The Resilient Retail Game Plan

Resilient Retail Club's Catherine Erdly
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Welcome to the Resilient Retail Game Plan - a small business podcast with me, independent UK-based small business and retail expert Catherine Erdly, founder of The Resilient Retail Club. A podcast for anyone wanting to start, grow, or scale a profitable small business. Aimed at independent retailers, e-commerce brands, indie sellers, online shops, independent boutiques, shopkeepers, brands and makers. The Resilient Retail Game Plan is a small business podcast dedicated to one thing - breaking down the concepts and tools I’ve gathered from twenty years in the retail industry in the UK and USA and showing you how you can use them in your small business.

  1. How indie shops grow sales WITHOUT discounting!

    6D AGO

    How indie shops grow sales WITHOUT discounting!

    Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie Retail Sales growth is often treated as the goal in retail. But without profit, growth just creates more pressure. In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn’t optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers. I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about chasing turnover. And it’s not about discounting everything to keep cash moving. It’s about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe. I’m joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention. Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles. In this episode, we cover: Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainable What blanket discounting really costs you over time How retailers increased sales while holding less stock Why margin awareness changes decision making What better stock management does for confidence and clarity How strategic discounting differs from panic discounting We also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale. If you’re running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together. Chapters 00:00 Why profit isn’t optional 01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting 04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year 06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence 10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise 12:36 How better data changes behaviour 17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies 23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businesses Links Stock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.net Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com Listen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast Enjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net

    28 min
  2. Knowing When Your Retail Business Is Ready To Expand

    JAN 29

    Knowing When Your Retail Business Is Ready To Expand

    When Is the Right Time to Open a Second Shop? Opening another shop is often seen as the obvious next step in retail growth. But knowing when to do it, and whether your business is actually ready, is far harder. In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at what really changes when you move from one shop to two, and then beyond. With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp. Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.uk I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about chasing expansion for the sake of it. And it’s not a checklist for opening multiple locations. It’s about timing, clarity, and understanding whether the business you have today can genuinely support what comes next. I’m joined by independent retailer Sarah Holmes, from Pencil Me In, who has grown from one shop to three across different locations in Scotland. Together, we unpack how those decisions were made, what changed at each stage, and why the second shop is often the hardest. In this episode, we cover: How to tell if your current shop is ready to support growthWhy growth often feels like exposure rather than reliefWhat changes when each location needs a different roleHow buying mistakes multiply once you have more than one shopWhy clarity matters more than creativity in multi-store retailLetting go of control without losing standards We also talk about how expansion changes your relationship with risk, cash, and your team, and why growth should support the life you want to run, not just the business you want to build. If you’re running one shop and wondering whether there could be more, or you’re already managing multiple locations and want it to feel simpler, this episode will help you think more clearly about what growth should look like for you. Chapters00:00 Why growth is a timing question, not a goal 01:16 From one shop to three and why pacing matters 06:19 Why growth feels like exposure, not relief 09:30 Why each shop needs a clear job to do 11:03 Specialising instead of stocking everything 15:32 The danger of unchecked buying decisions 18:08 Using data to protect cash as you grow 22:22 Letting go without losing control 29:46 Choosing growth that fits your life Links Retail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-design Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com Listen on your favourite podcast app: a href="https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    31 min
  3. 5 Common Issues Growing Retail Businesses Don't Expect

    JAN 22

    5 Common Issues Growing Retail Businesses Don't Expect

    The 5 Problems Growing Retail Businesses Don’t Expect (But Almost Always Face) If your retail business looks successful on paper but feels far harder than it should behind the scenes, this episode is for you. With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp. Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.uk I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about fixing beginner mistakes or chasing the next growth tactic. It’s about what happens once your business has momentum, and instinct alone stops being enough. After working with hundreds of established product businesses, I see the same problems come up again and again. Not because founders are doing things wrong, but because the business has outgrown the way it’s being run. In this episode, I walk through the 5 problems growing retail businesses don’t expect (but almost always face). These include: Why growth often creates chaos instead of clarityWhat it really means when you don’t trust your numbersWhy being busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forwardHow everything living in your head turns you into the bottleneckWhat to do when your business no longer fits your life We also talk about why structure isn’t restrictive, how it creates freedom, and what it looks like when a business is designed to support the person running it, not drain them. If any of this feels familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It usually means you’ve outgrown the stage you’re operating at. Chapters 00:00 Why growth starts to feel heavy 01:36 When success creates chaos 06:09 Learning to trust your numbers 08:26 Busy versus real progress 11:06 Everything living in your head 15:25 When your business stops fitting your life 18:10 Retail by Design Links Retail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-design Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com Listen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast Enjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net

