The Resilient Retail Game Plan

Resilient Retail Club's Catherine Erdly
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. The Shop Window Pyramid: Visual Merchandising Secrets for Independent Retailers

    3D AGO

    The Shop Window Pyramid: Visual Merchandising Secrets for Independent Retailers

    Your shop window isn't just a display — it's a salesperson working for you around the clock. I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Manning, visual merchandising consultant and course leader, for a practical masterclass on how to make your window impossible to walk past. Sarah shares her four guiding principles — including her signature framework, The Power of the Pyramid — and explains exactly what should (and shouldn't) go in your window. You'll learn why putting your bestsellers on show is usually the wrong move, how to refresh your display every four weeks without a full rebuild, and practical solutions for shallow, narrow, or open-backed windows. We also explore how post-2020 customer expectations have shifted the balance between product display and brand storytelling, and discuss the concept of 'external theatre' — the tools even small independents can use to draw customers in before they reach the window at all. Whether you sell from a shop, at markets, or at events, this episode is packed with actionable insight you can put to work immediately. What You'll Learn: The Power of the Pyramid framework and how to apply it to any displayWhy new, seasonal, and promotional products belong in the window — not your top sellersHow to change your window every four weeks without starting from scratchCreative solutions for awkward, shallow, or open-backed windowsHow the hotspot inside your store connects to your window displayWhere to find visual merchandising inspiration on a limited budget 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:37 About this episode — how the topic came from Spring Fair01:35 The Power of the Pyramid — Sarah's four guiding principles02:30 Brand story vs. product push: what's changed since 202004:36 What should actually go in your window?05:53 How often should you change your window display?07:27 The permanent skeleton approach08:33 Working with difficult or shallow windows10:18 Open windows vs. backed windows11:55 External theatre: beyond the glass14:57 The hotspot — your 'third window' inside the store16:45 Where to find visual merchandising inspiration20:00 Outro and where to find Sarah Manning Connect with me 🔗: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdly/ → Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientretailclub/ 🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP: → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilient-retail-game-plan/id1558090069 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EIPFznxQFQHIXmC3QoBFQ Resources Mentioned: Sarah Manning: visualmerchandisingcourses.co.uk | @visualmerchandisingcoursesThe Shop Drop Blog by Tim Nash — free newsletter every Thursday

    21 min
  2. Retail, The Lipstick Effect, and Why You Should Keep Selling

    APR 2

    Retail, The Lipstick Effect, and Why You Should Keep Selling

    Have you ever looked at the news and wondered whether it's even appropriate to be selling your products right now? If you're an independent retailer or product business owner and the state of the world is making you hesitate about showing up and selling, this episode is for you. I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This week, one of the most common questions I get from product business owners: should I keep selling when the world feels uncertain? In this episode: → Why big brands never pause their marketing — and what that means for you → Why independent retailers are a genuine force for good → The lipstick effect and what consumer spending data actually shows right now → A practical social media tip to help you show up more consistently 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Introduction & the question everyone's asking 00:00:44 When selling feels wrong: the shared experience 00:01:42 Why this feeling is so common in product businesses 00:02:51 The mental noise of running your own business 00:06:04 The self-fulfilling prophecy & the big brand reality check 00:08:25 Why small businesses are a force for good 00:09:55 Your duty to share what you do 00:11:30 The lipstick effect: are people actually spending? 00:12:18 A visit to Columbia Road Flower Market 00:12:57 Products are how people show love 00:13:31 None of this is trivial 00:14:23 Practical tip: separate your social media accounts 00:16:08 How Catherine implemented this herself 00:17:25 A message for every independent retailer 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: → Mean Mail: https://www.meanmail.co.uk → Retail Roar 2026: https://retailroar.co.uk → Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com 🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP: → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilient-retail-game-plan/id1558090069 → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EIPFznxQFQHIXmC3QoBFQ Mentioned in this episode: Mailchimp resilientretailclub.com/mailchimp

    20 min
  3. The Power of Community: Why Every Retailer Needs Their People!

