In the last episode, Kathy talked about how to reset your office, desk, or cash wrap so it actually supports how you run your business. In this follow-up, she shares some of the tools and products that helped her bring that reset to life.

This isn't about buying more stuff or creating complicated organizing systems. It's about how the right tools can support the decisions you've already made and make your workspace easier to use day to day.

Kathy walks through a few of the upgrades that made the biggest difference in her own office and explains how to think about choosing tools that reduce friction instead of adding more to manage.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to choose tools that actually support your workflow

• Why comfort and layout matter more than perfect organization

• How small upgrades can make your workspace easier to use

• What to think about before buying organizing products

If you haven't listened to Episode 270 yet, start there to learn the decision process behind resetting your workspace.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode271

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

If you have a desk, office, or cash wrap area in your store that you keep avoiding, this episode is for you.

Sometimes a space isn't messy, it's just no longer aligned with how you actually run your business. Over time, things accumulate, furniture no longer fits your workflow, and what once worked starts to create friction without you realizing it.

In this episode, Kathy shares what she learned while resetting her own office after realizing it had slowly become bloated and inefficient over the years. She walks through the practical process she followed, what surprised her along the way, and how this same approach can apply to any decision space in your store.

This isn't about buying bins or creating perfect systems. It's about making clear decisions so the spaces where you think, plan, and run your business actually support you.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to recognize when a workspace is creating hidden friction

• Why "organized enough" can keep you stuck longer than you think

• A simple way to approach resetting your office, desk, or admin space

• How to make stronger decisions about what stays and what goes

If you've been putting off tackling your office or workspace, this episode will help you approach it with more clarity and confidence.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a retail business friend or leave a rating and review.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode270

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

As the holiday rush approaches, your team's energy can make or break the customer experience. In this episode, Kathy shares what she noticed during her travels in 2025—how disengagement shows up in stores—and why connection matters more than ever in Q4. Learn what real engagement looks like, why it drives sales, and how to model it as the leader. Plus, a quick discussion on whether "secret shoppers" help or hurt team morale.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode261 

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

Exciting news: the 2023-2024 Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner is now available! I am thrilled to share what I believe to be the BEST planner for independent retail store owners with you. 

The planner has a new look, new worksheets, and new bonuses to help you work less, profit more, and grow. Listen in to hear what's new with this year's version of the planner, how the planner can help you and your retail business, and where you can snag your copy of the planner before the incredible early-bird bonuses expire.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode179.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

Visit the Savvy Shopkeeper website and click on "Credit Card Reform" in my main menu or click HERE to complete the Voter Voice form. 

I recently traveled to Washington DC to advocate for credit card reform on behalf of the Savvy Shopkeeper community and here's why...

Visa and Mastercard dominate the U.S. credit card market. They account for 80 % of all credit card volume and have blocked competing networks that offer lower fees and better security from  processing transactions made on their cards. This lack of competition has caused credit card swipe fees to rise year after year. And since they are a percentage of the transaction cost, they increase with every cent of inflation. 

A bipartisan bill in Congress can help fix this broken and unfair system. The Credit Card Competition Act makes important reforms to require that there be at least two competing processing networks enabled on each card. One could still be Visa or Mastercard but the other would have to be an unaffiliated independent network like NYCE, Star or Shazam, or even American Express or Discover. These reforms have the potential to save American businesses and consumers an estimated $15 billion per year.

Contact Congress today and tell lawmakers to co-sponsor the Credit Card Competition Act now.

Visit the Savvy Shopkeeper website and click on "Credit Card Reform" in my main menu or click HERE to complete the Voter Voice form. 

The 2023-2024 Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner is launching soon! That means it's the perfect time to revisit the five things I wish I'd known about planning for my retail business early on.

When your store is brand new (or still just a dream!), it's challenging to think about the future because you're focused on the now.

