The Resilient Retail Game Plan

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"This podcast uses chaptersRetail By DesignGo to https://resilientretailclub.com/Freebie downloada...

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:Retail By...

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"Retail By DesignGo to https://resilientretailclub.com/

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:Freebie downloadStock FreebieGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"Freebie downloadStock Freebie

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

The shopfront of retail is about to change—will you be on the right side when the robots come knocking? 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 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:Freebie downloadStock FreebieGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

Ever feel like your money’s gone missing—but you know you’ve already spent it?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"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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"Freebie downloadStock Freebie

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.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"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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"Stock doctor

Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a season of cautious confidence — and coziness.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.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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"Freebie downloadStock Freebie

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 balance Get 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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Get 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Stock doctorGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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.comMentioned in this episode:Stock doctorGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Cashflow Planner FreebieDownload your Cash Flow Planner at https://resilientretailclub.com/cashflowGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"

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:Calm CEODownload the Calm CEO guideCalm CEOGet 10% off with SumUp - Use code GamePlan10https://www.resilientretailclub.com/RRGPsumupSum Up - 10% off hardware - use code "Game Plan 10"