Savvy Shopkeeper

Directions Website Contact the business

Savvy Shopkeeper I help Independent Retailers work smarter, profit more and grow their brick and mortar businesses.
(1)

10/17/2026

If your marketing plan requires a content team, four uninterrupted hours, and a version of you who never gets tired, it’s probably not going to happen.

Choose one or two marketing activities you can realistically repeat. Put them on the calendar before the week fills up with shipments, staffing issues, customer questions, and everything else that comes with running a store.

Consistency gets easier when the plan is built for your real business and your real life.



Your cash wrap is one of the hardest-working spots in your store, and it’s also where everything seems to land, right?! ...
10/16/2026

Your cash wrap is one of the hardest-working spots in your store, and it’s also where everything seems to land, right?!

An incoming order, paperwork you’ll handle later, extra bags, and a few products you’re hoping customers will notice can fill it up quickly.

Take a look from the customer’s side of the counter. Give them space to set down their purchases, make checkout products easy to shop, and give your team a setup they can maintain.

Start with ONE section then save this carousel for your next reset.

One of the best parts of speaking at events like h+h americas Craft Industry Alliance is meeting the shop owners who at...
10/16/2026

One of the best parts of speaking at events like h+h americas Craft Industry Alliance is meeting the shop owners who attend. I also love meeting the other presenters and learning more about the work they’re doing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany Hardin, a creator marketing expert, entrepreneur, and educator who helps creators build real businesses around their work. I loved the message on her shirt immediately.

Creative talent deserves more than likes and compliments. Creators need the knowledge, tools, and confidence to price their work, earn revenue, and operate like business owners.

I love that Tiffany is helping creators do exactly that. Give her a follow at Tiffany Hardin

Yesterday, I shared thoughts on the NYT article that shared about Kelly Clarkson's story through my lens as a retail bus...
10/15/2026

Yesterday, I shared thoughts on the NYT article that shared about Kelly Clarkson's story through my lens as a retail business coach, focusing on communication and the customer experience. Today, I want to revisit this graphic that I posted last November, because this side matters too.

You can feel hurt or disappointed by a shopping experience, and you have every right to share an honest account of it. But when emotions are running high, it’s worth pausing before making that experience public.

A call or email to the owner gives them an opportunity to listen, explain, apologize, or address something they may not even know happened. Their response can also help you decide what to do next.

Small business owners have a responsibility to their customers, and direct feedback gives them something specific to work with. As the holiday season approaches, consider giving that conversation a chance before sharing your frustration publicly.

This NYT story about Kelly Clarkson’s shopping experience landed in my email inbox today, and I can see why it brings up...
10/14/2026

This NYT story about Kelly Clarkson’s shopping experience landed in my email inbox today, and I can see why it brings up two strong reactions. Some people recognize the hurt of being judged as unable to afford something, while others feel fiercely protective of a small business facing criticism from someone with a massive audience.

I can easily head in a variety of ways with this post but I want to set those reactions aside for a moment and look at this through my lens as a retail business coach, with attention to how store owners train their teams and communicate with customers.

Offering something cheaper before a customer responds to the price can unintentionally suggest you’ve decided what they can afford.

Teach your team to:

- Explain the product, its price, and its availability clearly.
- Give the customer time to respond before suggesting alternatives.
- Let their stated needs and budget guide what you show them next.
- Be clear about what’s for sale and what isn’t. If you put a high price on something hoping nobody will pay it, you risk someone accepting that price. *Decide* whether you’re willing to sell it and label it accordingly.

I’m mentioning these lessons because I’ve seen them firsthand in small businesses. They’re worth talking through with your team, so everyone understands how to offer helpful guidance and give customers room to make their own buying decisions.

Even in the busiest of seasons, it's so important to step outside of our businesses to do things that matter to us and t...
10/13/2026

Even in the busiest of seasons, it's so important to step outside of our businesses to do things that matter to us and to the people we love.

Last week we took a quick roadtrip to Columbus, Ohio for a concert, we did our annual Halloween "haunted yard" tour with our niece Gigi, we went pumpkin and apple picking with family and I didn't bail on my golf lesson 😂.

Aside from business stuff, what fun things do you have planned this month?

Yes, now is the time to start planning January.It’s easy to put all your attention on the holiday season and tell yourse...
10/12/2026

Yes, now is the time to start planning January.

It’s easy to put all your attention on the holiday season and tell yourself you’ll think about the new year later. Then January arrives and suddenly it’s, “Oh crap, I don’t have a plan. I don’t have inventory for a store refresh. I haven’t mapped out my marketing.”

January planning doesn’t need to take over your holiday prep. Give yourself time now to set sales goals, plan your post-holiday inventory, and decide what customers will see when they walk into your store after the holiday displays come down.

The Savvy Shopkeeper 2027 Shop Planner was created specifically for brick-and-mortar store owners who need all of those moving pieces in one place.

Start planning before January becomes urgent. Choose the printed planner, digital planner, or the bundle at savvyshopkeeper.com/planner.

10/11/2026

Discomfort is information!

Before you push through it, take time to understand what it is telling you. You may need to make a decision, ask for support, pause, or set a boundary.

Bossing up means facing what is happening in your business *and* choosing your next step intentionally.

I've learned that "pushing through" isn't always ideal.

Listen to last week's podcast for more on this: Episode 286 of the Savvy Shopkeeper Retail Podcast, What to Know About Bossing Up. http://savvyshopkeeper.com/episode286

A former Master Shopkeepers group member reached out to me a couple days ago, after selling her property, building, and ...
10/10/2026

A former Master Shopkeepers group member reached out to me a couple days ago, after selling her property, building, and business. She wanted to share how that chapter ended and thank me for MSK. The fact that she made a point to include me meant so much.

Relationships are incredibly important to me. It’s special when someone stays connected long after our formal work together has ended.

During our conversation, she shared a phrase she uses when a difficult business situation involves something she cannot control:

“Bless and release.”

It doesn’t mean ignoring a problem or avoiding a necessary conversation. It means recognizing when you’ve done what you can, and continuing to spin in thoughts about another person’s choices will not change the outcome.

Handle what belongs to you, then give yourself permission to release the rest.

I wrote that one down. ❤️

10/06/2026

A work trip with time to visit local shops is my kind of trip. 💛

I was in Houston for the H+H conference and had so many great conversations with shop owners during my two sessions and while moderating a roundtable.

I also got to spend time with a Master Shopkeepers member and visit both of her shops. Getting to walk through the doors and see the business she’s put so much work into is one of my favorite parts of traveling.

I get to know members through our calls and conversations, and seeing their stores in person adds so much to that connection. I’m grateful she made time for me and gave me a little glimpse into her world.

Houston, you were a treat!

Address

122 Washington Avenue
Hampshire, IL
60140

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Savvy Shopkeeper posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Savvy Shopkeeper:

Shortcuts

Share

Category