During my Aspiring Retailer and Savvy Starter stages, knowing how to plan would have been incredibly helpful. And now that I've learned about planning, it's a key part of my journey as a shopkeeper!

Listen in to the five things indie retailers aren't taught—but should know!—about planning.

For show notes, including links to the resources mentioned in the episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode178.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

I can't tell you how many times I've said, "just grab a good old pen and paper" on the podcast. Not only am I a fan of getting things out of my head, but I'm also a fan of writing things down so I don't forget them.

But after five years of paper piling up on my desk, I was beyond frustrated. I never felt I could find what I was looking for, and my notes overwhelmed me! So in 2022, I switched from paper to digital note-taking, and it's been revolutionary. 

The latest version of the Savvy Shopkeeper Digital Planner launching soon, and I want to make sure we're all on the same (digital) page about why moving from pen and paper to stylus and tablet is so helpful for busy indie retailers. 

Listen in for the 2023 update on how digital note taking is working for me AND a replay of episode 138, where I shared six reasons you should make the switch from paper to digital notes.

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode177.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

As I looked back at all of the content I've written, recorded, and shared with store owners, I realized I've covered how to destock your store more than nearly any other topic! There are at least three episodes of this podcast and a few blog posts that address destocking your store in one way or another.

In today's episode, I'm excited to share a new option for destocking your store: The Destash Group for Retail Store Owners Hosted by Savvy Shopkeeper! Listen in to learn what this group can do for you and how to join.

For show notes, including links to anything I've mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode176.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper)

"Growing" and "scaling" are so often used interchangeably, especially in business contexts. I've always wanted to know what these words truly meant, so I read countless articles about the definition of growing versus scaling a retail store. Ultimately, I still felt confused and was left without a clear answer. 

Attendees at my Virtual Conference asked about the difference between growing and scaling on the first day of our weekend together, and I'm so thankful they did. It gave me the motivation I needed to finally determine the answer to this question—both for myself and for all of you! 

I dug deep, did some more reading and research, and finally had an a-ha moment. Listen in to learn what the true definitions of growing and scaling are, how they apply to indie retail businesses, and what your goals should look like based on these terms.

For show notes, including links to anything I've mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode175. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Alex Sanso first found her love of souvenirs, gifts, and merchandise at the happiest place on Earth: Walt Disney World. She spent several years working in the creative department as a merchandise designer before moving to a small island in Washington State with her family. 

Right off the bat, Alex noticed that Bainbridge Island was home to a plethora of beautiful gift shops—but there wasn't much merchandise that focused on Bainbridge itself. 

With Seattle day trippers, Alaskan cruisers, and other tourists visiting Bainbridge Island on a daily basis, Alex knew that souvenirs to mark these special visits would sell well. That kicked off her journey towards opening Island Life Artisan Gifts. 

Listen in to learn how Alex eventually opened her shop, why souvenirs are so special to her and her customers, and how joining Master Shopkeepers has changed her perspective as a newer store owner. 

For show notes, including links to connect with Alex, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode174.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

One of the best ways for indie retailers to market their products on Facebook and Instagram is through shoppable social media posts. 

But Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, has recently announced a change to how these posts function—and it's definitely going to affect both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce store owners. 

Listen in for a quick review of the basics of shoppable social media posts. Then, we'll dive into this change and how it will impact your retail business going forward.

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode173.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

As an indie retail business owner offering services and running your retail store, you might struggle with pricing your worth—especially if you're lacking the confidence to acknowledge that your time, energy, and effort is valuable. 

Not only does setting the right price help you make a profit, but it also communicates your value to your current and potential customers. In today's episode, I'm sharing how you can effectively price your worth, attract committed clients, and create a more sustainable business environment for everyone.

Listen in to hear my personal pricing journey and the top reasons you should be pricing your worth for any services you offer. For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode172.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

After graduating from law school, finding a traditional 9-5 position, and hating it, Nicole Swartz decided to forge her own path as an entrepreneur by starting a beauty brand. Two years in, she received a cease and desist letter for her brand's name and had to change everything overnight. 

She realized that she'd forgotten to focus on the legal side of things—and after checking in with her women entrepreneur friends, she discovered that they were also neglecting to protect their retail brands.

Now, Nicole runs Sprout Law, specializing in trademarking brand names, logos, slogans, and other assets for women-owned brands. 

In this special episode of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, Kathy and Nicole discuss what it takes to trademark a retail business name, the upfront and ongoing costs of doing so, and how retailers can legally protect themselves.

For show notes visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode171

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Are Small Business Saturday discounts really worth it? In this episode, I'm breaking down when discounts make sense, when they don't, and smarter ways to attract shoppers without giving away your profit.

You'll hear real examples from my own store and other indie retailers, plus advanced strategies for seasoned shop owners—like using data from past years, segmenting customers, and streamlining operations for your busiest day of the season.

If you're planning your Small Business Saturday strategy, this episode will help you protect your margins and make the day more profitable, intentional, and fun.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode260 

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing 10 things I learned from hosting the 2023 Savvy Shopkeeper Virtual Conference. 

This is the first Virtual Conference I hosted and it most likely won't be the last! I learned a lot about myself and a lot about all of you. 

This is an unedited, casual conversation with all of you - I hope you enjoy this episode!

Have anything to share about this episode or the Virtual Conference?  DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyshopkeeper/

When faced with a business-impacting decision, we usually turn to our trusty friend Google first. But there are some questions that even Google can't answer—especially when it comes to the intricacies of the technology that runs our stores. 

If you've been considering the Shopify point-of-sale, though, I've got good news: I can connect you with an actual human to answer all your questions! Listen in to learn how you can speak with a Shopify representative and ask all of your questions about using Shopify for YOUR business.

Be sure to visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode170 to fill out the form and be connected to a Shopify rep! 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

It's all too common for retailers at every stage to feel confused, frustrated, and disheartened—especially when it comes to how much they can pay themselves. 

But most retailers don't realize that their success, growth, and take-home pay come down to a single shocking metric! Listen in to learn what this key metric is, how it's calculated, and what you can do to improve your bottom line.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode169.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

When a new store or competitor pops up, many independent retailers feel a sense of not being enough, tension, anxiety, annoyance, and fear—lots and lots of fear. But competition in retail is a GOOD thing! 

In today's episode, I'm sharing a case study for what happens when we believe that competition in retail is positive—and how that belief can help us improve our stores. If you've ever been worried about the store next door, you'll want to listen in.

For show notes, including links to anything I've mentioned in the episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode168.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Do you ever find yourself checking your email inbox over and over again throughout the day? It's so common among entrepreneurs, especially when we have customer service questions, discussions with employees/vendors/contractors, and other critical information delivered to us via email.

If you're opening or refreshing your email more often than you'd like, it might be time to consider breaking the habit! In this episode, I'll share how constantly checking our inboxes affects our brains and what I'm doing to break my email-checking addiction.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode167.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

On a recent trip to Miami, my family and I took an incredible Uber ride—and learned some surprising business lessons from our driver, Luis! 

Listen in to learn the three key things every business owner should focus on and what we should never underestimate when running a business.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode166.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Choosing a point-of-sale (POS) system is one of the first and most impactful decisions that an indie retailer makes. Your POS software and hardware are how you collect payment for the goods you offer in your store, and in some cases, they're also the tech supporting your e-commerce website!

If you're debating between Square versus Shopify for your brick-and-mortar store, listen to this episode so you can make an informed decision that works best for your retail business.

For show notes, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode165. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

In this episode, we're going to talk about something that isn't always pleasant, but that we have to tackle: why independent retail stores fail. 

From stubborn and arrogant owners to poor financial management and lack of systems, we'll explore how these factors can lead to the downfall of a retail business. We'll also touch on the importance of mindset and treating your store like a job, not a jobby. 

If you're an indie retailer who wants their business to succeed, this episode is a must-listen!

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode164. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

We'd all love to automate more tasks in our retail businesses, especially when there's so much for us to do each day! 

Well there's a new type of software on the scene that some retailers are finding helpful for writing-related tasks. It's artificial intelligence software, particularly chat textbots like ChatGPT. 

You've probably heard the buzz around these softwares, but do you know how to use them in your retail business yet? Listen in to learn what AI software is, how you can use it in your retail business, and what the future holds as artificial intelligence continues to develop.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode163. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Tickets to the 2023 Savvy Shopkeeper Virtual Conference, "Plant Seeds For Retail Growth" are now available!

2-Day Event: Sunday, May 21, 2023 and Monday, May 22, 2023; 11am - 6pm EST
Momentum Day: Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Listen to this episode to learn all about this year's Virtual Conference.

Click here to see the full itinerary, ticket options, and a FAQ section to help answer some common questions: https://savvyshopkeeper.com/virtual-conference

This is Part 2 of a special 2-part series on competition and product overlap in indie retail. Once you've processed the emotions behind a "copycat" moment, what comes next? 

In this episode, I walk you through my CLEAR framework for grounding yourself, then share three common paths store owners take when a competitor feels too close for comfort: focusing inward, protecting their turf, or collaborating with caution. 

You'll hear the benefits and trade-offs of each, my personal stance, and a mic-drop truth I've learned after years of studying independent retailers.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode259 

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

It's the first anniversary of the Savvy Shopkeeper Quiz! In that time, nearly a thousand brick-and-mortar store owners have taken the quiz. 

The quiz helps retailers identify what stage of their shopkeeping journey they're in AND gives them a comprehensive roadmap of resources to help them work less, profit more, and grow. 

Listen in to hear the backstory behind why I created this tool, what it's taught me about indie retailers, and specific insights from each stage of the shopkeeping journey.

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode162.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Hitting a slow season in retail can be disheartening, especially for indie retailers. It's easy to get discouraged when sales are down!

But instead of focusing on the lack of sales, let's consider how to make the most of your slow season—and what you can do to profit during it. 

Listen in to learn the greatest gift of a slow season, what you shouldn't focus on, and what you absolutely should do to make the most of a slow season in your business.

For show notes, including links to anything I've mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode161.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

The people you surround yourself with constantly influence everything you do, from the clothing you wear to how you run your business to what beliefs you hold! 

And while you can counteract some of this subconscious conditioning with your thoughts, it's hard to do that if you don't recognize the types of people you surround yourself with in the first place. 

In today's episode, I'm sharing a bit of my backstory, the limiting beliefs I've overcome, and how changing the types of people I surround myself with has made a world of difference in my life.

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode160.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

In Q4 of 2022, I found myself reverting to old thought patterns, adding more onto my already full plate, and finally driving myself to burnt-out exhaustion. It was a very tough season that anyone could find themselves in. 

In today's episode, I'm sharing my experience with the river of misery, the thoughts that were keeping me there, and the four ways that I was able to get to the other side of burnout. 

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode159. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

After several years of attending AmericasMart in Atlanta, I was thrilled to attend a new-to-me wholesale market: Las Vegas Market! 

We had so much fun seeing how Las Vegas Market compares to AmericasMart, connecting with vendors, and meeting up with members of Master Shopkeepers. 

Listen in to hear what I learned at Las Vegas Market and how this market experience stacked up against our tried and true favorite in Atlanta.

For show notes, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode158.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

In this bonus episode of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast I'm sharing some Savvy Shopkeeper updates and making an announcement!

• Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/savvyshopkeeper/
• Learn more about The CoLab Events here: https://thecolabevents.com/
• If you want to learn more about Master Shopkeepers or apply to join, click here: https://savvyshopkeeper.com/groupmembership
• If you want to get on the waitlist for the first Savvy Shopkeeper Virtual Conference, click here: https://savvyshopkeeper.com/waitlist

I'll be back with regular episodes next week where I'll share my takeaways from the Las Vegas Market.

