Boutique Chat

In today's Five Minute Friday, I'm officially inviting you to join me for The Best Year Yet Challenge—our biggest free training of the year. Planning a new year shouldn't feel overwhelming or leave you burned out by March. Instead of chasing perfection or setting goals that fade fast, this challenge is all about creating a clear, realistic, and actionable plan for 2026—one you can actually stick to. Over three powerful days (January 6–8), we'll review the past year, map out what truly moves the needle, build profitable systems, and create a marketing plan that works now—not six months ago. This is about small, imperfect, consistent action—and doing it together, in community. Today's Episode: Why most New Year goals fail by March—and how to avoid that trap How to focus on the 20% of actions that drive 80% of your results What to expect from each day of the Best Year Yet Challenge How to turn big goals into clear, measurable, team-supported action plans Why planning beats perfection every single time

As we close out 2025 and step into a brand-new year, this episode isn't about pretty planners or lofty resolutions — it's about the behind-the-scenes work that actually sets your business up for success. In this solo episode, Ashley Alderson walks you through the five critical areas every retailer must review before the year ends so you're compliant, organized, profitable, and positioned to lead — not just hustle — in 2026. From money and inventory to operations, goal-setting, and leadership, this is your practical, no-fluff checklist for finishing the year strong and starting the next one with clarity, confidence, and peace. You'll learn: How to close out your money & accounting properly (and why your accountant should be a strategic partner, not a once-a-year contact) Why year-end inventory counts are non-negotiable — and how they impact taxes, markdowns, and open-to-buy planning Where hidden costs live inside your apps, subscriptions, and operational expenses The importance of systems, processe

As we head into 2026, one thing is clear - the gap between average retailers and top performers is widening — and it has nothing to do with effort. In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley Alderson breaks down what the top 10% of retailers do differently right now, and why those decisions are positioning them to grow and scale while others feel stuck. Hard work isn't the issue. Strategy is. Ashley shares the four key differences separating high-performing retailers from those struggling to gain traction — and how you can start applying these shifts immediately as you plan for the year ahead. You'll learn: How building systems before you need them changes everything Why top retailers operate like CEOs — not reactive entrepreneurs What it really means to use AI as a strategic partner (not a shortcut) Why customer retention is outperforming reach and visibility The retailers winning in 2026 aren't guessing. They're operating with clarity, data, and intention — and you can too.  

If you're getting ready to plan 2026 and want clarity—not chaos, this episode is for you. Today, we're planning your entire year in 26 minutes. This is not a to-do list episode. This is a guided planning session designed for you to pause, reflect, write things down, and make intentional CEO-level decisions about what stays, what goes, and what actually moves your business forward. Grab your planner, notebook, or favorite gel pens — this episode is meant to be paused, rewound, and revisited as you work through it. You'll learn: How to define what you want your business to feel like by the end of 2026 The exact reflection questions to review 2025 before planning forward How to identify the ONE thing that could change everything next year How to reverse-engineer your revenue goals using leading indicators How to reclaim time through systems, automation, and delegation   Links & Resources: Best Year Yet Retail Bootcamp Traffic Calculator 2026 Retail Planner  

As we close out the year and head into a new one, it's time to get honest. Most businesses won't fail in 2026 because of the economy — they'll fail because they're still operating like it's 2019. In today's Five Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the four biggest mistakes I saw retailers make over the last year — mistakes that are quietly costing you time, money, margin, and momentum. If your business feels busy but not profitable, chances are one (or more) of these is holding you back. You'll learn: What winning retailers will do differently in 2026 The shift from "pretty branding" to real customer relationships How ignoring cash flow and margin creates long-term stress Why underutilizing AI and automation is no longer an option  The dangerous gap between sales and actual profitability  

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Allie Falcon to unpack what it really looks like to build a recognizable brand rooted in story, style, and grit. Allie shares her journey from ranch life and handmade leather goods to manufactured apparel, wholesale growth, and a showroom at Dallas Market Center. They talk wholesale growth, brand consistency, and what successful boutiques do differently when they market brands with a story. Plus: Round Top with Junk Gypsy stories, pricing strategy, learning to say "no," and the legacy Allie hopes to leave. You'll learn: Why cohesiveness matters more than random "good products" when building a line sheet and wholesale presence How to move from handmade/custom work into a more sustainable model without losing your creative identity What boutiques do best when they market story-driven brands (and why displaying collections together matters) How wholesale can stabilize a business when social algorithms shift Two key business lessons: price for future wholesale now

In this Five Minute Friday, Samantha Conner continues our market conversation by diving into the actual product trends hitting trade show floors right now — and more importantly, how they apply across every retail category. From apparel to home + gift, children's, and even western, today's trends are crossing categories faster than ever. You'll learn: The bold color trends coming for 2026 The rise of faster trend cycles (every 8–10 weeks) and how to keep up without overbuying How cost-per-wear and cost-per-use are driving smarter buying decisions How pop culture moments are shaping what customers want next Why quiet luxury is fading and maximalist, personality-driven style is back   

Retail buying doesn't have to be overwhelming—or lonely. This week, Ashley sits down with Angela Schmook (Roadrunners, Reps Are Local Too) and Kelly Bristol (Just Gotta Have It, GHTA leader) to reveal why your local sales reps might be the most powerful, underused resource in your business. Fresh from the GHTA Conference in Park City, they break down how reps support retailers far beyond taking orders: helping with events, securing promos and exclusives, spotting local trends, and giving you insider knowledge you'll never get from ordering online. They also unpack the shift toward lifestyle retail—where home, gift, and apparel collide—and how to approach markets with confidence, even if you've never stepped inside a showroom before. You'll learn: What reps really do and why working with one is free How reps help you buy smarter, plan better, and spot trends early How showrooms actually work (and why you shouldn't feel intimidated) Why home, gift, and apparel are merging into lifestyle retail How to

Today, Samantha Conner kicks off a two-part Five Minute Friday series breaking down the lifeblood of every retail business: inventory. And to understand inventory, we're taking it all the way back to where it begins — trade shows and markets. In Part 1, Samantha uncovers the biggest 2026 trade show trends every retailer needs to know, whether you're selling apparel, home and gift, children's, western, or anything in between. With over 25 shows attended last year, The Boutique Hub team has a front-row seat to what's changing — and how you can plan smarter. You'll learn: Why there are more trade shows than ever and what that means for you The rise of niche markets and how they can serve your business How major shows are leveling up with education, activations, and immersive experiences What retailers should consider when deciding which shows to attend Why inspiration at market is becoming just as important as the product itself  

What if 2026 could be the year you finally stop spinning your wheels and actually run your boutique like a CEO? In this episode, Ashley sits down with "Retail Professor" and denim twin, Sara Burks, to unpack their biggest retail predictions for 2026—from AI and Meta's new Andromeda algorithm to niching down, live selling, and building a content engine that actually works. Ashley and Sara share what they're seeing across thousands of boutiques, what's changing fast, and how the most successful store owners are planning now for a more profitable, peaceful year ahead. They'll also walk you through what to expect inside the Best Year Yet Challenge, happening January 6–8. You'll learn: Why AI is no longer optional—and how smart retailers are using it in every part of their business What Meta's new Andromeda algorithm means for your content, reach, and ad strategy How live selling and video can humanize your brand and deepen customer loyalty in 2026 How the Best Year Yet Challenge helps you map real strateg

Great visual merchandising doesn't just look pretty — it sells. In today's episode, Director of Partnerships & Education, Sara Burks shares how great merchandising goes far beyond pretty displays. It creates emotion, inspires discovery, increases average order value, and helps customers see themselves in your products. She breaks down how to design purpose-driven zones in your store, use lighting and height to influence buying behavior, and create an environment that keeps customers coming back again and again. You'll learn: How storytelling transforms the merchandising experience Simple in-store mistakes that lower your product's perceived value How to design purpose-driven zones that guide customers naturally Why lighting, height, textures & mirrors dramatically increase engagement How to create a store layout that reduces confusion and increases confidence  

Today, Western fashion designer and Rodeo Quincy founder, Quincy Eldridge joins the podcast to share how she turned her unique, hand-painted rodeo style into a nationally recognized fashion brand. From designing boots with Ariat at 18 to running four sales channels, four NFR booths, and now her first Las Vegas fashion show, Quincy opens up about grit, growth, family, and building a business with heart. Now preparing for her biggest year yet with four NFR booths, three semi-loads of inventory, a full team, and her first-ever fashion show in Las Vegas, Quincy opens up about what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven brand that stands out. You'll learn: How Quincy went from hand-painting tack in high school to collaborating with Ariat How she manages four business models: online retail, wholesale, live selling, and NFR trade shows How rodeo, grit, and "getting back on the horse" shaped her leadership and resilience Her merchandising playbook for building a booth people can't walk past How she balanc

Why is live selling exploding — and why does every retailer need to be doing it? In this Five Minute Friday, Sara Burks dives into one of the biggest shifts happening in retail right now — live selling. Live selling is becoming one of the most powerful ways to build trust, increase conversions, and reach more customers without adding more hours to your day. So, whether you're nervous to be on camera, unsure where to start, or convinced no one will watch — this episode will show you why going live is no longer optional for small retailers who want to grow. You'll learn: Common fears (camera, time, confidence) and how to get past them A simple, no-fuss Live Selling Starter Plan How to create themes customers actually care about How platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and CommentSold prioritize live content The long-term benefits: authority, loyalty, engagement, and repeat buyers

Pink Friday Week is finally here  — and Ashley is diving deep into how to make this the most profitable and peaceful kickoff to your holiday season. Ashley shares the heart behind Pink Friday, why it began, and how retailers all over the world can use this week to tell their story before big-box media announces theirs. You'll learn how to prepare your store, communicate with your local community, calculate your 7X local economic impact, and create a Pink Friday experience that brings in customers and strengthens loyalty.    You'll learn: How Pink Friday started — and why it changed the industry Why community over competition matters more than ever The meaning and power of your economic impact number How to calculate your 7X local impact (simple formula inside) Strategies to keep profit and peace through holiday chaos   Join The Boutique Hub  ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

