, 2024•38 min
If there’s one thing that nearly all indie retail store owners struggle with, it’s planning. And when we struggle with planning, using a planner is next to impossible! But our planner problems CAN be solved when we address the real culprit behind our planning struggles. Listen in to discover the real culprit behind your planning struggles. Plus, you’ll learn how to build new habits when you combine one of my favorite business books with my favorite business tool—the Savvy Shopkeeper Planner! Can...
Aug 15, 2024•22 min
In today's bonus shortie episode I'm delving into the misconceptions surrounding business performance during turbulent times. I explore how the thoughts of business owners directly influence their feelings and, subsequently, their actions. Election years can indeed be a bumpy ride for small business owners, but it doesn't have to spell disaster for your business. By shifting your mindset and staying focused on strategic actions, you can navigate the noise and come out stronger.
Aug 05, 2024•10 min
