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!

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.

There is nothing more satisfying than owning a shop of your own. Whether it's a designer clothing store, an exciting florist, or something for practically everything, this book will guide you through all you need to know about opening your own retail business. It is aimed at anyone who has a dream or a practical idea. It includes case histories of hands-on shop owners, their advice and top tips. You will be able to browse through such topics as: - Choosing the best location - Finding finance in a dwindling market - Developing a business plan - Exploring the costs of setting up - Selecting the products you want to carry - Decoration, displays and shelving - Meeting the challenges of a new business - Getting your business noticed in an internet age - Turning your passion into a profitable business

Thirty-five years ago, opening and operating a retail business was a fairly straightforward process. But things have changed dramatically. Owner-operated retailers now face competition from category killers, multinational big-box retailers, and even "stores" that exist only on the Internet. Recognizing just how much the retail business has changed, aThirty-five years ago, opening and operating a retail business was a fairly straightforward process. But things have changed dramatically. Owner-operated retailers now face competition from category killers, multinational big-box retailers, and even "stores" that exist only on the Internet. Recognizing just how much the retail business has changed, authors Jim Dion and Ted Topping offer a different kind of how-to book, painting a clear picture of how an owner-operated retail business can thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. They even help you take the first concrete steps toward your dream–a bonus that has made this title a consistent seller. Start and Run a Retail Business is as much a valuable guide for owner-operated retailers working now as it is for people just starting out. With a practical and real world approach, the authors describe in detail the major aspects of running a profitable retail business. By examining retail from a customer's perspective—and focusing on the in-store experience—this book will help you meet the challenges of today?s retail world head on. Topics covered include: the basics of retail; merchandising; buying; human resources; sales management; technology; customer service and the in-store experienceuthors Jim Dion and Ted Topping offer a different kind of how-to book, painting a clear picture of how an owner-operated retail business can thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. They even help you take the first concrete steps toward your dream–a bonus that has made this title a consistent seller. Start and Run a Retail Business is as much a valuable guide for owner-operated retailers working now as it is for people just starting out. With a practical and real world approach, the authors describe in detail the major aspects of running a profitable retail business. By examining retail from a customer’s perspective–and focusing on the in-store experience–this book will help you meet the challenges of today’s retail world head on.

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

A comprehensive guide to running a retail store, with advice on hiring and training, licenses and registrations, working with customers, and learning the retail market.