Grab your essential FREE guide - How to clear excess stock without damaging your brand. -- In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I dive into the impact of effective PR for retailers with Fiona Minnett, the founder of Boss Your PR. We discuss various types of PR such as product placement, founder profiling, and leveraging expertise, as well as strategies specifically for brick-and-mortar stores. I also provide practical tips for integrating PR into business plans for 2025. Fiona emph...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min
Grab your essential FREE guide - How to clear excess stock without damaging your brand. -- If you have a website but wonder why you aren’t ranking on the first page of google search results. Or if you have a local shop, but can’t seem to get your customers to find you online? Then the answer might be its time to take a look at your SEO. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Cook of Mango&Wild, an SEO and paid ad specialist. We are discussing the latest trends in search engine optimization (SEO)...
Dec 05, 2024•21 min
Grab your essential FREE guide - How to clear excess stock without damaging your brand. -- How would it feel if you could simplify your marketing efforts? Finding the time to focus on it and actually making it happen is one of the biggest challenges that many small business owners face. And that is the challenge that the software platform Constant Contact is aiming to solve with its services. We're joined by the UK general manager for Constant Contact, Erika Robinson. She's going to be telling u...
Nov 28, 2024•23 min
Grab your essential FREE guide - How to clear excess stock without damaging your brand. -- Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your business numbers? Maybe it seems like there's endless amounts of information that you can get your hands on, but you don't actually know what you're supposed to be doing with it. Maybe your cashflow has felt really tight and unmanageable and that sometimes you are just robbing Peter to pay Paul and keep moving money around the business in order to keep things above wa...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min
Have you ever chatted with a bot on Instagram? Chances are if you connected on a post of mine and got a link sent to you in your DMs, then you've interacted with my Resilient Retail Club Instabot. But what is an Chatbot and how can it be useful for retailers? In this episode, we are talking with Mel Eilers about the transformative potential of chatbots for retailers. We delve into the benefits of using chatbots to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and boost sales. Mel offers pr...
Nov 14, 2024•32 min
Do you have too much stock in your business right now? If you feel like a lot of money is tied up in stock and there is not quite enough in your bank account right now, you are not alone. So I thought with the Christmas season fast approaching I would give you some practical ideas about how you can change that fast. Particularly, I am going to focus on how you can leverage all the fuss around Black Friday to clear your slow-selling dead stock without damaging your brand. [02:14] The Impact of Di...
Nov 07, 2024•23 min
It’s Halloween! And today’s episode is all about the horrors of customer service. And I wanted to do it from both sides, not just from what you've experienced as business owners. And lots of you have shared your horror stories of what your customers have said and done, but also how it feels as a customer. And just reflecting a little bit on what great customer service looks like and how to navigate some of these things because it can be really really difficult! You'll discover how great customer...
Oct 31, 2024•19 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast, I tackle the challenges retailers face from September to November, focusing on cash flow management and strategic stock handling. I delve into the reasons behind the cash flow pinch during this period, such as holiday season stocking and payment timing issues. I share practical advice on delaying expenses, collecting owed payments, and using detailed cash flow forecasts. I also introduce my 'Stock Doctor' service to help manage underperf...
Oct 24, 2024•19 min
We often hear headlines that the UK High Street is in decline and all kinds of scare stories for brick-and-mortar stores. So in today's episode, I wanted to take the time to go through some recent numbers so we can see what's actually happening in the UK high street. As well as share my thoughts about what's ahead for bricks and mortar. I don’t think it is all sunshine and roses for the high street. There are lots of challenges from rising costs and consumers shift to purchasing online does have...
Oct 17, 2024•20 min
In this exciting episode, I introduce a brand-new format for the Resilient Retail Game Plan, featuring a live consulting call with Becky Barratt from Driftwood Designs. Becky shares with me that at times they have found that they are surprised to discover that they are out-of-stock on their most popular products only to find that it might be up to eight weeks before they can get new inventory from the manufacturer. Becky is looking for guidance on how she can move from being reactive to limited ...
