Shows / Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
Host, Kathy Cruz is a retail business coach who owned a retail business with her sister for a decade. She knows firsthand that running a retail business, both online and in a brick and mortar has its challenges. Kathy is passionate about teaching independent retailers how to work smarter, profit more and grow.
Episodes
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
288. Why Your Retail Team Isn't Following Your SOPs
You wrote the SOP. You put it in a binder or a shared drive. Maybe you even handed it to your employee during training. So why is the work still not getting…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
287. 22 Years of Retail Resilience: How Ali Schuch Grew Fells Point Surf Company to Four Locations and Is Preparing to Scale
What does it take to run four retail stores, keep them profitable, and still make time for what matters most? Kathy sits down with Allison Schuch, owner of…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
A Quick Update from the Road: Why I'm Adding Financial Coaching to MSK in 2027
A Wednesday-night podcast episode... recorded in my car? Kinda crazy for me, right? Well, I was traveling today so this MSK update wasn't willing to wait for…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
286. When Pushing Through Is the Wrong Move for Your Business
In this short and heartfelt episode, Kathy Cruz shares the story behind her podcast sign-off, "Be savvy and boss up," and the late Master Shopkeepers founding…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
285. What Your Retail Return Policy Is Really Costing You
Ever wonder what a single frustrating return is really costing your store? In Episode 285, Kathy Cruz breaks down why your retail return policy affects a lot…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
284. A Better Way to Plan Your Shop's Year
Most business planners were never built for retail. They give you a place to write goals, but not a system for knowing when to start buying for a major season…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
283. Planning Isn't What You Think It Is
Kathy challenges the common belief that "I'm just not a planner person." She explains why using a planner and actually planning are two completely different…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
282. Why You Feel Like You're Always Behind as a Retail Store Owner
Kathy shares the results of a poll inside MSK where 67% of independent retailers said they always feel behind, and breaks down why that feeling usually has…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
281. When to Flip Your Store to Christmas: What the Data Says About Timing Your Holiday Merchandising
Every fall, shop owners split into two camps. One says never rush the season. The other says shoppers are already out there spending, so meet them where they…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
280. I've Changed My Mind: Why Savvy Shopkeeper is Evolving
Episode 280: I've Changed My Mind: Why Savvy Shopkeeper is Evolving This episode looks a little different. Instead of teaching a topic, Kathy is pulling back…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
279. From Nearly Giving Up to Growing Again: The Numbers That Saved This Retail Store. A Shopkeeper Story with Vintage Green Review.
What if the biggest thing holding your retail business back isn't your location, your products, or even your marketing? In this Shopkeeper Story, Kathy sits…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
278. The Modern-Day General Store: How Christine Klein of The Vintage Hammer Ditched the Guesswork to Double Her Impact
Starting a retail store without experience didn't stop Christine, owner of The Vintage Hammer, from building two thriving locations and creating a business…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
277. How One Retail Store Achieved 110% Growth in a Small Town. Shopkeeper Stories with Elena Gustavson of Magpie and Tiger.
In this Shopkeeper Story, Kathy interviews Elena Gustavson of Magpie and Tiger about building a profitable stationery and gift shop in a town of fewer than…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