    MAR 26

    The Power of Community: Why Every Retailer Needs Their People!

    Nobody talks about how lonely it can be to run a small business. Your friends and family mean well — but they don't really get it. If you have a team, you feel like you have to have all the answers. And whether you're on the shop floor, in your home office, or in your unit, there's a good chance your dog is getting more of your business thoughts than any actual human being. I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. In this episode, I'm being honest about the one thing most business owners never talk about: isolation. And why community — real, practical, human community — isn't a nice-to-have. It's fundamental. You'll hear: Why business loneliness is more common than anyone admits — and why it mattersHow being in a community speeds up your learning, builds confidence, and protects your resilienceWhy hearing about other people's tough weeks can actually make your own feel more manageableHow community can drive real commercial results — referrals, collaborations, and salesAll about the Retail Roar 2026 Facebook community and why it might be just as valuable as the summit itself If you've been feeling flat, isolated, or like nobody around you truly gets what you're going through — this episode is for you. 🏟️ Free Retail Roar ticket: retailroar.co.uk 📩 Join the Resilient Retail Club: resilientretailclub.com 📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclub ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:13 The Loneliness of Business 03:56 Why Community Matters 06:42 Join the Retail Roar 2026 Community

    11 min
  4. Retail Industry Trends - 2026. Retail is changing FAST!

    MAR 19

    Retail Industry Trends - 2026. Retail is changing FAST!

    Retail is moving fast — and it can feel like whiplash trying to keep up with every new trend, tool, and headline. But here's the thing: as a small or independent retailer, you don't need to know everything. You just need the right information, filtered through the lens of what actually matters for your business. In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about Retail Roar 2026 — my free two-day online industry outlook summit taking place on 26th and 27th March — and why I believe it's the most important shortcut you can take as an independent retailer or brand this year. You'll hear about: Why staying on top of industry trends actually protects both your business and your peace of mindThe line between useful information and overwhelming noise — and how to find itHow understanding the current consumer mindset can change how you stock, market, and sellThe headline speaker I spent three years trying to book: the legendary Mary PortasExpert sessions on email marketing, SEO, AI search, wholesale trends, marketing strategy, and the future of the high street The expert lineup includes: Mary Portas — retail legend, broadcaster, and champion of independent retailEman Ismail — email strategist on what's changing in email for 2026Vee Roberts (Insights for Marketing) — marketing strategy and trendsLuke Carthy — SEO and AI search, and what your website needs to do differentlyTherese Oertenblad (Small Business Collaborative) — wholesale trends and how to get seenIan Nicholson (Vacant Shops Academy) — placemaking and what makes a great high street This isn't fluffy. It's information for action — curated specifically for small and independent retailers and brands, so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. Get your free ticket at retailroar.co.uk 📩 Join the community: https://resilientretailclub.com/ 📲 Follow on Instagram: @resilientretailclub Mentioned in this episode: Signed up for Retail Roar yet?

    18 min
  5. How to Build a Retail Community That Actually Buys From You

    MAR 12

    How to Build a Retail Community That Actually Buys From You

    Most independent retailers have heard the advice to "build a community." Far fewer have been shown exactly how to do it — and even fewer have built one that actually buys. In this episode I'm joined by Ronke Fashola, founder of Love Your Look — a bold, inclusive, colour-forward fashion brand whose customers travel from Scotland and Cardiff to her pop-up shops, answer Instagram queries before she even gets to them, and send garments back to be taken in when they lose weight rather than part with something they love. Ronke has spent the last couple of years building a retail community the hard, human way: photo shoots open to everyone, WhatsApp groups built on genuine conversation, measurement checks for every new customer, and an in-house tailor. In this episode she breaks down exactly how she did it. We also look at Joanie Clothing's collapse as a case study in what happens when a retail brand stops feeling human — and what every independent retailer can learn from it. In this episode you'll hear: • The photo shoot that attracted 70 applicants and became the foundation of a loyal retail community • How to structure a brand WhatsApp group that people actually want to be in • What Joanie got wrong — and the community strategy that could have saved them • Why checking every new customer's measurements before their first order ships reduces returns and builds trust • How offering free in-house alterations turns one-time buyers into customers for life • The Friday night phone call that changed how Ronke thinks about fabric Sign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible. 📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/ 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclub Mentioned in this episode: Signed up for Retail Roar yet? Retail Roar Have you signed up yet? retailroar.co.uk Retail Roar

