Boutique Chat

What does it take to become an entrepreneurial powerhouse in the retail world? Tony Chinn, a seasoned retail expert, joins us today to share his incredible journey from starting as a greeter at Guess to launching his own successful entrepreneurial venture. With experience at iconic brands like BB, Kitson, Forever 21, Agassi, and Akira, Tony's story is a testament to the power of intention and vision boards when it comes to achieving lasting success. Listen in to hear practical advice for retailers and insights into maximizing retail success. Resources: Tony Chinn: Website | Instagram Boutique Summit 2025  Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner   Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode, Emily from Supermoon dives into the key strategies for delivering exceptional customer service. With insights gathered from interviewing hundreds of support agents, she shares three game-changing ways to streamline support, reduce friction for customers, and leverage AI to improve efficiency. Whether you're a small business owner, a customer support professional, or just looking for ways to enhance your customer experience, these tips will help you provide faster, smarter, and more effective support. Key Takeaways: Make Information Easily Accessible Don’t make customers search for crucial details like contact info or FAQs. Display key information in multiple places: website footer, homepage, emails, and social media. Reduce frustration by proactively answering common questions. Use a Shared Inbox for Better Efficiency If you receive a high volume of customer inquiries, centralizing them in one place saves time. Shared inbox tools allow for better team collaboration and quicker response tim

From feeling out of place as a young girl to becoming a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide, DeAnna Maynard-Goodman (also known as “FabD”) has embarked on a journey that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she joins the show to share how her experiences in the beauty industry shaped her path and inspired her to launch a boutique with just a modest $300 investment. DeAnna also opens up about navigating her career through the challenges of COVID-19 and reveals how focusing on meeting her community’s needs became the key to both fulfillment and success. Resources: DeAnna Maynard-Goodman: Website | Facebook | Instagram Boutique Summit 2025  Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner   Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

This week, Morgan Ramage and Alejandra Trombetta from the Atlanta markets’ fashion and events team join us to share trends for the upcoming season across apparel, gift, and home collections, and provide a few highlights for top events at the crossover buying event happening in Atlanta, April 1-4. Resources: About April Buying Week: https://www.americasmart.com/aprilbuyingweek A/W ’25 Apparel Trend Report: https://www.atlanta-apparel.com/The-Best-Of/Trends Details for all upcoming Atlanta markets: https://www.americasmart.com/Markets/Market-Dates-and-Hours   Boutique Hub Members SAVE big at Market. Not a Member? Join Here: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin 

Want to save money, save time, be better at content creation, and be a better boss? Who doesn’t? Today, I’m joined by my friend Kinsey Soderberg, owner of Feel Good Social and Authentic AI, and we’re digging into all the different ways you can use AI to make your life easier. She sheds light on how she has been working to find a healthy balance with using AI tools that allows for better productivity without sacrificing quality or authenticity. Resources: Kinsey Soderberg: Feel Good Social | Authentic AI Brand Blueprint Reels Prompt Playbook AI Powered Reels Club Boutique Summit 2025  Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner   Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Struggling with excess inventory that just won’t move? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we're diving into one of the most common challenges retailers face: what to do with all that unsold inventory—and, more importantly, how to stop it from happening again. Here’s the truth: it's not always about running another sale or marking things down (though we'll cover that too). Often, the biggest problem with excess inventory starts long before the markdowns... and it's all about how much attention and strategy you're giving each piece. In this episode, we cover: Why excess inventory builds up in the first place (spoiler: it’s not just overbuying) How to give your products the love they need to actually sell Creative ways to clear out old inventory fast, including bundle sales, ladder sales, and more Why early markdowns are better than desperate discounting How to treat your inventory like cash The importance of knowing your numbers - inventory age, demand, and seasonality How your online visibility is directly

What does it take to build a thriving business while staying true to family values and legacy? In today’s episode, live from the Dallas Market Center, I’m joined by Marty and Claudia Leon as they take us through the rich history of the building and their own business evolution. As a family deeply rooted in both the industry and the space, their insights are not only valuable but truly inspiring. Listen in as they open up about the dynamics of working as a family, finding the right balance and setting boundaries, and mastering successful, consistent marketing strategies.  Resources: Marty and Claudia Leon: L&A Showroom | Marty | Claudia Dallas Market Center DMC Instagram Boutique Summit 2025  Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner   Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Feeling like your boutique is falling behind the competition? You’re not alone. In this episode, JR Visual Design dives into one of the biggest fears boutique owners face: new stores popping up with on-trend designs, functional layouts, and an experience that draws in customers. If you’ve ever worried that your boutique looks outdated or lacks the flow and aesthetic that keep shoppers coming back, this episode is for you. They're breaking down the key elements of great store design and how to elevate your boutique to create a space that stands out. Whether you’re considering a small refresh or a complete renovation, these strategies will help you stop the comparison game and start building a boutique that feels fresh, unique, and perfectly aligned with your brand. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why store design plays a critical role in attracting and retaining customers How to stop comparing your boutique to new competitors and focus on your strengths The three essential pillars of great store design: B