    20 min
  4. How to build a profitable online shop while ignoring 'best practices'

    JAN 15

    How to build a profitable online shop while ignoring 'best practices'

    How Artichoke Built a Profitable Online Shop by Ignoring “Best Practice”If you’ve been told that online retail growth means more ads, more automation, and more noise — this episode will quietly challenge that. With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp. Get 10% off SumUp hardware with the code GamePlan10 at https://sumup.co.uk I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about scaling fast or chasing the latest ecommerce tactic. It’s about building an online business that actually works for the people running it. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Simonds, founder of Artichoke and winner of Online Shop of the Year at the Boutique Star Awards. Sarah runs an online fashion business in a way most people would say doesn’t scale. She calls every new online customer. She designs systems to protect customer service, not replace it. And she focuses relentlessly on a demographic the industry largely ignores. After 25 years working with retailers, I see this pattern again and again. The businesses that perform best long term aren’t always the loudest or the most automated. They’re the clearest. In this conversation, we explore: Why slowing down parts of the online experience can increase profitHow calling customers dramatically reduces returns and boosts lifetime valueWhat good systems actually look like in a small retail businessHow Sarah uses AI to support decisions without losing human judgementWhy community, service, and clarity still outperform “best practice” We also talk about the less glamorous side of growth — becoming the bottleneck, building resilience into the team, and creating structure so the business doesn’t rely on one person holding everything together. If you run a product business and want online sales that feel sustainable rather than exhausting, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Chapters00:00 Why “more marketing” isn’t always the answer 03:10 Serving an ignored customer demographic 06:20 Calling every new online customer 10:45 Reducing returns and increasing lifetime value 15:30 From pop-ups to online growth 21:10 Removing the founder bottleneck 27:40 Systems, structure, and ClickUp 33:30 Using AI without losing the human touch 41:50 Community, collaboration, and long-term growth LinksArtichoke: https://www.artichoke-online.co.uk Retail by Design: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retail-by-design Catherine’s book — Tame Your Tiger: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1912300096 Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com Enjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out...

    30 min
  5. Why Retail Business Growth Starts to Feel Heavy at Six Figures!

    JAN 8

    Why Retail Business Growth Starts to Feel Heavy at Six Figures!

    Why Retail Business Growth Starts to Feel Heavy at Six Figures If your retail business is doing well on paper, but somehow feels heavier than it used to, this episode is for you. With thanks to this episode’s sponsor SumUp.com. Get 10% off hardware with the code GamePlan10. I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is the Resilient Retail Game Plan — product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about chasing more sales or adding more tactics. It’s about the moment growth stops feeling exciting and starts feeling risky. When decisions feel heavier. When stock, cash flow and planning won’t switch off in your head. And when everyone assumes you’re doing brilliantly, but you’re quietly feeling stretched. After 25 years in retail, I’ve seen this pattern again and again. Hitting six figures doesn’t magically make things easier. For many founders, it’s the point where relying on instinct stops working and structure becomes essential. In this episode, I talk through why growth often starts to feel heavy at this stage, why it’s not a motivation problem, and what actually helps founders move from reacting to leading again. I also explain how Retail by Design and Stock Doctor work together to bring clarity, calm and confidence back into growing product businesses — without overwhelm or fluff. If you’re tired of winging it, second-guessing decisions, or carrying everything in your head, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and what support should look like at this stage of growth. Chapters:00:00 The 'Heaviness' Struggle for Product Retailers 05:42 Stock & Strategy Solutions 06:49 "Retail Growth Through Stock Insight" 10:06 "Retail by Design Program" Links:Website: https://resilientretailclub.com Retail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/ Enjoy the episode? DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net

    16 min
  6. Meta Ads Have Changed: What will actually work in 2026!

    JAN 1

    Meta Ads Have Changed: What will actually work in 2026!

