In this bonus episode, Radio 2's Jeremy Vine discusses whether the minimum wage for under 21s should be raised or if that is a disincentive for firms to hire them. I had things to say.

If you're a boutique retailer limiting yourself to fashion, you're leaving money on the table.

Hi, I’m Clare Bailey, founder of Retail Champion.

In this episode of Retail Reckoning, I’m joined by Steph Briggs.

She's a former boutique owner turned e-commerce expert—to reveal how carefully curated homewares and fragrances can elevate basket size and boost profits without diluting your brand.

Discover:

• Why homewares remove the friction that fashion creates (no size, no fit issues)

• The "good, better, best" pricing strategy for impulse buys to premium treats

• How scent creates powerful brand memory (Steph's customers could smell her shop from 100 yards away!)

• Real case study: How stocking gin brought new customers through the door

• The secret to translating in-store magic to online sales

• Visual merchandising techniques that help customers imagine products in their homes

Whether you run a fashion boutique, homeware shop, or gift store, this episode delivers honest, commercial insights on extending your range strategically—not randomly. Learn how to test small, scale deliberately, and create a cohesive brand experience that makes your business stronger, more profitable, and more memorable.

Take a listen and let’s get your Retail Reckoning together.

Useful links:

Subscribe to the Retail Reckoning Newsletter

https://retailreckoningpodcast.co.uk/newsletter

Retail Champion

https://theretailchampion.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

Retail Reckoning Podcast Insights Newsletter

Get Retail Reckoning Podcast Insights and Goodies - https://retailreckoningpodcast.co.uk/newsletter

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Making Tax Digital is scary.

If you don’t understand it.

And most people don’t.

Hi, I’m Clare Bailey, founder of Retail Champion.

In this episode of Retail Reckoning, I’m joined by accountant Rachel Parker, someone I trust with my own business finances.

We’re talking about Making Tax Digital.

What it actually means.

Why so many small business owners are panicking unnecessarily.

And what really matters if you want to stay compliant without losing sleep.

This isn’t an episode about jargon, scare stories, or buying expensive software you don’t need.

It’s about understanding how your business structure, reporting habits, and routines affect your tax, your cash flow, and your stress levels.

We talk about why Making Tax Digital feels overwhelming, why spreadsheets aren’t the enemy, how business structure choices quietly shape your tax position, and why monthly financial routines are where calm actually lives.

This episode isn’t about becoming an accountant.

It’s about feeling more in control of your business.

This episode breaks down:

What Making Tax Digital really is (and what it isn’t)

Why your business structure matters more than you think

How VAT and reporting decisions create knock-on effects

Why people cost more than just salaries

Why businesses fail on cash flow, not profit

How monthly financial habits reduce panic and penalties

If you’ve been quietly stressing about tax, deadlines, or whether you’re doing things “right”, this episode will help you breathe a bit easier and see the bigger picture.

Less panic.

More clarity.

Better decisions.

Let’s get your Retail Reckoning together.

Useful links:

Subscribe to the Retail Reckoning Newsletter

https://retailreckoningpodcast.co.uk/newsletter

Retail Champion

https://theretailchampion.co.uk

Mentioned in this episode:

Retail Reckoning Podcast Insights Newsletter

Get Retail Reckoning Podcast Insights and Goodies - https://retailreckoningpodcast.co.uk/newsletter

Retail Reckoning Podcast VIP newsletter