243. Tariff Solutions for Independent Retail: Creative Strategies to Reduce Costs and Stay Competitive

Hiring can feel daunting, no matter what stage of business ownership you’re in, especially when you’re managing so much already. You’re worried about trusting someone else with your business, so it’s no wonder the idea of bringing another person, even an employee, causes so much stress. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this podcast episode, you’ll feel more informed, confident and ready to tackle hiring your retail employees head-on. Or, at least, more prepared. Listen to episode 244 where I share eight hiring tips for indie retail business owners that they need to know. Visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode244 for the show notes to this episode. 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 & Mastermind Group:  Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper 

I’m going to be honest with you, I can’t summarize the tariffs situation for you—too much is happening at once and you never know when it’ll change again. That said, what I can do is share solutions and strategies to navigate these tariffs as an indie retailer. With creativity, strategy, and a proactive approach, you can minimize disruption, protect your profit margins, and even uncover new opportunities.  In this episode, we’re going to cover both traditional and out-of-the-box tariff solutions independent retailers can use to navigate the increased tariffs with confidence. For show notes and resources mentioned in this episode visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode243. 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 & Mastermind Group:  Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper 

Have you said “no” to something that could have been a game-changer for your business? If so, it’s not too late to revisit it—or to say “yes” to the next opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, I go over mindset traps such as fear of change, imposter syndrome, skepticism, and how to overcome these mindset traps. If any of these mindset traps pull at your strings visit my blog at www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode242 for show notes and resources. 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 & Mastermind Group:  Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper 

Discover how one shop owner turned a surprise visit and a one-hour coaching call into a 50% increase in retail sales! In Episode 241 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, Kathy Cruz shares insights, tips, and lessons from this inspiring success story. Learn how strategic action, even with a low AOV, can drive growth. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode240. 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 & Mastermind Group:  Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper 

Savvy Shopkeeper Get Traffic Conference Sunday & Monday, May 18-19, 2025 Venue: Biographie, Lakewood Ohio (west of Cleveland) Join us for a 2-day, high-impact conference designed exclusively for independent retailers. With a limited number of seats, this event cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable workshops that will transform both your foot traffic and e-commerce strategies. Expect intimate, hands-on sessions led by industry experts, powerful networking opportunities, and life-changing insights to grow your business with confidence and clarity. Get ready for real transformation that drives results. Ticket sales are live!  https://savvyshopkeeper.com/conference/    

Mark your calendars for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market The Faire Wholesale Winter Market 2025 is scheduled for January 22–24, with early access for Faire Insiders beginning on January 21. Traveling to market might not make sense for you this year. That’s why I’m here with some tips for creating an impactful and fun virtual buying-day for yourself. Consider strategically dedicating a FULL day to Faire’s Winter Market instead. Join the Faire Wholesale Winter Market and maximize your buying this season.   If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow shopkeeper who could benefit from this idea, too *Some of the links or codes I share are affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you make a purchase after using them—at no extra cost to you. I recommend these products because I genuinely believe they’re helpful for shopkeepers, not because of the commission I might earn. Please only purchase items if you feel they’re truly useful and will help you reach your goals.   Timestamps [00:01:37] Listener Shoutout to Katie at Affordable Treasures [00:02:33] The Benefits of Wholesale Buying In-Person [00:03:57] The Costs of Wholesale Buying In-Person [00:04:45] Why a buying trip might not make sense for a store owner [00:06:31] Maximize Buying with the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:09:20] The Costs of Wholesale Buying at the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:11:20] Tips on Attending an In-Person Market [00:12:19] How to Have an Impactful Virtual Buying Day at the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:12:28] 3 Ways to Make Shopping the Faire Wholesale Winter Market a Fun and Productive Day [00:15:25] Preparing a Buying Strategy for the Faire Wholesale Winter Market [00:17:25] How to Find the Right Vendors at Faire’s Wholesale Winter Market [00:18:42] Why the Faire Wholesale Winter Market is a Gamechanger for Independent Retailers   For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode240. 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: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

We’re kicking off 2025 with part two of this interview series hosted by member of Master Shopkeeper Member Ceri Otero. Tune in to hear how I'm embracing the New Year with 8 lessons from my past. In case you missed last week's episode: All About Kathy Cruz: A Vulnerable Interview PART 1, tune in to hear topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset.   Timestamps [00:01:26] What's something you thought you weren't any good at professionally that has turned out to either be no big deal or you found ways to work around it? [00:04:53] The one thought that guides Kathy Cruz in any moment [00:06:16] A Master Shopkeeper Testimonial from Ceri Otero [00:06:49] Lesson 1: How Kathy untangles her personal worth from her business performance [00:10:13] Lesson 2: When Kathy Cruz knew she had something magical with the Savvy Shopkeeper Community [00:12:00] Lesson 3: Why Kathy can do hard things [00:12:55] Lesson 4: Kathy Cruz’s New Life Mantra [00:14:51] Lesson 5: When do you get angry in your business? What pushes Kathy Cruz's buttons? [00:20:29] Lesson 6: Why Kathy believes: "Being a broken record is the best gift that I can give." [00:22:00] Lesson 7: What Kathy Cruz has learned from YOU, her listeners and community [00:23:38] Lesson 8: What Kathy is proudest of over these last 8 years [00:25:34] Kathy Cruz’s Secret Projects Launching in 2025   For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode239. 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: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

To kick off 2025, Ceri Otero, a Master Shopkeeper member and former radio personality (cool, right?), asked if she could interview ME, Kathy Cruz. After episode #231, she decided to flip the script and gather questions from the community for this vulnerable conversation. In part 1 of this episode, we talk through topics like inclusivity, resilience, dissappointments and mindset. Tune in next week for part 2 of this Kathy Cruz interview where I reflect on my business journey as we step into the new year. Timestamps [00:08:02] Why inclusivity is extremely important to Kathy in her work [00:08:39] Why being a detective makes for a great coach and strategist [00:11:18] Two key activities that helped Kathy Cruz step into her Zone of Genius [00:16:25] How Kathy Cruz handles disappointments [00:19:37] How Kathy Cruz has learned to enjoy the journey over the accomplishment [00:21:04] How Kathy Cruz defines success [00:22:32] How Kathy Cruz sets boundaries   For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode238. 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: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

As independent retail store owners, we’re well-versed in the challenges we face, especially as the retail industry, the economy, and the world continuously shift. So what upcoming trends can help us not just survive but thrive in 2025?  In this episode, we’re diving deep into the future of retail, specifically focusing on how indie retailers can stand out by embracing emerging trends. From curation over stock volume to hyper-personalization via omnichannel retail and embracing AI tools for efficiency, we’re looking at a variety of  strategies that can elevate your retail business in 2025.  But it's not just about the trends—it's about making them work for you! Whether you're looking to enhance your customer experience or explore new revenue streams like subscription models, there's a 2025 retail trend that you should embrace to meet your business goals. For show notes, including links to anything mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode237. 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: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

DISCLAIMER: This episode was originally scheduled to air on December 5, 2024, but legal developments and a busy week caused some last-minute delays. After months of postponing this topic due to ongoing legal uncertainties, I felt it was finally time to address the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) requirement—a regulation many small business owners may not even be aware of. However, just as this episode was set to publish, a U.S. District Court in Texas issued an injunction, putting the CTA on hold again. This legal limbo means the requirement could still go into effect in January 2025, but for now, we’re in a holding pattern. I’m sharing this episode to inform you about the potential impacts of the CTA on small businesses, with the understanding that its future is uncertain. Listen in to learn more, and stay tuned for updates as they unfold. Here are the show notes for the original episode I recorded. For show notes, including links to helpful resources and the filing guide, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode236.  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: Retail Business Coach For Brick & Mortar Store Owners • Savvy Shopkeeper Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers