Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures

Welcome to the first Richer Retailer episode of the new year! 

In this Q1 2026 State of Retail check-in, Cathy Wagner reframes the idea of a “slow season” and invites you to see Q1 for what it truly is: a reset season.

In a cautious economy where customers are spending more intentionally, Cathy breaks down three major retail trends shaping early 2026 and exactly what to do in January, February, and March to stay profitable, connect...

January can be one of the most challenging months for retailers; slower traffic, softer sales, and inventory left over from Q4 that simply didn’t move. In this episode Cathy answers real questions from the retail community about the January slump, aging inventory, and the fear many store owners have around running clearance sales.

Cathy breaks down why the January slowdown isn’t actually a seasonal problem, but an inventory and str...

Ready to add a little extra joy and profit to your retail shop? 

In this episode of The Richer Retailer, Cathy sits down with one of our amazing clients, Alana Turner, the passionate owner of the joy filled store Poopsies, who’s making her second guest appearance on the podcast. Alana is back to share why books are one of the best-kept secrets in specialty retail. She spills the tea on how books create emotional connections, keep c...

Celebrating the Most Powerful Moments from Year One of the Richer Retailer Podcast

What a year it’s been. This special Best Of episode is a heartfelt celebration of the moments you told us mattered most, the clips that made you think differently, laugh out loud, and say, “Okay… I can actually do this.”

This episode brings together the Top 5 most-loved episodes of Year One and the lessons that continue to transform retail businesses...

In this inspiring conversation, Cathy sits down with Samantha, the owner of Jane Boutique and one of our amazing RETAILMavens clients to talk about the real journey behind opening a store. From construction delays and rezoning setbacks to having thousands of dollars of inventory arrive months early, Sam’s path to launch was anything but easy.

But what truly stands out is her emotional resilience, her abundant mindset, and her unwav...

December is here and if you want next December to look totally different with more cash flow, less chaos, and a smoother-running store, now is the moment to act. Cathy breaks down the current retail climate, what’s shifting in consumer behavior, and the strategies retailers must use to create momentum and finish the year strong.

From understanding your “thumb” customers, to increasing items per sale, to using AI tools to make smart...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything in your store and still not getting the results you want… this episode is for you.

Cathy sits down with our incredible Coach Maven, Krystal Perry, to pull back the curtain on our strategic Game Plan Calls, the same calls that have helped retailers go from overwhelmed, underwater, and exhausted… to clear, confident, and finally profitable again.

Krystal shares her 25-year retail journ...

You don’t need to do more to achieve more, you just need to think differently. This episode will remind you of the power of pausing, dreaming, and daring to share your story with the world.

In this inspiring continuation of Cathy’s conversation with visionary business coach Sarah Victory, you’ll learn how to describe your store in a way that sticks, so customers and partners can easily share your story even when you’re not in the r...

Every bit of business growth begins with a spark of magic, the courage to imagine something bigger and believe it’s possible.

Get ready to be inspired, my friends. In this episode of Richer Retailer, Cathy is joined by Sarah Victory, the powerhouse Chief Visionary Officer of The Victory Company, best known for helping entrepreneurs and business owners double their success. She’s the author of Double Your Business in One Year or Les...

November can feel like a whirlwind, the holidays are here, your to-do list is growing, and it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle. 

Shoppers may not be spending wildly, but they are spending thoughtfully and that’s great news for independent retailers who know how to connect, curate, and stay focused.

Cathy shares how smarter spending, authentic storytelling, and intentional experiences are shaping success this season. Plus, she r...

Change is never easy, but what if the only thing standing between you and your next level of success is your ability to handle discomfort?

In this episode, Cathy dives deep into what it truly means to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Cathy reveals how fear of change often keeps store owners stuck and how embracing discomfort can actually be the gateway to growth, expansion, and freedom.

If you’ve ever said “everything’s fi...

What if the very thing holding your business back could become the key to your next big breakthrough?

In this powerful episode of the Richer Retailer Podcast, Cathy Wagner takes you inside the magical world of masterminds, where independent retailers come together to brainstorm, collaborate, and turn challenges into opportunities for business growth and success.

You’ll hear how one mastermind session transformed a stressful tariff ...

You’ve built a beautiful store and customers are buying… so why doesn’t your cash flow feel as strong as your sales? Let’s fix that.

In this episode, Cathy dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of running a store: inventory turn and freshness.

Broadcasting straight from Disney World, Cathy shares a magical analogy that will forever change the way you look at your backroom: Your inventory is just like a bathtub! 

If you’ve ...

What if one bold statement could attract the right customers, energize your team, and set your store apart instantly?

What do Apple, Patagonia, and your favorite local boutique all have in common? They know exactly what they stand for and they boldly declare it. In this episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner takes you behind the scenes of the Richer Retailer Manifesto and teaches you how to create your own.

A manifesto is more than a missio...

October may feel like the holiday season is right around the corner, but here’s the truth: you still have time.

In this episode, Cathy Wagner unpacks the latest consumer trends and shows why October is the launch pad, not the lull for your store. You’ll hear how to use this “quiet before the storm” to build momentum, strengthen community engagement, and set yourself up for your best Q4 yet.

From smart inventory management and “go b...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to grow your store to a million dollars?

In this empowering episode, Cathy pulls back the curtain on the exact 7 things she’d do if she were building a million-dollar store today. She shares not just strategy but mindset shifts, tested methods, and practical steps you can apply right now in your own business.

You’ll hear everything from profit-first inventory planning, to $2,000-an-hour C...

How do you create a thriving business that fuels freedom, impact, and legacy?

In this inspiring episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner shares RETAILMavens’ bold new declaration: helping 100 independent store owners reach $1M in sustainable, profitable growth.

She opens up about her own journey of subtracting the chaos, embracing a decision framework, and re-engineering RETAILMavens to reflect freedom, leadership, and transformation. Cathy a...

How do you grow your business while still connecting with the customers you love?

In this empowering episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner unpacks the role of delegation in creating real business growth. She shares practical time management strategies like time blocking and owner-on-deck days, plus the importance of team training to carry your store’s culture forward. Through inspiring client stories and actionable insights, you’ll discove...

September 2025 is here and it’s one of the most important months for retail. 

Cathy Wagner breaks down the state of retail and why this season is your reset button. From navigating price sensitivity and tariffs to leaning into localism, Cathy shares how you can use September as a launch pad for business growth.

With your CEO hat firmly on, you’ll discover how team empowerment and stronger customer connection can drive momentum into...