This has some good information as noted by other reviewers, but also a few shortcomings. Some of its advice will be useful only for particular businesses. It contains many references to fashion retailing and will be very relevant for people doing that.

The major shortcoming is that the technology chapter is woefully out of date. Written in 1998, it contains such chestnuts as, "We believe that every one of the personal computers in your store should have a CD-ROM drive." and "Providing information over the internet is a much better business proposition than selling products over the internet. Even if you could get your home page address to a huge number of potential customers, we do not believe that you should try to sell things to them." Considering I bought ther book online, I must respectfully disagree with the authors. This is not to say the chapter is entirely irrelevant. No better website advice has ever been given than, "Customers are not interested in bells and whistles when they visit a website. Instead, they want useful information and they want it quickly." I would give a new edition of this book with an updated technology chapter a four star rating.

Look no further for information on how to launch your retail business! This book has everything you need and more! Ted Topping is such an amazing resource on all things retail - he guides you in a practical, professional, thoughtful and caring way through every step of starting your retail business. If you want to be successful in starting your business - or if you need advice on your current business .... READ THIS BOOK!!! It is an invaluable guide which you will refer to for years to come.

This book is so easy and straightforward. This book is definitely a keeper! Also I love the templates in the back, especially the competition checklist.