How indie shops grow sales WITHOUT discounting!
Thu Feb 05 2026
Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie Retail
Sales growth is often treated as the goal in retail.
But without profit, growth just creates more pressure.
In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn’t optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers.
I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.
This isn’t about chasing turnover.
And it’s not about discounting everything to keep cash moving.
It’s about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe.
I’m joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention.
Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles.
In this episode, we cover:
Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainable
What blanket discounting really costs you over time
How retailers increased sales while holding less stock
Why margin awareness changes decision making
What better stock management does for confidence and clarity
How strategic discounting differs from panic discounting
We also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale.
If you’re running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together.
Chapters
00:00 Why profit isn’t optional
01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting
04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year
06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence
10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise
12:36 How better data changes behaviour
17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies
23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businesses
Links
Stock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.net
Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com
Listen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast
Enjoying the show?
DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.
And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Stock Doctor
Find out more at stockdoctor.net
More
Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie Retail Sales growth is often treated as the goal in retail. But without profit, growth just creates more pressure. In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn’t optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers. I’m Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality. This isn’t about chasing turnover. And it’s not about discounting everything to keep cash moving. It’s about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe. I’m joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention. Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles. In this episode, we cover: Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainable What blanket discounting really costs you over time How retailers increased sales while holding less stock Why margin awareness changes decision making What better stock management does for confidence and clarity How strategic discounting differs from panic discounting We also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale. If you’re running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together. Chapters 00:00 Why profit isn’t optional 01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting 04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year 06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence 10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise 12:36 How better data changes behaviour 17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies 23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businesses Links Stock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.net Resilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.com Listen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast Enjoying the show? DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram. And if the podcast’s useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the Stock Doctor Find out more at stockdoctor.net