On this Five Minute Friday, Amanda Fairley and Nikki Bogardus of PrismXI  join us to unpack one of the most transformative tools in personal style: color analysis. Nikki has spent sixteen years studying the science of color, and together, Amanda and Nikki break down how the right colors impact confidence, first impressions, shopping habits, and the way you show up in life and business. They explain why traditional four-season color analysis often falls short — and how the 12-season method creates a more accurate, inclusive, and empowering approach for every individual.  You'll learn: Why color creates the very first impression before anything else The three dimensions of color you must understand for an accurate result How knowing your colors saves money and simplifies your wardrobe The science behind why some colors flatter us and others distract How PrismXII's 12-season method is 3x more precise than traditional color analysis    

Today Bekah Turner, owner of Pink Possum, joins Ashley to unpack her business journey— from growing up in a salvage-store family—and how that shaped a boutique brand that wins with relatable content, smart buying, and customer trust. We dive into her weekly content rhythm, live selling, email/SMS/app strategy, vendor red flags, how she handles photo theft/dupes, and the storefront decision she regretted (then fixed). You'll learn: A repeatable weekly content plan (markdowns → sneak peeks → launch → follow-up) How to segment email, SMS, and app notifications without spamming Vendor due diligence (manufacturer vs. distributor, reviews, model tells) How to address photo theft, educate customers, and avoid dupe/legal pitfalls Why "bigger isn't always better" and the storefront mistake Becca reversed fast   Join The Boutique Hub Retail Bootcamp   Bekah Turner & Pink Possum Boutique Website: Pinkpossumboutique.com Instagram: @shoppinkpossum @bekturner  ____________________________ Ashley Alderson:

Today Ashley dives into one of her favorite phrases — "Only a tracked number grows." If you've ever felt like you're posting on social media without seeing results, this episode breaks down exactly what numbers to track, how to measure them, and how to get your team on the same page heading into the new year. Ashley shares how The Boutique Hub tracks every post, follower, engagement, and conversion across all channels, and how you can do the same using your Retail Planner's tracking sheets. Whether you're managing your own social media or leading a team, you'll learn how to stop guessing and start growing. You'll learn: The key social media numbers that drive growth How to use your planner to track engagement, traffic, and sales Why "posting" isn't a goal — but conversions are How tracking leads to smarter marketing and stronger sales  

Pop-Ups, Mobile Boutique Life & Merchandising That Sells Today Brianna Williams, of Wildly Midwest, joins the podcast to share how she built a thriving mobile boutique business traveling to more than 45 markets a year across nine states. Brianna opens up about pivoting from handmaking baby clothes on Etsy to running a successful women's boutique on the road, what it really takes to make markets profitable, and the merchandising secrets that make customers stop, shop, and say, "I'll take the whole outfit." You'll learn: How Brianna pivoted from handmade baby clothes to a full-time women's boutique What 45+ markets a year really looks like — and how to plan them How to vet events, spot red flags, and find your perfect customer base Visual merchandising that sells: mannequins, layering, and storytelling through displays The tools, packing systems, and safety gear every mobile boutique owner needs   Join The Boutique Hub Retail Bootcamp   Brianna Williams & Wildly Midwest Website: wildlymidwes

Do you love the satisfaction of checking things off a list? (Same!) Today, Ashley dives into how checklists can completely transform the way you plan and lead your boutique. From annual business audits to monthly website cleanups, she shares the key systems that keep your business running smoothly—without letting the small stuff slip. You'll learn: Use annual, quarterly, and monthly checklists to stay on track Avoid burnout with intentional time-off planning Protect your digital assets and stop paying for unused subscriptions Create simple systems your team can actually follow Whether you're using the Boutique Boss Planner or your own notebook, you'll walk away ready to build a business that runs like clockwork.  

Today Bette Bentley, founder of Skimpies, joins the podcast to talk about how she built a viral, one-product brand by solving a very real problem for women.  Bette shares about inventing a product that didn't exist, showing up online when people made fun of her, and building a community of women who feel seen, not sold to. Bette shares how she turned one core product into a movement on TikTok, why live selling changed everything, and how she protects her confidence in public as a founder, mom, and creator. You'll learn: The origin of Skimpies Why no manufacturer wanted to touch her idea — until one woman said yes The 8-second TikTok about a "front wedgie" that hit 6 million views Live selling with 3 viewers… to making real daily revenue and community loyalty  How she chose Marshalls/TJ Maxx as her first retail partner on purpose   Join The Boutique Hub 2026 Retail Planner   Bette Bentley & Skimpies  Website:skimpies.com Instagram: @skimpiesbrand TikTok: @skimpiesbrand  ________________________