1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Retailing

Starting a Retail Business

Would you like to start a retail business? Find out if retailing is right for you, learn why people don't start a business, get the steps to starting a retail business. View our myths of retailing, choose a retail store location, write a business plan and examine the pros and cons of starting a retail business. Think you know a lot about retailing? Take our Starting a Retail Business quiz.
Articles & Resources
Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent
Quiz: Starting a Retail Business
Are you ready for retail? Is retailing right for you? Take this Starting a Retail Business Quiz to find out if you have what it takes to open your own shop.
4 Reasons People Don't Start a Business
There are so many risks involved in beginning a business that the fears generally overtake the thoughts of success. Here are four barriers that keep people from starting a retail business, as well as tips for conquering those fears.
10 Steps to Starting a Retail Business
The dream of owning your own retail business can easily become a reality. It may take a lot of initial work, but with the right planning anyone can achieve their goals. The following steps to opening a retail business should be used as a guide in planning the business.
Startup Costs Calculator
Find out how much money you need to start your business with this Javascript calculator. Just plug in your startup figures and this calculator estimates the initial costs of starting your retail business.
Poll: Why Do You Want To Start a Business?
Most of the people reading this blog came here with a common goal. That is, to learn about some aspect of starting and operating a retail business. Yet people choose to go into business for themselves for many different reasons. We each have different driving forces that lead the entrepreneur in us. What motivates you to want to start a retail business?
Types of Retail Ownership
Entrepreneurs have many forms of retail business ownership available to them. Each business model has its own advantages, disadvantages, support and style. Choosing a type of retail business to start will depend on why you want to own a business, as well as your lifestyle, family, personality, basic skills and much more.
Myths of Retailing
In retail, there are many misconceptions about what it takes to be successful. Whether our understanding of customers, marketing or other retailing information came from bad advice, myths, or elsewhere, negative information can have a profound impact on our business decisions. The following examines common (and some not-so-common) retail myths.
Deciding What Products to Sell
Finding a product for your retail business to sell may very well be the most difficult decision you will need to make when starting a business. Before you commit to a product or product line, consider these factors while deciding what to resell.
Pros & Cons of Starting a Retail Business
If you are considering opening a retail store, the following highlights some ups and downs of retailing and can help you make an informed decision of whether or not retail ownership is right for you. Here are the good and bad aspects of retail ownership.
Naming Your Retail Business
Easily one of the most enjoyable aspects of developing a new business is creating a great name. Dreaming up a moniker may come easy for some, but others struggle with the task. Here are some do's and don'ts for naming your retail business.
Is Retail Ownership Right For You?
Do you have what it takes to own your own retail store? Anyone considering starting a business will probably answer 'yes' to that question. Choosing to become an entrepreneur is just like making any career decision. Before starting your business, take a moment to seriously consider your strengths, weaknesses and the qualities any good retailer should possess.
Explore Retailing
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Retailing
  4. Starting a Retail Business

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.