266. Behind the Counter: Retail Growth Tips You Want to Try with Yarn Store Guru Cadence Kidwell
With host retail coach Wendy Batten
https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/
In This Episode:
Running a retail business isn’t just about WHAT you sell—it’s about WHO you bringing together in your retail store.
In this heartwarming and wisdom-filled episode, Cadence Kidwell of Fuzzy Goat (a yarn store in Thomasville, Georgia) shares how she’s built a thriving business rooted in connection, creativity, and community support. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or just starting out, Cadence’s story will inspire you to think big, act bravely, and build something meaningful.
Key Takeaways from a Retail Yarn Store Owner:
- Cadence shares her inspirational journey from university teacher to yarn shop owner
- Why community is the most important product she sells
- How she built a strong, trusted team that loves the store like it’s their own
- Creative marketing tools she swears by (like countdowns and story-driven videos)
- How events like Local Yarn Shop Day bring huge in-store traffic
- Why offering benefits like retirement plans helps retain staff
- The importance of mentorship, coaching, and always learning something new
“We’re not just selling yarn. We are selling connection and whimsy.” - Cadence Kidwell
About Cadence and Fuzzy Goat
Prior to opening Fuzzy Goat, Cadence Kidwell obtained a PhD in Creative Writing and designed a certificate program for students to develop cultural competencies while working at Florida State University. She was happy with that career but began dreaming of her own shop. She decided that she could either steady-on into the last decade of university life or she could join the makers’ life by building a business from a rough-worn building & filling it with beautiful yarns made by strong women.
Luckily for Thomasville (and the rest of us) she chose the latter. Fuzzy Goat is truly an independent business with over 90% of our merchandise created by other independent women makers. Fuzzy Goat creates a space where conversation across generations and life experiences is valued and sought after.
Follow along with Cadence and Fuzzy Goat here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook Use code SHOPTALK to get 11% off your order through Fuzzy Goat’s website!
Related podcasts we think you’ll like:
Episode 183: Fine Tuning Your Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen Bortner
Episode 244: Behind the Counter: From E-Commerce to Brick and Mortar with Chris Waddy of Loopy Wool
Episode 259: Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy & Chris Hart
About your host, Wendy Batten
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.
Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.
I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.
When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/
For more support from Wendy
Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers
Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community
Free resources for shop owners
Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG
All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.
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