276. From Store Operator to Store Owner: The Leadership Shift Retailers Must Make.
In this episode, we're continuing the conversation from Episode 268 and breaking down what it really means to move from store operator to store owner. If your…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
275. Is Brick and Mortar Retail Dying? What the Data Actually Says
Is brick-and-mortar retail really dying? After months analyzing 13 years of U.S. Census retail data, this episode uncovers Kathy's new report available for…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
274. How to Get Rid of Dead Inventory in a Retail Store: Max Retail Review & Strategy
If you're carrying inventory that just won't sell, this episode is for you. Kathy breaks down what dead inventory in retail is really costing your business and…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
273. Don't Ask Your Business to Carry More Financial Responsibility Than It Is Built to Carry
Episode 273 Show Notes: Do Not Ask Your Business to Carry More Financial Responsibility Than It Is Built to Carry Hosted by Kathy Cruz | Savvy Shopkeeper…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
272. The Q4 Pressure Test: Are You Prepared for Retail's Busy Season? Seven Profit Decisions to Make Now
Q4 isn't just another quarter in retail—it's often the one that determines how your entire year performs. And yet, most store owners head into their busiest…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
271. What Earned a Place in My Office Reset
In the last episode, Kathy talked about how to reset your office, desk, or cash wrap so it actually supports how you run your business. In this follow-up, she…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
270. Resetting Your Office Space So It Actually Works for You
If you have a desk, office, or cash wrap area in your store that you keep avoiding, this episode is for you. Sometimes a space isn't messy, it's just no longer…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
269. What Indie Retailers Wish You Knew About Donation Requests
Donation requests are a normal part of running an independent retail business. Gift cards, gift baskets, product donations, sponsorships, school fundraisers…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
268. Why Your Retail Business Still Feels Heavy (Even After Years in Business)
You've been running your retail business for years, so why does it still feel heavy? In this episode, Kathy Cruz breaks down the difference between time in…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
267. Independent Retail Trends for 2026: How to Decide What Actually Matters
Every January, I take a step back and talk about trends in independent retail. But this year, I'm doing it differently. Instead of a long list of what's "in"…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
266. Before You Try to Fix Your Traffic Problem, Start Here
This episode is about traffic, but not tactics. When store owners say they have a traffic problem, they're often reacting to low sales and reaching for visible…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
265. Fear Is The Thief Of Profit: Build a Braver, More Profitable Business in 2026
Fear rarely looks like fear. It shows up as hesitation, overthinking, or waiting for "the right time." And for many independent retailers, it quietly becomes…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
264. The Year-End Inventory Count: What it is, Why it Matters, and What it Reveals About Your Business
Your year end inventory count is more than a tax requirement. It is a clear reflection of your business. In this episode, Kathy shares what your shelves are…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
263. A Note to Your Future Self: What to Remember from Any Busy Retail Season
Even your most successful seasons can leave you drained. In this episode, Kathy shares how one client's record-breaking quarter became a turning point—and why…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
262. Small Business Saturday Success Plan: How to Make the Whole Weekend Work for You
Small Business Saturday isn't just a single day, it's part of a powerful five-day stretch that can grow your sales and strengthen your connection with…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
261. How to Motivate Your Retail Team (and Keep Them Engaged) During the Holidays
As the holiday rush approaches, your team's energy can make or break the customer experience. In this episode, Kathy shares what she noticed during her travels…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
260. Small Business Saturday Discounts: Do You Really Need Them? (And Smarter Strategies to Try Instead)
Are Small Business Saturday discounts really worth it? In this episode, I'm breaking down when discounts make sense, when they don't, and smarter ways to…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
259. Are They Copying You? Your Guide to Handling Retail Competition Part 2: Three Ways for Retail Store Owners to Respond to Competition in Their Market
This is Part 2 of a special 2-part series on competition and product overlap in indie retail. Once you've processed the emotions behind a "copycat" moment…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
258. Are They Copying You? Your Guide to Handling Retail Competition Part 1: Why Product Overlap Happens in Retail — and What It Could Mean for Your Store
This is Part 1 of a special 2-part series on one of the most common and heated topics in indie retail: competition and product overlap. If you've ever walked…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
257. Why I'm Finally Exploring ADHD (And What it Looks Like to Run a Business When Your Brain Works Differently)
In this episode, I'm opening up about something personal—and still unfolding. For years, I've suspected I might have ADHD. I usually wait until I've got…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
BONUS EPISODE: The Listeners-Only Update You Didn't Know You Needed
Ever wonder what's really happening behind the scenes at Savvy Shopkeeper? In this special bonus episode, I'm catching you up on ALL the projects, lessons, and…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
256. How to Plan Like a CEO—Even If You're the Only Person on Payroll
Planning isn't just for staying organized—it's how you lead. In this episode, I help you step into your CEO role with strategic tools, reflection practices…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
255. Smart Planning Strategies for Brick and Mortar Store Owners
Want to stop scrambling and start executing with ease? This episode covers how smart store owners plan their promotions, inventory, and events before the chaos…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
254. Reverse Engineering Your Week: Why Joy Comes First on the Calendar
Tired of work creeping into every open space? In this episode, I share how planning your life before your to-do list can reduce burnout, increase clarity, and…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
253. Raise Your Speed Bar: A New Way to Break Through Fear and Grow Fast
In this episode, I'm diving into a concept that's shifted the way I make decisions in my business—and how quickly I take action: The Speed Bar. If fear…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
252. From Minimum Wage to CEO Pay – How to Work Smarter and Make More
In this episode, I'm sharing how I went from paying myself minimum wage to setting—and hitting—a real CEO-level salary. If you're a store owner who wants to…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
Bonus Episode: You Skipped The Boring Business Stuff and It's Costing You - It's Time for a Retail Reset!
