As I mentioned in my introduction, I've recently opened my very first retail store. To prepare for this journey I've read several books because I have no experience running a retail store, so I thought I would give a quick review of them for you guys, and see if you have any other suggestions. Although I've only been a member for a day, I haven't seen many other members that appear to be retail, but perhaps some will find this informative.
The first book I read was Winning At Retail: Developing a Sustained Model for Retail Success. At first, I loved this book - it really helps you identify what your core competency is going to be (and why it's important that you have one) which is what differentiates you from your competition. However, after trying to implement the idea, I realized that the book is completely inadequate - 250 pages of fluff, with 10 pages of insight. The book is based on a good premise, but not worthy of an entire book - it should have gone into much more detail on picking your market and fulfilling their needs.
The second book I bought was Marketing Your Store in the Retail Age. The author's understanding of the internet was laughable, but shockingly the book wasn't really about the internet - it was about simple ways to improve your store. Overall, I found it quite informative and helpful. They also have a newsletter on their website that has good info.
Then I bought Retail: The Art & Science. If you want to know how Best Buy works, buy it (It was written by one of their VP's). If you are an independent store, don't waste your time.
My Favorite book has been The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business by Bob Phibbs aka The Retail Dr, who I found out about through his blog. It covers everything about running a retail store, and gives clear instructions on how to train your employees, merchandising, etc.
Most recently, I read You Can Compete - Double Sales Without Discounting (also by Bob Phibbs). Frankly, this is a worse version of his other book. Much of the same information, but more of a focus on why discounting is bad. I have to agree with him.
And I recently bought The Retail Sales Bible, but haven't read it yet.
I have the following on my Wish List from Amazon & will post updates as I read them:
Guerrilla Retailing
The New Rules of Retailing
Why She Buys (my store targets Moms)
Any other suggestions that I should add to the list?
The first book I read was Winning At Retail: Developing a Sustained Model for Retail Success. At first, I loved this book - it really helps you identify what your core competency is going to be (and why it's important that you have one) which is what differentiates you from your competition. However, after trying to implement the idea, I realized that the book is completely inadequate - 250 pages of fluff, with 10 pages of insight. The book is based on a good premise, but not worthy of an entire book - it should have gone into much more detail on picking your market and fulfilling their needs.
The second book I bought was Marketing Your Store in the Retail Age. The author's understanding of the internet was laughable, but shockingly the book wasn't really about the internet - it was about simple ways to improve your store. Overall, I found it quite informative and helpful. They also have a newsletter on their website that has good info.
Then I bought Retail: The Art & Science. If you want to know how Best Buy works, buy it (It was written by one of their VP's). If you are an independent store, don't waste your time.
My Favorite book has been The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business by Bob Phibbs aka The Retail Dr, who I found out about through his blog. It covers everything about running a retail store, and gives clear instructions on how to train your employees, merchandising, etc.
Most recently, I read You Can Compete - Double Sales Without Discounting (also by Bob Phibbs). Frankly, this is a worse version of his other book. Much of the same information, but more of a focus on why discounting is bad. I have to agree with him.
And I recently bought The Retail Sales Bible, but haven't read it yet.
I have the following on my Wish List from Amazon & will post updates as I read them:
Guerrilla Retailing
The New Rules of Retailing
Why She Buys (my store targets Moms)
Any other suggestions that I should add to the list?
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