Ever wondered how much it really costs to sell a $100 hoodie? Joe Cote from Merchant Growth pulls back the curtain on the true economics of small business retail — and why the holidays may no longer be enough to keep them afloat.

From packaging and rent to payroll and marketing, Joe breaks down how tight margins, Amazon’s buying power, and consumer delay are hitting independent shops hard. Shane and Joe also spotlight what big retailers can afford that small ones can’t — and why that gap is widening.

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who wants their main street to survive into 2026.

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Originally aired on 2025-12-19