If I had to start over tomorrow with no list, no team, and no safety net but I still had everything I know now, I wouldn’t panic. I wouldn’t hustle harder. And I definitely wouldn’t hope my way into success of being a Million-Dollar store.
I’d start by building cash confidence. Because that’s the real foundation.
That exact question came from a bold, brave retailer just like you. When I answered it on the podcast, the response was overwhelming. You wanted more clarity. More depth. And more of the how.
So to kick off the new year, I’m turning that question into a brand new 5-part Richer Retailer series: How I’d Start Over and Build a Million-Dollar Store From Scratch.
This first episode of the Million-Dollar Store series dives straight into the foundation of everything: cash flow. We’re talking profit-first thinking, tracking the numbers that actually matter, and building a seasonal sales plan that supports consistent, sustainable growth not burnout.
If you want to build a profitable, cash-creating, Million-Dollar retail business, this is where I’d start. And it’s exactly where we’re beginning together.
Listen to the full episode here:
Start With Profit First From Day One
The very first thing I’d install is Profit First.
Not later. Not once things feel “stable.” From day one.
Profit First ensures you pay yourself, build real profit into the business, and create positive cash flow as you grow. When every dollar has a job, decisions get lighter. Stress eases. And suddenly, growth doesn’t feel scary, it feels supported.
That’s what cash confidence does. It gives you tools to take action even when you have a rough month (because yes, every retailer has them).
Know Your Profit Point
I don’t love the term break-even, who wants to break even?
Instead, I want you to know your profit point. That means understanding exactly how much you need to sell to cover expenses and generate profit. From there, we set stretch goals that align with the business and life you actually want.
You cannot grow what you don’t track. Period.
Forecast Your Cash Flow
If you don’t know how much cash is coming in and going out each month, you’re leading blind.
A cash flow forecast allows you to predict and prevent cash flow dips before they become emergencies. This is where retailers stop reacting and start leading.
Track the Right KPIs
Your numbers tell you what to do next, if you’re willing to look.
Weekly, I want you tracking:
- Total sales
- Sales by inventory category
- Items per transaction
- Comparison to the same month last year
Monthly, look at:
- Initial markup (aiming for a 65% average)
- Payroll as a percentage of sales
- Cash position
Review these numbers consistently like your business depends on it because it does.
Watch full episode in YouTube:
Build a Seasonal Sales & Profit Plan
Hope is not a strategy.
A real plan takes seasonality into account. It uses historical sales, inventory levels, margins, payroll targets, and cash flow needs to intentionally forecast the year ahead.
This kind of planning tells you:
- How much you need to sell each month
- What margins you must protect
- How much inventory you can afford
- When promotions make sense and when they don’t
When you do this, the season stops happening to you. You start creating it.
Fix Leaks Fast Like a CEO
Margins erode. Payroll creeps. Expenses sneak up.
Million‑dollar retailers spot leaks early and fix them fast. Before you spend a dollar, ask: Does this support profit and growth?
That’s CEO thinking.
Your Millie Moment:
- Identify how many cash-flow-positive months you had last year
- Set a clear target for how many cash-flow-positive months you want this year
- Review your numbers monthly so you can spot cash leaks early
- Make decisions using facts, not hope
This is how you build cash confidence and think like a million-dollar retailer.
Resources and Links:
- Want expert guidance to become a Million Dollar Store Owner? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
- Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact method we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
- Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
- Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: This cash confidence system is the foundation of the Richer Retailer Method and it guides everything we do, from workshops to resources to one‑on‑one coaching. If something feels off in your business, it’s because something is off. You just may not know what yet and that’s normal. On our Million Dollar Growth Plan Call, we’ll identify your biggest cash flow bottleneck, uncover hidden leaks, review your inventory and buying strategy, and create a simple three‑step plan for your biggest wins in the next 90 days.
