If you were starting a small retail business which channels of distribution would you consider and why?

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

For the sake of keeping costs lower, I would always start by looking at the Internet- you can try to refine your business but operate via the Internet. I think the website also will force you to think about what your business is about since the site is really on big ad for your business: who are you talking to? what is the feel of the site (edgy, hip, conservative, fun)? All of these are a part of your positioning and so thinking this through while building the site will help you think through these issues prior to actually opening a store, contacting boutiques if to re-sell your merchandise, etc.

But I can't be more specific since I have no idea what the business is- your own store might be a great option in some case, and a terrible on in others.

Answer 3

You can place an advertisement for free in a number of websites that offer free classifieds. To look at and place ads on such websites, click

http://www.freewebs.com/infodata/classifieds.htm