Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a season of cautious confidence — and coziness.

With thanks to this episode's sponsor Faire (https://faire.com/) Use the code 'GamePlan25' to claim 50% off and free shipping with your first order!

Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.

In this episode of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm sharing insights from my Forbes.com research, drawing on data from Shopify, Etsy, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion and more to reveal what shoppers are really planning this festive season.

Discover why UK consumers are expected to spend over £91 billion, how AI is reshaping holiday shopping, and why “comfort, connection and coziness” are the emotional triggers driving this year’s trends.

I'll also break down what all this means for independent retailers — from loyalty strategies to smarter stock planning — so you can make this Christmas your most profitable yet.

Make sure you grab my freebie at http://resilientretailclub.com/freebie

Mentioned in this episode:

Freebie download

Stock Freebie

Ever wish a retail expert would walk into your stockroom, pull up your numbers, and just tell you exactly what to do?

Hi, I'm Catherine Erdly.

This week on the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I’m tearing down the myths and fears behind a stock audit and showing why getting your inventory under control is the most powerful move a product-based business owner can make.

After 25 years in retail, I’ve seen it all: wasted cash in stagnant shelves, business owners drowning in data but starving for answers.

So I created Stock Doctor — a done-for-you service that cuts through overwhelm with actionable clarity.

Click play to hear real-world product business advice, cash flow for retailers, and inventory management tips that make strategy feel personal.

If you want independent retailer tips with zero judgement, this audit episode is your toolkit.

Why Listen

• Discover how to squeeze more margin from your current stockholding
• See why smart inventory management means better cash flow—and a healthier bank balance
• Get simple, practical techniques to clear excess stock without damaging your brand
• Learn demand forecasting tricks specifically for small product businesses
• Find out how to price products for wholesale, set minimum order quantities, and scale a product business confidently
• Hear success stories from real retailers who’ve used Stock Doctor to boost sales, decrease surplus, and claim more owner pay

DM your biggest takeaway or guest suggestions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. Rate/follow the Resilient Retail Club Podcast in your favourite app to stay ahead.

If you’re tired of winging it with your retail sales, this episode of The Resilient Retail Game Plan is your turning point.

I'm Catherine Erdly, and in this episode I'm revealing how mapping out your sales year gives you more creativity, not less.

Plus, we're all about calmer launches, better cash flow, and loyal customers.

Learn how to replace last-minute panic with a confident plan that fits your life, not the other way around.

00:00 Planning Enhances Creativity

03:40 Avoid Reactive Selling Strategies

07:09 Predictive Marketing Example

10:57 Plan Themes, Fill Gaps

15:07 "Planning Ahead for Success"

18:14 Holiday Planning for Retail Success

Website: https://www.resilientretailclub.com

Invite: https://resilientretailclub.com/retailsales

Podcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast

Tell me what landed for you—DM @resilientretailclub on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or guest wish list. Tap follow (and rate and review me while you're there) in your favourite app to keep updated on new episodes.