How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Retail Business »

The dream of starting a retail business can easily become a reality. Retail businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the economy. This new book will teach you all you need to know about getting started in your own retail business in the minimum amount of time. This is the manual you need to cash in on this highly profitable segment of the retail industry. This new book is a comprehensive and detailed study of the business side of retailing. Anyone should study this superb manual to investigate the opportunities of opening a retail store. If you enjoy meeting people, this may be the perfect business for you, but keep in mind retail looks easy, but as with any business, looks can be deceiving. This complete manual will arm you with everything you need including sample business forms, leases, contracts, worksheets, and checklists for planning, opening, and running day-to-day operations. There are plans, layouts, and dozens of other valuable, timesaving tools of the trade that every entrepreneur should have.

Author Dedication & Biography     4
Foreword     7
The History of Retailing     11
Types of Retail Businesses     13
What to Expect as a Business Owner     17
Skills for Success     21
Experimenting with Retail Sales     25
Organizing Your Business     29
Buying An Existing Store     35
Buying a Retail Franchise     55
Starting From Scratch     63
Financing Your Business     77
Writing a Business Plan     85
Before You Open     117
Accounting and Bookkeeping     143
Budgeting and Operational Management     151
Using Technology     167
Marketing and Advertising     191
Understanding the Retail Customer     227
Sales Techniques     233
Suppliers and Service Providers     237
Employee Relations and Labor Costs     247
Your Changing Business     269
Leaving the Business     273
Conclusion     285
Bibliography     286
Index     287