Welcome to the new year! On the first episode of 2026 Ashley Alderson is joined by Sara Burks for a big-picture retail conversation that every boutique owner needs right now!

Retail is changing fast — and 2025 proved that "business as usual" isn't enough anymore. With reports showing 15,000+ store closures, Ashley & Sara unpack what really happened, what retailers got wrong, and how small businesses can build a stronger, more profitable plan for 2026.

In this episode, Ashley and Sara walk through the six layers of retail (the proven Retail Bootcamp framework) and share what to double down on in each one — from customer clarity and CEO focus, to product profitability, team leadership, sales strategy, content planning, and modern marketing that actually works today.

You'll learn:

How consumer behavior is shifting: time, trust, and emotional connection
How the six-layer Retail Bootcamp framework creates a strong, sustainable business from the inside out
Why trying to be "something for everyone" is a losing strategy
Why 2025 saw 15,000+ stores close (including major big-box brands)
What successful retailers are doubling down on in 2026

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Retail Bootcamp

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Ashley Alderson: Instagram