Start Your Own Retail Business and More: Brick-and-Mortar Stores • Online • Mail Order • Kiosks (StartUp Series)

OPEN THE STORE OF YOUR DREAMS: START YOUR OWN RETAIL BUSINESS At more than a trillion dollars, 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. "Entrepreneurs interested in opening a retail business find the tools, tips, and practical advice needed to plan for and open a successful retail store. Readers receive an overview of the market and are guided through the steps of planning and managing a store with the help of valuable, real-world examples from successful retail owners. From the traditional brick-and-mortar to the online-only stores, the experts of Entrepreneur offer an insider's look at creating a stable, cost-effective, and profitable business with long-term growth. Readers learn how to: pick the right retail outfit for their products or services (brick-and-mortar vs. online-only shops); analyze the market, assess the competition, and evaluate consumer demand; choose a location, design a retail space, and find the necessary floor and back-end equipment; assess startup costs, develop a business plan, find the right suppliers, and manage inventory; hire the right team and manage customer service; calculate the competitive advantage with pricing strategies and marketing that maximize profits, and calculate discounts that take profit loss into consideration; capitalize on emerging consumer trends like Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram; create synergy between brick-and-mortar and online components; set store policies: hours, credit, customer service, security, and day-to-day operations"-- Provided by publisher 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! "Personalized shopping experiences powered by the use of mobile devices has helped nearly double the number of retail stores in operation since the last edition. Updated with emerging trends, new resources and case studies, this revised guide provides the tools to help retail savvy entrepreneurs start a successful retail business"-- Provided by publisher Revised edition of the author's Start your own retail business and more, 2011.