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

If I Wanted to Build a $1M+ Store Tomorrow – Here’s What I’d Do

Woman smiling and raising her arms as dollar bills fall around her with text that reads “If I Wanted to Build a $1M+ Store Tomorrow, Here’s What I’d Do.”

Let me be real with you. If I woke up tomorrow and had to build a $1M+ store all over again, I know exactly what I’d do differently. I’ve made the mistakes, I’ve sweated through the scary moments (literally!), and I’ve seen firsthand what actually works for retailers who want to scale their business. Listen to the full episode here: … Read More

How Retailers Beat Online Competition with Story & Experience

brick and mortar, retail competition, customer experience, storytelling, community engagement, inventory management, sales strategies, retail marketing, customer relationships

Retailers, I know how frustrating it feels when a customer comes in, falls in love with something in your store, and then says, “Oh… I saw this online for less.” Ouch. I used to think that meant brick-and-mortar retailers like us didn’t stand a chance against the giants of online retail competition. But here’s the truth: we’re not in a … Read More