Oct 10, 2024•22 min
In today's episode, I unveil a brand new service called Stock Doctor. This revolutionary done-for-you service is designed to help retail business owners understand their stock and cash flow management without the stress and guesswork. With expert analysis, customized plans, and direct support, Stock Doctor aims to improve profitability and eliminate financial uncertainties. Tune in to learn more about how this service can transform your business and take advantage of our special early bird offer...
Oct 03, 2024•16 min
Today let’s delve into the anticipated trends and predictions for Christmas 2024. Drawing on research from PwC, Mintel, Retail Week, NatWest, and other sources, we explore the macroeconomic outlook, consumer spending behaviors, and sector-specific expectations. We discuss the importance of value, omnichannel strategies, brand loyalty, and sustainability for small business owners. Additionally, I provide insights into how to effectively plan for early Christmas shopping, online sales, and promoti...
Sep 26, 2024•21 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I sit down with Daniella Raffa, founder of Mama Shack, to discuss her journey from product designer to successful entrepreneur in the baby essentials market. Daniella shares her story of identifying a gap in the market for stylish and practical baby products, leveraging her background in product development and design to build her business. We delve into the growth and evolution of Mama Shack, the challenges of fulfillment, and the importance of...
Sep 19, 2024•27 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast, I interview Lucy Greenwood, co-founder of the ethical and sustainable clothing brand Lucy & Yak. Lucy shares insights from their journey, which began in 2017. We discuss the importance of authenticity, community building, and the brand's purpose-led initiatives. We also touch on the challenges of maintaining strong values as the company grows, handling mistakes, and the impact of social media on brand representation. Additionally, Lu...
Sep 12, 2024•32 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I interview Jo Tuchener-Sharp, the founder of Scamp and Dude, a purpose-led fashion brand transforming the world of fashion into a force for good. Jo shares her moving story from working in PR to experiencing a life-changing brain hemorrhage, which led her to create a brand with a strong ethos beyond profit. We discuss Scamp and Dude's key initiatives like the superhero sleep buddies and super scarves, their purposeful charity contributions, and...
Sep 05, 2024•30 min
Today we are diving deep into the critical topic of profit margins and their importance in maintaining a profitable, sustainable and abundant retail business. I’m sharing examples from my retail industry experience to break down how to calculate profit margins, common mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies for improving profitability.I will also share how to balance costs and manage cash flow. Don't miss this episode filled with fundamental principles and actionable advice. If you are looki...
Aug 29, 2024•36 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm joined by Amazon selling expert Vicky Weinberg. We discuss how to make your products and brand stand out on Amazon, Vicky’s journey from a baby product brand owner to an Amazon consultant, and the importance of understanding Amazon's fee structure and fulfillment options. Vicky emphasizes the value of utilizing all available Amazon features, making your product's unique selling points clear, and understanding your business's motivations for ...
Aug 22, 2024•29 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm addressing one of the most requested topics from my audience: how to clear slow stock without damaging your brand. We'll explore what makes a discounting strategy harmful to your brand, and why it's crucial to avoid blanket discounts in favor of targeted promotions. I'll walk you through practical steps for categorizing your stock into prime, okay, ends of line, slow sellers, and out-of-season, and provide actionable tips on how to manage ea...
Aug 15, 2024•19 min
The Power of Routines: Key Habits of Successful Retailers Today we are delving into the routines and habits that highly successful retailers adopt to thrive. I’m breaking down essential routines—from daily to yearly planning—that help businesses stay proactive and in control. I discuss the importance of structure, focusing on critical tasks first, and regularly reviewing business performance. Listen in for practical tips on setting priorities, planning time blocks, and maintaining focus to grow ...
Aug 08, 2024•21 min
Making Christmas Content Fun: Tips for Product Businesses with Alice Loveday Today I’m joined by Alice Loveday, founder of Loveday Social, to discuss how small businesses can create fun and engaging Christmas content. We emphasize the importance of planning and starting early (we mean now, in the summer!) with a strategy that includes breaking down content purposes, using creative techniques like stop motion and video transitions, and nurturing customer relationships throughout the year. Alice s...
