Step out of the day-to-day grind and into a creative, inspiring space where anything you imagine is possible. Inside the Retail Dream Factory, we’ll guide you to imagine a bold, inspiring vision for your business.

Big dreams are exciting—but they don’t build themselves. In this powerful session, we’ll break down the core skills, mindsets, and business structures you need to bring your vision to life. From leadership habits to foundational systems, team culture to profit-driving routines—this is how your dream starts to take shape.

Lindsey Roberts, owner and founder of HarQuin Bookkeeping, will discuss best practices for reviewing and understanding your Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet, including how to:

• Spot trends,
• Identify red flags, and
• Make data-driven decisions.

You’ll learn how to establish healthy checks and balances to make sure you are protected against theft and negligence. These include internal controls, separation of duties, and regular review. We’ll also teach you how to get the most out of your reports by customizing them for your retail business.

Studies have shown that 95% of shopping decisions happen in our subconscious. Join Paul in unearthing your customers’ subconscious behaviors and biases to improve sales and profits in your store. You’ll learn:

• How psychological pricing methods can increase gross margins.
• How top retailers use effective in-store messaging to influence customer spending.
• How to run effective price promotions and why price points are more effective than a percentage off.

Becoming vital in your community goes beyond selling products or services. It’s about building lasting relationships, contributing meaningfully to local causes, and consistently demonstrating commitment to the community’s well-being. By integrating these strategies, business owners can position themselves as indispensable community assets, fostering loyalty and ensuring long-term success. You’ll learn how to:

• Create a caring, intentional culture and customer experience.
• Actively engage with local charities to build goodwill and brand recognition.
• Adjust business hours to meet customers’ needs. 
• Understand the “Power Law” of customer spending to build lasting relationships.
• Negotiate your lease to cement your role as a lasting community fixture.

Discover how to drive real sales growth by engaging personally with your existing customers through email, text, and social media. See real-world examples from top-performaing retailers who have done it in their stores. You’ll learn: 

• How to turn one-time shoppers into lifelong superfans – the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,
• The tools and AI that make personalized marketing easier and more effective—no massive team required,
• Practical strategies you can implement immediately to boost customer retention and increase repeat sales.

It’s not if, it’s when. Bad stuff – big or small – is going to happen in the life of your business. You can’t avoid it, but you CAN prepare to make the impacts less severe and easier to deal with. In fact, just a little bit of planning can make a world of difference to protect your business, your employees, and your family.

Every customer that walks through your door is a golden opportunity. A well-trained, engaged sales team can turn each interaction into a Perfect Purchase for your customer and a loyal, enthusiastic fan for you. Learn the key techniques and mindsets that turn great service into increased sales and differentiate your store from the ho-hum competition.

In this panel, you’ll hear firsthand from retail leaders who’ve mastered the art of growing sustainable, profitable businesses. From clever marketing tactics to effective leadership, these trailblazers will share the strategies that’ve worked for them, the mistakes they’ve learned from, and how they keep evolving to stay ahead of the curve.

A Conversation with Ari Weinzweig, Co-Founder, Zingerman's Community of Businesses

Great customer service isn’t just about transactions - it's about relationships. In this special conversation, Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s, will join Bob and Susan for a heart-to-heart discussion on how they built thriving businesses by turning customer service into a true love story.

At Zingerman's, Ari realized early on that in order to deliver an exceptional customer service experience, day in and day out, they'd need to focus on more than "just" customer service. He will share the key elements that contribute to a culture of great service at Zingerman’s. Join us to equip yourself with tools and techniques for improving customer service and go back to your business with plenty of resources to adapt and put to use right away.

What's the secret to transforming an ordinary customer visit into something extraordinary? It's all about creating WOW moments. In this session, we'll break down 19 proven tactics to help you deliver exceptional service and experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Marketing today feels like a never-ending storm—social media, SEO, content, branding, email funnels… The harder you work, the stronger the storm gets. But what if more marketing isn’t the answer? In this engaging, story-driven session, discover why most entrepreneurs stay stuck in the cycle of overwhelm—and how to finally break free. You’ll learn:

• How to create clarity, confidence, and connection in your marketing—without burnout.
• The 3-step Path to Brand Magic™ (Heart, Brains, Courage) for effortless branding.
• Practical takeaways you can apply immediately to stand out and attract the right customers.

BONUS: Attendees will walk away with a mini ‘brand clarity’ exercise they can use to refine their messaging on the spot!

In this session, Christyne Gray will guide you through a transformative approach to running a profitable retail business by using her Financially Fabulous framework. You’ll get the tools, insights, and actionable steps to move your business toward greater financial health and profitability, all while maintaining a balanced approach to both personal and professional growth. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How aligning your personal values and financial goals with your business can boost overall profitability.
• How to analyze your existing business operations for untapped profit potential, from revenue streams to cash flow.
• Practical strategies for optimizing inventory, pricing, and customer experience to drive profitability.
• How to create a culture that prioritizes consistent profit generation and decision-making based on long-term sustainability.

Make every buying trip count! In this session, you’ll learn how to approach your buying trips with a plan that saves time, curbs overwhelm, and helps you build an inventory assortment that truly resonates with your customers. Walk away with practical tools to buy smarter, boost profits, and align your assortment with what matters most.

You’ll learn:

• How to plan your market trips with laser focus to avoid overwhelm and impulse buys.
• The essentials of strategic inventory investing that improve cash flow and profitability.
• How to use tools like the FAVES app to make smarter inventory decisions—by tracking orders, spotting gaps, and collaborating with your team to build a winning assortment.

Discover the proven growth strategies used by 7- and 8-figure Shopify brands to thrive in today’s hyper-competitive e-commerce landscape. In this actionable session, Scott Cunningham will walk you through his foundational framework that has generated over $150M in revenue for Shopify stores in the last year alone. You’ll learn:

• How to create compelling offers that convert, no matter what stage you’re at in your Shopify journey,
• How to layer in compounding promotions throughout the year for momentum that lasts,
• The art of long-form storytelling ads that do more than sell—by building brand equity, attracting loyal customers, and differentiating your brand in a crowded market.

Being exit-ready isn’t about selling tomorrow – it’s about building a business that thrives whether you’re there or not. In this session, Pete shares the strategies every independent retailer should use to reduce owner dependency, boost business value, and create more freedom today. You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the hidden ways your business relies too heavily on you,
• Strengthen the 8 key drivers that increase value and transferability,
• Apply exit-planning thinking as a smart, everyday strategy – not just a final step.

Giving triggers gratitude, and gratitude leads to action. In this session, we’ll explore how reciprocal marketing strategies can create a virtuous cycle of value between you and your customers. Discover ways to build trust, surprise and delight, and foster loyalty, all by giving more upfront—and watching the growth flow back to you.

It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s fiercely full of ideas. In this high-energy showdown, your hosts Bob and Susan go head-to-head, sharing one powerful retail idea per minute for 30 minutes. From marketing moves to operational upgrades, sales boosters to leadership tips—this rapid-fire session is packed with actionable takeaways you can put to work right away. Who wins the rumble? You do—when you leave with a notebook full of gold.

If you've ever found yourself frustrated with your team, wondering "Why don’t they just get it?" you're not alone. The truth is, most team issues come down to this: unclear expectations and inconsistent training. Learn how to fix that by creating a simple, repeatable system for teaching your team exactly what “great” looks like. Whether you're onboarding a new hire or coaching a seasoned employee, you’ll build competence, accountability, and confidence into every role. No more guessing, repeating, or micromanaging - just a team that gets it.

In retail, profits are the result of more than just selling. They come from smart choices, savvy systems, and understanding the numbers that drive your business. This high-impact session will show you 12 actionable ways to boost your profits - and put more money in the bank!

This is a session you can’t afford to miss – literally. Discover the AI tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that are saving indie retailers thousands in expenses and earning them even more in sales. You’ll walk away with future-forward best practices, jaw-dropping tech tools, and real-life use cases that will help you work smarter, market better, and reclaim your time. You will:

• Discover the top AI tools and apps that save time, reduce costs, and help you make smarter business decisions instantly.
• See real-life retailer use cases of AI in action from marketing and merchandising to customer experience and content creation.
• Adopt the future-ready mindset that helps retailers stay relevant, grow profitably, and lead confidently in a rapidly changing market.

Ready to stop being invisible and start getting noticed? This workshop will give you the exact steps to turn your business into a media magnet. If you skip this, you’ll miss the chance to transform from “just another business” into the go-to expert your industry and your community can’t stop talking about. You’ll learn how to:

• Craft a strong, professional digital presence and tell your unique brand story.
• Pitch your story to the right media and build lasting relationships with journalists.
• Set clear, achievable PR goals and amplify your media coverage for growth.

Retail success is about more than just numbers; it’s about understanding the story behind those numbers. Dan dives into key metrics and insights every retailer should be tracking to drive sustainable growth and customer loyalty. This session will cover how to:

• Effectively measure performance across sales, customer engagement, and inventory management,
• Develop actionable strategies to optimize each of these critical areas. 
• Create a weekly scorecard that shines a spotlight on areas of success and reveals opportunities for improvement.

Unlock the power of SBA loans with a clear understanding of how to qualify. Whether you’re just starting or ready to grow, this session will break down the basics so you can move forward with confidence. You’ll learn:

• What SBA loans are and why they matter,
• Who qualifies—and how to know if you’re eligible,
• The top myths and mistakes that trip up first-time applicants.

What’s REALLY happening in your store when you’re not around? Get ready to find out with your very own Secret Shopper program! This easy to execute system helps you uncover the real scoop on your customers’ experiences and take charge of your service game. Your customers will thank you for it!

As the world becomes more digital, detached, and transactional, independent stores have a powerful advantage: soul. In this session, we'll explore how authenticity, connection, and personal expression can be your superpower in a sea of sameness. Learn how to infuse your brand with meaning, show up with heart, and create a store that feels like home to your community. The future isn't generic - it's personal.

You’ve imagined a bigger, bolder, better future for your business - and now it's time to bring it to life. In this high-energy closing session, you'll get one final dose of wisdom from each of our speakers and build your personal action plan so you can hit the ground running the moment you return to your store. It's time to take the next step - your future starts now.