Shows
Richer Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#034: You’re Not Just a Store: You’re a Brand with Sue KirchnerIn this episode, branding expert Sue Kirchner, owner of Brand Strong Marketing, joins host Cathy to share a fundamental truth:
"Your brand isn't what you say it is; it's what they say it is."
Discover why a brand is more than just a logo, how it's perceived by customers, and the common mistakes businesses often make. Gain actionable tips to differentiate your business and create memorable experiences that foster customer loyalty.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to brand well: Know your customer better than they know themselves.
When to ev...2025-06-1639 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#033: The Silent Profit Killer: Gut-Based Pricing Is Costing You ThousandsYou are the CEO of your store. You deserve to be paid well. Your customers deserve a store that thrives.
In this power-packed episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner dives deep into one of the most overlooked threats to retail profitability: gut-based pricing. If you've ever said, “That price just feels right,” or hesitated to charge what something’s truly worth, this one’s for you.
Learn why emotion-based pricing is costing your store big-time, how to reframe your mindset around margin, and the exact markup formula successful retailers use to build financially thriving businesses.
Cathy sh...2025-06-0920 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#032: Curation and Connection This Summer | State of Retail: June 2025Clarity. Curation. Connection.
June is here and if it feels like the energy is all over the place, you're not imagining it! Some stores are swamped with tourists, others are seeing slower traffic, and many of you are wondering, “Do I need to discount everything just to keep sales moving?”
Before you make any big decisions, let’s take a breath and zoom out. In this month’s State of Retail episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner is sharing what’s working right now in independent retail and how summer can be your secret weapon for refining, not rushin...2025-06-0212 min
Grow My Accounting Practice | Tips for Accountants, Bookkeepers and Coaches to Grow Their BusinessCathy Wagner: The Impact of Pricing on Your Soul, Mental Health, and Bottom LineShow Summary: In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, Cathy Donovan Wagner, founder and CEO of RETAILMavens, joins us to unpack the deep, often overlooked connection between pricing and personal well-being. Cathy shares how pricing decisions don’t just affect your bottom line—they impact your soul, your mental health, your team, your clients, and even the legacies we help build. She dives into the fear many professionals experience around raising prices, rooted in a desire to be liked and accepted, and explains why that fear can be more damaging than rejection itself. Cathy also...2025-05-2932 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#031: From Debt to Profit: How Profit First Transforms Retail Stores with Liz SzpornTrue transformation in business begins the moment you decide you're no longer just a store owner, you’re a CEO building a legacy, not just a livelihood.
In this powerful, heart-opening episode of The Richer Retailer, Cathy sits down with the brilliant Liz Szporn, a Profit First coach, transformational leader, and lifelong changemaker. From helping build a business from a rental car to guiding others toward values-driven growth, Liz shares what’s possible when passion meets strategy.
It’s about stepping out of the hustle and into your highest role: the visionary who scales smart, pays h...2025-05-2635 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#030: Retail Resilience: Navigate Tariffs, Grow Customer Loyalty, and Scale SmartlyIs the economy slowing down? Maybe. But that doesn’t mean your retail business has to.
A fellow retailer recently asked Cathy a powerful question: “How to continue growing with an economy that’s in decline?” In this episode, Cathy answers with clarity, encouragement, and action. She shares the exact retail growth strategies you can use even in a slow economy to keep your momentum going. From smarter inventory management to strengthening customer loyalty, you'll walk away with data-driven ideas to protect your cash flow and stay inspired. Plus, Cathy reminds us that rising costs and tariffs don’t ha...2025-05-1907 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#029: Want to Scale Your Retail Business? Fix This First.Feeling stuck in the red but dreaming of seven figures?
In this empowering solo episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner tackles one of the most frequently asked questions by retailers: "How do I grow when I'm not even profitable yet?" Cathy shares her own journey of struggling with this exact question and lays out a clear, actionable path to stability and eventual scale. This episode is a must-listen for any store owner who’s dreaming big but struggling with red numbers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why profit must come before scaling
The three criti...2025-05-1212 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#028: The 3 Biggest Obstacles to Growth (and the Mindset Strategies to Beat Them)Ever feel like you’re always a step behind, despite having great systems, a solid team, and real passion for your store?
In this powerful and personal episode, Cathy answers a heartfelt question from retailer, Linda, who asked how to "push her business to the next level.” The answer? Stop pushing. Start flowing.
