Are You Feeling the Post-Easter Retail Slowdown? Here’s Cathy’s take on the State of Retail for May 2025: You’re not imagining it. Independent retailers across the country are reporting a noticeable dip in traffic this May. And if your first instinct is to slash prices or run storewide discounts, I get it. But before you panic, let’s get grounded. Listen … Read More
Retail Trade Shows: h+h – Crafting, Education and Community
Retail Is Evolving. Are You? What if your next big idea, vendor partner, or customer inspiration wasn’t in your inbox, but waiting for you in a trade show aisle? In this episode of the The Richer Retailer podcast I sit down with Darrin Stern, Show Director of h+h Americas, to explore how trade shows, creativity, and community are reshaping the … Read More
The #1 Reason Stores Fail (And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t)
Running a retail store isn’t just about selling, it’s about managing your business effectively. Many passionate store owners, like Ali in our latest podcast episode of The Richer Retailer podcast, find themselves struggling with financial management, taxes, and tracking expenses. Sound familiar? The good news? You can take control and set yourself up for long-term success. Listen to this episode: … Read More
How to Stay Motivated in Tough Times
Retail is not dying, it’s evolving. Independent retailers who embrace change, leverage authenticity, and understand consumer behavior to stay motivated are thriving more than ever. In this episode of Richer Retailer, Cathy Donovan Wagner sits down with Crystal Vilkatis from Rooted in Retail, to discuss the powerful role of mindset, marketing, and community in overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable business … Read More
Strategy is Safe – Until It’s Not
Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning, tweaking, and strategizing without actually taking action? Many retailers (and entrepreneurs in general) fall into the comfort zone of strategy, where everything is safe and full of potential… until it’s not. Recently, I had a wake-up call. My coach asked how my new team member was doing, and I enthusiastically said, “Great!” But … Read More