    27 min
  6. How to stop feeling stuck in your own head in your retail business

    MAR 5

    How to stop feeling stuck in your own head in your retail business

    Have you been feeling stuck in your own head in your retail business? Overthinking every decision, wondering if you're the only one finding it hard? There's a phrase I love: You can't read a label from inside the jar.And when you're living and breathing your business every single day, it's incredibly hard to see beyond where you are right now. In this episode, I share one of the fastest ways I've found to shift your perspective — and it's the whole reason I created Retail Roar, my free online summit returning on 26–27 March. I'll walk you through some of the stories from our guest speakers, including one who shipped 650,000 orders in his first year on TikTok, to others who built a chain of 41 bridal boutiques, and another who went from her kitchen table to six-figure months. I also explain why inspiration isn't just about feeling good — it has three very real, practical business effects: it helps you think bigger, get re-energised with your marketing, and make braver decisions. Sign up free at retailroar.co.uk — come and see what's possible. 📩 Join my community: https://resilientretailclub.com/ 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @resilientretailclub Mentioned in this episode: Retail Roar Have you signed up yet? retailroar.co.uk Retail Roar Signed up for Retail Roar yet?

    19 min
  7. Retail Sales Tracking: Are You Guessing Your Numbers, or Deciding?

    FEB 26

    Retail Sales Tracking: Are You Guessing Your Numbers, or Deciding?

    Do you ever feel like you're drowning in data but still can't answer the simple question: is my business actually going in the right direction? Here's the truth: if your sales numbers feel like noise, you're probably looking at the wrong things — or avoiding looking altogether. I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. In this episode, I'm revealing: ✓ Why having loads of data can actually keep you more confused, not less ✓ The magic eye problem: why staring at daily sales is stopping you seeing the real picture ✓ The difference between guessing and deciding — and why it matters for your bottom line ✓ The 3 Rs framework: Record, Review, Refine — and how to make it genuinely simple ✓ Why a zero-sales day doesn't mean a bad month (and what to look at instead) Stop reacting to the noise and start reading the story your numbers are actually telling you. Join the Retail Sales Game Plan (cart now open!): resilientretailclub.com/retailsales 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 been useful to you, please do follow, rate, and review with a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (or both!) — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Retail Roar Have you signed up yet? retailroar.co.uk Retail Roar

    12 min
  8. How to Turn One-Time Buyers into Repeat Customers for Your Retail Business

    FEB 19

    How to Turn One-Time Buyers into Repeat Customers for Your Retail Business

    Do you ever feel like you're constantly trying to convince people to buy? Like you're always explaining, justifying, or pushing a little harder than you'd like? Here's the truth: if selling feels exhausting, you're probably spending too much time talking to the wrong people. I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. In this episode, I'm revealing: ✓ Why nobody is more likely to buy than someone who already bought from you ✓ The party principle: why you're standing outside instead of going in ✓ How focusing on cold audiences burns you out (and kills your profit) ✓ The 1,000 true fans framework that changes everything ✓ Practical steps to turn one-time buyers into repeat customers Stop chasing strangers and start serving the customers who are already inside your door. Links Join the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (kicking off end of Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsales 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: Retail Roar Have you signed up yet? retailroar.co.uk Retail Roar

    12 min
See All (300)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Resilient Retail Club's Catherine Erdly
  • Show Website
    The Resilient Retail Game Plan

You Might Also Like