This episode dives deep into the obstacles and structures that keep independent retailers stuck in survival mode, and how a few key shifts in mindset and strategy can unlock the business growth, profit, and cash flow you've been craving.
What You’...2025-05-0513 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#027: Sales Feel Weird? You’re Not Alone (and Not Stuck) | State of Retail – May 2025What’s really happening in independent retail right now?
We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly State of Retail episode to help you clear through the noise, get grounded in the data, and take purposeful action based on current retail trends.
In this May episode, Cathy Donovan Wagner shares the latest shifts she’s seeing across the industry, everything from slowing traffic to changing customer behavior and customer sentiment and what it all means for your store. Don’t miss the Millie Moment, designed to help you take action and lead with clarity and confidence.
Whe...2025-04-2812 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#026: Health, Wealth & Happiness: The 3 Pillars of a Richer Retailer with Pat MussieuxWhat if the only way forward... was to walk away?
In this powerful episode, Cathy sits down with internationally acclaimed speaker and award-winning business coach Pat Mussieux, who shares the boldest transformation of her life and the mindset that made it possible. Through raw, real conversation, Cathy and Pat unpack what it really takes to be “richer”, not just in dollars, but in health, wealth, and happiness. This episode is a masterclass in personal growth, intentional living, and building success that actually feels good.
What You’ll Learn:
Why health is wealth — and the foundation...2025-04-2133 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#025: Retail Trade Shows: h+h - Crafting, Education and Community with Darrin SternTired of the same old sourcing strategies?
Ready to shake up your retail strategy and discover fresh opportunities? This week, Cathy sits down with Darrin Stern from H&H Americas to explore the power of trade shows for independent retailers. They dive into how these events can help you uncover new products, connect with a thriving community, and gain invaluable insights to evolve your business.
What You'll Learn:
How trade shows help retailers discover emerging trends and innovative products.
Why trade shows are valuable for networking with other retailers, suppliers, and industry experts.
The...2025-04-1432 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#024: The #1 Reason Stores Fail (And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t)If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side of retail, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode Cathy answers a heartfelt question from Ali, a store owner who’s been pouring her passion into her business but is struggling with financial management, taxes, and tracking expenses. Sound familiar? Cathy breaks down the two most powerful actions retailers can take to stop spinning their wheels: Outsourcing and getting a coach.
What You’ll Learn:
You don’t need an MBA, but you do need a basic understanding of cashflow, inventory management, and profitab...2025-04-0707 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#023: Grow Your Business with Smart Goal Setting, Team Collaboration, and a Winning Mindset with Cecilia KautzmanEver set a big business goal and thought, “What do I need to do to get there?
In this powerful, unplanned episode, Cathy sits down with RETAILMavens COO & CMO Cecilia Kautzman after an inspiring walk and team retreat to unpack the mindset shifts, self-awareness, and strategic growth moves required to grow into the business and the business owner you want to become.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the Be-Do-Have formula beats hustle every time
The power of team collaboration in business strategy and delegation
How daily self-improvement practices reflect your potential
Why self-awareness and grow...2025-03-3126 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#022: Tariff-Proof Your Store with Dana ConnellTariffs are shifting, costs are rising, and retailers are feeling the squeeze so how do you protect your profits?
Cathy sits down with retail expert and coach Dana to tackle the challenges of cost management in today’s unpredictable economy. From supply chain disruptions to navigating price adjustments that don’t scare off your customers, this episode is packed with smart, actionable strategies to help independent store owners stay profitable no matter how much the inflation impact shakes things up.
What You’ll Learn:
How tariffs impact retail pricing and supply chain costs
The import...2025-03-2425 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#021: Emails Getting Ignored? Fix Your Email Marketing to Sell More with Nick McHenryRetail is evolving, but one thing remains constant: the power of customer connection.
In this episode, Cathy sits down with Nick McHenry from OneShop to explore how retailers can strengthen relationships through email marketing, a tool that’s far from outdated.
They break down why personalized emails are more relevant than ever, how to boost open rates, and why email automation can be a game-changer for both small and growing retail businesses. Plus, they dive into the rising impact of AI marketing and how it can enhance but not replace the human side of retail co...2025-03-1053 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#020: Stop DIY Bookkeeping with Kirk Johnson (Kirk Says It's Dry as Dust, But You NEED This)If your books are a mess, your business is bleeding money and you might not even know it yet. We joke that this topic is “dry as dust” but in reality it’s like water to your store’s thirsty soil - If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by bookkeeping or tempted to ignore your numbers, this episode is for you!
Cathy sits down with Kirk Johnson, RETAILMavens’ Profit First Maven, to discuss why your store’s money management systems are the hidden engine behind your success. They dig into the high cost of messy books, the dangers of DIY...2025-03-0324 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#019: How to Stay Motivated in Tough Times with Crystal VilkaitisThink retail is dying? Think again. This episode will completely shift your perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-changing retail world, no doom and gloom, just real strategies, fresh insights, and powerful mindset shifts.
In this episode of Richer Retailer, Cathy Donovan Wagner sits down with Crystal Vilkaitis from Rooted in Retail to discuss the evolving retail landscape. They dive deep into the heart of retail marketing, community building, and the role of business mentorship in driving modern retail success.
What You’ll Learn:
Why retail is far from dead, it’s...2025-02-2744 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#018: Retail, Politics & Authenticity: How Values and Social Responsibility Build Stronger BrandsHow can embracing community values and ethical branding set your retail business apart?
We explore how community values and ethical branding impact retail businesses in today’s episode with Cadence Kidwell from Fuzzy goat and Janet Avila and String Theory Yarn, a back-to-back guest. Discover why authenticity in your brand message matters more than ever and how personal stories can foster deeper customer loyalty. We also discuss the potential risks of customer backlash when businesses take a stand on ethics or social issues and how to navigate these challenges effectively.
What You’ll Learn:
The i...2025-02-2431 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#017: Strategy is Safe - Until It's NotAre you constantly planning but struggling to take action?
In this episode of Richer Retailer, Cathy Donovan Wagner dives into a common trap many retailers fall into: Getting stuck in strategy mode. While planning is essential, it's easy to get so caught up in perfecting every detail that we forget to take meaningful action. Cathy shares her personal experiences and lessons learned from her coach about moving past perfectionism, focusing on results, and balancing work with fun to keep momentum going. Discover how to shift your mindset, boost productivity, and embrace success in your business growth journey.2025-02-1511 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#016: The #1 Tip to Grow Lifetime Customer Value with Josh OrrWhat if you could increase your customer’s lifetime value by 30% with just one simple shift?
In Part 7 of the Top 7 Money Makers in 2025 series, Cathy chats with Josh Orr, founder of Capital Commerce, an agency that helps successful brick-and-mortar retailers translate their in-store traction into thriving online e-commerce sales. Josh shares his expertise on creating seamless customer engagement experiences that lead to repeat purchases. He reveals the importance of email marketing, a tip to grow lifetime customer value by 30%, and the mindset shifts necessary for growing a profitable, sustainable retail business. This episode is packed with ac...2025-02-1038 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#015: Want More Sales On Your Next Live? Master QVC-Style SellingAre your live sessions attracting viewers but falling short when it comes to driving sales?
In part 5 of the Top 7 Money Makers in 2025 series, RETAILMavens founder Cathy Donovan Wagner reveals how QVC-style selling can turn your live videos into powerful, revenue-generating events. By integrating personalization, automation, and emotional storytelling, you’ll learn to captivate your audience and drive real results. Whether you're new to social selling or looking to optimize your strategy, this episode is packed with proven tactics to enhance engagement, boost conversion, and strengthen loyalty in your customer relationships.
What You’ll Learn:
...2025-02-0321 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#014: Building a Team That “Gets” Your VisionHow do you build a team that shares your vision and drives your business forward?
In Part 5 of the Top 7 Money Makers in 2025 series, RETAILMavens founder Cathy explores the transformative power of effective teamwork and leadership. She’s joined by Holly Floyd, a former retailer who successfully sold her business after 20 years. Holly shares how empowering her team, focusing on alignment, and fostering collaboration helped turn her store into a thriving, innovative space. Whether you’re just starting to build a team or looking to take your existing one to the next level, this episode is packed with...2025-01-2725 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#013: How to Stay Ahead of Retail Cash Flow Challenges: 2 Strategies for SuccessIs cash flow keeping you up at night?
This is the fourth episode in our Top 7 Money Makers to Focus on in 2025 series, and we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood aspects of retail success: cashflow. Cathy shares practical, tactical strategies to help retailers plan for expenses, build reserves, and stay ahead of cash flow challenges. With the right budgeting and forecasting tools, you can reduce financial stress, improve profit, and create a business with stronger margins and long-term growth.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Cash Flow Matters: Discover why positive cashflow is m...2025-01-2023 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#012: Surprising Inventory Insights from a Multi-Million Dollar RetailerCan scaling back actually help you grow?
