This is Part 1 of a special 2-part series on one of the most common and heated topics in indie retail: competition and product overlap.

If you’ve ever walked into another store and seen your best-selling product on their shelves, you know the mix of frustration and fear it can trigger.

In this episode, I break down why product overlap happens in retail, why it feels so personal, and what it really means for your business. We’ll look at the emotions behind these moments, the realities of supply and demand, and why processing your reaction first is key to making better long-term decisions.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode258

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

In this episode, I’m opening up about something personal—and still unfolding. For years, I’ve suspected I might have ADHD. I usually wait until I’ve got everything figured out before I share, but this time I’m bringing you with me in real-time.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your brain works a little differently—if you’ve struggled with focus, follow-through, forgetfulness, or feeling scattered—this episode might hit home.

I’ll explain why I’m finally getting tested, what common ADHD symptoms look like (especially in women), and why so many of us feel dismissed when we try to talk about it. I’m not a doctor—but after 51 years and a lot of patterns I can’t ignore, I’m ready to get answers. Let’s talk about it.

For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/episode257

Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here:

Website: Savvy Shopkeeper
Instagram: @savvyshopkeeper
Mastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers

Ever wonder what’s really happening behind the scenes at Savvy Shopkeeper?

In this special bonus episode, I’m catching you up on ALL the projects, lessons, and tools I’ve been working on! And there's quite a bit.

If you're not in MSK, this is your chance to hear what goes on behind the curtain. And if you are in MSK? You’ll appreciate the momentum we’re building.

Want to explore something I mentioned in this bonus episode? Here’s where to go:

1. 📝 Rewiring Retail Recap Notes – Listen to my key takeaways and sign up for the Retail Brew newsletter.

2. 📱 Traffic Tally (Foot Traffic App) – Get on the Savvy Shopkeeper newsletter list to hear more about this and find out when we launch the web app. Scroll down on the home page to sign up.

3. 📍 Retail Location Scorecard Lesson (MSK) – Apply to join the membership or book a discovery call with me.
   
   

4. 📅 Event Promotion Timing Study – Complete the form and help us collect as much information as possible. Click here to access the Google Form.
   
   

5. 📐 Store Intensives – Interested in a store intensive? Visit the store intensive page on the Savvy Shopkeeper website.
   
   

6. 📄 Retail Isn’t Dying, It’s Starving – White Paper – Get on the Savvy Shopkeeper newsletter list to hear more about this.
   
   

7. 📘 Retail Roadmap Book Waitlist – Get on the Savvy Shopkeeper newsletter list to hear more about this and find out when you can pre-order the book!
   
   

8. 📢 Tariffs, Advocacy & MSK Member Spotlight – Learn more about this incredible work on the Advocacy page of the Savvy Shopkeeper website.
   
   

9. 🤖 AI Agents & Automations (Impromptu MSK Lesson) – Apply to join the membership or book a discovery call with me.
   
   

10. 🚪 Retail Exit Roadmap (Exit Strategy Program) – Find out when this program opens up by getting on the Savvy Shopkeeper newsletter list!

11. 🎉 2027 Conference – More coming soon! Same applies here: get on the newsletter list!