    Meta Ads Have Changed – What Actually Works in 2026 If Meta ads feel like a wild goose chase lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. With thanks to this episode's sponsor SumUp (https://sumup.com) Use the code 'GamePlan10' to get 10% off hardware from their online shop! Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly, and this week on The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m rolling up my sleeves with Meta Ad strategist CJ Sinclair to dig into why product business advice for retailers is evolving fast. Algorithms have turned upside down. Forget the old playbook; smaller brands now have the nimble edge over the big guns. From creative diversity to new ways to track ROAS and cash flow for retailers, we break down what actually moves the needle in 2026. I’m bringing my 25 years in the trade—plus CJ Sinclair’s day-to-day on the ground—for an episode that’s equal parts practical know-how and myth-busting. Why listen? Squeeze more margin from your Meta ad spend, even with a modest budgetNail creative that cuts through—no high-gloss neededGet independent retailer tips to speed up pivoting, not just scaling a product businessAvoid common ROAS mistakes and measure what matters for profitConnect your email, website and socials for rich marketing strategies that don’t break the bankLearn how to improve cash flow in a small product business while boosting conversion rates Links: Website: https://resilientretailclub.com Retail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/ Enjoy the episode? DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net Stock doctor

    16 min
  7. How Christmas 2025 Really Felt In Retail (and why that matters for 2026)

    12/25/2025

    How Christmas 2025 Really Felt In Retail (and why that matters for 2026)

    Ever wondered what Christmas really felt like at the sharp end of retail—and what it’s whispering about your 2026 playbook? This episode of "The Resilient Retail Game Plan" is brought to you by SumUp. Get 10% off their hardware by clicking the link and using the coupon code "GamePlan10" I’m Catherine Erdly, and welcome to this festive edition of the Resilient Retail Game Plan—your product business advice, with a side of reality. This isn’t a spreadsheet post-mortem, it’s an honest (sometimes wry) look at how Christmas truly landed for independent retailers. After 25 years in retail, I know December isn’t just numbers, it’s stories, triumphs and warnings we need to catch while they’re fresh—because come January, all that noise gets buried under new-year resolutions and stocktakes. In this episode, I’ll invite you, not just to audit your cash flow for retailers or nit-pick inventory management, but to actually feel your festive season. Think: one sentence gut-checks, inspiration scavenger hunts, and surprisingly useful lessons from your own inbox, shopping habits and the businesses that quietly wowed you. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net

    15 min
  8. Your January Stock Clearance Strategy

    12/18/2025

    Your January Stock Clearance Strategy

    January clearance doesn’t have to feel like a panic move, a brand compromise, or an admission of failure. This episode of "The Resilient Retail Game Plan" is brought to you by SumUp. Get 10% off their hardware by clicking the link and using the coupon code "GamePlan10" Hi, I’m Catherine Erdly. This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m walking you through how to run a proper stock clearance. Not a blanket discount. Not a last-minute scramble. But a strategic, cash-releasing reset that helps you start the year lighter, clearer, and more profitable. If the idea of discounting makes you nervous, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time. Fear of damaging your brand. Fear of training customers to wait for sales. Fear of “doing it wrong”. So in this episode, I break down exactly how experienced retailers approach January clearance, and how small product businesses can do the same, without ending up on a discount treadmill. We talk about when to run your sale, what should and shouldn’t go into it, how deep to discount, and what to do if stock still isn’t shifting. This is about releasing trapped cash, reducing mental load, and giving your business the space it needs to move forward. We cover: – Why clearance is a strategic tool, not a failure – What stock belongs in a clearance sale (and what absolutely doesn’t) – How to decide your discount levels without obsessing over margin – Why January is different in the customer’s mind – How to plan and promote your sale so it actually works – What to do if products still don’t sell – How clearance can increase full-price sales – Turning stuck stock into space, cash and clarity If you’re heading into January with a stockroom that feels heavy, overwhelming, or quietly stressful, this episode will help you take control of it properly. Links: Website: https://resilientretailclub.com Retail Sales Game Plan: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/ Enjoy the episode? DM me your takeaways or questions @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if you find the show useful, please follow, rate and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net

    24 min
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About

Welcome to the Resilient Retail Game Plan - a small business podcast with me, independent UK-based small business and retail expert Catherine Erdly, founder of The Resilient Retail Club. A podcast for anyone wanting to start, grow, or scale a profitable small business. Aimed at independent retailers, e-commerce brands, indie sellers, online shops, independent boutiques, shopkeepers, brands and makers. The Resilient Retail Game Plan is a small business podcast dedicated to one thing - breaking down the concepts and tools I’ve gathered from twenty years in the retail industry in the UK and USA and showing you how you can use them in your small business.

Information

  • Creator
    Resilient Retail Club's Catherine Erdly
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    291
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Resilient Retail Club's Catherine Erdly
  • Show Website
    The Resilient Retail Game Plan

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