In this bonus episode, I'm introducing Retail Reset—a brand new Zoom workshop for store owners who feel like their business is being held together by duct tape…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast251. Behind the Door Prizes: Tools That Can Transform Your Retail Business
One of my favorite parts of hosting a yearly conference for retail store owners is sharing the tools I use (and love) to market, support, and get insight into…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast250. Designing Certainty: Behavioral Strategies for Indie Retailers in an Uncertain Economy
When economic uncertainty rises, consumers don't just "spend less," they fundamentally change how they make decisions. Research shows that during periods of…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
BONUS EPISODE: Get Traffic Recap: Reflections, Revelations & If We'll Do In-Person Events Again
In this bonus episode, Kathy shares heartfelt reflections and key takeaways from the Get Traffic Savvy Shopkeeper Conference in Cleveland. From Amanda…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast249. Why Your Margins Matter More Than Ever (And How Not to Price Yourself Out of Business)
If there's something that every store owner wants to review or discuss, but the discomfort of the conversation is convincing you to avoid it, it's your…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast248. Doing a Cost-Benefit Analysis of Extending Store Hours
At first glance, extending store hours might seem like a simple decision. Just "stay open a little later, and customers will come," right? But, not quite. A…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast247. Why Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Shouldn't Avoid Profit Because of Taxes
When you're running a brick-and-mortar business, there's a fear you probably didn't expect to have, thanks to taxes: the fear of making more profit. Avoiding…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast246. Retail Financial Planning That Works: How to Filter Business Advice for Brick and Mortar Store Owners
One of the most common challenges brick-and-mortar store owners face is in their financial planning. From filtering through the advice that actually applies to…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast245. Overcoming Negativity in Indie Retail: Love It or Hate It, But It Needs to Be Said
I received an email that compelled me to address "the small business struggle." The struggles you face as a small business owner often follow what we like to…
- Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast
BONUS: Your Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the 2025 Savvy Shopkeeper Conference
You've got questions about the 2025 Savvy Shopkeeper Conference—I've got answers! In this bonus episode, I'm sharing all the juicy details: the finalized…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast244. Eight Hiring Tips Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Need to Know
Hiring can feel daunting, no matter what stage of business ownership you're in, especially when you're managing so much already. You're worried about trusting…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast243. Tariff Solutions for Independent Retail: Creative Strategies to Reduce Costs and Stay Competitive
I'm going to be honest with you, I can't summarize the tariffs situation for you—too much is happening at once and you never know when it'll change again. That…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast242. When I give away a $10k opportunity this happens: The Psychology of Passing on Incredible Opportunities
Have you said "no" to something that could have been a game-changer for your business? If so, it's not too late to revisit it—or to say "yes" to the next…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast241: One Coaching Call, One Shop Refresh = 50% Retail Sales Growth in 2024!
Discover how one shop owner turned a surprise visit and a one-hour coaching call into a 50% increase in retail sales! In Episode 241 of the Savvy Shopkeeper…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail PodcastA Game-Changing 2-Day Conference for Store Owners
Savvy Shopkeeper Get Traffic Conference Sunday & Monday, May 18-19, 2025 Venue: Biographie, Lakewood Ohio (west of Cleveland) Join us for a 2-day, high-impact…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast240: Skip the Trip: Maximize Buying with Faire Wholesale Winter Market
Mark your calendars for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market The Faire Wholesale Winter Market 2025 is scheduled for January 22–24, with early access for Faire…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast239: Embracing The New Year With Lessons From The Past [Kathy Cruz Interview Part 2]
We're kicking off 2025 with part two of this interview series hosted by member of Master Shopkeeper Member Ceri Otero. Tune in to hear how I'm embracing the…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast238: All About Kathy Cruz: A Vulnerable Interview PART 1
To kick off 2025, Ceri Otero, a Master Shopkeeper member and former radio personality (cool, right?), asked if she could interview ME, Kathy Cruz. After…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast237: 2025 Retail Trends for Independent Retailers: How to Thrive in the Year Ahead
As independent retail store owners, we're well-versed in the challenges we face, especially as the retail industry, the economy, and the world continuously…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast236: Understanding the New Beneficial Ownership Information Requirement for Small Businesses in the US
DISCLAIMER: This episode was originally scheduled to air on December 5, 2024, but legal developments and a busy week caused some last-minute delays. After…
Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast235. Cash Flow Part 3: Why Profit Doesn't Always Equal Positive Cash Flow
Understanding the financial health of your retail business extends beyond just recognizing your profit. In this insightful episode, we're diving into the…