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Rating: 
Summary: Like having a friend in the business
Review: I read this book while I was writing my first business plan (ever) for a gourmet shop. When combined with a good plan outline and appropriate market research this book will be all you need to finish a plan that the bank will love! When the Small Business Admin. reviewed my work they told me to get to the bank QUICK because I had a great plan with a solid base of research and strategies. The info in this book was part of the plan's foundation.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST!
Review: I was very happy with this purchase. Although I have one store currently, have had a store in the past, and want more in the future (hence this purchase), I didn't really expect much new information. Not only did I get some great hints, but the book was so well written that I literally grabbed it every minute I could after I received it to keep reading. I finished it in less than 2 days! Very thorough, and suitable for a new or more experienced merchant. Impressed at author's willingness to share her goof-ups as well as her successes. Great value for the price (not one of these cheap, vague pamphlets you see all over the place). Definitely a keeper!
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good book but Retail Business Kit for Dummies better
Review: Let me start by introducing myself and explaining an apparent potential conflict of interest...I'm a CPA in Redmond, WA and am always on the lookup for resources that I can suggest to clients. I have quite a few independent retail clients and so was interested in this book. I also happen to be the author of QuickBooks for Dummies and Quicken for Dummies. Okay, all that said, I think Carol Schroeder's book is a pretty good one. The book has lots of good information for the independent retailer or the prospective independent retailer. (As you can see, I gave it four stars!) But I really think that the Retail Business Kit for Dummies is a better book. There's more information in the Dummies book and it's an easier read. One final comment: Before you say to yourself, "Hey, he's just recommending another Dummies book, that's bogus!" let me point out that both the Dummies series of books and "Specialty Shop Retailing" are published by the same company, John Wiley & Sons. Maybe the thought I'll leave you with is this: If you're interested in learning more about starting and running a successful retail store, read Retail Business Kit for Dummies first... then, if you want more information and have time for another book, read Specialty Shop Retailing. You will get good information in the Shroeder book that isn't in the Dummies book. Steve
Rating:
Summary: Specialty Shop Retail
Review: Took notes throughout the book! Even though I've owned the business for three years I gleaned lots of invaluable information from the experience of Orange and her husband. Would recommend to anyone in retail--new to it or an "old hat."
Rating:
Summary: Specialty Shop Retail
Review: Took notes throughout the book! Even though I've owned the business for three years I gleaned lots of invaluable information from the experience of Orange and her husband. Would recommend to anyone in retail--new to it or an "old hat."
Rating:
Summary: Like having a friend in the business
Review: We used this book to open our Christian book store over a year ago. It was a step-by-step guide to every detail we needed. I refer to it often to refresh my memory on issues we face as we go along. Written in an interesting and easy to read style. Like friendly advice. Great for the beginner but also helpful to enhance the experienced.
Rating:
Summary: Provides an illuminating look into a mysterious business.
Review: You have to be in retail before you can appreciate how mysterious and unpredictable it is.Schroeder overviews the basics of getting started, the basics of retail finance, designing your store, buying and merchandising, staffing, customer service, and advertising and promotion. Each of these chapters provides just an overview, although I found her chapter on staffing to be particularly helpful. The book also provides a very good literature review. There are numerous books in the bibliography that will make interesting reading. My only regret is that Schroeder didn't provide more of her own experiences. She has a fascinating story to tell. How a fresh college graduate can purchase a failing retail chain and turn in around almost immediately is beyond my abilities. You are left wanting to know more of her story over her 20 years of experience. How did she really build a small store to $1.5 million in annual sales? Its fun to read a book written not by a professional author, but by a seasoned retailer who is willing to help others. She has made a tremendous contribution. Dr. Ken Bailey co-owner, Wicker & Brass Etc.
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