Planning isn’t just for staying organized—it’s how you lead. In this episode, I help you step into your CEO role with strategic tools, reflection practices, and mindset shifts. You'll learn how to use your planner to make high-level decisions, reduce friction, and finally feel in control—even as a team of one. 👉 Website & Mastermind Group: savvysho…

Want to stop scrambling and start executing with ease? This episode covers how smart store owners plan their promotions, inventory, and events before the chaos hits. I break down the retail systems built into the Savvy Shopkeeper Planner so you can run your shop like a well-oiled machine. 👉 Website & Mastermind Group: savvyshopkeeper.com 📲 Instagra…

Tired of work creeping into every open space? In this episode, I share how planning your life before your to-do list can reduce burnout, increase clarity, and help you run your business on your terms. Learn how to reverse engineer your week, make space for joy, and use your planner to lighten your mental load—not add to it. 👉 Website & Mastermind G…

In this episode, I’m diving into a concept that’s shifted the way I make decisions in my business—and how quickly I take action: The Speed Bar. If fear, overthinking, or “what if” spirals tend to keep you stuck, this one’s for you. I’ll share what the speed bar is, how mine has evolved over the years, and why increasing yours can completely change …

In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from paying myself minimum wage to setting—and hitting—a real CEO-level salary. If you’re a store owner who wants to make more and work smarter, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through how to set a salary goal, calculate the revenue needed to support it, and start delegating tasks so you can focus on growin…

In this bonus episode, I’m introducing Retail Reset—a brand new Zoom workshop for store owners who feel like their business is being held together by duct tape and guesswork. This is not about analyzing reports or digging into deep financials. Retail Reset is the class for store owners who feel behind on the business side of things—and are ready to…

One of my favorite parts of hosting a yearly conference for retail store owners is sharing the tools I use (and love) to market, support, and get insight into my brick-and-mortar store. These tools can seriously support and streamline your retail business—and they made great door prizes as sponsors at this year’s conference—but here’s a little more…

When economic uncertainty rises, consumers don’t just “spend less,” they fundamentally change how they make decisions. Research shows that during periods of instability, people shift from “promotion-focused” thinking (seeking gains and opportunities) to “prevention-focused” thinking—avoiding losses and protecting what they have. Your customers aren…

In this bonus episode, Kathy shares heartfelt reflections and key takeaways from the Get Traffic Savvy Shopkeeper Conference in Cleveland. From Amanda Herring’s unforgettable Instagram session to the video memorial honoring April to Mamita’s surprise visit, this episode captures the magic, learning, and love that filled the room. Kathy also opens u…

If there’s something that every store owner wants to review or discuss, but the discomfort of the conversation is convincing you to avoid it, it’s your margins. With rising costs, inflation, and the constant pressure to keep your customers happy, this is one of the trickiest but most important things you need to dial in this year. So, if you’ve bee…

At first glance, extending store hours might seem like a simple decision. Just “stay open a little later, and customers will come,” right? But, not quite. A decision like this deserves a thoughtful approach, and that’s where a cost-benefit analysis can make all the difference. But, if you’re wondering why, this is for you. Here are five reasons why…

When you’re running a brick-and-mortar business, there’s a fear you probably didn’t expect to have, thanks to taxes: the fear of making more profit. Avoiding profit is not the best financial strategy, and it can actually hurt your business both short-term and long-term. While I’m going to share WHY this is, I want to also remind you to consult your…

One of the most common challenges brick-and-mortar store owners face is in their financial planning. From filtering through the advice that actually applies to you and juggling factors out of your control (like tariffs), it’s hard to find something that works. In today's episode, I’m sharing 6 common financial planning tips that work and how to tel…

I received an email that compelled me to address "the small business struggle." The struggles you face as a small business owner often follow what we like to think of as “patterns.” Pandemic, inflation, election years, seasonal slumps—these aren’t new challenges. They’ve happened before, and they’ll happen again regardless if the economy is booming…

You've got questions about the 2025 Savvy Shopkeeper Conference—I’ve got answers! In this bonus episode, I’m sharing all the juicy details: the finalized agenda, the workshop-style sessions, the incredible door prizes, what’s actually included in your ticket, and why this isn’t just another business event—it’s an experience designed to help you gro…

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 podc…

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, protec…

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 tr…

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 lin…

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…

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 yoursel…

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, dissappoi…

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…

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 sta…

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) requi…

Understanding the financial health of your retail business extends beyond just recognizing your profit. In this insightful episode, we're diving into the complexities of retail business finances and learning why being profitable doesn't always mean having a positive cash flow. We’re reviewing the three critical financial statements in an indie reta…

If you’ve ever faced a cash flow struggle, you know how much stress it can cause you. But before you address the issue, you need to identify the root cause. Are you truly dealing with insufficient income, financial mismanagement, or operational inefficiencies? Or are you experiencing seasonal cash flow crunches that are common in the retail world? …

As retail business owners, revenue is often top of mind. But revenue alone doesn’t give us the complete picture of your store's financial health! That’s why we’re uncovering the intricacies of cash flow in a new three-part series. Listen in to learn the critical components of cash flow and how managing cash flow effectively protects your indie reta…

Running a business is already challenging, but dealing with the symptoms of perimenopause while running a business has made the last two years incredibly difficult. That’s why I’m sharing the ugly truth about perimenopause as an entrepreneur and how it affects not just our personal lives, but our businesses, too. In this episode, I’m opening up abo…

Originally, I planned to record a quick episode to talk about the upcoming Retail Email Bootcamp and let you know that the calendars in the Savvy Shopkeeper planners start now. However, I first want to acknowledge the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The images and stories com…

Ceri Otero didn’t dream of being a shopkeeper as a kid. But when she decided to open a specialty olive oil and vinegar shop in Carthage, Missouri, it felt like all the threads of her life were coming together. From selling Avon in 8th grade to a stint as a corporate HR representative to merchandising for Hallmark, each of Ceri’s previous jobs had p…

Customers love visiting indie retail stores and discovering new items, and many indie shopkeepers revel in curating fresh finds for their stores. The part that isn’t enjoyable? Adding new items to your inventory system—especially if your inventory entry process is manual. Whether you're managing hundreds of new SKUs or reordering popular products, …

Jolene Forrester, owner of JoRetro in Havre de Grace, Maryland, has built a thriving legacy retail store with multiple streams of income. What started out in a small antique mall booth has grown into a 5000 square foot retail store with vintage treasures, niche retro-style products, a twice-annual Pyrex & Vintage Festival, and a thriving Airbnb apa…

If there’s one thing that nearly all indie retail store owners struggle with, it’s planning. And when we struggle with planning, using a planner is next to impossible! But our planner problems CAN be solved when we address the real culprit behind our planning struggles. Listen in to discover the real culprit behind your planning struggles. Plus, yo…

In today's bonus shortie episode I'm delving into the misconceptions surrounding business performance during turbulent times. I explore how the thoughts of business owners directly influence their feelings and, subsequently, their actions. Election years can indeed be a bumpy ride for small business owners, but it doesn't have to spell disaster for…

Elisa Vietri always dreamed of opening a retail shop for her ever-growing collection of vintage goods. So when she and a friend drove by an empty storefront in Cleveland, Ohio’s Little Italy neighborhood in 2014, she jumped at the opportunity. Now the proud owner of Moonstruck CLE, Elisa has ten years of experience selling vintage goods and connect…

As an independent retailer, finding the right trade shows to attend can make a significant difference in your buying strategy and overall business success. OffPrice Show in Las Vegas is a prominent event in the retail industry, but is it the right fit for your store? Listen in to learn more about OffPrice Show, discover what types of retailers will…

Have you ever looked around your retail store and thought, “wow, I could really use some advice on how to make this better?” That’s exactly what one retail store owner and Master Shopkeepers member did early last year. Luckily for Patty, a pseudonym gift shop owner from the Portland, OR area, I was giving away an in-store intensive. Through a mix o…

Did you know that up to 99% of the decisions we make are subconscious? Since our decisions drive our behaviors, it’s crucial that we learn to make more of our decisions consciously rather than subconsciously! In today’s episode, I’ve invited my coach, Neill Williams, to share the science behind entrepreneurial emotions. With a master’s in economics…

As your indie retail business grows, leading a team becomes a crucial part of your store owner responsibilities. And while being a leader may not come naturally, being a better leader is thankfully a skill that you can cultivate. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five essential skills you can quickly learn to be a better leader. You’ll be known f…

Let’s face it: being an indie retail store owner isn’t easy. There are shipments to bust, products to merchandise, backstock to organize, floats to reconcile, and tasks to delegate. Beyond the day-to-day operations, there are even more high-level tasks that eat at your time and brain power, like choosing what products to bring in and figuring out h…

For indie retail store owners who run vendor or consignment-style stores, there’s an extra layer of work on top of running a store: managing vendor relationships. Vendors at these stores normally rent a specific booth or section of the store to display their products. And while each vendor is in charge of managing their inventory, cleaning their ar…

Encouraging your customers to pay in cash is not only great for your business (buh-bye, credit card transaction fees!), but great for your community. Accepting cash diversifies payment options, keeps money out of banks’ deep pockets, and gives people without bank accounts access to goods and services. Cash is a win for small businesses and customer…

Have you ever decided to shop small, confirmed store’s hours online, driven over to the store…only to find a “sorry, we’re closed” sign hanging on the door? That frustration you’ve felt in that moment is NOT what you want to give to your customers in case of a temporary store closing! Communicating with your customers about a store closing, whether…

With Q1 of 2024 behind us, it feels like a good time to share some impromptu Savvy Shopkeeper updates. There have been a lot of changes within my business and personal life, and I’m excited to share them with you! Listen in to hear about leaving my retail store behind, finishing my coaching certification, an in-person event you’ll want to save the …

Posting on Instagram can feel exhausting and overwhelming, especially as a retail store owner with a million other things on your plate. That’s why I’m sharing a metric for you to track that can make your social media efforts feel worth it—and that no one else is talking about! Listen in to learn about this hidden metric, plus get a brand-new free …

Between an upcoming leadership month in Master Shopkeepers and wanting to share how I’m learning to lead the Savvy Shopkeeper team, leadership has been top of mind for me. That’s why I was so excited to chat with Shelli Warren, the founder of Stacking Your Team. After a 25-year stint at Proctor & Gamble, Shelli ventured into leadership coaching for…

From plugging your retail profit leaks to scaling your indie retail business, this year’s Savvy Shopkeeper survey covered a bit of everything. I’m excited to share the results with you, especially because it might show you what’s possible for your store. I’m also sharing how you can attend my upcoming masterclass, Stop The Drip. In this two-hour cl…

If you’re an Aspiring Shopkeeper, figuring out how and where to buy wholesale inventory is a crucial step towards opening your store’s doors. Luckily, there’s a program that makes it super easy to curate, order, and buy inventory for a retail store: Open With Faire. Built by one of the most reliable online wholesale platforms around, Open With Fair…

As indie retail store owners, it’s all too easy to focus on the negative. We’re always thinking about which stores are closing, what’s to blame for industry-wide difficulties, and how each new hurdle might lead to our store failing. And while our glass-half-empty view isn’t surprising (we’re only human, after all!), we can and SHOULD try to change …