Done Beats Perfect: State of Retail | August 2025

Retail Trends, Consumer Spending, Profit Margins, Experiential Retail, Community Engagement, Economic Shifts, Sustainability, Customer Relationships, Strategic Leadership, Retail Innovation, In-store Experiences, Retail Strategy, Smarter, Lead Harder, Summer, retail

State of Retail: August 2025 There’s something about August. Maybe it’s the back-to-school buzz, or the “let’s do it all before summer ends” rush. One minute you feel calm and collected, the next you’re scrambling. Sound familiar? here’s the State of Retail for you.  But here’s your reminder: you’re not here to hustle harder. You’re here to lead smarter. This … Read More

Your Products Have a Story, Share It and Make Sure the World Knows

positive affirmations, Notes to Self, storytelling, giving back, sock, words, self-compassion, business, transformation, customer connection, connection, retail business, transforming

Have you ever wondered how something as simple as a sock could transform your business and someone’s life? Because products have a story and that story can make all the difference. At first glance, it sounds almost too simple, right? But stick with me, because that’s exactly what happened when I met Laura Schmidt, founder of Notes to Self. Her … Read More

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence – A Leadership Secret

leadership, self-awareness, obstacles, imposter syndrome, self-care, communication, accountability, empathy, personal growth, coaching

Imposter Syndrome: A Sign You’re Ready to Grow I’ve worked with thousands of store owners, and the truth is, leadership challenges often start from within, often fueled by imposter syndrome. We second-guess ourselves. We power through burnout. And deep down, we wonder if we’re really cut out for this. That’s why I couldn’t wait to sit down with Sherry Winn, … Read More

Retailers Who Ask Questions Make More Sales

retail, independent retailers, customer experience, experiential retail, leadership, growth mindset, AI, technology, media influence, data insights, navigating, landscape, Questions, sales

You don’t have to know it all. You just need to know who to ask and to have more sales. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a spreadsheet or stuck in the weeds of retail decisions thinking, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” you’re not alone. And guess what? That’s not a weakness. That’s actually the beginning of … Read More

Summer Strategy | State of Retail: July 2025

retail, consumer behavior, sales strategies, mid-year, online shopping, omnichannel, marketing tips, retail trends, candles, bath and body

It’s summer strategy time! Whether you’re riding a wave of seasonal traffic or seeing things slow down, this is your moment to pause, refocus, and make the most of the months ahead. Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? Honestly, that fact alone makes my brain explode a little. It’s wild how fast the year is flying by. So … Read More