The Resilient Retail Game Plan

Have you ever looked at the news and wondered whether it's even appropriate to be selling your products right now?If you're an independent retailer or product business owner and the state of the world is making you hesitate about showing up and selling, this episode is for you.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This week, one of the most common questions I get from product business owners: should I keep selling when the world feels uncertain?In this episode:→ Why big brands never pause their marketing — and what that means for you→ Why independent retailers are a genuine force for good→ The lipstick effect and what consumer spending data actually shows right now→ A practical social media tip to help you show up more consistently📌 CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introduction & the question everyone's asking00:00:44 When selling feels wrong: the shared experience00:01:42 Why this feeling is so common in product businesses00:02:51 The mental noise of running your own business00:06:04 The self-fulfilling prophecy & the big brand reality check00:08:25 Why small businesses are a force for good00:09:55 Your duty to share what you do00:11:30 The lipstick effect: are people actually spending?00:12:18 A visit to Columbia Road Flower Market00:12:57 Products are how people show love00:13:31 None of this is trivial00:14:23 Practical tip: separate your social media accounts00:16:08 How Catherine implemented this herself00:17:25 A message for every independent retailer🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:→ Mean Mail: https://www.meanmail.co.uk→ Retail Roar 2026: https://retailroar.co.uk→ Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP:→ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilient-retail-game-plan/id1558090069→ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EIPFznxQFQHIXmC3QoBFQMentioned in this episode:Mailchimpresilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

Nobody talks about how lonely it can be to run a small business.Your friends and family mean well — but they don't really get it. If you have a team, you feel like you have to have all the answers. And whether you're on the shop floor, in your home office, or in your unit, there's a good chance your dog is getting more of your business thoughts than any actual human being.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm being honest about the one thing most business owners never talk about: isolation. And why community — real, practical, human community — isn't a nice-to-have. It's fundamental.You'll hear:Why business loneliness is more common than anyone admits — and why it mattersHow being in a community speeds up your learning, builds confidence, and protects your resilienceWhy hearing about other people's tough weeks can actually make your own feel more manageableHow community can drive real commercial results — referrals, collaborations, and salesAll about the Retail Roar 2026 Facebook community and why it might be just as valuable as the summit itselfIf you've been feeling flat, isolated, or like nobody around you truly gets what you're going through — this episode is for you.🏟️ Free Retail Roar ticket: retailroar.co.uk📩 Join the Resilient Retail Club: resilientretailclub.com📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclub⏱ Chapters:00:00 Intro01:13 The Loneliness of Business03:56 Why Community Matters06:42 Join the Retail Roar 2026 Community

Retail is moving fast — and it can feel like whiplash trying to keep up with every new trend, tool, and headline. But here's the thing: as a small or independent retailer, you don't need to know everything. You just need the right information, filtered through the lens of what actually matters for your business.In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about Retail Roar 2026 — my free two-day online industry outlook summit taking place on 26th and 27th March — and why I believe it's the most important shortcut you can take as an independent retailer or brand this year.You'll hear about:Why staying on top of industry trends actually protects both your business and your peace of mindThe line between useful information and overwhelming noise — and how to find itHow understanding the current consumer mindset can change how you stock, market, and sellThe headline speaker I spent three years trying to book: the legendary Mary PortasExpert sessions on email marketing, SEO, AI search, wholesale trends, marketing strategy, and the future of the high streetThe expert lineup includes:Mary Portas — retail legend, broadcaster, and champion of independent retailEman Ismail — email strategist on what's changing in email for 2026Vee Roberts (Insights for Marketing) — marketing strategy and trendsLuke Carthy — SEO and AI search, and what your website needs to do differentlyTherese Oertenblad (Small Business Collaborative) — wholesale trends and how to get seenIan Nicholson (Vacant Shops Academy) — placemaking and what makes a great high streetThis isn't fluffy. It's information for action — curated specifically for small and independent retailers and brands, so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.Get your free ticket at retailroar.co.uk📩 Join the community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Signed up for Retail Roar yet?

Most independent retailers have heard the advice to "build a community." Far fewer have been shown exactly how to do it — and even fewer have built one that actually buys.In this episode I'm joined by Ronke Fashola, founder of Love Your Look — a bold, inclusive, colour-forward fashion brand whose customers travel from Scotland and Cardiff to her pop-up shops, answer Instagram queries before she even gets to them, and send garments back to be taken in when they lose weight rather than part with something they love. Ronke has spent the last couple of years building a retail community the hard, human way: photo shoots open to everyone, WhatsApp groups built on genuine conversation, measurement checks for every new customer, and an in-house tailor. In this episode she breaks down exactly how she did it.We also look at Joanie Clothing's collapse as a case study in what happens when a retail brand stops feeling human — and what every independent retailer can learn from it.In this episode you'll hear:• The photo shoot that attracted 70 applicants and became the foundation of a loyal retail community• How to structure a brand WhatsApp group that people actually want to be in• What Joanie got wrong — and the community strategy that could have saved them• Why checking every new customer's measurements before their first order ships reduces returns and builds trust• How offering free in-house alterations turns one-time buyers into customers for life• The Friday night phone call that changed how Ronke thinks about fabricSign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible.📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Signed up for Retail Roar yet?Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Have you been feeling stuck in your own head in your retail business? Overthinking every decision, wondering if you're the only one finding it hard?There's a phrase I love:You can't read a label from inside the jar.And when you're living and breathing your business every single day, it's incredibly hard to see beyond where you are right now.In this episode, I share one of the fastest ways I've found to shift your perspective — and it's the whole reason I created Retail Roar, my free online summit returning on 26–27 March.I'll walk you through some of the stories from our guest speakers, including one who shipped 650,000 orders in his first year on TikTok, to others who built a chain of 41 bridal boutiques, and another who went from her kitchen table to six-figure months.I also explain why inspiration isn't just about feeling good — it has three very real, practical business effects: it helps you think bigger, get re-energised with your marketing, and make braver decisions.Sign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible.📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclubMentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail RoarSigned up for Retail Roar yet?

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in data but still can't answer the simple question: is my business actually going in the right direction?Here's the truth: if your sales numbers feel like noise, you're probably looking at the wrong things — or avoiding looking altogether.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why having loads of data can actually keep you more confused, not less✓ The magic eye problem: why staring at daily sales is stopping you seeing the real picture✓ The difference between guessing and deciding — and why it matters for your bottom line✓ The 3 Rs framework: Record, Review, Refine — and how to make it genuinely simple✓ Why a zero-sales day doesn't mean a bad month (and what to look at instead)Stop reacting to the noise and start reading the story your numbers are actually telling you.Join the Retail Sales Game Plan (cart now open!): resilientretailclub.com/retailsales Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's been useful to you, please do follow, rate, and review with a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (or both!) — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Do you ever feel like you're constantly trying to convince people to buy? Like you're always explaining, justifying, or pushing a little harder than you'd like?Here's the truth: if selling feels exhausting, you're probably spending too much time talking to the wrong people.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why nobody is more likely to buy than someone who already bought from you✓ The party principle: why you're standing outside instead of going in✓ How focusing on cold audiences burns you out (and kills your profit)✓ The 1,000 true fans framework that changes everything ✓ Practical steps to turn one-time buyers into repeat customersStop chasing strangers and start serving the customers who are already inside your door.LinksJoin the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (kicking off end of Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Feel like you're shouting into the void with your marketing? You're not alone—and it's not your fault.Social media wants you reactive, emotional, and constantly second-guessing yourself. Meanwhile, big retailers operate from detailed seasonal plans made months in advance.I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why sporadic marketing makes sales feel random✓ How algorithms keep you stuck in chaos✓ What big retailers do differently (without massive teams)✓ The marketing structure that actually works for small businessesStop waking up wondering "what should I post today?" and start building a plan you can trust.LinksGet your free Calmer and Consistent Sales Planner: resilientretailclub.com/salesJoin the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (reopening Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie RetailSales growth is often treated as the goal in retail.But without profit, growth just creates more pressure.In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn’t optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers.I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about chasing turnover.And it’s not about discounting everything to keep cash moving.It’s about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe.I’m joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention.Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles.In this episode, we cover:Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainableWhat blanket discounting really costs you over timeHow retailers increased sales while holding less stockWhy margin awareness changes decision makingWhat better stock management does for confidence and clarityHow strategic discounting differs from panic discountingWe also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale.If you’re running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together.Chapters00:00 Why profit isn’t optional01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise12:36 How better data changes behaviour17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businessesLinksStock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.netResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

When Is the Right Time to Open a Second Shop?Opening another shop is often seen as the obvious next step in retail growth.But knowing when to do it, and whether your business is actually ready, is far harder.In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at what really changes when you move from one shop to two, and then beyond.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about chasing expansion for the sake of it.And it’s not a checklist for opening multiple locations.It’s about timing, clarity, and understanding whether the business you have today can genuinely support what comes next.I’m joined by independent retailer Sarah Holmes, from Pencil Me In, who has grown from one shop to three across different locations in Scotland. Together, we unpack how those decisions were made, what changed at each stage, and why the second shop is often the hardest.In this episode, we cover:How to tell if your current shop is ready to support growthWhy growth often feels like exposure rather than reliefWhat changes when each location needs a different roleHow buying mistakes multiply once you have more than one shopWhy clarity matters more than creativity in multi-store retailLetting go of control without losing standardsWe also talk about how expansion changes your relationship with risk, cash, and your team, and why growth should support the life you want to run, not just the business you want to build.If you’re running one shop and wondering whether there could be more, or you’re already managing multiple locations and want it to feel simpler, this episode will help you think more clearly about what growth should look like for you.Chapters00:00 Why growth is a timing question, not a goal01:16 From one shop to three and why pacing matters06:19 Why growth feels like exposure, not relief09:30 Why each shop needs a clear job to do11:03 Specialising instead of stocking everything15:32 The danger of unchecked buying decisions18:08 Using data to protect cash as you grow22:22 Letting go without losing control29:46 Choosing growth that fits your lifeLinksRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

The 5 Problems Growing Retail Businesses Don’t Expect (But Almost Always Face)If your retail business looks successful on paper but feels far harder than it should behind the scenes, this episode is for you.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about fixing beginner mistakes or chasing the next growth tactic.It’s about what happens once your business has momentum, and instinct alone stops being enough.After working with hundreds of established product businesses, I see the same problems come up again and again.Not because founders are doing things wrong, but because the business has outgrown the way it’s being run.In this episode, I walk through the 5 problems growing retail businesses don’t expect (but almost always face).These include:Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarityWhat it really means when you don’t trust your numbersWhy being busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forwardHow everything living in your head turns you into the bottleneckWhat to do when your business no longer fits your lifeWe also talk about why structure isn’t restrictive, how it creates freedom, and what it looks like when a business is designed to support the person running it, not drain them.If any of this feels familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re failing.It usually means you’ve outgrown the stage you’re operating at.Chapters00:00 Why growth starts to feel heavy01:36 When success creates chaos06:09 Learning to trust your numbers08:26 Busy versus real progress11:06 Everything living in your head15:25 When your business stops fitting your life18:10 Retail by DesignLinksRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

How Artichoke Built a Profitable Online Shop by Ignoring “Best Practice”If you’ve been told that online retail growth means more ads, more automation, and more noise — this episode will quietly challenge that.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.ukI’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about scaling fast or chasing the latest ecommerce tactic.It’s about building an online business that actually works for the people running it.In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Simonds, founder of Artichoke and winner of Online Shop of the Year at the Boutique Star Awards.Sarah runs an online fashion business in a way most people would say doesn’t scale.She calls every new online customer.She designs systems to protect customer service, not replace it.And she focuses relentlessly on a demographic the industry largely ignores.After 25 years working with retailers, I see this pattern again and again.The businesses that perform best long term aren’t always the loudest or the most automated. They’re the clearest.In this conversation, we explore:Why slowing down parts of the online experience can increase profitHow calling customers dramatically reduces returns and boosts lifetime valueWhat good systems actually look like in a small retail businessHow Sarah uses AI to support decisions without losing human judgementWhy community, service, and clarity still outperform “best practice”We also talk about the less glamorous side of growth — becoming the bottleneck, building resilience into the team, and creating structure so the business doesn’t rely on one person holding everything together.If you run a product business and want online sales that feel sustainable rather than exhausting, this episode will give you a lot to think about.Chapters00:00 Why “more marketing” isn’t always the answer03:10 Serving an ignored customer demographic06:20 Calling every new online customer10:45 Reducing returns and increasing lifetime value15:30 From pop-ups to online growth21:10 Removing the founder bottleneck27:40 Systems, structure, and ClickUp33:30 Using AI without losing the human touch41:50 Community, collaboration, and long-term growthLinksArtichoke: https://www.artichoke-online.co.ukRetail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-designCatherine’s book — Tame Your Tiger: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912300096Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Why Retail Business Growth Starts to Feel Heavy at Six FiguresIf your retail business is doing well on paper, but somehow feels heavier than it used to, this episode is for you.With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.com.Get 10% off hardware with the code GamePlan10.I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is the Resilient Retail Game Plan — product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn’t about chasing more sales or adding more tactics.It’s about the moment growth stops feeling exciting and starts feeling risky.When decisions feel heavier.When stock, cash flow and planning won’t switch off in your head.And when everyone assumes you’re doing brilliantly, but you’re quietly feeling stretched.After 25 years in retail, I’ve seen this pattern again and again. Hitting six figures doesn’t magically make things easier. For many founders, it’s the point where relying on instinct stops working and structure becomes essential.In this episode, I talk through why growth often starts to feel heavy at this stage, why it’s not a motivation problem, and what actually helps founders move from reacting to leading again. I also explain how Retail by Design and Stock Doctor work together to bring clarity, calm and confidence back into growing product businesses — without overwhelm or fluff.If you’re tired of winging it, second-guessing decisions, or carrying everything in your head, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and what support should look like at this stage of growth.Chapters:00:00 The 'Heaviness' Struggle for Product Retailers05:42 Stock & Strategy Solutions06:49 "Retail Growth Through Stock Insight"10:06 "Retail by Design Program"Links:Website: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/Enjoy the episode?DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar

Meta Ads Have Changed – What Actually Works in 2026If Meta ads feel like a wild goose chase lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things.With thanks to this episode's sponsor SumUp (https://sumup.com) Use the code 'GamePlan10' to get 10% off hardware from their online shop!Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly, and this week on The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m rolling up my sleeves with Meta Ad strategist CJ Sinclair to dig into why product business advice for retailers is evolving fast.Algorithms have turned upside down.Forget the old playbook; smaller brands now have the nimble edge over the big guns. From creative diversity to new ways to track ROAS and cash flow for retailers, we break down what actually moves the needle in 2026. I’m bringing my 25 years in the trade—plus CJ Sinclair’s day-to-day on the ground—for an episode that’s equal parts practical know-how and myth-busting.Why listen?Squeeze more margin from your Meta ad spend, even with a modest budgetNail creative that cuts through—no high-gloss neededGet independent retailer tips to speed up pivoting, not just scaling a product businessAvoid common ROAS mistakes and measure what matters for profitConnect your email, website and socials for rich marketing strategies that don’t break the bankLearn how to improve cash flow in a small product business while boosting conversion ratesLinks:Website: https://resilientretailclub.comRetail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/Enjoy the episode?DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Retail RoarHave you signed up yet? retailroar.co.ukRetail Roar