Did you know you can sell from your window display, even when your store is closed?  In today’s episode, I’m sharing my QR code tutorial for brick and mortar stores. This is a fun way to make your window display attract potential customers, provide them with product information, and even drive them to your online shop! For show notes, including a link to get the tutorial and template I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode188. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

I get asked a LOT of questions about Master Shopkeepers. As a retail store mastermind coach, I completely understand why you have questions and want to put your mind at ease. With applications closing for 2023 on September 30, I’m answering the five most common questions store owners ask me about Master Shopkeepers. Listen in for the five Qs & As—and learn about the two incredible bonuses you’ll get if you join before Q4! For show notes, including everything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode187.  Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Being a mompreneur is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also challenging to find a balance between motherhood and owning a business. We love our kids, but we love our businesses, too. Finding the time to do it all while still making ourselves happy, well, that can seem impossible at times.  No one knows this better than Megan Moran, a third-generation mompreneur, the founder of Mompreneur Co., and of course, mother of two. She’s on a mission to give mompreneurs the tools and space to help them live the present and productive lifestyle they crave.  Listen in to hear how Megan became a mompreneur and learn how strategy, support, and self-care can help you mompreneur with ease! Visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode186 for links to anything mentioned in this episode, including Megan’s generous gift for Savvy Shopkeeper podcast listeners. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen a shopkeeper open a second retail store location and want to tell them, “Wait, don’t do that quite yet!” I’ve also seen many store owners go on to close their second retail store location later on.  This doesn’t mean that second, third, or fourth locations don’t work out for ALL retailers. They absolutely can work! But before you open a second retail store location, there are a few things to consider.  In this short and sweet episode, I’m sharing eight things retailers should consider before opening a second retail store location. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode185. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Your brain might tell you that every other business immediately succeeds—and that you’re a failure when yours doesn’t. But what if you could reframe your failures as experiments instead? Failing versus experimenting might seem subtle, but this reframe can be a pivotal mindset shift for retail business owners!  In today’s episode, I’m sharing my 3-step process for reframing your thoughts around your business’s success and failures so you can be a happier, more resilient, and more successful indie shopkeeper. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode184. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared why an operations manual is beneficial, five systems you should document for your retail store, and a free resource to give you a head start on creating your operations manual.  All of these podcast episodes have had one goal: to help indie retail store owners optimize their operations. Today, I’m excited to share that we can work together on this same goal inside a 5-week, small group program!  Optimize Your Operations is intentionally designed to help brick and mortar shopkeepers at every level build their operations manuals (without the “where do I even start?!” overwhelm). To learn more about this program and grab one of the limited spots, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode183. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Whenever I talk about creating an operations manual, getting started seems to be the main roadblock keeping store owners from creating theirs. From figuring out what chapters to include to how thorough each section should be, just outlining your retail store operations manual table of contents is daunting! In today’s episode, I’m sharing a brand new FREE resource with you: the Retail Operations Roadmap! Listen in to learn what’s included and how you can get started. For show notes, including links to anything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode182. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

A fact that might surprise you: EVERY indie store owner has a set of brick and mortar store systems. Yes, even those of you who don’t yet have an operations manual! You might not have them anywhere but inside your head, but you do have a set of systems and processes that you follow.  We're diving deeper into operations manuals in the second installment of this four-part series. Listen in to learn the five key systems that every indie retailer should document, including one system you can easily document today. For show notes, including links to anything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode181. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Creating an operations manual can feel intimidating and overwhelming, especially for indie/micro business owners. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m sharing the top eight benefits of a retail store operations manual.  Whether you’ve got just one employee (you!) or lots of employees at several locations, an operations manual is where you can outline all of your systems, processes, and guidelines to keep your business running smoothly.  Listen in to this episode and the ones that follow in this mini-series on operations manuals for retail stores for everything you need to know about creating this critical guidebook for your business. For show notes, including links to anything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode180.  Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Exciting news: the 2023-2024 Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner is now available! I am thrilled to share what I believe to be the BEST planner for independent retail store owners with you.  The planner has a new look, new worksheets, and new bonuses to help you work less, profit more, and grow. Listen in to hear what’s new with this year’s version of the planner, how the planner can help you and your retail business, and where you can snag your copy of the planner before the incredible early-bird bonuses expire. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode179. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Visit the Savvy Shopkeeper website and click on “Credit Card Reform” in my main menu or click HERE to complete the Voter Voice form.  I recently traveled to Washington DC to advocate for credit card reform on behalf of the Savvy Shopkeeper community and here's why... Visa and Mastercard dominate the U.S. credit card market. They account for 80 % of all credit card volume and have blocked competing networks that offer lower fees and better security from  processing transactions made on their cards. This lack of competition has caused credit card swipe fees to rise year after year. And since they are a percentage of the transaction cost, they increase with every cent of inflation.  A bipartisan bill in Congress can help fix this broken and unfair system. The Credit Card Competition Act makes important reforms to require that there be at least two competing processing networks enabled on each card. One could still be Visa or Mastercard but the other would have to be an unaffiliated independent network like NYCE, Star or Shazam, or even American Express or Discover. These reforms have the potential to save American businesses and consumers an estimated $15 billion per year. Contact Congress today and tell lawmakers to co-sponsor the Credit Card Competition Act now. Visit the Savvy Shopkeeper website and click on “Credit Card Reform” in my main menu or click HERE to complete the Voter Voice form. 

The 2023-2024 Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner is launching soon! That means it’s the perfect time to revisit the five things I wish I’d known about planning for my retail business early on. When your store is brand new (or still just a dream!), it’s challenging to think about the future because you’re focused on the now. During my Aspiring Retailer and Savvy Starter stages, knowing how to plan would have been incredibly helpful. And now that I’ve learned about planning, it’s a key part of my journey as a shopkeeper! Listen in to the five things indie retailers aren’t taught—but should know!—about planning. For show notes, including links to the resources mentioned in the episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode178. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “just grab a good old pen and paper” on the podcast. Not only am I a fan of getting things out of my head, but I’m also a fan of writing things down so I don’t forget them. But after five years of paper piling up on my desk, I was beyond frustrated. I never felt I could find what I was looking for, and my notes overwhelmed me! So in 2022, I switched from paper to digital note-taking, and it’s been revolutionary.  The latest version of the Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner launching soon, and I want to make sure we’re all on the same (digital) page about why moving from pen and paper to stylus and tablet is so helpful for busy indie retailers.  Listen in for the 2023 update on how digital note taking is working for me AND a replay of episode 138, where I shared six reasons you should make the switch from paper to digital notes. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode177. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

As I looked back at all of the content I’ve written, recorded, and shared with store owners, I realized I’ve covered how to destock your store more than nearly any other topic! There are at least three episodes of this podcast and a few blog posts that address destocking your store in one way or another. In today’s episode, I’m excited to share a new option for destocking your store: The Destash Group for Retail Store Owners Hosted by Savvy Shopkeeper! Listen in to learn what this group can do for you and how to join. For show notes, including links to anything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode176. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

“Growing” and “scaling” are so often used interchangeably, especially in business contexts. I’ve always wanted to know what these words truly meant, so I read countless articles about the definition of growing versus scaling a retail store. Ultimately, I still felt confused and was left without a clear answer.  Attendees at my Virtual Conference asked about the difference between growing and scaling on the first day of our weekend together, and I’m so thankful they did. It gave me the motivation I needed to finally determine the answer to this question—both for myself and for all of you!  I dug deep, did some more reading and research, and finally had an a-ha moment. Listen in to learn what the true definitions of growing and scaling are, how they apply to indie retail businesses, and what your goals should look like based on these terms. For show notes, including links to anything I’ve mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode175.  Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Alex Sanso first found her love of souvenirs, gifts, and merchandise at the happiest place on Earth: Walt Disney World. She spent several years working in the creative department as a merchandise designer before moving to a small island in Washington State with her family.  Right off the bat, Alex noticed that Bainbridge Island was home to a plethora of beautiful gift shops—but there wasn’t much merchandise that focused on Bainbridge itself.  With Seattle day trippers, Alaskan cruisers, and other tourists visiting Bainbridge Island on a daily basis, Alex knew that souvenirs to mark these special visits would sell well. That kicked off her journey towards opening Island Life Artisan Gifts.  Listen in to learn how Alex eventually opened her shop, why souvenirs are so special to her and her customers, and how joining Master Shopkeepers has changed her perspective as a newer store owner.  For show notes, including links to connect with Alex, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode174. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

One of the best ways for indie retailers to market their products on Facebook and Instagram is through shoppable social media posts.  But Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, has recently announced a change to how these posts function—and it’s definitely going to affect both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce store owners.  Listen in for a quick review of the basics of shoppable social media posts. Then, we’ll dive into this change and how it will impact your retail business going forward. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode173. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

As an indie retail business owner offering services and running your retail store, you might struggle with pricing your worth—especially if you’re lacking the confidence to acknowledge that your time, energy, and effort is valuable.  Not only does setting the right price help you make a profit, but it also communicates your value to your current and potential customers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can effectively price your worth, attract committed clients, and create a more sustainable business environment for everyone. Listen in to hear my personal pricing journey and the top reasons you should be pricing your worth for any services you offer. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode172. Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

After graduating from law school, finding a traditional 9-5 position, and hating it, Nicole Swartz decided to forge her own path as an entrepreneur by starting a beauty brand. Two years in, she received a cease and desist letter for her brand’s name and had to change everything overnight.  She realized that she’d forgotten to focus on the legal side of things—and after checking in with her women entrepreneur friends, she discovered that they were also neglecting to protect their retail brands. Now, Nicole runs Sprout Law, specializing in trademarking brand names, logos, slogans, and other assets for women-owned brands.  In this special episode of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, Kathy and Nicole discuss what it takes to trademark a retail business name, the upfront and ongoing costs of doing so, and how retailers can legally protect themselves. For show notes visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode171 Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing 10 things I learned from hosting the 2023 Savvy Shopkeeper Virtual Conference.  This is the first Virtual Conference I hosted and it most likely won't be the last! I learned a lot about myself and a lot about all of you.  This is an unedited, casual conversation with all of you - I hope you enjoy this episode! Have anything to share about this episode or the Virtual Conference?  DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyshopkeeper/