Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

By: Wendy Batten Creative Retail Mentor
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  • Summary

  • How do I attract more customers to my store? How do I get more sales? How do I book out my shop’s events and workshops? How do I do retail marketing and social media for my store? These are the questions that creative retail business owners ask Wendy Batten, creative retail coach and mentor. Wendy works with creative shop owners all over the world and with industry leaders. Her speciality is working with creative retailers to get control over their brick and mortars to avoid burnout and overwhelm while achieving more success and profits. In Creative Shop Talk, Wendy digs into the problems and solutions that “accidental shopkeepers” and hobbyists turned retail business owners face. Wendy dives deep in mindset and best practices for retailers with masterclass trainings, business strategies, expert guests and industry insiders, and more. Each episode is designed to help busy and passionate creative shop owners take action, work through their overwhelm and get focused on strategic business areas. Thinking about opening your own creative retail shop? Ready to stop playing shopkeeper and “winging” the business stuff? Looking for more foot traffic? Want to turn your brick and mortar into a viable business? Want predictable profits? Want to take the next step to run your store and not let it run you? Turn to Wendy Batten to take the proven steps to achieving your dream store, living your creative life and helping your amazing customers.
    Wendy Batten 2020
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Episodes
  • 229. Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop

    229. Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop
    Sep 30 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: You hear me say it in every episode, but it’s true: running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard! Sure, there are aspects of it that feel hard and heavy sometimes, but help is here. Let’s chat a bit about the magical tool I’ve created inside of the Retailer’s Inner Circle that keeps my retailers on track every month called the Retailer’s Playbook. Get your CEO hat out! The Retailer’s Playbook was created because I had so many retailers urging me to tell them what they need to do every month. It is a multi-page document that helps you track your progress, plan your social media and promotions, increase your profits, and stay on top of the day-to-day tasks that often go by the wayside. Retailers love the Playbook because it frees up their time, empowers them to make decisions in their shops, and has the potential to increase profitability. Having freedom in your retail business looks different for everyone, but one thing we all have to have to stay afloat is profitability. How the Retailer’s Playbook can help you: Key Elements of the Playbook Reflection questions: Getting curious on what worked, what didn’t, and where we can improve Goal Setting: Focus on setting realistic revenue, marketing, and operational goals that are results-driven Marketing Calendar: Provides pre-planned email subject lines, social posts, and promotions/events Operational Tasks Checklist: Make sure everything is done—inventory, bank statements, and managing your team - Self-Care & Mindset: I include reminders for self-care because if we aren’t well, neither is our business Why I Believe You Need a Monthly Playbook It keeps your operations, marketing, and finances on track You’ll feel more clarity and direction each month It reduces the chaos we often feel, especially during busy seasons How you can get a Monthly Retailer’s Playbook Join us inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle coaching program. The Retailer’s Playbook is exclusive to the and is just a small piece of all of the great tools available in that group. We also have a monthly group coaching call, countless masterclasses that are taught by me and other guest experts, small progress pod groups that meet weekly to help keep each other on track, and so much more. Join us now, ahead of Q4! See you inside! Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : The Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring : Behind the Counter: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill : Behind the Scenes: New Retailer’s Inner Circle Support : Protecting Your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    27 mins
  • 228. Protecting Your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips

    228. Protecting Your Retail Store: Simple & Effective Loss Prevention Tips
    Sep 23 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: As independent retailers, protecting our stores, staff, and ourselves is always a top priority, right? How do you ensure safety among your staff and yourself - especially when it comes to loss prevention? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I am sharing practical tips to prevent both external (shoplifting by customers) and internal (staff) theft to ensure your shop stays safe, profitable, and secure for everyone. Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode: Inventory is Money: Every piece of stock represents your revenue and you need to be vigilant about protecting it. Do you have a handle on your inventory? Is your POS up to date? Do you have cameras in place and separation of duties among your employees? Safety First for You and Your Staff: Ensure your team feels safe by having clear protocols for dealing with shoplifters. Never confront them directly—safety is more important than merchandise. Empower staff to trust their instincts and call the police if something feels off. Prioritize their well-being in every situation - do not confront shoplifters, call the police and allow them to handle the situation. Best Practices for Loss Prevention: Engage customers as soon as they enter the shop and ensure visibility in all store areas. Use simple tools like mirrors, security cameras, and clear layouts to reduce theft. Foster a culture of awareness with your team, making sure they know you are paying attention. POS Systems and Inventory Management: Track inventory regularly, audit stock, and ensure employees are aware that it's being monitored. Separation of Duties: Rotate responsibilities for handling cash and inventory to avoid unchecked control. Loss prevention isn’t just about protecting your inventory—it’s about keeping yourself, your team, and your business safe. By implementing these strategies, you’ll reduce risk and ensure a secure environment for everyone. Catch the next episode for tips on end-of-month preparation! Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory into Cash! : Retailers: First Impressions Count! : Stacking Your Team with Guest Expert Shelli Warren About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    23 mins
  • 227. Improve Customer Loyalty and Become Referable with Katrina Scarlett

    227. Improve Customer Loyalty and Become Referable with Katrina Scarlett
    Sep 16 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Do you feel like you are always looking for new customers? Did you know that it is less expensive to keep your customers coming back than it is to market to new ones? In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sitting down with Katrina Scarlett of Scarlett & Co. to chat about how independent retailers can elevate their in-store experience through a hospitality-driven approach and focus on customer retention. Katrina is a customer experience expert whose company specializes in helping clients improve retention, satisfaction, and monetization efforts to make a bigger impact. While she works now mostly with authors and coaches, her experience and approach are perfect for retail. I am so inspired by her work and am excited to share this conversation with you. Let’s dive in! Here are some of the highlights and major touchpoints of our chat: Customer Retention as a Key Strategy: Katrina emphasized that customer retention goes beyond repeat visits—it's about creating loyalty and fostering a referral network. Loyal customers not only return but also spread the word, helping retailers grow their business organically. The Five Pillars of Customer Experience: Katrina’s framework focuses on five essential areas that retailers should prioritize and with this framework, can set up actual operational guidelines for their staff and business. Culture: A customer-centric culture should start from the top and flow throughout the entire team. Service: Retailers should focus on delivering more than just basic customer service—serving with intention and heart is essential. Offers: Product mixes should cater to customers’ needs and desires, not just the store owner's preferences. Operations: Streamlining processes and systems makes shopping easier and frictionless for customers. Journey: The customer journey includes every interaction and touch point, from first impressions online to in-store purchases and beyond. Adopting a Hospitality Mindset: Adopting a hospitality-first approach in retail is key. Treating customers like valued guests can make a significant impact on their experience and loyalty. Importance of Operations: Efficient operations, such as easy returns and smooth checkout processes, are vital for improving the overall customer experience. Katrina highlights that operational decisions should always consider both the business and the customer’s experience. Customer-Centric Focus: The success of a retail store is built on the satisfaction of its customers. Period. “Return to your heart of service.” -Katrina Scarlett Listen to the full episode to hear more ideas, the why and how to’s. You will gain actionable insights into how to improve your retail shop’s customer experience, build stronger loyalty, and create a hospitality-driven retail culture! About Katrina and Scarlett & Co. Katrina Scarlett is the founder and driving force behind Scarlett & Co., a company that specializes in helping authors and coaches improve their client retention, satisfaction and monetization efforts so they can increase their profits and expand their impact. You can follow along with Katrina and Scarlett & Co. here: | | | Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Wow and Delight Your Customers and Keep Them Coming Back : How to Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Author Shep Hyken : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : Coffee Break Chat: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will ...
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    33 mins
Leadership Management Economics
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