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

October 23, 2025 25 mins

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 attract shoppers without giving away your profit.

You'll hear real examples from my own store and other indie retailers, plus advanced strategies for seasoned shop owners—like using data from past years, segmenting customers, and streamlining operations f...

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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, what comes next? 

In this episode, I walk you through my CLEAR framework for grounding yourself, then share three common paths store owners take when a competitor feels too close for comfort: focusing inward, protecting their turf, or collaborating...

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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 into another store and seen your best-selling product on their shelves, you know the mix of frustration and fear it can trigger.

I...

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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 everything figured out before I share, but this time I'm bringing you with me in real-time.

If you've ever wondered whether your brain works a little differently—if you've struggled with focus, follow-through, forgetfulness, or feeling scattered—this episo...

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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 tools I've been working on! And there's quite a bit.

If you're not in MSK, this is your chance to hear what goes on behind the curtain...

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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, and mindset shifts. You'll learn how to use your planner to make high-level decisions, reduce friction, and finally feel in control—even as a team of one.

👉 Website & Mastermind Group: savvyshopkeepe...

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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 hits. I break down the retail systems built into the Savvy Shopkeeper Planner so you can run your shop like a well-oiled machine.

👉 Website & Mastermind Group: savvyshopkeeper.com

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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 help you run your business on your terms. Learn how to reverse engineer your week, make space for joy, and use your planner to lighten your mental load—not add to it.

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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, overthinking, or "what if" spirals tend to keep you stuck, this one's for you. I'll share what the speed bar is, how mine has evolved over the years, and why increasing you...

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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 make more and work smarter, this one's for you. I'll walk you through how to set a salary goal, calculate the revenue needed to support it, and start delegating tasks so you can focus on growing your business.

Plus, we'll talk about the revenue cap solo store owners hit and why...

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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 and guesswork.

This is not about analyzing reports or digging into deep financials.

Retail Reset is the class for store owners who feel behind on the business side of things—and are ready to fix it.

Retail Reset is about se...

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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 my brick-and-mortar store.

These tools can seriously support and streamline your retail business—and they made great door prizes as sponsors at this year's conference—but here's a little more about what they do, who they're for, and why I believe the...

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When economic uncertainty rises, consumers don't just "spend less," they fundamentally change how they make decisions. Research shows that during periods of instability, people shift from "promotion-focused" thinking (seeking gains and opportunities) to "prevention-focused" thinking—avoiding losses and protecting what they have.

Your customers aren't just being more careful with money; they're operating f...

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In this bonus episode, Kathy shares heartfelt reflections and key takeaways from the Get Traffic Savvy Shopkeeper Conference in Cleveland. From Amanda Herring's unforgettable Instagram session to the video memorial honoring April to Mamita's surprise visit, this episode captures the magic, learning, and love that filled the room. Kathy also opens up about what she learned as a leader, why this event has to happen agai...

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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 margins. 

With rising costs, inflation, and the constant pressure to keep your customers happy, this is one of the trickiest but most important things you need to dial in this year. So, if you've been wrestling with pricing decisions or you're feeling ...

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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 decision like this deserves a thoughtful approach, and that's where a cost-benefit analysis can make all the difference.

But, if you're wondering why, this is for you. Here are five reasons why you should do a cost-benefit analysis of extending your store hours. 

Listen to...

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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 profit is not the best financial strategy, and it can actually hurt your business both short-term and long-term.

While I'm going to share WHY this is, I want to also remind you to consult your CPA, financial advisor, and/or bookkeeper for clarification on if you can use this f...

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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 you and juggling factors out of your control (like tariffs), it's hard to find something that works.

In today's episode, I'm sharing 6 common financial planning tips that work and how to tell if financial advice is meant for you (and if it's not). I'm also sharing BOTH the w...

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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 think of as "patterns."

Pandemic, inflation, election years, seasonal slumps—these aren't new challenges. They've happened before, and they'll happen again regardless if the economy is booming or not.

In the small indie retail business world someone is always thriving, someone...

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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 agenda, the workshop-style sessions, the incredible door prizes, what's actually included in your ticket, and why this isn't just another business event—it's an experience designed to help you gr...

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