In this heartwarming third episode in our Top 7 Money Makers to Focus on in 2025 series we sit down with Alana Turner, the passionate owner of Poopsies in Galena, Illinois, to explore how she boosted sales and improved customer engagement by curating her inventory and focusing on quality over quantity. Alana shares her inspiring journey, showing that successful retail isn’t just about increasing liquidity or volume, it’s about building a store that tells a story, deepens connections, and brings joy to your subscribers.
What You’ll Learn:
Poo...2025-01-1224 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#011: 5 Ways to Grow Your Email ListHow do you turn email marketing into your top sales driver in 2025? It all starts with growing your list!
This is Part 2 of our "Top 7 Money Makers in 2025" series and one of the most impactful strategies you can implement this year. With predictive analytics and AI content creation making waves, email marketing remains one of the most profitable tools for reaching customers but success depends on having a strong, steadily growing list. Whether you’re starting from scratch or optimizing your existing strategy, you’ll walk away with actionable tactics to attract new, excited customers while boosting your...2025-01-0613 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#010: How to Identify and Eliminate “Cash Flow Eaters” in InventoryCash flow challenges often send retailers scrambling to boost traffic or launch sales, but those fixes are just band-aids.
This episode kicks off our Top 7 Money Makers to Focus on in 2025 series! In this episode, Cathy dives deep into the root cause: cash flow eaters hiding in your inventory. Learn how to manage your inventory more effectively, run strategic clearance sales, and boost your profit margins without slashing prices on your best sellers. This episode is packed with actionable tips on cash flow management, inventory control, and getting rid of dead stock that drains your bottom line.2024-12-3017 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#009: Eradicating the J months with a New Income StreamStruggling to keep your sales up during those dreaded J-Months? You’re not alone but you don’t have to settle for slow sales anymore.
In this episode, Cathy shares a high-energy game plan and a proven strategy to tackle the dreaded J-Months: January, June, and July, known for their slow sales. Listeners will discover how to turn these often sluggish months into profitable opportunities by transforming lazy inventory into an exciting income stream. Listen in for lots of insights on how to energize retail businesses during traditionally quiet months and boost cash flow with creative sales promo...2024-12-2316 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#008: The Hidden Costs of Inventory HoardingAre you unknowingly sitting on a pile of cash by holding onto slow-moving inventory?
From inventory that overstays its welcome to cash flow struggles, this episode unpacks the hidden costs of holding onto unsold merchandise. Learn how bold markdown strategies, efficient inventory turnover, and a shift in mindset can transform your profit and free up cash to reinvest in your best sellers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why holding onto slow-moving inventory is costing you more than you realize.
The benefits of bold markdown strategies and cash flow reinvestment.
How to identify be...2024-12-1616 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#007: The #1 Step to Take to Increase Your ProfitsEver feel like you're spinning your wheels, trying everything to boost sales but nothing seems to work?
In this episode, retail expert Cathy Donovan Wagner shares a guaranteed strategy that transformed one desperate retailer's sales by $30,000 in just one week. From mindset shifts to actionable strategies, Cathy will guide you, step-by-step, on how to provide exceptional customer service and turn your top customers into loyal, raving fans.
If you're ready to overcome your fears, embrace your CEO mindset, and deliver personalized, high-impact service that sets your store apart—hit play now!
What You’ll Le...2024-12-0523 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#006: Retail Meets Politics - What Store Owners Need to KnowRetail and politics, two worlds you might think should never mix, but what if embracing your values could strengthen your business, build deeper customer loyalty, and set your store apart?
In this episode of Richer Retailer, host Cathy Donovan Wagner dives into a topic that sparks both passion and hesitation: the intersection of retail and politics. With her signature blend of energy and wisdom, Cathy explains why the old advice to "never mix business and politics" might no longer hold true in today’s retail landscape.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How shar...2024-12-0513 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#005: Need Sales Now? Try This Proven StrategyEver feel like you're spinning your wheels, trying everything to boost sales but nothing seems to work?