Aug 01, 2024•29 min
In this episode, I'll be sharing insights on how to prepare your Christmas marketing strategy efficiently. We've already covered strategies, handling burnout, product preparation, and more in previous episodes of this series. Today, I'll guide you on creating a structured marketing plan, breaking down the 13-week period before Christmas, and offer tips on repurposing successful past content to ease your workload. We'll also discuss the importance of a balance between planned content and spontane...
Jul 25, 2024•11 min
Today I get to share expert tips on developing products that your customers will eagerly buy for Christmas. I'm joined by Joanne Griffin, founder of Creative Flow Collective, as we discuss using customer research and trends to create standout products. We emphasize the importance of market research, understanding your unique selling proposition (USP), and staying relevant through trends and customer feedback. We provide actionable insights for product businesses aiming to excel during the holida...
Jul 18, 2024•28 min
Today, we're diving into your Christmas product strategy for 2024. I'll guide you through analyzing last year's sales data, identifying 'hero' products, planning your product range, setting your launch date, and making accurate sales projections. Whether you have years of Christmas sales data or are gearing up for your first holiday season, this episode will help you prepare effectively. [00:00] How to Find Your Perfect Christmas Inventory [00:53] Overview of Christmas Product Strategy [02:54] A...
Jul 11, 2024•17 min
Today I’m joined by business coach Mike Cole to discuss effective strategies for preparing for the Christmas season. We talk about the importance of setting realistic plans, identifying non-negotiables, and avoiding the pitfalls of 'happy path' planning. Mike shares insights on capacity planning, business continuity planning, and the importance of self-care during busy periods. We also discuss what steps to take if you find yourself in a state of cascade failure. Tune in to learn how to not only...
Jul 04, 2024•32 min
Today we are kicking off a six-part series on preparing for the crucial time of year for retailers, Christmas. In this episode, I explain why now is the perfect time to start planning and share insights on setting goals, reviewing past performance, and strategizing for the upcoming holiday season. We'll explore how to plan for sales, manage resources effectively, and ensure your business is ready to delight customers. Whether you're a Christmas-focused brand or have another peak season, this epi...
Jun 27, 2024•16 min
How do you improve the cash flow in your independent retailer or e-commerce brand? I want to introduce you to an acronym that I came up with to talk about the different elements that make up the cash flow in your business. And that, appropriately enough, is SHOPS. And in today's episode, I'm going to talk you through the five different elements of SHOPS and how each one has its part to play in cash flow. If you want to improve the cash flow in your business, by the end of this episode you should...
Jun 20, 2024•18 min
In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, host Catherine Erdly and coach Annabel Gonifas explore how mindset influences business performance. Catherine discusses her personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of addressing mindset in her Product Business Mastermind. Annabel elaborates on the key challenges small business owners face, such as limiting beliefs, values alignment, and understanding personality strengths using tools like Clarity 4D. They discuss how understanding the...
Jun 13, 2024•29 min
It's amazing the difference that a year can make. I am one year into my signature mastermind and I'm just about to start welcoming the fifth cohort of my signature Mastermind program where I work in-depth with ambitious product business owners, finding out what's going on with them, discovering what their challenges are, and helping them achieve their business goals. And since I effectively become part of their teams for six-months (or more), it has given me this insight into what is going on in...
Jun 06, 2024•25 min
I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but it's episode number 200 of the Resilient Retail Game Plan. It is unbelievable to me that the podcast that I started nearly four years ago in 2020 has just hit its 200th episode, and I wanted to do something a little bit different today. I have swapped places with my guests and I am being interviewed for today's episode. I'm being interviewed by Sarah Scott, who is my podcast manager. We are diving into why I started the podcast, what I love about hos...
May 30, 2024•36 min
Father's Day is coming and it is the last big gift-giving occasion before Christmas. Generally speaking its not as big as big as Mother's Day in terms of spend, but it's still significant and it is definitely worth exploring. Today I’m going to share 12 marketing ideas for you in your business when it comes to Father's Day. Let’s Dive In [00:00] Father’s Day is Coming [02:02] #1 Highlight what collections you have for Father's Day [02:58] 2024 Trending Categories for Father's Day [05:47] #2 Cura...
May 23, 2024•19 min
