281. 5 Holiday Retail Takeaways: How to Prep for Profit Without the Chaos

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten

 

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

 

Holiday Success Planning Guide is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click HERE to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. 

In This Episode:

The holidays are coming fast, but with the right plan, chaos doesn’t have to be part of your story.

In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m recapping the biggest takeaways from our recent Holiday Prep Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With just 86 days left in the year, now’s the time to get intentional, prepare, and create a season of profit and joy instead of stress and chaos.

Key Takeaways:

• Holiday chaos is optional (and how to avoid it)

• The importance of defining your version of success beyond sales

• How to let your customers guide your calendar and promotions

• Simple ways to remove bottlenecks and streamline your season

• Why profit and hospitality matter more than constant discounts

Your Next Steps:

• Download the Holiday Success Guide now! It’s available for free to members of the Inner Circle and for a low price for non-members. For $97, you can rewatch the modules year after year.

• I’d love to hear what success means to you as it relates to the holiday season. When January 1, 2026 comes and you are ringing in a new year, what metrics will you use to rate your success in 2025? Jump in my DMs on Instagram and let’s chat!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like: 

Episode 182: Fresh Ways to Wow & Delight Your Customers This Holiday Season

Episode 184: Holiday Sales Tips From Seasoned Shop Owners

Episode 234: Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season

Episode 277: How to Debrief Your Events Like a Pro: The Retailer’s Checklist

 

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

Free resources for shop owners  

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

 

All of Wendy’s current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. 

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