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What’s Trending in Gift & Home: A Holiday Buying Guide for Independent Retailers

November 11, 2025

Discover what’s trending in the gift and home industry with this Holiday Buying Guide for Home & Gift Retailers. In partnership with the Reps Are Local Too community, this guide highlights top holiday product trends, buying timelines, and merchandising ideas to help independent retailers plan inventory and maximize profits. Learn when to order, what to stock, and how to connect with local reps to keep your store ahead this season.

Holiday Merchandising Must-Haves for Small Business Owners

November 1, 2025

Seasonal merchandising during the holidays can make a significant difference in your business’s success. It’s not just about offering the right products; it’s also about creating a festive and inviting atmosphere that draws customers in and encourages them to make purchases. In this blog, we’ll explore some holiday merchandising essentials for small business owners, along with tips on why they are essential for your success.

How to Reclaim Time Before Holiday Chaos Hits

September 9, 2025

The holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of year for boutique owners and small business retailers. But let’s be honest: it can also be the most overwhelming. Between buying inventory, planning in-store events, running holiday promotions, and keeping up with daily operations, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

How to Manage Your Open-to-Buy for the Holiday Season

September 5, 2025

Learn how to manage your open-to-buy before holiday demand hits. Discover retail inventory planning tips to boost cash flow, avoid overbuying, and maximize boutique profits this holiday season.

The Smart Retailer’s September Playbook: 5 Ways to Prep Now for a Profitable Holiday Season

August 22, 2025

For small business retailers, the end of August isn’t just about back-to-school sales — it’s the signal that the holiday season is right around the corner. While big-box stores are already pushing fall and Christmas displays, boutique owners and independent retailers know the smartest moves happen in September.

#725: The Power of Pink Friday: How to Win the Holidays Before Black Friday

August 19, 2025

What would life look like without small businesses? Today, we’re diving into why they’re the heartbeat of our local economies—and why their role matters more than ever during the holiday rush. I’m joined by Sara Burks, who reveals how small businesses do far more than ring up sales: they create jobs, fund community events, pay taxes, and more. Listen in as we explore how to shift attention from big-box retailers

Wishlist Magic for Boutiques: How to Build Holiday Hype Without Huge Discounts

July 28, 2025

For boutiques, wishlists can do more than collect hearts and likes. Learn how to use them to build hype, personalize marketing, and drive revenue this holiday season.

Holiday Retail Wrap-Up: What Worked, What Didn’t, and How to Plan for 2025

January 7, 2025

It’s time to unpack what worked and what didn’t this past holiday retail season—and figure out how to put that information to great use now, while it’s fresh. After talking to hundreds of retailers over the last few weeks and analyzing their successes and what they would be doing differently this next year, I have some valuable information to share with you! Listen in to hear how to start planning for the next seasons, what to focus on, what changed, and more.

The Small Business Event Taking Over the Nation This Holiday Season: Pink Friday 2024

November 21, 2024

As the holiday season begins, Pink Friday stole the spotlight, encouraging shoppers to “Think Big, Shop Small” by supporting local businesses the Friday before Thanksgiving. Small businesses across the country are transforming the retail landscape with special events, community gatherings, and exclusive deals. This year, thousands of small businesses participated!

Holiday Retail Tip: USPS Shipping Cutoff

November 15, 2024

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for retailers, and getting your marketing strategy in place is essential to make the most of it. A significant date to focus on this season? The USPS shipping cutoff. Here’s a guide to leveraging this deadline to boost profits, keep customers happy, and make sure every sale counts.