In this episode, retail expert Cathy Donovan Wagner shares a guaranteed solution that transformed one desperate retailer's sales by $30,000 in just one week. From mindset shifts to actionable strategies, Cathy will guide you, step-by-step, on how to provide exceptional customer service and turn your top customers into loyal, raving fans.
If you're ready to overcome your fears, embrace your CEO mindset, and deliver personalized, high-impact service that sets your store apart - hit play now!
What You’ll...2024-12-0512 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#004: Part 3 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change WellFeelings are important, but they shouldn’t be in control.
In this episode, we’ll tackle the balance between emotions and execution, helping you take charge of your business growth journey.
Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs, but learning how to separate feelings from actions is key to staying on track. We’ll explore practical strategies for maintaining focus, optimizing retail sales, and embracing retail innovation without letting emotions get in the way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to separate emotions from actions to stay on track.
The importan...2024-12-0507 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#003: Part 2 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change WellFear and discomfort are natural parts of a growth mindset, but they don’t have to hold you back.
In Part 2 of this series, RETAILMavens founder Cathy Donovan Wagner dives into the power of overcoming fear head-on and embracing discomfort to drive business transformation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How fear of failure can become your biggest bottleneck and how to break through it.
Why embracing discomfort is essential for small business growth.
Practical questions to identify what’s holding you back and how to apply positive thinking to move forward.
Key Mo...2024-12-0516 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#002: Part 1 - The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease - 3 Steps to Embrace Change WellIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “My store can’t support me,” this is your episode.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to embrace change by rewiring your business mindset, tackling Automatic Negative Thoughts to turn doubt into action.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why a growth mindset is essential for retail success.
How to identify and replace Automatic Negative Thoughts.
The power of the thought ladder to transform limiting beliefs and create a lasting mindset shift.
How developing a CEO mindset helps overcome retail challenges and fosters small business growth.
...2024-12-0511 minRicher Retailer - Scaling Retail Stores Past 7 Figures#001: It's Me. HiFrom sleepless nights to thriving success, retail expert Cathy Donovan Wagner shares her journey from an accidental retailer to a richer retailer. If you’ve ever struggled with inventory management, cash flow management, or sleepless nights, you’re not alone! In this episode, Cathy reveals the pivotal moments, tough lessons, and proven scientific retail strategies that transformed her retail business and how they can help you align your store with your life, profits, and dreams.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The power of knowing your numbers and managing inventory management effectively.
How hiring a coach...2024-12-0515 min
Main Street Matters by Heart on Main StreetMore Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavensMore Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavensJoin Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens as she debunks the myth that more people through your door automatically translates to increased sales. You’ll learn why focusing on more profit rather than more traffic is the solution you’ve been looking for. Register now to:
Escape the chaos of chasing after customers
Embrace a calmer, more effective retail mindset
Get the tools to run your store efficiently and profitably. Without sacrificing peace of mind
Join us for an illuminating session that...2024-03-071h 06
Rooted in RetailThe Profit LadyCathy Wagner, The Retail Maven, or as I lovingly refer to her…The Profit Lady...joins me on this episode to talk about profit when it comes to retail. She has loads of experience helping retailers make more money, have more profits, watch out for retail market trends, and stay ahead of the game. She shares her actionable tips and steps to bring more profit to your retail business…like these 3 KPIs you NEED to pay attention to:Rent Costs - 10% of SalesTeam Payroll Costs - 10% of SalesInve...2023-03-0542 min
The Vendor's Daughter02 | Make More Money and Get Better Sleep with Cathy Donovan WagnerWhen it comes to your finances do you know your numbers or are you avoiding them? If you’ve been acting like an ostrich with your head in the sand, know you aren’t alone, but also know that you can’t stay there if you want to experience true financial success and peace of mind. In Episode 02 of The Vendor’s Daughter podcast Cathy Donovan Wagner, Founder of Retail Mavens, a retail coaching and consulting company that empowers independent retailers to have more freedom, increased profits and better sleep, shares: 10:20 why you can’t see the pic...2021-11-091h 07
Jane Hamill | PodcastConnecting & Marketing to Your Customers in Different Ways with Cathy Wagner from Retail MavensToday's guest is my mentor and business coach Cathy Wagner from RETAILMavens. Cathy has over 30 years experience both as an owner and consultant. She is a wiz with financials and has the super power of coming up with crazy creative ways to market and create additional income streams. Today she shares how to come up with creative marketing messages during these unprecedented times. Check it out here: www.janehamill.com/retailmavens 2020-05-0825 min