The Jellycat drama explained

When your best-selling supplier pulls the rug out, what’s your next move?

I’m Catherine Erdly and this week’s Resilient Retail Game Plan episode dives straight into the Jellycat drama that’s rocking UK indie retail. Plush toys flying off the shelves one day, a curt rejection letter from your biggest brand partner the next. So how did Jellycat, the darling of TikTok and Instagram, go from indie retailers’ secret weapon to their biggest heartache? You’ll hear first-hand from shop owners blindsided by sudden cuts, dig into what this shock move reveals about scaling a product business, and learn hard-won lessons on loyalty, stock planning, and brand control. Plus my own take after 25 years in retail trenches.

Why listen?

• Discover how Jellycat’s decision upended cash flow for retailers—and what resilient retail really looks like in a storm
• Hear real talk on demand forecasting, inventory management, and pricing products for wholesale when the rules change overnight
• Unpack honest product business advice from guests who’ve been both championed and ghosted by hot brands
• Squeeze out independent retailer tips for strengthening supplier relationships—and never relying on one source again
• Reflect on indie shop survival and the community power that outlasts any viral craze

DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or who you’d love to hear next. If this episode hit home, rate and follow the Resilient Retail Club Podcast on your favourite app. Want even more? Read my latest Forbes article for funding options and fresh retail trend insights.

Not every plush is as soft as it looks. So let’s get into the real story.

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