Master Shopkeeper Stories are back! The first of the series is Anne, a Master Shopkeeper member.

Anne was set to take over her father's consulting business when he retired. But another idea nagged at her: opening, running, and scaling a retail store. 

Anne's dream took off quickly, with her first location turning a profit in her second year of business and her second location opening soon after. While growing Peachtree Street, Anne continued parenting her three children on her own. 

Listen in to learn more about Anne's journey, how she balances single parenthood with shopkeeping, and how Master Shopkeepers has supported her through it all. 

For show notes, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode157. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Joining a business mastermind is both rewarding and intimidating, especially if you've never participated in one before! 

If you're considering joining a business mastermind, then this episode is where you should start. Listen in to learn why masterminds are so valuable, the six things you should consider before joining, and why Master Shopkeepers is the best group coaching option for independent brick-and-mortar store owners.

For show notes, including links to anything I've mentioned in this episode, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode156. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

You've probably heard the term SEO before, but understanding what it means, why it's essential, and how to implement it can be challenging! 

In today's episode, I'm sharing how you can get more potential customers to visit your retail store's website with six simple yet powerful search engine optimization fields. 

For show notes, including links to the SEO tools mentioned in this episode, visit https://savvyshopkeeper.com/episode155.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Every January, I'm excited to visit AmericasMart in Atlanta. Their annual market week is when we put in our orders for lots of the merchandise we carry in our store. It's also an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our vendors, discover up-and-coming brands, and meet retailers from around the country. 

I always learn something new at AmericasMart, and today, I'm sharing my takeaways with you! Listen in to learn how the pandemic has affected the market, what prep work I do to get ready, and how to best navigate this massive trade center. 

For show notes, including links to any resources I've mentioned, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode154.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

This is Part 1 of a special 2-part series on one of the most common and heated topics in indie retail: competition and product overlap.

If you've ever walked into another store and seen your best-selling product on their shelves, you know the mix of frustration and fear it can trigger.

In this episode, I break down why product overlap happens in retail, why it feels so personal, and what it really means for your business. We'll look at the emotions behind these moments, the realities of supply and demand, and why processing your reaction first is key to making better long-term decisions.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode258 

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

There's a question that keeps lots of shopkeepers up at night: "How am I making money, but not making any money?!" 

They have revenue coming into their business, but they're still unable to turn a profit or pay themselves. Unfortunately, that question will continue to keep them tossing and turning without a clear understanding of their numbers.

In today's episode, I'm sharing how you can get that crystal clear understanding of where your business stands—along with personalized coaching from yours truly! 

Listen in to hear about one of my best, simple tools for indie retailers, the Retail Profit Pie, and how you can get yours made FOR you through January 21, 2023. 

For show notes, including the link to get your personalized Retail Profit Pie, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode153. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

If you dream of being your own boss and are still working in a full-time career, this episode is for you! 

In fact, this episode was inspired by two of our Master Shopkeepers members, Kate and Kristin. They're both working in full-time careers and are store owners. They recently asked me a series of questions about how I took the leap from full-time, steady-paycheck-employee to going all-in on entrepreneurship. 

Listen in to learn how I managed a full-time career while shopkeeping and building a family, what I needed before quitting my career, and what I wish I had done differently along the way. 

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode152.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

One of the most important steps in opening a retail business is signing your lease. 

In today's episode, I'm sharing ten tips about brick-and-mortar leases. Listen in to learn why you NEED a lease, a few helpful clauses/terms to look for, and who should sign your lease with you depending on where you live. 

Whether it's your first time signing a commercial lease for a brick-and-mortar space or your lease is coming up for renewal, these ten tips will help you navigate this tricky process. 

For show notes, including any resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode151.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

So many retail business owners open stores for flexibility and freedom, but all too often, that gets replaced with the hustle and grind. Our businesses tend to consume our whole lives, which makes us feel out of alignment. 

In today's episode, I'm sharing my favorite quick exercise for evaluating what I'm doing well, what I could improve on, and what I want to accomplish in the six key areas of my life. Listen to learn how to do this exercise yourself and get a free worksheet to guide you!

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in today's episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode150.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

When it comes to making decisions, it's all too easy to get bogged down by mental drama. That's why it is so helpful for your mental health as a business owner to LEAN ON DATA.

In today's episode, I'm sharing five examples of decisions that are easier to make with data AND how data-driven decisions can significantly lighten your mental load. Listen in to learn about this powerful concept!

For show notes, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode149. 

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

When I think back to BEFORE I opened my retail store, I remember the excitement, nervousness…and a person who truly had no idea what they were doing! I didn't know what I didn't know, and I had NO idea how much would be involved with opening. 

I was okay with not knowing. But goodness, I would have appreciated some form of guidance or a list to check off through it all!

In today's episode, I'm sharing one of my best resources with you: my Checklist for Opening a Brick and Mortar Store. Listen to this quick episode to learn what the checklist covers, who it's for, and how it can help you with your first (or second, or third!) retail store opening. 

For show notes, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode148.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

After months of deliberating, considering, and evaluating, I recently made the hard decision to close the Shopkeeper's Lab and focus exclusively on Master Shopkeepers.

In today's episode, I'm sharing some of the GOOD that can come from a tough decision. Because as much as I work on my mindset,  I never want to act like I have "perfected" doing hard things or that I don't feel any emotion in my businesses.

Listen in to learn why I came to this decision, how group members reacted, and all of the positives I've learned through this process.

For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit savvyshopkeeper.com/episode147.

Full show notes for this episode are coming soon!

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Full show notes for this episode are coming soon!

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Full show notes for this episode are coming soon!

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Full show notes for this episode are coming soon!

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

In this episode, I'm opening up about something personal—and still unfolding. For years, I've suspected I might have ADHD. I usually wait until I've got everything figured out before I share, but this time I'm bringing you with me in real-time.

If you've ever wondered whether your brain works a little differently—if you've struggled with focus, follow-through, forgetfulness, or feeling scattered—this episode might hit home.

I'll explain why I'm finally getting tested, what common ADHD symptoms look like (especially in women), and why so many of us feel dismissed when we try to talk about it. I'm not a doctor—but after 51 years and a lot of patterns I can't ignore, I'm ready to get answers. Let's talk about it.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode257 

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

Full show notes for this episode are coming soon!

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Earlier this year, I launched the Savvy Shopkeeper Quiz. After taking the quiz, you'll know what stage of your shopkeeping journey you're in and get a few free resources hand-picked with shopkeepers like you in mind. It's beneficial for shopkeepers to understand WHERE they are on their journey, and the quiz gives shopkeepers that clarity! 

In today's episode, I'm diving deep into the fifth stage of the shopkeeping journey: the Retail CEO stage. Listen in to learn what makes Retail CEOs unique and the ten characteristics that best describe shopkeepers at this stage.

For show notes, including any resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://savvyshopkeeper.com/episode142.

For show notes, including links to the resources mentioned throughout this episode, visit https://savvyshopkeeper.com/episode141.

Learn more about Kathy Cruz and Savvy Shopkeeper at Savvy Shopkeeper

Follow Kathy on Instagram (@savvyshopkeeper) 

Thank you for listening, subscribing, and telling me how helpful this podcast is to YOU and your business!

I'm celebrating this milestone by doing something I've never done before. Taking a break!

I'll be back in November with new episodes. 

Listen to this shortie episode to find out why and how I'll be celebrating during my break. 

Want to stay in touch? Sign up for newsletter on the home page of my website: https://savvyshopkeeper.com/ and follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyshopkeeper/

Have a great October!