Today’s conversation dives into the importance of SEO at any level. Cowgirl Biz supports Western retail brands in nurturing community, expanding reach, and growing with heart. Listen in...

WESA Retail Roundup June 16, 2025

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group
• Guest: Kim Ivkov of Cowgirl Biz - Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Time Stamps:

04:22 - The Birth of Cowgirl Biz

24:16 - Launching the Summer School of SEO

29:26 - Introduction to SEO Strategies

40:12 - The Importance of Collaboration in Business

Takeaways

• The Cowgirl Biz platform has successfully created a nationwide directory of over 1200 cowgirl-owned businesses.
• Engagement within the Cowgirl Entrepreneurs group was fostered by sharing valuable learning resources and collaborative opportunities.
• The transition from a Facebook group to a business has allowed Cowgirl Biz to effectively support retail brands in the Western industry.
• SEO remains a critical focus for businesses, and the Cowgirl Biz Academy offers essential resources for improving online visibility.
• The importance of community in the retail sector cannot be overstated, as collaboration is key to overcoming industry challenges.
• Supporting small businesses through education and resources is vital for their growth and success in a competitive market.

VEXIL founder Shawn Wiese shares how his roots in professional bull riding and athlete management shaped a western lifestyle brand that resonates with today’s retailers and customers alike.

• Hosts: Coach Jenn and Morgan Zipperlen
• Contact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing Specialist
• Guest: Shawn Wiese, Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

In a landscape dominated by big box stores, how do small retailers not just survive but thrive? We’ll find the answers today as we chat with Stevie Cummins, the powerhouse behind Jewel of the West, to explore how independent stores can win in 2025. Listen in...

WESA Retail Roundup June 9, 2025

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group
• Guest: Stevie Cummins of Jewel of the West | Facebook | Instagram
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Time Stamps:

00:11 - Introduction to the WESA Retail Roundup

00:34 - Strategies for Small Retail Success

11:55 - Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses

24:14 - The Importance of Authenticity in Merchandising

30:36 - The Importance of Positivity in Business

34:25 - The Importance of Reevaluation in Business

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the necessity for small retailers to adapt and innovate in an increasingly competitive marketplace dominated by larger corporations.
• Stevie Cummins of Jewel of the West highlights the significance of fostering a positive work environment and empowering employees to enhance customer service.
• Effective marketing strategies, such as soliciting genuine customer reviews and engaging in social media, can significantly boost a small business's visibility and sales.
• The discussion reveals that maintaining a unique and authentic brand identity is crucial for small retailers to differentiate themselves from big box competitors.
• Utilizing local advertising and community engagement activities can drive tourist traffic to brick-and-mortar establishments in small towns.
• The episode underscores the importance of resilience and a positive mindset for small business owners during challenging economic times.

Join us on the Retail Roundup as we sit down with HR professional Jessica Sackett and discuss the HR practices/strategies that help you find and keep good employees, no matter what size your store is. Listen in...

Please note this was audio only, no video.

WESA Retail Roundup June 2, 2025:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group
• Guest: HR Professional Jessica Sackett
• Link: Lisa Smith of HelpDeskforHR.com
• Link: Fred Pryor Education - use Jessica Sackett and painedpoknee@yahoo.com for a discount.
• Link: HR Software - Gusto, Bamboo HR, Mineral
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Jason Wiese describes Bed Stu’s long term commitment to producing and marketing leather footwear and accessories with environmental consciousness in mind.

• Hosts: Mike Donnell, Kacee Willbanks
• Contact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing Specialist
• Guest: Jason Wiese, VP Sales at Evolutions Brands, Inc.
• Website: https://www.bedstu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedstu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedStu/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bedstu/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bedstuofficial

We explore the best practices of the written SOP for small businesses with Neil Potter of Improving Your Small Business. Why are SOPs important, how do you start and how do you implement them. Listen in…

WESA Retail Roundup May 19, 2025:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group
• Guest: Neil Potter of Improving Your Small Business
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

From closing a small retail space to recently opening a much larger store, Tara Roberts shares the evolution of her brand, her insights on retail, and what’s next for The Cold Cactus Boutique. Tune in to hear her inspiring story.

• Hosts: Mike Donnell, Kacee Willbanks
• Contact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing Specialist
• Guest: Tara Roberts co-owner of The Cold Cactus Boutique
• Website: https://coldcactusboutique.ca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldcactusboutique/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/coldcactus/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldcactusboutique/

Gabrielle Fournier from Arion Sellier France joins us to talk about working with Sponsored Riders. What works, what doesn’t? We go into detail on today’s Retail Roundup. Listen in…

WESA Retail Roundup May 12, 2025:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group
• Guest: Gabrielle Fournier, Marketing and Sponsorship Director of Arion Sellier
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association