I know it’s scary.
When sales slow down, panic creeps in. You start analyzing everything—your products, your marketing, your team. But most of all, yourself.
“What am I doing wrong?”
“Why aren’t people buying from me?”
It’s easy to blame outside factors—holidays, the economy, what your competitors are doing. But the hard truth I learned after 28 years in retail?
Your store has to be known for something.
If people don’t need what you offer, they won’t buy. It’s that simple.
No amount of social media posts or promotions will change that. Your job is to create products and services that people actually need, want, and crave. And when they do, you need to be the first name they think of.
When I started my coaching business 7 years ago, I had boutique owners reaching out, asking:
“How did you make it past year 10?”
“What are you doing to not just survive, but thrive?”
At first, I gave my time freely. But then I realized they weren’t just paying for my time. They were paying for my 28 years of experience—the mistakes, the failures, the hard-earned lessons.
So, I officially launched The Retail Lab, a coaching program that fixes their problems and works on growth opportunities. From hiring to inventory to sales, I became the person retailers turn to when they need help.
But even knowing all of this, I still have moments of doubt when things get quiet.
And maybe you do too.
So here’s what I want you to remember:
You are enough. You are doing important work.
A slow season doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means people don’t need you right now. And that’s okay.
Instead of panicking, take a step back. Evaluate. Adjust if needed. Or simply sit in the quiet and trust in what you’ve built.
Busy doesn’t always mean successful. Silence doesn’t always mean failure.
Stay the course. Your people will come.
Need help figuring out what’s holding your business back? Let’s chat.
[Book a call with me here.] xoxo Kristi Lee
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