244. Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/

In This Episode:

Are you curious how e-commerce businesses evolve into brick and mortar shops? Maybe you operate an Etsy shop or sell on social media but have always wondered what it would be like to open your own shop. If that sounds like you, listen up!

In this episode of the podcast, we are diving into the story of Chris Waddy, the owner and CEO of Loopy Wool in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris shares her incredible journey from running a small Etsy shop to building a thriving brick-and-mortar destination. She is also an active and valuable member of my Level Up Mastermind and Retailer’s Inner Circle. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to turn dreams into actionable plans (or your online shop into a successful brick and mortar!), this episode is packed with insights just for you. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

• Planning for Success: How simple planning eased anxiety and built confidence in Chris’s retail journey.

• Brick and Mortar Mastery: The challenges and wins of opening a physical store after starting online.

• Community Impact: How creating a vibrant, local business can uplift small towns - and YOU can be a part of that!

• Marketing Tips: Chris talks about her experience using design, events, and even billboards to attract customers and build a destination business.

• Balancing Introversion and Leadership: Chris’s insights on navigating personal challenges as a retail entrepreneur.

Actionable Takeaways for Retailers

• Plan Events to Build Buzz: Create signature events or demos around quieter seasons to bring traffic to your store.

• Employ Multiple Revenue Streams: You can earn revenue with both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce options to build stability and reach more customers.

About Chris Waddy and Loopy Wool

Chris is the owner of Loopy Wool, a fibre art studio in Salisbury, New Brunswick. Chris was a rug hooker first but her love extends to all fibre art now. Loopy Wool opened less than a year ago.

Follow along with Chris and her business: Loopy Wool: Instagram | Website | Facebook

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 55: Unscalable Conversations: A Free, Simple, and Powerful Marketing Tool to Use

Episode 69: Becoming a Destination Shop

Episode 143: How to Plan and Host Successful Events and Promotions in Your Shop

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Free resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

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