Boutique Chat

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: What’s the difference between a sale and a promotion? It’s one of the most common points of confusion in retail—and getting it wrong could be costing your business profit. In this episode, Sarah from The Boutique Hub explains how to tell the difference, when to use each strategy, and how to protect your margins while driving customer engagement. 🔑 Key Takeaways: What Is a Sale? A permanent price drop designed to clear inventory quickly. The faster an item sells, the more profitable it is. Avoid blanket discounts; instead, target products, vendors, or seasons. What Is a Promotion? A temporary price reduction meant to create urgency. Customers respond to short-term excitement without long-term devaluation. Items can return to full price once the promotion ends. Why the Difference Matters Misusing promotions as sales can erode margins. Sales should move old product out; promotions should drive traffic in. Using the right strategy helps protect profit, save employee time, and improve customer loyalty. Not a member yet? These are the kinds of retail strategies waiting for you inside The Hub to help you grow smarter. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What if live selling could transform not just your sales, but the way you connect with customers? In this episode, I'm joined by Ciera Elledge of CommentSold to explore how boutiques can harness the power of social commerce. Ciera shares what sets the most successful live sellers apart, as well as how features like CommentChat, AI Clip Hero, and custom mobile apps give boutique owners the tools to work smarter, not harder, while keeping shoppers engaged and loyal.  Resources:  Learn more about CommentSold here.  CommentSold: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Ciera Elledge:  LinkedIn | Instagram Join The Boutique Hub Pink Friday 2025 Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

We’re shifting our focus to your online presence by highlighting one of the most overlooked parts of running a retail business: your website health check. Your website isn’t “set it and forget it.” Just like your inventory or sales floor, it needs regular maintenance to keep customers engaged, build trust, and avoid costly mistakes like broken links or checkout issues. A simple monthly checklist can save you from losing sales and help your brand look polished and professional. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Run a Monthly Website Health Check Create a recurring checklist for your team (or yourself if you’re solo) to make sure your site is always up to date and error-free. Check for Broken Links & Outdated Menus Audit your navigation, announcements, and collections to ensure shoppers don’t end up on empty or irrelevant pages. Test the Customer Journey Funnel From product page to checkout, confirm that apps, widgets, and buttons are working on both desktop and mobile. Review Filters, Sizes, and Color Swatches Keep filters clean, product options consistent, and swatches updated so customers find what they want without frustration. Tune in and walk away with a quick system you can implement today. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What makes shoes a powerful addition to your boutique? Today, I’m joined by Michael Strauss of MIA Shoes, who shares how the family-owned brand evolved into a comfort-driven, fashion-forward line. Michael reveals how MIA’s signature cushioned footbed and iconic white-bottom sandals reshaped the brand, why trust and merchandising are key to selling footwear, and what trends are set to define Fall and Spring 2026. Resources:  MIA Shoes: Website | Instagram  Michael Strauss:  LinkedIn | Instagram Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering one of the most asked questions inside the Boutique Hub: How do I go live and sell? If you’ve been nervous about starting live selling, or you’re not sure where to begin, this episode gives you the confidence and tools to just start. Live selling is one of the fastest ways to grow your boutique sales, engage your customers, and create urgency online. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why Go Live? Live selling helps you connect with customers beyond your store hours. Creates urgency and FOMO that drives faster purchases. Lets customers see the real you and builds trust. How to Start Selling Live Don’t wait for perfect — start raw and authentic. Educate your customers on how to comment, claim, and pay. Choose the right platform (Facebook, Instagram, apps like CommentSold). Tools You Need to Succeed A tripod, ring light, strong internet, and hang tags for items. Optional: an assistant or fit models to show sizing and keep things moving. Marketing Your Live Sales Promote with texts, emails, and teaser posts. Be on time — just like you would opening your store. Repurpose your live by reposting or using watch parties to extend reach. Pro Tips to Boost Engagement Aim for at least 60 minutes to maximize watch time and sales. Play games, offer giveaways, and call on friends to comment and boost engagement early. Reward your community and have fun — customers buy when they enjoy spending time with you. Not a member yet? These are the kinds of strategies waiting for you inside the Hub to help you grow smarter.   Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What would life look like without small businesses? Today, we’re diving into why they’re the heartbeat of our local economies—and why their role matters more than ever during the holiday rush. I’m joined by Sara Burks, who reveals how small businesses do far more than ring up sales: they create jobs, fund community events, pay taxes, and more. Listen in as we explore how to shift attention from big-box retailers to small businesses through Pink Friday, a bold, colorful event held the Friday before Black Friday.  Resources:  Sara Burks:  LinkedIn Pink Friday 2025 Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by breaking down another retail metrics—your turn—and how it directly impacts your cash flow and profit. If you’ve ever had great margins on paper but no cash in the bank, this episode will show you how to calculate your turn, understand how quickly your inventory “spoils,” and apply strategies to move product faster so you can keep money flowing through your business. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Understand What Turn Really Means Learn the definition of turn rate and how it measures how many times you sell through your inventory in a given period. Understand why a high margin doesn’t always mean more cash—and why turn is a better cash flow indicator. How to Calculate Your Turn Use the simple formula: Total Sales ÷ Average Inventory at Retail. Identify your category benchmarks (e.g., women’s fast fashion: 5–6 turns/year; luxury: 3.5–4.5 turns/year; home & gift: slower turns). Prevent “Spoiling” Inventory Learn the expiration dates for your category’s inventory and when to take markdowns to free up cash. Recognize when merchandise is aging past its prime and how to move it before it becomes dead stock. Pro Strategies to Improve Turn Track your on-hand inventory monthly to know exactly how much cash is tied up on the floor. Invest in faster-turning categories to improve ROI. Use marketing tools—social media, email campaigns, store placement—to push slow movers before resorting to markdowns. Not a member yet? These are the kinds of strategies and tools waiting for you inside the Hub to help you grow smarter. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What makes a gift feel truly unforgettable? Today I’m joined by Holly Hachman of Little Red Bird Gifts, who joins the show to share her journey of building a joyful, story-driven retail space. Inspired by her mother's love for shopping, Holly chose to focus on meaningful gifts over apparel, creating a warm, inviting shop. She opens up about the power of storytelling in retail, how it shapes customer experience, and the role of signature lines in connecting with shoppers. Resources:  Holly Hachman:  Website | Facebook | Instagram Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by showing you how to find the most important retail metrics inside your POS, financial reports, and analytics tools. Before you can improve your numbers, you need to know where to find them. This episode gives you the step-by-step to locate data like inventory, markdowns, traffic, and sales—so you can confidently apply the formulas that drive profit. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Know Where to Find Your Metrics Learn how to locate your on-hand inventory at cost and retail inside your POS or inventory reports. Find your operating expense % inside your Profit & Loss statement and calculate your markdown % using sales by discount reports. Get Clear on Traffic and Transactions Use Google Analytics to track e-commerce visitor data and a door counter for in-store foot traffic. Pull your daily transactions, sales by units, and total dollars from your POS sales reports. Prep for the Profit-Driving Formulas Ahead Discover how to calculate average inventory at retail and get the foundational numbers you’ll need for metrics like IMU, inventory turn, and more. Pro tip: Use Shopify’s ABC Product Analysis Report or Inventory Snapshot to get both cost and retail values in one place. __________________________________________________________ Not a member yet? These are the kinds of resources waiting for you inside the Hub to help you grow smarter. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

Get ready to meet Dane Cohen, the newest member of The Boutique Hub team, whose retail roots run deep! Growing up in his family's store, Lester's, a Brooklyn-based business that blossomed from a 500-square-foot shop into a specialty department store, Dane shares how those early experiences shaped his perspective on community, business, and what it really takes to succeed in retail. In this episode, he dives into the lessons learned behind the register and how he’s bringing that same passion and insight to the Hub. Resources:  Dane Cohen:  LinkedIn Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by highlighting one of the most powerful tools in your retail business: conversion rate. Your conversion rate isn’t just a performance stat—it’s your daily truth teller. When you track it consistently, it helps you identify whether you need more traffic or better in-store or online performance to grow your sales. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Use Conversion to Clarify What’s Really Happening Learn how to calculate conversion rate by dividing transactions by foot traffic or web visitors. Discover how this one metric helps you determine if you have a traffic issue or a sales opportunity. Stop Guessing—Start Tracking Track traffic daily with a door counter or Google Analytics. Use fluctuations to identify patterns and shifts in customer engagement. Diagnose Performance and Improve Strategy If traffic is steady but conversion is low, focus on improving in-store experience, team training, and product relevance. If conversion is high but traffic is down, prioritize driving new visitors to your store or site. Leverage Boutique Hub Tools for Smarter Growth Members can access the Traffic Formula Tool to calculate how much traffic you need to hit your sales goals based on your conversion rate. Not a member yet? This is the kind of tool available inside the Hub to help you grow with clarity and confidence. Bottom line: When you track conversion rate, you stop making excuses and start making data-driven decisions. It’s the key to understanding what’s working—and where to focus next. Tune in and take back control of your daily performance. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What happens when a teenage entrepreneur grows up to become the voice of a beloved boutique brand? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Haley Klockenga, Podcast & Marketing Coordinator at Glamour Farms, as she opens up about the realities of working in a fast-paced small business—juggling multiple roles, growing a team, and navigating the joys (and chaos) of motherhood. We talk candidly about faith, family, and the unexpected lessons that come from building a brand rooted in community. Resources:  Haley Klockenga: Instagram Glamour Farms: Website | Podcast   Glamour Farms first order: FIRSTORDER30 Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re continuing our Know Your Numbers series by unpacking one of the most overlooked but critical metrics in retail: Initial Markup (IMU). Your IMU isn’t just a pricing formula—it’s your profit ceiling. And if you’re not tracking it monthly, you could be limiting your growth without even realizing it. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Understand the Role of IMU in Your Business Learn how to calculate your current initial markup and why it determines your maximum potential profit before markdowns and discounts. Discover how IMU directly impacts gross margin, operating expenses, and your end-of-year net profit. Set Smarter Targets for Long-Term Profit Use the formula: net profit goal + operating expenses + markdown % to determine your target IMU. Compare your current markup against your ideal to identify the gap—and close it. Price for Value, Not Just for Margin Move beyond “cost x2” thinking and price based on what your customer is actually willing to pay. Understand which product categories naturally carry higher markup—and lean into them. Use IMU to Guide Buying and Vendor Strategy Start conversations with vendors about MSRP and margin expectations. Explore private label opportunities to maximize your profit ceiling and gain pricing control. Bottom line: Pricing sets the stage for your success. When you understand and track your IMU, you don’t just protect your margins—you build a more profitable, sustainable business. Tune in and raise your profit ceiling today. Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

How do you transform an unexpected rhinestone t-shirt business into a thriving clothing brand with a loyal online following? In this episode, I’m joined by Alinda Hale to talk about how adaptability, authenticity, and deep customer understanding helped her scale—especially through the challenges of COVID-19. She also shares how she brought her family into the business, embraced live selling, and built strong community ties. Resources:  Alinda Hale: Instagram Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re kicking off our Know Your Numbers series by diving into two of the most important numbers every boutique owner should track daily: Average Order Value (AOV) and Units Per Transaction (UPT). These simple but powerful retail metrics offer a clear path to more revenue, better team training, and a stronger customer experience—without needing more foot traffic or major changes to your business. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Understand the Power of AOV & UPT Learn how to calculate these key metrics and what they reveal about your daily performance. Stop comparing your numbers to others—benchmark against your own best days. Boost Your Sales with Smart Store Moves Use strategies like bundling, cross-selling, and impulse placement to drive additional purchases. Re-merchandise often and place high-converting products in high-traffic areas. Train with Purpose Equip your staff with product knowledge and simple ways to increase units per sale. Reinforce small actions—like suggesting one more item—that lead to big results. Treat Metrics Like an Insurance Policy Use daily tracking to protect your business during economic dips or slow seasons. A consistent focus on these numbers builds long-term resilience and growth. Bottom line: Your numbers tell a story—and when you know how to read them, you can write a better one. Tune in and take back control of your retail growth.   Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin