259. Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris Hart

 

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

 

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

 

In This Episode: 

Can couples successfully run a retail shop together? Absolutely!

From a flash of inspiration on a trip to London to creating a beloved community hub in Thomasville, Georgia; Amy and Chris Hart join me on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast to share how passion, teamwork, and a little bit of "what's our widget?" can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Amy and Chris own The Hare and the Hart, a boutique inspired by the couple’s time in the Cotswolds. They describe the shop as “English at heart with a Southern sensibility and a French twist.” Amy is an active member of the Retailer’s Inner Circle and has been in the Level Up Mastermind for almost 5 years running.

This episode is packed with tips for independent retailers, especially those working together as a couple. From finding your niche, connecting with your community, and navigating the ups and downs of retail life together, Amy and Chris are an inspiration to all aspiring retail shop owners.

Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners:

• Finding your "widget": Identify your unique product (like Amy's Toile designs)

• Involving family: Amy and Chris have incredibly talented family members who showcase unique products in their shop.  

• Defining Roles: The importance of defining roles and communicating them clearly.   

• Build your community: Make it a point to connect with members of your community. Featuring local artisans in your shop is a good way to do that.

• Overcoming challenges: Amy and Chris know when their slow season is and have come up with ways to draw customers in and also keep their minds right knowing things do pick up.  

• Chris’s Advice : "Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.”  Listen in for more thoughts on what Chris and Amy could have done differently if they could rewind 7 years.

“Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.” -Chris Hart

Need more?

Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my Retailer’s Inner Circle! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out HERE.

 

Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand HERE.

 

About Amy and Chris:

Sweethearts since college, Amy and Chris Hart chose Thomasville, Georgia, as their adopted hometown in 2018 after many adventures. The Hare & The Hart is their shop in the beautiful, historic downtown, offering gifts and goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a Fre