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.

IIn this episode of Storefront Strategies, we’re taking you behind the scenes on the journey of opening Box Brand—a retail space dedicated to custom, community-focused merchandise. From early market research and customer feedback to the hands-on work of setting up shop, this episode reveals the realities of launching a brick-and-mortar business. Join us as we explore the challenges, insights, and adaptability required to bring this vision to life, all while learning valuable lessons along the way.

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.

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we dive into the next steps of building Box Brand by focusing on two powerful tools: the SWOT analysis and defining our mission, vision, and values. These elements aren’t just about planning—they’re the backbone of a brand that resonates with customers and stands the test of time. Join me as we explore how identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, along with crafting a clear mission, vision, and values, creates a roadmap for long-term success.

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.

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.

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!

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we sit down with Isaac Navias, the CEO and Founder of LocalFi, an SEO digital marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. Isaac shares his journey from corporate HR at Target to launching his own business focused on local SEO and marketing strategies that drive real results for brick-and-mortar stores. With millions of views and thousands of customers generated for his clients every month, Isaac explains how understanding and optimising Google Maps and other local SEO strategies can revolutionise customer acquisition for physical businesses. We dive into the importance of systems, how to build them for business growth, and why local SEO is one of the most powerful marketing tools available today. Whether you’re just starting your brick-and-mortar business or looking to expand, Isaac’s insights will give you the tools you need to build a strong online presence and attract more customers to your physical store.

Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories that prove the power of local SEO for brick-and-mortar success.