The Resilient Retail Game Plan

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.

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 Lion Never Fully Dressed Represent Clothing The Inkey List John's Crazy Socks Links referenced in this episode:loyaltylion.comresilientretailclub.com

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.

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.

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/

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:Stock doctor

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:Calm and Consistent OfferGrab the free calm and consistent sales starter - https://resilientretailclub.com/salesCalm and Consistent Sales Starter

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:Calm and Consistent OfferGrab the free calm and consistent sales starter - https://resilientretailclub.com/salesCalm and Consistent Sales Starter

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:Cashflow Planner FreebieDownload your Cash Flow Planner at https://resilientretailclub.com/cashflow

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:Calm CEODownload the Calm CEO guideCalm CEO

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:Stock doctor

Why Strong Profit Margins Matter More Than Sales in Your Product BusinessLet’s be honest. Selling more doesn’t always mean you’re making more. In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast I share why strong profit margins are the foundation of a sustainable product business.I’ll walk you through how to calculate your real margins how to spot the most common mistakes including ones I’ve seen big retailers make and what you can do to improve your pricing without sacrificing sales.In this episode I cover:The difference between 'in' margin and 'out' marginHow discounting impacts your bottom lineHow often I recommend reviewing your pricesWhy your top sellers might be hurting your profitsMy practical tips for protecting margin and growing sustainablyIf you’ve ever looked at your sales numbers and thought "it still feels like I’m not earning enough" this is the episode for you.Tell me what hit home: 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/freebieMy website: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastMy Forbes page: https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/Timestamped summary:00:00 Understanding Profit Margins03:46 Why Profit Margins Are Key to Business Success09:25 Calculate Costs for Profit Clarity12:06 Minimise Discounts, Maximise Margins15:31 Ideal Profit Margin Guidelines17:47 Optimise Profits: Check Best Sellers21:18 Monthly Margin Management InsightsMentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

Hear that stockroom hum? Let's talk about itEver felt like you’re building your indie product business with one hand on the till and the other on the panic button?This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m cracking open five years of the Resilient Retail Game Plan podcast vault to bring you the biggest, most valuable independent retailer tips I’ve learned (and lived through) across 25 years in retail. Whether you’re tripping over boxes in your spare room or juggling inventory management on Shopify, I’m sharing the core product business advice that actually shifts the dial; from cash flow for retailers to pricing products for wholesale, and right through to scaling a product business without losing your mind (or your margins). You’ll hear some brass-tacks truths (yes, stock is more than 'buy and sell'), some guest wisdom, and honestly, a fair few mistakes I’d rather you skipped.Why listen?• Squeeze more profit and ditch “busy fool” turnover, get clear on bottom-line sanity• Tame your 'stock monster' with strategies for better inventory management when the money seems to vanish• Surf the trends, don’t drown in them and learn how to spot what matters and what’s just noise• Market with heart and stop forcing yourself into social platforms that make you miserable• Armour up your mindset and get the resilience you need to ride out the rollercoasterTell me what hit home: DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your favourite insight or guest wish list. Please rate, follow, and share the Resilient Retail Club podcast in your app and for extra sparkle, dive into my Forbes retail trends article (link below).Here’s to another five years of the realest retail podcast UK founders can trust.Useful links:My freebie: http://www.resilientretailclub.com/freebieMy website: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastMy Forbes page: https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/Timestamped summary:00:00 Understanding Product Business Profitability03:22 Profitability and Pricing Focus07:27 "Retail Industry Trends Insight"12:57 Consumer Stories Drive Business Strategy14:00 Focus on Your Circle of Control19:06 Mindset's Impact on Business Success24:03 Building Profitable, Sustainable Businesses26:50 "Podcast Feedback and Future Ideas"Companies mentioned in this episode: Woolworths Toys R Us Forbes TikTok Instagram Pinterest Shopify Sainsbury's Next Children in Need Eleanor Boma Astrid and Mew Air and Grace Lucy and Yak Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

In this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m joined by Shopify web design expert Pip Hounslow for a deep dive into website conversion rates. We chat about what’s considered “normal”, why your conversion rate might be lower than you’d expect, and the small tweaks that can make a big difference to your sales. Pip also shares tips on improving your add-to-basket button, ensuring your website works beautifully on mobile, and why your founder story could be the key to connecting with customers. Whether you’re on Shopify or another platform, you’ll come away with practical ideas to help your product-based business convert more visitors into buyers. Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Bird & Blend, so chatting with co-founder Mike Turner at Retail ROAR was a real treat. From a single market stall to 25+ shops across the UK, Mike and his co-founder Krisi have built something truly unique. In this episode—a sneak peek from our Retail ROAR 2025 summit—Mike shares how Bird & Blend grew from iced tea samples and hand-packed blends into a beloved national brand, all while staying people-focused and rooted in community. We cover: What “experiential retail” actually looks like (and what it doesn’t) How thinking omnichannel from day one set them up for growth The joy of unexpected blends (think rhubarb and custard tea!) Using crowdfunding, customer feedback, and team ideas to scale Why real loyalty comes from inclusion—not discounts  Whether you’re planning your first shop, growing your brand, or simply after a dose of retail inspiration—this one’s worth a listen. 🎟️ Want more content like this? Get on the waitlist for Retail ROAR 2026! Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

