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 to prepare, fine-tune, and build Momentum Before the Madness.

Listen to the full episode here:

Retail Trends to Watch This Season

Staying on top of consumer trends helps you curate smarter and drive sales. Here’s what I’m seeing both in our community of retailers and across the U.S.:

• Women’s accessories are exploding. Hats, hair clips, scarves, even charms for purses are flying off shelves. These smaller-ticket items are perfect impulse buys that boost average transaction value.
• Sustainable products with a story. Shoppers want to feel good about their purchases. Eco-friendly items with meaning like reusable household goods or pieces made from recycled materials, sell especially well.
• Nostalgia is everywhere. Hello Kitty, Lisa Frank, retro candy, even lava lamps are making a comeback. If it fits your brand, leaning into nostalgia creates emotional connection.
• Wellness and outdoor living. These categories keep growing as customers focus on health and lifestyle.
• And of course, chocolate. Sweet treats always outperform expectations, especially during the holidays.

Takeaway: Don’t chase every trend. Instead, ask yourself: Which ones align with my store’s story? Trends should support your brand identity, not distract from it. That’s how you create meaningful Momentum Before the Madness.

What Sets Independent Retailers Apart

Big-box stores may win on volume, but independent retailers win on heart:

• Personalization. Handwritten notes, engraving, or unique packaging add value customers can’t get anywhere else.
• Curation. Your customers trust you to cut through overwhelm and offer the best of the best. This reduces decision fatigue a powerful advantage.
• Commitment. Successful retailers go deep into products they believe in instead of spreading themselves thin. This “go big or go home” approach means stronger margins, better stories, and higher sell-through.

Takeaway: Use October to refine your product mix. Where can you add personalization? Which products deserve deeper investment? Which ones should you trim? These choices create Momentum Before the Madness.

Building Momentum in October

Momentum doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from choosing one intentional action and executing it well.

Here are four high-impact ways to use October strategically:

1. Invest in video and live selling. Simple product demos on Facebook or Instagram Live create real-time excitement and boost conversion.
2. Highlight personalization. Choose one product or category and promote its unique story in-store and online.
3. Plan a community event. Partner with a local maker, host a fun shopping night, or run a themed day like Donut Day with discounts. Community builds loyalty.
4. Curate a holiday “early bird” collection. Shoppers are starting sooner this year. Create a focused collection and promote it boldly through signage, social posts, and emails.

Takeaway: Pick one focus area and commit. This is how independent retailers create Momentum Before the Madness and set the stage for stronger Q4 results.

Watch the Full Episode in YouTube:

Shopper Sentiment This Season

It’s no secret, there’s a lot happening in the world. Shoppers are cautious. But here’s the good news: people are still spending, especially younger and more affluent customers.

That’s why it’s critical to:

• Create experiences that give shoppers a reason to visit.
• Build connections through storytelling and community partnerships.

Takeaway: Independent retailers who pair strong product strategies with memorable experiences will outperform, even in uncertain times. That’s the true meaning of Momentum Before the Madness.

Your Millie Moment:

This October, pick ONE bold move to build Momentum Before the Madness:

• Choose a trending category (like accessories or nostalgia) and go big on it.
• Personalize one product to make it uniquely yours.
• Host a simple community event, donuts, local makers, or early-bird fun.
• Launch or refresh your video/live selling strategy.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Small, intentional actions now will position your store as the holiday destination when the crowds arrive. Use this time to create your Momentum Before the Madness and step into Q4 with confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out to episode #016: The #1 Tip to Grow Lifetime Customer Value (The Importance of the Second Purchase and Talks about OmniChannel)

You want to firm up your Q4 strategy? 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.

Don’t forget to join us in our Facebook community: Richer Retailer Facebook Group. 

The holiday season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. October gives you the gift of time, the chance to slow down, refocus, and choose just one bold step forward. You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do the next right thing for your store. Trust yourself, lean into what makes your business unique, and know that every small, intentional action brings you closer to the results you dream of. You’ve got this, I believe in you. 💚