Do you have enough of a following to bring in business? Knowing how to leverage your following (regardless of size) can be key to a thriving business. Before TikTok, TV, and fame, Marc D’Amelio has been killing it in the apparel and footwear industry. He joins the show today to share some of his best business and sales tips, as well as insights that have helped him and his projects succeed.  Resources: Marc D’Amelio: Instagram | Facebook D'AMELIO FOOTWEAR ON HUBVENTORY Join The Boutique Hub  Boutique Summit 2025 Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Struggling to find and keep great employees? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the biggest challenges boutique owners face when it comes to hiring, motivating, and retaining staff. We’ll break down the two types of employees you have—rocks and rock stars—and how to create a balanced team that thrives. Melodie van der Baan, co-founder and CEO of Max Retail, shares her proven strategies for understanding employee strengths, rewarding loyalty, and fostering growth within your boutique team. Whether you have employees who love selling, organizing inventory, or dream of climbing the fashion industry ladder, this episode will help you structure your team for long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between rocks (your steady, reliable team members) and rock stars (high achievers who thrive on challenge) How to identify employee strengths and assign roles that align with their skills Why it’s okay if rock stars eventually move on—and how to maximize their time with you

Struggling to get your brand noticed in a crowded market? Organic reach is harder than ever, and it’s impacting your business more than you might realize. In this episode, I’ll break down the latest industry shifts and share actionable strategies to help you show up more intentionally and consistently in your marketing. Tune in to discover five key trends you need to know as you plan for your next business year.  Resources: Join The Boutique Hub  Boutique Summit 2025 Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

We have a special host for today's Five Minute Friday episode! Melodie van der Baan, Co-founder and CEO at Max Retail (and Boutique Hub partner), joins us to share key insight into hiring and training staff. Whether you have one employee or 100, Melodie's tips will help at the beginning of your boutique journey and as you scale up. Resources:  Max Retail Join The Boutique Hub Community  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Transforming your financial future isn’t as hard as it may seem. My guest today is Hilary Hoff, a seasoned financial advisor with a rich background in corporate finance, and she joins the show today to discuss the six pillars of financial planning. She breaks them all down in practical, actionable ways that will help you take control of your finances. Hillary Hoff: Website | Facebook | Schedule a Consult Call Retail Bootcamp 2025 Boutique Boss Planner Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

Today, I’m going to help you jump-start your year with your planner. Whether you’re using the Boutique Boss Planner we created specifically for small business owners or a different one, this episode is all about maximizing your prep to not just create a plan—but to plan smarter. Resources:  2025 Boutique Boss Planner Join The Boutique Hub Community  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

How you make people feel about what they buy from you—and how they buy it—is a huge part of what makes a boutique successful. In this special episode featuring Ashley Donnell of The Babe Standard, we’ll be chatting about the value of selling experiences. Ashley has been particularly successful in this area, so don’t miss hearing her valuable tips! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: The Babe Standard: Website | Instagram Ashley Donnell: Instagram Retail Bootcamp 2025 Boutique Boss Planner Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

Are you ready to design your future? As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to reflect on who you want to be and what you want your life to look like. So, in this Five Minute Friday episode, we explore the power of vision boards—why they work, how they help you stay focused, and how to use them to turn your dreams into reality. Tune in to discover how a vision board can be the first step in creating the life you truly desire. Resources:  Join The Boutique Hub Community  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Are you struggling to identify what’s working (and what’s not) in your business? If you are looking for clarity on where to focus in order to scale effectively, this episode is exactly what you need! I’ll be breaking down the six key layers to success in retail, providing you with actionable strategies for building a strong, resilient, and sustainable business that can thrive in the long term. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Retail Bootcamp 2025 Boutique Boss Planner Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

It's that time of the year: the time for New Year's resolutions. So today, I'm sharing my top 10 resolutions for retailers in 2025. Listen in to hear my real—and direct—take on what goals we should all aim for in the coming year. Resources:  Join The Boutique Hub Community  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

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. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Retail Bootcamp 2025 Boutique Boss Planner Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

Ready to crush 2025? In today’s Five Minute Friday, I’m giving you an exclusive peek into how to set your year up for success, as well as how we've seen hundreds of retailers do the same year after year through our Best Year Yet Challenge. This challenge is an opportunity to come together with others in the industry to connect, share what’s working, and set yourself up for a winning year. And it's completely free! So tune in to learn how to make 2025 your best year yet. Resources:  Join The Boutique Hub Community  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube