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August 18, 2025 31 mins

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

 

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

 

In This Episode:

The holidays are coming. Time to revisit this crucial part of your business. 

One bad shopping experience can send a loyal customer packing. The good news? You have the power to make every visit unforgettable. Let’s talk about your customer’s journey.

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing actionable strategies to enhance every stage of your customer journey—from first discovery to post-purchase follow-up. I’ll walk you through a 5-stage audit that ensures shoppers feel welcomed, valued, and eager to return - every single time. You’ll learn how to create a consistent, memorable experience that boosts loyalty, sales, and joy in your business! Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Learn About Your Customer Journey:

  • Why customer experience begins long before shoppers walk through your door

  • How to audit first impressions, storefront appeal, and in-store ambiance

  • The importance of consistent, trained staff interactions

  • Tips for frictionless checkout and meaningful farewells

  • Creative post-sale follow-up ideas to keep customers coming back

Your Next Steps:

  • Audit Your Customer Journey – Walk through your store with fresh eyes (or have a secret shopper do it!) and note one improvement you can make at each stage: discovery, entry, in-store, checkout, and post-sale.

  • Join the Retailer’s Inner Circle – Get access to in-depth masterclasses on merchandising, marketing, and customer experience so you can keep refining your shop every month.

  • Retail Marketing & Sales Accelerator is now available ON DEMAND! – Learn how to attract, convert, and retain customers with heart-centered, effective marketing strategies—at your own pace.

  • Join my Love List – Get my weekly coffee chat emails with tips, inspiration, and updates on programs designed to help you thrive in retail! Sign up here: wendybatten.com/lovelist and add your name/email to the list!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 118: How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author: Shep Hyken

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

Episodes 163-166: Simple Sales Strategy Series Parts 1-4

Episode 243: Behind the Counter: Creating Customer Joy in Retail with Kim Williams of the Polka Dot Press

Episodes 249-251: Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer’s Visibility Series



About your host, Wendy Batten

 

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy.

I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.

For more support from Wendy

 

Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers

Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

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