Make Every Customer Count | State of Retail: December 2025

retail, customer engagement, sales strategies, consumer behavior, AI in retail, customer experience, holiday shopping, retail trends, business growth, retail insights

Can you believe it’s already December? Crazy how fast the year has flown by! If you want next December to look totally different with more cash flow, less chaos, and a store that actually runs smoothly without you then the time to start is right now. And it all begins with one thing: Customer Count. In this month’s State of … Read More

Momentum Before the Madness | State of Retail: October 2025

consumer trends, holiday season, retail, community engagement, inventory management, personalization, video content, sales strategies, customer experience, momentum, madness, October

Christmas feels close, doesn’t it? You’re not alone. Many independent retailers are already on edge, wondering what’s selling, what isn’t, and how the season will unfold. But here’s the truth: it’s only October. And that’s good news. October is the real starting line for holiday retail. Shoppers haven’t fully arrived yet, which gives you an incredible opportunity. Use this lull … Read More

Retail Momentum the CEO Guide: Localism and Team Power

retail, September 2025, price sensitivity, tariffs, localism, team empowerment, customer connection, business growth, Q4, CEO

Oh my gosh, September really does feel like hitting a reset button, doesn’t it? Summer’s winding down, the back-to-school buzz is here, and in Chicago I even got to wear a sweater the other day.  That shift in the air? It’s the same kind of energy your store can tap into. This is the season to build retail momentum. Now, … Read More

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