A retail start-up guide for entrepreneurs. Learn all you need to know to start-up and succeed in your own retail business.
Making the most of your opportunities
A recent article in the Mail on Sunday described the growing phenomenon that is home baking. The article asked if this baking boom would lift the country out of recession. This question to me, is quite valid. For while the huge interest in baking, on its own, will not rejuvenate this country’s fortunes: the attitude [...]
88% of people leave stores because of poor service*
Retailers must raise their game on customer service if they hope to survive and thrive in today’s tough markets – go on: surprise that customer with your great service.
Marketing c.1850
Marketing has been around for over 162 years. it is an old and revered profession, not some jumped-up new kid on the block.
Would you buy a franchise from Starbucks?
I was watching Question Time on BBC1 last night(15 November) and the question came up about large businesses like Starbucks, Google, Amazon etc paying no, or very little, corporation tax in the UK as they have set up their finance arrangements in such a way that avoids most of the UK tax liabilities: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/shortcuts/2012/nov/13/starbucks-your-tax-questions-answered Whatever [...]
The moment of truth
Noon Sunday 21 October: Steamer Trading, Guildford It’s so disappointing when you feel let down by poor service in shops. I’m sure you know the feeling. You’re attracted to a great looking shop: it’s well-located and has obviously cost loads of money to fit out and stock. You’re looking around inside and everything looks really [...]
What a retail entrepreneur needs
If there was one quality I would say you just can’t do without to be a successful retail entrepreneur it is mental toughness. Now you are full of enthusiasm and motivation. Your head is full of ideas buzzing around: what will I sell, who will my customers be, what colours should I use on my [...]
Through a glass darkly
You may have read the book by Edward de Bono: Six Thinking Hats. Well, the book’s been around for a few years now, it was published in 1985, so when I took it down from my bookshelf recently, I thought it was perhaps time for an update. If you have not read the book, or [...]
That was a long time ago, wasn’t it?
Much is written about whether entrepreneurs are born or made: nature or nurture. I come down on the middle of this argument. From my earliest years I saw my parents, especially my dad, working very hard in his own businesses. Unlike some, I can remember back quite clearly to incidents happening when I was about [...]
