In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we’re answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: What’s the difference between a sale and a promotion?

It’s one of the most common points of confusion in retail—and getting it wrong could be costing your business profit. In this episode, Sarah from The Boutique Hub explains how to tell the difference, when to use each strategy, and how to protect your margins while driving customer engagement.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

What Is a Sale?

• A permanent price drop designed to clear inventory quickly.

• The faster an item sells, the more profitable it is.

• Avoid blanket discounts; instead, target products, vendors, or seasons.

What Is a Promotion?

• A temporary price reduction meant to create urgency.

• Customers respond to short-term excitement without long-term devaluation.

• Items can return to full price once the promotion ends.

Why the Difference Matters

• Misusing promotions as sales can erode margins.

• Sales should move old product out; promotions should drive traffic in.

• Using the right strategy helps protect profit, save employee time, and improve customer loyalty.

Not a member yet? These are the kinds of retail strategies waiting for you inside The Hub to help you grow smarter.

Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

What if live selling could transform not just your sales, but the way you connect with customers? In this episode, I'm joined by Ciera Elledge of CommentSold to explore how boutiques can harness the power of social commerce. Ciera shares what sets the most successful live sellers apart, as well as how features like CommentChat, AI Clip Hero, and custom mobile apps give boutique owners the tools to work smarter, not harder, while keeping shoppers engaged and loyal.

Resources:

• CommentSold: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• Ciera Elledge: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Join The Boutique Hub
• Pink Friday 2025
• Ashley Alderson: Instagram
• The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

We’re shifting our focus to your online presence by highlighting one of the most overlooked parts of running a retail business: your website health check.

Your website isn’t “set it and forget it.” Just like your inventory or sales floor, it needs regular maintenance to keep customers engaged, build trust, and avoid costly mistakes like broken links or checkout issues. A simple monthly checklist can save you from losing sales and help your brand look polished and professional.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Run a Monthly Website Health Check
Create a recurring checklist for your team (or yourself if you’re solo) to make sure your site is always up to date and error-free.

Check for Broken Links & Outdated Menus
Audit your navigation, announcements, and collections to ensure shoppers don’t end up on empty or irrelevant pages.

Test the Customer Journey Funnel
From product page to checkout, confirm that apps, widgets, and buttons are working on both desktop and mobile.

Review Filters, Sizes, and Color Swatches
Keep filters clean, product options consistent, and swatches updated so customers find what they want without frustration.

Tune in and walk away with a quick system you can implement today.

Want more? Join the Boutique Hub: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin