423 | Indie Retail Update: Trends, Challenges & How Buyers Are Adapting with Jen Palacio, Tiny Turns Paperie

Today's episode is a look at what is going on with independent retail shops right now.

I sat down with my friend Jen from Tiny Turns Paperie. She's one of our Paper Camp speakers and a longtime advocate for small businesses.

We talk honestly about some of the hardships that shop owners have been facing during 2025: everything from operational curveballs to tariffs and other things that have impacted the way they do business.

We did get into some specifics about unpredictable buying patterns, last-minute shopping, the rise of treat yourself, and community-driven products.

We also talked about some of the less glamorous stuff that goes into running a brick & mortar like inventory delays, tariffs, shipping headaches, and things like that.

I think it's important for you to hear today's episode because the things that the indie buyers and brick and mortar shops are navigating do impact how they're doing business with you, too, so Jen's perspective is invaluable as always.

You'll hear specifically how she's possibly adjusting her buying, why planners are hot right now, and why she's focusing on collaboration across indie businesses to really strengthen customer loyalty.

If you want ongoing analysis like this about trends, data, systems, sales, and marketing strategies for your product-based business, come join us in LABS. We break down what's happening across the industry and help you apply it directly to your business

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MEET JEN

I am a printmaker, designer, and brick & mortar stationery shop owner. I own Tiny Turns Paperie in Somerville, MA, and have a letterpress studio in Charlestown, MA. In addition to the shop and studio, I teach courses in the Sustainability Program at the Harvard Extension School and Strategy for Creative Business at Massachusetts College of Art.

CONNECT WITH JEN

WEBSITE: https://www.tinyturnspaperie.com | INSTAGRAM: @tinyturnspaperie| FACEBOOK: @tinyturnspaperie

Connect with Katie Hunt

Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.

Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct