Bringing Business to Retail

What if you could wake up every month knowing your bills were already paid? Sarah Williams turned her local gift shop into a subscription box business generating consistent monthly recurring revenue—and she's sharing exactly how she did it. Sarah started with 44 subscribers and grew to thousands, keeping customers for an average of 17.3 months at $74/month with a 67% profit margin. She reveals how she used her existing business data—bestselling categories and average order value—to create subscription boxes customers love. Discover how monthly recurring revenue covers rent, utilities, and salaries while retail sales become pure profit on top. Sarah even acquired 761 new subscribers in just 60 days during tough economic times, proving this model works now more than ever. Whether you run a brick-and-mortar store or an e-commerce business, this episode shows you the exact framework to add subscription revenue to your existing retail business. Connect with Sarah: Website: launchyourbox.com | Social: @HowToStartASubBox

You know that feeling when your store is buzzing with holiday shoppers and you're thinking, "Finally, I don’t need to do anything — they’re already buying!" Yeah… that mindset cost me over $200,000. 😬 In this episode of Bringing Business to Retail, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most expensive assumptions I ever made: believing that busy seasons mean you can stop actively marketing. Here’s the truth: just because customers are buying doesn’t mean they’re spending as much as they could — and you might be leaving tens of thousands on the table without even realizing it. I’ll walk you through: How I failed to maximize my busiest seasons (and the numbers to prove it) The simple upsell strategies that could’ve quadrupled my revenue Why Q4 isn’t the time to coast — it’s the time to double down on strategy What to do now if you want your best Q4 ever (without burning out) If you’ve ever thought you don’t need promotions because “people are already buying,” you cannot afford to miss this episode.

Are you sure you’ve got the right products for the holiday season? In this episode of Bringing Business to Retail, I share the painful lesson I learned during my very first Christmas in business — and the 5-step framework that will help you choose products that actually sell (and make this Q4 your most profitable yet). Here’s what you’ll learn: 🎁 Why stocking “good products” isn’t enough for holiday sales 🎁 The 3 biggest product mix mistakes retailers make every year 🎁 How to run “The Gift Test” and spot what will (and won’t) sell 🎁 The price-point gaps that quietly cost you revenue 🎁 How to clear out dead stock and free up cash for best-sellers 🎁 Last-minute strategies to boost Q4 without panicking Your holiday success isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. Listen in, take notes, and start making the right product decisions now. 🔗 Join the Scale Your Store Accelerator: https://scaleyourstore.com 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesalenaknight #RetailTips #Ecommerce #InventoryManagement #HolidaySales #RetailStrategy #Q4Planning

In this episode of the Bringing Business to Retail Podcast, I’m joined by retail buyer and showroom founder Erica Kiang to unpack the strategies that separate successful retailers from the rest. Whether you’re stocking your own shelves or trying to get your product into stores, Erica shares hard-won insights from her experience with brands like Ann Taylor, her own boutiques, and now as founder of the Babel Fair Showroom. We talk about: How to buy like a pro (even if you’re not a big box store) What makes a product a true bestseller The power of customer personas and real-time feedback Why exclusivity and territory still matter in retail And how even small retailers can negotiate product exclusives If you want to stop guessing and start curating collections that move, this episode is your guide. Connect with Erica Kiang: 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=111944 📸 Instagram: @erica.kiang 💼 LinkedIn: Erica Kiang on LinkedIn

What if you could look at your bank account on January 1st and feel proud, confident, and excited instead of anxious? In this episode of the Bringing Business to Retail Podcast, Salena Knight introduces the January Vision Method — a powerful approach to planning Q4 so you can stop flying blind and start creating the results you want. You’ll hear the story of Kelly, a retailer who transformed her holiday season by reverse engineering her goals, mapping her promotions, and executing with intention. The result? $825,000 in revenue, $210,000 cash in the bank, a full-time hire, and the freedom to finally take a real vacation. Whether you’re tired of survival mode or ready to scale with confidence, this episode will show you how to: Set a clear, motivating January vision Reverse engineer your revenue goals Build strong foundations in September and October Execute a Q4 plan that funds your entire next year Your January success starts with the plan you create today. Tune in and learn how to design your holiday sales strategy for real growth. 

Black Friday and the holiday season don’t have to mean discounting your brand into the ground. In this episode, Salena Knight unpacks the psychology of holiday spending and shows you how to tap into customer behavior without racing to the bottom. You’ll discover: Why customers budget for holiday spending months in advance How gift-giving flips normal price sensitivity The role urgency and deadlines play in driving sales Why customers want you to “show up” during the holidays—even without discounts How to plan campaigns that feel effortless (instead of scrambling last minute) If you’re ready to stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and start building holiday promotions that work, this episode is for you. 👉 Join the Double My Holiday Sales Bootcamp: https://scale.theretailacademy.net/wait-list

In this episode, Salena Knight is joined by sales performance expert and author Anita Nielsen to unpack how businesses can embrace AI without sacrificing their authenticity. As AI tools become faster, cheaper, and more widespread, how do we avoid sounding like everyone else? From mapping the customer journey to identifying friction points, Anita shares how to use AI strategically—so it adds value without erasing the human touch. They explore: How to identify where AI belongs in your business (and where it doesn’t) The hidden cost of sameness in content and customer experience Why human-centered sales are more important than ever What retailers and eCommerce brands can do right now to audit their workflows Real-world examples of automation done right (and wrong) Whether you're planning for Q4 or rethinking your brand voice in the age of automation, this episode will help you stay smart, strategic, and—most of all—human.

In this episode of Bringing Business to Retail, Sal takes you behind the scenes of her Walk Club – where business strategy meets the footpath. Walking alongside a store owner who’s struggling to lift sales, Sal dives deep into their numbers to uncover whether the real challenge is traffic, conversions, or sheer volume. You’ll hear how to make sense of email marketing metrics, the power of segmenting and nurturing VIP customers, and why high-ticket products can be the fastest way to boost profits. This is a candid, unscripted problem-solving session filled with practical strategies you can put into action right away. If you’ve ever wished you could listen in on the real conversations that lead to breakthroughs, this episode is for you.

What if working less was the secret to growing more? In this inspiring and unconventional episode, Salena Knight sits down with business coach Jenna Harrison to explore how redefining success, rewiring your nervous system, and letting go of guilt can radically transform how you work, lead, and live. From building a real estate empire and working in fashion to burning out and finding clarity on a nudist beach in Spain (yes, really!), Jenna shares the pivotal mindset shifts that helped her step into a 3-day workweek — without sacrificing growth or impact. You’ll learn: Why hustle culture is keeping you stuck (and how to break free) The 3 pillars you must audit to create time and revenue freedom How nervous system patterns sabotage productivity — and what to do instead Why feeling powerful comes from support, not doing it all Jenna’s “Thought Cleanse” technique to detox limiting beliefs If you’re tired of being busy but not fulfilled, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about productivity — and give you the tools to build a business that works for you. 🎧 Tune in now — your freedom starts here. 📥 Get Jenna’s free Thought Cleanse: https://www.theuncommonway.com/thought-cleanse 🎙 More episodes: www.salenaknight.com/podcast

What if you could treat your physical store like your website—tracking what works, what doesn’t, and where the money’s really being made? In this episode, Salena is joined by Simon Molnar, founder of Flagship, a tech startup that's helping retailers bring the power of ecommerce-style data into their bricks-and-mortar locations. From his early days selling Pandora charms on eBay to building one of the most innovative tools in retail merchandising, Simon shares how Flagship is helping brands analyze floor plans, window displays, and product placements like never before. You’ll discover how retailers are "money mapping" their stores daily, why every mannequin and shelf should be treated as an ad unit, and how Flagship’s data is helping drive serious in-store results. Whether you run a single boutique or manage a multi-location chain, this episode is your blueprint for turning space into sales.

Three times in one week, I tried to buy something and never completed the purchase—pants, accommodation, and those perfect green trousers. Each time, friction killed the sale. These are micro moments: split-second instances when customers grab their phones ready to buy immediately. With mobile commerce accounting for 60% of sales, optimizing for these moments is crucial. You'll Learn: What micro moments are and why they matter How to optimize for mobile-first, friction-free purchasing Checkout strategies that convert 77% cart abandoners Why one-tap payments boost conversion by 30% Stop losing high-intent sales to friction. Learn to capture customers when they're ready to buy with credit card in hand.   Sal 

What do you get when you mix creativity, hustle, and a bit of chaos? A viral product brand that lands on Nordstrom’s shelves—twice. In this episode, I sit down with Alisha Athreya, the powerhouse founder behind KURVWEAR. and Don’t Eat My Candle, two product-based businesses that have achieved what most brand owners dream of: retail placement in stores like Nordstrom, Woolworths, Priceline, and The Iconic. But here’s the kicker—Alisha did it all without outside funding, without a PR agency, and while still in university. From learning to sew on her mom’s broken machine, to sending a single shoe in a box to a Nordstrom buyer, this episode is a masterclass in resourcefulness, resilience, and relationship-building. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get into big box stores—or if you just need a reminder that bold moves build big brands—this episode is for you. Sal

When my house insurance doubled, I realized most retailers are stuck in transaction tunnel vision—treating customers like one-night stands instead of building lifetime relationships. This episode breaks down the Customer Lifetime Value formula that separates genius marketers from those throwing money at the wall. Discover why a $30 customer can be worth $1,380 over time, and learn three strategies to increase CLV immediately. You'll Learn: The simple CLV formula (no PhD required) Why understanding CLV transforms your marketing spend How to identify your most valuable customer segments Three concrete strategies to boost lifetime value Stop chasing quick wins and start building profitable long-term relationships. When you know each customer's true worth, you can invest like a genius while competitors can't compete.

What does scaling past 8 figures really allow you to achieve? I thought my answer was too silly to share at first - maybe I could finally shop without obsessively checking price tags. But our purchasing psychology runs deeper than we think, and that's exactly what makes these sales strategies so powerful. In this episode, I'm breaking down three game-changing techniques that most independent retailers aren't using, but should be.  What You'll Learn: The exact psychology behind why these strategies work Real-world implementation examples for both online and offline stores Technical setup tips and recommended tools How to test and track results effectively Action Step: Pick one strategy and test it in the next two weeks. DM me your results - I read every message! Sal    

Halfway through 2025, I woke up facing a massive decision that would change everything. An opportunity I'd been thinking about for five years suddenly became viable - but it meant scrapping our entire plan for the rest of the year. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact 4-step half-yearly reset framework I used to navigate this crossroads. You'll learn how to identify what's truly working in your business (versus what you think is working), conduct a brutal audit of what's draining your resources, and make strategic pivot decisions with CEO-level confidence. This isn't about chasing the next shiny object - it's about making calculated moves that amplify your existing success. Perfect for established business owners who need clarity on whether to stay the course or make a bold change. What you'll discover: • The "great ideas board" system that prevents costly distractions • How to audit what's working vs. what's draining you • The refocusing technique that cuts through decision paralysis • When to pivot your business plan mid-year (and when not to) Ready to stop second-guessing and start making moves that matter? -Sal

Ever had that fantasy where your business suddenly blows up online and everything changes overnight? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Sjöblom—a digital growth strategist and operations expert—to unpack the real story of what happens when your business goes viral. Together, we talk about the traffic surge, the customer service avalanche, the unexpected pressure on operations… and the surprising truth that more eyeballs don’t always mean more sales. Lisa brings her no-fluff take on digital scaling, and I share what I learned from my own viral moment—the good, the chaotic, and what I’d do differently next time. If you’re building an ecommerce or retail brand, and dreaming of your “big break,” this is your reality check. Because visibility without preparation can cost you more than you think. 💬 We talk about: What actually breaks when your content takes off How to prepare your backend before growth hits The hidden costs of virality Building a business that’s built to last—not just built to go viral Let’s get into it. —Sal

What if your audience knew exactly when and why to buy—without you constantly reminding them? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Santini, founder of Sew Hungry Hippie, to unpack how she turned her loyal followers into paying customers—from day one. With no marketing degree, no fancy funnels, and no burnout, Natalie built an engaged community that buys because she shows up consistently, with value and joy. Here’s what we cover: How Natalie “trains” her audience to purchase without being pushy The secret sauce behind her repeat sales and live selling success Her strategy for balancing life, business, and creativity Why authenticity + simplicity is the new sales strategy This is for every business owner who’s tired of chasing sales and is ready to build a community that wants to buy. 🎧 Subscribe for more insights like these every week.

Can we talk about something that's been driving me absolutely crazy? I keep seeing you amazing business owners setting these big, juicy revenue goals for your promotions - and I'm talking $10K, $50K, even $100K - only to watch you hit the wall halfway through wondering if it was even possible in the first place. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. Here's the thing - I used to do this too. I'd get all excited about a new promotion, pull some round number out of thin air, and declare "THAT'S my goal!" Then I'd spend the entire promotion crossing my fingers and using hope as my strategy. Spoiler alert: Hope is NOT a strategy, beautiful. In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how to stop guessing and start reverse engineering your best promotion ever. No more disappointment, no more wondering what went wrong - just achievable, data-backed targets that you can actually hit. Remember, you've got this! Sal 

In this episode, I sit down with Cat (Catalina Viau), an inspiring entrepreneur who turned her passion for photography into a thriving, seven-figure photo booth business. We talk about her journey from a corporate insurance career to building a brand that truly stands out — focusing on branding, quality, and strategic marketing. Cat shares her insights on finding high-value clients, differentiating her business in a competitive market, and turning a side hustle into a full-fledged enterprise. If you're curious about entrepreneurship, branding, or just looking for some real inspiration, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss.   Connect with Catalina: Photo Booth Business (Canada/US/Australia): https://photoboothmastery.catalinabloch.com/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photoboothmastery Connect with Salena: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesalenaknight/ Podcast: https://salenaknight.com/podcast-2/ Accelerator Program: https://scale.theretailacademy.net/sysa862128

Tired of spinning your wheels trying to grow your retail or e-commerce business? You’re in the right place. Welcome to Bringing Business to Retail, the show where I, Salena Knight—retail strategist, speaker, and former multi-store owner—share real, unfiltered strategies to help you scale with clarity, confidence, and cash flow. Each week, you'll get: Behind-the-scenes lessons from my own 7-figure business journey No-fluff strategies to boost sales, build high-performing teams, and streamline operations Candid conversations about the real challenges of leadership and growth Interviews with industry experts, retail rebels, and powerhouse entrepreneurs who’ve been there and done that Whether you’re managing a bricks-and-mortar store, building an online brand, or juggling both, this podcast is your go-to guide for turning hustle into healthy, sustainable business growth. Because retail doesn’t have to be so hard when you’ve got the right plan (and the right people in your corner). It’s time to stop playing small and start scaling smart. Let’s do this. — Sal