Welcome to Storefront Strategies

Discover the ultimate resource for bricks-and-mortar business owners with the Storefront Strategies podcast, hosted by Lee Midlane.

As a tech industry leader and advocate for women in business, Lee demystifies the complexities of running a physical store in today's digital landscape.

Gain actionable insights, practical advice, and inspiring success stories tailored to help you launch, manage, and grow your business.

Whether you're starting a cozy cafe or scaling your retail store, join our community for strategies that drive success and foster authentic, values-driven leadership.

Ep/026: Get the INSIDE Scoop on Box Brand Week 1!

Launching a new business is always a learning experience, and Week 1 at Box Brand was no exception. In this episode, I dive into the realities of our soft opening, the ongoing adjustments to the shop layout, and the invaluable insights we’ve gained from listening to customer feedback. From clearing up confusion about our unique offerings to sharing our first-week income, I’m pulling back the curtain on the challenges and wins of starting a brick-and-mortar business. Whether you’re thinking of opening your own shop or just curious about the process, this episode offers a transparent, real-world look at what it takes to build a retail business from the ground up.

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Brand Building & Strategy Lee Midlane Brand Building & Strategy Lee Midlane

Ep/024: The Greek Chef Reviving His Country’s Culinary Heritage

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we dive into the story of Yannis Papameletis, the passionate owner of Just Greek in Penrith. Yannis shares how he brought the flavours and traditions of Greece to the UK, staying true to his roots by serving authentic Greek cuisine with ingredients imported straight from home. From overcoming business challenges to the powerful support of his local community, Yannis’s journey is an inspiring look at what it takes to succeed with authenticity and hard work. Tune in to hear how Just Greek has become a beloved local gem in Penrith.

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Business Planning & Strategy Lee Midlane Business Planning & Strategy Lee Midlane

Ep/022: The Business Model Canvas: A Better Way to Plan Your Startup

Planning a business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we explore how the Business Model Canvas can simplify the process by bringing all the essential elements of your business onto a single page. I share how we’ve used this powerful tool to set up Box Brand, aligning our goals and strategy from the start. Whether you're building a new business or refining your current model, this episode offers practical insights to help you turn your vision into a structured, actionable plan.

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Lee Midlane Lee Midlane

Ep/021: Is Opening a Second Business Worth the Risk? Our Story

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we chat with Darryl and Chyanne, a Canadian entrepreneurial duo who have successfully built two brick-and-mortar businesses from the ground up. They share their journey, starting with a hair salon and expanding into a boutique store, and reveal the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges they faced along the way.

Darryl and Chyanne discuss what it really takes to open a second business, from managing cash flow and handling debt to finding the right team and balancing work and personal life. They also dive into the importance of exceptional customer service and the creative ways they use social media to attract new customers.

If you’ve ever wondered whether opening a second business is worth the risk, this episode provides a firsthand look at the rewards and realities of taking that leap.

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Lee Midlane Lee Midlane

Ep/020: 5 Essential Habits ALL Successful Brick-and-Mortar Owners Swear By

What separates thriving brick-and-mortar businesses from those that struggle? It’s not just the perfect product or a prime location—it’s the small, daily habits that create long-term success. In this episode, we explore the consistent actions that help business owners work smarter, not harder.

You’ll hear how Katie, a bakery owner, transformed her business through simple yet powerful habits like morning planning, engaging with customers, and managing her inventory daily. These habits allowed her to build a loyal community around her store, proving that small steps lead to big wins over time.

If you're a business owner looking for practical tips to improve your productivity and build a strong foundation for growth, this episode is a must-listen!

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Lee Midlane Lee Midlane

Ep/016: Unveiling My Secret Brick-and-Mortar Adventure!

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we dive deep into the importance of identifying your target market when starting a brick-and-mortar business. Using stories like Sarah's Bakery, we explore the challenges businesses face when they don’t clearly define their audience and how understanding your market can be the key to success. From using tools like Google Analytics to refining your product offerings, this episode walks you through the essential steps of conducting market research, developing a business plan, and setting up your store for your target audience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode provides practical insights and actionable steps to ensure your physical store resonates with the right customers. Tune in to discover how a focused market strategy can help your business thrive.

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Lee Midlane Lee Midlane

Ep/009: Discover Nunsy Cameron: The Unstoppable Entrepreneur!

Discover how Nunsy Cameron navigated the ups and downs of her family business, transforming challenges into opportunities. From her early resistance to becoming a business owner to mastering customer service and adapting to market changes, Nunsy shares invaluable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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