The SKUpe Newsletter

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What does “selling service, not just product” really look like in retail? Emily Holt opened Hero Shop after a career writing for Vogue, W, and WWD. Since then, she’s navigated a major move, a pandemic, and the quiet challenge of keeping a luxury boutique personal — and profitable. In this The SKUpe Newsletter Q&A, she shares a candid look at how small retailers can stay resilient and relevant by rethinking the basics: • What customer service really means now • Why paying vendors on time is more strategic than you think • How a store becomes a community hub — not just a sales space If you're rethinking your retail strategy, this one’s worth your time.

Thank you The SKUpe Newsletter for sharing my episode on the Mark Bouris AM podcast- Small Business Callout. It means the world to me. It's through platforms like yours that small business voices are amplified, and I'm truly grateful to be part of that conversation. Thank you once again for your encouragement and belief in what we’re doing! https://lnkd.in/g8ctBhgN

This International Women’s Day, we highlighted Ashlee Margolis and Jenine Leigh-Pollard, the powerhouse duo behind The A List, a female-run marketing firm shaping the way top brands connect with celebrities, influencers, and consumers. With clients like New Balance, Ilia, and Fly by Jing, they’ve mastered the art of authentic partnerships, community building, and high-impact marketing. In our latest Q&A in The SKUpe Newsletter, they share top tips for SMBs, insights on the future of brand marketing, and how fostering kindness and purpose leads to success. A must-read for any brand looking to stand out! Written by Marcy Medina #InternationalWomensDay #Marketing #BrandStrategy #WomenInBusiness #TheNetGains

After years in entertainment marketing, RJ Rousso took a leap—launching The Doggie Spaw in Venice, California. More than just a pet grooming and daycare space, it’s a business built on trust, community partnerships, and creative brand positioning. For retailers navigating a new venture, Rousso shares his best tips for building a business from the ground up—fostering customer loyalty, driving local engagement, and standing out in a competitive market. Read more here.

This week in The SKUpe Newsletter: Your return policy could be costing you. 🔄 Returns aren’t just a hassle—they’re a decision-maker. - 2 out of 3 shoppers check a retailer’s return policy before buying. - 90% feel confident returning in-store—a major opportunity to turn a return into a repeat sale. - Seamless returns = higher trust. Offer in-store, home pickup, and drop-off options. Better yet, incentivize exchanges or store credit over refunds. 💡 Why this matters: Returns don’t have to be a loss. With the right strategy, they can drive retention and increase basket size. 👉 Get the full insights in this week’s SKUpe. Read & subscribe here: www.theskupe.co Also mentioned in this edition: Karin Kimbrough, Etsy Shop, E.L.F. BEAUTY #RetailTrends #SMBSuccess #CustomerExperience #Ecommerce #Returns #LoyaltyMarketing

Mr. Rogers once said, "In times of crisis, look for the helpers—you will always find people who are helping." The helper we've found this week is Mary Alice Stephenson, who is using her non-profit GLAM4GOOD to help the victims of the California wildfires rebuild. A version of this story first appeared in The SKUpe's weekly newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free, here: https://lnkd.in/eA8Eiuvu Written by Marcy Medina

Scroll. Click. Buy. A recent survey from Salsify found that most shoppers buy things while doing other things -- like scrolling social media, watching YouTube or while streaming a movie. Who is doing this? Well, about 2/3 of Millenial respondents said that's how they shop. Surprisingly, however, about 75% of men said that's also how they shop. If you like information like this, subscribe for free to The SKUpe and you'll get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up: https://lnkd.in/eA8Eiuvu Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCDdg-hR

Tariffs. The president's second term started with a slew of executive orders, making some of his campaign promises true. Hours after taking the top seat, President Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico to go into affect on Feb. 1   This shift in North American trade policy could increase prices for American consumers and likely will raise the prospect that the two countries impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, potentially hurting domestic businesses. 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: The executive action signed Monday also directs the secretaries of Commerce and Treasury and the United States Trade Representative to analyze how the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement signed by Trump in his first term is affecting American workers and businesses — and whether America should remain in the free trade agreement. While the intent may be to protect U.S. businesses, one analyst said tariffs “would create a self-inflicted wound on America’s own economy.” Stay up on the latest news delivered straight to your inbox for free by signing up for The SKUpe. https://lnkd.in/eHWrW2dX H/t: CNN: https://lnkd.in/eERfH647

In this week's newsletter 📰 It's 'Returnuary' - retailers are expected to see a 17% bump in returns from the holiday shopping season compared to last season. There's been a ton of online chatter about the 'Wirkin,' a leather bag from Walmart that has an uncanny resemblance to Hermès' ultra-expensive #Birkin bag. The luxury goods market is facing a bit of a cyclical downturn, calling into question whether luxury houses are missing out by not offering more affordable items. What do you think? Also seen in this edition: Ed Stack, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Savannah Sanchez, Barnes & Noble, Inc. Read the full edition, and sign up for the free newsletter, at https://lnkd.in/eN9iDP3S