Make the dream of opening a retail business a reality. The fastest-growing segment of small business is retail-everything from clothing to linens, books to boats, gourmet pans to furniture. With over 30 years’ experience in retail, national expert and consultant James Dion offers practical, hands-on tips and advice on all aspects of retail business, from choosing the right business model and finding the ideal location to financing, purchasing, and marketing. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Information on permits, registrations, licenses, and other legal paperwork. • Advice on hiring, training, and motivating reliable employees. • Exceptional customer service techniques. • Creative tips on how to merchandise and market your store.

What are my start-up costs? How much will my store make? Should I sell online? How can I compete with larger stores? If you've ever considered owning a store but don't know where to start, The Everything Guide to Starting and Running a Retail Store is perfect for you. This resource will help you recognize the importance of an independent retail store in community life and the opportunities it offers for a rewarding lifestyle. This comprehensive guide shows you how to: Spot and capitalize on small retailer trends Conduct your own market analysis Research and select the most appropriate retailing software Run your business day to day Attract customers with effective advertising Make the leap to online selling This helpful handbook offers practical advice on retail store planning and management with valuable guidelines and real-world examples that can make the difference between your store's success and failure. This guide provides all the tools you need to run a store that your customers--and you--will enjoy for many years to come!

This is a careful step by step guide to small business ownership.

This book discusses continuous improvement strategies of Japanese convenience store operators. The study highlights the efforts of companies operating under lean management systems to identify new, dynamic, firm-specific capabilities in highly competitive markets.

A thrifty offering for the prospective thrift-store owner . . . In economic times like these, thrift stores have seen a 35% increase in sales in 2008; so what better time to start one? While fairly cheap, it is complicated, however. Here, two experts cover the entire process, including such vital topics as how to: set up the store on a nonprofit basis; choose a location; get funding; get the word about donations of saleable items; recruit and manage volunteer staff; sort, price and recycle donations. • Practical, step-by-step approach to the process • Troubleshooting tips and best practices that really work • Funding by and partnering with community organizations

OPEN THE STORE OF YOUR DREAMS: START YOUR OWN RETAIL BUSINESS Retail is one of the fastest-growing—and fastest-changing—segments of the economy. Apps, pop-up shops, and online shopping have made it easier to reach, interact with, sell to, and gain loyal customers. Making this the perfect time for eager entrepreneurs, like you, to stop dreaming and start selling. Whether you’re interested in opening a storefront, online shop, or portable kiosk, this detailed guide will help you decide if retail is right for you. Supported by practicing entrepreneurs and experts, you will understand what it takes to open a business, common mistakes to avoid, and how to keep your retail enterprise running successfully. Learn how to: Choose the right retail niche Spot and capitalize on consumer trends Select merchandise that flies off the shelves Set prices that maximize profits Promote your business, products, and gain loyal customers using Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media and online marketing tools Hire a staff that will help you succeed Plus, gain priceless tips, tricks, and insight from successful retailers who share hard-won advice and cautionary notes. Everything you need to open and run your store is in your hands—get started today!