Newly updated & revised! Wal-Mart. Lowe’s. Whole Foods Market. The Gap. All these mega-chains started with one neighborhood location and grew to be retail giants. And there’s always room for more. If you have a knack for spotting trends, a retail store could be your ticket to the top—and our guide is the place to start. We give you the inside scoop on how to start and run a retail business. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that sink many would-be retailers. Plus, you get a bonus section featuring an in-depth look at how to start three of the most popular types of retail businesses: clothing boutique, specialty food store and gift shop. You’ll also meet successful retailers and retail experts from across the country who’ll share with you proven tips and advice for hitting it big in this dynamic industry. Could the small store you start today be the next big retail chain success story? Order our guide and find out.

In our extensive guide, we answer all the questions you have about retail, including:

• What are the six basic kinds of retailers?
• Where is the best place to locate my business?
• How should I design the exterior and interior of my store?
• Where can I find good sales help?
• How can I keep track of inventory?
• And much more

We asked experts from across the country to share their experiences and insights so you can find out what really works and how to avoid the pitfalls they've encountered. Each chapter is divided into manageable sections on every aspect of starting and operating a retail product or service business. We even included some brainstorming questions to ask yourself to stimulate creative solutions to the particular problems you may face.

This easy-to-read guide takes you through all the steps you need to become a retailing superstar! Order your copy today!

Chapter 1

The retail industry provides an exciting way of life for the more than 24 million people who earn their livelihood in this sector of the U.S. economy. Retailers provide the goods and services you and I need—from food, auto parts, apparel, home furnishings, appliances, and electronics to advice, home improvement, and skilled labor. Let’s take a look behind the scenes at the many facets of this exciting business.

Retailing is one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy. As one of the nation’s largest employers, the retail industry provides excellent business opportunities for you. At least one-third of the 500,000 or so new enterprises launched each year are retail operations. The entrepreneurs behind these ventures risk their capital, invest their time and make a living by offering consumers something they need or want. You’ll meet several of them in this guide and learn how they created a niche for themselves.