What if your next sale is hiding in your Instagram comments? This week on the podcast, I’m diving into social listening and social care with the brilliant Brooke Sellas, founder of B Squared Media and host of the Social Media CX Podcast. We get into the real reason you need to respond to those “Do you ship to ___?” questions—and how your answers could be the tipping point for someone making a purchase. Brooke shares practical, no-cost ways small business owners can start using social media conversations to reduce churn, support sales, and improve customer experience (without hiring a whole new team). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all things social, this episode is packed with human-first strategies you can actually use. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: B Squared Media Brooke’s new LinkedIn Learning course  Let me know what stood out to you from this episode over on Instagram @resilientretailclub! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe—and tag me when you’re listening! Timestamps: [00:00:00] What your customers say that you might be overlooking [00:03:32] What social listening actually means[00:05:46] Gen Z and millennials shop differently—here’s how[00:07:56] People expect replies outside of 9-5. Now what?[00:10:32] The questions buyers are asking that you might be overlooking[00:11:46] Social listening that drives sales [00:13:41] What to do with negative feedback[00:17:20] A real-world example of social listening driving sales[00:20:19] Your competitors reviews are full of clues[00:22:23] The free focus group you’re probably not using[00:24:00] One simple way to start social listening Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

If managing your stock feels like a total guessing game, you’re not alone. And it’s not your fault. In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many product business owners feel completely overwhelmed by stock decisions and what you can start doing about it. We’re talking about: Why “gut instinct” isn’t a stock strategy The silent cost of overbuying (or underbuying) stock How to break out of the cash flow hamster wheel And if this hits home for you, I’ve got something that will help… 🎉 Join me for a free talk on Monday, 16th June at 10:00 AM. It’s called Stop Letting Stock Eat Your Profit. In this free session, I’ll show you three quick fixes that can immediately help you feel more in control of your stock. 👉 https://futureretail.lpages.co/stop-stock-eating-profit/ Resources Book: Tame Your Tiger Webinar: Stop Letting Stock Eat Your Profit Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

Get a look at how one founder built a product business with staying power. This episode is a sneak peek into Retail ROAR, my free annual virtual summit for product business owners.   I’m joined by Claire Burrows, founder of Air & Grace. She shares how she built a values-led footwear brand known for comfort, quality, and loyal customers. We talk about manufacturing setbacks, staying close to your customer, and why refusing to compromise on quality can fuel your long-term growth. If you’d like early access to the next Retail ROAR, you can sign up here to be the first to know when it opens. [02:18] The “wardrobe of regret” moment that sparked her mission [06:38] How Claire overcame early manufacturing setbacks [08:14] Why face-to-face customer feedback shaped her direction [10:37] How one customer request turned into half the product line [14:06] Claire's most memorable pinch-me moments in business [14:51] How she secured early investment in the business  [17:09] The financial realities of managing your cash flow [18:39] Why strong supplier relationships matter Resources: Get Early Access to ROAR 2026 Air & Grace Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

Storytelling gets talked about a lot, but what does it actually look like day to day? With AI-generated content flooding our feeds, original stories are more powerful than ever. Today, Char Dixon is here to tell us why.We talk about how to make your content feel more like a conversation, why your behind-the-scenes moments are more valuable than you think, and how to stop overthinking your posts and start sharing what’s already happening in your business. If you’ve been second-guessing your content or feeling stuck on what to say, this advice might just help you get out of your own way. Char spent two decades in marketing for major retailers before shifting her focus to small businesses. Now she helps founders find their voice and share their stories in a way that feels natural, not forced.  --------Grab your essential FREE guide - How to clear excess stock without damaging your brand.Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie

What do you do when your business looks like a success, but doesn’t feel like one?   Katie Glickman started Bibbilyboo after struggling to find a bib that worked for her own child. What began with a sewing machine at the kitchen table grew into an award-winning business, with over 64,000 bibs sold and stockists across the UK, including the country’s largest baby store. But success doesn’t always feel the way we expect it to. After years of sewing, scaling, and saying yes to every opportunity, Katie hit a point where the business felt more draining than energising. She was navigating a factory partnership, juggling cash flow, and questioning what came next. That’s when she joined Retail By Design. She shares what happens when your shop reaches a transition point—and how she reconnected with her purpose and started enjoying her business again. [01:35] The everyday parenting struggle that sparked a business idea [07:48] The biggest pinch-me moments in business [10:43] Why joining Retail By Design felt like the right next step [14:32] What it looks like to grow and evolve in your business [17:48] How Katie stopped second-guessing her stock decisions [19:57] How she reconnected with the parts of the business that bring her joy Resources: Bibbilyboo Retail By Design Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock Freebie